Alumni

Volunteer Service Award Chapter Recipients

Through the Alumni Association the Volunteer Service Awards honors the individuals who organize and lead the large network of alumni chapters which support the work of the Association. These individuals serve as role models to current students and work tirelessly to support the constituency in which they belong.

Volunteer Service Awards Alumni Chapter Recipients

2019 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Peter Genovese ’05
Accounting and Information Systems

Peter Genovese earned a degree in Information Systems and upon graduation became a lifetime member of the CSUN Alumni Association. He took his connection to the next level by annually providing mentorship for CSUN students as a regular guest speaker for MISA (Management Information Systems Association) — a club he was a member of while a student.

He has served on the board for the Accounting & Information Systems (AIS) Alumni Chapter since 2017 and currently holds the position of Vice President of Marketing. Genovese helped provide a pathway to students in the field by placing them in internships. Some eventually became hired for full-time jobs once they graduated. Genovese also donated to help the university create and place The Matador statue on campus.

Upon graduation from CSUN in 2005, his professional career began in the life sciences industry when he landed a job at Amgen. He recently transitioned into the entertainment industry with Crown Media (The Hallmark Channel), where he is a business applications specialist.


Elsa Alzamora-Detweiler ’02
Child and Adolescent Development

Elsa Alzamora-Detweiler earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from CSUN in 2002. She has been an invaluable contributor to the Child & Adolescent Development Chapter. For the last four years, Alzamora-Detweiler has served as a CADV Chapter board member. Alzamora-Detweiler has helped guide the chapter with decision making and planning. For years, she has participated in chapter events, including mentorship and career events and scholarship celebrations. She also serves as the Fundraising Chair for the chapter.

She has generously and consistently sponsored the Alzamora-Detweiler Scholarship at CSUN with her husband, which benefits students in the Department of Child and Adolescent Development.

Alzamora-Detweiler works as a bilingual consumer services coordinator at the North Los Angeles County Regional Center. She has also donated to the CSUN Food Pantry and is an Alumni Association member.

“Ever since I arrived in this country when I was 19 years old, I dreamed about attending CSUN. I was given the opportunity to attend and to have an excellent education that has been recognized in my employments since I graduated,” she said.


Kristin Kleban M.S. ’15, Cred. ’15
Communication Disorders and Sciences

As a speech-language pathologist, CSUN alumna Kristin Kleban has the opportunity to impact lives every day. To her, that’s a gift. Kleban said CSUN is a significant reason that she is in this position, and because of that she has enthusiastically volunteered for the Communication Disorders and Sciences Chapter since earning her master’s degree in 2015.

Kleban has worked behind-the-scenes to elevate the chapter by helping organize and secure sponsorship for its signature events — the Recognizing Merit Awards Celebration, the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association CSUN Alumni Luncheon and the chapter’s speed mentoring event.

Kleban is a speech-language pathologist for a preschool in Westlake Village and has her own private practice called Communicate.

“I wanted to give back to CSUN because I love my job so much,” Kleban said. “Every time I see (CSUN CDS faculty) Sherry Foldvary or Rosie Quezada, I thank them profusely. (CSUN) changed my life. My life is so much more purposeful. I get to help non-verbal children communicate.”


Robert Montgomery ’80, M.S. ’81, M.P.A. ’86
Environmental and Occupational Health

Robert Montgomery earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental and Occupational Health and Masters of Public Administration from CSUN. He has been an impactful member of the Environmental & Occupational Health (EOH) Alumni Chapter for more than 15 years. During this time, he has participated in speed mentoring events, the guest speaker series and the annual technical symposium series.

For the past three years, Montgomery’s company has been the authorized accreditation agency for Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) continuing education contact hours for the EOH Alumni Chapter’s Technical Symposium. These activities bring the university, alumni, students and the professional community together to learn about emerging environmental health and safety issues and to share what is happening in the environmental and occupation health profession.

For the last 13 years, Montgomery has served as the chief investigator/trainer for Montgomery Investigations, an international investigation and health and safety consulting/training company. Prior to forming Montgomery Investigations, he served and subsequently retired as the environmental/safety manager for the City of Oxnard Wastewater Division. He is a California licensed private investigator and a California registered environmental health specialist.


Katherine McNamara
Environmental and Occupational Health

As co-Chair of the EOH Technical Symposium at CSUN, CSUN assistant professor Katherine McNamara has helped the chapter recruit high-profile speakers, including the former head of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

She has transformed the graduate research design and methodology course at CSUN into a service-learning opportunity and facilitated community-based research projects with local non-profits and regulatory agencies. Students were given opportunities to present findings to partner organizations, participate in campus research conferences and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. She was awarded a CSUN Office of Community Engagement Faculty Engaged Grant for academic year 2018-19. Her students’ project assessing community exposures to heavy metals from scrap metal recycling won first place for graduate research at CSUN’s annual Research and Service Learning Symposium.

At CSUN she developed and implemented a survey for faculty mentors for the College of Health and Human Development and also serves as a student mentor for the college. She is representing the campus on the Community Advisory Group for the Aliso Canyon Disaster Health Research Study. She is currently the Chair of the Social Concerns Committee in the American Industrial Hygiene Association, where she organizes various conference programs highlighting exposures to vulnerable workers, and organizes their annual Upton Sinclair Award for occupational health journalism.


Mike Fong, M.P.A. ’15
Master of Public Administration

Mike Fong, a proud graduate of CSUN’s Master of Public Administration program, gives back to CSUN so that the next generation of leaders will have an opportunity to learn the skillsets necessary to succeed in the 21st-century workplace. Fong is a volunteer, serving on the CSUN MPA Program Advisory Council

“I hope to continue serving the university and giving back to CSUN, which has given so much to me,” he said.

Also serving as a Trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District, Fong has been a part of a group striving to make community college more affordable throughout Los Angeles in partnership with Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles Unified School District for the Los Angeles College Promise Program.

Fong also serves as Director of Policy and Government Relations for the City of Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. Fong is extremely active in the community, serving on boards for numerous LA-based nonprofits. He previously worked as the East Area Director for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and served as Field Deputy for former Los Angeles City Councilmember Ed Reyes.


Wendy Fragosa ’89
Radiologic Sciences

Wendy Fragosa has been an active member of the Radiologic Sciences Alumni Chapter since the beginning of the decade. A CSUN alumna who earned her bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology, Fragosa became involved in the chapter as a thank you to CSUN for opening doors for her.

She has passed along her wisdom and experience to CSUN students annually through the Radiologic Sciences Chapter’s annual speed-mentoring event. She has been a presenter and supporter of the chapter’s annual continuing education event. Fragosa has also contributed as part of the Alumni Association’s Scholarship Committee.

“It is an honor to give back to the university as a whole, and the Radiologic Sciences Alumni Chapter in particular, in the hope that I may be able to contribute to the opportunities that will help another reach their educational goals,” Fragosa said.

The CSUN Alumni Association member currently works as a radiation protection specialist for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. She also works for the Huntington Research Medical Institute and is an MRI technologist.


Art Garcia ’15
Veterans

Art Garcia has been an indispensable figure since the Veterans Alumni Chapter was launched in 2017-2018. He serves on the chapter’s executive board as Vice President and lends his marketing and management expertise to help elevate the chapter and widen its reach. He has been instrumental in creating effective and engaging integrated marketing campaigns to further build the CSUN Veterans Chapter. In 2017, he helped organize a special event at CSUN where U.S. Army Major General Alfred Valenzuela spoke about leadership to the campus community.

Garcia is a great CSUN ambassador to student veterans. He shares his knowledge with student veterans and provides life lessons regarding veteran issues. From the fiscal years 2017 to 2019, he served as the Vice Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2323 in Granada Hills. Garcia’s role was to provide program development for the post, connect with student veterans and report to the post commander. More recently, Garcia successfully secured $1,000 from the VFW, which will be used for CSUN student veteran scholarships. The motion was approved and funded for the 2019-2020 academic year.

While a student at CSUN, Garcia was the sixth President of the CSUN Student Veteran Organization (SVO), where he served two terms from 2013-2015.

2018 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Adam Miller ’12
Accounting and Information Systems

Adam Miller graduated from CSUN in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Miller arrived at CSUN as a transfer student and quickly learned the great value of being active on campus. He first began to volunteer through campus leadership positions and joined Beta Alpha Psi — CSUN’s Accounting Honor Society. Miller's numerous efforts with the Accounting & Information Systems Alumni Chapter include peer mentoring, encouraging students to take active leadership roles, offering resume and interview tips and he has given presentations on business ethics and helped reinvigorate the AIS Chapter Alumni Association.

“My achievements are because of what I learned at CSUN and a large percentage of what I learned occurred outside of a classroom,” he said. 

Miller currently works at Ernst & Young (EY) as a manager in the assurance practice. “When I was a student, students and alumni volunteers helped me develop the skills that I needed to capitalize on the opportunities that CSUN made available to me," Adam said." I am very appreciative of those who helped me and I want to repay their generosity by helping others.”   


Alec Cheline '13
Arts                                                                                   

Alec Cheline graduated from CSUN in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing in 2016. Cheline began volunteering and participating as a board member for CSUN’s Alumni Arts Chapter and was elected President the following year.  “My inner-Matador wanted to give back to the university that opened so many doors for my career and created invaluable relationships in my network,” Cheline said. Alongside the CSUN Arts Chapter board members and the CSUN Alumni Association, Cheline hosted the first annual Alumni Chapter Gallery, taking place in the West Wing Gallery at CSUN. 

Cheline attended CSUN’s AMA Business Week Event as a speaker for aspiring undergraduate students where he shared his CSUN experience, post-grad life and recruited for his current employer’s internship program. Cheline currently works at Santa Monica advertising agency Rubin Postaer and Associates as a digital production artist. “CSUN holds a special place in my heart as the place where I discovered more of who I am," he said. "It holds many memories of the people I met and is a reminder of hard work gives back to you.”


Rhonda Murotake ’83
Biology                                                                                 

Rhonda Murotake graduated from CSUN in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in Biology. Since then, Murotake has gone on to be an active member of the Biology Chapter for the CSUN Alumni Association, which she helped launch in 2014. Prior to that, Murotake spent 15 years as a statewide volunteer for the California AIDS/LifeCycle charity fundraising organization. Murotake described the circumstances in which the founding of the Biology Chapter for the CSUN Alumni Association as perfect timing.
“I value giving back to my community and having the opportunity to do so to my alma mater was a bonus.” Murotake said. She is currently a manager for the introductory biology labs at UCLA, a job that she has held for more than 30 years. She is one of two laboratory administrators for the Life Sciences Core Education Department. Murotake was also part of the crew that brought the RV Yellowfin from Hawai’i to California for the CSU system’s marine programs.

“My family, friends, and work associates know that I can be counted on to say yes when asking if I can help,” she said.


Amna Waheed '14
Child and Adolescent Development                                  

Amna Waheed graduated from CSUN with bachelor degrees in Child and Adolescent Development & Psychology in 2014 and is currently pursuing a master's degree in the Social Work program. After graduation, Waheed joined the Child and Adolescent Alumni Chapter as an active volunteer, becoming a board member a year later. Waheed has led on numerous fronts as a board member, including in mentoring, co-chairing social and fundraising efforts, and she is currently in charge of media and communications. 

Through these positions, Waheed helped connect undergraduate students with mentors and aided in building their professional skills and relationships with other board members. Waheed said she gives back to the CSUN community because CSUN is where she was able to grow both personally and professionally. In her first year as a graduate student, Waheed interned at a foster care agency where she met with foster families and applicants. She actively participated in social welfare by putting together and distributing care packages to the homeless and lobbying for legislation in Sacramento with fellow social work students.  “I believe as individuals, it is our responsibility to contribute to the communities that have helped us become who we are today,” Waheed said.


Michele Linares '01, M.S. '05
Communication Disorders and Sciences                        

Michele Linares earned her master’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from CSUN in 2005. Linares is a mentorship associate for the CSUN Communication Disorders and Science Alumni Association.
“I have been shaped by so many selfless people before me, I am humbled to have the opportunity to contribute to other’s successes through my support and participation in the CDSSAA," she said.

Linares is currently a clinical supervisor in the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences and mentors students through their undergraduate career and fieldwork studies. Linares serves as president at her own private practice called The Learning Grove: Speech Language Pathology, Inc. The Learning Grove serves as a fieldwork site for graduate students from CSUN and other universities and community colleges and serves the community in various areas of Southern California. 

“As a professional, CSUN has provided me the opportunity for continued growth in my field and opened countless doors,” she said. Linares also mentors on the subjects of clinical expertise and in private practice ownership as well. Linares volunteers her time as a frequent guest lecturer at colleges and around the community, speaking about Communication Disorders and Sciences and related studies in the field.     


Tony Luca '80, M.S. '82
Environmental and Occupational Health     

Tony Luca earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from CSUN in Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) in 1980 and 1982, respectively.  Luca began his journey into volunteering in 2003 as a member of the EOH Program Advisory Board and 10 years later served as a member in the board’s Alumni Chapter Policy Branch. While serving on the board of the Southern California Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association for several years, Luca aided in providing undergraduate and graduate-level CSUN EOH students with scholarships to support their educational goals. 

Luca said CSUN provided an excellent education in his field and an internship opportunity with Hughes Aircraft Company (now Boeing), which jumpstarted his decades-long career with the company. CSUN provided Luca with both professional and personal opportunities as well. “Many of my colleagues and friends are people I met while attending CSUN," he said. "I met my wife of 31 years, Jackie, who is also a CSUN EOH alumnus, when I started my internship at Hughes.” 

Having retired from Boeing, Luca currently works as a part-time consultant to the company, as well as others.

Armen Haroutunian '13
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate (FIRE)                             

Armen Haroutunian earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from CSUN in 2013. He currently works as a senior associate in production and sales at Freddie Mac Multifamily. Haroutunian ties his successes back to his experiences at CSUN, including the challenging and academically rigorous curriculum, quality of instruction by world-class professors and the many opportunities CSUN provided him through various clubs and organizations.  

“I really think it shaped me to be a better human being. It taught me to be humble and always prioritize giving back for the greater good of your surroundings and community” he said. Haroutunian still holds to this mindset with his involvement in the CSUN Alumni Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Chapter. During his time as an undergraduate student, Haroutunian along with a group of CSUN Business students won first prize at the 13th annual RISE (Redefining Investment Strategy Education) international student portfolio management competition in 2013. 

Haroutunian continues to stay involved with the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics along with the greater CSUN community as a whole.


Joanne Moreno '11, M.S. '15
Health Administration                                                       

Joanne Moreno obtained a bachelor's degree in 2011 and later a master’s in Health Administration at CSUN in 2013. Moreno currently works as a graduation retention specialist for the College of Health and Human Development and teaches at CSUN. Moreno said working at CSUN has instilled in her a natural inclination toward helping out and making things happen. 

“The university brought a sense of empowerment to my life, it allowed me to expand on my skills and strengths, but more importantly gave me a purpose on making things better for those who followed in my footsteps," Moreno said. Moreno said her advocacy is a lifetime attribute that creates a lasting impact. 

“I feel as though all my life, the experiences I have gone through have allowed me the opportunity to build up our students. It is very rewarding to touch their lives and help them to figure out the pathways they are preparing for. It is about giving back to our future leaders in our world and hope they can make an impact through hard work and change,” she said. Moreno owes much of the success to the support of her husband and two sons.


Craig Leener '77
Journalism Alumni Association                                           

Craig Leener earned his bachelor’s degree from CSUN in Radio-Television Broadcasting in 1977. His professional career has traveled numerous roads, through film operations with Warner Bros. and Disney, to human resources management at Technicolor, Ascent Media and My Eye Media. Later in his career, he became an award-winning sports journalist at The Signal in Santa Clarita as well as a book author. In 2017, he published his debut novel in the young adult genre, “This Was Never About Basketball,” a story of friendship and redemption that taps into the sport of basketball for the book’s rhythm and energy. He is currently writing a sequel to the book. 

