Welcome to Cal State Fullerton Commencement highlights, featuring members of the Class of 2008. The following is a news release prepared in advance of the May 17-18 ceremonies.

From Pharmaceutical Science to Economics

Class of 2008 Graduate Left India to Explore Business World

May 13, 2008 :: No. 255

When Jitu Motwani of Fullerton was accepted into the master's program in economics at Cal State Fullerton in January 2006, he was a little concerned. Not only would he be leaving his home in Mumbai, India, to study abroad, but his bachelor of science degree from Mumbai University wasn't in economics - it was in pharmaceutical science.

"The transition was difficult," Motwani admits. "But I was always interested in economics, and my goal was to blend the two subjects - pharmacy science with economics. When I was accepted to Cal State Fullerton, I was very happy, but also worried because I knew I would be in graduate-level classes without the benefit of studying some of basics of economic theory."

What Motwani discovered was that faculty members in the Steven G. Mihaylo College of Business and Economics were more than happy to assist him. And two years later, Motwani became the sixth student at Cal State Fullerton to receive recognition from Phi Beta Delta, the International Honor Society.

In April, he received the David Merchant International Student Award for Achievement, at the 22nd meeting of Phi Beta Delta in Columbus, Ohio. This award is presented to a student who helps achieve global understanding.

"Whatever success I have achieved, I owe in great part to the faculty at Cal State Fullerton. They were incredible," he said. "They told me what to read, shared their notes from basic classes with me and really supported and guided me. I will always be grateful to them not only for taking a chance on me, but for helping me through my studies."

"Jitu is one of these brilliant students you meet a few times in a decade," said Vincent Dropsy, professor of economics. "He has a bright future ahead of him in economics and finance, but his background in pharmaceutical sciences - with a 4.0 grade point average during this bachelor's degree program - shows that he can succeed in any area in which he is interested. His humanitarian and international vision of the world also are remarkable."

Motwani, who completed his master's degree at CSUF in January with a 4.0 grade point average, is looking forward to celebrating graduation this weekend with his professors and classmates.

During his student days, Motwani served as president of the Cal State Fullerton chapter of Phi Beta Delta and the Economics Association, a student group. He also worked part time as a graduate assistant, helping to tutor others in economics.

And he still made time to bowl every Thursday night. In fact, for a student who just picked up his first bowling ball two years ago, Motwani advanced far enough to be an intramural bowling champ. "It was fun, and on Thursdays, bowling is free," he said with a smile.

"I am so happy I had the opportunity to study here," he said. "The classroom structure is very different than it is in India. Here, there's a lot of order - you know what chapters to read, when tests will be held, when papers are due. In India, exam times may be decided only two weeks prior to the test. It's much more loosely based."

While Motwani is quick to give credit to others, his 3-6-9 system surely plays a role in his academic success. For every three hours he spends in the classroom, he spends six hours working on assignments for that class, and then nine hours reading about the subject area.

"Economics is often seen as very difficult but when you think about it, the whole world is based on economics," he said. "It's all cost/benefit analysis - if I do this, then this will happen. It teaches you to think rationally. Economic principles underlie everything we do; we just don't recognize that. People see charts and graphs and terms they don't understand. But once you sit down and read about them, it all makes sense. It becomes enjoyable."

Currently, Motwani is studying to take his chartered financial analyst exam in June while looking for a job that combines his skills in business and science.

Motwani's commencement exercise is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, in Titan Stadium, at approximately 9:45 a.m. It follows the universitywide commencement ceremony at 8 a.m. on the athletic fields north of Titan Gym.

Photo: Available online at www.fullerton.edu/newsphotos

Media Contacts:
Valerie Orleans, Public Affairs, 657-278-4540, or vorleans@fullerton.edu

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