Alumni at the Top

Mihaylo College of Business and Economics Honors Prominent Graduates

June 17, 2008

By Valerie Orleans

The Mihaylo College of Business and Economics recently celebrated the contributions and achievements of 62 of its alumni with a May dinner at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, where honorees were presented with copies of the recently published booklet "Alumni at the Top."

The publication, created in conjunction with the university's 50th anniversary celebration, focused on the outstanding achievements of the college's most prominent alumni.

"We at Mihaylo College take pride in recognizing our alumni who are in positions of leadership and exemplify a commitment to excellence that serves to inspire our students, faculty and alumni," said Anil Puri, dean of the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics.

Terry Grant, professor of accounting, acknowledged those in attendance who graduated with a degree concentration in accounting, including:

Edward Byrd ('78), senior vice president and chief accounting officer, Pacific Life Insurance
Marc D. Davis ('84), chief financial officer, National Retirement Services Inc.
Larry Gregson ('83), audit partner, Kushner, Smith, Joanou & Gregson, LLP
Michael L. McKennon ('83), partner, McKennon, Wilson & Morgan, LLP
Robert J. McKennon ('82), partner, Barger & Wolen, LLP
Henry Mendoza ('81), managing partner, Mendoza Berger & Co., LLP
Dean M. Samsvick ('81), managing partner, KPMG, LLP

James Dietz, chair and professor of economics, recognized those who had earned degrees in economics, including:

Michael R. Chiaromonte ('81), president, Consolidated Seed and Pet Inc.
Raymond G. Hemann ('70 M.S., '72 M.A.), president and CEO, Advanced Systems Research, Inc.
K.P. "Bala" Balkrishna ('78 M.B.A.), president and CEO, Commercial Bank of California
Daniel T. Stetson ('03), president and CEO, Ocean Institute

John Erickson, chair and professor of finance, saluted honorees who earned degrees with a concentration in finance. These included:

Kevin F. Calcagnie ('77), partner, Robinson, Calcagnie & Robinson
Marlan M. Merhab ('64), senior vice president, Smith Barney
Gene Micco ('76), president and CEO, Tustin Community Bank
Peter R. Stephan ('78), president and CEO, The Pension Group
Deborah Shinoda Stocker ('83), CEO and president, Shinoda Design Center

Irene Lange, chair and professor of marketing, introduced those who earned degrees with a concentration in marketing, including:

Carol L. Monning ('02), president, Monning Interior Design
Thomas E. Gast ('79, '88 M.B.A.), president/partner, De Rito Partners West Inc.
Francisco J. Valle ('85), president, Valle Consulting
Robert M. Taylor ('67, '73 M.B.A.), president, The REMM Group