A wide variety of University programs have opportunities for volunteers to get involved and connect according to their interests, passions and hobbies. These programs present service awards to alumni and friends who volunteer their time and energy in support of their mission.
2007 B.A. Business Administration
Student Affairs
As co-chairmen of the Matador Statue Fundraising Committee, Chad and Marcelo worked for over two years to bring about the realization of a dream that began at CSUN in 1990. Chad and Marcelo led the committee in identifying donors during the silent phase of the campaign and soliciting contributions when the public phase began. To the credit of the committee, the statue was funded entirely through private donations, exceeding their original fundraising goal by over $50,000. The statue was unveiled to the campus on September 8, prior to Freshman Convocation, and was attended by hundreds of donors, alumni, faculty, staff and students.
In 2007, Chad earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Financial Services. He was a highly involved student, active with the Associated Students first as director of finance then as president in his senior year. He is Vice President of Marketing Development for FMS Financial Management Services in Encino. He serves the community as a Reserve Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. In addition he has been a member of the CSUN Alumni Association Board of Director since 2008.
Marcelo received his B.A. in Psychology from CSUN in 1994. He continued his education earning a M.A. in Environmental Studies/Governmental Politics in 1996 from Prescott College and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern California in 2008. Marcelo is the Director of Project GEAR UP at California State University, Los Angeles, providing college preparation services to approximately 3,100 LAUSD and Los Angeles Mayor Partnership high school students. Prior to working at CSULA, he worked at CSUN as a regional Coordinator for the Office of Outreach and Recruitment.
1971 B.A. Accounting
The University Corporation
Ron is a respected and successful Certified Public Accountant (CPA), who has embraced his responsibility to “give back” to the community that nurtured that success. He has devoted time and energy to numerous organizations including his alma mater, Cal State Northridge, where he earned a B.S. in Accounting in 1971.
The University Corporation has been fortunate to have Ron on its board, where he has served since 2002 as one of three directors appointed by the university president from the community-at-large. Ron is actively engaged in Corporation matters and has given generously of his time and expertise. As a CPA/Partner in Charge of Southern California for MarcumStonefield, LLP, he has brought valuable experience and insight and has provided the pro bono assistance of his professional team to assist the Corporation in addressing reporting complexities. He has pushed the Corporation to partner more closely with other University units, particularly Intercollegiate Athletics.
Ron has also served on several campus boards including the Auxiliary Audit Committee, the Advisory Committee on University Real Estate and the Dean’s Council in the College of Business and Economics. In addition he was instrumental in securing a major gift from his firm to support the department of Accounting. The Corporation is a better organization for Ron’s involvement and the lives of many Matadors have been touched by his quiet and constant support of Cal State Northridge.
1994 B.S. Marketing
Student Affairs
Bryan is Founder and CEO of Advantage Fitness Products (AFP) in Culver City. He began his career in the health and fitness industry in 1991. After receiving a Bachelors degree in Marketing in 1994 and through his early work in the commercial fitness sector, he developed his vision for AFP. The company evolved as a single-source provider for fitness facility design, supply, and service for facilities of all sizes and profiles. Bryan spearheads AFP’s commitment to improving our communities through health and fitness. He has played an instrumental role in such organizations as the successful “1000 Footsteps Challenge”, a program created by Sheriff Lee Baca to increase the health and fitness levels of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Green and AFP are also designated partners of the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports. AFP serves as a strategic partner for the Council’s “ActiveCA” program designed to increase daily activity levels and better health amongst California residents.
A frequent industry and public speaker on the subject of effective fitness facility design and operational strategies, Green also serves on the Editorial Board for Fitness On-Site Magazine, and advisory boards for Precor USA and Star Trac Fitness. For CSUN, Green serves on the Foundation Board, Valley Performing Arts Center Gala Committee and is a member of the President’s Leadership Associates. In addition he is a distinguished Board Member of Junior Achievement of Southern California and an active member of the Young Presidents Organization.
1993 B.S. Organizational Systems Management / 1999 MBA
Alumni Association
As president of the MBA Alumni Association (MBAA), Christine Soderlund has partnered closely with the director of graduate programs in the College of Business and Economics to plan and schedule notable and pertinent business speakers, conduct resume workshops for students and
alumni and communicate university and local industry information to alumni. Her diligent work with the MBAA and as the chapter liaison to the CSUN Alumni Association Board of Directors has made her an invaluable volunteer. Her expertise as a recruitment and staffing consultant enabled her to focus on the implementation of a speakers’ series and with the development and facilitation of the chapter presidents’ leadership event.
Christine is self-employed and volunteers in the community with business development & fundraising at Topeka Drive Elementary School as well as serving as the chairperson of the school’s Site Council Committee. While achieving her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration she worked at the Daily Sundial in the business office and earned her MBA in 1999.
1965 B.S. Accounting
Alumni Association
As a member of the CSUN Alumni Association since 1998, Howard Hammer has played an active role in the organization and in his support of the university. Since the inception of alumni association scholarships in 2003, he has been a member of the selection committee, reading hundreds of applications over the years as part of the process. Hammer attends the annual scholarship banquet where the recipients are presented. He said, “The importance of these scholarships, especially the First Generation, cannot be fully comprehended until you see the emotional appreciation of the recipients.”
As a student he was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1965. He is an insurance agent/broker for Farmers Insurance, a Zurich Financial Services Company. Hammer is member of The Executives a group comprised of more than 400 prominent business, community and political leaders whose primary mission is to support the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aged. In addition he is a member of the Kaiser Permanente Patient Advisory Committee.
