Mary Kramer

Camarillo, CA. - The board of the CSU Channel Islands (CI) Foundation recently announced the winner of its first annual ‘Star Award’ for exemplary service to the Foundation. Camarillo businesswoman and board member Mary Kramer, recipient of the award, was recognized for her tireless work and outstanding commitment to the board’s goals of creating new funding opportunities to benefit the University.

The board, led by Chairman Bill Kearney, a 34-year resident of Ventura, has worked diligently to open new doors for fundraising that will benefit students and faculty. New revenue for research and program development strengthens the University’s mission of providing innovative, multidisciplinary, service-oriented programs. Kearney, a six-year board member, said that he had gotten involved with the board because he, “…, like so many other people in Ventura County, was absolutely thrilled to have a four-year public University in the county.”

The board, composed of both community leaders from different industries and faculty and administrative representatives, was organized to re-energize, restructure and expand fundraising efforts. Bill Kearny emphasized that members of the board have many diverse backgrounds and abilities and that, “Mary brings skills to the group including tremendous negotiating skills.”

Entering her third year as a board member, Mary Kramer has opened countless doors for the board and helped begin a new auxiliary. She believes strongly that, “Knowledge is one thing that no one can take away from you and what you learn is yours to keep.”

Kramer, owner of Thunderbird Travel in Camarillo and a Ventura County resident since 1973, is committed to the cause of education. “I was truly humbled to receive this award. It seems strange to get an award for doing something that everyone ought to try to do, provide educational opportunities for all ages,” Kramer said.

“I come from a large family in Columbia, South America,” she mentioned. “In my family education was a must – a top priority. It gives you choices in life.” She noted that she had been so honored to work with such a talented team of people at CI. “They have challenged me to realize my dream of providing education for others.” She hopes to challenge others to work toward this same goal.

For media inquiries contact Nancy Gill, Director of Communication & Marketing at CSU Channel Islands at 805-437-8456 or nancy.gill@csuci.edu.

CSU Channel Islands is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

CSUCI Mission Statement
Placing students at the center of the educational experience, California State University Channel Islands provides undergraduate and graduate education that facilitates learning within and across disciplines through integrative approaches, emphasizes experiential and service learning, and graduates students with multicultural and international perspectives.