Leener reconnected with CSUN in 2015 when he joined the Journalism Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. Since joining the board, Leener has been a vital member, focusing his efforts on mentorship and elevating the JAA’s coaching program. He’s been a stalwart during the JAA’s Speed Mentoring events, guiding CSUN students in résumé writing and finding a job in today’s media climate. Leener and his wife, Andrea, are donors to CSUN’s Department of Journalism and the JAA.


Natalie Juarez '07
La Raza Alumni Association                                                 

Natalie Juarez graduated from CSUN in 2007 with a double bachelor’s degree in Chicana/o Studies and Psychology and a master's in Social Work from USC. The support she received from CSUN's Department of Chicana/o Studies' staff and students sparked the interest in Juarez to help and volunteer.  “I give back to provide current students with the additional support they might need,” she said. 

During her time as an undergrad, Juarez helped fundraise through MEChA, the Aztlan Graduation Scholarship, and the Graduation Committee. Juarez is currently La Raza’s Alumni Chapter Board President. She said their mission is to provide students with financial assistance through academic and merit-based scholarships and provide students and alumni with opportunities for professional development. Juarez is currently a program specialist for mental health at Downey Unified School District. Juarez said she works toward providing K-12 students with both social and emotional support to help them reach graduation and become productive citizens. “I see volunteering as an obligation since no one gets to where they are on their own,” she said.  


Cynthia Riggall M.P.H. '15 
Public Health                                                                       

Cynthia Riggall obtained her master's degree in Public Health from CSUN in 2015. She began volunteering in 2014 when she took on the role of president for the Master of Public Health Student Association. Riggall said she would spend up to 14 hours a day on campus during her time as a graduate student. “CSUN gave me all sorts of opportunities to get involved and fill my days with activities on campus,” she said. Following graduation, Riggal served as vice president for the Public Health Alumni Board and later served as president from 2016 through 2018. The board coordinated a variety of events for Public Health students, from professional advancement opportunities to team-building with participation in the High Ropes Challenge Course at CSUN. 

Riggall currently works at the Community Action Partnership of Orange County as a research specialist. Riggall also continues to serve on the Alumni Board as “former president.” Riggall said her goal is to serve her peers, and she is proud of her ability to get others involved and motivated to be active members in the CSUN community.


Josephine “Joji” Ortego ’86
Radiologic Sciences                                                            

Josephine “Joji” Ortego graduated from CSUN in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Sciences. The uniqueness of CSUN’s Radiologic Sciences program, she said, gave her an opportunity to have a job that she really loves and enjoys. Additionally, she met her husband of almost 30 years at CSUN. Ortego never left CSUN after graduation. She was an adjunct professor for the Radiologic Sciences Program from 1987-1992 at CSUN. She continues to support the program as a guest speaker and founding board member of the Radiologic Science Alumni Chapter. Ortego currently works at the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health as a principal radiation protection specialist. She is a lifetime member of the CSUN Alumni Association. The Matador legacy continues with their youngest daughter currently a junior at CSUN.


Wendy Yost '94, M.A. '97
Recreation and Tourism Management                               

Wendy Yost graduated from CSUN with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies in 1994 and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership & Policies Studies in 1997. Yost began her mission to give back in 1992 when she first arrived at CSUN as a  transfer student and served in a variety of student leadership and student government roles. Following the Northridge earthquake in 1994, Yost was one of the student leaders involved in the efforts to re-open the campus as quickly as possible. Since graduating, Yost has taught in CSUN's Department of Recreation & Tourism Management for more than a decade and also teaches for the university's Queer Studies Program. Yost has also served as faculty mentor for CSUN Softball for three years. She was instrumental in resurrecting the Recreation & Tourism Management Alumni Chapter, after a more-than-decade-long hiatus.

Yost has numerous published works, as well as a TEDxCSUN talk on The Benefits of Learning to Listen to Your Life. In addition to teaching part time, Yost operates More is Available Coaching & Consulting, where she assists individuals and organizations in navigating change, including more than 100 different departments at CSUN. Yost has served repeatedly as a volunteer for Camp Brave Trails, a Los Angeles based Summer Camp, where she shares the Leadership curriculum she designed at CSUN with LGBTQ Youth. 


Tomas "Tommy" Diaz ’13
Veterans                                                                             

Tomas “Tommy” Diaz graduated from CSUN in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in Global Supply Chain Management following his deployment to Afghanistan just three years before. Diaz was deployed in 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as an intelligence collector and returned with a desire to unify veterans on campus. Diaz began his volunteering in 2014 by mentoring other student veterans and began to connect with the Alumni Association in 2017. 

Diaz was the Vice President of the Student Veteran Organization (SVO) during his senior year at CSUN. After graduation, Diaz made his hopes of a Veteran Alumni Chapter a reality by working toward creating the first of its kind on campus. Diaz currently serves as the chapter president. Diaz said taking time to volunteer for events, boosting the visibility of the CSUN Alumni mission, and offering mentorship to students and alumni are just some of the few reasons he believes he is being honored. “Volunteering provides me with a purpose and a mission, both in my professional and personal life,” Diaz said.  He is currently a systems integration/test engineer at Lockheed Martin. 

2017 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Vahram Shemmassian
Alumni and Friends of the Armenian Studies Program

Since coming to CSUN as a faculty member in the department of Modern & Classical Languages and Literatures in 2004, Vahram Shemmassian has quickly made himself involved with the university. He is one of the founders of the Alumni and Friends of the Armenian Studies Program (AFASP), which promotes the study of the history, language and culture of Armenia and Armenians, while also preparing the next generation of scholars in the field. Shemmassian, who serves as the AFASP advisor, has been instrumental in organizing the chapter’s annual banquets, an event which helps raise funds and allows the Armenian community to connect with the CSUN chapter.
“I got involved with helping form the chapter because I wanted the community at large to be exposed to the CSUN Armenian Studies program and be supportive to the chapter,” Shemmassian said. Shemmassian also serves as the director of the Armenian studies program.


Damon Everett Martin '94
Attorney Networking Group

CSUN has held a special place in Damon Martin’s heart since earning his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1994. His passion for the campus started when he was a Resident Advisor during his junior and senior year and carried over in 2015 when he joined the CSUN Attorney Network group as a founding member. Martin’s role with the group has grown since first joining. He is currently in charge of handling the group’s monthly meetings, updating the annual calendar and interfacing with the university and other alumni associations. Martin said he re-connected with CSUN a few years ago when he and his wife were looking for services and summer programs for their children. “We were amazed by the amount available at CSUN,” Martin said. “I look at how much the CSUN campus has changed for the better as well as the university’s commitment to the San Fernando Valley community and that causes me to have a passion for CSUN.”
Martin’s children are also indoctrinated Matadors. His daughter has attended the Sunny Days summer camp and his son has taken music therapy classes.


Jim Dole
Biology

Jim Dole has long called CSUN home. Beginning as a biology faculty member at what was then called San Fernando Valley State College in 1963, he has volunteered countless hours since the Biology Alumni Association board’s inception in 2010. Although not a CSUN alumnus, Dole’s extensive experience in the biology department led to members of the board naming him the chapter advisor. Additionally, Dole has played a big role in organizing and setting up special events put on by the chapter, such as mentoring events and socials that connected alumni with current faculty and students.

When he’s not dedicating his time to the Biology Alumni Association chapter, Dole has worked since 2009 as a part-time undergraduate advisor for the biology department. In the role, Dole has been instrumental in putting much of the advisement information online, producing several advisement-related videos and instituting a yearly workshop advisement series. He also volunteered for 12 years on the Friends of the Oviatt Library board. “I joined the faculty essentially in the institution’s infancy, so in effect I grew up with SFVSC and later CSUN,” Dole said. This institution has been, and continues to be my academic home.”


Rashawn Green '94, M.A. '02
Black Alumni Association

For more than a decade as a proud alumna and a dedicated member of the Black Alumni Association, Rashawn Green has believed her time at CSUN allowed her to grow as a person, and felt the need to give back to the university. She is a founding member and treasurer for the organization, co-chairing its annual scholarship and awards brunch and has led chapter efforts to support the Black Graduation ceremony. Green serves on numerous boards, including the Black Graduation Committee, the Resilient Scholar Committee and the Black Alumni Association board. As the director of the Learning Resource Center, Green also mentors CSUN students and new staff members by helping them become acclimated to university life.

The process of giving back to the university was a natural thing for Green. She said entering the CSUN Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) Summer Bridge program as a student helped her learn a lot about herself and provided her with the tools to stay committed and graduate. “CSUN has helped shape me into the person I am today,” Green said. “I am so proud to say I received my degrees from CSUN and equally proud to say I work at CSUN.” Green has remained tied to the university since graduation. She plans to continue giving students the same thing CSUN gave her — an opportunity to be a better, well-informed person.


Ana-Lidia Jimenez '17
Child and Adolescent Development

The obstacles Ana- Lidia Jimenez faced as a first-generation, undocumented college student inspired her to give back to CSUN students. Her passion for wanting to bring equality to underserved communities and empowering first-generation, undocumented college students led to Lidia Jimenez becoming the mentoring chair of the Child and Adolescent Development chapter. This role has given Lidia Jimenez the opportunity to co-produce chapter events that aim at providing information to students about important career that would allow students to enter the job market well prepared. She is also a member of the campus group, Dreamers to be Heard, which strives to provide support to undocumented students who are struggling to reach their educational goals.

Lidia Jimenez passion for helping fellow Matadors stems from her belief that it’s her moral responsibility to help students further their education and achieve their educational goals. “CSUN has a large enrollment of undocumented students, so it is imperative that we let them know that they are not alone,” Lidia Jimenez said. “It’s important that we can provide services and show that we can succeed in higher education.”


Dennis Ducham
Communication Disorders and Sciences

When Dennis Ducham, president of Southern California healthcare staffing firm Mediscan, took a campus tour with Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences chair Stephen Sinclair, he realized the university’s commitment to excellence. The result was a partnership between CSUN and Mediscan, which resulted in a $1,000 scholarship to a CSUN graduate student training to be a speech-language pathologist. “I so enjoy Sinclair’s commitment and passion, and I thought this scholarship would be a great opportunity to give back to the community through CSUN,” Ducham said.

Since then, Ducham has had a steady presence at the university. Besides providing the annual scholarship, he has also served as a mentor to the next generation of speech-language pathologists. He has provided training to CSUN students on how to enhance interview skills and ways to be prepared for the job market. He was also a keynote speaker at the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences Hooding Ceremony in 2015, and has donated funds and supplies to the Alumni Association.


Ross Goldberg ‘75
Journalism Alumni Association

As a student, former faculty member and proud alumnus, Ross Goldberg has been an invaluable contributor to CSUN and its journalism department. One of the founders of the Journalism Alumni Association in 1978, he served as chapter president from 1990-91 and through the years has spoken at various career days hosted by the journalism department in order to help boost students break into the industry. Goldberg was also a part-time faculty member in the department from 1986-94.

As a student, Goldberg was just as active. Graduating cum laude, he served as the editor of the Daily Sundial in fall of 1974 before taking over as editor of CSUN’s SCENE magazine. He also worked for the campus radio station, served as the undergraduate class representative for the journalism department during his senior year and was named an outstanding graduating student by the Public Relations Student Society of America. After graduation, he was inducted into the national journalism honor society, Kappa Tau Alpha. Goldberg’s commitment to the university stems from the quality education he feels he received at CSUN.
“My education served me well in my professional career and I also made lifetime friends,” Goldberg said. “As a result, I look back on my time at CSUN with smiles and warmth.”


Michelle Nemetz '88
National Center on Deafness

When Michelle Nemetz came to CSUN as a transfer student, she was looking for a sense of belonging. What she got was that and much more. CSUN helped cater to her needs as a deaf student and gave her lifelong friends. In return, Nemetz has been heavily involved with the university and currently serves as President of the National Center on Deafness (NCOD) alumni chapter. Nemetz has been tied with NCOD for more than two decades, helping coordinate NCOD volunteers to assist in decorating part of the 1988 Eastman Kodak Rose Bowl Float. Today, she manages the chapter's Facebook page and has been working on the preparations for the chapter's next reunion in 2020. She said the chapter board is working on building a scholarship program and a program that would connect mentors with students. To Nemetz, these programs would be a way to give back to the campus that gave her so much. 
"CSUN allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind to become equal members of the student body on campus and helps them build leadership skills that develops personal growth," Nemetz said.


Tracy Lynn Kinell '15
Nursing Alumni Chapter

Tracy Kinell has been a critical asset to CSUN in the nearly two years she’s been volunteering for the university. Because of the strong impact and lasting effect the CSUN nursing program had on her as a student, Kinell felt it was important to give back her time as an alumna. Soon after joining the Nursing Alumni Association, Kinell took over as president of the chapter. She was the lead organizer of “Nurses Wellness Day”, an event which educated attendees on meditation, fitness, nutrition and more. Kinell also put together a nurses brunch event in 2016 for National Nurses Day. “CSUN is an amazing university that offers so much to both students and to the community,” Kinell said. “It also has one of the most respected nursing programs in the Los Angeles area.” Kinell currently works at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the cardiothoracic surgery progressive care unit.


Joanne Udeochu-Tillman '09, M.P.H '12
Public Health Alumni Chapter

Originally from Nigeria, Joanne Udeochu-Tillman comes from humble beginnings, an attribute she credits to her parents and upbringing. To her, helping others and giving back has always been who she was. Since her time as a student at CSUN, Udeochu-Tillman was involved in the African Student Union club and volunteered for the Pan African Studies department by highlighting past contributions of Africans and African Americans. As an alumna, she has been a critical asset to the Public Health Alumni chapter, participating on the board since 2012 and spending two years (2015-2017) as chapter president. During her time as president, the chapter initiated funds to help aid public health students with tuition by organizing key fundraisers. She also put together networking and mentoring events for students and alumni to develop professional tools for the workplace. She is still very active on the Public Health Alumni board.

Udeochu-Tillman, a part-time faculty member in the public health department, said she is grateful to have the opportunity to pour knowledge and experience into the young minds at CSUN. “There is such a great sense of diversity and community amongst the students, faculty and alumni,” Udeochu-Tillman said. “I love that I was always positively encouraged by my professors to grow and I know that CSUN attributes to a part of my success.”


Corey David Hidalgo '10
Radiological Sciences Alumni Chapter

Since 2013, Corey Hidalgo has been instrumental in the growth of the Radiologic Sciences Alumni Chapter. Hidalgo played a big role in establishing the chapter and has organized several past BSRS speed mentoring events. He has served as a mentor to CSUN students looking to further their career and was instrumental in promoting the CSUN alumni association through fundraisers and social events. Hidalgo, a part-time faculty member for the Health Sciences department, currently runs the radiology department at the Klotz Student Health Center. Hidalgo believes that supporting and giving back his time to CSUN is what Matadors need to do in order to make each student’s time on campus memorable. To Hidalgo, contributing to fellow radiologic technologists through seminars and fundraisers has further strengthened his ties with CSUN. “My goal is for students to leave the university with not only the knowledge gained, but with positive experiences and fond memories of CSUN,” Hidalgo said. “We are all Matadors and that is something we all need to take pride in and strive to make CSUN shine for all future generations of students.”

2016 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Bruce Bibicoff ’80
Accounting & Information Systems

As a student, Bruce Bibicoff felt that his college experience should include more than attending classes and studying. He therefore decided to become involved with student clubs and joined the Management Association. He held various positions, such as director of publicity, vice president and president. Through his role as vice chair of the School of Business and Economics Council (SOBEC), he worked with all the student business clubs with recruitment and their various events and programs.

Bibicoff’s service has continued since graduation. In 2014, Bibicoff answered the call when he received an e-mail from the CSUN Alumni Association about getting involved in a chapter. He joined the Accounting and Information Systems Chapter and later became its treasurer. He also assisted with the planning of such events as the annual awards banquet, Department of Accounting and Information Systems’ Meet the Firms Night and the Meet the Professors Alumni Dinner.

