Yearly STAR Awards

See the Yearly Star Awards Recipients

March 2026 STAR Awards

Khue Anh Tran, Pride Center

Khue Anh Tran, Assistant Program Coordinator of the Pride Center, has demonstrated strong performance in supporting many aspects of our divisional values. With her background and expertise in gender studies, she took initiative in the development of our new advanced level of allyship training to be piloted this semester to promote a deeper level of inclusivity. Khue Anh is also instrumental in the ideation and implementation of our collaboration with several partners on campus, including the University Library to conduct three workshops on protest art and zine-making, with the Multi-Cultural Center and MLK Jr. Center on the “Baldwin Collective Series”, and with the APIDA Center on an “Open Mic Event” to promote cross-divisional partnership and advocate for student engagement. Khue Anh also runs our “Queer in Color” support group meetings by designing activities and discussions that promote wellness of the students. And in responding to Pride Center students’ request, she is putting together karaoke and potluck events, showing a commitment in serving our students.

Khue Anh shows excellent leadership in the areas of being authentic, empathetic, and helpful. She acts as a mentor to our student employees and coaches them to work on Center-specific projects and helping them to grow. She supports events hosted by other Centers, our SSAE unit, and the entire university. She has consistently demonstrated her abilities to move innovative ideas into action, and she is incredibly dedicated to ensuring that our practices honor the dignity of our students and build a better future for our campus.

February 2026 STAR Awards

Emeline Koloamatangi, APIDA Center

Emeline Koloamatangi continues to be a pillar of strength and advocacy for our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students and staff at Sacramento State. She leads our NHPI Student Success Series, actively supporting over 200 NHPI students on our campus, providing mentorship, advocacy, and holistic guidance. Through this initiative, she creates intentional spaces where NHPI students feel seen, affirmed, and empowered. Emeline represented Sacramento State in engagement with the Fijian Ministry, strengthening international and cultural connections that elevate our institution’s commitment to Pacific Islander communities.

Balancing her roles as a full-time staff member, graduate student, community leader, wife, and mother, Emeline embodies resilience and excellence. Each of her identities informs her leadership, deepens her empathy, and strengthens her impact. Her lived experience is not separate from her work; it is the foundation of her success and the reason she continues to transform the lives of the students she serves.

January 2026 STAR Awards

Alexandria Raya-Franklin, Esak’tima’ Center

I am elated to nominate Alexandria for this award in recognition of her exceptional service to Native student success. Her work ensures that Native students are not only supported but are an integral part of Sacramento State’s story and the very fabric of who we are as a division.

I have observed Alexandria’s immense dedication to preserving Native traditions and education through the arts, most recently demonstrated through her powerful film screening that showcased her lived experience and honored the legacy of her ancestors through storytelling. Her work reflects a deep commitment to cultural continuity, representation, and healing.

Guided by her grandfather’s legacy and her lineage as a member of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, Alexandria consistently leads with intentionality. She ensures that Native voices are present at decision-making tables and that the unique needs of Native students are recognized, respected, and prioritized. Her advocacy, cultural stewardship, and unwavering commitment make her truly deserving of this recognition.