40th Anniversary Celebration Update
Academic year 1998-99 is a special year for California State University, Northridge. As we prepare to greet the new millennium, we will celebrate and reflect upon our young and remarkable history as an outstanding institution of higher learning.
Forty years ago - in September 1958 - we became our own college, serving the citizens of the San Fernando Valley and beyond. From a few temporary buildings among orange and lemon groves, we've evolved into the 40th largest educational institution in the United States. More than 125,000 individuals have received a degree from San Fernando Valley State College or California State University, Northridge, and many have earned positions of leadership in business, education, entertainment, humanities, the arts and the sciences. Our academic programs have achieved excellence, with many receiving both regional and national recognition. We've been strong and resilient in the face of great adversity. Our 40th anniversary is an appropriate time for us to celebrate our history and share our vision of the future.
Statement of Purpose for the 40th Anniversary Celebration
(Adopted by the 40th Anniversary Steering Committee)
"Commitment to Learning"
The 40th Anniversary Celebration of California State University, Northridge shall create opportunities to support and enhance the University in its mission of helping students realize their educational goals. To achieve this end, the celebration shall highlight the University's legacy of achievement and its 40 year "Commitment to Learning" by honoring and involving emeriti, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and neighbors who are indeed the heart of the institution. Through a variety of activities, programs, lectures and presentations, it is our hope that the entire university community will become more connected to and interactive with the institution. We recognize that the collective sum of our 40 years of personal and intellectual experiences should be shared with current and future students at our University.
As we celebrate our remarkable history, we will highlight our vision of the future.
On behalf of the 40th Anniversary Steering Committee - which comprises faculty, staff, alumni, students and emeriti - I cordially invite you to participate in 40th anniversary programs throughout the 1998-99 academic year:
College Receptions, September 25
Founders' Weekend will kick off with an all-university reception from 5 to 7_p.m. on September 25 in the Mary and James Cleary Courtyard in the Business/Education Complex. Join the College deans, emeriti, alumni and faculty to commemorate the university's academic evolution. The reception is free of charge and open to the public, but reservations are suggested.
The College of Arts, Media, and Communication will host a reception in the Music Building Courtyard from 5 to 7 p.m. A large crowd is expected!
Exhibit of University Archives, September 25
A cocktail reception under the stars will highlight a special exhibit of the University Archives from 7_to 9 p.m. on September 25. The reception will take place on the portico of the Oviatt Library. Come and see photos and videos documenting our rich 40-year history and dance to music from the 1950's through the '90's.
The Nuance Ensemble, September 25
Alumni musicians Sandra Kipp, flute, and Roger Wilkie, violin, will perform a concert featuring special selections of chamber music with Mona Wu DeCesare, pianist, and Peggy Baldwin, cellist. They will perform in the Music Recital Hall Courtyard at 8 p.m.
Founders' Day Brunch, September 26
Faculty and staff are invited to our Founders' Day Brunch on September 26 at 11 a.m. in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union. Join me and past Presidents Ralph Prator and Jim Cleary as we share memories of the university's history. Our special guests include distinguished retired faculty and staff and many past student leaders. Reservations are limited and offered on a space-available basis. The cost is $15 per person.
Pre-Game Tailgate Party and Matador Football, September 26
I encourage you to participate in the Athletic Department's tailgate party at 2 p.m. prior to our first home football game against the Eastern Washington Eagles on September 26 in the parking lot adjacent to the North Campus Stadium. After the tailgate, join thousands of others at North Campus Stadium for the 3 p.m. kickoff. A special group section will be reserved for fans attending Founders' Day activities. Tickets for the tailgate party or the football game are $10 for each activity. If you wish to attend both events, you may purchase the tickets for just $15!
In addition to these activities, the Performing Arts Center is presenting a special showcase on Sunday evening, September 27, to which you and the general public are invited free of charge.
Here's just a sampling of the many other activities that will be held throughout the year to celebrate our 40th:
- An alumni film festival
- A holiday volunteer brunch
- A special Homecoming/OctoberFest celebration
- A "Taste of Northridge" fair
- Special programs honoring business and industry
- Dinner theater performances
- A distinguished alumni program
- Special college events
The 40th Anniversary Celebration supports our mission to help students realize their educational goals and to promote the welfare and intellectual progress of our students. I'm thankful to our Anniversary Co-Chairs, Donald Cameron and Bill Outhouse, for developing special anniversary plans and programs that support our university's mission.
Request for Your Participation
To help Vice President Outhouse and Dr. Cameron, and those who are working to bring you a successful Founders' Weekend, please take time to complete and return the reservation form attached to the hard copy version of the "From the President's Desk." Remember, many programs are offered on a space-available basis and reservations are required for all events. Many of the receptions are offered free of charge. I hope you will join me in celebrating this important milestone in the history of Cal State Northridge.
Blenda J. Wilson
President
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President Blenda J. Wilson