When Bibicoff was a student at CSUN, he said his whole life revolved around the university, and the years that he attended were among his most valued.

“It is important to me to give back and maintain a connection with the university,” Bibicoff said. “I am very proud of how CSUN has grown over the years in size, quality of education and in prominence.”


Aida Shorvoghlian ’07
Alumni & Friends of Armenian Studies

In a short time Aida Shorvoghlian has brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the Alumni & Friends of Armenian Studies chapter, particularly helping to make its Armenian Studies Banquet in April a special event.

As a member of the steering committee, she helped in organizing the event and with public relations and ensured that there was a high level of elegance and weight to it. She also tapped into her network of friends to support the banquet and helped people reconnect to the university.

Shorvoghlian, who earned a bachelor’s degree in real estate from CSUN, said the university provided her the guidance to become a successful leader. And she has brought that leadership to her alumni chapter, which she has personal attachment to.

“Being raised as an Armenian, attending an Armenian private school from kindergarten through high school, I have always valued the importance of my culture and language,” she said. “When I was approached to volunteer for the Armenian Studies annual banquet, I was intrigued by their mission, goals and programs — helping and directing current students to receiving the necessary credentials to become Armenian teachers.”


Michael Attar ’95
Attorney Networking Group

This year is Michael Attar’s turn to be honored. He co-founded the CSUN Attorney Network Chapter with fellow alumnus and co-president David Bobrosky, who was the 2015 VSA honoree for the chapter.

Since its inception, Attar has served as co-president. The chapter holds monthly networking/education meetings with a topical speaker each month and provides free continuing-education credit for attendees.

Attar has been instrumental in assisting in the day-to-day operations of the chapter — obtaining speakers and new members and promoting the monthly meetings. Under Attar’s leadership, the chapter has not missed a monthly meeting since its inception more than two years ago. It recently held two on-campus events reconnecting alumni with the campus and current students.

Attar helped build the chapter after noticing a need for CSUN alumni attorneys to be able to build relationships and referrals with recent CSUN graduates who had gone on to practice law.

He is passionate about CSUN because it gave him the tools to find success and provided a path for his career.

“My involvement with CSUN stemmed from the days when I was a student there, and I was on the committee of the Pre-Law Society,” Attar said. “I am happy that I was able to work with other alumni to start this networking group."


Sharon Washington ’93
Black Alumni Association

Sharon Washington is not only one of the founding members of and secretary for the Black Alumni Association, she is an energetic, indispensable force for it.

The retired special education teacher helps organize events, captures all the information from meetings and is the community liaison for the organization. Beyond that, she sends a strong message for two ends of the spectrum.

“I do this because there’s such a great need out there,” she said. “I tell all retired people, ‘Don’t sit and watch TV. There’s so much need (to volunteer).

“(My goal is) to get more young people involved on campus and from the community. We need more young people.”

She’s an inspiration for volunteer work. On top of the work that she does with the BAA, she volunteers for the African American Leadership Organization, the Foothill Trails District Neighborhood Council, the Southern California Preparedness Foundation, Girl Scouts Troop 576 in Pacoima, Neighborhood Watch, Shepherd of the Hills Church, Community Policing Advisory Board Foothill Division and she is an advocate for people with disabilities.

Washington got into special education teaching because her son has autism. She earned her bachelor’s degree at CSUN in liberal studies and said she has stayed passionate about the university because it helped her with resources beyond her years as a student.

“They gave me a good chance and were there when I needed them as a teacher,” she said.


Shane Clark ’12
Business Honors Chapter

As a sophomore at CSUN, Shane Clark joined the Business Honors Association. Being surrounded by high achieving, like-minded students motivated him to be the best student, leader, and professional he could be.

In the following two years, Clark became the vice president, then president of the Business Honors Association, which he said was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

Clark implemented and chaired the committee for the first “Industry Night,” which brought together 300 students and 30 firms. The event became annual.

And since he graduated from CSUN in 2012, he has remained involved with the Business Honors Association through organizing alumni events or attending student events as a professional.

The next step for Clark was 2014 when he co-founded the Business Honors Alumni Chapter. The group has hosted 10 events — from alumni mixers to creating a CSUN class where alumni can teach for a day.

“We created a space where our members could really connect on a personal level,” Clark said. “A very high percentage of our members are involved as alumni and remain good friends. … Through this chapter we have raised money for scholarships, connected students with alumni, and helped our alumni stay connected with each other.”


Kathy Escobar ’14
Child & Adolescent Development

Ever since Kathy Escobar was in high school, she knew she wanted to help others and guide them. In 10th grade, she joined Link Crew — an organization to help incoming freshmen with their transition into high school.

So it was natural that she continued her service once she reached CSUN.

As a CSUN student in 2012, she joined the Child and Adolescent Development Association (CADA) and had the opportunity to volunteer at activities such as giving high school students campus tours and teaching them about the different majors within the College of Health and Human Development.

As a member of the Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter she has volunteered at events, such as the chapter’s Celebrating Excellence Awards and annual mentoring and careers event.

Escobar became secretary of the chapter and later took on the role as co-chair of its website.

She said her greatest contribution to CSUN is being highly involved in connecting students with people in related career fields they are interested in pursuing.

Escobar said she is passionate about CSUN because it’s the school that gave her the opportunity to grow.

“I have advanced so much in my career, but it wouldn’t be possible without the support of the people at CSUN, including my mentors, my professors, and fellow colleagues,” Escobar said.


Sarah Cathcart M.S. ’06
Communication Disorders & Sciences

Sarah Cathcart is a part-time faculty member in the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences who has gone above and beyond by helping develop new programs within the department.

With two other colleagues she developed a program called the “Master Clinician Workshop Series,” to provide students in the clinical phase of the program additional information and practice.

She is a co-creator of an inter-professional education initiative called CLIMB in the College of Health and Human Development. The project brings together students from programs across HHD to discover the scope of professions providing services to the community.

Cathcart assisted with the 50th Anniversary Celebration for CSUN’s Language, Speech and Hearing Center and has volunteered at the annual Clinical Boot Camp.

“I believe in the mission of training our students to be excellent clinicians,” Cathcart said. “Our department has a group of talented and dedicated individuals who also happen to be lovely people. Our students are eager to learn and work hard. The other faculty I have been involved with across the campus demonstrate dedication to their students and seek innovative ways to engage the students and enhance their learning opportunities.”


Salvina Restivo ’95, M.S. ‘00, M.P.A. ’13
Environmental & Occupational Health

Salvina Restivo’s contributions to the Environmental and Occupational Health Chapter have been invaluable since she joined the board in 2011.

She is dedicated in ensuring event planning and activities are carried out with the care.

As an EOH professional, she understands the demands of the profession to provide professional, high-value service. She does this and more as a member of the EOH Chapter board.

In addition to contributing to the chapter’s annual plan, Restivo is fully involved with its two key annual events — Speed Mentoring and the EOH Technical Symposium events. Her efforts are integral during the entire planning cycle all the way through event day.

She has also mentored more than 200 students during her tenure in the board.

Prior to her current position with the L.A. County human resources department, Restivo was an environmental health specialist for L.A. County’s department of public health. She also works as an independent food safety consultant and does volunteer work for Cesar Chavez Week. She has received a recognition of excellence and excellence in technology awards from L.A. County human resources for being part of a team that developed a new HR web-based program. Restivo is also past president for the California Environmental Health Association, Southern Chapter.


Kitty Dill ’72, M.A. ’80
Journalism Alumni Association

Kitty Dill has been a steady presence for CSUN and the Journalism Alumni Association for decades. Her dedication to service has made a lasting imprint on the organization and has promoted the joy of volunteerism to all who have been involved with the JAA.

She has been the JAA Board Secretary and has volunteered to make the group’s speed mentoring event an annual success. She has also been a JAA Scholarship Committee member. She has coached and guest lectured for CSUN students and fellow alumni, making her an influential voice for generations of journalists and communicators.

She said her greatest contribution to CSUN is “having the common sense to enroll and stay enrolled, to achieve my personal and professional goals, concurrently working more than full-time and paying for it all. The steel thread was being part of CSUN’s teaching environment and absorbing how folks could be motivated."

She added: “As a professional communicator, it’s my long-held perspective that as an incredibly powerful nation (we) have become way too intense, mean, have forgotten how to laugh, and bred common sense out of the human race. That’s why it’s been my personal ministry for decades to spread laughs via jokes and cartoons at every opportunity.”


Lori Selna ’01, M.A. ’03
National Center on Deafness

For 10 years, Lori Selna has been an integral volunteer for the National Center on Deafness Alumni Chapter.

In particular, Selna played a big part in helping to make the chapter’s alumni reunions in 2010 and 2015 huge successes. She also takes pride in the work she did for the chapter’s 5K Sign n’ Run in 2012 and 2013. The annual event helps raise funds for scholarships and program enhancements for deaf and hard-of-hearing students at CSUN.

Selna earned her bachelor’s degree in child development from CSUN in 2001 and followed that up with a master’s in special education: deaf/hard-of-hearing in 2003. Her husband Scott is a CSUN alumnus and is a speech-to-text coordinator at the National Center of Deafness. The family is heavily involved in the success of CSUN and NCOD.

Selna is an enthusiastic supporter of NCOD and said her entire experience at CSUN has enriched her life.

“Without the (various) staffs, I wouldn’t be able to achieve my goals,” she said. “I thank everyone who has made it happen for me.”


Stefanie DuBois ’73
Nursing Alumni Chapter

While Stefanie DuBois is a CSUN alumna, she didn’t study in the department of nursing. She was an English major who received her secondary education teaching credential at CSUN.

But she wanted to lend a hand to CSUN. Her husband Bob Finkelstein was president of the Environmental and Occupational Health Chapter. She thus volunteered her administrative skills to then College of Health and Human Development Dean Sylvia Alva who then got her in touch with the Department of Nursing to reboot the alumni chapter.

She helped relaunch the chapter and assisted with the department’s 20th anniversary celebration in 2015 by doing much of the administrative work, getting sponsorships and helping plan the program.

“I am proud that I helped the nursing department recruit alums who can participate in the department alumni chapter’s goals to promote the department and, long term, provide enrichment activities for both undergrads and grad nurses in their field,” said DuBois, whose mother was a nurse in the Red Cross during World War II.

DuBois and her husband also provided a scholarship to an EOH student who was selected due to academic achievement and need.

“CSUN has a special place in my heart, for not only were my years there fascinating and challenging, but they also prepared me for many different job endeavors and opened my eyes up to the wonders of lifelong learning,” DuBois said. “I will always have fondness for the sights and smells of Sierra Hall.”


Anita Slechta ’79, M.S. ’86
Radiologic Sciences Alumni Chapter

Four years ago, Anita Slechta was one of the founders of the Radiological Sciences Alumni Chapter and has since been instrumental to the chapter and in execution of its annual speed-mentoring event and annual continuing education workshop.

Slechta is the chair of CSUN’s Department of Health Sciences and director of radiologic sciences. Her area of expertise is in radiation dose and medical imaging. Her research interest and publications have centered on radiation protection practices and radiation safety. Slechta has served on the California Department of Public Health’s Radiologic Technology Certification Committee, which approves all medical imaging regulations and many national professional organizations’ curriculum and policy committees

As a department chair she has managed to increase the productivity, accountability and transparency in the program. She has also managed to increase the numbers of students in the program by working to increase the selection of classes offered and by hiring more faculty.

She has worked as faculty and program director for the past 35 years. She has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and service to the chapter, college and the university. Slechta has dedicated her career to the success of CSUN’s students and has been a mentor to so many who have walked the campus of this university.

2015 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Adilene Delgado '15
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter

Adilene’s spirit for volunteerism to CSUN comes from her appreciation for all the university did for her. She calls the school her second home — a place where she met so many individuals who inspired and supported her through her academic career. She was part of the CSUN Accounting Association for three years and held two directorships within that time. One of her directorships was the “Meet the Firms” career fair, in which she helped organize the event for that semester. CSUN’s Meet the Firms is the largest in Southern California. The second directorship was a historian. Adilene attended all recruiting events related to the Accounting Association to capture the interactions photographically, and she then created a digital scrapbook. She also worked alongside the AIS Chapter to create a group called “Women in Business Connect.” This group was created and intended to provide a support system for professional women. Panels were held in which topics important to working women were discussed. Mixers allowed attendees to network.


Annette Terzibashyan Kosker '86
Alumni & Friends of Armenian Studies Program

To Annette, every organization needs a helping hand. So she helps — a lot. For the Alumni & Friends of Armenian Studies Program, she can best be described as a promoter. She is an enthusiastic supporter of the chapter’s events and promotes them whenever and
wherever she can. She is playing a significant part in helping to organize and promote the chapter’s annual fundraising event in April 2016. She’s also present at many of the chapter’s events, such as mixers and other get-togethers.

Annette volunteers and serves on the Parent-Teacher Organization board of C&E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School in Sherman Oaks. Her daughter, Melanie, attends the school. She also serves on the board of the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) and volunteers at church.


David Bobrosky '95 
Attorney Networking Group

David is the president and co-founder (with Michael Attar) of the CSUN Alumni Attorney Networking Group. The group hosts monthly meetings at his office (David is an attorney and partner in the personal injury practice group at Lewitt Hackman Shapiro Marshall and Harlan in Encino), where they provide a speaker for continuing education credit and a full dinner all at no charge to CSUN alumni.

Off-campus, David is a volunteer and committee member for the San Fernando Valley Bar Association and is a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. He is a former board member of Knapp Ranch Youth Baseball League and is a past nominee of Character Counts coaching award for the city of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation youth sports programs.


Ani Issaian '93
Biology Alumni Chapter

Ani said she is living proof of the American dream. Ani, of Armenian heritage, came to the United States from Venezuela 35 years ago. She found a passion in biology in seventh grade and thus pursued a career in the field and succeeded in it. Ani worked at Caltech for more than five years as an associate research scientist, electron microscopy. Her last position was as a lecturer in electron microscopy.

Ani also worked at CSUN for a year managing the Electron Microscopy Facility in the Biology Department. She supports students in higher education, especially encouraging their interest in science. The passion also extends to connecting with and assisting CSUN biology alumni rise in their careers. She is currently the president of the Biology Alumni Chapter for the 2015-16 term and was the vice president for 2013-2015. During that time, the chapter had two very successful mixers and a well-received speed-mentoring event.

 

 

 

 

Roxanne Jones
1992 B.S. Engineering
Black Alumni Association

Roxanne has been a significant figure in the Black Alumni Association throughout the chapter’s lifetime. As a proud alumna of CSUN (engineering), she didn’t hesitate to answer the call to assist in chartering the Black Alumni Association. She served as the financial secretary and last year chaired the BAA’s Inaugural Scholarship and Awards Brunch. As a student at CSUN, Roxanne was an active force on campus, serving on several committees and in many organizations. As a student worker in campus activities, she served as a speaker/presenter for the first AIDS Speakers Bureau. She was president of the Black Greek Letter Council. She was an active member of the Theta Psi Citywide Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as an active member of National Society of Black Engineers, serving as the Region 6 Chair managing chapters in more than 13 states while sitting on the National Board.

Roxanne continues to serve her community as a member of the Family to Family Community Development Corp. of Spirit Filled Family Church in Hesperia. She has been an adjunct faculty member at West Los Angeles College, teaching personal finance. She currently sits on two other boards, Camille Russell Wooden Ministries and KnowLeadership, which educates at-risk students about college.

