Aaron Bookman
Aaron Bookman has always considered California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) his second home. As a young boy, Aaron lived down the street from the university and would frequently visit his father, Tyrone, a building maintenance manager who retired from CSUSB almost a decade ago. Aaron fondly remembers visiting the campus with his father where they both would take their dogs for a walk.
Two years ago, Aaron was given the opportunity to use his education to maintain the athletic fields here at CSUSB. Holding a certificate from Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. Sac) in Sports Turf Management, Aaron demonstrates his strong work ethic by choosing to invest in his professional development. In addition to holding a certificate in his field, Aaron is also pursuing an Associate of Science (AS) at Mt. Sac in Ornamental Horticulture with a concentration in Sports Turf Management.
Aaron’s commitment to a strong work ethic and professional development further allows him to transform lives at CSUSB. When asked how Aaron is transforming lives at CSUSB, he immediately discussed the connection between properly maintaining the university’s athletic fields and student athletes’ successes.
“It’s great to see young, student athletes arrive and develop into strong athletes throughout their time at CSUSB. I feel that the athletic fields are another classroom for the students, and it’s my role to maintain the fields in such a way so the students can be successful.”
Not to mention that maintaining the athletic fields, according to Aaron, is another way to beautify the campus and ensure the wellness and safety of those who walk the grounds. Additionally, Aaron learned that how he manages the fields is critical for the fields’ ability to sustain ongoing field classes, athletic games, large scale events and music concerts, which take place throughout the year. Acknowledged for his strong work ethic and dedication to his role, Aaron was one of two individuals who received the President’s Outstanding Employee Award at CSUSB’s 2018 Fall Convocation. Awarded to individuals who “demonstrate excellence in job performance and an exceptional willingness to assist others”, the Presidential Outstanding Employee Award is a coveted possession amongst the CSUSB community.
At Fall Convocation, Sam Sudhakar, Vice President of Informational Technology Services, shared with the campus community accolades from Aaron’s award nomination which described Aaron as “a dedicated and passionate member of the campus community” who “possesses a level of expertise that is extremely valuable to colleagues, the department and the entire university” and who “is known for calling the athletic fields his own.” Above all of the accolades read of him by Vice President Sudhakar, perhaps the most poignant statement was Aaron’s love for what he does and for CSUSB.
“I was completely blindsided and very surprised!” recalled Aaron, “I felt that all my hard work was validated and that someone not only noticed I was doing my job, but doing it right and beyond expectations.”
What is Aaron’s advice for those who wish to grow in their roles at CSUSB?
“Have patience and work on continuously improving yourself through education and training. Be open to talking to people and always be willing to learn something new,” replied Aaron.
As a reminder to continue to look for new ways to embrace the university’s core value of Inclusivity, Aaron offered the following advice: “We can all learn something new from every person, no matter where they come from or what their background is, we all have knowledge to share.”
Now, Aaron continues his father’s legacy at CSUSB by serving as the Light Auto Equipment Operator in the department, a position he has held for 13 years. It has been nearly 18 years since Aaron joined the CSUSB family and remarks that his career journey at the university has taught him the importance of possessing a strong work ethic.
About Aaron:
Aaron is married to an amazing and beautiful woman, Tiffany Bookman, and is the father of two boys, Tevin and Tyler. He loves sports and has been involved in some capacity his entire life, whether playing competitively (soccer, track, and cross country), coaching his kids in Little League or AYSO, or working on the athletic fields on campus. Aaron is passionate about music and collects vinyl records, often scratching them on his turntables at home. Above all, Aaron loves his family and enjoys spending time with them and making memories.