CSUSB business administration major named CSU Trustees’ Award recipient

As a high school student, Juan Sibrian didn’t believe a college education was in his future. 

“I grew up in Georgia, where most of my classmates who pursued college came from affluent, predominantly white families that could afford prestigious institutions,” said Sibrian. “My parents made it clear that they couldn’t afford to pay for my college education, so if I wanted to go, I would need to figure it out on my own. With my dad having only completed kindergarten and my mom not finishing high school, they always valued education but never pushed me into it.”

Sibrian, a junior at CSUSB’s Palm Desert Campus majoring in business administration with a concentration in information systems and technology, credits a high school math teacher for changing his perspective about college and encouraging him to strive for more.

“She consistently asked, ‘What are you doing after high school?’ and told me not to let my talent go to waste.” His older sister also played a pivotal role, guiding him through the complexities of community college and financial aid applications. Without their support, he said, “I wouldn’t have considered college as an option."

Ultimately, he went on to earn three associate degrees and a certificate before enrolling at CSUSB.

Sibrian’s hard work and determination has been recognized with the prestigious California State University (CSU) Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement, the CSU’s highest recognition of student success. He has been named the SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Scholar for the donor-funded CSU award and will receive a $7,000 scholarship.

Each year, CSU selects 23 students – one from each CSU campus – who have demonstrated superior academic and personal achievement to receive the award. It grants students scholarships based on academic achievements, financial need, excellence in community service and personal hardship. Since the program’s inception in 1984, more than 460 CSU students have been honored with the Trustees’ Award.

This year’s scholars were honored at the Sept. 24 Board of Trustees meeting.

“It is with tremendous joy and great pride that I celebrate the outstanding achievements and extraordinary perseverance of this year’s Trustees’ Scholars,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García. “Through the visionary generosity of our donors, the CSU is able to uplift and support these diverse students and truly outstanding scholars who have overcome educational and personal hardships in pursuit of a college degree that will not only transform their lives, but will also elevate their families and strengthen their communities.”

“The CSU Trustees' Award is an incredible honor for me. It represents not just recognition of my hard work and perseverance but also validation of the challenges I've overcome and the goals I’m striving to achieve,” Sibrian said. “This award motivates me to continue pursuing my academic and entrepreneurial ambitions with even greater determination. It also reminds me of the importance of giving back and inspiring others who may be facing similar challenges. I’m deeply grateful for this recognition, and it strengthens my resolve to make a positive impact in the world.”

In addition, Sibrian expressed his gratitude for the SchoolsFirst scholarship award.

“It significantly lessens my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular pursuits,” he said. “This support makes a meaningful difference in my academic journey, and I genuinely appreciate the support from the award.”

Sibrian’s pursuits both in and beyond the classroom have been noteworthy. He served as CEO and COO in the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition, where his team earned runner-up for Best Overall Performance. His team also placed third in the Business Model category at the Sunstone CSU Startup Launch Competition. Beyond academics, he has dedicated more than 900 hours to community service, including combating food insecurity and mentoring high school students, and he plans to continue volunteering throughout his life.

Sibrian embraces the belief that “higher education empowers you to accomplish anything you set your mind to. It opens doors to a future full of possibilities.”

After graduating, Sibrian plans to earn both master’s and doctoral degrees and become a college professor and a serial entrepreneur. “Earning my master’s and doctoral degrees is not just about personal achievement but about gaining the knowledge and expertise necessary to inspire and educate the next generation of civic-minded leaders,” he said.

“As a professor, I want to be a catalyst for innovation, helping students not only understand business and technology but also how to apply these tools to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond,” he continued. “My goal is to equip the next generation with the skills, mindset and ethical grounding they need to lead with purpose and create meaningful change in the world."