Margaret Malmquist-West earns prestigious Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement
VALLEJO, Calif. – Women's soccer cadet-athlete Margaret Malmquist-West was one of 23 California State University students who received the 2021 Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement when she was named the Jack McGrory Scholar for 2021.
The Trustees' Award is the university's highest recognition of student achievement, this donor-funded scholarship is presented annually to students who demonstrate superior academic performance, community service, personal accomplishments, and financial need.
"I was very surprised when I heard the announcement and flattered to be counted in such an amazing group of students," said Malmquist-West. "I put in a lot of hours to perform at the level I do, both academically and in sports. There is no magic in any of my success, it's work, discipline, overcoming frustration and failure on a daily basis."
"As a cadet-athlete pursuing an engineering degree, I am thrilled for Margaret that she was honored for her academic success and extensive involvement in the community," said head coach Emily Scheese. "She is an outstanding leader with a unique ability to connect with people, I am excited to see how she positively impacts this team in her final year with the program."
After working various positions within the education and service fields, Malmquist-West returned to school to take various GE courses while working full-time. She enrolled at Cal Maritime in 2020 at the age of 31, is majoring in mechanical engineering and pursuing a merchant mariner credential in marine engineering.
In addition to competing for the Keelhaulers, she is a member of the President's List for outstanding academic performance.
"Every decision I have made has deliberately landed me in challenging situations that required me to become a better person and a confident leader," said Malmquist-West. "The funding has allowed me to obtain stable housing and work fewer hours outside of school. This gives me the time necessary to study and play soccer with the Keelhaulers, the award is truly life-changing for me."
In addition to her athletic and academic commitments, Malmquist-West works part-time as the COO at Girls Who Click, a nonprofit that empowers female-identified and non-binary youth and teen girls, through nature photography workshops, to enhance conservation efforts around the world.
Malmquist-West plans to join the Coast Guard Reserves while working as a design engineer in the Bay Area after earning her degree.
More than 400 students have been honored with the Trustees' Award since the scholarship program was established in 1984 by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. In 1999, the Hearst Foundation partnered with the CSU Board of Trustees to supplement the endowment with contributions from CSU Trustees, CSU Foundation board members and private donors. Each student scholarship bears the name of a donor.