Spencer Bakst
2013 B.S. Accountancy
Business Honors Chapter

Spencer, a triple major in accounting, finance and business administration, graduated magna cum laude from CSUN’s Business Honors Program. He co-founded and is the first president of the newly formed Business Honors Alumni Chapter. The BHAC was founded to develop a tight-knit community of business honors graduates who are committed to supporting the personal and professional growth of fellow alumni and current students alike. The chapter is on its way toward meeting its initial scholarship and legacy investment fund goals. Spencer himself has seeded the first $1,000 toward meeting the legacy investment fund and plans to keep giving. Spencer has also led the chapter’s effort to collaborate with the Business Honors Program to create an honors alumni class where the alumni can share their real-world experience and diverse industry knowledge with students.

Peri Abel
1993 B.A. Child & Adolescent Development
Child and Adolescent Development

There is a word they use for people like Peri. They call them the “glue.” Peri joined the Child and Adolescent Development Chapter’s executive board in 2014, and in a year’s time she has made an impact so large that she is being recognized for her service today. Doing all the little things and being a consistent presence and help for the chapter make up that large impact. Peri serves as the chapter’s website co-chair but has also been active in chapter events — in both making them happen and participating in them. Her love of dance (Peri’s long-term goal is to work with patients in dance-movement therapy) was recently included in a mentorship workshop where she spoke about how one becomes a dance-movement therapist and the rewards of working in the field. Peri is currently a marriage family therapist intern and works at an eating-disorder treatment facility. After receiving her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara she was encouraged from her mentor and former professor at CSUN, Dr. Carol S. Kelly, to reconnect with CSUN.

Amalia Hernandez
2011 M.S. Communicative Disorders
Communication Disorders & Sciences

Ursala Hernandez
Friend of the University
Communication Disorders & Sciences

Amalia is the one up front, and Ursula is the one who is more behind-the-scenes. Make no mistake, though, they’re a volunteer team.
Amalia, a speech language pathologist who was one of the first recipients of the Ruth Rothman Scholarship for CSUN education and speech-language pathology students, served as a board member for one year and as president for the past two years of the Communications Disorders & Sciences Chapter. She helped with networking, social and fundraising events, and award recognition
events for CSUN students and alumni. As a student, Amalia was the community event and fundraising chair for the student speech and language organization National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA). The group co-hosted networking events with alumni, volunteered time to clean and beautify the organization’s outdoor clinic, and provided informational opportunities to students.

Amalia’s mother, Ursula, has supported her, but in turn has also supported the alumni chapter. Ursula, a retired educator from the Los Angeles Unified School District, wrapped baskets and grad gifts. She solicited gift baskets for silent auction items. Ursula was part of the “village” that helped create alumni events.

Doris Chaney
2003 B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Engineering

A driving force around campus, Doris is the Sigma Chi Zeta Xi fraternity adviser and an adviser of the Layer 8 Cyber-security Club (an IT Cybersecurity and Computer Science program she created). She organizes and works fundraising, community and career events that have made a major impact on students and alumni in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Her aim has been to help students cultivate a strong relationship with their major by developing successful study skill habits that will allow them to succeed in their course work. She has taken it a step further by helping them develop hands-on skills by providing workshops and training-seminar programs that integrate them into their majors and into the workforce. Doris’ early experiences at CSUN set her volunteer spirit into motion. She persevered after early struggles as a student and rose to new heights because of the help and mentorship she received and the hard work she put in.

Nicole Katz
2011 B.A. Electronic Media Management
Entertainment Alumni Network

When Nicki graduated from CSUN, an entertainment alumni chapter didn’t exist. In an industry where who you know is so vital, Nicki helped create an opportunity for CSUN alumni like herself to network. She co-founded the Entertainment Alumni Network Chapter in 2013. There was a lot of hustle involved in getting the chapter off the ground floor. She was instrumental in getting the chapter’s board together, establishing a constitution, and generating an active social media presence for recent grads and alumni to connect. In a little more than a year’s time, the organization is thriving. Nicki helped facilitate the chapter’s kick-off mixer in Hollywood and its first career networking event. And plans are afoot to build on the early successes.

Angelo Bellomo
1981 M.S. Environmental Occupational Health
Environmental & Occupational Health (EOH)

Angelo’s leadership in the environmental health field has been recognized by the California Legislature, U.S. EPA, the California League of Conservation Voters, the National Environmental Health Association and now by CSUN, where he received his M.S. in 1981. Currently, Angelo is the Deputy Director for Health Protection for the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health. Previously, he was the Director of Environmental Health where he led departmentwide efforts to reduce the health impacts of climate change while promoting the development of health and sustainable communities. Before coming to the Department of Public Health, he was the Director of Environmental Health and Safety for LAUSD, where he led reforms in the areas of school emergency planning, sustainable building design and regulatory review of proposed school sites.

As a member of the EOH Alumni Chapter Board and EOH Department Advisory Board, Angelo has been an outstanding contributor to the advancement of the EOH Chapter, department, students and profession. His dedicated team efforts and participation as a speaker at the nationally recognized EOH Annual Technical Symposium, held each March, has resulted in record attendance and profits annually donated to the EOH Department to support student development.

Ben Gary
2006 B.S. Finance
Finance Insurance & Real-Estate (FIRE)

Ben is a commercial real estate broker and advisor by profession and devotee to his alma mater by passion. He is one of the founding members of the Finance, Insurance & Real Estate (F.I.R.E.) Chapter. Ben is also a President’s Associate and has participated in CSUN
“Professor for a Day” in each of the last four years. Ben is working hard on and is in the process of trying to endow the CSUN Real Estate Scholarship in honor of the late Dr. Donald Bleich. Dr. Bleich was an influential figure to Ben. Ben credits his former professor, mentor and friend for guiding him into his career in real estate. Dr. Bleich later gave Ben the opportunity to speak to his classes to provide information and advice to help students begin their careers.

Joseph Nessim
2005 B.A. Biology
Health Administration

As an undergraduate, Joseph planted the seeds to a long-term involvement with CSUN. Joseph was in the Biology Club and was a part of the University Ambassadors program. After receiving his bachelor’s (biology) and master’s degrees (health administration) from CSUN, Joseph has continued to devote his time and energy to the university. Joseph has been the president of CSUN’s Health Administration Alumni Chapter for the past two years and has been a board member for four years. His goal as president is to add more members to the chapter and to promote the university and department’s programs to new and returning students. Joseph currently works as a senior compliance adviser and provides consulting for various health insurance companies and medical groups relating to health care compliance and regulatory/legislative analysis of the Affordable Care Act and newly passed federal/state regulations for health care organizations.

Rochelle Shapiro Kanoff
1979 B.A. Journalism
Journalism Alumni Chapter

Rochelle received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from CSUN in 1980 and has been a CSUN Journalism Alumni Association (JAA) board member since 2001 and director of scholarships since 2002. She also provides support to journalism students through coaching and mentoring. She has been involved with the CSUN JAA as a way to give back to the university that provided her with an affordable education, which paved the way for her career in editing, publishing and public relations. Plus, Rochelle values the opportunity to inspire and support the next generation of journalists and communicators. She is currently a corporate affairs senior manager at biotech company Amgen, focusing on brand and reputation strategy and communications.

Christina Ayala-Alcantar
Friend of the University
La Raza Alumni Chapter

Christina is a full-time faculty member and associate chair in the Department of Chicana/o Studies. She is the department alumni liaison for the La Raza Alumni Association (LRAA) Chapter. Christina worked with other department faculty to put together a benefit concert: “Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the Department of Chicana/o Studies,” held on Oct. 25, 2014 in the Plaza del Sol Concert Hall on CSUN’s campus. The event proceeds went toward scholarships for the 2015-2016 academic year. Christina and her family have established a scholarship via LRAA for current graduate students called the Ezekial & Adrian Rodriguez Graduate Scholarship. Ezekial Rodriguez, an immigrant from Michoacán, Mexico, had a strong work ethic and high regard for education, which motivated both of his children to attend college. This scholarship honors that value and the memory of Ezekial (1931-2007) and his son Adrian (1977-2009).

Semee Park
2013 MPA Public Sector Management
Masters in Public Administration (MPA)

Semee strives to give CSUN students as many opportunities to succeed as possible. Semee, who works as a legislative deputy for Los Angeles City Council member Mitchell Englander, is a big supporter of helping students further their academic and career goals. Besides speaking to students in the classroom, Semee makes sure that students are provided with internship opportunities so they can gain crucial work experience as they progress in their careers. As the secretary for the CSUN Master of Public Administration (MPA) Alumni Association Chapter, Semee helps connect students and alumni together through mixers and career-panel discussions. Semee believes CSUN is a great resource with limitless potential and that it’s all about tapping into that potential and leveraging its collective networks toward action to better the community. Semee also served as director and board member with the Asian Pacific American Legislative Staff Network and is a member of the Los Angeles City Employee Asian American Association.

Jennifer Monjack
2007 MSW Master of Social Work
Masters in Social Work (MSW)

Jennifer is a supervising children’s social worker at the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. At CSUN, she is the vice president of the MSW Alumni Chapter. She has assisted with coordination of the yearly alumni events for the past two years. While she was a student at CSUN, she was a member of the founding class of the MSW program and a member of the Social Work Society club. Jennifer also volunteers with Kiwanis Young Professionals of the Antelope Valley. This is a service organization where monthly service projects are facilitated in the Antelope Valley. The group assists with food-bank distributions, it fund raises for a yearly scholarship for a community college student transferring to a four-year university, it works at a local animal shelter on a fundraising event, and shops for packages and delivers Christmas baskets and meals for needy families.

Robert Sidansky
1980 M.A. Educational Psychology and Counseling
National Center on Deafness (NCOD)

Robert has been an inspiration for the hearing-impaired community for decades. But he has also been an inspiration for CSUN. He founded the NCOD Alumni Chapter, and over the years he has been involved in several alumni events. He has recruited alumni for Career Days for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and has hosted the Deaf Academic Bowl and College Bowl since 1988. He is the chairperson of IMPACT Conference for the Parents of Deaf Children and served as a member of the Deafness Task Force for the California Department of Education. He is so dedicated because his goal is to improve the quality of leadership, human rights, consumer rights, awareness and environment for our young people.

Robert is a Student Personnel Specialist (academic advisor for deaf and hard of hearing students) at the National Center on Deafness at CSUN. In 2012, Robert received a city of Los Angeles commendation for his work by City Councilman Mitchell Englander as the 12th Council District Honoree for Deaf Awareness Month.

George Higgins
2006 B.A. English & Asian American Studies
2013 B.S. Nursing
Nursing Alumni Chapter 

George currently serves as president of the Nursing Chapter, sits on the Governance Committee for Gamma Tau (the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the nursing honors society), and sits on the Unit Practice Council at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for his unit in the 8 Intensive Care Unit. He graduated from CSUN in 2006 with a double major in English (creative writing) and Asian American Studies. After working in the writing industry and briefly pursuing a career in law, he returned to school to begin prerequisites for nursing, completing additional coursework to be a certified nurse assistant and becoming licensed as an emergency medical technician. After receiving the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s New Careers in Nursing scholarship, he graduated summa cum laude from CSUN’s Accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Program in August 2013 and is currently working as a clinical nurse in the Liver Transplant/Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

Carla Valdez
2008 MPH Public Health
Public Health Alumni Chapter

Carla Valdez’s passions at CSUN are many: the students and training them to become public health professionals, interacting with her colleagues in the Department of Health Sciences and growing the Public Health Chapter of the Alumni Association. Carla is the faculty adviser for the Public Health Chapter. She is a planning-committee member for continuing education conferences, such as LGBT Cultural Competence, and is the lead planning-committee member for events that support current students, such as speed mentoring for graduate students in the Master of Public Health Program. She helped launch the chapter fundraising efforts for an undergraduate public health and MPH scholarship. Carla is a member of the myCSUNtablet initiative — a oneto- one tablet deployment with the goals of increasing student learning and engagement, improving the quality of teaching materials and decreasing cost. The myCSUNtablet team received the Jolene Koester Team Award at the 2015 Staff Service Awards. Carla is the department liaison for the myCSUNtablet initiative.

Doris Abrishami
1997 B.S. Radiologic Technology
Radiologic Sciences Alumni Chapter

Doris is about as homegrown as one gets. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at CSUN and is currently enrolled in the university’s doctorate program. She is also a full-time faculty member in the Radiologic Sciences (RS) program and is one of the founding members of the RS Alumni Chapter at CSUN. She has volunteered as a member and coordinator for the chapter’s continuing education seminars and speed mentoring events. Doris is also vice president of the California Society of Radiologic Technologists and has been a seminar coordinator for the past 10 years for that society.

Serving CSUN and its students has been a passion of hers since she was a student. Doris’ path was paved by great instructors, she said, who guided her and believed in her. She specifically noted Radiologic Sciences Department Chair Anita Slechta for giving her inspiration, saying she helped her to become not just a caring technologist, but also a passionate educator.

2014 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Deborah Logue 
2002 B.S. Accounting and Information Systems
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter

Deborah Logue graduated from CSUN with a bachelor’s degree in accounting more than ten years ago, and has continued to dedicate herself to volunteer work at her alma mater. She currently serves as the secretary of the Accounting & Information Systems (AIS) Alumni Chapter. Deborah imparts her knowledge at various events, including the annual Meet the Firms event – the accounting fair at which companies recruit students who are looking to advance careers in Accounting and Information Systems.

During her undergraduate study at CSUN, Deborah earned the 2007 INROADS Alumna of the Year award for her internship with Kaiser Permanente. She currently serves as a workflow consultant with the company. 

Ian Leslie  
1987 B.S. Biology   
Biology Alumni Chapter

Ian Leslie helped to re-establish the Biology Alumni Chapter in 2011 and has served as president since the chapter's formation. With his wife Kathy, a lecturer in the CSUN Department of English, Ian has established a number of scholarships that illustrate the couple’s investment in the education of undergraduate students. The couple created the Ian and Kathy Leslie Scholarship in Biology Endowment, which is awarded to biology students who juggle occupational and scholastic responsibilities.

Ian is a member of the Heritage Society Steering Committee. The Heritage Society recognizes alumni and friends of CSUN who have dedicated themselves to making a long-term financial contribution to the betterment of the campus. Ian has also served as a member of the Volunteer Leadership Summit Steering Committee. As a committee member, Ian worked with other alums to promote a greater dedication to volunteer and advocacy work within the university. 

Debra L. Hammond 
Black Alumni Association

Debra Hammond has demonstrated an exemplary dedication to CSUN and the Black Alumni Association. She has supported the BAA in bringing programming and events that enhance the experience of African-American students, faculty, staff and alumni, including bringing the late Nobel Laureate Dr. Maya Angelou to CSUN. She also supports the BAA's reception featuring black photographers, the black faculty and staff holiday party and the black family reception at Explore CSUN. She serves as a mentor to professional staff and faculty and has shepherded the highly successful Sistahood mentor group, which provides support to female students of African descent. 

Among her many recognitions and awards, Debra was the recipient of the Butts-Witing Award in 2006 form the Association of College Unions International (ACUI), bestowed upon those who have made significant and lasting impressions on their profession, and Woman of the Year from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 

Roya Gabbaie Vetter 
1985 B.A. Child and Adolescent Development 
Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter

Roya Gabbaie Vetter has been a member of the CADV Alumni chapter since 2010, participating in the assessment of chapter responsibilities and committees. Roya has been a panel member for the Peer Mentoring Event for the CADV department, sharing her professional experience with undergraduate students. In addition, she established the Nedjat Gabbaie Scholarship, which is awarded to a CADV major who intends to pursue a career working with children and adolescents who have learning disabilities. Roya has also been the Cultural Events Committee chair for the last three years. In that role, she has arranged activities for CADV alumni and supporters. 

Roya currently works as a child development specialist at Nurturing Tots, a company that works to maximize the developmental potential of young children.

Connie Stratton
Faculty
Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter

Connie Stratton is a faculty member in the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences. She is a clinical supervisor for CSUNFlowers, which is a preschool program made available through the Speech, Language and Hearing Center on campus. The language-based program allows young children to learn about language through interactive experiences. Connie helps CDS graduates by promoting them at professional functions and in work-related settings. She has volunteered endless hours and resources to help graduates. 

