northA magazine for alumni, friends and the community ridgenumber 64 of State University, Northridge spring 2014

CSUN SPANS THE GLOBE

THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUE northridge number 64 · spring 2014 FEATURES The International Issue

12 Around the World in 56 Years 18 Building Bridges Across the Pacific 20 Alumna Abroad: CNN’s Barbara Starr ’75

DEPARTMENTS

2 A Word from the President

4 In Brief: Campus News A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT R emembering the 1994 earthquake, actor Matt Damon kicks off lecture series — and more. 7 Focus On: Philanthropy os Angeles is an international city, a global according to the most recent Chronicle of Higher Education Advisor CSUN announces the David Nazarian center of industry and trade. One of our primary Almanac. These students add to the diversity on campus and Robert D. Gunsalus, Ph.D. Vice President for University Advancement and College of Business and Economics exports, entertainment, introduces to enable us to better serve our California students. President of the Foundation L households around the world, and products flow Situated on the West Coast, we build strong partnerships 8 Focus On: CSU System Editors in and out of our port to far-flung destinations. Los Angeles with our neighbors to the south and west. This issue of Jeff Noblitt, Associate Vice President for Marketing Boar d of Trustees members Talar Alexanian, and Communications also has been a beacon, attracting immigrants who built Northridge magazine highlights those strong international ties, Jorge Martin ’90, Director of Communications CSUN student, and alumnus and professor communities we now know by names reflecting their heritage including an exciting new partnership with the largest and Olivia Herstein, Editor/Writer Steven Stepanek sit down for a Q & A. Chelsea Turner ’13, Student Assistant Editor — Chinatown, Little Armenia, Thai Town and Koreatown, most prestigious university in Mexico, Universidad Nacional 10 Word’s Out to name a few. Autónoma de México (UNAM), and ongoing and deepening Graphic Design Tatsuo Kumagai, Graphic Designer Recently published books written by faculty and alumni. Higher education embraces the international community collaborations with institutions in China. I hope you enjoy Kevin Lizarraga ’01, ’04 M.A., Director of Marketing VISCOM (The Center for Visual Communications): and all its knowledge. University students travel the world in reading about the international students we attract, the foreign • Lindsey Reveche, Illustrator 22 The Score: Athletics News staggering numbers. Western Europe ranks highest in study- study and research opportunities we provide for students and • Michael Cruz, Project Manager abroad destinations for U.S. students, with Britain leading the faculty, and the exciting lives our alumni lead overseas. • Joe Bautista, VISCOM Creative Director 26 Alumni Association: Staying Connected pack, followed closely by Italy, Spain and France. China is a With our students, faculty and alumni working around the Contributors Richard Chambers ’10, Multimedia Producer 30 Alumni Notes: Class Notes and In Memoriam growing destination, with more than 14,000 U.S. students globe, it is fair to say CSUN reflects and enhances the diversity Carmen Ramos Chandler, Director of Media Relations learning in the country each year. India, Brazil and Costa Rica and international scope of Los Angeles. Enjoy this issue of Lee Choo M.F.A. ’10, Photographer 38 Giving: Philanthropists Secure Students’ Futures Rayetta Esquibel, Administrative Assistant all saw double-digit growth in the number of students in Northridge magazine, and thank you for continuing to make Alex Ferreyra, Web Communications Specialist Nestor Garcia, Student Photographer 2010-11. American colleges and universities remain an CSUN Shine. Hailey Graves, Student Assistant Writer/Editor attractive study option for foreign students as well. China Shellie Hadvina ’90, M.P.A. ’98, Assistant Director, Alumni Relations sends nearly twice as many students to the U.S. each year as its Victor Kamont, Student Photographer neighbor, India. South Korea and Saudi Arabia also send huge Monica Llort, Marketing Project Coordinator Peter Medina, Web Producer numbers of students to the U.S. Sawsan Merritt, Student Writer Shanté Morgan ’90, Managing Editor California State University, Northridge is No. 1 among Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D. D.G. (Gray) Mounger, Assistant Vice President for Master’s institutions in the number of international students, President Alumni Relations On the cover: International student DUBOIS. JOHN O:TPHO VEOGR GEANOR AND AITPORTR Bob Vazquez, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Yayan “Zoe” Zhou, a graduating senior from Shanghai, holds a globe Northridge (ISSN 1549-8115) is published by from the Department of Geography California State University, Northridge, Map Library. Special thanks to the 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8296. Map Library and Geography staff Periodicals postage paid at Northridge, CA for their assistance. and at additional offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: This page: Student volunteers pick Northridge magazine oranges for local food pantries, at Department of Marketing and Communications California State University, Northridge CSUN’s historic Orange Grove. For presidential communications and updates, please visit csun.edu/president 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8242 To contact the President, email [email protected] PRESIDENT'S

2 spring 2014 / northridge In Brief

English Professor Martin Pousson Wins NEA Campus News Fellowship Martin Pousson’s writings, including his first novel, No Place, , and his collection, Sugar, have drawn comparisons to acclaimed writers Dorothy Allison, Frank McCourt and Carson McCullers. His work also caught the attention of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Gov. Michael Dukakis and Gov. Linda Lingle The national endowment awarded Pousson, associate professor of English, Governors Dukakis & Lingle Share with its 2014 Creative Writing Fellowship Perspectives on Public Service in Prose. The honor, which includes a They hail from opposite sides of the $25,000 grant through the federal political aisle and governed states more government’s Art Works program, is for than 5,000 miles apart, but Michael Pousson’s collection of interlocking short Dukakis and Linda Lingle shared stories that chronicle the sexual coming remarkably similar perspectives on of age of a young mixed-raced man in the public service, policy making and the bayous of Louisiana. importance of bipartisan governance during an event this spring at CSUN. Students, faculty, staff and community members heard how each took an unexpected path to state leadership and Actor Matt Damon Lends His Star view the current political climate. Teaching Power to Kick Off Lecture Series on a senior seminar course on public policy Education HOO.Y LEE COS BTTHER PHO BTTHER LEE COS HOO.Y in CSUN’s Department of Political Science this semester, Lingle’s connection to the university goes back to her days as a Above: Matt Damon hugs CSUN speaker Diane Ravitch, a friend of his mother. Above, from left: President Dianne F. Harrison honors former President Blenda Wilson and her husband, student. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Louis Fair Jr., at the dedication of the Blenda J. Wilson Courtyard. journalism in 1975, and then relocated Bill Cosby with his crew of CSUN film students. to Hawaii and launched a community Actor and Academy Award-winning popular ideas and trends for restructuring

CSUN Remembers 1994 Earthquake, Honors Former President Y SUNDIAL; ALL O screenwriter Matt Damon introduced schools, including privatization, standardized AIL newspaper before entering public service. University officials teamed up with the Valley Economic Alliance and others in Film Students Craft Behind-the- Diane Ravitch, former U.S. Assistant testing, punitive accountability and early January to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake. Scenes Bill Cosby Special Secretary of Education, at an October charter schools. ODRIGUEZ, D 2013 lecture hosted by CSUN’s Center The lecture series aims to push Later in the month, the university also honored the legacy of former CSUN President Laughter, life lessons and hard truths GO-R Southwestern Law School and Blenda Wilson by dedicating a courtyard in her honor. wrapped with care are the gifts that Bill CSUN to Offer Accelerated for Teaching and Learning that explored controversial issues to the surface by On Jan. 17, community members, faculty and staff joined elected officials for Cosby has given fans for decades. He and Program for Undergrads the pressures facing public education in examining uncomfortable truths. To that the . end, Ravitch questioned the popular “The Valley of the Stars: Reaching New Heights” annual program, which reviewed director Robert Townsend extended these AMON: JOHN SARIN Southwestern Law School and CSUN have the lessons learned following the devastation of the 1994 Northridge earthquake. gifts to a new generation of film students by established an accelerated program through Ravitch, a research professor and reasons given for “failing” students. H AND DCVITAGE - RAG PCINA - RAG H AND DCVITAGE Former Gov. Pete Wilson and former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan were hand-selecting several to capture behind- which students can earn their Bachelor of historian at New York University, was the While teachers are often targets for among those honored. the-scenes footage for the new Comedy Arts and Juris Doctor degrees in six years, first featured speaker in the center’s criticism, she suggested that poverty is at The new courtyard is adjacent to the Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium, in the Central special “Bill Cosby: Far From rather than the usual seven. “Education on the Edge” lecture series. the root of the problem. Damon, a center of the campus. The space surrounds the monument Wilson had erected to Finished.” The program, which aired in Students participating in the “3+3 A well-respected historian, critic, best- public-education advocate known for acknowledge the faculty and staff who helped rebuild the campus after the earthquake. November 2013, marked Cosby’s first TV B.A./J.D.” program will have their first year selling author and education analyst with such films as “Good Will Hunting” and Wilson served as CSUN’s president from 1992 to 1999 and is credited with concert special in 30 years. Townsend said a ALLENTINE; F of law school count as the fourth year of more than 40 years of research and the “Bourne” series, introduced Ravitch, AN BC: DUNYGE - COSBATHIS P - COSBATHIS DUNYGE AN BC: reviving and restoring the university after the massive quake. She furthered the previous encounter with CSUN’s film their undergraduate education. Each student experience, she offered critiques of a friend of his mother. university’s reputation as an institution that supports academic freedom, and she students prompted him to reach out to the admitted to Southwestern through the backed student efforts to bring diverse and often controversial speakers to campus. university after Cosby tapped him to direct. program will receive a $10,000 scholarship. The first class is expected to enroll in the fall.

4 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 5 In Brief Focus On Philanthropy

knew that the center would positively impact people with disabilities, but they CSUN ANNOUNCES could only guess at the long-term effects. The impact of the center’s first decade THE DAVID NAZARIAN was clear in November 2013 when about 200 members of the community — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS including donors, clients, employees and supporters — attended a 10th anniversary celebration. Guests toured the facilities AND ECONOMICS and heard from speakers, including director Taeyou Jung and client and benefactor Al Lapides, M.S. ’68 (Business).

Valley Performing Arts Center Expands Its Children’s Alumnus Leads $25 Million Fundraising Drive with Transformational Programming Gift to CSUN College of Business Los Lobos plays live at the KCSN studios, helping launch CSUN’s new Latin Alternative station. The Valley Performing Arts In March, CSUN announced the naming of its college of Nazarian’s history as a visionary investor and business builder KCSN Launches L.A.’s First Education Legislative Reception were state Center (VPAC) business, the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, began with his active involvement in his family’s early identification 24-Hour Latin Alternative Assemblymen Adrin Nazarian and Scott this spring in recognition of Nazarian’s commitment to lead a $25 million of the potential for wireless communications technology, which Radio Station Wilk; Los Angeles City Councilmembers announced the fundraising drive for his alma mater. Nazarian ’82 personally ultimately became part of Qualcomm, Inc. As founder and With a live performance by the Grammy Bob Blumenfield, Mitch Englander, Felipe expansion of its has committed a $10 million cash gift to CSUN, one of the CEO of Nimes Capital, Nazarian has established a consistent Award-winning group Los Lobos, Fuentes, Paul Krekorian and Nury Martinez programming largest in the history of the California State University system. track record of identifying opportunities ahead of the pack, CSUN-based KCSN-FM in November aimed at children actively managing investments in the real estate, manufacturing, ’96 (Political Science); state Senator Fran Already among the top 10 largest undergraduate business launched Los Angeles’ first 24-hour radio and families. water and solar infrastructure, technology and hospitality Pavley ’81 (M.S., Environmental Planning, programs in the nation, CSUN will focus the new funding on station dedicated to playing Latin The first show, industries. These investment activities include serving as Teaching Credential) and Los Angeles expanding its resources and providing its students, faculty and alternative music. Listeners can find the in what will shareholder and on the boards of sbe, an international hospitality County Supervisor . alumni with access to an array of innovative station on digital channel KCSN HD2 be a regularly company whose holdings include SLS Hotels in The reception was co-hosted and educational programs and experiences. or stream it live at LatinAlt.org. sponsored by UCLA, and presented in scheduled set Beverly Hills and South Beach, Miami; Solar Reserve, a developer of large-scale solar energy The Latin alternative HD2 station is partnership with Los Angeles Valley College, of weekend “David Nazarian is an industry-leading projects; Poseidon Water Resources, whose the only channel in the Southland that Pierce College, Los Angeles Mission performances, was businessman and philanthropist whose integrity Carlsbad Desalination project will be the largest broadcasts all forms of Latin alternative College and . “Jim Henson’s Sid and vision are second to none,” said CSUN seawater desalination plant in the Western music — alternative rock, electronic dance the Science Kid: President Dianne F. Harrison. “We are so proud Hemisphere; and Pacific Island Restaurants, music, indie pop, hip-hop, salsoul and Live!” in March. of his accomplishments and impact both on our Sid the Science Kid with a which operates more than 80 restaurants in rock en Español — all day long. The Latin The show marked the HOO.C LEE NAZARIAN: VIDAD -GE AP GCINAF HAMBERS;C HARDRIC KID: CESCIEN THE SID CSN;K OBOS:L OSL - GEAP THIS city and our region. CSUN is a front-runner in young fan. Hawaii and Guam. alternative channel and its accompanying first time the university’s educating future leaders of business and industry, website are designed to satiate the performance center actively targeted and this unprecedented gift allows us to advance Beyond his more than 30 years in business, appetites of modern Latin music fans families with children, not just school our programs and services to transform the Nazarian has proven a tireless philanthropist, in Los Angeles and beyond. groups. The show’s theme was the five business environment on a local and global scale.” donating his time and funds to an array of causes and senses. After the performance, children organizations. visited exhibits at a science fair put on by Nazarian, known for his investing acumen, spoke about the CSUN, UCLA Host Reception for CSUN students that explored the ability impact of his gift and encouraged others to follow his lead. “CSUN provided me with a foundation for my later success Valley Elected Officials to see, hear, feel, taste and smell. and, thus, opened the door for many opportunities in my life,” “While investing in companies can change lives and improve Elected officials from across the San “On a university campus, we are Nazarian said. “CSUN gave me the chance to realize the our economy, nothing is more impactful and important than Fernando Valley joined CSUN President Touring the Brown Center. fortunate to collaborate with our students American Dream, and I want to make sure that opportunity access to quality education and mentoring. That is why I Dianne F. Harrison and other college to provide extra fun and education to the exists for as many people as possible.” consider this to be the most significant investment of my leaders in February to discuss issues of Brown Center Celebrates 10 children who attend our shows,” said career,” Nazarian said. “I’m encouraging my business associates, importance to higher education and the Years of Enabling the Disabled Steven Thachuk, then-interim executive For more information on contributing to CSUN and the friends, family and anyone who wants to positively impact the community. When the Abbott and Linda Brown director of VPAC. David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, lives of talented young people in our region to join me in Among those who took part in the Western Center for Adaptive Aquatic — Edited by Carmen Ramos Chandler visit www.csun.edu/nazarian. supporting CSUN — and the amazing work being done there.” inaugural Joint Higher Therapy opened in 2003, CSUN officials

