May 2012
Posted May 30
Alumnus Costner Stars on History Channel
Academy Award-winning director and CSUF graduate Kevin Costner (B.A. business administration-marketing ’78) rode onto the small screen Monday night in the premiere of the History Channel’s three-part miniseries “Hatfields & McCoys.” Costner and Bill Paxton co-star in the six-hour miniseries that also features Tom Berenger, Powers Boothe and Mare Winningham. Part 2 of what is billed as “the true American story of a legendary family feud” airs May 29, along with rebroadcast of the first episode, beginning at 7 p.m. The series repeats through June 2 and also can be viewed online.
“Mercado de Artistas” June 2
The Art Alliance support group for the College of the Arts is hosting “Mercado de Artistas” in the Begovich Gallery Saturday, June 2. The free 10 a.m.-2 p.m. event will feature unique, handmade objects of art available for purchase, including items that are decorative, wearable and functional. A percentage of all items sold will benefit Art Alliance projects, including student scholarships. Additional information is available from Ann Steichen at 657-278-7124.
Community Invited to View Astronomical Event
Catch a glimpse of an astronomical event that happens about every 120 years Tuesday, June 5: “Transit of Venus” at the Fullerton Arboretum. At 3 p.m., Venus will begin to pass in front of the sun and will last until after sunset. Different types of telescopes will be set up for public viewing on the Orchard Lawn. Stephen Karl, Biological Science, and Shovit Bhari and Josh Smith, Physics, are organizing the 3-6 p.m. event, which also features astronomy-related activities and physics demonstrations.
Classes at the Arboretum
Interested in growing flowers, fruits and vegetables? Attend some of the programs offered this summer at the Fullerton Arboretum, including June 2 - “Great Bulbs of Fire!” June 9 - “Home Composting,” June 16 - the Urban Farmers program “Start Your Own Vineyard” and June 23 - “Water Conservation Gardening: Edibles in the Low-Water Garden.” A free nature tour also is available 10 a.m. Saturday, June 16. For more information, go to the Arboretum website or call 657-278-3407.
Are You Ready?
What if an associate, a friend or loved one suddenly collapsed — do you have the skills to possibly save a life? Environmental Health and Safety is offering summer courses in first aid, as well as when and how to perform CPR or use an automated external defibrillator. Classes — open to campus and community members — are scheduled June 8, June 23, July 9 and Aug. 15. More information and registration can be done online or by calling 657-278-7233.
May 25
Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival May 27
The university’s Grand Central Art Center, in collaboration with Road Less Traveled, will host the Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 27. The festival is open to the public free of charge. The center’s galleries also will be open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The center is located at 2nd Street Promenade and Sycamore Street in Santa Ana.
May 24
$1.2 Million Award to Boost STEM Researchers, Educators
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute announced today (May 24) that Cal State Fullerton is receiving a four-year, $1.2 million grant to continue efforts to bring real-world research experiences to undergraduates and high school students and science teachers. HHMI selected 47 universities and small colleges in the United States as the recipients of grants totaling more than $50 million. The overarching goal for the CSUF program is to promote and encourage the flow of undergraduates from the university's diverse and disadvantaged population — and into science careers as leading researchers and teachers, said Maria C. Linder, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and recipient of the grant award.
Titan Grad Scores Sac Bee Op-Ed
Greg Washington is one Cal State grad who believes that the controversy over executive compensation is distracting public attention from the real issue — and he has taken to the op-ed page of The Sacramento Bee to say so. In the headline for his May 23 op-ed, the May political science and speech communication graduate argues that the focus on executive pay distracts from the real issue — harm to higher education caused by the $1 billion rollback of California’s historic commitment to fund higher education for its citizens.
“While we appreciate the attention given to the CSU by the media, public and members of the Legislature,” writes Washington, current president of the California State Student Association, “we believe this attention would be better spent highlighting and reversing the elimination of state resources allocated to the CSU. As a mere fraction of 1 percent of the CSU’s total budget, preoccupation with the compensation of our university system’s leaders is misplaced.
“The student association is much more concerned about the 33 percent cut in state support for the university. This disinvestment is what hurts students and the state of California.”
In March, Washington traveled to Sacramento with a continent of CSU students to advocate for state support of higher education. A box of “bucks” with students' hand-written messages was presented to Gov. Jerry Brown.
