SSU includes community awards with new Sergeant induction

graduating this semester. Oweis wanted to bring more students into the program to give them more opportunity as well as grow the work that they do.

Officer John Howard, who works closely with interns, presented them with a Chief’s Appreciation Award, as well as spoke about their future and growth within the department. There were students from many different majors and were explained to have a great dedication. A few of the interns have been with the department for a couple of years, so they seemed proud to have been receiving recognition for their work.

Alongside interns, a few members of the SSU community received awards as well. There were four Distinguished Service Commendation awards handed out for people who went above and beyond to serve SSU.

Andre Bailey, an advisor at SSU, received this award for his service to SSU, the police department, and the Male Success Initiative. Bailey has been on this campus for 30 years and is retiring. Oweis described him as, “Not just a mentor, but what some call the rainbow.” Bailey gave a speech after receiving his award, saying, “This is a tremendous honor and I would like to say thank you to Nader. The past president made two important decisions, our chief of staff and our chief of police.” Bailey wrapped up his speech with, “Sonoma State is in great hands. Thank you to the entire campus community.”

Another award given was to Adelino Alves, a custodian at SSU. Alves was explained to be someone who works above and beyond to keep Sonoma State clean and clean buildings he is not assigned to. Alves is noted for saying, “important people come through here, it has to be clean.” He had a smile on his face the entire time he was receiving his award.

At the end of the event, Oweis said, “We wanted the community to be a part of those receiving awards, not just the recipients and police department. Thank you to everyone.”