6 spring 2014 / northridge 7 Focus On CSU System Meet the Matador Trustees

By Carmen Ramos Chandler

or only the second time in California State Stepanek: Since Northridge is our home base, there will be internships and other opportunities is really funneling us to the over the past couple of months is that my background in University history, both the faculty and student incredible opportunities for us to collaborate outside the formal places we want to go and the jobs we want to have. I’m very technology … is one of the contributing reasons why he F representatives on the CSU Board of Trustees are trustees meetings. optimistic. … The policies we are putting in place are meeting selected me, because he realizes there needs to be a voice on the from the same campus — Northridge. the needs of most of the individuals in our system. I’m looking board of somebody with some of these actual experiences — Alexanian: It’s helpful that both Steven and I come from a at the next 10 years and seeing more of an influx of students whether it’s with online instruction or when is it appropriate or CSUN computer science professor Steven Stepanek, ’73 campus that really emphasizes shared governance and investing being able to access the CSU and even diversifying the pool inappropriate to use technology to solve a problem. (Math), M.S. ’80 (Computer Science), was appointed by Gov. in all our constituencies. we’re already seeing. Jerry Brown to a two-year term to represent faculty interests on Northridge: How do you see your role on the board? the 25-member board responsible for the oversight of the Northridge: What will the CSU face in meeting the future Northridge: Why did you apply for the position on the board? 23-campus CSU system. He joined CSUN senior Talar needs of the state? Alexanian: There might be times that I might be that lone voice, Alexanian, 21, vice president of Associated Students and the Alexanian: I immediately got involved when I came to CSUN. but I always remember the reasons why I am in this position. first Cal State Northridge student appointed to the board. Stepanek: We run into this interesting issue because the baby I was one of those people who got involved in different clubs, The fact is, I represent the 437,000 students in our system. Alexanian, a journalism major with an emphasis in public boomers are currently in the process of retiring from whatever organizations and student government. I saw the power that relations, was appointed by the governor a year ago to a professions that they’re in. How do we train enough people in you can have in terms of making change happen, and it made me Stepanek: The CSU is like a very large ship at sea. It becomes two-year term. She spent her first year as a non-voting member California to fill those positions? We’re not even talking about feel that our voices were being heard among the administration. a question of what is the direction we want to steer this particular and becomes a voting member this summer. the growth aspects of California. We’re just talking about I wanted to take that to the next level and represent the entire ship. That is the role of the board of trustees: looking out over

maintaining a properly trained population living in California TEAM. FILM TIONSA student population. that horizon and trying to set that destination. The two discussed plans, possible collaborations and views on for the positions that are already here. That’s the challenge that the future of the system during a roundtable discussion with is ahead of us in our very immediate future. Northridge: Steven, how did you find out about becoming the Gov. Brown recently re-appointed CSUN alumna Debra Farar, an Northridge magazine. Video of the discussion can be found faculty trustee? education consultant who was the national finance chairwoman COMMUNIC online at youtube.com/CalStateNorthridge. Northridge: Talar, as a current student, your generation is quite AND GMARKETIN ABLE:TOUNDR for Hillary Clinton for President in 2008, to her third term as a different than those baby boomers who are retiring. Stepanek: The governor basically called me directly, and we full-voting member of the CSU Board of Trustees, bringing the Northridge: It’s rare to have student and faculty trustees from had a very delightful 10-minute conversation on the future of total of Matadors on the board to three. Alexanian: the same campus. What are some of the benefits? We’re diversifying the workforce. The education the CSU and education and the role of technology. … One of CHECK OUT received at the campus level and the work done outside through the interesting things in my conversations with the governor youtube.com/CalStateNorthridge FOR VIDEO EXCLUSIVES

8 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 9 Recently published works in print by CSUN faculty, staff and alumni

Kimberly Castillo ’08 (Cinema and Television Arts). The Convenience of Lies is a young adult novel that cautions readers about falling into an abusive relationship. The novel tells a story of friendship, mystery, crime, sex and betrayal. Based on a true story, it is told through the eyes of a high school teenager, Mackenzie, ALUMNI who is trying to beckon the attention of “bad boy” Ramon. Meanwhile, her Laura Grody ’90, ’08 (B.A., Radio/TV/ friendship with Kira begins to evolve and Film; M.A., Linguistics). Grace and grow as they attempt to solve the mystery Dignity is a young adult novel that follows behind recent vandalism. (CreateSpace the lives of Prince Dignity and Princess Independent Publishing Platform, 2013) FACULTY & STAFF Eric Edson (Cinema and Television Anna Joaquin (Linguistics). Enculturation Peri M. Klemm (Art). “We Grew Up Grace in their struggle to regain control of Arts). The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Processes in Primary Language Acquisition Free But Here We Have to Cover Our their kingdom from an evil cousin, Prince Sandra “Sandy” Chase ’69 (History). Great Heroes Must Take offers writers and combines research in anthropology, Faces: Veiling Among Oromo Refugees Denial. With clever use of linguistic Thomas W. Devine (History). Henry The Resolutionary War, co-authored with filmmakers powerful storytelling tools to sociology, applied linguistics, developmental in Eastleigh, Kenya” was published in the elements and a bit of magic, Grody Wallace’s 1948 Presidential Campaign and Violet April Ebersole, follows a family aid in bringing passion and depth to their psychology and neurobiology to explain anthology Veiling in Africa, edited by shapes a fantastic tale around the search the Future of Postwar Liberalism takes a and a tight-knit community after screenplays. A professor of screenwriting, the acquirement of language through Elisha P. Renne. Like the compilation, for truth, love and justice in the Kingdom new look at the presidential campaign of someone proposes they all write New Edson uses examples, reasoning, speculation enculturation. The text provides an the article analyzes one aspect of the veil of Love. An independent author, Grody the man who set out to dispute the Year’s resolutions. As the year goes on and a 23-step plan to explain how to explanation of the different methods tradition in Africa. Exploration of varied released the novel — her first — in August conventional wisdom of the era by and the group follows up on their develop the “hero” in blockbusters. used to acquire language, the motivation experiences and the veil’s diverse meanings 2013 after 13 years of development and blaming the United States for the Cold resolutions, revelations become abundant (Michael Wiese Productions, 2012) to attain a new language and the biological reveal it in different lights, including editing. (Tate Publishing & Enterprises War, seemingly siding with the Soviets. and the upheaval of relationships begins. systems that may have evolved. (Equinox religious symbolism and fashion statements LLC, 2013) Wallace’s welcoming of Communists to (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Joseph Galasso (Linguistics). Minimum Publishing, 2013) across the region. (Indiana University his platform led to his loss in the elections, Platform, 2013) of English Grammar, Volume I and Volume Press, 2013) Janet Atkinson ’79 (M.A., Art). Wings of but his gesture was strongly opposed by II give an all-inclusive breakdown of the Christopher G. Jones (Business and Eagles: My Story by Sari March Schnepf, the American Communist Party. It is Regina F. Lark ’90, ’92 (B.A., History; feature theory of grammar, which dissects Economics), ’74 (Business Administration). Stella Z. Theodoulou (Dean, Social and Atkinson’s sixth book, is rooted in the in this tension that Devine forms his M.A., History). Psychic Debris, Crowded the typical parts of speech and provides Accosting the Golden Spire, Third Edition, Behavioral Sciences), Matthew A. Cahn journal entires of her late daughter, Sari perspective. The book offers a detailed Closets: The Relationship Between the Stuff an intensive analysis of English. These which Jones co-authored with original (Political Science). Public Policy: The March Schnepf-Terry. The CSUN alumna account of the self-destructive behavior in Your Head and What’s Under Your Bed publications compare the feature theory writer D. Larry Crumbley, includes Essential Readings, 2nd Edition is a collection from the class of ’84 (Liberal Studies) began of the Communists and chronicles the uncovers the mystery behind clutter. A to the periodic table, illustrating how recent updates in accounting theory and of 67 key classic and contemporary works chronicling her life and endeavors to challenges non-Communists faced as a self-help book, it focuses on the outward sub-particles can be isolated and projected practice with a new focus on accounting on public policy that span a wide range become an airline pilot. The book follows consequence of the party’s actions. (The expression of our cluttered minds in the from one phrase to another. Volume II is ethics. Told through a fictional protagonist, of topics. The text introduces readers ot her struggles and dreams, highlighting University of North Carolina Press, 2013) form of cluttered closets and messy considered a strong follow-up text to the the publication can be used in a variety the underpinnings and current practices her successful career as the first woman under-the-bed storage. Lark asks readers first book, but also works effectively as a of ways to augment an ethics course. of the policymaking arena. The authors hired by Pacific Southwest Airlines (later to change their self-perceptions and open stand-alone text. (Cognella Publications, (Carolina Academic Press, 2013) note select readings as “essential” — some absorbed by USAirways in 1981) in an their minds to resolving the issues pushed 2013 Revised) of the readings are generally argued to be era when women were yet to be accepted under the bed for so long. (Purple Books among the most influential in the field as First Officers for major airlines. (Jan Publishing, 2013) —compiled by Sawsan or most frequently cited. (Pearson, 2012) Irene Publications, 2013) Merritt and Chelsea Turner

10 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 11 Around the World in 56 Years

In its second half-century, CSUN alumni, faculty and students are adventures, Zhou’s eyes dance when she describes her Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México academic and career plans: She walked the Oviatt (UNAM), one of the oldest and highest-ranked taking their expertise and passion abroad in greater numbers — and Library lawn in cap and gown at commencement this academic institutions in Latin America, to create a May with her David Nazarian College of Business center for scholarship and research on Mexico and bringing their energy back to campus. By Olivia Herstein and Economics classmates. She plans to work for an Latin America at CSUN. additional year on her F-1 visa and apply for a With this region’s rich Mexican-American and graduate program at CSUN. “More CSUN! More Latino heritage, and CSUN’s reputation for ethnic troll across the Oviatt Library lawn as the carillon tolls the alma mater just before noon, or pop studying at CSUN!” she said, laughing. diversity, officials at both into one of the campus coffeehouses any weekday morning, and the ear catches it immediately: Zhou meets weekly with the Cross Cultural universities said S the medley of languages. Mandarin Chinese. Saudi-inflected Arabic. Hindi. Korean. Farsi. Friendship Club, a student-faculty group committed the plan for Russian. Spanish. Armenian. to mixing international students, American-born shared research Today’s undergrad and grad students sport the same supplies — backpack, students of many ethnicities, faculty advisors and projects and skateboard, smartphone, earbuds — and don the same SoCal fashions — sneakers, community volunteers for mutual understanding and cultural skinny jeans, red-and-black CSUN hoodies. Despite these similarities, they hail schmoozing. On a recent spring afternoon, events — as from regions as diverse as the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East, Central participants included international students from well as student America and the Indian subcontinent. In fact, this once-quiet Northridge Nepal, Bangladesh, China, India and South Korea, and faculty campus has blossomed into one of the biggest magnets for international and self-described “ABCs,” American-born Chinese. exchanges — students in the nation, first among all master’s institutions. The group’s favorite topics of the moment? Hip-hop, was “a natural.” Since its founding in 1958 as San Fernando Valley State College, the K-Pop and pizza fundraisers. “UNAM and university has grown into a world-class and worldly institution of higher The club is just one example of a thriving campus CSUN have very education. The campus attracts students from six continents, with more community that’s attracting even greater numbers of similar than 38,000 students served by 4,000 faculty and staff. One of the largest students from abroad. CSUN’s students from campuses in the California State University system, CSUN offers a diversity throughout California benefit from the opportunities that reflects Los Angeles itself. to learn from their foreign peers, in and out of the classroom. It is a true win-win because the Far from Home, Forging a Path international students learn at a world-class Yayan “Zoe” Zhou looks wistful when she talks about her favorite comfort institution — and enhance the institution — food: the sweet, sticky bao (buns or dumplings) sold in the shops and without counting against CSUN’s student- streets of her native Shanghai. The buns sold in the Chinese enrollment target. Among the nationalities on the restaurants of the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys? Just rise at CSUN are students from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, not the same — not like mom makes. India and the United Arab Emirates. In the 21st But Zhou has to admit: She’s developed a serious taste century, the university’s most attractive programs to for Persian food (and she’s still thinking about that leg of international students include engineering, lamb dish she ate earlier this semester at a restaurant business, accounting and intensive near campus). Where else but Los Angeles, the senior English. And there’s much more to finance major said, would a Mandarin-speaking Chinese come from North America itself. undergraduate find a wealth of Persian restaurants, and Just this March, the university the classmates to help her order off the menu in Farsi? announced a major new When she’s not sharing her cross-cultural culinary partnership with the

Marta Lopez, director, International and Exchange Professor Vahram Shemmassian, director Student Center, shepherds international students of CSUN’s Armenian Studies Program, through their CSUN journey. lectures all over the globe on the history ALL PHOTOS: LEE CHOO ALL PHOTOS: of the Armenian genocide.

