University Service Appreciated

Cal State Fullerton has recognized 10 individuals for giving of their time and talents in service to the university as this year’s Volunteers of the Year.

“The volunteers in this room today have taken what they have to give — knowledge, energy, good will, time — and used it to help make our university great,” said Pam Hillman, vice president for university advancement, during the Nov. 1 awards luncheon. “They keep our alumni and emeriti faculty energized and connected to the Titan family, inspire a love for reading and the arts, promote the winning spirit of athletics, help to prepare the next generation of business leaders, are advocates for the preservation of our natural resources and encourage continued learning at every age.”

“Volunteerism is an attribute that we encourage among our students here at Cal State Fullerton,” said Steven Murray, acting vice president for academic affairs. “It is our hope that our students will follow the examples set by the outstanding volunteers that are here today. The important work that our volunteers do here at Cal State Fullerton positively impacts the lives of our students, faculty, staff and administration.”

This year’s recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award are:

Tam Nguyen — Cal State Fullerton Alumni Association 
Nguyen provides leadership and service to several areas of campus from University Extended Education and Mihaylo College of Business and Economics. He also serves as an ambassador for President Milton A. Gordon during travels to Vietnam and other Asian countries, strengthening the university’s international presence. The CSUF alumnus was specifically recognized, however, for his service to the Cal State Fullerton Alumni Association, where he helped the organization surpass many of its goals in student outreach, membership, increased dollars for scholarship and increased chapter/alumni participation.

Karen Dudley — Friends of the Fullerton Arboretum
Dudley was identified as one of the Arboretum's most reliable volunteers, working regular shifts at the botanical garden’s Potting Shed and substituting for others as needed. An active member of the Arboretum’s Victorian Society, she often ‘dresses the part’ as a docent for Heritage House, the historic Victorian-era home that graces the Arboretum grounds.

Rosalina Davis — Titan Athletics Club 
Davis — along with her husband, Raul — is credited for initiating the Hispanic Scholarship Golf Tournament 25 years ago. Her leadership, it was noted, was instrumental to its continued success, which included this year’s effort that allows 80 students to receive scholarships. In addition to her support of the golf tournament, Davis was honored for gaining community support for the campus, for organizing opportunity drawing items and creating a women’s golf clinic in association with the golf tournament. Rosalina recently increased her responsibilities by becoming a key member of the newly formed Athletics Golf Tournament Planning Committee.

Margaret T. Starks — Art Alliance
For 16 years, Starks has served as dedicated volunteer for the Art Alliance, serving as president, secretary, chair of various committees, a unifying force and as an inspiration in learning new areas of art. For nearly as many years, she was responsible for planning and organizing the organization’s members enrichment program, encompassing classroom lectures and bus trips to special sites and museums in the exploration of art and architecture.

James Friel — CSUF Emeriti Association
Friel joined the Emeriti Board in 2004 and has served as secretary for two years and president for four years. He helped develop a pamphlet titled “Retirement 101” to aid members considering retirement, as well as bringing to fruition several long-term initiatives, such as an additional scholarship, funding the sculpture “Open to Learning” on Arts Drive, providing initial funding to help publish the 50th anniversary commemorative book, “The Fullerton Way,” and taking part in the anniversary’s commencement activities. Friel also revived the “Book of Tributes” to honor deceased emeriti.

Ingrid Shutkin — Music Associates
There are few who can say that they have volunteered at Cal State Fullerton for more than three decades, but Shutkin can. She has been an active member of Music Associates for 36 years and a board member for more than 30. She attends the board meetings, participates in discussions and volunteers to help with projects at hand, whether its preparing mailings, tasting menu options, or determining table seating and room arrangements for annual functions such as the Carol Candlelight Dinner and the Music & Magic Luncheon.

Joyce Ono — Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
An emeritus professor of biological science, Ono embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and the values of volunteer community service. She serves as an organizational leader, a class coordinator, an entertaining and informative lecturer and effective member of numerous OLLI committees. She is, a "worker bee," it was said, someone who can be depended upon to meet and exceed every assignment she accepts.

Lis Leyson — Patrons of the Library
Layson is serving her fifth year as co-chair of the Patrons activities committee, but that isn’t all she does for the library support group. She volunteers for ad hoc committee assignments and is an active participant at board meetings.

Verne Wagner — President's Scholars Program 
Wagner was nominated by the President's Scholars program for her role as the unofficial "mother" of the President's Scholars. In addition to serving as a primary member of the screening committee for two decades, she has gone beyond traditional support duties to embrace and nurture students, promoting their growth beyond the classroom.

Cal Queryl — Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary
Queryl has been a friend to Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary since discussions began on redeveloping the sanctuary’s small amphitheater several years ago. He contributed his professional services to the project and brought in the help of others to make the project a success. Since then, Queryl has helped watch over Tucker, identifying potential hazards and solutions and working with staff and contractors to ensure the safety of the sanctuary.

Nov. 3, 2011