August 15, 2007 :: No. 19

Cal State Fullerton is among the honorees to be feted Aug. 25 by the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County during its 16th annual Awards Banquet at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The university is being recognized for 50 years of providing a quality education to the region’s future leadership, as well as serving the community through its many programs and activities.

CSUF President Milton A. Gordon, at the institution’s helm since 1990, will accept the award.

“This year’s event is focusing on education — specifically on reading, writing and the recording of our history,” noted Bobby McDonald, chamber president and former president of the CSUF Alumni Association (Class of ’75).

Cal State Fullerton is being honored with the chamber’s Community Leadership Award, as is the city of Anaheim, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Also at the event, the chamber’s Distinguished Service Award will be presented to California State Librarian Susan Hildreth and the Community Service Award to the California Librarians Black Caucus.

“Our mission is to advocate and promote black business and economic development within the public and private sectors, resulting in a sound economic base that supports the survival and self-determination of the African-American community,” said McDonald.

“A big part of economic development is having a well-educated workforce. That’s why education is so vital, and that’s why we chose to recognize these leaders in the community.”

Mistress of ceremonies will be broadcaster Vikki Vargas, Orange County bureau chief for NBC4 and a Cal State Fullerton graduate (Class or ’81), who is serving as honorary chair of the university’s 50th anniversary celebration.

As part of the promotion of education and history, the chamber has asked guests to bring a book on black history to the event. Books will be donated to public libraries in the county.

For more information about the festivities, go to www.ocblackchamber.com or call 714-547-2646.

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