12 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 13 Around the World in 56 Years

missions: providing a quality education that is engineering curricula to improve Vietnamese Armenian genocide. The force behind the Armenian program. Established in 1983, the Armenian Studies accessible by people from broadly diverse ethnic, social students’ skills in the global marketplace. Studies Program in the Department of Modern and Program has grown from one course to 14, and it and economic backgrounds, with faculty who are Ho’s work since has spread to major universities in Classical Languages and Literatures, Shemmassian boasts a language minor and a languages and cultures respected scholars in their fields dedicated to Vietnam, including the country’s top institution, grew up in Lebanon and heard the stories of his major with Armenian as an option. teaching, service and research,” said CSUN President Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City. grandfather’s fight in the battle of Musa Dagh, Turkey “Los Angeles is the only place where we see all sorts Dianne F. Harrison. During summer and winter break trips to the (now Saman Dagh, Hatay province). He has returned of Armenians mingle for the first time — from Eastern On March 3, President Harrison and UNAM Southeast Asian nation, the professor has worked to Lebanon several times to speak about the genocide Armenia, near Russia, and others from Lebanon and Rector José Narro Robles were joined in Mexico City tirelessly to help scholars there implement a — and organizations and universities from Montreal the Middle East,” he said. “It’s a mixture, with all by numerous government leaders from the United curriculum model called Conceive-Design-Implement- to Prague invite the professor to speak on his people’s their regional influences — even the foods are somewhat States and Mexico at a ceremony to sign the Operate (CDIO). history and diaspora. different. UCLA, USC and Cal State L.A. also draw partnership agreement. “CDIO is one of the game-changers for higher CSUN, with about 10 percent of its student body [Armenian students], but CSUN is one of the largest It’s the fifth collaboration between UNAM and a education in Vietnam,” said Ho, who grew up near of Armenian heritage, is a natural fit for Shemmassian’s campuses. We also have about 170 Armenian staff foreign institution of higher education, but the only Ho Chi Minh City. “Vietnam is moving to a new-age one with a U.S. university. CSUN will house the new technology. Intel has built a billion-dollar chip center, expected to open this fall, in the College of manufacturing facility in Vietnam. Many multinational Social and Behavioral Sciences. It will allow faculty companies are coming to Vietnam. One of the and students from across the university to participate demands for that is that you need a skilled workforce. in cross-cultural research and scholarship. Vietnam has a population of 86 million people, and In addition to CSUN’s new program with UNAM, half of this population was born after 1975. It’s a it boasts partnerships with more than 100 universities phenomenal challenge — how do you translate such in 22 countries, according to John Binkley, associate a young population into a skilled workforce? dean for graduate, international and mid-career “In Vietnam in particular, like other Asian cultures, education at The Tseng College. The college also they place a lot of emphasis on academic achievements,” coordinates logistics such as insurance for visiting he said. “The education system needs to continue to scholars working on research projects at CSUN. improve so these multinational companies can keep coming to Vietnam. ... You open any major newspaper Taking Their Show on the Road in Vietnam, and there’s a column on education, Engineering professor Nhut Ho is more than a talking about this problem.” i distinguished faculty member teaching in Northridge Back at CSUN during the academic year, Ho is and his native Vietnam: He’s a Matador at heart. working with his mechanical engineering students After settling in 1988 with his family as refugees in and colleagues to study those higher-education Southern California, the professor of mechanical benchmarks for their engineering and computer engineering earned his bachelor’s degree at USC. He science peers across the Pacific. Ho first brought the went on to earn his master’s and doctorate at the CDIO approach in 2007 and applied it to benefit Massachusetts Institute of Technology and arrived at CSUN undergrads, helping them prepare for engineering CSUN to teach in 2005. courses and retain them in the program. Growing up In 2008, the Fulbright Scholar traveled to in the Valley, the professor said, he feels especially Vietnam to help academics design and bolster close to the needs of Matador students. “At CSUN, we have a lot of students who are first-generation immigrants, who come from a disadvantaged background,” he said. “I understand From top: Mechanical engineering Professor Nhut Ho works the needs of developing countries, and I really want to to improve engineering curricula in his native Vietnam. Maria help reform higher education — not just in Vietnam, Cartaya, an international student from Venezuela, is studying but everywhere. This is a fantastic opportunity to try journalism at CSUN. Ayotunde Alele, whose parents are out new ideas. It means a lot to me, because it really International CSUN students (R-L): immigrants from Nigeria, is a Valley native studying at CSUN makes a difference for the students.” Chisato Murata, Tahir Rizwan and and plans to pursue a career in international relations. On the other side of the Asian continent, in the Jonathan Lo play with CSUN Senior film major Hailey Graves is setting sail from London this student and Valley native Erik Middle East, professor Vahram Shemmassian is summer for a semester at sea. International student Jonathan Flores in front of the Oviatt Library. Lo hails from Hong Kong. representing CSUN and the massive Armenian

diaspora with prolific lectures on the history of the LEE CHOO ALL PHOTOS:

14 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 15 Around the World in 56 Years ON SALE NOW!

Growing in numbers on all fronts, CSUN’s more than 38,000 students come from many backgrounds. The university’s population of international students is unique in the numerous countries of origin and large variety of degree pursuits. and faculty working here. ... We’re trying to make students conscious about their identity, their culture.” Shemmassian teaches a full load of courses, including Armenian 440, “Armenian-American Child and the schools,” which fulfills a requirement for a Ranked first in the nation among master’s institutions for greatest foreign bilingual teaching credential. student population, CSUN is a large attraction for the college-bound from around the globe. Hands Across the Water CSUN sends full-time undergraduates for study abroad in 18 countries, including Chile, China, Denmark, Ghana, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain and Sweden. Students pay as little as CSUN’s own tuition to earn full academic credit for their overseas studies. What sets CSUN apart from other universities, however, is the high number of master’s-level students it sends to the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps Master’s International Program offers students Peace Corps service combined with a master’s degree program — in mathematics or secondary education, curriculum and instruction. Participants teach or work in other education projects while JO DEE MESSINA JEWEL abroad. The Peace Corps, an independent government Sun., July 13 – 7:30 p.m. Sat., July 19 – 8 p.m. agency that traces its roots to 1960, when then-Sen. Multi-platinum award-winning country singer/songwriter See four-time Grammy nominee, Jewel, hailed by John F. Kennedy challenged university students to Jo Dee Messina debuts her latest release, ME, in the Great Hall. The New York Times as a “songwriter bursting with talents.” serve their country by living and working in developing countries, provides volunteers for countries around the world. Matador alumni also may study abroad in the China, India, South Korea and world’s most populous country, China. This academic Saudi Arabia top the list of countries that send students year, seven CSUN students and alumni received the abroad to study at U.S. universities. prestigious China Scholarship Council award. The CSUN’s international student population reflects these scholarship, funded by the Chinese government, covers national trends. a year of tuition and living expenses for study at the country’s top universities. Brandon Violette, who graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in cinema-screenwriting, is using the award to study at the Beijing Film Academy. “I’ve packed my life into two suitcases and made that blind leap to a foreign country to start over, At CSUN, most international students earn bachelor’s degrees in engineering make a few friends and see walks of life I’d only read

fields, science, technology, business, management and marketing. about,” he said. “Once you go through that, with all , Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac 2013-14. the excitement and anxieties that go with it, it humbles David Nazarian you. It reminds you that you’re not at the center of College of Business College of Engineering and Economics 34% and Computer Science 35% the world like you once thought you were.” tudent Center “The greatest Beatles cover band – without the wigs… The Faux

change S invigorate the artistry of even ’ most intricate studio Carmen Ramos Chandler and Alaa Bitar contributed Performs Abbey Road and more! to this story. masterpieces with top chops and Beatlemaniac glee.” Michael D. Eisner Mike Curb Sat., Sept. 20 – 8 p.m. College of College of Arts, Media – SENIOR EDITOR, DAVID FRICKE Education 1% and Communication 13% Graphics reporting by Chelsea Turner. College of Health and College of Science VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE FULL SEASON LINEUP. Human Development 8% and Mathematics 4%

College of College of Social and Sources: International and Ex Humanities 2% Behavioral Science 3% 16 spring 2014 / northridge ValleyPerformingArtsCenter.org spring 2014 / northridge 17

VPAC_NorthridgeMag_140508_Ad_full_pg.indd 1 4/14/14 10:26 AM Building Bridges Across the Pacific By Shanté Morgan

who greeted Harrison during her visit. CSUN alumni and friends Xiao studied math at CSUN in 2012. in Nanjing, China, gather He joined a delegation of about 20 alumni at Moon Lake to welcome President Dianne F. in presenting Harrison with a welcome Harrison, her husband, plaque and photos of Nanjing scholars John Wujack, and professor who studied at CSUN in the 1990s. Justine Su. At Nanjing, Harrison also presented the student winners of the 2013 U.S.-China Space Science Education Project to the university’s president. The project is a collaborative effort between CSUN and NUST, in which Chinese officials may select the middle-school students’ experiments for a Chinese space mission.

Tea Time for Administrators Shanghai Normal University Vice President Yuhao Cong, also a CSUN alumnus, hosted a tea reception for alumni to welcome Harrison to Shanghai. alifornia State University, Northridge Attracting an Olympian and Diplomat teaching, research, creative projects, visiting professor His fellow Matadors at the President Dianne F. Harrison’s recent President Harrison’s visit set off a ripple effect in Los opportunities and other projects. Hundreds of visiting Shanghai university include two C visit to China strengthened the university’s Angeles: This year, China’s Olympic two-time gold scholars and thousands of students from China have vice presidents, 12 deans and international reach and expanded medalist in taekwondo, Jingyu Wu, enrolled in classes studied at CSUN, and many CSUN faculty and directors, and associate deans and educational and research opportunities for students through CSUN’s Tseng College and Ambassador Liu students have participated in exchange programs. deputy directors. and faculty. Jian, the new consul general of China in Los Angeles, The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2013-14 When he studied at CSUN as During the nine-day trip in September 2013, visited the CSUN campus. The Chinese Journal of Almanac ranks CSUN as No. 1 in master’s-level a visiting scholar in 2004, Cong Harrison met with presidents and vice presidents from World Education, a prestigious international journal institutions for international students, and it’s held a said, he learned much from the 10 Chinese universities, visited seven partner universities, published by the Chinese National Ministry of Education, place in the top 10 for at least a decade. This is true, theories and operations of American higher education renewed three agreements and met with educational also featured Harrison on its February cover (pictured in part, thanks to the university’s relationship with administration, which contributed to his growth as a and business leaders in five cities — Shanghai, Suzhou, at right). Chinese universities, according to CSUN officials. university administrator in China. Shortly after his Nanjing, Guangzhou and Wuhan. These developments are the latest in a long history CSUN studies, Cong earned a promotion to vice Harrison capped her trip by speaking on behalf of of collaboration with China. CSUN was one of the Living the Matador Life, in the president at Shanghai Normal. more than 20 international university presidents at the first American universities to pursue educational and People’s Republic “President Harrison’s short but extremely productive high-profile 60th anniversary celebration at Nanjing cultural exchanges with Chinese universities when the CSUN alumni in China have created a network — visit to China has greatly enhanced all the academic University of Science and Technology (NUST). late-President James Cleary signed the institution’s another ripple effect of the president’s trip — making values guiding CSUN’s international programs and “This trip served as an opportunity to deepen our first foreign-student exchange agreement in 1981. it one of only a handful of California State Universities relationships,” said Justine Su, professor of educational collaborations with Chinese academic and business Today, CSUN has agreements and letters of intent with alumni networks in that country. leadership and director of CSUN’s China Institute. leaders, as well as reach out to our alumni network,” with nearly 50 universities in China. These partnerships “California has some of the best universities in the “[She] has built a strong reputation and influence of Harrison said. “The university’s strong bonds with have helped promote the academic and cultural world, and CSUN has strong fields of study in many CSUN in China — and in the international China provide diverse learning and research opportunities exchange of faculty and students through joint areas,” said CSUN alumnus Wei Xiao, professor of education community.”

for our faculty, staff and students.” COURTESYPHOTO OF JUSTINE SU. math at Nanjing, one of dozens of alumni in China

18 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 19 CSUN alumna and Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr ’75 has reported for CNN from the world’s hotspots — from Afghanistan and Iraq to the Chinese-North Korean border. By Olivia Herstein

roadcast journalist Barbara Starr has access to,” Starr said. “I never wanted to work in an logged millions of air miles and countless office — I wanted to see things. And this is the only B stamps in her passport since graduating major I could find that required no math classes. So, from California State University, Northridge once a year when the Pentagon budget comes out, On the Front Lines in 1975. One flight in particular, though, left a you’ll see it with the press corps — you can tell who permanent mark on her heart. still remembers how to determine percentages!” In 2010, Starr rode along on a medical evacuation Starr and her sister, a fellow Matador and college “I was attracted to transport from the front lines of Afghanistan to of business alumna, returned to CSUN just a few Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Ramstein, years ago, and they marveled at the university’s journalism because Germany, and then on to Andrews Air Force Base tremendous growth. I could have access outside Washington, D.C. As a CNN correspondent, “You could see remnants of the campus we knew, she accompanied 20 seriously wounded young U.S. but it had grown so much — the stores and cafeterias on to things I never the main university drive,” Starr said, sharing the pair’s soldiers on the C-17 cargo “medevac” aircraft, a flying would have had intensive care unit, and profiled three. favorite Matador memory: “Devonshire Downs — it was “A couple of months later, I went back to Fort this ranch, and you bought your schoolbooks there.” access to. I never Campbell [Kentucky] Army base where they were, and they had recovered almost completely,” Starr said The Pentagon’s Darkest Day wanted to work in of the soldiers she profiled, who were with Fort When she reflects on her broadcast career, Starr uses one an office — I wanted Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division Screaming infamous day as a benchmark: 9/11. Starr was working Eagles. “When you cover the military, you cover a lot as a TV producer for ABC News in the Pentagon when to see things. ” of sad stories. And this was a happy story. The best Al Qaeda terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight part was seeing these guys, up and around, smokin’ 77 into the building on Sept. 11, 2001. and jokin’. “The past 13 years have been different from “At another army base, a young man in his 20s everything I’d done [before],” Starr said. “9/11 said, ‘Ms. Starr, Ms. Starr! You interviewed me! I was changed everything. When I went to school at Valley on that plane,’” she recalled, speaking by phone from State, I never could have fathomed what I’d be doing CNN’s broadcast booth in the Pentagon. “He was one [in these past years].” of the most seriously wounded. Not only was he now The war on terror has taken Starr from battlefield up and around, but he was getting prepared to go back to battlefield — covering the wounded, the fallen, the on his second tour [to Afghanistan]. I couldn’t stop families. hugging him because he was doing so well.” “Afghanistan is an unbelievably beautiful country,” she said. “The people are lovely, and the poverty would Close to Home break your heart. As a journalist, you see it so often: A Granada Hills native, Starr chose CSUN for its It’s the people who suffer so much.” proximity to home. She called her Southern California She has taken comfort and inspiration, after covering Opposite: Barbara Starr upbringing “typical.” “We were in the giant, giant so much war, in sharing the troops’ stories. Starr is ’75 interviews then- Chairman of the Joint [Sylmar] earthquake of 1971,” she said. “Our house back at the Pentagon as the U.S. war in Afghanistan Chiefs of Staff Marine cracked in half. We lived in the hills and coped with winds down. “But there’s always a hot spot,” she said. Gen. Peter Pace in earthquakes, brush fires, mudslides.” “Right now it’s Ukraine, sometimes it’s North Korea, Ramadi, Iraq, in 2007. As a freshman, she toyed with speech pathology and then there’s Syria — the crisis that won’t seem and sociology as potential majors before finding her to end.” calling in the news. She’s a member of the Pentagon’s formidable press “I didn’t go into journalism right away,” she said. corps. “This is the most laughing, smiling press corps

