Oliaro wins CSU leadership award

Dr. Paul Oliaro

Dr. Paul Oliaro, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, received the systemwide Leadership Excellence Award at the CSU’s Third Annual Alcohol Education Conference, April 22 and 23 at the Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach.

The award honors a senior administrator “who has served as a champion for moving forward alcohol initiatives on his/her campus."

The annual conference is part of the education and prevention programs of the CSU’s comprehensive systemwide alcohol policy, adopted by the Trustees in 2001, to curb student alcohol abuse. Panelists included CSU representatives, students, and experts from alcohol prevention agencies.

Oliaro was nominated for the award by Perry Angle, director of CSU Sober Driver Initiative, which is housed at Fresno State;   Sam Gitchel, director of the Fresno State Social Norms Project; and   student Roberto Vaca, chair of the president’s Alcohol Advisory Council’s Student Subcommittee.

In their nomination, they wrote:

“In this 18-month tenure at Fresno State, he ( Oliaro) has ignited the Alcohol Advisory Council, leading to a solid slate of accomplishment including: adoption of a tailgate policy, appointing a new Student Subcommittee of the Alcohol Advisory Council to provide a stronger student voice; obtaining two grants and helping to shape a social norms project and the CSU Sober Driver Initiative; training beverage servers at campus events; reducing alcohol serving times at the campus pub; creating a campus alcohol website; and implementing the e-CHUG self-assessment.

“These accomplishments are noteworthy, but what really makes Dr. O special is the way he goes about his work.   Students love his genuineness and the fact that he really listens, remembers names, and readily gives out his e-mail address.

"Dr. O is the epitome of an administrator who truly works towards improving student services,” says Roberto Vaca, Chair of the AAC Student Subcommittee.

Others on the Council say he leads by example and inspiration, and seems to be loved and respected by everyone who works with him.  He sees the big picture but rolls up his sleeves and works as a team member.   And he is famous for his energy.   Pity the poor soul who tries to take a leisurely walk with him.   He is renowned for his prompt and sensitive responses to e-mails and phone calls.   Somehow he finds more time in a 24 hour day than the rest of us.

He’s the rare breed of leader who balances boundless energy with a big heart and a sharp mind.   We are fortunate to have him at Fresno State , and as a member of California State University .”