Honored Alumni Awards 2022

Robert Harris

Attended Cuesta: 1990 - 1992

Following his journey through significant health obstacles during his senior year of high school, Rob's path led him to Cuesta College. Rob claims he did not know people moved away to attend community college. When he discovered Cuesta College and San Luis Obispo, he saw an opportunity to get the college experience he thought he had lost due to health issues. Rob says that living in San Luis Obispo, with access to hiking trails, beaches, and other outdoor activities, made it possible to recover more swiftly and stay healthy. He didn't just enjoy living in San Luis Obispo for the outdoors; he loved the experience Cuesta offered. Majoring in Administrative Justice, Rob earned his associate degree and began working for Capistrano Unified School District as a job developer and coach for students with disabilities. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Cal State Fullerton followed by his intern credential he was hired as an Educational Specialist at Dana Hills High School. In addition to his work as an educator Rob is an active member of service groups and nonprofits focusing on creating inclusive experiences for students with special needs. A proud alumnus, Rob has a Cuesta banner hanging in his office at Dana Hills High School to represent Cuesta's impact on his educational trajectory.

Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua

Attended Cuesta: 2004 - 2012

Nestor received two degrees while at Cuesta College. The first, an AA in General Studies followed by an AA in Transfer Studies. He then attended and worked at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Comparative Ethnic Studies in 2011, then with honors with a Masters of Public Policy in 2016. Nestor also holds a master's in legal studies from the University of Arizona. His area of expertise is in policy development and implementation, emphasizing intersectional policy and social justice. His interests are based on his diverse personal background. His own deep-rooted cultural experiences and affinity to learn from other cultures and know their languages have granted him a tremendous worldwide lens for inclusion, respect, and change. Nestor continues to work on increasing inclusion and enhancing welcoming and diverse settings while seeking to create consensus and decision-making on strategies that comfort and support disenfranchised communities while striving to instill justice.