May 23
VP for Student Affairs Named
Berenecea Y. Johnson Eanes, vice president of student affairs at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, is the newly named vice president for student affairs, effective in July. She holds a Ph.D. in social work from Clark Atlanta University. Her appointment came after a national search to fill the position, prompted by the retirement of Robert L. Palmer. Silas H. Abrego has been serving as interim vice president for student affairs since January 2011.
‘Art of Convergence’ Winners
Communications major Ryan Kidder won the “Art of Convergence” competition sponsored by Costa Mesa-based Emulex Corp. with his sculpture “Cranial Convergence.” People's Choice winner and runner-up was graduate art major Mark Upson with “The Convergence Machine.” Students were charged with using discarded IT equipment to "create a sculpture that represents the concept of 'convergence' in the data center."
May 21
Staff Service Awards
Campus staff members will be recognized for service during this year’s Staff Recognition and Appreciation Day Program Friday, June 1, in Portola Pavilion of the Titan Student Union. This year’s Outstanding Staff Award recipient(s) will be announced during the 8:30-11:30 a.m. program.
Patrons of Library Annual Meeting
The Patrons of the Library will hold their annual meeting at 2 p.m. June 2 in Room 130 of the Pollak Library. The program will include a presentation to Albert Vogeler, emeritus professor of history, in honor of his years of service to the organization, as well as “The Book: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” panel discussion.
May 18
Student Research Exhibit at Library
National award-winning research posters by civil and environmental engineering students are on display through July 31 in Pollak Library’s Atrium Gallery. The display features the student work on landslides, water purification technology, enhancing soil strength, soil stabilization and design topics related to geotechnical engineering. “This is an opportunity for the students to share their accomplishments with the campus audience,” said Prasada Rao, chair and associate professor of civil and environmental engineering.
May 16
Leadership Scholars Program
Students and recently graduated alumni interested in developing their leadership skills are invited to take part in the Leadership Scholars Program offered through the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics’ Center for Leadership. Participants in the program will attend leadership training, as well as meet and learn from area executives as part of the program. For more information, call 657-278-5170, email or visit the center website.
May 15
Hillman Honored
The Academic Senate recognized Pamela Hillman, vice president for university advancement, on May 10 for her years of service to the campus community. “I appreciate this more than I can say,” she said, hugging Jack Bedell, senate chair, while the assembled audience gave her a standing ovation. Hillman joined CSUF as vice president in 2003. “It has been my privilege to serve here, and I have to say that a large part of our university's success has come because of collegial governance.”
May 14
Titan Baseball Victory
Titan Michael Lorenzen had three hits and three runs batted in and also logged his 15th save May 13 for a come-from-behind 9-3 Big West Conference victory over UC Santa Barbara.
Track and Field Finishes
Ashley Sims, Katie Wilson and Morgan Thompson spearheaded a strong showing in the sprints May 12 to highlight CSUF's efforts at the 2012 Big West Conference Track and Field Championships at UC Irvine.
Softball Team Ends
UC Davis took a 5-3 victory over CSUF in the regular season finale for both teams May 12 at Anderson Family Field.
May 11
Take Part in Commencement
Can’t attend Commencement 2012? Want to listen in on the #TITAN2012 Twitter chatter? Join in and celebrate the 2012 graduates, events leading up to commencement and the main ceremonies May 19-20 through CSUF’s social media channels. Jump in the conversation by posting to our channels and sharing your thoughts, emotions, photos and videos on Facebook or Twitter - @CSUF, #Titan12 or #Titan2012.
CSU Appoints Two Presidents, Names Interim
The California State University Board of Trustees named Leslie E. Wong, president of Northern Michigan University as president of San Francisco State and Tomás D. Morales, president of the College of Staten Island, City University of New York, president of Cal State San Bernardino May 10. Joseph Sheley, provost/vice president for academic affairs at Cal State Sacramento, was named interim president of Cal State Stanislaus May 3.
Faculty Union Walks Out of Negotiations With CSU
The California Faculty Association broke off negotiations with the California State University May 5 after the two sides had resumed bargaining May 3. The next step in the bargaining process is the appointment of a fact-finding panel headed by an outside neutral party who will hear arguments from both sides and then make a recommendation as to the merits of each proposal.
Bus Pass Program Changing
Starting May 31, Titan Cards will no longer be valid for the OCTA U-Pass bus program. Faculty and staff members will still be able to ride any OCTA bus route free using an OCTA “E-Pass” card that can be picked up at the Parking & Transportation Office starting May 15. The E-Pass program is just one of several transportation alternatives offered by the university. For more information call 657-278-4699 or email.
