By News and Communications Staff

October 08, 2026

The Sacramento State Alumni Association has selected six individuals to receive the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards.

The University has honored exceptional alumni for their professional achievements and contributions to the campus, community, and society every year since 1972.

One person will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for career achievements and community service while setting high standards professionally and personally.

The Distinguished Service Award will be given to four individuals for their professional achievements and community service,  and the Rising Star Award recognizes a recent Sac State graduate who made outstanding contributions professionally, to the community, or to Sacramento State.

Distinguished Alumni Award recipients will be recognized during a reception on Oct. 8 at the Harper Alumni Center.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Christopher “Kit” Oase ’67, MA ’78 (Government/Education/Social Sciences)
Ripon USD Board of Education, California School Boards Association Board of Directors, and WASC Accrediting Commission

Christopher “Kit” Oase’s connection to Sacramento State reflects a remarkable lifelong commitment to student opportunity, leadership, and service. After receiving an Alumni Scholarship, he became president of Associated Students, Inc., where he successfully advocated for weekend library access and midyear graduations. His dedication to the University continued long after graduation through his service as both a member and president of the Alumni Association Board. Together with his wife Susan ’70 (Nursing), he established a Sacramento State scholarship supporting students committed to community service and extending his impact for generations to come.

Oase mentored generations of students and strengthened education across school districts throughout his career. As an administrator, he helped lead a project to rebuild two elementary schools. Beyond the classroom, he coached youth soccer and softball teams, as well as organized a community swim team that grew to more than 100 swimmers. He has also held leadership roles in organizations, including the Ripon Arts League, and in retirement continues to serve on educational boards and the WASC Accrediting Commission.

Distinguished Service Award

Colette Harris-Mathews ’87, MA ’01 (Communication Studies)
Los Rios Community College District Trustee and Principal, Harris Mathews Consulting

Colette Harris-Mathews exemplifies scholarship, leadership, and service through her distinguished career in higher education and executive development. A proud Sacramento State double alumna, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech, Communication, and Rhetoric before completing her doctorate in education at Argosy University. Her enduring connection to Sacramento State reflects her commitment to its students and future. As a lecturer, Harris-Mathews inspired generations of students through intellectual rigor, thoughtful mentorship, and dedication to their success.

Harris-Mathews has also served as president of the Alumni Association Board and continues her service as a member of the University Foundation Board. Beyond Sacramento State, she is an emeriti California community college dean and professor who has established an impressive career as a consultant and executive leadership strategist, helping others strengthen their skills and achieve meaningful impact. Accomplished, service-oriented, and committed to empowering others, she represents the University every day in our community.

Robert “Bob” Moreno ’78 (Business Administration)
Regional Director, Brookhurst Development Corporation

For nearly fifty years, Bob Moreno has embodied the spirit of Sacramento State through service, leadership, and enduring Hornet pride. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his business degree in 1978.  Bob began his career at Weinstock’s Department Store before joining Matsushita Electric as a regional manager. He later founded Moreno Consulting before joining Brookhurst Development Corporation. During this time, he also served on the Sacramento State Alumni Association Board and as its president in 2009-10.

Bob is a devoted mentor, donor, football supporter, and champion of programs that enrich students’ lives. His impact reaches throughout Natomas, where he founded the Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation, helped raise more than $250,000 for schools and youth programs, and advanced key projects such as Fire Station 30, Inderkum High School, community parks, and athletic fields. Whether coaching athletes, supporting local schools, or mentoring students at Sac State, Bob leads with warmth, optimism, and an unfailing willingness to help. His legacy reflects the very best of Sacramento State: transforming education into a lifetime of meaningful service to others.

Lydia Ramirez, EMBA ’21 (Business)
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Five Star Bank

Lydia Ramirez leads with purpose, generosity, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. She has helped preserve and strengthen the College of Business Honors program by securing Five Star Bank’s multi-year sponsorship. She continues to support students through mentorship, campus engagement, and career pathways, including the bank’s Accelerated Leadership Track program for recent graduates.

As executive vice president and chief operating officer of Five Star Bank, Ramirez is a trailblazing Latina leader whose influence extends throughout the capital region. She generously shares her expertise with civic and nonprofit organizations, including Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, United Way California Capital Region, Valley Vision, and the Sacramento State College of Business. She also serves on the board of the Crocker Art Museum Association and Downtown Sacramento Partnership. Recognized for her leadership, Lydia consistently connects people with resources and opportunities. Her warmth, vision, and dedication have strengthened Sacramento State, empowered emerging professionals, and enriched communities across the region.

Tracy Bedford Kent ’88, MSW ’90 (Social Work)
Director, Title IV-E MSW/BSW Program, School of Social Work, Sacramento State

Throughout her career, Tracy Bedford Kent has mentored generations of students and strengthened child welfare and community services across California. A first-generation college graduate, she is a double alumna from Sacramento State earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work. As Title IV-E MSW project director and adjunct faculty member, she prepares students to serve vulnerable children and families with compassion and integrity.

Beyond the classroom, Kent has supported foster youth, volunteered with hospice patients, conducted outreach for unhoused communities, and mentored Guardian Scholars. She has also held leadership roles with the Heart Gallery of Sacramento, Parent Education Network, and Defenna Foundation. Through her advocacy, she has helped strengthen child welfare systems, expand access to resources, and connect foster youth with permanent homes. Her work has inspired professionals to build compassionate systems of care for people across the state. Her dedication to education and service continues to benefit students, the community, and the entire region.

Rising Star Award

Kayla Scott ’17 (Communication Studies)
Owner and CEO, MarketSharePR

Throughout her career, Kayla Scott has used communication to strengthen organizations and create opportunities. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State, her career began as an intern at MarketSharePR under the mentorship of fellow alumna Krista Bernasconi. In 2025 Scott purchased the company from her mentor and became its owner and CEO. Under her leadership, revenues have increased by 50 percent in two years and supported organizations focused on education, public service, and hunger relief.

Scott matches her professional work with community service. Her work for Feeding the Foothills increased its audience by 1,000 percent and helped raise campaign donations by 128 percent. She also served six years on the City of Roseville Library Board, has served on the Alumni Association’s Placer Alumni Chapter board, and serves as communications chair for the Roseville City School District Foundation. Scott pays it forward through student scholarships and hiring interns. Recognized with numerous awards, Scott continues to mentor younger generations while helping community organizations become more visible, trusted, and effective through communication.