Daniel Rozzen
2010 B.A. Cinema and Television Arts
Entertainment Alumni Network

Daniel Rozzen graduated from CSUN in 2010, with a bachelor’s degree in cinema and television arts. Unwilling to leave his alma mater behind, he created the CSUN Entertainment Alumni Network (EAN) in 2013. As President of EAN, Rozzen advocates building a community of professional relationships and friendships that will propel the CSUN legacy into the professional world of entertainment.

Daniel has worked as a a technology officer for multiple entertainment companies. He created his own tech company, Rozzen Tech, in 2012. 

Yvonne Sucich  
2002 B.A. Environmental and Occupational Health, 2011 M.S. Environmental and Occupational Health  
Enviornmental and Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

As an undergrad, Yvonne Sucich was a member of EOHSA (Environmental & Occupational Health Student Association). She was also a supporter of the EOH Alumni Chapter. In 2011, she joined the alumni chapter and has come to be an essential constituent of the organization. Yvonne planned the chapter’s Speed Mentoring event and EOH Technical Symposium. She continues to contribute to the College of Health and Human Development as an EOH consultant, using her experience as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) to establish a standard of professionalism and service.

Cesar Gonzalez
2001 B.A. Finance and Real Estate
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Alumni Chapter 

Cesar Gonzales is president of the FIRE (Finance, Insurance and Real Estate) Alumni Chapter. Cesar has help to re-establish the chapter in many ways. He has instituted more meetings in order to improve club management and organization. In addition, there have been two successful mixers conducted under his leadership – one on-campus networking event and one off-campus networking event. FIRE is working to organize another event this fall. 

In 2012, Cesar co-founded the real estate firm Parker + McQueen, Inc., a full service, luxury real estate brokerage.

Cathy Rusch 
2008 M.S. Health Administration
Health Administration Alumni Chapter 

After earning her master's degree in 2009, Cathy Rusch joined the Health Administration Alumni Chapter (HAAC). As the board’s vice president during the 2013-2014 term, she presided over meetings and helped manage the business of the chapter. The annual Career Boot Camp continues to be the highlight of her service to the chapter.

For almost two years, Cathy has been adjunct faculty, teaching health administration to graduate students. She is teaching two courses this semester.

Bob Tarlau
1965 B.A. Journalism 
Journalism Alumni Chapter 

A retired journalist, Bob has been serving as president of the Journalism Alumni Association for two years. As head of the Journalism Alumni Chapter, he has guided the executive board in organizing programs that are beneficial to current journalism and public relations students. This included Speed Mentoring events connecting students with professional journalists and providing support to the Journalism Department in staging its annual Career Day. A new program added this past year is online coaching, supported by the chapter, with the goal to help students struggling with grammar, writing style and comprehension. 

Bob has earned numerous local Emmy awards and honors from the Society of Professional journalists, the Southern California Radio and Television News Association and the Associated Press. 

Griselda Corona 
2009  
La Raza Alumni Chapter 

Griselda Corona is active member of the La Raza Alumni Association (LRAA). The association is the most prevalent Latino alumni organization at the university. Though Griselda is not a board member, she is a major asset to the association. She mentors her students on how to be leaders and role models for their peers. She also gives her time fundraising for scholarships that benefit undergraduate students who pursue their educations in Chicana and Chicano Studies. In October, the association held its 45th Anniversary Benefit Concert. The concert not only raised money, but shined a light on all of the community-building work that the association is doing today. 

Jose J. Ramos Jr.
2011 M.P.A. Masters in Public Administration
Public Administration Alumni Chapter

Jose Ramos has always been interested in the public sector, having earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his master’s degree in public administration. He became vice president of the Master’s in Public Administration Alumni Chapter in 2013. In May of this year, Jose and his board hosted a grant writing workshop at Los Angeles City Hall. 

Jose and his wife, Jackie, opened a Boys and Girls Club in Perris. With more than 100 children enrolled, the organization is a flourishing success. 

Kelley Cooper
2010 M.P.H. Masters in Public Health
Masters in Public Health Alumni Chapter

In September 2013, Kelley Cooper became president of the Public Health Alumni Chapter. After overcoming a number of setbacks during the early stages of her presidency, the chapter was revitalized. Throughout the past year, Kelley and her board have organized and hosted six social events, including successful networking and hiking events that have recruited dozens of members to the chapter. The chapter has numerous events planned for the upcoming year.

Kelley is currently a program manager with Perinatal Advisory Council/Leadership Advocacy Consultation (PAC/LAC), whose mission is to positively impact the health of women and their families.

 

Luis O. Curiel
2003 B.A. Psychology, 2010 M.S.W. Masters in Social Work
Masters in Social Work Alumni Chapter

Luis Curiel is a field consultant for the California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) public child welfare grant at CSUN. Through CalSWEC, Luis assists students in their preparation for careers in public child welfare. While completing his undergraduate study in psychology, Luis heavily invested himself in the CSUN community. After earning his master’s degree in social work, he became the founding president of the MSW Alumni Association. In Spring 2011, he became CSUN faculty, teaching child welfare services elective courses. Luis is the first CSUN MSW alumni to join faculty in the Social Work department.

In addition, Luis is as an IUC (Inter-University Consortism) consultant and lecturer at CSUN. The IUC is a hub for social science research. Luis oversees the Child Welfare Stipend program, which provides students with funds to complete the social work program.

Dana Foster Armendariz
1992 B.A. Deaf Studies
National Center on Deafness Alumni Chapter

Dana Foster Armendariz is the acting chapter president of the National Center on Deafness (NCOD) Alumni Chapter. She has been with the chapter for several years, having served as secretary between 2008 and 2010. NCOD provides services to deaf and hard-of-hearing CSUN students, as well as a means of networking with members of the chapter.

Currently, Dana is a senior associate with Cognizant Technology Solutions. 

Danny R. Lopez
2012 Radiologic Sciences
Radiologic Sciences Alumni Chapter

As one of thirteen founding members of the Radiology Sciences Alumni Chapter, Daniel Lopez has made himself available to promote the betterment of the board and the development of connection between students and alumni. He participates by helping to organize and plan events. He goes a step beyond during professional development and mentoring events, encouraging students to contact him personally with any questions about his career. Daniel also serves as the chapter’s historian and photographer. 

Danny currently works as a radiologic technologist with Mediscan. 

2013 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Carlos Patron
1999 B.S. Accounting and Information Systems
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter

A member of the Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter since 2000, Carlos currently serves as president of the chapter and has played an integral part in organizing chapter events including Meet the Firms, where students engage with potential employers in a professional setting, and a faculty dinner. He and his wife — alumna Maria Patron ’93, ’99 — have solicited donations and raised funds for student scholarships. They fund two awards for the annual Accounting and Information Systems Department Student Merit Awards.

William Watkins 
1974 B.A. Urban Studies   
Black Alumni Association

William Watkins has served CSUN and the Black Alumni Association (BAA) with distinction, honor and dedication. As an undergraduate at CSUN, he was the first African-American elected Associated Students president. Beginning his career as a work-study student, William has logged nearly 40 years of continuous service as an employee at CSUN and now serves as vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. For the Black Alumni Association, William holds a special place as one of the first signatories on the chapter charter. He joined as one of the first lifetime members of the BAA and has supported all chapter events, including attending planning meetings and small gatherings. He is a recipient of the Administrator of the Year Award from the CSUN Associated Students.

Carol Kelly 
Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter

Professor emeritus Carol Kelly is being honored for her ongoing and significant contributions to the Child and Adolescent Development (CADV) Alumni Association Chapter. Eight years ago, Carol — with a small group of alumni — re-established the CADV Alumni Association Chapters. Carol’s professional connections at the international level have resulted in many alumni presenting at conferences, which has drawn attention to the caliber of alumni, as well as shined a spotlight on CSUN and the profession of child and adolescent development. Carol also serves on the board of the Association of Child and Youth Care Practitioners, where she has served on several national committees, including the National Certification of Child and Youth Care Professionals.

Carol’s commitment to teaching and mentoring students was recognized in 1995, when she received the CSUN Distinguished Teaching Award.  In 2009, she received the CSUN Alumni Association’s Dean Ed Peckham Award.

Gail Wilson Lew
1986 Credentials 
Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Chapter

As a recognized fluency specialist in stuttering, Gail Wilson Lew is an adjunct instructor for the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences. She also founded and supervises a stuttering clinic at CSUN’s Language, Speech and Hearing Center. She hosts numerous community events to promote stuttering awareness and to support hands-on experiences for students. Gail has worked with several school districts and was the facilitator/director of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Stuttering Association for 14 years.

Gail has received an honorary alumna award from the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences and a Polished Apple Award from the CSUN University Ambassadors, given to a faculty member who has made a difference in students’ academic lives. 

Arlene Feingold
1984 B.A. Environmental and Occupational Health, 1991 M.S. Environmental and Occupational Health
Environmental and Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

Arlene Feingold has been a valued contributor to the Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Alumni Chapter board for several years. Arlene’s support of the EOH Annual Technical Symposium has been instrumental in its continued success. The symposium is attended by more than 150 professionals and students each year. Her personal efforts securing sponsors and attendees for the 2013 symposium allowed the chapter to fund student and laboratory needs through the Ralph Jones Giving Fund. 

Roberta Wax
1973 B.A. Journalism
Journalism Alumni Association

Roberta Wax has been volunteering at CSUN since she was a journalism student. After graduation, she joined the professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and continued to be active with the student chapter at CSUN as a tutor, mentor, guest speaker and fundraiser for the Department of Journalism. Roberta has been a member of the Journalism Alumni Association (JAA) executive board for several years and serves as the editor of JAA’s newsletter, The Full Scoop. Currently, she is JAA’s vice president and was recently involved in organizing a successful speed mentoring event, bringing in editors, reporters and public relations professionals to talk with students about careers. 

Mitzuko Osuna 
2011 M.P.A Masters in Public Administration  
Masters in Public Administration Alumni Chapter

Mitzuko has been a vital member of the Masters in Public Administration Alumni Chapter executive board, serving as treasurer, and as the current president. In addition to overseeing the chapter’s finances, she was a key contributor to the development of a five-year strategic plan for the chapter. The only chapter member who was part of a cohort during her studies, Mitzuko provided information to other chapter members on the operations of the cohorts and reached out to her fellow cohort members to join the chapter. She also worked diligently to plan, promote and successfully execute the 2012 Annual MPA Student Alumni Networking Event.

 

Bob Ortego 
1985 Radiological Sciences
Radiological Sciences Alumni Chapter

As a founding member and first president of the recently chartered Radiological Sciences Alumni Chapter, Bob Ortego has been responsible for steering the new association and reconnecting a group of alumni who had never been formally organized. He serves as a proactive board member, running monthly meetings, and is playing a key role in organizing a radiological sciences alumni reunion. Bob is a principal radiation protection specialist for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health–Radiation Management and has been a part-time instructor in the radiologic technology program, which deals with the importance of radiation protection in the healthcare environment. 

2012 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Susan Barney
2004 B.S. Accounting
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter

Despite a demanding schedule as a tax professional, Susan Barney has played a key role in the management of the Accounting & Informations Systems Chapter. Now in her second term as treasurer of the chapter, Susan has participated in many events and programs such as Meet the Firms and the annual awards banquet. Last year, for her continuing support of Alpha Beta Psi, the national accounting student honor society, she was named an honorary member.

Hasmig Baran
1995 Credentials, 1997 M.A. Educational Administration
Alumni and Friends of the Armenian Studies Program

An educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Hasmig Baran is a teacher and GATE coordinator at the North Hollywood High School Humanitas School for Advanced Studies. As a very active member of the Armenian community in greater Los Angeles, she holds leadership positions in many organizations. For several years, Hasmig has served as the president of the Alumni and Friends of the Armenian Studies Program (AFASP) at CSUN. As such, she has promoted CSUN within the Armenian community at large. She has been involved in fundraising and organizing events, including banquets, to promote the AFASP and scholarship programs. She is an exemplary ambassador of CSUN.

Shanté Morgan-Durisseau
1990 B.A. Journalism
Black Alumni Association

Under Shanté Morgan-Durisseau’s leadership, the Black Alumni Association was granted a charter from the CSUN Alumni Association board of directors on Sept. 27, 2011. As president, Shanté led the new organization through its inaugural year with vision, commitment and dedication. In seeking a charter, Shanté engaged alumni from diverse academic units who graduated from the 1970s to the present. She worked to host an inaugural reception in November of 2011, where Assemblyman Mike Davis, a CSUN alumnus, served as the keynote speaker. She also collaborated with the Department of Pan African Studies in celebration of its 42nd anniversary. When John Harris was selected as the first African-American alumnus to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award, Shanté coordinated an event for undergraduate students to meet him. In addition, she also collaborated with the students coordinating the 41st annual Black Graduation Celebration.

Joyce Munsch, Ph.D.  
Faculty
Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter

Joyce Munsch has served as the department faculty liaison to the Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter for five years. Her contributions have been significant, diverse and important to the chapter’s success, including sponsorship of the Edith Munsch Scholarship to a First Generation Student, moderating panels at chapter programs, and encouraging faculty to attend and support student attendance at chapter programs and events. A co-author of three textbooks, Joyce has donated copies of “Child Development: An Active Learning Approach” to be used as door prizes at chapter-sponsored events. At CSUN, she has administered the Jumpstart program for more than nine years. Her consistent support of the alumni chapter, sharing of her expertise and modeling volunteer involvement makes her an invaluable volunteer and mentor.

Joyce's commitment to community service learning was recognized in 2005, when she was awarded the CSUN Faculty Senate Visionary Community Service Learning Award. 

Laurie Cartwright
1970 B.A. Sociology, 1992 Credentials, 1992 M.S. Communicative Disorders
Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Chapter

For more than 10 years, Laurie Cartwright has worked at CSUN as a clincial supervisor and an instructor for the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences. As a certified speech-language pathologist, she supervises students in performing hearing and speech screenings. She is an avid supporter of the alumni chapter, attending its events and programs. She also promotes activities of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In addition, she lends her expertise and experience to the summer boot camps offered by the Language, Speech and Hearing Center.

Robert Finkelstein
1978 M.S. Environmental and Occupational Health
Environmental and Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

Although he served as a speed mentor several times over the years, Robert Finkelstein fully reconnected with the Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Alumni Chapter in August 2010. As a new board member, he took on the responsibility of serving as Lead Chair for the 2010 Speed Mentoring Event. With the unfortunate illness and passing of Chapter President Ralph Jones, Robert stepped in as president in November that year and worked closely with the chapter board, the EOH department, EOHSA Student Organization and Alumni Relations to manage and present the 2011 Technical Symposium event and speed mentoring events. This year he co-chairs the planning committee for the 2012 Speed Mentoring Event and 2013 Technical Symposium. Over the years, the Technical Symposium has become a premier event recognized nationally by academic and professional communities. The Speed Mentoring Event and the Symposium drew between 160 and 180 participants. He also developed a formal Chapter Plan, reaching out to students, faculty, university and the business community to support and enhance the already successful outreach of EOH graduates.

Joel Fisher
2007 M.P.A. Masters of Public Administration
Masters in Public Administration Alumni Chapter

As former treasurer and current president of the Masters in Public Administration Chapter, Joel Fisher has worked diligently to revive a previously inactive program, leading a new and energetic chapter board of directors. He has worked to plan, promote, execute and improve participation in the Annual MPA Student/Alumni Networking Event, resulting in a four-fold increase in attendance. Joel has worked to develop the chapter website to include useful features such as career and job links, video library and an alumni showcase. In addition, he initiated the process of developing a five-year chapter strategic plan. During his tenure as president, Fisher has attended the CSUN Inaugural Volunteer Leadership Summit, participated in the CSUN Government and Community Relations’ Inaugural Legislative Advocacy Training, and attended the 2012 CSUN Distinguished Alumni Awards.

