CSUF Alumnus Joins CSU

Trustees

Henry Mendoza Appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

September 25, 2007

By Mimi Ko Cruz

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed CSUF graduate Henry Mendoza, managing partner of Mendoza, Berger & Company, as a member of the California State University Board of Trustees.

Mendoza replaces Moctesuma Esparza, who stepped down from his position on the board in May. Mendoza will complete Esparza’s term, which ends in March. Should he be reappointed then, the Senate Rules committee would need to confirm the appointment, CSU officials said.

“I’m honored,” Mendoza said about his appointment. “I’ve come full circle — from immigrant parents, my father was a migrant worker, to going through the Cal State system and now helping to run it. Hopefully, my experience and insights can help the CSU system. I think I can add my perspective as a business leader as well because I understand the workforce issue.”

Mendoza received his bachelor’s degree in business administration-accounting in 1981. The 48-year-old businessman is chairman of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.

He lives in San Clemente with his wife, Rosa, and their 9-year-old daughter Sofia and 6-year-old daughter Isabella.

Before becoming managing partner of Mendoza Berger & Company in 1997, Mendoza was a partner for Strabala, Ramirez & Associates from 1995 to 1997 and an audit manager for Haskell & White from 1986 to 1995. He served as a senior accountant for Gilbert Vasquez & Company from 1981 to 1986.

When Mendoza first sought a college degree, he said his parents didn’t understand why he wanted higher education when he could be working, earning money for his family.

“We were poor,” he said. “It was a struggle, but I made it.”

With help from scholarships and grants, Mendoza completed his degree and today, his Irvine-based public accounting firm has clients throughout the country and in Singapore, Egypt, Africa, Canada and Australia.

He said he makes sure his daughters know about the opportunities higher education can afford them. “A college education can never hurt you,” he said. “It’s what made me successful and it gives you a chance to achieve the American dream.”