ARTMENT OF DEFENSE “I was one of those people: I changed my major three — it’s unusual,” Starr said. “We’ve all been to war times in the first few weeks. Then I took Journalism zones, and many of us were here on 9/11. It gives you Y OF DEP 101, with professor Jack Hart — and that was it. perspective in life. We’re competitive when we need to be, but we’re very, very collegial.” TO COURTES TO “I was attracted to journalism because I could be

PHO paid to have access to things I never would have had

20 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 21 The Score

Matadors Outscore Other Schools in the Classroom CSUN student-athletes graduate at higher rates than the general student population — bucking a national trend in racial inequalities and college Pictured, from left: Brandon Martin, director of intercollegiate athletics; Cliff Abel, Tereza Simonyan, Lisa graduation rates. According to a report Erickson, Beverly and Joe Austin (accepting for Markus Carr). released by University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) researchers in February, CSUN graduates black male athletes at much Four Named to CSUN’s Athletic Hall of Fame higher rates than other NCAA Division I More than 200 family members, friends, Communications, ), Lisa universities, including neighboring university President Dianne F. Harrison Erickson ’91 (Liberal Studies, ) and schools UCLA and USC. In fall 2013, and supporters of Matador Athletics Tereza Simonyan ’04 (Business Law, ) CSUN participated in a UPenn study on honored the newest members of the made up the 2014 Hall of Fame class. They the experiences of student athletes in CSUN Hall of Fame at an emotional joined an elite group of student-athletes, minority groups, namely women and luncheon on Feb. 9 at the Warner Center former administrators, coaches and teams students of color. The scholars and officials Marriott Hotel. Legendary men’s track representing the 19 sports in the university’s behind the study sought ways to increase and field head coach Cliff Abel and former Hall of Fame, established in 1981. student-athlete academic success. star athletes Markus Carr ’04 (Speech — Bob Vazquez

Dig! CSUN Adds Women’s Sand as Intercollegiate Sport Not far from the beaches that gave birth indoor squad, which reached the second in sand volleyball in the San Fernando to the sport, CSUN this spring launched round of the NCAA Tournament. Valley,” Stork said. “As an emerging its first women’s sand volleyball squad CSUN is the fourth Big West sport, we can become very competitive — the Matadors’ 19th intercollegiate Conference institution to add sand very quickly.” The NCAA has identified sport. volleyball as a varsity sport, following sand volleyball as an emerging sport, Jeff Stork, head coach of the Matadors’ Long Beach State, University of Hawaii intended to provide additional athletic The CSUN women’s basketball team celebrates its Big West Tournament championship March 15 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The team advanced to the NCAA indoor volleyball team, also leads the and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. opportunities to female student-athletes. Tournament to play South Carolina in the first round in Seattle. sand team, which started competition “This creates opportunities for player Nationwide, nearly 500,000 young March 6 at UCLA. The team features development, and there is a lot of interest women, ages 13 to 25, have taken up the Matadors Punch Big Dance Ticket 14 returning players from CSUN’s 2013 sport since 2007. The CSUN sand volleyball team For the first time in program history, the Matador women’s Junior guard Ashley Guay became the first Matador player serves up its first-ever match. basketball team is champion. The victory in program history to receive the league’s Player of the Year at Long Beach State on March 6 clinched the Big West regular- Award. She was also named Big West Conference Tournament season title and the No. 1 seed in the Big West Tournament, MVP. Head coach Jason Flowers received his second Big West both program firsts. The 12 conference wins were the most by Coach of the Year award in three seasons. the Matadors in their Big West Conference history. Junior guard Janae Sharpe earned All-Big West Second Next, the CSUN women headed to the Big West Tournament Team honors. Co-captain Cinnamon Lister was an All-Big at the Honda Center in Anaheim, where they defeated Cal Poly West Honorable Mention selection, and junior center Camille THLETICS.A TECOLLEGIA San Luis Obispo in the championship game on March 15. The Mahlknecht was named Big West Defensive Player of the Year. win punched the team’s ticket to the NCAA Tournament, or The Matador men’s basketball team also made it to the “Big Dance,” for the first time since 1999. brink of a “Big Dance” invitation, but lost a heartbreaker to INTER OF ARTMENT The Matador women, seeded No. 16 in the NCAA Tournament, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the Big West Tournament finals traveled to Seattle and fell in the first round to top-seeded South March 14. DEP OS:TPHO ALL Carolina on March 23.

22 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 23 The Score

Coach Reggie Theus Meets Up with MATADORS for LIFE Mentor and Legend Jerry Tarkanian As a Saturday morning CSUN men’s programs at UNLV and Long Beach basketball practice drew to a close at the State. Tarkanian, 83, has coped with Matador Statuette Walter , Long Beach State’s several major health issues in recent This bronze look resin-cast home arena, an extremely frail elderly years. The Matadors’ head coach, Reggie replica is the perfect gift man emerged from behind the bleachers. Theus, hugged Tarkanian and said, “I for an alum. From a distance, the CSUN coaches love you, coach. Thanks.” Height: 8’’ and players looked in awe at the elderly Long Beach State honored Tarkanian $79.99 fellow who struggled to stand, even with during halftime of the CSUN-49ers game Theus played for Tarkanian in the The Game® Alumni Cap Show your alumni pride the aid of a walker. He smiled. It was on Jan. 24. The 49ers twice made it to the mid-1970s at UNLV. “Coach Tarkanian with this cap. Jerry Tarkanian, the head coach who Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament shaped who I am as a person and as a Cotton fabric with eyelets brought national fame to the basketball during his five years there as head coach. coach,” Theus said. —B.V. around the crown. $20.00 Faculty Basketball “Jersey” 58 Retired CSUN Shine Mug In February, CSUN retired jersey number intercollegiate athletics. It’s time to shine with 58 to honor the university’s faculty for “The goal of Matador athletics extends this handy ceramic mug. their nearly 60 years of academic service far beyond the playing field and the White. 11 – oz. Printed graphic. and support of Matador Athletics during win-loss record,” Martin said. “Building $9.95 times of challenge and prosperity. The No. a solid academic foundation is paramount 58 jersey — the first number retired in for success now and later in life. We are CSUN athletics — also represents the fortunate to have the support of the Strand Art® ‘Alumni’ university’s founding year as San Fernando CSUN faculty.”

THLETICS.A TECOLLEGIA License Plate Frame Valley State College. In the fall, the Big West Conference Drive with CSUN pride. University officials invited CSUN’s named 17 CSUN student-athletes to its Polished chrome finish. faculty to attend the Cal Poly San Luis Academic All-Conference team, from all Painted background. Obispo basketball matchup Feb. 13, as a five fall sports: women’s volleyball, women’s INTER OF ARTMENT $12.95 gesture of thanks. soccer, men’s soccer, and men’s and No CSUN student-athlete will women’s cross country. DEP GE:AP THIS Women's Alumni Shirt wear 58 in future athletic competitions, The retired No. 58 jersey will hang on Been there, learned that! said Brandon Martin, director of display in the arena. Flaunt your accomplishment Champion® Alumni in this athletic fit tee. Fabric softened finish. Hooded Sweatshirt Screen-printed. 27" long. Fend off chilly breezes in President Harrison Opens Matador $18.00 this sweatshirt. CSUN Athletics Launches Double layer drawstring Achievement Center for Student-Athletes hood. Ribbed cuffs and hem. Matador Excellence Fund Front pouch pocket. CSUN reaffirmed its commitment to The grant lays a foundation for the Screen-printed. XS – 3XL. academic success for Matador student- center’s operation for three years. In November 2013, CSUN’s athletics $39.95 athletes with a September ribbon-cutting President Dianne F. Harrison and CSU department unveiled its Matador ceremony at the new Matador Chancellor Timothy White cut the red Excellence Fund, which supports scholarships for student-athletes in all Achievement Center in Bayramian Hall. ribbon to open the achievement center, To purchase: The center offers mentoring, tutoring which serves nearly 400 student-athletes. 19 varsity programs. Memberships begin and other forms of support for CSUN’s “To expand our academic resources is at $50, and benefits include priority Cutter & Buck® visit the Matador student-athletes. essential,” said Harrison, who thanked seating, reserved parking, pre-game Genre Polo Bookstore at CSUN, The ideal polo shirt The NCAA awarded grants to six Bernard Franklin, NCAA executive vice hospitality and travel opportunities to visit matadorbookstore.com that’s fit for all Matadors. away games and matches. Alumni and institutions as part of a three-year pilot president; Brett Sanders, Matador Polyester. Embroidered. or call (818) 677-2932. program, aimed at increasing student- Achievement Center director; CSUN former student-athletes can access Black. S – 2XL. athletes’ academic performance. The staff, and the center’s staff and team of additional perks. To learn more, call $42.00 /matadorbookstore association granted CSUN $900,000 student-athletes. —B.V. (818) 677-4837 or visit gomatadors.com. from a very competitive applicant pool.

24 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 25 BOOKSTORE Alumni Association

Francine Oschin Takes the Reins

When Francine Oschin she spent one year at Los Angeles City the Valley. She rose through the ranks ’84 (Journalism), College and got married. She earned an and served as his assistant chief deputy M.A. ’85 (Mass associate degree from Los Angeles Valley for nearly 15 years. Communications) College and started taking classes at then- “That was the launching pad for so returned to California San Fernando Valley State College. Oschin much more in my career,” Oschin said. State University, put her bachelor’s degree on hold as her In 2004, she narrowly lost a bid for the Northridge in the family grew, however, and she relocated Valley’s 3rd District council seat. Today, early ’80s after starting to Hawaii. Oschin is president of Oschin Partners, and stopping her an Encino-based government relations Francine Oschin, Alumni education over two consulting firm that focuses on Association President decades, she expected “I would be nowhere transportation issues. She has served in (2013-15) to complete her degree. leadership positions within the Alumni Oschin got much more. if I didn’t have CSUN.” Association since 2003, when the The 30th president of CSUN’s organization appointed her as the Alumni Association said she made lifelong university’s volunteer representative connections that created personal and Oschin later returned to California, on the CSU Alumni Council. She also Staying Connected career opportunities she never would earned her degrees and went to work as a co-chairs (with Bob Rawich) the “Grass have imagined. reporter for the Glendale News-Press and Tops” CSUN Advocacy Network, which Alumni mingle at the Networking Mega Mixer on March 20 at the Culver Hotel. “Through CSUN, I’ve had the ability to Burbank Leader. While working on a advocates for funding and support from connect to individuals who had influence CSUN Department of Journalism elected officials. and connections,” Oschin said. “I would be anniversary event, she met a fellow alum She serves in numerous civic roles, Past Event Highlights nowhere if I didn’t have CSUN.” who recommended her for a job working including the Valley Industry and Mixing it Up, Matador Style The New York native moved to Los for then-Los Angeles City Councilman Commerce Association board of directors. Angeles as a teenager. After high school, Hal Bernson, who represented much of —Shanté Morgan In the wood-paneled elegance of the Culver Hotel, Matador

alumni gathered to dine, drink and reconnect at the Networking TION. Mega Mixer, March 20. The Alumni Association hosted the event in the historic hotel’s Velvet Lounge, in up-and-coming

downtown Culver City. A night filled with shared memories S: ALUMNI ASSOCIA Mentor a Matador in four easy steps:

and new connections, the mixer united members of the TUDENT association’s 25 alumni chapters. Alumni mingled with their Step One: Visit csunalumni.com and complete a short fellow Matadors working in fields such as business, education, Distinguished Alumni Awards online profile with basic information about yourself, government, science, writing, and health and wellness. HOO; JOURNALISM S your academic career at CSUN and current (or most The CSUN Alumni Association honored four outstanding recent) work experience. alumni April 26: Bill Imada ’84 (Human Resource Management), HIN: LEE C 1 chairman and chief collaboration officer, IW Group, Inc.;

CINE OSC Step Two: Select the number of students or young

Diane Manzella ’71 (M.A., Speech Communication), JOSE; F pioneer PCINAA - FRAG ANGE Journalism students were treated to a lightning round of audiologist and speech pathologist; and Philip Tauber ’68 speed mentoring by journalism alumni working in the field. alumni who may contact you at a time and your (Music) and Gayle Tauber ’72 (Political Science), founders of 2preferred method of contact. Kashi Foods. The 16th-annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala included a dinner and awards presentations at the Four Mentor a Matador Step Three: Wait for email approval (1-2 days), and Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. follow the steps to complete your application and post Help Matadors prepare for success by sharing your personal Imada leads IW Group, one of the nation’s leading your profile online. G MIXER: MONIC experiences, industry knowledge and expertise. The Matador 3 minority-owned and -operated advertising, marketing and Network is a new online mentoring system that matches CSUN Step Four: Your mentor profile will be available for communications agencies that focus on multicultural markets. GINEERIN students and recent graduates with seasoned professionals across mentees to search and connect. The Alumni Association

Manzella is considered a pioneer in the fields of audiology and CIA; EN all industries. Whether you live near Northridge or far from speech pathology. She initiated a pilot program in Maryland to will notify you via email when a mentee selects you as a OR GART Los Angeles — even abroad — this is a great way to give back mainstream hearing-impaired children into the classroom. 4match and requests you as a mentor. to your alma mater and stay connected to CSUN. The Matador Since 1972, Philip and Gayle Tauber have been co-founders of Network system allows you to mentor according to your own startup companies, concentrating predominantly in health and One person can make a huge difference in establishing a Above: Alumni, faculty and students mingle at the annual College schedule and convenience. Mentors are expected to respond to

GE - MEGA MIXER: NES career. Be the one. Become a Matador Network mentor!

wellness and social responsibility. They may be best known as P ATHIS of Engineering and Computer Science Alumni mixer. mentee questions via email, phone or Skype. the founders of Kashi Company.