2011 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Mahin Alamdari
2005 B.A. Child Development, 2007 M.S. Educational Psychology
Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter

Mahin Alamdari has provided leadership in the Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter for five years. She has served as scholarship chair, vice president, president, and past president during which time she assumed the president’s responsibilities when the president was on maternity leave. During her administration, the chapter has presented high quality professional development opportunities for alumni, undergraduates and others interested in topics such as childhood obesity and careers within the profession.

To thank CSUN professors and the department for her high quality education, she sponsors the Alamdari Scholarship to support a deserving student‘s continuing education. Because of Mahin’s expertise in cultural diversity, she was encouraged to work with two other alumni to present a workshop at the North American International Child and Youth Care Conference in 2006.

Leslie Martin
1984 B.A., 1986 M.A. Communicative Disorders, 1986 Credential
Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Chapter

Leslie Martin has been very supportive of the Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Association (CDSAA) as an organizer and leader.   Involved with the CDSAA for a decade, Leslie is a reliable volunteer and always willing to share her knowledge and expertise.  She has served on the association board of directors and has coordinated the career panel to help mentor CDS students about the speech-language pathology profession.

Leslie is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and received an Award for Continuing Education from the association. Currently she is the Coordinator of Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation at Glendale Adventist Medical Center

Ty Avendano
1993 B.S. Health Sciences
Environmental and Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

Ty Avendano has been a steady contributor to the Enivronmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Alumni Chapter since its inception. Despite his busy schedule, he is an individual the board and the members can count on to get things done. Ty's support for the annual EOH Speed Mentoring event, including serving as a mentor, helped to insure a successful program. As a team member for the annual EOH Technical Symposium, the program and communications were properly handled and the event was outstanding. His insight and input have truly helped the chapter become a successful group. He continues to be a member of executive board of the EOH Chapter.

Ty is an environmental consultant in the Environmental Casualty Division of Chartis Insurance. 

Talin Keshishian
2006 B.A. Sociology, 2009 M.P.A. Masters in Public Administration
Masters in Public Administration Alumni Chapter 

When Talin Keshishian received her master's degree in 2009, the Masters in Public Administration (MPA) Alumni Chapter had been inactive. As chapter president, Talin revived a previously defunct alumni chapter and formulated a strong board of directors, along with an advisory committee and spearheaded initiatives to restore program interest for alumni and students. She provided networking resources, job assistance, and social and professional outreach to alumni and students alike. In her leadership role, Talin recruited prospective students to the master's program and fundraised for the chapter. 

Talin is Founder and Executive Director of Allied Cultures Against Discrimination (ACAD) in Reseda, a non-profit focused on diversity training and multiculturalism. 

Adria Rhyne
2007 B.A. Art
National Center On Deafness Alumni Chapter

As a volunteer for the National Center on Deafness (NCOD) Alumni Chapter, Adria Rhyne was instrumental in creating beautiful artwork for the chapter’s 2010 reunion including brochures, posters and signage. Her other services to the NCOD include designing artwork for the Sign n Run, De’Via Art Galas, interpreter workshops and student leadership conferences. Adria also helps out the NCOD staff and deaf CSUNians on various projects.

Adria has received two NCOD Art Awards for Granville Redmond calendar in 2006 and art projects in 2008. 

Felicia Conlan
2009 M.S. Communicative Disorders and Sciences
Communicative Disorders and Sciences Alumni Chapter

In addition to her career as a speech-language pathologist, Felicia Conlan has been president of the CDS Alumni Association (CDSAA) since 2009. Under her leadership the chapter has been actively involved with the department sponsoring programs focused on mentorship, professional development, membership recruitment and social events. They also organize professional development workshops and seminars and support the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention.

Felicia has participated in the CSUN Visiting Professor for a Day and was the alumni representative for the College of Health and Human Development 2010 Commencement. She participated in the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Minority Student Leadership Program. She is also involved with the CDSAA Alum Chum Mentor-Mentee Program which offers one-to-one mentoring for CSUN students, recent graduates and CDS alumni returning to the workplace.

2010 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Maria Patron
1993 B.S. Accounting, 1999 Credential
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter

The Accounting and Information Systems (AIS) Alumni Chapter is honored to recognize Maria Patron for her many years of dedicated service to the chapter and the department. A member of the executive board since 2002, her support included two years as chapter president in which she was instrumental in attracting over seventy-five alumni members to attend CSUN’s 50th Grand Reunion. Maria also has solicited donations and raised funds for student scholarships, including two awards which she and her husband, alum Carlos Patron ’99, fund for the annual AIS Department Student Merit Awards each year.

Currently, Maria is an elementary teacher at Fenton Primary Center in Lake View Terrace.

Ara Injejikian
1985 B.A. History
Alumni and Friends of the Armenian Studies Program

As the founding president of the Friends of the Armenian Studies Program, Ara Injejikian has played an active role in raising awareness of the program in the Armenian community. Since organizing the first annual banquet, he continues to work with Alumni & Friends of the Armenian Studies Program by being instrumental in fundraising for the program. In addition, he encourages high school graduates to attend CSUN and to participate in the Armenian Studies Program.

Since 1994, he has served as a Deputy Public Defender III with the Law Offices of the Los Angeles County Public Defender.

Houry Keshishian
1998 B.A. Child Development, 2001 M.S. Family and Consumer Sciences
Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter

Houry Keshishian has served on the Child and Adolescent Development Steering Committee for three years. She has assumed responsibilities as chair and co-chair of the social committee and in this capacity she managed hospitality for all chapter events including the annual Fall Welcome, professional development programs and the Celebrating Excellence end of the year event. Houri has not only volunteered her time and expertise but has also involved other alumni in the social realm of the program. She is reliable and volunteers to assume various responsibilities which enhance the development of the chapter. Her expertise within the child development field is readily shared with undergraduates as well as alumni. 

Houri is currently a pre-kindergarten teacher at Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park.

Helen Sherman Wade
1976 M.A. Communicative Disorders, 19__ Credential 
Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Chapter

Helen Sherman Wade has contributed a great deal to the CSUN Communication Disorders and Sciences Department (CDS) Alumni Chapter and to the speech-language pathology students. She generously shares her knowledge, talents, and resources and has been an invaluable asset to the community. Helen is sought both locally and nationally for her advice as a speech-language pathologist. Her volunteer spirit and love for CSUN are evidenced by her generous contributions to both the CDS Department and the Alumni Association. She has been an adjunct instructor at CSUN for over twenty-five years.

Helen has received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the CDSAA.

Laura Drew
1987 B.A. Modern Classical Languages and Lit, 1996 M.A. Environmental and Occupational Health
Environmental & Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

As a member of the executive board of the Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Alumni Chapter, Laura Drew has been an exemplary volunteer. In this capacity, she has been a strong contributor to advancement efforts for the chapter and the EOH program. As an alumna, she has never lost her appreciation for all the university has to offer or her love for the EOH program and has demonstrated leadership, loyalty and passion in her role as an EOH Chapter volunteer. As an alumni representative on the EOH Technical Symposium Steering Committee (ETSSC), which includes the department chair and faculty members, and as an active member of the EOH Technical Symposium Working Group (ETSWG), she developed and delivered technical symposia on emerging environmental and occupational health issues.

Laura has been a mentor to EOH students, co-chaired the 2008 EOH Speed Mentoring Event and in 2009 she chaired one of the most successful chapter mentoring events. She took an active role on EOH Grand Reunion planning committee and added her special touch to ensure a successful outcome. The EOH Chapter honors Laura for her outstanding volunteer spirit, commitment to the university, loyalty to the EOH program and demonstrated leadership.

 Antonio Machado
1993 B.A. Environmental Biology, 1994 M.S. Environmental and Occupational Health
Environmental & Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

CSUN alumnus Dr. Antonio Machado is a Professor of Toxicology in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH). Since joining the EOH Department staff, Antonio continues to be a strong advocate for an EOH Alumni Chapter. In 2003, he was instrumental in the successful establishment of the current EOH Alumni Chapter. He has demonstrated leadership, loyalty and a sincere passion for the chapter, serving on the executive board and the EOH program as a volunteer.

He is actively involved in the successful implementation of projects designed to enhance the professional development of both EOH students and alumni. Since 2004, Antonio has been the EOH Technical Symposium technology leader, responsible for identifying the program theme, diligently scanning the environmental health horizon to identify emerging issues and leading the search for nationally recognized experts to speak at the event. 
The recurring success and professional quality of each symposium is, in large part, a direct result of Antonio's involvement, dedication, commitment, and exceptional volunteer spirit. In addition, he is a member of the college’s professional advisory board.

Karin Duran 
1970 B.A. Modern and Classical Languages and Literature
La Raza Alumni Association

The university suffered a great loss with the passing of Dr. Karin Durán earlier this year.  She worked as a librarian in the Delmar T. Oviatt Library for thirty-eight years and was a graduate of CSUN with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. She went on to take her master's and doctorate in Library Science at USC. Since 1977, Karin was an instructor with Chicana/o Studies and very engaged in the life of the department. She was devoted to the students who learned a great deal through her research course. Karin was a driving force in the La Raza Alumni Association (LRAA), serving as the chapter treasurer and coordinator of LRAA annual scholarship banquets. She was energetic and always willing to step in and perform even minimal tasks. Karin often operated on the sidelines working hard and without seeking recognition. She worked diligently to communicate with CSUN alumni and encouraged them to join the LRAA and the university’s other alumni programs. Through her work in the Library she had contact with many students and was able to connect them with LRAA and other groups.

On campus Karin served on a variety of committees and initiatives. She has been honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award by the LRAA and also a Service to Society Recognition from the CSUN Alumni Association. She has received commendations for her service to a variety of community organizations including Comision Feminil de San Fernando Valley.

Sheryl Low
1986 B.S. Health Science, 1991 M.P.H. Masters in Pubic Health

James Syms
1987 B.S. Health Science
Physical Therapy Alumni Chapter

As practicing physical therapists, Dr. Sheryl Low and Dr. James Syms have promoted the profession of physical therapy and the physical therapy program at CSUN throughout their careers. Dr. Low is chair of the CSUN Department of Physical Therapy and has been a faculty member since 1999.  Dr. Syms is an assistant professor of Physical Therapy at Loma Linda University School of Allied Health. As the profession progressed and the educational standards moved towards the requirement of entry-level doctoral preparation, physical therapy programs had to evolve to meet those standards.

As members of the California Physical Therapy Association and its Governmental Affairs Committee, these two alumni have worked diligently this past year to have a bill introduced in the state legislature to allow CSU physical therapy programs to transition from master's to doctoral degrees.  Assembly Bill 2382 was a result of these efforts. On September 28, 2010, the governor signed AB2382 which will allow California State Universities to confer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) professional degree. CSUN plans to implement the entry-level DPT by August 2013. Discussion is also underway to implement a transitional DPT degree for licensed physical therapists who are alumni of the program. The Physical Therapy Alumni Chapter recognizes these loyal alumni for their energetic efforts to support and maintain their program. They are shining examples of the high caliber and dedication to commitment that can be expected of CSUN alumni.

2009 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Dimitrios Alexiou
2001 M.S. Health Administration
Health Administration Alumni Chapter

Dimitrios Alexiou has served on the Health Administration Alumni Chapter board for eight years, twice as president. He has been an active leader with a hands-on commitment to the chapter. He developed and maintains the chapter website for members. As an adjunct faculty member in both undergraduate and graduate level programs, Dimitrios is also instrumental in maintaining ties with students through his involvement in the mentor program and the HA Student Association softball games. He has assisted in coaching the Health Administration College Bowl teams. As a member of American College of Healthcare Executives, he attends and encourages students to attend community health care forums.

Marta Gonzalez
2006 B.A. Child Development, 2009 M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy
Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter

As president and vice president of the Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter, Marta Gonzalez provided exemplary leadership. Under her guidance, the chapter offered outstanding career development and mentor programs to students and alumni. She effectively reached out to the department’s undergraduate organization, CADA, involving them in alumni programs and encouraging their leaders to become involved with the chapter to enhance future leadership. She served on the scholarship selection committee and spearheaded a children’s play area for the CSUN 50th Anniversary Grand Reunion. Marta is a model of service to CSUN students.

Laura Estay-Prince
2005 B.A. Journalism
Journalism Alumni Association

As soon as she graduated,  Laura Estay-Prince joined the Journalism Alumni Association (JAA). For almost four years, she served as the editor of the chapter newsletter The Full Scoop. She was instrumental in spreading the word to alumni about chapter and campus events, including the CSUN 50th Grand Reunion and the JAA 50th Anniversary Reunion. As a student, Laura was a staff writer for The Daily Sundial and copy editor for the Spanish publication El Nuevo Sol. She also served as vice president of the CSUN Society of Professional Journalists Chapter, designed their first newsletter SPJ Monthly, and continued as its editor until her graduation.

Kurt Rayners
1995 B.S. Organizational Systems & Management, 2000 Masters in Business
Masters in Business Administration Alumni Chapter

Kurt Rayners has been involved with the Masters in Business Alumni Association (MBAA) for several years and served as president of the chapter for two years. He has served as the keynote and guest speaker at chapter events and many MBA program events focused on mentoring current MBA students. Despite an intense schedule, Kurt has always remained committed to giving back to his alma mater. Kurt is vice president on the CSUN Alumni Association board of directors. 

Lorraine Sedlak
1985 M.S. Environmental and Occupational Health
Environmental and Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

As an active member of the EOH Alumni Chapter Executive Board, Lorraine Sedlak has demonstrated leadership, loyalty and a sincere desire to serve CSUN, the chapter and the EOH program. Exhibiting exemplary character and integrity, she shares a willingness to go the extra mile to meet objectives. She continues to be a strong contributor to advancement of the chapter and the EOH program. She serves as an active alumni representative on the EOH Technical Symposium Steering Committee. During the past two years, she has been a member of the EOH Technical Symposium Working Group (ETSWG), which produces technical symposia on emerging environmental and occupational health issues. Lorraine is the chair for the ETSWG and the next technical symposium on Sustainability in Environmental and Occupational Health, scheduled for February 2010.

Leadman Yep
1989 B.A. Accounting Theory and Practice
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter

Leadman Yep played an integral part in planning and coordinating the chapter’s role in the CSUN 50th Grand Reunion. Leadman was able to promote this major campus event to alumni, and was instrumental in the excellent attendance from accounting alumni and their families. He spent many hours communicating with alumni to ensure a good turnout. His efforts on behalf of the chapter have helped to energize the Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter.

Leadman is Director of Accounting for J.D. Power and Associates in Westlake Village. 

2008 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Bonita Campbell
Retired Faculty
Engineering and Computer Science Alumni Chapter

Bonita Campbell is a trailblazer who, in her 33 years of service to the university, has left an indelible legacy of leadership and achievement. Bonnie became the first woman in engineering at CSUN to hold a tenured faculty position and to serve as a department chair, a position she held for a cumulative total of 13 years. She also held the position of associate vice president for academic planning for five years. During her last years at CSUN, Campbell pioneered the creation of the Department of Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management and, while serving as the founding department chair, established five degree programs, quintupled department size, gained the first program accreditation, funded department endowments, and supervised hundreds of graduate students. Of particular note, Dr. Campbell was largely responsible for quintupling the percentage of women students who were in enrolled in engineering programs.

Shannon Coulter
2002 B.A. Child Development, 2009 M.A. Early Childhood Education
Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter
 
Shannon Coulter is a founding member of the Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Chapter. Serving as the chair of the Communications Committee, she created and maintains the chapter web site, and edited its first newsletter. In addition, she has served as an alum-mentor at chapter mentoring events, sharing her expertise in elementary education.

Bonnie Faherty
Retired Faculty
Nursing Alumni Chapter

With 40 years of leadership in the nursing field, Bonnie Faherty is internationally recognized as a nurse practitioner and as a patient advocate.  Bonnie’s leadership has been critical to the Nursing Alumni Chapter, where she has assisted with the development of the Honor Society of Nursing. Bonnie is a role model who feels personally enriched when she has the opportunity to mentor nurse leaders as she helps the nursing program to continue to flourish.

