Pollak librarian Pat Bril displays her favorite book and her image in a poster that were recently put on display in the university library. The poster program was funded by a “Golden Ideas” iniative. Photo by Stephen Weissbart

Initiatives Funded

‘Golden’ Ideas Cover Gamut of Events and Projects

February 12, 2007

A wide range of activities and anniversary items, including runs, expos, lectures, memory videos and books are among the 24 Golden Ideas Initiatives funded to celebrate Cal State Fullerton’s 50th anniversary.

The initiative process was used to give CSUF students, organizations, faculty, staff, alumni and friends the opportunity to request one-time funding for projects that would implement one or more of the anniversary goals: increased visibility and recognition; increased participation and support for the university, its programs and goals; strengthened bonds between the university and the community at large; focus on CSUF’s future; and build a strong sense of community for faculty, staff, students and alumni.

“The quality and creativity of the Golden Ideas proposals far surpassed our expectations,” said Cartwright. “It was a very difficult process to review all 117 proposals, narrow the field and then select the 24 proposals approved for funding. I want to especially thank our review committee for their hard work and dedication in making their recommendations to President Gordon and President’s Advisory Board.”

The university will kick off the yearlong celebration Sept. 14 with a special convocation, all-university lunch and anniversary Concert under the Stars. The next day, an alumni picnic, college open houses and a donor recognition event are being planned.

Funded initiatives and the individuals who proposed them:
            — Hosting the 2008 National Debate Tournament. The annual televised contest features 78 top competitors and universities from throughout the nation, including Harvard, Berkeley and Northwestern, said Jon Bruschke, professor of Human Communication Studies, in his proposal.
            — Educational Opportunity Program Mural and Reception. “The EOP mural project will reflect the struggles faced by students during the 1960s, while fighting for civil rights and educational equity,” wrote Janette L. Hyder, counselor in student retention services. The project and reception will provide an opportunity “to reflect on the current social struggles, progressions and success of the EOP program today.” 
            — Educational Opportunity Program Hall of Fame Gala Scholarship Dinner. Hyder also will organize a special program recognizing EOP alumni. The event, she wrote, “would set a strong foundation and strengthen credibility with the campus and community at large” as well as provide awareness of the EOP program.
            — Celebration of 50 Years of Mathematics Teaching and Learning in Orange County. Paul Deland, chair and professor of mathematics, will bring outstanding teachers of mathematics to campus for a public discussion on their experiences as educators.
            — Making Memories – Leaving a Legacy: Gerontology at CSU Fullerton. Pauline Abbot, director of the Institute of Gerontology, will organize a series of events that will provide intergenerational opportunities, and campus and community involvement with various aspects of the Ruby Gerontology Center, including public lectures and open houses.
            — Going for the G.O.L.D. An intergenerational 1K fun walk for seniors and school-aged children, and a 5K run for faculty, staff, parents and the Fullerton community at large, proposed by Shari McMahan, professor of health science. The goal, she wrote: “to invite the community to participate in a day of health-enhancing activities on our beautiful campus.”
            — 50 Years of Titan Success will be a series of targeted career events for students and faculty during the anniversary year. Featured will be 50 successful alumni and 50 top employers of CSUF graduates, proposed James Case, director of the Career Center.
            — Electronic Ancient Maps: The Boswell Collection. Dorothy Heide, emerita associate dean of the School of Business Administration and Economics and professor of management, proposed a display of maps from the Boswell Map Collection as part of the Pollak Library’s 50th anniversary kick-off weekend activities. The map collection is being digitized and electronically cataloged by the Pollak Library and the Patrons of the Library.
            — CSUF Pollak Library “READ” Poster Program. Identifying a group of notable CSUF individuals and showcasing them on specially designed 50th anniversary “READ @ Your Library” posters was proposed by Heather Tunender, electronic resources librarian, Pollak Library.
            — 50th Anniversary Polo Shirts. The themed shirts will be provided to staff members in New Student Orientation, Titan Ambassadors and student staff from the Academic Advisement and Careers in Teaching centers, wrote Brett Robertson, new student programs coordinator.
            — All University Open House and Carnival Day of Seminars featuring lifelong learning programs was proposed by Jane E. Payne, marketing and public relations manager, University Extended Education. The free seminars, she wrote, would be offered all day on Sept. 15. Funding is for a direct-mail awareness mailing.
            — Community Literacy Festival at the Irvine Campus. JoAnn Carter-Wells, professor of reading, proposed a Saturday event that would celebrate family literacy and highlight authors representing cultural diversity in Orange County.
            — In Celebration of Research: Strengthening CSU’s Research Collaborations. Linda Patton, director of grants and contracts, proposed the university hosting a one day event of the CSU Senior Research Administrator’s fall meeting with such activities as a research colloquia, poster presentations and a luncheon.
            — 50 Years of Women’s Achievements will be a daylong celebration of women leaders — featuring prominent campus alumnae — during Women’s History Month. Sandra Rhoten, associate dean of judicial affairs, proposed that the event include a public symposium and roundtable discussions.
            — College of Health and Human Development Expo and Health Fair will be used to announce the grand opening of the Nursing Skills Lab and the kick-off of the new master’s of social work program, the only one offered at a public university in Orange County, proposed Roberta Rikli, HHD dean. The event also will feature activity/educational booths, health and wellness assessments, building and laboratory tours and demonstrations, receptions and afternoon speaker series.
            — Empowering Minds: Querer es Poder. To increase awareness of CSUF’s Hispanic-Serving institution designation and commitment to serving the Latino community, a cultural program on Sunday, Sept. 16, was proposed by Mimi Ko Cruz, communications specialist in Public Affairs. The event, in downtown Santa Ana, will feature a concert by the Mariachi Divas and a photo exhibit of 50 successful Latino graduates at the university’s Grand Central Art Center.
            — Vietnamese International Bridging Expo, a multiday event for the Vietnamese community, was proposed by CSUF alumnus Tam Nguyen. The event includes a black-tie event honoring campus contributions toward the Vietnamese community and the recreation of a Vietnamese community in the campus Quad, with vendors and cultural entertainment.
            — Telling the Fullerton Story through video, podcast and multimedia projects that will reflect the past, present and future impact of the university was proposed by Mishu Vu, web communications director, University Communications and Marketing.
            — “Alums at the Top” is a 28-page, four-color publication of top alumni serving as chief executive officers, managing partners and firm presidents. It will promote awareness among university faculty, students, alumni and the business community of the impact of CSUF graduates, wrote Anil Puri, dean of the College of Business and Economics.
            — Pacific Symphony 50th Anniversary Performance. Jerry Samuelson, dean of the College of the Arts proposed the performance to recognize the symphony’s founding at Cal State Fullerton and to celebrate its contribution to the people of Orange County.
            — A Collection of Daily Titan Front Pages. Robert Sage, faculty adviser and business manager for the student newspaper, has proposed a ‘coffee table’ magazine with a selection of Daily Titan covers commemorating each year of Cal State Fullerton’s history. Each chapter will include an introduction written by a faculty or staff member, student of alumni who has had specific and relevant knowledge of the time period.
            — Golden Ticket to Success is a proposal to focus on the opportunities available at Cal State Fullerton through an OCTA bus ad campaign.
            — Technology at CSUF: The First 50 years. Chris Manriquez, project director of the Common Management System, proposed a single session event as part of Technology Day. The event would take a historical look at the campus’s involvement with technology, focusing on recent developments in computing uses.
            — Celebrating CSUF’s African American Experience. Alumnus Bobby McDonald proposed a book highlighting the people, programs and accomplishments that have benefited the African American community.