Employee of the Month - July 2025
Raquel Arevalo,
Fiscal & Operations Analyst
New Student and Family Programs
Awarded Tuesday, July 29 at Friendship Walk and via Zoom virtual celebration. Raquel was joined by her husband, three daughters, and campus colleagues at Friendship Walk. President Jane Close Conoley and colleagues joined for the Zoom celebration.
Raquel’s journey at CSULB began as an undergraduate when she joined New Student and Family Programs as a student assistant while pursuing her degree in business administration management. After earning her diploma, she stepped into the role of Administrative Assistant, where she quickly discovered her passion for supporting and guiding students through their academic journey.
It wasn’t long before Raquel transitioned into the role of Fiscal and Operations Analyst and became the heart of SOAR. In a full-circle moment, she now oversees and mentors the very team of student assistants she once was part of, paying forward the support that shaped her own experience.
Throughout the years, Raquel has played a pivotal role in welcoming an incredible 197,000 newcomers to The Beach. Her dedication runs deep—whether she’s connecting a new arrival with essential resources or offering a reassuring word to a nervous parent, Raquel brings warmth, commitment, and professionalism to everything she does.
Recently, Raquel played a pivotal role in the success of this year’s Day at The Beach, one of the university’s largest and most complex outreach events. She expertly led financial coordination and hospitality services across multiple departments, ensuring a seamless experience for volunteers, staff, and students alike. Her attention to detail, quick thinking, and personal commitment—including handling last-minute challenges—were instrumental in the event’s success.
Jesse Ramirez, Director New Student and Family Programs, shared, “…her everyday work exemplifies CSULB's commitment to excellence and community building by enhancing campus collaboration, embodying service excellence, demonstrating fiscal responsibility, and supporting Inclusive Excellence.”
Raquel is not only an operational expert but a trusted colleague and compassionate advocate for student success. With over 20 years of service, consistently demonstrates care for students—including direct personal follow-ups.
Associate Director Rachel Sanchez noted, “Raquel has personally taken care of dozens of students’ issues from scheduling, to financial to admit status by calling, emailing and working with several departments then following up right away to ensure that the students feel seen and heard and know they matter at the Beach.
“At Day at the Beach there was a very distressed student who had an issue we couldn't solve on site. Raquel ensured the student had her name and contact so that if she was not able to resolve it with her academic department then she had a real person to reach out to for other resources.”
Linda Williams, Guest Relations and Tour Coordinator, added, “She is student centered. I see the respect and admiration the student workers have for her. There is a genuine connection between them.”
Raquel exemplifies what it means to be the Best of the Beach. Congratulations, Raquel!
In her free time, Raquel loves traveling, wine tasting and spending time with her family – especially at Disneyland.