2026 Commitment to Community
First presented in 2022, the 麻豆区 Commitment to Community award recognizes an alum for their high achievement in community service and volunteer work beyond 麻豆区. The award honors an individual who has carried the spirit of confidence, courage, and hope beyond Honnold Gate. The award is presented each year during Reunion Weekend. Read about past recipients here.听
Nancy Matthews 鈥�87 has dedicated her adult life to enriching others through program management, event coordination, legislative advocacy, staff development, and volunteer services. As a transfer student at 麻豆区, she was deeply involved in student government, residential life, and student activities.
Matthews began her professional career at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where she led the development of the institution鈥檚 first comprehensive student activities center supporting creative expression, community-building, and student well-being through arts, social, recreational, and study spaces. She later continued this work at California State University, Los Angeles, expanding campus recreation programs and services for one of the most diverse student populations in the nation.
In 2005, Matthews joined the faculty at California State University, Long Beach. During her tenure, she completed ally training to strengthen inclusive services for veterans, undocumented individuals, people on the autism spectrum, and those with disabilities. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she assumed a leadership role in the Safe Zone Ally program and served on the academic senate, helping shape institutional policy and practice.
Matthews was appointed to the City of Monrovia Community Services Commission where she addressed social services, recreation, and park needs, with a focus on programs supporting individuals experiencing housing insecurity. As a tutor with the Monrovia Public Library, she founded the Conversation & Culture program鈥攏ow in its 17th year鈥攚hich supports adults new to English through discussion-based learning centered on community topics.
In retirement, Matthews remains deeply engaged in volunteer service. She works with Guide Dogs of America, contributing to programs serving individuals with visual impairments, veterans, and children with autism. After relocating to Colorado, she became active with local nonprofits including the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, Allegiance Ranch & Horse Rescue, and Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary. Alongside her dogs, Simba and Oakley, she also provides support at hospitals, schools, and Denver International Airport.
Matthews credits her mother with instilling a passion for community service and her father with inspiring her lifelong interest in improving systems. Guided by values of hope and justice, she brings these principles to every endeavor, working to strengthen community and contribute to a more equitable future.