The outdoor patio of the CSULA Golden Eagle Ballroom was setup for the cocktail reception.

Bob Teague Honored at California State University, Los Angeles 40^th Annual Alumni Awards Gala

On Friday, May 15, 2015, Teague Custom Marine president Bob Teague was honored at the California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) 40^th Annual Alumni Awards Gala. A total of ten awards were given on this special evening to CSULA Alumni from all different graduation years. One alumnus was chosen from each of the University’s six different Colleges, in addition to a few other awards. Bob Teague was chosen as the Distinguished Alumnus from the CSULA College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology, as he graduated from this college in 1981 with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Protection Administration. In 1973, Bob joined the City of Los Angeles Fire Department where he served for 23 years. In 1996, he retired early with the rank of Captain II.

Established in 1973, the Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented by CSULA in recognition of personal achievement, professional success, or humanitarian service. Recipients are those who have attained prominence in their chosen fields and have brought pride to the university. This is the highest tribute the university confers upon its alumni.

Bob & Andrea Teague with children John Teague (L) and Cherilyn Noack (R)

This year’s honorees highlight the university’s commitment to engagement, service, and the public good. They have become leaders in education, philanthropy, community service, music, and business.

The evening began a medal / pinning ceremony, where the University President presented each honoree with a medal. This was a more intimate gathering before the main portion of the evening for family members only. The medals helped to identify the 10 honorees within the sea of approximately 400 people who attended the awards presentation.

Friends from Northern California town Discovery Bay Ed & Jean Stewart (very L) and Bob and Cathie Vila (very R) joined Bob Teague and family for the CSULA Alumni Awards Gala

The Gala was a professional grade, multi-media awards presentation and dinner event held at the CSULA Golden Eagle Ballroom. Dark table linens, floral designs in white and yellow to match the CSULA Seal, and designed lighting made for a very elegant ambiance. Before each honoree was announced and asked to come to the stage to accept his or her award, a photo slideshow played on 2 large screens in the room while the M.C. narrated. Photos of Bob Teague included memories and accomplishments old and new, personal and professional.

The honorees each received a special medal from the University President at an intimate ceremony before the Gala began

Bob was taken aback by the magnitude of the event, “I feel very humbled by this award. The other recipients have incredible stories and awesome accomplishments.” Although Bob’s degree from CSULA was directly beneficial to his career at the time with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, he said he will never forget his experience at CSULA. Bob explains, “What I take away from college is the skill of communication. Regardless of the class or field of study, Cal State LA helped build the foundation that I use to run my business.”

Bob Teague announced on the big screen prior to accepting his award.

Teague Custom Marine Inc. was established in 1972 by Bob Teague. The company serves the world with custom, high performance marine engine packages, rigging parts, manufacturing, distribution, and extensive mail order. Most of what Teague Custom Marine manufactures today is a result of its own need to solve a problem or do something better. The company is also an innovator in green technologies, developing a line of California Air Resource Board (CARB) certified low emission engines.  The company is one of only three CARB certified high performance engine builders on the planet.

Taken during Bob’s acceptance speech at the podium.

Currently, Bob also assists with performance boat testing and consumer evaluations and writes a bi-monthly column called “Teague’s Take” for the digital publication Speed On The Water. Bob is currently the owner/throttleman of the AMSOIL Offshore Racing team, which will be racing in the Super Cat class this year.

Distinguished Alumna Susan Woo, President of Jade Lake Inc, accepting her award from the CSULA College of Business and Economics

Teague Custom Marine and the Teague family extend a very sincere congratulation to all of this year’s CSULA Alumni Awards Gala honorees:

Alumnus of the Year, Gilbert R. Vasquez ’64, CPA – Managing Partner, Vasquez and Company LLP

University Service Award, Tony K. Wong ’69, ’74 – Principal Engineer, W2 Designs, Inc.

Alumni Family Award, Leonor Gavina-Valls ’74 & Francisco Gavina ’69, ’72 – Vice Presidents, respectively, F. Gavina & Sons, Inc.

Golden Eagle Award, Carlos Illingworth, Jr. ’04 – Director, Communications and Government Affairs, Alberstons-Safeway, Southern California Division

Distinguished Alumnus: College of Arts and Letters, Raynor Carroll ’84 – Principal Percussionist, Los Angeles Philharmonic

Distinguished Alumna: College of Business and Economics, Susan Woo ’10, ’15 – President, Jade Lake Inc.

Distinguished Alumnus: Charter College of Education, Dr. Michael J. Bina ’73 – President and CEO, The Maryland School for the Blind

Distinguished Alumnus: College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, Robert Teague ’81 – President, Founder and Owner, Teague Custom Marine Inc.

Distinguished Alumna: College of Health and Human Services, Renee D. Martinez ’72 – President, Los Angeles City College

Distinguished Alumnus: College of Natural and Social Sciences, Nathaniel Trives ’68 – Philanthropist and Community Leader

For more information, see: http://alumni.calstatela.edu/awardsgala/