Rodney Anderson with President Milton A. Gordon at the Titan's first CSUF commencement ceremony in 2005. Photo by Patrick B. O'Donnell

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.

Scoring New Purpose

Basketball Star, Gunned Down in His Prime, Set to Receive Master's Degree

May 15, 2008 :: No. 263

Rodney N. Anderson was a rising Cal State Fullerton basketball star in 2000 when a gangster shot him in the back. By mistake.

His assailant apologized almost immediately, says Anderson when he recalls the March evening that dashed his dreams of basketball greatness. "He said, 'I'm sorry, man. You're the wrong one.' But it was too late," Anderson said. "He shot me four times and turned me into a quadriplegic."

Though he still struggles with thoughts of what could have been, he's grateful to be alive and able to help others. "I want to work with kids who grew up in neighborhoods like mine, where gangs and crime seem inescapable," he said. "My goal is to be an example."

He is well on his way, say his peers, professors and family.

On Sunday, May 18, Anderson will participate in Cal State Fullerton commencement ceremonies marking the completion of his master's degree in counseling, after earning his bachelor's degree in human services in 2005.

He works on campus as a graduate assistant mentor in athletics academic services and hopes for a career at Cal State Fullerton.

"I would love to stay here and work as an athletics director," Anderson said. "The people here have done so much to help me, and I want to give back."

He was a freshman on a full athletics scholarship when he was shot. The university continued the scholarship and retired his No. 4 jersey. His mother quit her job to drive him to his classes and care for him full time.

Five years later, he got married, and ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" built two houses - one for the newly married couple and one for his parents - in his South Central Los Angeles neighborhood, a few feet from where he was shot. His house is equipped with a voice-activated system that allows him to be pretty self-sufficient about getting in and out of his wheelchair and machines that assist with physical therapy.

Over the years, he has started feeling some sensation throughout his body.

"Some feeling comes back here and there and, one day, I will walk again," he said, adding that he recently purchased a van he can operate entirely with his hands, relieving his mother of her driving responsibilities. "I try to stay positive and just keep going. It could have been much worse for me."

In his role as a mentor, Anderson said he speaks to athletes and students who are struggling with school and tries to help them find solutions to their problems.

"The most important thing I do is listen," he said. "I know what it's like to need someone to lean on."

His attitude and perspective will serve him well in his career, said Jeffrey A. Kottler, chair and professor of counseling and one of Anderson's mentors.

"Rodney Anderson is one of the most courageous and strong-willed people I've ever known," Kottler said. "He has taught me as much as I ever taught him.

"I have been amazed at the ways he has grown during these last years, reinventing himself from an athlete to a scholar, and then to a compassionate and highly skilled therapist who is committed to helping others," Kottler continued. "I love this man. I admire him. He never complains and never makes excuses. ... He stands alone as one of the most remarkable and resourceful human beings ever to walk this campus."

Anderson's commencement exercise will be held in the Titan Student Union's Portola Pavilion at approximately 9:45 a.m. Sunday, following the 8 a.m. university commencement ceremony on the athletics fields north of Titan Gym.

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

Media Contacts:
Mimi Ko Cruz, Public Affairs, 657-278-7586 or mkocruz@fullerton.edu

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