Titans Rename Meet to Honor Legendary Runner
Cal State Fullerton’s annual Labor Day weekend, season-opening cross country meet will be known as the Mark Covert Classic beginning with the Sept. 1 event at Carbon Canyon Park in Brea. Covert is a legendary distance runner who won the NCAA College Division individual championship in 1970 and led the Titans to the NCAA team title in 1971. He went on to run in the U.S. Olympic marathon trials and win the national AAU 25 K championship.
May 10
Computer Engineering Projects Showcased
Graduating students in the computer engineering program will present their senior design projects at 9 a.m. Friday, May 18, in Room 300 of the Computer Science Building. The senior design projects give students an invaluable and a motivational experience that encourages them to incorporate skills and knowledge they acquired through computer engineering courses, said Kiran George, assistant professor of computing engineering.
Students Present Biology Research
Biological science students present their research projects from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Titan Student Union Fireside Lounge and Pub. The work, part of the Southern California Ecosystems Research Program funded by the National Science Foundation, focuses on ecology and environmental biology. For more information: Darren R. Sandquist, professor of biological science, 657-278-2606.
Celebrating Rodger Vaughan
The Music Department hosts a celebration of the life, music and career of Rodger Vaughan, emeritus professor of music who died in January, at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 27, in the Minor Rehearsal Hall of the Clayes Performing Arts Center. Reservations are requested and can be made by contacting Sue Winston.
New Teaching Program Accepting Students
Project AIMS: Autism, Inclusion, Mathematics Core and Science Innovation scholar program — designed to support secondary math and science and special education credential students — is accepting applications for its first class this fall. An orientation meeting is set for June 1 for those accepted for fall. To apply, email Belinda Karge or Cheryl Creager.
May 9
CSUF Moves Up in Ranking
The May 7 edition of Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education ranks CSUF No. 1 in California and fourth in the nation — up from fifth — among top colleges and universities awarding bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics, based on 2011 data from the U.S. Department of Education. CSUF also is ranked first in the nation for the number of bachelor's degrees awarded to Hispanics in communications, journalism, public administration and justice.
Goodwin Field Celebration
Titan baseball marks the 20th anniversary of Goodwin Field Tuesday, May 15, during the Titans vs. UCLA Bruins game. Members of the 1992 team will be honored during pre-game ceremonies and other special activities to celebrate the milestone are planned. First 1,000 fans will receive a commemorative Goodwin Field cup. Action begins 6 p.m.
Student Union Open All Night
Associated Students Inc. sponsors its biannual two-week All Night Study program through May 18. The Titan Student Union and Student Recreation Center will be open 24 hours a day to help students prepare for final exams by providing access to individual and group study spaces, free Wi-Fi, public computer stations, wireless printing and events designed to provide stress relief. More information available online.
May 8
Titan Nominated for Tony Award
Graduate Linda Emond (B.A. theatre arts ’82) has earned a second Tony nomination for her acting on Broadway. The stage and screen actress is a nominee for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her work opposite Philip Seymour Hoffman in Mike Nichols’ production of “Death of a Salesman.” Emond’s first Tony nomination was for her role in “Life x 3” — with Helen Hunt and John Tuturro — an experience she describes for Broadway.com. Emond is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Julia Child's best friend, Simone Beck, in the 2009 film “Julie & Julia” starring Meryl Streep. Locally, Emond starred in the 2003 production of Tony Kushner’s “Homebody/Kabul” at the Mark Taper Forum, where she reprised her Obie-Award winning performance.
May 7
Golf Tournaments to Benefit Students
Golfers interested in playing and supporting students are invited to take part in two upcoming tournaments: the Titan Athletics Golf Tournament May 14 at the Yorba Linda Country Club and the June 25 18th Annual Mihaylo Collge Golf Classic at the Pelican Hill Golf Club. Deadline to register for the Athletics event is May 9; cost is $250 for a complete golf day or $1,200 for corporate sponsorship/golf for four and dinner for eight. Registration is online.
Cost to take part in the Mihaylo Tournament is $500 for individuals, $2,000 for foursomes and sponsorships are available. Registration is online. For more information, contact Ola Carr, 657-278-2566.
Seniors, Students and Toddlers Read
Melanie Horn Mallers, assistant professor of human services, and human services majors Susan Adams, Maritza Estrada, Angela Messina and Evelyn Amezola are teaming up with members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute May 10 to read to toddlers and conduct an art project at the Children’s Center as part of the first Intergenerational Activity Day. “Children need to be exposed to more positive images of older adults,” Horn Mallers said. "The majority of older adults are active, interesting and involved. We want children to start to know this. Reading and spending time together is a great way to challenge the notion of the ‘generation gap’ and begin to develop reciprocal friendships.”
