Former Interim President Sue Borrego Receives Key to the City at State of Turlock Address

The City of Turlock recently held its annual State of Turlock event, and before Mayor Amy Bublak delivered her official address, she kicked things off with a special presentation honoring Stanislaus State's former Interim President Sue Borrego.

Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak (center) with former Interim President Sue Borrego (left) and President Britt Rios-Ellis at the State of Turlock event where Borrego received a key to the city.

Bublak, a Stan State alumna, ('89, B.A. in Sociology) and the Turlock City Council presented Borrego with a key to the city.

"I would like to recognize an individual who, in a truly brief time, made such a significant difference in our community," Bublak said after inviting Borrego to join her at the lectern. "We often opine why Turlock is so special, and it always comes back to the people and that feeling of knowing each other.

"On behalf of all of us, we are pleased to present you with the highest award from our city, which is a key to our city," Bublak said. The key, mounted on a plaque and presented to Borrego, was created at Stan State's Dr. Allan Greenberg & Dr. Ellen Junn Warrior Fab Lab.

Borrego, joined by her wife Mary Boyce and family members, reflected on her tenure and noted the strong connections she formed with the community. Borrego said meeting many Stan State students and alumni was one of the highlights of her time with the University just shy of one year, from August 2023 through June 2024.

"Coming to Turlock was one of the easiest things ever," Borrego said after she accepted the honor. "And it will be for the rest of my career knowing that we made inroads and partnerships together that really benefit everybody.

"So many city employees are Stan State grads, and it was just amazing to be greeted by them all the time," she said, noting how much she enjoyed opportunities to meet city employees with ties to the University. "I grew up in the Midwest and Turlock felt a lot like the Midwest to me. You weren't a stranger to anyone. I got to meet many of you.

"This is a gift to me, and it's a gift to the University. And I can't thank you enough. I'll always be a Warrior."

-Sue Borrego, Former Interim President

"I'm not sure any one person deserves something like this because it really is about us as a community," she said. "So, this is a gift to me, and it's a gift to the University. And I can't thank you enough. I'll always be a Warrior."

Stan State leadership, staff, alumni and friends of the University joined hundreds of community members, city employees and elected officials from across the region to hear Bublak deliver her annual address. She provided updates and highlighted the city's accomplishments for the past year, noting Stan State's impact on the community.

During her presentation, Bublak reported on key services and programs provided for residents, revenue generated by consumers, employment, public safety and other topics. She also spotlighted Stan State's impact in several important areas that affect residents of Turlock.

When she spoke about the city's enhanced economic development efforts, Bublak cited the University's valuable role educating students to be career-ready contributors to the community.

"Because of the skilled, available workforce provided by Stanislaus State and Modesto Junior College, many new businesses have moved to Turlock," said Bublak.

Bublak also shared her personal connection to the University, emphasizing how it has shaped her career and life. Some of those ties continue today. Ron Noble, a Stan State alumnus who later served as the University's dean of students and associate vice president for Student Affairs, was the event's moderator. Walter Doraz, who was Bublak's advisor when she was a student, was present in the front row. Also in attendance was Professor of Economics Emeritus Edward Erikson. Their presence emphasized the deep ties between the University's faculty and its alumni.

Bublak also gave an example of how Stan State helped contribute to Turlock's economic impact. An NCAA Division II softball championship tournament hosted by Stan State and presented by the City of Turlock, held over several days last spring, brought teams and spectators from well beyond our local region.

"The softball Tournament of Champions at Pedretti Park drew teams from Canada, Washington, Montana, Hawaii and California - becoming one of the largest NCAA Division II tournaments in the country - bolstered our local hotels, restaurants and businesses," Bublak said, citing how the event contributed to the city's coffers.

The occasion showcased the partnership between the University and community and the importance of fostering good relationships, public service and engagement.

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