• The Elevating Impact of President Dianne F. Harrison

Memories and Messages Page 5

THANK YOU, PRESIDENT HARRISON.

Memories and Messages from the University Community.

President Harrison has touched the lives of countless students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members. Read some of their favorite memories and messages of gratitude here in this digital memory book. (Some submissions have been edited for length.)


“I curated my first campus gallery exhibit within the first year of your presidency. When I invited you to view the exhibit with me, you reciprocated by inviting me to ride to the gallery in your campus cart. That was a blast. And walking with you through the exhibit is now such a great memory. I really enjoyed spending time with you that day, as well as on the occasions you hosted faculty events at your home. Thank you for caring.”

— Jim Kelley, Professor, CSUN Art Department


“I had a great time at CSUN and continue to attend sports games. I have such fond memories and hope you do well.”

— Louis Smith, CSUN Class of 2011


“I was new to CSUN in the Fall of 2015, and sitting in an audience of several hundred at the LAEDC's Eddy Awards, when I got my first direct taste of President Harrison's gift for clarity, consistency and power in the communication of her vision, and in the ferocity of her advocacy for California State University, Northridge. Her closing remarks, punctuated by her counting fingers in the air, went something like this: "U-C-L-A - four letters, four syllables; U-S-C - three letters, three syllables; CSUN - four letters, two syllables. We're easy to remember, so keep us in mind." Coming at the conclusion of an event where the depth and breadth of all things CSUN had been in full and glorious display, it left the audience with a diplomatic, compelling, vivid, and searing demand to pay attention to our brand. I still remember my thoughts in that moment - this woman is a force.”

— Bob Sheridan, Executive Director Center for Career Education & Professional Development, Nazarian College of Business & Economics


“Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you put into your role while serving as CSUN’s President for the past eight years. We were very lucky to have you guide our university to much needed growth and success. I’m glad to have been a student during your time in office and now an alumna, who gets to have your eloquent signature on my diploma. Best wishes on your retirement!”

— Angelica Mendoza, CSUN Class of 2015


“Wishing all the fruits of retirement are yours!”

— Bob Alejo, Senior Associate Athletics Director, CSUN Athletics


“The first time I met you was at the Soraya Performing Arts Center for a benefit staring Yo Yo Ma. I was so impressed by your poise and ease at which you handled yourself and your elegant words that resonated intellect and confidence. Thank you for leading CSUN into the 21st Century and helping build up the university and spotlighting it on the national arena.”

— Diane Glickman, Teacher, Los Angeles Unified School District


“I will always remember how you personalized and made me feel special at the graduation ceremony. Thank you because that little extra attention has served as a confidence booster in my work as a therapist.”

— Marlene Glenn, CSUN Class of 2016


“Thank you for being available to take a terrific photo with Arts Council members at the University's Volunteer Service Awards Luncheon a few years back. It was because of that photo that the organization continued to take a group photo with its members and Mike Curb College administrators at each subsequent awards ceremony. We are looking forward to the day when we can all gather again. Best wishes to you and your family.”

— Dena Dahilig, Past-President, The Arts Council for CSUN

Arts_Council

“Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! May it bring many new joys to your life!”

— Sonya Adlersberg, Financial Aid Counselor, Financial Aid & Scholarship Department at CSUN


“Dear President Harrison. I cannot thank you enough for the outstanding leadership and dedication to excellence you showed while serving the CSUN family. The student body, both current and alumni, hold great pride in the fact that we call CSUN “Our” university. When I was a student back in the mid '60s, the common thread throughout the campus was “Professional Attitude.” Even though CSUN was a fledgling university, the administration and professors instilled that way of carrying ourselves. I can personally attest to that way of conducting myself giving me the most important tool in my professional and personal life. When I revisited the campus, I could see that way of living was alive and well through your leadership. Thank you for your service. “Once a Matador, always a Matador.” May your retirement be blessed by great health and lots of new wonderful memories. Sincerely, Bruce Lemmerman (QB-Jr. Rose Bowl)”

— Bruce Lemmerman, CSUN Class of 1968


“It’s been a great pleasure!!!”