Scott Fife
1993 B.S. Health Sciences, 1996 M.S. Environmental & Occupational Health
Environmental and Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

Scott Fife has demonstrated leadership and loyalty by advising students at chapter speed mentoring programs. He has also worked diligently on the chapter’s project to honor EOH Professor Kelly and was instrumental in facilitating a Safety and Health presentation at the Getty Museum.

Enrico Pena
1986 B.S. Accounting
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter

Since graduating from CSUN, Enrico Pena has been very involved with the AIS Alumni Chapter, holding the positions of historian, secretary and currently serving as first vice president. He also serves as the official photographer for the chapter. As a student he volunteered at the Center for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

Sunny Roberts
1998 B.A. Speech Communication
Journalism Alumni Association

Alumna Sunny Roberts exemplifies the finest qualities of leadership. Since 2002, Sunny has been one of the key anchors of the Journalism Alumni Association board of directors, having served as treasurer and secretary and member of several JAA committees. Her leadership was central to the success of the JAA’s Journalism Reunion Silent Auction that raised $11,000. Sunny was another former highly involved student; she was the managing editor of Scene Magazine.

Janice Woolsey
1989 B.A. Communicative Disorders, 1991 M.S. Communicative Disorders, 1992 Credential
Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Chapter

Janice Woolsey serves as the liaison between the CDS Department and the Alumni Chapter. She developed an annual boot camp event that helps students bridge the gap between academics and clinical case work through hands on assignments. She has also developed a course in supervision training for RPE supervisors.

Marty Zisner
1975 B.S. Health Science
Environmental and Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

Marty Zisner serves on the EOH Alumni Chapter Executive Board. He participates and helps organize chapter programs and events including Speed Mentoring, the EOH Technical Symposium Steering Committee, and EOH graduation receptions. He also serves Southland residents as a member of his local Community Emergency Response team.

2007 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Damon Cianci
1996 B.S. Health Administration, 2002 M.S. Health Administration
Health Administration Alumni Chapter

Damon Cianci has worked closely with the Department of Health Administration since his undergraduate study. Damon has been an active member of the Health Administration Alumni Chapter, serving as the membership officer, vice president and most recently, president. During his tenure on the chapter board, Damon has made significant contributions to the chapter by providing leadership in establishing events for Health Administration students and alumni. Damon was instrumental in developing the Speed Mentoring model and the Health Administration Chapter was the first alumni chapter to conduct this event. Speed Mentoring allows students to speak one-on-one with health care professionals who provide them with a better understanding of what it takes to achieve success in a particular field of interest. 

Deborah Cours
Faculty, College of Business
Masters in Business Administration Alumni Chapter

Dr. Deborah Cours has been a member of the Marketing faculty in the College of Business & Economics since 1994. Currently, she is the director of Graduate and Evening Programs for the university. Debi was instrumental in establishing the Wells Fargo Center for Small Business and Entrepreneurship at CSUN; she was its founding director. Debi founded the MBA Alumni Chapter and has been one of its most consistent supporters. She donatesnher time and expertise to help the chapter develop and coordinate some of its most successful events, including the Masters in Business Speaker Series.

Lisalee D. Egbert
1992 B.A. Liberal Studies, 1995 M.A. Deaf and Hard of Hearing
National Center on Deafness Alumni Chapter

Lisalee D. Egbert is the president of the CSUN/NCOD Alumni Capital Regional Chapter in Northern California. Her research exploring young children and their development has enabled Lisalee to present papers at a variety of conferences, forums and workshops on Reading, Bilingualism, English as a Secondary Language (ESL) and other areas related to deaf studies. As president of the regional chapter she spearheads the chapter’s bi-annual mini-reunions. She also coordinates monthly events for alumni to socialize and fund-raise. Even though the chapter is very new, they have been able to sponsor both Miss Deaf CSUNian and Miss Sacramento for the upcoming Miss Deaf California pageant as well as organize a summer reunion.

Gevork Gabrelian
1994 B.A. Cell and Molecular Biology
Alumni and Friends of the Armenian Studies Program

At CSUN, Gevork Gabrelian became an active member in the Armenian Student Association (ASA), one of the largest Armenian campus associations in the United States. His leadership and mentoring skills, developed through his involvement in the ASA, led to his appointment as Director of the Armenian Tutorial Project. The project, a campus-chartered organization, mentors underprivileged, newly-arrived Armenian high school students with specialized tutorial assistance that helps them assimilate into a new culture.

In 1999, Gevork joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Papua, New Guinea where he applied his educational training as a general science and biology high school teacher. Since returning to the US, he studied graphic and web design, and has become a successful web designer. In 2005, he joined the “Returned Peace Corps Volunteers” board and began his involvement as an active member of CSUN’s Association of Armenian Alumni and Friends.

Ralph Jones
1996 B.S. Environmental and Occupational Health
Environmental and Occupational Health Alumni Chapter

After attending CSU, San Diego, majoring in mathematics and engineering, Ralph Jones spent thirty-two years in the Aerospace industry holding various positions from senior test systems engineer to assistant to the vice president of Logistics Support. In 1991, he took an early retirement and returned to school to study Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH), earning a B.S. degree in 1996. Ralph graduated with honors, having received several awards, including American Industrial Hygiene Association Chapter Student of the Year and the Academic Achievement Award from Northridge's Educational Equity Program. He currently serves on the Environmental and Occupational Health Professional Advisory Board. With Ralph as president, the EOH Alumni chapter successfully expanded the chapter's Speed Mentoring programs to alumni and students. 

Tahseena Khan
2003 B.S. Electrical Engineering, 2005 M.S. Engineering Management
Engineering & Computer Science Alumni Chapter

Tahseena Khan was a founder and president of the Engineering & Computer Science Alumni Chapter. She organized speed mentoring events where alumni came to campus and advised students in the senior design class. Tahseena was instrumental in building partnerships with professional engineering organizations in the San Fernando Valley and helped bring outstanding speakers in technical fields for the monthly Speaker’s Series. That series provided networking experience and opportunities for alumni and students.

Marcy Newman
2004 B.A. Communication Studies
Education Alumni Chapter

Marcy Newman joined the Office of Alumni Relations in 2005, serving as the Chapter Programs Coordinator. Marcy was responsible for event planning and coordinating chapter events for over 20 alumni chapters. She went above and beyond the scope of her job to assist the Education Chapter volunteers in setting annual goals and accomplishing their plans. Her personal involvement made the volunteer experience warm and welcoming.

Patricia Tabidian
1998 M.S. Recreation
Recreation Alumni Chapter

Patricia Tabidian earned her M.S. in Recreation in 1998, while working as a full-time staff member at CSUN. She began in the College of Business in 1990 and, in 1993, joined the Recreation and Tourism Management staff in the College of Health and Human Development as the department secretary. In 2005, she became the department coordinator. She is also on the executive board of the Recreation Alumni Chapter.

Donna Watkins
2001 B.S. Accounting
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter

Donna Watkins has held numerous leadership positions in the Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter, one of the largest alumni chapters of the CSUN Alumni Association. Donna served as treasurer, then vice president of membership before becoming president of the chapter. A CPA, Donna is program coordinator for The Wayne and Roberta Colmer VITA program. VITA was founded at CSUN in 1971. The program provides timely and relevant federal and state information to the community concerning taxpayers’ rights and responsibilities. Through this program, CSUN students are able to combine academic study and community service. Under Donna’s leadership, and with the support of the AIS Alumni Chapter, students are improving their technical skills and becoming more competent, disciplined and confident while providing a much needed service.

2006 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Richard Katz
1979 B.S. Physical Therapy, 1985 M.A. Kinesiolgy
Physical Therapy Alumni Chapter
 
As a physical therapist, Richard Katz developed programs for cardiac, pulmonary and stroke patients and was affiliated with a Sports Injury and Coaches Clinic. Rick has taught courses in biomechanics, therapeutic agents and physical therapy management at CSUN for 10 years. He has held numerous elected and appointed positions at the state and local levels of the American Physical Therapy Association (CPTA), including finance officer, chairperson of the government affairs committee and member of the executive committee. Rick is the founder, President and CEO of Adient Health, Inc., a multi-state developer and operator of physical therapy facilities. Somehow, he has found time to become a volunteer leader at his alma mater, serving as the inaugural president of the Physical Therapy Alumni Chapter.  

Sandra Landau
1986 Environmental and Occupational Health
Environmental and Occupational Health Alumni Chapter
 
Sandra Landau began her career in environmental health and safety simultaneously with the enactment and formal implementation of the Clean Air and Clean Water acts of the 1980s. Sandra has held environmental engineering positions at various companies and, for the last seven years, she has served as an environmental and safety engineer for Technicolor Home Entertainment Services. In her role, she has helped develop Environmental Health and Safety Systems designed to protect human health and the physical environment of the company. Over the years Sandra has been a member of the EOH program. She served as the first EOH Alumni Chapter president and organized a Speed Mentoring event, an electronic waste symposium and various social events for the chapter. 

For the last seven years. Sandra has served as an environmental and safety engineer for Technicolor Home Entertainment Services.

Ellen McFadden
Retired Faculty, Department of Health Science
Nursing Alumni Chapter
 
Professor emeritus Ellen McFadden came to CSUN in 1995 as director for the Nursing program in the Department of Health Sciences. Ellen had exceptional tenure as director in the program through its first nine graduating classes, achieving national accreditation. In retirement, she continues to support the program and lend her expertise. These efforts include her award-winning work with the China Institute, representing the nursing program at local, state, and national meetings, guest lectures in nursing classes, unpaid consultation with current nursing faculty, guiding the Honor Society of Nursing toward national recognition, providing guidance to the BSN Student Association, and supporting the Nursing Alumni Chapter. 

Denise Middleton
1983 B.A Communicative Disorders, 1986 M.A. Communicative Disorders
Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Chapter
 
Denise Middleton is one of our university’s greatest examples of a loyal and dedicated volunteer. She served as the CDS alumni leadership board from 1991 to 2006. Once the organization was formally affiliated with the Alumni Association, she served as vice president and then as chapter president from 2004 to 2006. In addition to her alumni leadership roles, she served on the board of directors for the American Academy of Speech Pathologists and Audiologists in Private Practice and has served on the board of directors of the California Association Speech Pathologists and Audiologists. She has dedicated much of her time to the Alumni Association and to helping students through externship opportunities.

Denise owns Miller and Standel, her own private speech language pathology practice.

Joyce Osbaldston
1969 B.A. Psychology, 2001 M.A. Secondary Education
Education Alumni Chapter
 
Joyce Osbaldston has been an educator for 30 years. She began her teaching career working as an elementary teacher for Alhambra City Schools. After 10 years of service, she resigned to begin a family and assume an administrative position with Tutoring Plus in Chatsworth. Joyce assisted in the employment, assignment and training of tutors assigned to all levels of education from elementary to college. In addition to her teaching assignments, she has been a student advisor and department chair in mathematics for the last ten years. She assumed her duties as chapter president of the Education Chapter in 2005. 

Toby Reyes
2003 B.S. Accountancy
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter
 
As a student, Toby Reyes was a member of the Accounting Association, eventually becoming a director and executive board member. In 2002, he was elected the organization’s president. Not surprisingly, Toby become the president of the AIS Alumni Chapter within a few years of his graduation. Even in his role as past president of the group, he has insisted on serving as membership vice president. Somehow, Toby found time to participate in the VITA program, first as a preparer and co-coordinator and eventually becoming a director. He continues to volunteer his time as an alumnus trainer and mentor. 

Mattie Schmidt
2003 B.A. Cinema and Television Arts
Entertainment Alumni Network
 
Mattie Schmidt is one of the founding members of the Entertainment Alumni Network. The chapter organizes alumni networking and mentoring events for the thousands of CSUN alumni who are connected in some way with film and television. When she’s not volunteering with CSUN she serves as a coordinator for Allan Padelford Camera Cars. The company builds vehicles and platforms for high performance mobile filming for motion pictures and television. Many of the stunt sequences for the NASCAR comedy “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” were coordinated through Mattie’s company and with her assistance.

Scott Selna
1992 B.A. Liberal Studies
National Center on Deafness Alumni Chapter
 
Whether in his campus administrative role for the National Center on Deafness (NCOD) or in volunteer capacities on behalf of the NCOD Alumni Chapter, alumnus Scott Selna is always helping other people. As a print communications coordinator for NCOD, Scott organizes and places 30 professional hourly note takers and 75 stipend note takers to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing students receive notes at the conclusion of the class period. In addition, he ensures that real-time captioning is available to students who prefer that method of note taking. Scott serves as an advisor and mentor to the Deaf CSUNians organization. That involvement parlayed into leadership capacities with the NCOD Alumni Chapter. He has been instrumental in coordinating alumni reunion activities as well as the annual NCOD alumni and friends Dodgers baseball picnic and game. Since his student days on campus, he has remained active and involved in the National Softball Association for the Deaf. 

Brian Skipper
1975 B.S. Engineering
Engineering Alumni Chapter
 
Brian Skipper is the owner of Sway-A-Way, Inc., a local performance-parts maker. Under Brian’s leadership the company has nearly doubled its revenues in recent years and has expanded a product line catering to off-road vehicles and suspension systems for sprint cars and Winston Cup racers. Brain continues to serve as an advisor to the Mechanical Engineering Department, has worked closely with the formula car team and sets a great example for other alumni volunteer leaders to follow.

Lisa Welker-Finney
1985 B.S. Recreation, 1988 M.S. Recreation
Recreation Alumni Chapter
 
Lisa Welker-Finney is the director of talent management and organization development at WellPoint Health Network. Lisa has applied her own expertise in recruiting, training, assessment and career-development to organize and enhance the Leisure Studies and Recreation Alumni Chapter. She has designed, written and edited the LSRC semi-annual Alumni Newsletter and developed and created an internship database. Practicing what she preaches, she has hired students from the department to serve as interns at WellPoint. She served as an adjunct professor from 1988 to 1991 and continues to teach conflict resolution and guest lecture on other topics for the department. Each semester she assembles an interview panel of professionals and organizes interview/job search/mentoring night for senior seminar students. At WellPoint, she has created health and wellness fairs, organized employee services campaigns and raised funds for breast cancer awareness.

2005 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Jose Castellon
1984 B.S. Electrical Engineering
Engineering and Computer Science Alumni Chapter
 
After completing his bachelor's degree at CSUN and earning his master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford, Jose Castellon began his career with Northrop Grumman. Currently serving as their space technology platforms and integrating technology director, Jose is responsible for spacecraft platform strategy and all the associated research & development activities for mechanical systems, avionics, electrical power, propulsion, autonomy & controls and robotics. A loyal and supportive alumnus, Jose also serves on the Industrial Affiliates Board for the CSUN College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Ghassan "Gus" Elias
1994 B.S. Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, 2001 M.S. Engineering Management
Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management Department Alumni Chapter
 
Ghassan Elias is the Material Control Manager and Senior Certification Engineer of Moore Industries International in North Hills. As a founding part-time faculty member of the Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management Department, Gus helped the department become operational. He has been instrumental in the creation and implementation of the online version of the degree program, for which he teaches and serves as the academic program director.

Claudia Garcia
1994 B.S. Management Information Systems
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter
 
Claudia Garcia has been employed at CSUN since 1989, first as a student assistant and, following graduation, as a professional staff member in the College of Business. Claudia is currently a business information technology consultant for the Office of Information Systems in the College of Business. As a student, Claudia was an active volunteer, and she has continued this tradition by serving as vice president and, subsequently, president of the Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter. 

