12 Feb Behind the Numbers: Lusia Komala’s 19 Years of Excellence at ASI
After decades of dedication, countless spreadsheets and an unwavering commitment to precision, Associated Students, Inc.’s accounting manager, Lusia Komala, is bidding farewell to the accounting department, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty that will be remembered for years to come.
On Jan. 29, ASI held a retirement reception, decked out in travel memorabilia and attended by coworkers, family and former colleagues impacted by Komala’s work for the last 19 years. An accounting connoisseur by day, Komala is also an avid traveler, accompanied by her two children, husband and mother.
Before Komala sets off on her next adventure, her colleagues and loved ones gathered to share stories and celebrate the incredible mark she’s left on all of them.
Komala. along with her son, left, daughter-in-law, husband, and mother at her retirement party./ Credit: ASI Marketing
Dave Edwards, ASI’s Executive Director, compared Komala’s impact to that of his elementary school receptionist, Ms. Swindle, noting that both made a lasting impression on everyone with whom she interacted.
“I have always appreciated Lusia and her work,” Edwards said. “She has a high work ethic and is dedicated to making sure that the students, her peers, her staff and colleagues are supported. Whether it’s through financial planning and budget management and operational efficiencies or just as a colleague and friend, she’s always that quiet, supportive, loving person.”
His culmination of stories and words finally brought him back to Ms. Swindle.
“You are a rockstar; you are one of the best, and we will miss you forever. I want to end this by going back to Mrs. Swindle and I want you to hopefully take this with you. When she retired, she had very little to say. But when she got up from her seat and turned around and looked at all the people supporting her, she just burst into tears. And so Lusia, I want you to look at this big room of people… ladies and gentlemen, a big round of applause for Lusia.”
As colleagues and loved ones praised Komala for all her work, this was only the beginning of the endless thanks she received. There were countless personal stories that echoed one thing: the colleagues we interact with daily truly make a difference in our lives.
Colleagues were encouraged to write messages to Lusia in travel postcards. / Credit: ASI Marketing
“Lusia and I bonded over the pandemic. She was doing everybody’s job during that time. Literally like seven people’s jobs, all the time,” said former ASI Executive Director of Corporate Administration Carol McDoniel. “I’m sure her husband can attest to the fact that she was always on the computer at home, keeping everything going for the rest of us. So I just wanted to say thank you for all the work you did to support all of us. I would never have been as successful or achieved as much if it had not been for you.”
From day one, Komala’s kindness and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on those around her. ASI’s Associate Executive Director Keya Allen recalled her very first encounter with Komala, a moment, she said, that perfectly captures her generous spirit.
“It’s been nine years that I’ve been here at ASI and Lusia was one of the first individuals who greeted me and said, ‘Hey, do you need me to show you something or need me to help you?’ She was the first one to come and do that,” Allen said. “She just has the classic serving leadership spirit where she just continuously gives. That is such a rare quality.”
Komala’s generosity and servant leadership extended beyond simple gestures of kindness—it was also evident in the way she guided and mentored others, said Human Resources Director Andrea Okoh.
“I’ve worked at multiple CSUs and in accounting; it’s hard to find people who are ethical but also kind and understanding.’’ Okoh said. “But Lusi will sit down with you and say, ‘Here’s what you should have done differently. Let’s fix this together. I can’t undo what you did. But I can teach you not to do it again.’ That’s going to be impossible to fill because it’s hard to find people who are willing to teach you how to be better. That’s the thing about Lusi; it’s that she taught us all how to be better.”
Komala, posing with the ASI accounting team, which she led for more than 10 years. / Credit: ASI Marketing
At the end of it all, Komala wrapped up her thanks. She addressed all who were in attendance, reflecting on her professional journey and personal growth.
“I don’t know if you know, but I started going to school here, graduating in the early ’90s. I’m closing this incredible chapter of my life at Cal State Fullerton, so It’s really and truly a blessing for me to do that,” Komala said. “This journey has been filled with challenges, success, laughter and friendship that I will cherish forever. I have grown up not just professionally but personally and I owe so much of that growth to amazing colleagues, mentors, friends I have had the privilege of working with … One of the greatest rewards of my time here has been the relationships I have built.”
Komala hugging her longtime coworker and friend, Kirsten Stava (left) / Credit: ASI Marketing
With a thanks to her supportive family, her husband’s patience and her hardworking accounting team, Komala stamped a seal to end her ASI journey after 19 years, looking forward to the years of travel, rest and enjoyment that lies ahead.