26 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 27 Alumni News

Matadors Forever Save the Date! CSUN Shines in the San Fernando Valley Business Community CSUN contributes to the Valley through its business affiliations, academic programs, ever-growing graduation rates and CSUN Day at Dodger Stadium outstanding alumni. CSUN gained further notoriety in July (vs. Milwaukee Brewers) 2013 when the Valley Industry and Commerce Association Sat., Aug. 16, honored the university as a member of the San Fernando Valley 6:10 p.m. game time Business Hall of Fame.

Fulbright Tradition Shines On Fulbright scholars Naomi Carrington, who received her master’s CSUN staff member Brenda Kanno (left) and volunteer Jackie Scheidlinger work in English from CSUN in 2013, and Alexander Olson and Lovina in the campus botanical garden. Tata, who completed CSUN’s two-year Strategic Language Initiative Russian Immersion Program, are exploring Rwanda, Volunteer Opportunities Russia and Ukraine, during the 2013-14 academic year. Special-interest alumni chapters and clubs provide alumni with a chance to broaden their career networks, build lifelong CSUN Launches Global Alumni Network friendships and give back to their alma mater through service In 2013 the university’s Office of Alumni Relations established and support. Many chapters have their own social activities, the CSUN Global Alumni Network, including fostering networking events, newsletters, scholarships and mentoring connections with Matador alumni in China. programs to benefit the constituency or department they represent. This year alumni and volunteers have reached out to Members in Action the Alumni Association with plans to establish five new chapters “Supporting CSUN has been a source of much pride in my life and clubs, focused on the following common interests and and for my wife, Stefanie DuBois. We’re delighted to hear and regions. If you would like to join their efforts, reach out today! read about the joys and successes of students and alumni through events we attend and publications we receive. There is great Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl satisfaction in giving back to the academic community that helped Sat., June 21, 8 p.m., featuring Hall of Fame recipients. us along. We would not have had nearly the college experience Matador Attorney Networking Group: $35 Alumni Association members, $40 non-members or successes in life if it were not for the alumni support and Contact David Bobrosky ’95 (Finance) at dbobrosky@ contributions. Alumni and friends of CSUN should consider lewitthackman.com or Michael Attar ’95 (Marketing) at Family Movie Night on the Oviatt Lawn: passing on that experience to future generations of students.” [email protected]

“Monsters University” HOO. –Bob Finkelstein ’78 (Environmental and Occupational Health) Thurs., Aug. 7, 6 p.m. Conejo Valley Alumni Network: and Stefanie DuBois ’73 (English), Joint Lifetime Members Contact Doron Schnaid ’94 (Radio/Television

ANIC GARDEN: LEE C Production) at [email protected] or Elad Washington, D.C. Area Alumni Mixer F PCINACIA; BOAG TGE: Bob and Stephanie are members of the Presidents Associates Wed., Sept. 17 and have established a scholarship to support an EOH student. Goren ’99 (Finance) at [email protected] Join Bob and Stephanie in contributing to CSUN. There are Football Team Reunion many great reasons to maintain contact with the university Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Sat., Sept. 20, 5 p.m. through the Alumni Association. In addition to professional (ELPS) Graduates:

Alumna and former CSUN cheerleader Diana Cooley ’69 meets current cheer NESYA OR GART: The 1961-68 football teams are reuniting and honoring networking mixers and career industry panels, benefits include Contact Ricardo Sosapavon, professor of education, at team members at Founders’ Day. Coach Sam Winningham. For more information email savings on health insurance, car rentals, theme park and movie [email protected] [email protected] tickets, and access to CSUN campus services such as the Oviatt Founders’ Day and Class of 1964 50-year Reunion Library, career center and discounted membership at the Nursing Alumni Chapter:

Black Alumni Association Scholarship and Awards Remember the good old days? Join us in honoring the 50-year TION; FOUNDERS’ D Student Recreation Center. Join online at csunalumni.com or Contact Rosine Der-Tavitian, professor of nursing, at Champagne Brunch class of 1964 and reconnect with former classmates, faculty and call (818) 677-2137. [email protected] Sat., Sept. 27 colleagues. Sat., Sept. 20, 11 a.m., USU Northridge Center. CSUN Hillel Alumni: Contact Judy Alban, CSUN Hillel director, at [email protected] GE: DODGERS GAME: ALUMNI ASSOCIA

For more information and reservations, visit P ATHIS csunalumni.com or call (818) 677-2137.

28 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 29 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and Policy Concept Statement No. 1 started a small marketing consulting worked for the past 25 years to Alumni Notes vice president of audience for Morris — Guiding Principles of Good firm, Write it Right, in 2012. capture pictures and videos of Please submit notes for future publication to [email protected] Publishing Group’s metro markets. Tax Policy: A Framework for industrial farming practices — Planned Giving ’83 Liza Carbe Red denotes Alumni Association members. Evaluation of Tax Proposals.” (Music) was earning him recognition in the ’77 Frank Lala (Community classically trained at CSUN and animal rights community. What Will Your Health Education), founder of the ’81 Gilbert Dalmau (Business has used her talents on acoustic, ’74, ’78 Julio Blanco (B.S., Physics; Society of Rotary International Chatham County Association of Administration) was hired by electric and bass guitars in Incendio, ’85 Ken Davison (Speech Legacy Be? 1960s M.S., Physics) is interim provost and the Financial Planning the Deaf, was the 2013 recipient Sterling Financial Corporation as a band founded in 1999. The band Communication) is the president of Georgia’s Deaf Community Southern California market president. blends sounds of Spanish guitar of Symmetry Electronics ’62 Lionel B. and vice president for academic Association of Ventura County. affairs at California State University, Leader Award for his work as a and classic rock. Corporation. He has worked in Sanders ’75 William ’81, ’04 Michelle Rene Katz Monterey Bay. Previously, he was rehabilitation counselor for the the industry for 29 years. With a $10,000 gift annuity, you can gain (Accountancy) Covino (B.A., Art; M.A., Mathematics ’83 Dirk Gates (Engineering) the dean of the School of Natural (M.A., deaf and hard-of-hearing lifetime payments for yourself through has merged his Education) is a founding math is the executive chairman and ’84 Mary Jerez (M.A., Secondary Sciences, Mathematics and English) is the community with Georgia’s your gift to CSUN. business, Lionel teacher at Northridge Academy founder of Xirrus, a leader in Reading Improvement) will retire Engineering and a professor of first new president Department of Human Services B. Sanders, CPA, of California High School in the Los Angeles high-performance Wi-Fi. from her beloved position as an Annual physics at California State in Savannah. Age Rate Income with one of State University, Unified School District. She teaches English teacher at Frontier High University, Bakersfield. ’83, ’91 Rivka Schaffner (B.A., Southern California’s largest full- Los Angeles since ’77, ’95 Kenneth “Ken” AP calculus. She was nominated School in Camarillo. She has 70 5.1% $510 Art; Teaching Credential Program), service accounting, tax and business ’74, ’75 Opanyi 1979. Covino is a veteran of the MacFarlane (B.A., Theatre; for the 2013 Presidential Awards served the school for 39 years. a surrealistic, contemporary graffiti 75 5.8% $580 advisory firms, Gumbiner Savett, Nasiali (B.A., Cal State system, serving as provost M.A., Theatre) is an actor in the for Excellence in Mathematics and artist, hosted a presentation for the ’85 Webb Weiman (Radio/TV Inc. Urban Studies; and vice president of academic independent film — recently Science Teaching. Visalia Art League for the Artist Production) founded the non- 80 6.8% $680 M.A., Urban affairs at CSU Fresno and CSU released on DVD — “Caesar and ’65 Curtis C. Ebbesmeyer ’81 John Krantz Lecture Series. profit organization Jump!, which Planning Stanislaus. Otto’s Deadly Xmas.” 85 7.8% $780 (Engineering) is the author of (Business helps senior citizens fulfill their and Public ’83, ’09 Leslie Sobol, CPA (B.S., Flotsametrics and the Floating ’75, ’83 Melissa Lanfre (B.S., Office ’78 Rodney A. Scher (English) Administration) dreams by checking off items on 90 9.0% $900 Administration) Business Administration; M.S., World: How One Man’s Obsession Administration; M.S., Accountancy) is living his “golden years” as an is the senior their “bucket list.” He founded is the first black resident and Taxation) became a partner in the with Runaway Sneakers and Rubber is the executive vice president and annotator and editor of sailing vice president- the organization after losing his native of Kenya to be elected accounting firm of Lucas Horsfall. Please contact our Planned Giving O ce Ducks Revolutionized Ocean chief operating officer of Farmers books for Sheridan House, and he controller of mother, brother and father to mayor of Claremont, Calif. She is also a professor of taxation for your free, personalized illustration Science. He kicked off his career as & Merchants Bank of Long works as a publication editor for Stearns Lending, illnesses. He worked as the head at CSUN, where she created the at no obligation. (818) 677-2136 a pioneering oceanographer in ’74 Gerald (Jerry) Pelton Beach. With more than 30 years Smart Computing magazine. Inc., a major lending company. of post-production for the Magical peer-reviewed Tax Development 1969, when he became the first in (Business Administration) has of banking experience, she also Elves company, and he supervised ’78 Jonathon “Jon” Sutherland ’82 Matthew Geyer (Philosophy) Journal in 2009. The journal is the the field to work for Mobil/ been appointed to Pathpoint’s served as executive vice president award-winning shows such as (Radio-Television Broadcasting), a spent eight years as a motion first student-run online publication Standard Oil. board of directors. Founded in and chief administrative officer “Project Greenlight,” “Project former record-setting Matador picture prop-maker while earning to serve as a forum for intellectual 1964, Pathpoint is a California- with Beach Business Bank. Runway” and “Top Chef.” ’65 Lawrence Newman (Biology) runner who holds a CSUN top-10 his degree, 20 years as a commercial discourse on emerging issues, for based nonprofit that aims to was recently promoted to vice ’76, ’86 Richard Flores mark in the two-mile run, is a cross lawyer, and 10 years as a commercial tax practitioners and policy makers. ’86 Linda Keller (Journalism and provide services, programs and (B.A., Art; president of Kirkman Group, Inc., M.A., Art) is a three-dimensional country coach for Notre Dame arbitrator and mediator. He recently Political Science) is the employee opportunities to people with ’84 Nancy Soble Juetten and he remains its chief operating fine arts professor at The College High School in Sherman Oaks. published his first novel, Strays, benefits practice leader of California disabilities and disadvantages. (Marketing) is the author of officer over technical and of the Sequoias. His exhibit, “The He has been running every day available at independent operations for Hub International Bye-Bye Boring Bio and leads the regulatory affairs. He began ’74, ’76 Dianne Saylors-Wilburn Urban Sketch Experiment,” showed since May 26, 1969 — pushing bookstores and online. Limited, California. “Worldwide Virtual Get Your Client working for the company in 1999. (B.A., Psychology; M.A., recently at the college’s art gallery. for one of the longest active streaks ’82 Michael Attracting Story Done” workshop. ’86 John Powell (Marketing) was Educational Psychology) recently in the U.S. In addition to running ’67 Hasso Hering (Journalism) is ’76 Adriane “Mike” named vice president of sales at retired from her 20-year practice and coaching, Sutherland made a ’84 Mark J. Kelson (Finance) was spending his “golden years” with Lowe (Art) is a Herrington Harman’s JBL Professional. His as a marriage and family therapist. career as a rock ‘n’ roll journalist named one of Los Angeles’ most his wife, Kathy, in Albany, Texas. financial planner (Physical responsibilities include sales Her current endeavor is working and has authored four books. influential mergers and acquisitions He was the editor of the Albany with MassMutual’s Education) planning and management. with breast cancer survivors — advisors by the Los Angeles Business Democrat-Herald for 34 years, Greater Los ’79 Jorge Alvarado (Political finished eighth she is an 18-year survivor of the Journal. He serves as chair of the Los ’86 Doug Sirotta (Accounting retiring in 2012. Hasso maintains Angeles Agency. Science) was recently appointed in the running disease — as well as participating Angeles Corporate Securities and Theory and Practice) is a partner a blog and occasionally participates She earned the New Mexico’s chief public defender. for the first-ever USA Today Best in other community work. Practice at Greenberg Traurig LLP. in Ernst & Young LLP’s Seattle in media events. Chartered Special Needs Consultant High School Football Coach in ’79 Peter Charles Flanderka tax practice. He has had a 25-year ’74 Craig A. Szabo (Business professional designation from The America competition. He received ’84 Faith Morris ’69 James Adams (History) (Journalism) has been named (M.A., Education) career advising multi-national Administration) has been the American College in Pennsylvania. more than 35,000 votes for recently stepped down from his partner in the Los Angeles law firm went on to earn her doctorate in corporations and entrepreneurial president and owner of Szabo outstanding coaching at Hart curriculum from UCLA. She is now presidency at Chaminade College ’76 Mark Morgan (Business Fisher & Phillips LLP, one of the businesses on domestic and Accountancy Corporation since High in Santa Clarita. In 23 principal at Marblehead Elementary Preparatory in West Hills and is Administration) is the new president leading management-side labor and international tax issues. 1996. Szabo was recently appointed seasons under Herrington, the School in the Calabasas Unified serving as president emeritus. He of Anthem Blue Cross. Prior to employment firms in the nation. to the board of directors of Variety Indians have racked up 15 School District. ’87 Dennis DeYoung (Finance), served as president since 1996 and his promotion, he served as the – The Children’s Charity, a Foothill League Championships, who served as CSUN Alumni had a 39-year career in Catholic company’s chief operating officer. ’85 Eugene Southern California organization six CIF Championships and Association president from 2011 education. 1980s “Gene” Baur aimed at inspiring and “building a ’77, ’02 Janet Garufis (B.A., reached four CIF Finals. He to 2012, was named a Trusted (Sociology), better future” for kids. English; M.A., English) is president ’80 Annette Nellen (Accounting) played offensive line for two Advisor Honoree of 2012 by the received the 2013 Arthur J. Dixon seasons at College of the Canyons author of national San Fernando Valley Business 1970s ’75 Jeffrey Borenstein (Business of the volunteer board of directors Memorial Award from the Tax and two seasons at CSUN. bestseller Farm Journal. He is the branch manager Administration) achieved the for the Scholarship Foundation of ’73 Bill Handel (Political Science), Division of the American Institute Sanctuary: of Financial West Group in designation of certified financial Santa Barbara. Garufis has served ’82 Diana L. (Thorn) Roemer the renowned radio host of “The of CPAs, considered the highest Changing Hearts Northridge, managing $95 million planner this year. In 2008, he joined on the board since 2009. (Political Science) is director of Bill Handel Show,” celebrated 20 honor in the taxation industry. and Minds About Animals and Food, in assets for about 200 individual Lamia Financial Group LLC, a advancement and marketing for years of waking Los Angeles on ’77 Terry Greenberg (Journalism), She is a tax professor and director is the president and co-founder of and corporate clients. KFI 640 AM. He also hosts financial planning and wealth who was named an outstanding of the graduate tax program for San a continuing-care retirement Farm Sanctuary. Recently featured “Handel on the Law” on Saturday management company. Borenstein alumnus by CSUN’s journalism Jose State University. She is also community in Mt. Morris, Ill. on “The Jazzy Vegetarian,” he has mornings, a topic he knows well, is also a member of The Bequest department, is the editor of The the lead author of the article “Tax She is also a published author and as he studied law.