1996 Economics
Athletics
Kevin and James have dedicated countless hours to support the Men’s Golf Program at CSUN. For the past 10 years they have co-chaired the Ben Graham Memorial Golf Tournament. This annual tournament has raised over $165,000 since its inception, supporting a scholarship in memory of alumnus Ben Graham ‘79, a member of the Cal State Northridge golf team from 1975-1979, and a three-time NCAA All-American. Ben died in 1985 at age 30. Kevin said that he attributes his volunteer experience to his friendship with Golf Coach Jim Bracken. Kevin said, “He has put his heart and soul into the golf team with a shoestring budget. James and I just wanted to help him out because of the opportunity he provided us.” While students, both men were members of the CSUN Men’s Golf team. Kevin received a degree in Kinesiology in 1993 and is currently the PGA Professional at Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank. James studied Economics at CSUN and is a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley. His community activities include the Advisory Board of California United Bank, and extending his volunteering to include golf, he is on the Bruin 18 Invitational Tournament Committee. He also serves as a coach of the UCLA Women’s Golf Team assisting the head coach, his wife, Carrie. They have three children.
1984 B.S. Marketing
The Division of University Advancement
Alumnus Gene Detchemendy is recognized as one of CSUN’s most loyal and dedicated alumni leaders. Gene is a university donor and assn. member. He has served as the Association’s president from 2004 to 2006 and as a member of the CSUN Foundation Board of Directors during those same years. He continues to serve on the Alumni Board, an affiliation that began in 1995. During his presidency, the Association doubled its membership and realized over $700,000 in partnership royalties. Alumni Association cultivations resulted in tens of millions of dollars in private gifts to the university. Gene was a highly involved student.
2004 B.S. Marketing
The Division of Student Affairs
Manny was a former highly involved student and transitioned those leadership experiences to become president of the NCOD Alumni Chapter. In that role, he introduced an e-newsletter, worked with NCOD to present a successful Career Day involving 12 alumni panelists, hosted nearly a half dozen reunions and other gatherings, and helped double the number of annual members and triple the number of Lifetime Members. In addition, he represented the chapter on the Alumni Board of Directors.
1976 B.S. Accounting
University Advancement
Phil Minah is immediate past President of the California State University, Northridge Alumni Association. During his tenure as President of the Association, Phil’s leadership was instrumental in ensuring record numbers of new members and soaring revenues for the Association. He was also instrumental in spearheading the Association’s Alumni Directory project which helped the University correct thousands of addresses and added nearly 20,000 email addresses to its database. Phil is a self-employed tax accountant. He holds a B.A. degree from California State University, Long Beach and a B.S. degree from Northridge. He is a licensed Enrolled Agent of the United States Treasury Department and represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Matadors Community Credit Union and Hansen Dam Men’s Golf Club and has served as a member and officer of the CSUN University Club and Matador Athletic Association Boards. Before becoming President of the Alumni Association, Phil served as Vice President, Treasurer and as a member of the Association’s Executive Committee.
1987 B.S. Finance and Real Estate
Student Affairs
Dennis is an alumnus who has demonstrated in many ways his loyalty to Cal State Northridge, and the university is most fortunate that Dennis’ office is adjacent to campus on Reseda Boulevard. A lifetime member of the Alumni Association, Dennis’ involvements in the university are numerous and diverse. He has been a loyal supporter of Matador Athletics holding season basketball tickets and serving as a game sponsor. He is a university donor, has attending and supported numerous cultural events and has assisted the Alumni Association in the launch of its membership program in 2002. Dennis has served as a mentor to Cal State Northridge students and as a community representative on the University Student Union Board, he has played a key role as a member of the audit committee. He has been as a certified financial planer for Brookstreet Securities since 1997. Dennis is a board member for the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and Matadors Community Credit Union and is a director of the Los Angeles Count 4-H Summer Camp Program. Recently Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Dennis to the San Fernando Valley Fai Board (51st District) Agricultural Association.
1972 B.S. Business Administration
University Advancement
John is an alumnus who is recognized as one of the university’s most loyal and dedicated supporters. A Certified Public Accountant and partner with BDO Seidman, LLP, John is a past president of the California State University, Northridge Foundation having served as a Board member since 1985. He has served on the Foundation’s development, finance, investment and nominating committees. John is a member of the College of Business Administration and Economics Advisory Committee. In 1990 the President’s Associates presented John with its Community Leadership Award for his role in securing the first endowed faculty fellowship gift of $100,000 in Accounting, from Arthur Andersen & Company to the College of Business and Economics. Mr. Golisch served as a member of the Alumni Association board and was honored with an Alumni of Distinction award from the Association in 1985. IN addition to his role as chair of the Foundation Board, he served as the Board’s CFO and Chair of the Finance Committee. A lifetime member of the Alumni Association and longtime donor to the university, John is a founding member of the President’s 21st Century Club and has been a President’s Associates level donor since that designation was created.
Friend of the University
University Advancement
Sandy Paris has had a long and active relationship with the College of Business Administration and Economics that has included serving as guest lecturer for real estate classes. Paris, a developer of industrial parks, is involved with many non-profits, serving on the boards of Tarzana Regional Medical Center, L.A. Headquarters City Association, L.A. County Library, Valley Industry & Commerce Association, California State Bar Association, the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, and the Southwestern Law School. H received a B.S. in accounting from UCLA, LL.B. from Southwestern Law School, and was named “Man of the Year” by the Anti-Defamation League in 1987. He is a past chair of CSUN Foundation Major and Planned Gifts Committee.
