Abbitt, who is getting her master's in theatre with an emphasis on feminist theatre, returned to school after being out of academia for 20 years.
She received her first degree in political science because "it sounded serious." After graduating from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, she moved to London to study theatre, her first love.
Abbitt won a prestigious scholarship to pursue a doctorate in UCLA's theatre program. She wants to become a playwright and teach theatre.
While at CSUN, Abbitt taught a world drama course. She will leave for China in June with CSUN's production of the play "Working" as part of an intercultural exchange to study and learn different forms of theatre.
"I am really honored to be in CSUN's theatre program. This very academic, rigorous and tough program provided me with the strong educational background I did not have," she said.
Burzynski, a child development major with a minor in psychology, began her career as an opera singer. In 1991, she was diagnosed with Stargaardt's Disease, a degenerative eye disorder leading to blindness that made performing progressively difficult.
Tapping into experiences she had as an opera singer teaching music to learning disabled and developmentally delayed children, Burzynski decided to go back to school and become a teacher.
She currently serves as a teacher's assistant at Five Acres, a residential placement center for abused and emotionally disturbed children, and works at Pasadena City College with learning disabled adults. She also serves on the board of Euterpe Opera Theatre and the Southern California Institute for Vocal Studies.
Burzynski plans to get a master's degree in special education at CSUN as well as a special education credential.
She credits her husband with encouraging her to return to school. She attended Los Angeles Pierce College from fall 1989 to 1992 before coming to CSUN spring 1998.
She served as chief editor of Pierce's student newspaper as well as CSUN's student paper, the Daily Sundial. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the honor society, Kappa Tau Alpha, and carries a 3.5 G.P.A.
She hopes to write for a newspaper or magazine in Los Angeles.
"I returned to school with one thought - to learn how to write," Finch said. "I fell into journalism after a wonderful professor told me 'English majors learn how to read. Journalism majors learn to write.' It was then that I knew I was home."
Glen, who is receiving a master's in education administration, received her bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of LaVerne. She currently is working at Coutin School in Canoga Park as director of computer services and as a special education teacher.
Glen, a single mother of two boys, wants to become a community college administrator.
"I believe you can make a greater impact as an administrator," she said. "You can only do so much in a classroom. I want to do more."
Hegglin, who is getting a bachelor's in journalism, has served as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity as well as the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. On campus, she is the Associated Students's representative to the Date Rape and Sexual Assault Committee and a contributing writer for the Daily Sundial<./i>.
Hegglin will begin law school this fall at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., on a full scholarship. She plans to specialize in public interest law.
"Everybody at CSUN just seems to really care about their students." Hegglin said. "It has made a huge difference in how much I've really enjoyed school."
The Granada Hills resident has maintained a 3.52 G.P.A. while being involved in a number of extracurricular activities. Smith has been a member of the Blue Key Leadership Honor Society, served on the CSUN 40th Anniversary Celebration Subcommittee and participated in two community outreach programs for the Pacoima Urban Village serving at-risk Hispanic families.
Smith will serve as a Ronald Brown Fellow this summer with the Children's Defense Fund in Washington, D.C.
"It's all about giving back and thanking people." Smith said. "It makes me feel good to know that I am helping other people."
The electrical engineering major came to CSUN in the fall of 1994 and carried a 3.48 G.P.A. She wrote a software package for Lockheed Martin Skunk Works as a research project for the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
She has served as president of the engineering honor society and the college's student council. Zambrano also is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and president of Tau Beta Pi honor society.
"I think there are many stereotypes that work against us as women and minorities," Zambrano said. "You can feel isolated because there's not much to relate to. There are very few women in engineering. I believe that life is a challenge and I will never settle for something lower than my initial goal."
Press Releases
@csun.edu home page
Carmen Ramos Chandler, Director of News and Information
CSUN