Joy Guihama
1995 M.P.H. Masters of Public Health
Masters of Public Health Alumni Chapter
 
Joy Guihama currently serves as Division Manager for the Health Promotion and Policy Development Division of the City of Pasadena's Public Health Department. As division manager, she is responsible for all administrative, programmatic and fiscal oversight of the Health Promotion and Policy Development Division. In addition, as the Public Health Department's public information officer, Joy is responsible for reviewing department public relations materials and monitoring all media communications. Joy started her volunteer work at CSUN as a member of the Master of Public Health Department Advisory Council and served as the inaugural president of the MPH Alumni chapter in 2003. She also spearheads the continuing education committee for the council. 

Claire Herczeg
2000 M.B.A. Masters of Business Administration
Masters of Business Alumni Chapter
 
Claire Herczeg is a founding member of MBA Alumni Chapter. Claire helped develop the chapter in 2003, serving in several different leadership roles. Her work has enabled the chapter to grow its membership and plan several successful events. Claire's support of CSUN, particularly the MBA program and her willingness to go the extra mile to take the chapter to the next level, is second to none. 

Lauren Kinast
1994 B.A. Graphic Design, 2005 M.A. Educational Administration
National Center on Deafness Alumni Chapter
 
Lauren Kinast has been involved with the NCOD Alumni Chapter since its inception in 2003. For the last four and a half years, she has been employed by the National Center on Deafness as coordinator of Interpreting Services. As co-chair of the recent NCOD reunion weekend, Lauren helped to plan several events for over 200 alumni, including a reception, banquet and family picnic. She has been a driving force behind the chapters recent successful growth in membership.

Lorraine Macnaughton
1983 B.S. Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Alumni Chapter
 
Giving back to her alma mater, Lorraine Macnaughton has lectured in several of CSUN's physical therapy masters degree classes, and participated in the selection and interview panels for new physical therapy major candidates. Lorraine was one of the founding members of the Physical Therapy Alumni Association. 

Lorraine is currently employed full time with Kaiser Permanente, home health physical therapy division.

Cynthia McAuley
1975 B.A. Philosophy, 1983 M.S. Recreation
Recreation Alumni Chapter
 
Cyndi McAuley has volunteered in several capacities at the Department of Leisure Studies and Recreation since earning her master's degree in Recreation in 1983. Serving as an alumni spokesperson on a number of accreditation committees and as a member of the department advisory council, Cyndi has remained a strong supporter of her alma mater. For the last three years, she has served as the council secretary and co-editor of the newly published LSRC Newsletter. Cyndi has also been instrumental in working with the College of Health and Human Development to provide CSUN students with internship opportunities at the Therapeutic Living Center for the Blind (TLC) in Reseda, where she serves as associate director for the facility. TLC provides year-round, 24 hour a day residential care for multi-handicapped adults challenged by developmental disabilities and blindness.

Maria Ramos
1993 B.A. Mexican-American Studies, 1995 M.A. Educational Leadership
Education Alumni Chapter
 
Maria Ramos helped the Alumni Association organize two “Day at the Opera” events for local teachers, with more than 100 teachers attending each event. She was the founding president of the Education Alumni Chapter, and in just two years, was instrumental in providing the energy, enthusiasm and organizational skills that transformed the association into one of the university’s chapters. She serves on the Alumni Association board of directors as the Chair of Chapters. Maria served as education manager for the Los Angeles Opera in their Education and Community Programs division, helping to develop a wide range of educational opportunities for students and teachers in the region.

Maria is currently working in Mexico City, Mexico, for the Rigoberta Menchu Tum Foundation.

Marianne Stone-Smith
1992 B.A. Communicative Disorders, 1995 M.A. Communicative Disorders
Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Chapter
 
The recipient of the California Speech Language Hearing Association Service Award and the chapter’s Alumnae of the Year Award, Marianne Stone-Smith is a highly respected speech pathologist and loyal alumna. As an active member of her alumni chapter, Marianne helped organize continuing education workshops, participated in career nights and organized two rummage sales and a vendor fair. She also helped develop the criteria for the Ruth Harris Award for Clinical Excellence and assists with the annual hooding ceremony at graduation. 

Cassandra Yeh
2003 B.S. Finance
Finance and Real Estate Alumni Chapter
 
As a student, Cassandra Yeh was an active member of the Student Finance Association and volunteered at the Career Center. Through her dedication and leadership, she helped create traditional events that still take place in the Student Finance Association today. Since graduating, Cassandra has continued her activities with the Career Center through outreach to students and participation on speaker panels at career information days. For the last two years, she served as president of the Finance and Real Estate Alumni Chapter and instituted several alumni-student mentoring programs. 

2004 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Paul Albert
1997 B.S. Health Administration
Health Administration Alumni Chapter
 
Paul Albert is an essential member of the Health Administration Alumni Chapter. As chair of professional development for the chapter, Paul recruited several executives from Kaiser Permanente to participate in a speed-networking event.  The successful event allowed students to interact with health care leaders in the industry. Currently, Paul is the vice president of the chapter.   

Kristin Amey
1992 B.A. Child Development, 1995 M.S. Marriage, Family, Child Counseling
National Center on Deafness Alumni Chapter
 
After graduating, Kristin Amey became a counselor for abused deaf children at Five Acres in Altadena, CA. Kristin started working as a student personnel specialist at NCOD in May of 1997 and continued here in that capacity until 2003.  At that time, she switched her focus at NCOD and began working with the Western Region Outreach Center & Consortia where she is now the project director. She has been instrumental in spearheading a grass roots campaign to start the NCOD Alumni Chapter.

Keith Jajko
1990 B.A. Journalism
Journalism Alumni Chapter
 
Keith Jajko has served in various leadership positions for the Journalism Alumni Association and became chapter president in 2003. He has been instrumental in helping the chapter communicate to alumni the needs of the Journalism Department. Since graduating in 1990, he has spent 14 years in journalism, politics, public relations and corporate communications. 

Dewayne Jones
1992 B.S. Finance
Finance and Real Estate Alumni Chapter
 
After graduating, Dewayne Jones began working as a consultant Sourcetek Company, placing executives in the field of engineering and computer science. Dewayne continued supporting CSUN by volunteering to start the first Finance and Real Estate Alumni Chapter. Working diligently the first year to draft the charter and bylaws, recruit an executive board, and plan events, he built the foundation for one of the largest alumni chapters to date. Now serving as past president for the chapter, Dewayne remains connected to the chapter and the university.

Annie Ksadzhikyan
2003 B.A. Political Science
Association of Armenian Alumni
 
Annie Ksadzhikyan serves as secretary of the Association of Armenian Alumni. Annie has streamlined chapter meetings and helped the chapter focus on how it may not only serve Armenian students and alumni but the university as a whole. From her vibrant meeting minutes to her leadership abilities during the chapter’s biggest event of the year, the Armenian Graduation Recognition Reception, Annie has shown time and time again her dedication to the chapter. 

Tammy Tolgo
2002 M.B.A. Masters in Business Administration
Masters in Business Alumni Chapter
 
Tammy Tolgo joined the MBA program as the assistant director shortly after graduation. Despite a lean staff and responsibilities that spanned from recruitment to academic counseling, Tammy volunteered her own time to support and join a group of recent MBA graduates in founding the MBA Chapter. Her close contact with the College of Business and Economics enables her to reach fellow CSUN alumni and current MBA students to assist them in taking their careers to the next level. Currently an executive recruiter with Ajilon Finance, Tammy continues to add value to chapter via her tireless planning and networking as the director of membership.

Giovanni Trivino
2000 B.A. Liberal Studies, 2002 M.P.A. Masters of Public Administration
Association of Latino Alumni
 
Despite his busy professional life, Giovanni Trivino finds additional spare time to serve as one of the chief volunteers for the Association of Latino Alumni. Giovanni’s leadership has been essential to the growth of the Alumni Chapter. He has taken on marketing responsibilities for the chapter’s Fiesta Mexicana event that annually attracts over 1200 people to the Ford Amphitheater. Proceeds from the event helps support the Alumni Association’s First Generation Scholarships. 

Diane Visencio
2001 M.P.H. Public Health
Masters of Public Health Alumni Chapter
 
Diane Visencio has played a vital role in developing the Masters of Public Health (MPH) Advisory Council and MPH Alumni Association. Through her various professional roles, she has always served as a wonderful mentor, and without her enthusiasm many programs and individuals would not be where they are today. She currently serves as adjunct faculty for the Masters in Public Health program at CSUN and volunteers her time serving on both the Alumni Chapter and MPH department advisory boards.

Liza White
1979 B.A. Communicative Disorders, 1980 M.A. Communicative Disorders
Communication Disorders and Sciences Alumni Chapter
 
After retiring from practice as a speech therapist, Liza White turned her attention to community-building activities, becoming active in the earliest attempts to create an alumni chapter for the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences. Responding to a department call for alumni to raise funds to furnish rooms in its new home at Monterey Hall, Liza took it upon herself to engage dozens of alumni. Along with Barbara Samuels, she was instrumental in writing the first bylaws of the CDS Alumni Chapter. From 1999 to 2004, she served as the chapter's president and helped establish a mission to sustain interaction among alumni, students and faculty as well as worked in collaborative ways to enhance the best interest of the department and the university. 

Morris Zagha
1998 B.A. Accounting
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter
 
Since graduating, Morris Zagha has always been determined to volunteer his time and expertise to his alma mater. Morris committed to helping current students by serving as an alumnus mentor and serving as treasurer for the AIS Alumni Association. As an officer of the chapter, he and others were instrumental in taking on the sponsorship of the accounting graduation ceremony and presenting programs such as the Alumni Career and Resume Review Workshop. In 2000, he became president of the chapter and nearly every year since 2001, he has volunteered his time as an instructor for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. In addition, he has often been a speaker for informational meetings that has given students keen insights into the accounting profession.   

2003 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Earl Weiss
Faculty Member, College of Business and Economics
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter
 
Earl Weiss has been a member of the CSUN faculty for almost 20 years. He previously served six years as special assistant to the president under presidents Cleary and Wilson; currently, he serves as the chair of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems. Through the years, he has demonstrated commitment to the Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter by embracing it as an integral part of the department and donating his time and support to the achievement of its mission. Earl has also served on numerous campus committees, and has supported the university in the public arena and at hundreds of cultural and community events.

Carol Shepherd
2001 M.S. Health Administration
Health Administration Alumni Chapter
 
Although not directly involved in health care at this time, Carol Shepard has maintained her support of the Health Administration program by volunteering to serve as the first president of the newly formed Health Administration Alumni Chapter. Carol recruited and led an active volunteer board that has revitalized alumni interests, increased membership and hosted successful events to support the health administration program. After 18 months as the chapter’s founding president, she has turned over the reins, but continues her service to the chapter as its past president.

Nolan Stewart
1976 M.S. Recreation
Recreation Alumni Chapter

As an alumnus and member of the Department of Recreation Parks and Tourism Management Advisory Board, Nolan Stewart’s skills were instrumental in the creation of the Recreation Alumni Chapter. He is a consummate volunteer for education and enlightenment of his profession.  Since 1967, he has served as a consultant to several nursing homes and mental health facilities. In 1998, after more than 31 years with the Los Angeles County departments of Health Services and Mental Health, he retired from service. He has extensive experience in developing and conducting psychosocial rehabilitation programs that have contributed to the discipline here at CSUN, and the community as a whole.

In 1978, he was recognized by the California Park and Recreation Society’s Therapeutic Section for his applied practices and his lifetime achievements in the profession.

2002 Alumni Chapter Recipients

Robert Barker
Faculty Member, College of Business and Economics
Accounting and Information Systems Alumni Chapter
 
Although serving as a member of the faculty and then chair for the Department of Accounting and Information Systems until 1997, Robert Barker's strong volunteer spirit drives him to become even more involved with the university. Robert was instrumental in the formation and continued advancement of the AIS Alumni Chapter, one of the first alumni chapters organized on campus. Although he now serves as the university controller, Robert still attends monthly meetings when his schedule permits, encouraging alums to participate in events or to become involved in the executive board. 

David E. Brady
1992 B.A. Journalism
Journalism Alumni Chapter
 
After his job moved him across the country, David Brady became one of the Journalism Alumni Chapter's best virtual volunteers. Credited with creating and launching the Journalism Alumni Association web site, csunjaa.org, David is an invaluable member of the JAA board. From Florida, he is constantly communicating with board members, reminding them of items of importance and raising issues early on to prevent them from becoming big problems later. As a student, David served as a writer, editor and writing coach for the Daily Sundial, and upon graduation was honored as the Journalism Department’s Outstanding Graduating Senior in 1992. 

Sesar Carreno
1995 B.A. History
Association of Latino Alumni
 
Sesar Carreno has been an educator for eight years. He has spent the last five years cultivating interest in forming a chapter for Latino alumni. Many days were spent drumming up interest, handing out literature at events, writing the chapter bylaws and responding to inquiries. This year, it finally paid off and ALA was officially chartered.

Loree Fink
2000 B.S. Nursing
Nursing Alumni Chapter
 
Loree Fink didn’t know that her senior seminar assignment would turn into the Nursing Alumni Chapter, but that’s exactly what happened. Beginning as a newsletter to connect fellow students in the R.N. to B.S.N. program with alumni practicing in the field, Loree expanded the vision and launched a full-fledged alumni chapter.  Despite her other responsibilities, Loree found time to plan a five-year reunion for the first B.S.N. graduating class and several networking mixers for nursing alumni. Loree is currently chapter president.

Joni Novosel
2001 B.S. Finance, 2006 M.S. Health Administration
Finance Alumni Chapter
 
Despite working full time as a managed care regional manager for the National Healthcare Review, Joni Novosel immediately became involved in the newly formed Finance Alumni Chapter. Though her official title is 'vice president of membership,' Joni routinely volunteers above and beyond the average commitment level, filling in for vacant chapter officer positions and many times holding dual roles. Her accelerated level of enthusiasm has resulted in the Finance Alumni Chapter becoming one of the largest newly chartered groups. Joni and her husband Nicolas, another CSUN alumnus who works on campus, often joins the Alumni Association at several social events throughout the year.

James Overall
1982 B.S. Recreation
Recreation Alumni Chapter
 
With more than 12 years of experience as a recreation therapist at the Child and Family Guidance Center in Northridge, James Overall has tirelessly volunteered as an on-site supervisor for recreation therapy interns and undergraduate recreation practicum students working toward their degree at CSUN. As a CSUN graduate himself, Jim recognizes the value of co-curricular experiences for students and has continually sought to create further opportunities in the field. In 2000, he was asked to serve as chair of the department’s curriculum advisory committee, and was charged with reviewing current course requirements.  Following accreditation, he volunteered to remain in the role to further advice faculty on continuing issues facing the department. Jim also teaches part-time at the university.

David Phelps
2000 B.A. Political Science
Matadors By the Bay Alumni Chapter
 
While a student, David Phelps excelled in extracurricular activities.  He was an honored member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, a student representative on the USU Board of Directors, and was elected Associated Students vice president. In addition to his public roles, David also served as the Matador mascot, entertaining longtime fans and future Matadors alike. Upon graduation, David didn’t stop volunteering. After moving to San Francisco, David continued his involvement by contributing to the creation of the first regional alumni chapter, Matadors by the Bay, including drafting the charter and bylaws as well as taking responsibility for event planning. Although he has recently moved back to the Los Angeles area, serving as a field representative for the State Assembly Speaker Emeritus Robert Hertzberg’s office, David continues serving Matadors by the Bay through his attendance at alumni board meetings as the local representative.

Chris Whittington
1989 B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2001 M.S. Engineering Management
Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management Alumni Chapter
 
Upon graduation, Chris Whittington was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Student for the engineering department and now works as the manager of manufacturing engineering at Easton Sports. Serving as a member of the advisory board for the Department of Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management, Chris played an instrumental role in the formation of the new department within the College of Engineering and Computer Science. A significant contributor to the development of the Manufacturing and Processes Learning Enterprise project, his volunteer work continually benefits undergraduate students working toward their own degrees at CSUN.