May 4
Guerin to Lead Statewide Academic Senate
Diana W. Guerin, professor of child and adolescent studies, was elected chair of the statewide academic senate. She is the fifth chair who has come from Cal State Fullerton.
May 3
Praise for Yun’s ‘Hybrid Romance’
“Lawrence Yun’s watercolors are just spectacular,” pronounces art critic Hunter Drohojowska-Philp in her “Art Talk” segment for KCRW. In another segment, NPR reporter Helen Zhao also discusses the assistant professor's artwork and solo exhibit “Hybrid Romance” at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery in Barnsdall Park through May 6. Admission is free.
‘10,000 Years of Past Climate Change’
Matthew E. Kirby, associate professor of geological sciences, will discuss “10,000 Years of Past Climate Chane in Southern California” Tuesday, May 8, at the Fullerton Public Library as part of the 2012 Town and Gown Lecture Series co-sponsored by CSUF. The 7 p.m. program will be held at 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., adjacent to Fullerton City Hall.
Business Teams Win Business Plan Support
Seven student teams won cash and in-kind services for placing in the inaugural Business Plan Competition Finals held by the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics’ Center for Entrepreneurship. The contest was held to encourage teams to develop a viable business concept, evaluate its appropriateness and potential success and identify critical issues. For more info, go to the center website.
May 2
Peace Corps Salutes Campus
The Peace Corps has recognized Cal State Fullerton as the top volunteer-producing Hispanic-Serving Institution with 27 alumni-volunteers working around the world. One of the Titan volunteers is Kelly Belz, who has been working in Ethiopia since 2011. “As a health science major, we were taught how to go into a community, see what the health needs are, and design a plan of action,” Belz said. “Unfortunately, these skills and tools can’t be used to their full ability in the United States. A town won’t just let you walk in, find out with the problems are, and try to design a program to fix that issue, and they certainly aren’t going to give you money or fundraise to do it. On the other hand, all these things are possible to do in the Peace Corps.” To read more about Titans who have served, go to “Making a Difference.”
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Campus members are invited to attend a 11-2 p.m. May 3 pre-Cinco de Mayo festival sponsored by the Gastronome. Ballet Folklorico de CSUF will perform at 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. on the plaza in front of the dining facility and inside, diners can enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat menu of Mexican dishes including tacos, fajitas, carnitas and horchada for $5.00 per person, plus tax. Meals at the Gastronome are $5 plus tax through May 18.
A Way of Life in the Canyons
Chumash Indian and anthropologist Mark Mendez will discuss the cultural history of local native Americans Sunday, May 6, at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. The 1-3 p.m. program includes a family-friendly walk and discussions on how plants were used in daily life. Cost is $3 and reservations are recommended. For more information, call 714-649-2760 or go online.
May 1
Ron Paul to Campaign Here May 2
The College Republicans student group will host Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul for a campus visit Wednesday, May 2. A campaign rally is planned for 6:30 p.m. in Titan Stadium. Visitors who wish to park on campus can get details online about parking permit fees and lots.
Kabuki Theater
Modern Languages and Literatures sponsors a 2:30 p.m. May 3 public lecture-performance of Kabuki, traditional Japanese theater, by Nakamura Gankyo in Room 252 of University Hall. The Southern California native started his Japanese classical dance training at age 3 and attained natori (master’s degree) from Bando Mitsugoro. He is the first non-Japanese citizen accepted in the Kabuki’s professional ranks in the theater's 405-year history. For more information, call 657-278-3534 or email.
“Arts in the Garden” for Children May 6
The Fullerton Arboretum hosts “Arts in the Garden,” an annual event that invites youngsters 5-12 years old to join in on several creative and informative classes spread throughout the garden. Students will learn about music, American Indian culture, drawing, dance and other creative crafts. Cost is $5; reservations may be made by calling 657-278-3407.
Bike Ride to Angel Stadium
Love bike riding and Angel games? Join Parking and Transportation and CSUF Cycling for a Sunday, May 6, group bicycle ride from the campus to Angels Stadium. The 9 a.m. ride, kicking off from the fountain in front of Langsdorf Hall, is part of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Game Day Ride in celebration of National Bike Month. The festivities include a pregame tailgate party sponsored by JAX Bicycle Center, a discount game ticket and use of a bike valet service. For more information, contact Ben Price, 657-278-4405.