— Lee Choo, Photographer for CSUN Marketing and Communications

Shopping at our farmer’s market Shopping at our farmer’s market

“Thank you for your vision, your leadership, and your strength. I have thought of you often as you have carried the weight of your position, and I appreciate the place we have arrived and all that you have given. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!”

— Kristen Pichler, Associate Director, Human Resources & Professional Development at CSUN University Student Union, CSUN Class of 1989/1993


“When I first met you at our Department of Social Work monthly meeting, Dr. Harrison, I asked you to comment on female social workers who were top administrators in educational institutions in the United States. You quickly recited the full name and appointments of female social workers who had attained these positions. I was impressed! Thank you for your leadership and inspiration over the past years.”

— Eli Bartle, Professor, Department of Social Work at CSUN


“Dear President. Harrison, Thank you for all the encouragement and support that you provided to the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department over the years. We wish you much happiness in your future endeavors.”

— Linda Brignoni, Director, Financial Aid & Scholarship Department at CSUN


“I wore a bead necklace on graduation day. As I walked across the stage, President Harrison smiled and said, “I like your bling.” Made me laugh and I’ll never forget it.”

— Steven Garza, CSUN Class of 2016


“I feel as though I never knew who Dianne Harrison really was, until the 10th of July 2020. The world was in turmoil after the horrific murder of George Floyd. Each day seemed to bring one incomprehensible act of hatred after another. And on July 10th, Dianne was forced to face down one of these acts of ugliness. She responded with a swiftness and a ferocity that was surprising. In one of its typical strong-arm tactics, the WH administration threatened to start deporting thousands of international students. She urgently arranged a Zoom meeting and encouraged everyone. I paraphrase her words on that day. “You’re not just in blue states or red states" she said or words to that effect. "You are everywhere and you are inspiring true bipartisanship. finally." She went on to say that "If this is a move to get the universities to fully open, despite the risks of the pandemic, it is mean, awful and disrespectful. I'm saying this as your president, we will do whatever it takes to support you. It makes me livid that you have to go through this and it is not what the majority of Americans believe is right.” In that moment, I felt proud of her, proud of CSUN, proud to be fighting for our students, and proud to be on Dianne's team.”

— Dianah Wynter, Chair, Dept. of Cinema & Television Arts


“During my visits to campus I discovered how the University has developed since I was a student. Thank you, President Harrison, for your efforts on behalf of CSUN.”

— Mark Sharlow


“It is with many mixed feelings to watch Dianne step down from her position at California State University, Northridge at the end of the year. I became acquainted with Dianne through emails over the past years. I was excited to see her join the university, and now I am sad to see her go. Even though I had graduated over 45 years ago, I felt more connected because of our relationship. I have tried to remain connected for many reasons, the main one is my school is a long distance away. I still contribute when possible and I have mentored several students in distance teaching and mentorship. I wish Dianne well, and I know she will do well with whatever she does, even in retirement. She has given more than most college presidents to her students and staff, it is evident with the support and enrollment and numbers of graduates. CSUN has changed for the good since my time there, more programs, more useful and hands on training for the students, a broader program of learning with tangible degrees. A leader in the nation in the area of Education for the handicapped students, especially the hard of hearing and deaf community. This is very great stuff. She even has improved the athletic program and made basketball a sport where we compete on a National Level. She will walk proudly away from us soon and be taking with her many memories and relationships that will never end and she can be sure if she reached out to me or any of my classmates, we will be there for her. God bless Dianne and all that she has done for all of us Matadors.”

— Charles A. Blute, B.A. '74, Sociology


“GOOD LUCK”

— Jack Nicol


“God bless and may your best years be ahead”

— William Raufman


Earth Fair Earth Fair — Sarah Johnson, Sustainability Program Analyst, CSUN Institute for Sustainability

Grand Opening of Bamboo Terrace Grand Opening of Bamboo Terrace at Geronimo's, Aug. 2015 — Karina Ward, Executive Assistant, The University Corporation

Karina Ward memories Leadership Summit at Bamboo Terrace, April 2018; CSUN Staff Service Awards 2016 - Jolene Koester Team Award; Principal Investigators Appreciation Event 2013; and Reseda Annex 2016 — photos submitted by Karina Ward, Executive Assistant, The University Corporation, CSUN Class of 2011