Monterey Peninsula College Announces Four New Hall of Fame Inductees
Annual Lobo Legends event celebrates distinguished alumni and retirees who are making significant contributions to the community and MPC.
Monterey Peninsula College is excited to announce the 2026 Lobo Hall of Fame inductees who will be honored at the annual Lobo Legends Celebration set for March 7, 2026, at the Monterey Marriott. This signature event will celebrate four categories of awardees: Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Alumni-Athlete, Distinguished Retiree, and Rising Star—all of whom exemplify MPC’s spirit and values. Each individual has made exceptional contributions to MPC and the broader community, inspiring both current and future generations of students.
The 2026 Lobo Legends Celebration will recognize:
Distinguished Alumni: Theodore “Teddy” Balestreri, II
A proud graduate of MPC, Teddy Balestreri II has built a distinguished career as a hospitality industry leader serving as Vice President of Hospitality & Community Relations for the Cannery Row Company and earning recognition as Chairman of the California Restaurant Association. His relentless drive and commitment to regional economic vitality is a powerful example of his contributions as an MPC Alumni to our community.
Outstanding Alumni Athlete: Terry Poole
Terry Poole is a standout athlete who began his collegiate football journey at MPC before earning a scholarship to San Diego State University and being drafted into the NFL by the Seattle Seahawks in 2015. Terry has since leveraged his experience to mentor youth, currently serving as the After School Program Manager at Rancho Cielo, demonstrating the powerful role college can play in developing personal transformation in future leaders.
Distinguished Retiree: Mary Anne Teed Lloyd
From 1973 to 2006, Mary Anne Teed Lloyd served the college with exceptional dedication. She is most notably recognized for spearheading the effort to fund and build MPC’s $45 million Library & Technology Center, which remains a vibrant hub for student learning today. Her steadfast commitment and enduring impact exemplify the spirit of this award and the excellence that defines MPC.
Rising Star: Allyson Cruz-Galan
First in her family to attend college, Allyson Cruz-Galan came to MPC through the Evans College Incentive Program. With perseverance and focus, she went on to complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is now pursuing a law degree at Monterey College of Law while working full-time for the Pebble Beach Company. Her success story reflects the heart of this award and serves as inspiration for future generations of MPC students.
Selection:
The community was invited to submit nominations.
“This moment highlights MPC’s tremendous impact on our community,” shares Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III, MPC’s Superintendent/President. “Generations of students have discovered their purpose here and gone on to uplift others in remarkable ways. We are excited to honor those who will enter the Lobo Hall of Fame in 2026, and to continue inspiring thousands more success stories in the years ahead.”
The 2026 Lobo Legends Celebration promises to be a memorable evening. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact the MPC Foundation at (831) 655-5507 or MPCFoundationInfo@mpc.edu. Reservations will be available to the public in January 2026.
About the MPC Foundation:
The MPC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for students to attend MPC and helps to ensure their college experience is the best it can be. We do this by providing students with financial support and investing resources into the college’s programs and facilities. The MPC Foundation has raised over $45 million since its inception in 1994 and currently provides more than $725,000 in financial assistance each year to deserving students. The MPC Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors works hard to remove barriers for students and make their educational dreams possible.
About Monterey Peninsula College:
Monterey Peninsula College, part of California's public community college system, is an open-access institution committed to fostering student learning and success by providing excellence in instructional programs, facilities, and services to support the goals of students pursuing transfer, career, basic skills, and lifelong learning opportunities. In addition to the scenic Monterey campus located on 90+ acres, MPC's district includes the Public Safety Training Center in Seaside and a campus in Marina. As a comprehensive community college, MPC responds to the educational and cultural needs of its diverse community and is distinguished for its outstanding academic programs and strong commitment to student success. To learn more about Monterey Peninsula College, please visit www.mpc.edu and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.