30 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 31 Alumni Notes

’87 Raul Denied: Depriving the Forty Days logistics plans for the space shuttle ’92 Nicole Duet (Theatre) is an ’93 Genaro Ky-Li Smith ’96 Nury ’99, ’02, ’07 Kelli Burns (B.A., on the California Society of Godinez II (Civil of Musa Dagh” at the Film and Endeavour’s move across L.A. art professor at Louisiana Tech (English) was one of three authors Martinez Liberal Studies; Teaching Credential; Municipal Finance Officers board Engineering) is the Arts panel for the Armenian from the airport to the California University. The Louisiana native featured at the Festival of Words (Political M.A., Educational Administration) of directors. city manager of National Committee of America Science Center. was a part-time lecturer at CSUN in Grand Coteau, La., which took Science) is one is the new principal of Mountain ’01 Lilia Galindo El Monte, Calif. Grassroots Conference. for seven years. place in November 2013. of the newest Meadows School, a Moorpark (MPA, Public ’90, ’96 Sharon Stuart Previously, he (M.A, He has published work in many elected members Unified School District elementary Administration) was appointed to ’89 Jessica Oei (Home Economics- ’92 Audrey served as executive Computers in Instruction; M.S., journals and earned first place in of the Los Angeles school. the 50th District Agricultural Business) works for Tech Lighting Mathews director of public works in Santa Mathematics) retired in June from the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard City Council. Her work in the Association, Antelope Valley Fair and LBL Lighting as Western ’99, ’03, ’11 Julian Gomez (B.A. Ana and for Oakland public works her 40-year position at Apollo (MPA, Public Wright Fellowship competition. community includes founding Board, by Governor Brown. She regional sales manager and Internet English; Teaching Credential; M.A. under then-Mayor Jerry Brown. High School in the Simi Valley Administration) Pacoima Beautiful and advocating also is the owner and host of a sales manager. ’94 Nausheer Allibhoy Educational Leadership and He also served on the San Fernando Unified School District. She was awarded (Finance) for students within the Los Angeles radio talk show, “Café Con Leche.” taught math classes of all levels the lifetime was appointed managing director Policy Studies) is the principal City Council from 1994 to 1998. Unified School District. ’01 Brian Ganley and independent study courses achievement of global professional services at of Moorpark Community High (MPA, Public ’88 Joseph Slotnick (M.A., 1990s focused on math-oriented trades award from the American Society Alvarez and Marsal. Previously, he ’96 Eric Nelson (MBA, Business School, the continuation school Administration) is the new chief information officer in the infor- Educational Administration) ’90, ’10 Gina Johnson (B.A., such as accounting. for Public Administrators. She is a led the valuation advisory practice Administration) is the vice president for Moorpark Unified School was selected Deaf Person of the professor emerita in the College of at SingerLewak. of commercial engines and helicopter District. His work there comes mation services department for Child Development; MPA, Public ’91 Allan Graves Year for the 12th district of Los (M.S., Electrical Business and Public Administration programs for Aviall, Inc. He has after a successful stint as dean of the city of Glendale, managing Administration) is the chief ’94 Carol Cooley Angeles. He is the co-founder of Engineering) has worked for the at California State University, (Teaching served the company since 2005 Chatsworth High School in Los three divisions. deputy of institution services of Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Credential Program), an adult Telecommunication for the Deaf, the Ventura County Probation San Bernardino. and has more than 25 years of Angeles Unified School District. ’01 Jennifer Gorospe-Tull Inc., and a longtime officer of Division for more than 30 years. education teacher, retired from experience in the aviation OEM Agency. She worked her way up ’93 Ronald C. Hasse ’99 Michael Lizarraga (Journalism) (Sociology) is a nationally Temple Beth Solomon. He received the Navy Meritorious Monte Vista School and Virtual supply chain. the ranks after joining the agency Civilian Service Award, the third- (Organizational Systems Academy after 38 years of service to was the guest speaker at the Deaf certified school psychologist for the ’89, ’94 Ramon Flores (B.S., as a student aide in 1990. highest honor the Navy can bestow Management) is the publisher Simi Valley Unified School District. ’97 Craig Pisors (Sociology) is Sports Academy’s 2013 Stars Coronado Unified School District Engineering; M.S., Mechanical on a civilian. and president of the Los Angeles president and community banking Basketball Camp at California in Coronado. ’90 Hollie Krell (Home Economics- ’94, ’96 Harold L. Osmer Engineering) has joined the board News Group. (B.A., regional operations manager at U.S. School for the Deaf, Riverside. Business) rappelled down the side ’91 Vahe Markarian ’01 Matthew Krupnick (Business of Ventura County’s Community (Geography), Geography; M.A., Geography) Bank, where he manages compliance Lizarraga played basketball for of a 30-story building at Over the ’93 Joe Mannetti Law) is a lawyer with Krupnick & Action Agency, which helps low- a longtime Glendale resident, was (M.S., Marriage, has released “Where They Raced and operational procedures for retail, the Matadors during his time at Edge, a Denver event hosted by recognized by the Los Angeles Family, Child Counseling) was — Speed Demons in the City of Krupnick, a firm he founded with income families improve their lives. the Cancer League of Colorado to commercial and private banking. Northridge. his mother. He also holds a doctorate and serves City Council for 20 years of service selected by the board of directors Angels” on DVD, which recounts raise funds for cancer research and in public education. He is the of the New Haven Pride Center the history of racing tracks in ’97 Donna Stapleton (Teaching ’01 Eliza Minnasian as president of the Ventura County patient care. Krell has survived Board of Education. principal of Santa Monica Boulevard as a recipient of the 11th Annual Southern California. Credential) is the new assistant 2000s (Accountancy) was elected to the two types of cancer and is the Community Charter School. Dorothy Awards for his work with principal for Vonore Elementary board of directors of the nonprofit ’94 Charlie Wiener (Electrical ’00 John Dagata ’89 Serj Minassians (Radio, mother of three children. the LGBT community. The award and Vonore Middle School in (Criminology and Partners for Potential, which ’91 Liza Frias (Environmental Engineering) is a senior systems Corrections), a former Matador Television and Film), a Los Angeles- ’90 Richard Plump (Engineering) honors Connecticut residents who Monroe County, Tenn. allocates programs and services to based filmmaker, joined colleague and Occupational Health) is the have made significant contributions engineer for Entech Computer track and field and football star, is the chief executive of Plump ’97 Jason Thibeault multicultural adults with develop- Edwin Avaness to present and new environmental health manager to the community. Services, Inc. (M.A., English) joined the University of Oklahoma Engineering, which executed for the city of Pasadena. is the senior vice president of mental disabilities. She is also a discuss their new film, “Epic ’95 David Lee (M.S., Biology) is Sooners football coaching staff. partner at NSBN LLP, working marketing for PokitDok, a health Dagata also has coached at University the new vice president of quality marketplace for consumers to in the entrepreneurial services at OsoBio. He has more than 20 of California, Berkeley; Iowa State department, where she supplies research and shop for non-acute University; University of California, years of experience in his field. treatment. accounting, tax consulting, tax Santa Barbara; and United planning and compliance services. ’95, ’10 Anne Yale (Teaching ’98 Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins Kingdom Athletics. Credential; M.A., English) ’02 Armond (Political Science) has served as ’00 Brad Marsh published her first book, What’s (English) was Aghakhanian the head of Green For All, a The Recorder That Word? A Fun Way to Build recognized by as a (Political Science) Washington, D.C.-based group “Lawyer on the Fast Track” in 2013. Vocabulary. The book focuses on that unites unions and environmen- was appointed to building vocabulary for high talists to push for anti-poverty ’00 Ara Soudjian (Radio, Television serve on the Park, school students, and exhibitors measures and a clean-energy and Film Production), a filmmaker Recreation and featured it at the National Council economy, since 2009. With close and activist, was honored with the Community of Teachers of English conference ties to the Obama administration, Vahan Cardashian Award by the Services Board in the city of A Great Success in . she led the fight to include two key Armenian National Committee of Burbank, and the school facilities So far this year, 5,681 people have given to the Annual Campaign 2013-2014 and many have oversight committee for the ’96 Brian Begun provisions — funds for job training America-Western Region at its (Theatre) is the Burbank Unified School District. attended President’s Associates events at the Valley Performing Arts Center, the Petersen CEO and founder of Everything’s and a focus on green jobs — in the annual banquet. Automotive Museum, and in CSUN’s Botanic Garden and Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium. House of Representatives climate He also is a participating professor Made of Chocolate. His invention ’00 Gard Van Antwerp (MBA, at Woodbury University and a and business venture grew out of and energy bill. Business Administration) is the Do your part before June 30! doctoral candidate in organizational the combination of his skills and ’99 Rebecca Bjork (MPA, Public laser applications manager for Reis leadership at Pepperdine University’s Your gift, regardless of the size, has a major impact. Last year, gifts of $100 or less expertise in visual effects. He has Administration) has been appointed Robotics of U.S. and Canada. He Graduate School of Education added up to more than $200,000 in support. made a 20-year career in the art of Santa Barbara’s interim public works coordinates all activities involving and Psychology. chocolate design. director. She oversees the city’s the company’s extensive line of ’02 Michelle Bonoan Individuals and organizations that make large gifts often look at the overall number of ’96 Jason Lawson (Accounting transportation system, water and automation, robotics and optics. donors as an indication that there is broad support for CSUN, making them more likely to (Management) has joined Theory and Practice), CPA, is a wastewater facilities, and city-owned ’01 Joan Michaels Aguilar give. Heidrick & Struggles, a provider Magazines and organizations that rank universities also look at the percentage of partner at Moss Adams LLP. He buildings and fleet. She also manages (Family and Consumer Sciences) alumni who make a gift as a factor. The bottom line is your gift makes a di—erence. It is a $50 million budget and 124 of executive search and leadership has 15 years of accounting and has been promoted to deputy city consulting services worldwide, important. Whether $25 or $100, or whatever amount you are inspired to contribute, please staff members. consulting experience, with a manager of administrative services as a partner within the company’s join the thousands of others by making a gift today. focus on middle-market, publicly in Dixon, Calif. She also serves education and social enterprise traded companies. practice.

32 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 33 givenow.csun.edu (818) 677-2999 Mail the attached form/envelope Alumni Notes

