History

  • CSUN History Department

Alumni & Giving

History Alumni

We love to hear from our alumni! Please let us know what you are up to.  If you live in the area, you might be interested in attending our public events like the Whitsett Lecture and the Valley Pioneer lecture.  The Department also has events specifically for alumni, which are usually held on weekends.

The Distinguished Alumni Lecture

The History Department has established the annual Distinguished History Alumni Award, given to an individual who graduated at least 25 years ago, and who has had a successful career in his or her chosen field.  The award will be made at a reception where the recipient will speak about the evolution of his or her profession, and how the study of history contributed to his or her success.

The first recipient is William Dallas Bethea, class of 1969, who is Captain, United States Navy (Retired).

In 1988, Captain Bethea, in command of the guided-missile frigate USS GARY, encountered a challenge no US naval officer had faced in 40 years: engagement in surface combat with an armed enemy equipped with anti-ship missiles.