’03 Esmeralda Xochitl Flores “Ellen DeGeneres Show” featured program at the University College ’05 Claudia Keith (M.A, Mass ’06, ’09 Josh McDonald (M.S., half-marathon (13.1 miles). A Change program, is serving on the the Museum of San Fernando (Chicana/o Studies) was included Karpel after she won a John Deere London’s geography department. Communication/Journalism) is the Marriage and Family Therapy; former runner for CSUN and board of directors of the United Valley, helping organize mural in a Time Magazine article about riding lawn mower, which she Landa gained an international first-ever chief communications M.A., Educational Administration current member of Nike Team Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa tours for its public art initiative. more American women choosing took home to her fiancé’s farm in reputation for her efforts fighting officer for the city of Palo Alto. K-12) is the assistant principal of Run LA, Blackwell is a Camarillo Barbara County. ’08 Kathryn “childlessness.” The magazine Alma, Mich. for more immigration rights in Recently, she served the CSU as La Mesa Junior High School in teacher who works with autistic ’07 Ofa Tulikhihifo “Katie” featured her on the cover of the the U.S., after being deported to the assistant vice chancellor for Santa Clarita. children. (Journalism- ’03 Kariné Poghosyan Holloway Aug. 12, 2013, issue. She also has (B.M., her birth country, Mexico, in public affairs. Broadcast), a former Redondo ’06 Andy Posner ’07 Regina Caskey written and performed a stage play Music Keyboard/Piano Performance) 2009. She is one of nine people (Spanish Language (Urban Union High School (RUHS) (Sociology), a ’05 Joshua Stephenson on Chicano childlessness and its has performed solo at Carnegie Hall, who shared their stories with (M.A., and Culture) founded Capital Good Planning/Environment Analysis) basketball, track and tennis star U.S. paralympic impacts on the Chicano family unit. taught at Manhattan School of Eileen Truax for her book, Educational Administration) is Fund, a fast-growing nonprofit was named planning commissioner who went on to lead the Matadors sitting volleyball Music and performed at St. Vartan Dreamers. The book explains the the principal of Chaparral Middle organization based in Providence, for the city of Lemon Grove, in as an all-time leading scorer in player and the ’03, ’10 Scott Holloway (Teaching Cathedral in , leading issue of immigration through the School in Diamond Bar, Calif. R.I. He is the organization’s County. basketball, was inducted in the first amputee ever to play NCAA Credential; M.A., Science Education) the St. Vartan orchestra in their executive director. first class of RUHS athletics hall Division I women’s basketball, was immigrant experience. ’06 Kyle Jean ’07 Nadia Chapman has served as a physics teacher at inaugural appearance. (Kinesiology (Journalism- of fame inductees. A former All- a finalist for the 2013 Women’s ’06 Heather Sinclair Wood Westlake High School in the ’04 Patricia Pape (M.A., General Studies), a former Public Relations) joined the Crowne Big West Conference selection, Sports Foundation Sportswoman ’03 Natalie Tronkina Conejo Valley Unified School Educational Administration) Matador baseball player, owns (Journalism) is a writer-producer Plaza Ventura Beach as sales manager. she plays basketball professionally of the Year awards in the team (Accountancy), CPA, is a director Pinnacle Performance Institute for the CNN newsroom. District for five years, teaching AP is the principal of Ascension ’07, ’09 James Golden (B.A., in Europe. category. At the London 2012 physics. He also encourages students’ of the transactional advisory practice Lutheran School in Thousand gym in Bakersfield. He focuses on Paralympic Games, she led her ’07 Sommer Barwick (MPA, Public African American Art and Literature; ’07 Francis participation in the International at CohnReznick, one of the largest Oaks. Previously, she served as full-body training for athletic team to a silver medal and earned Administration) serves Simi Valley MPA, Public Administration) was Fran Physics Bowl. He was a science accounting, tax and advisory firms principal at Somis Elementary performance. “ ” the “Best Spiker” award. Holloway in the United States. She is based as the director of community appointed as the first poet laureate Wageneck nominee for the 2013 Presidential School and Ramona Elementary ’06 Kirk Jordan (M.A., Educational services, overseeing the Simi for his hometown of Salinas. He is also accepted a position as a Awards for Excellence in Mathematics in the Los Angeles office. School. She has nearly 20 years of (M.A., Educational recreational therapist with the Administration) exhibited his art Valley Public Library, various the author of the 2012 NAACP Administration) and Science Teaching. ’04 Amy Bailey Jurewicz experience as a classroom teacher U.S. Department of Veterans show, “Downtowns,” at Matthews youth programs, neighborhood Image Award-winning book, Afro is the principal for K-5 students and eight years of Clouds & Nappy Rain Affairs in Palo Alto. ’03 Melissa Karpel (Theatre) was (Marketing) is executive director Art Gallery in Spearfish, S.D. Prior councils, waste franchise services, . of La Cuesta and of the Ventura Family YMCA. administrative experience. to his work as a photographer, code enforcement, the transit a stage manager for the Los Angeles ’07 Michael Alta Vista high schools in Santa ’08 Lindsay Mancha (Journalism- Jordan was a teacher, musician, system and community projects. Opera. A vegan and animal lover, ’04 Nancy Landa ’04 Nema Pierce (M.A., Educational Medel Barbara. Public Relations) joined the project comedian and actor who played (M.A., she now works from home as a Administration) is the principal of ’07 Elizabeth “Liz” Camy- management team at Cyberset, (Information roles in several films and television Communication ’08 Maryley Camacho volunteer coordinator for the FiXiT Mariposa Elementary School of Blackwell after a stint on the company’s Systems) was shows in the 1990s, including (Health Sciences) Studies), who (Marketing) led the tour of a Foundation, an organization that accepted to the Global Education in Agoura Hills. took first among female runners served as a youth in-house writing team. promotes the spaying and neutering She has more than 20 years of “Wings,” “Seinfeld,” “Chaplin,” mural painted by fellow alumnus master’s in global “Dave” and “In the Line of Fire.” at the Long Beach Marathon’s mentor for the Levi Ponce. She volunteers with of companion animals. In 2013 the migration experience in education. Youth Making

to remove the tumor. In 2009, her After earning her graduate degree, ’12 Jesse Allen for 24 years, a period in which he dean of the College of Social and 1970, taught and published in CSUN in the health administration In Memoriam illness forced her medical withdrawal Rothman went on to work as a Wilkes (Cinema developed the swim program and Behavioral Sciences — but many rhetorical and homiletical studies, program. Instrumental in creating from CSUN. After diagnosis, she speech pathologist, speech teacher and Television crafted the face of the sport on the students first met Bracy through his and retired as an emeritus professor the program’s undergraduate and ALUMNI was active with the advocacy group and therapist for 25 years. In 2010, Arts) passed away West Coast. A CSUN alumnus class on “The Black Male.” Born in in 1997. He was particularly devoted graduate majors, he took the helm Stupid Cancer. She is remembered she established a scholarship program April 27, 2013, himself who graduated in ’71, he Everett, Mass., he attended Boston to advising graduate students and and developed curricula for both ’62 Leonard D. Black (Accountancy) for her radiant smile, positive that combines current gifts, an at the age of 27. was a dedicated Matador who University before completing his served as the department graduate programs in 1958. His insight into passed away July 27, 2013, at the attitude and warm kindness. endowment and a commitment A Marine sergeant inspired many students, colleagues bachelor’s degree in psychology at coordinator for many years. the demands of leadership in health age of 73. He devoted 40 years of from her estate to help CSUN who served two tours of duty in and friends. Accardy coached more Tarkio College in Missouri. He administration enabled him to create his life to the San Fernando Valley ’86 Ralph R. Olin (Geography) education and speech-language Afghanistan, Wilkes was an avid than 300 NCAA Division II All- received a scholarship to Howard A. Eugene Fritsche (Geological the foundation upon which CSUN’s as an attorney. passed away May 16, 2012, at pathology students. Rothman and motorcyclist and San Fernando Americans at CSUN. These included University, where he earned a master’s Sciences), 76, passed away July 7, programs are based. After retirement, the age of 62, at the VA Medical her nephew, John, in 2013 established Valley native. After his passing, Michele Hampton, a 14-time All- degree in psychology, and he later 2013. His service to CSUN began he continued to serve the university ’74 Patrick John Halloran Center in Charleston, S.C. Ruthie’s Kids Program, an early- family and friends established the American and a 12-time NCAA earned a doctorate in social psychology in 1963, teaching 12 courses and community by working for the (Accounting), 63, passed away intervention program for children up Jesse Wilkes Memorial Foundation, champion. He taught his students to from the University of Michigan. advising 29 master’s theses and 34 Tseng College to develop a certificate Feb. 2, 2013. He served honorably ’84 Jean Parks (Sociology) passed to age 3. The program provides which promotes the installation of be great athletes, yet he also focused During his tenure as a CSUN senior theses. Devoted to students in health administration. After his in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Upon away Jan. 16, 2012, at the age of assistance to families of children who left-turn arrows at dangerous on shaping them into phenomenal professor, the university honored and their success as professional passing, Hufhines’ wife, Denise, his return, he attended CSUN on 78. After earning her degree, she attend the C-SUNFlowers preschool intersections. students and community members. Bracy with the Distinguished geoscientists, he remained close to helped create the Donald M. the GI Bill, later earning a master’s started her own home infant-care program and are not eligible for Accardy still holds a place on campus Teaching Award. He is survived the university as a professor Hufhines Health Administration degree in taxation and becoming a emeritus after his retirement in Fund, to support the program in its business, tending to several sets of state funding. She also established FACULTY AND STAFF in the Matador Hall of Fame, by his wife of 20 years, Jean E. Certified Public Accountant. children and preparing them for the Rothman Family Trust. where he was inducted in 1994. Daniels, D.S.W., a professor in the 2000. He began a program to help contribution to the education of Halloran operated a tax practice elementary school. In more recent Pete Accardy Department of Social Work and provide scholarships for geology future leaders in the field. in Templeton, Calif., until his years, she had become a caregiver ’05 Matthew (Physical James Bracy, Ph.D. (Pan African Sociology. In memory of Bracy, his majors through the organization of retirement in 2010. for family members afflicted with Michael Ursin Education), 72, Studies) passed away Feb. 3, 2014, department has established the four GeoTreks between 2004 and Greg Jackson Alzheimer’s disease. Always a caring (Recreation), a passed away July just shy of his 70th birthday. Bracy James Bracy Memorial Scholarship 2011. After more than $47,000 was (Education) Emily Hobson woman, she valued her education native of Southern 13, 2013. His was on medical leave from CSUN’s through the CSUN Foundation. raised, he worked with his wife, Sue, passed away July (Cinema and from CSUN and treasured her California, passed contributions Pan African Studies Department to create the Gene and Sue Fritsche 12, 2013, at the Television Arts), college friends. away July 13, to the CSUN (PAS), where he had served as William G. Freeman (Speech GeoTrek Endowment. His philan- age of 67. He was 28, succumbed 2012, at the age Matadors were astounding, bringing professor since 1979. He was a Communications) passed away thropy continues to provide annual a professor in the to cancer in June ’73, ’77 Ruth Rothman (B.A., of 38. After graduating from CSUN, the men’s swim team nine NCAA dynamic professor who had passion April 27, 2013, just before his 81st support to deserving students. Department of 2013 after a five- Speech Communicative Disorders; he made a life in Bellingham, Wash. Championships and the women’s for his discipline and loved and birthday. He earned his bachelor’s Educational Psychology and year battle. She M.A., Communicative Disorders) A member of Sacred Heart Catholic swim team four NCAA Champion- supported students. He served in (’66) and master’s (’67) degrees at Donald M. Hufhines (Health Counseling and worked as a coor- was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma passed away March 18, 2013. She Church, he is remembered as a ships — a combined record for the several posts at CSUN, including then San Fernando Valley State Sciences) passed away in October dinator in the career counseling and underwent various treatments began her CSUN career at age 46. cherished son and friend to many. university. He coached at CSUN interim chair of PAS and associate College. He joined the faculty in 2012 after 40 years of service to program. He began his CSUN >>

34 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 35 Alumni Notes

’08 Lizbeth Mateo (Chicano/a to kids through after-school classes, his childhood community with ’10 Allison Hata (Journalism) is ’11 Jacque Robinson (M.A., Public magazine. Reynoso started as an ’13 Jason Endicott Awards for her philanthropic Studies) recently crossed the U.S.- summer camps, workshops and attractive imagery earned him group editor for Firebrand Media. Sector Management) is the vice intern for the Hollywood Creative (Communication Studies) is a talk endeavors, including support of Mexico border in a protest supporting birthday parties. recognition by the Los Angeles mayor and District 1 councilwoman Directory as an undergraduate. show host on KHTS AM 1220 more than 30 charities. At the ’10 Peter Pardini undocumented immigrant rights. City Council, which may lift the (Cinema and for Pasadena. News. He provides Santa Clarita 2013 National Council La Raza ’09 Genein ’12 Katie Sheil ban against murals on private Television Arts) screened his (Cinema and traffic updates, hosts interviews conference in New Orleans, ’08, ’11 Eric Meyers Letford ’12 Reid Ackerman (B.A., M.A., (M.A., property — where Ponce creates co-created film, “Ordinary Man” (Cinema and Television Arts) was a 2013 Emmy and occasionally rants on air. Longoria also discussed the need Geography), an honors graduate, Elementary most of his work. His mural series in Fresno, after shooting the Television Arts) is working on a nominee for outstanding sound for greater access to education for ’13 Cameron Harrison celebrated his second year as the Education has grown and surpassed much of 16-minute movie in the area. comic book-based Web video editing for a miniseries, movie/ (Cell and Hispanic youth. head of the Geography Information Curriculum and series, aiming to be a panelist special, for “Seal Team Six: The Molecular Biology) is one of 60 this artist’s expectations. ’10 Marla Schevker System department for Harbor Instruction) is a (Journalism) and exhibitor at Comic-Con Raid on Osama bin Laden.” students in the first class of the ’13 Patrick Freight Tools in Calabasas. His music teacher and ’09 Suji Kang (B.M., Music is the local editor for Hollywood International. The project, named Frank H. Netter MD School of Miller (M.A., ’12 John Spiva education has given him the coordinator of gifted and talented Strings/Orchestral), a cellist for Patch. She is also enrolled in a “Strip Club” in recognition of (Cinema and Medicine at Quinnipiac University Educational opportunity to bring a new way of programs at NEW Academy the Rolón Trio, teaches music in master’s program at University of classic comic strips, began as a Television Arts), a first-time in North Haven, Conn. Administration) doing business to the retail and Canoga Park. Her work and use Los Angeles and maintains a Southern California. short film at CSUN during director, is working with writer is an assistant Shabaka Mu Ausar to develop ’13 Michelle Lewis (M.S.W.) tool industry. of interdisciplinary strategies earned private studio. ’11 Emily Bush (Journalism) was Ackerman’s freshman year. He is principal at A.E. her a spot as a finalist in People also working on a master’s in “Roc City,” a drama revolving received the California Association Wright Middle ’08 Rachel Rodriguez (Psychology) on the action-adventure competition around a drug dealer attempting of Deans and Directors and the Magazine’s “Reader’s Choice program “72 Hours,” produced by screenwriting. School in Calabasas. In his career, was honored at the College of the Teacher of the Year” contest. She is 2010s to change his life. CalSWEC research and develop- he also has served as head varsity Canyons in Valencia, during the TNT. On the show, she traveled ’12 Noelle Howard (Art) is the ment committee’s Student also one of 50 teachers celebrated ’10 Steve Brown (B.S., Finance; to New Zealand to race across the ’13 Wendy Aguilar (Journalism) coach and junior varsity fourth-annual Empowering and profiled in the book American contract administrator for Access Research Award. basketball coach. HeARTS Gala, a fundraiser for B.A., Cinema and Television Arts) wilderness in search of a briefcase California Services. joined WZZM 13, an ABC Teacher: Heroes in the Classroom. ’13 Eva Longoria Single Mothers Outreach support was a 2013 Emmy nominee for containing $100,000. affiliate in Yuma, Ariz., as an ’13 Gabrielle Moreira ’12 Chantal Khalilieh (Political anchor and reporter. (M.A., Chicana/o services. The Empowering ’09, ’11 George Paysinger (B.S., outstanding picture editing for reality ’11 Aram Kouyoumdjian (Journalism) is the Simi Valley beat (M.A., Science) competed in the 2014 Studies) has had HeARTS award recognizes Santa Finance; MBA, Management) is programming, for “Project Runway English), Esq., is a practicing ’13 Lida Alikhani (Journalism) reporter for the Simi Valley Acorn. Clarita Valley women who the media strategist and analyst for — Europe, Here We Come.” USA pageant, a busy year. She attorney and assistant general representing Santa Clarita. She is a multimedia journalist and produced ’11 ’13 Ana Urena (B.A, Social empower others. Hawthorne Direct, a full-service ’10 Jeff Hillery (Liberal Studies) counsel for the Los Angeles general assignment reporter for brand response advertising agency. hopes to serve as an inspiration “Devious Welfare; M.S.W.) was a top-10 ’08 Gary Tuch (Marketing) is a relocated from New York City, Unified School District. and role model for young girls. KAPP/KVEW TV in Yakima, Maids,” which finalist for the California Association Wash. Previously, she interned for co-founder of Professor Egghead ’09 Levi Ponce (Art) is the artist where he was a senior producer for ’11 Robert Plastino airs on Lifetime. She also received of Deans and Directors and (MPA, ’12 Daniel Reynoso (Cinema and ABC NewsOne, the network’s Science Academy, a franchise behind the popular art series the talk radio division of the Fox Public Sector Management) is a the “ALMA de tu Mundo” honor CalSWEC research and development dedicated to providing fun and “Drive By Murals” on the Mural News Channel, to Austin, Texas, Television Arts) is the Web producer affiliate feed service, and the ABC at Telemundo’s Premios Tu Mundo committee’s Student Research Award. sheriff’s department lieutenant for The Hollywood Reporter’s online News Los Angeles bureau. educational STEM-based programs Mile along Van Nuys Boulevard in where he serves as communications heading the Isla Vista foot patrol Pacoima. His efforts to transform director for the Texas state senate. in Santa Barbara.

career in 1992 after earning his July 13, 2013, at the age of 81. She Morris Schonbach (History) where she met her husband and for the CSUN Department of research focused on use of micro- and library and information science, after a year to serve in the Navy Ed.D. from UCLA. Jackson was an came to CSUN after earning her passed away April 18, 2013, at the lifetime companion, Owen Smith. Theatre, Summer Opera workshop, organisms to clean up chemical and she began working at the during World War II. Yablonsky admired colleague, teacher and degrees, including a doctorate in age of 91. After earning all of his She continued her education, Teenage Drama Workshop and waste. His work has the potential Oviatt Library in 1999. In 2004, earned a business degree from leader. He will be remembered for public health from UCLA. Known degrees in American history from earning her Ph.D. in pharmacology Santa Barbara Youth Theatre to improve the environment and the university appointed Woodley as Rutgers University and later a emphasizing his expression of as “Bobbie” by her colleagues, UCLA and marching for civil rights and nutrition. She became a registered Productions. He also served as a reduce energy consumption. the library’s collection development master's degree and doctorate in gratitude as a means to living a Madison taught statistics and in the early 1960s, he came to CSUN dietitian in 1978 and a certified stage manager on tour with pianist coordinator. She also served as sociology from New York University. healthy life. epidemiology, contributed to in 1964. While at Northridge, nutrition specialist in 1995. During Roger Williams. The university Clarence Wiggins (Music), 88, project director for CSUN’s first In 1963, he began a 30-year career numerous committees and helped Schonbach was key in establishing her career, CSUN honored her with later named him as a professor passed away March 28, 2013. He digital library project, the San on the sociology faculty at then-San Gordon R. Lewthwaite found the women’s studies the Department of Afro-African myriad awards — including the emeritus. began his career at CSUN in 1958. Fernando Valley History Digital Fernando Valley State College. His (Geography) passed away Sept. 18, department. In 2010, that Studies and the Jewish Studies Distinguished Professor Award. Beyond teaching music, Wiggins Library, made possible by the published work included The 2013, at the age of 88. He emigrated department honored Bobbie as a program. During his time at CSUN, Smith was the co-advisor of the Lawrence Stewart (English) passed served as music department chair Library Services and Technology Violent Gang, The Tunnel Back: from New Zealand to the United “Phenomenal Woman,” for her he received the Distinguished Family and Consumer Sciences away March 8, 2013, at the age of for 24 years before his retirement in Act Grant Program. Synanon, The Hippie Trip and his States as a Fulbright Scholar to contributions to the department, Teaching Award for outstanding Student Dietetic and Food Science 88. His career at CSUN began in 1988. After retirement, Wiggins 2010 memoir, Confessions of a pursue his doctorate at the University university and surrounding accomplishments. The university Association for 21 years, and director 1969, and he stayed with the stayed involved with the university Lewis Yablonsky (Sociology) used Criminologist: Some of My Best of Wisconsin. After receiving his community. granted him emeritus status after of the Didactic Program in Dietetics. university as a professor emeritus as a professor emeritus, a member his “rough-and-tumble youth as a Friends Were Sociopaths. doctorate, he taught at the University his retirement in 1992. Beyond his After retiring in 2001, she remained after joining the Faculty Early of the Dean’s Circle Executive springboard to a distinguished of Oklahoma and Auckland. In Colleen Schaeffer (English), 56, love for academic pursuits, he an active member of the program’s Retirement Program in 1988 — Advisory Board for the Mike Curb career: He became the ‘Sociologist Margaret A. Perez Young 1959, he became a founding passed away March 25, 2013. She enjoyed classical music, athletics — advisory board. teaching his final semester in spring College, and a donor to the music With Street Smarts,’ as one headline (Education) passed away Dec. 6, member of this university, teaching retired from the CSUN faculty in particularly tennis, baseball and all 1993. As a professor and colleague, department and its students. He described him, an authority on youth 2013, at the age of 64. She worked for 32 years. He is remembered at 2007. A Matador through and UCLA teams — and his animal Owen Smith (Theatre), 76, passed Stewart was known for his fierce and his wife, Margaret, opened the gangs, hippies and drug addicts at CSUN as education director and CSUN as upbeat and friendly, in through, she graduated from friends. away Sept. 30, 2013. As a young brilliance and kindness. Beyond his M.J. and C.E. Wiggins Trust, with whose personal experiences gave an educational lecturer until her addition to being a serious scholar Northridge with a bachelor’s (’90) man, he served in the U.S. Army work at the university, he authored the Clarence and Margaret Wiggins him insights other scholars lacked,” retirement in 2008. She found joy who wished to advance research in and a master’s (’93) in English. She Christine H. for three years as active duty and six Paul Bowles: The Illumination of Music Education Scholarship Fund according to an obituary in the Los in reading, dancing, cooking, historical and cultural geography. was known for always going above Smith (Family years as an inactive E5 staff sergeant. North Africa and various other (which remains open for donations). Angeles Times. Yablonsky, who gained music, singing and socializing. She and beyond for her students and and Consumer After his honorable discharge in biographies and books. national prominence as a sociologist, also enjoyed volunteer activities Roberta Eleanor the department. She was a significant Sciences), a 1957, he continued his education Mary S. Woodley (Oviatt Library) criminologist and author, died Jan. with the Los Angeles County Madison (Health contributor to online instruction CSUN emerita, and earned bachelor’s (’65) and Paul Tomasek (Science and passed away Nov. 19, 2013, at the 29, 2014, at his home in Santa Bilingual Foundation for the Arts Sciences), a former programs. In addition to her passed away master’s (’68) degrees in theater Mathematics), 60, passed away age of 62. She was an active member Monica. He was 89. A New Jersey of Highland Park, and Ballet chair of the passion for teaching, she enjoyed Dec. 20, 2013, at the age of 75. from CSUN. By the time he was a Nov. 30, 2013. For 19 years, he of the CSUN community and native, he was a star athlete who Folklorico of Northridge. health sciences creating artwork. While studying for her under- full-time professor, Smith had devoted his time to teaching professional associations. She held attended the University of Alabama department, graduate degree, she took a sewing designed hundreds of shows as a microbiology and microbial degrees in anthropology, archaeology, on a baseball scholarship — leaving passed away job with the drama department, set designer or technical director ecology at CSUN. Tomasek’s

36 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 37 Giving

Jane Small Scholarship Honors Advocate’s Memory Securing Students’ Futures CSUN students have a new scholarship opportunity for their work in fighting for rights of the disabled, thanks to Jane Small. H er name evokes praise and accolades. of Extended Learning — honors the late is being recognized in this scholarship. In A Los Angeles resident and champion advocate’s accomplishments, opening the my mind, CSUN is the place for access. of disability rights, Jane Small has a door for a new generation of advocates. You could argue that CSUN is the place permanent legacy at CSUN: a scholarship Small died in October 1999, after for people with disabilities to gain access to encourage, promote and fund students building a résumé the size of a novella. to higher education.” who strive to follow her line of work and Of Small’s honors, the most notable occurred With that premise in mind, the volunteerism. when then-California Gov. Grey Davis scholarship will provide $10,000 ($1,000 Leadership is a trait clearly desired in declared Nov. 20, 1999, “Jane Small per year, per scholar over two to five college graduates, and finding students Memorial Day” for her legacy as a disability- years), to students using their studies or with the drive to change the world is often rights advocate. She was a nationally volunteer work toward advocacy for most prevalent in those who consider recognized activist who advanced educa- people with disabilities. themselves advocates. The Jane Small tional opportunities for students with “We should always be reminded of Scholarship for Advocates for People with disabilities in the Los Angeles area. those groups of people, and we need to Disabilities — sponsored by her son Jack “I couldn’t help but be inspired by her support them,” Kalfsbeek-Goetz said. and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Kalfsbeek- work,” said Kalfsbeek-Goetz. “Her mission “That’s what this scholarship will help Goetz, assistant dean of the Tseng College to create access for disenfranchised groups future leaders do.” — C.T.

Peter M. Leonhardt Endowment Supports Future Engineers

beneficiary of a life insurance policy Leonhardt and Gjemso also share a Polland Endowment for a Course is the First of its Kind he receives through the company. passion for magic. Both hold memberships His work with CSUN began after at the exclusive Magic Castle in Hollywood, CSUN alumna and former professor Barbara Polland (second from right) and colleague Whitney Scott (far right), professor of child and adolescent development, many years of collaborating with which requires an audition for admission. meet with students in Jacaranda Hall. Matador alumni. With magic as a common interest, their “[Dytran] hired two CSUN mentorship relationship blossomed. H ad professor Whitney Scott not tips and lessons Polland had taught in the discipline strategies with family and grads to work under me, and each “With Mr. Leonhardt as my mentor, I approached Barbara Polland in 2008 original course. friends. They share that ‘it really does was exceptional,” Leonhardt said. can assess my career paths and whether I am requesting to learn her teaching methods “At that point, I realized I was unhappy work.’ One of the smartest decisions I “CSUN seems to have a core skill on the right track,” Gjemso said. — C.T. for a unique course, Alternative Approaches that the course wasn’t being taught,” ever made was ‘electing’ Barbara to be to not only make graduates ‘book to Discipline, the course may have ended Polland said. “Whitney’s an outstanding my mentor, friend and parent education smart,’ but also impart a practical WAYS TO with Polland’s retirement — and the professional. She loves doing what she does coach.” The Peter M. Leonhardt Endowment supports junior and senior application sense to the Dr. Barbara K. Polland Endowment may and is only teaching this course — it is The continued school shootings in engineering students. educational skills.” never have come to fruition. her No. 1 favorite.” the United States prompted Polland to He currently works with PCB Give st Polland ’70 is a CSUN alumna with a Polland noted that Scott, a mother of establish her endowment, the first of its L ike magic, students from all ages and Piezotronics in New York, spending half The President's 21 Century Fund: Created for master’s degree in guidance and counseling, two, applies what she teaches and learns kind at CSUN, to support the course. backgrounds move from their world his time in San Clemente, Calif. Funding alumni and friends, the fund accepts donations as well as a 37-year career as a professor in from the various education conferences The course receives $1,000 annually as CSUN students to real-world employees for the endowment comes from his own of any amount and contributes to helping more guidance and counseling, and later, child she attends (sometimes with Polland) and from the endowment to help with by crossing the stage at commencement. pocket and stems from his memories of than 38,000 students annually. Be loud and development. She designed and taught shares pin-point examples with the class expenses in key areas such as stipends for For some, this journey comes with strong life as a hard-working undergrad. proud by giving today! givenow.csun.edu the popular discipline course for decades, to bring the material to life. speakers and funds for a faculty member community financial support. The latest recipient of his endowment, until her retirement in 2008. The course “Working with Barbara over the past to attend conferences. Like many CSUN The Peter M. Leonhardt Endowment Jonathan Gjemso, has received the award President’s Associates: Show your support draws on Polland’s presentations to parents, five years, learning how to teach this faculty members, Polland has ensured her for the College of Engineering and Computer twice. A graduating senior, Gjemso is through a $1,000 annual donation, volunteer teachers and administrators, and the course, awakened my understanding to legacy will live on and impact future Science recognizes promising junior and majoring in mechanical engineering with service and ambassadorship to advance the empowerment principles in her book, the importance of modeling creative and generations of students. senior students who have maintained a an emphasis in product design. overall excellence of the university and help We Can Work It Out, Conflict Resolution shared-power methods of handling “If we can help parents and professionals minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrated financial Gjemso and Leonhardt met for a strengthen its impact on the future. for Children. conflict,” Scott said. “It was — and work with their children in these ways,” traditional “mentor lunch,” and they found presidentsassociates.com HOO need and hold a part-time job to support When Polland retired, the course continues to be — riveting! Current and Polland said, “we will find that we can their education. Leonhardt’s perception that all “good Heritage Society: Donate through a charitable O: LEE C nearly left with her. Scott, a professor in former discipline students are constantly help change the future just a little bit at Leonhardt, the donor, is the director of engineering students and engineering gift in your will, a trust or an IRA. A gift made

child and adolescent development, stepped stopping by my office or sharing in class a time.” OOM PHOT engineering for Chatsworth-based Dytran professionals share a common bond” from your estate that benefits future students is

up to the plate, asking for all of the books, how they have actually tried some of the — Chelsea Turner ASSRCL Instruments. His endowment is the went beyond academic interests: an easy and impactful way to build your legacy. csun.edu/plannedgiving

38 spring 2014 / northridge spring 2014 / northridge 39 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID California State University 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8242 Northridge

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