September 13, 2007
50 YEARS
Former CSUF cheerleader still rooting for Titans
Barbara Calcagnie Glaeser to join alumni at kick-off for university’s 50th anniversary.
By BARBARA GIASONE STAFF WRITER
Barbara Calcagnie Glaeser has been cheering for Cal State Fullerton for 33 years.
The rah-rah began in 1974 when she was elected university cheerleader while studying for her bachelor’s degree, and continued while pursuing a master’s in counseling in 1979.
Even when Glaeser, 53, “immigrated” to the University of Kansas for her doctorate, she slipped into her cheerleading outfit when she learned the CSUF girls volleyball team would arrive for a Midwestern match.
Indeed, the entire Calcagnie clan is Titan territory as it has been for many of the university’s graduates in the past 50 years.
Brothers Kevin and James earned business degrees, and sister Gina introduced Glaeser to her future husband, Vincent Glaeser, at a CSUF club meeting.
Glaeser now teaches at the university as do many alumni, who will help celebrate the campus’ 50th anniversary this weekend.
The yearlong festivities at the second largest university in the state kick off Friday with a picnic, concert and fireworks – open to the public – at 6 p.m.
Other weekend events include an open house and homecoming on Saturday and a tribute to the Hispanic-serving university on Sunday.
John Carroll, associate professor of geography and a two-time grad of CSUF, said he’s anxious to participate in the anniversary year.
Comparing his years as a student with today’s campus, Carroll, 42, said he’s impressed by the increase in classroom buildings and parking structures.
“I rode my bike to school and paid $300 per semester for tuition,” he recalled. “I taught for a time in the Midwest, but my family is here and I was happy to get back to Cal State. There’s so much more ethnic diversity here.”
Glaeser, too, mentioned the ethnic balance at CSUF – and the burst of technology.
“And I think cheerleading has come back,” she said. “The campus has come full circle.”
CSUF Comparisons
Degrees awarded: Five in the first year; 149,463 bachelor’s and 30,653 master’s degrees through May 2007
Students: 452 in 1957; approaching 36,000 for fall semester, 2007
Graduates: 5 in 1960; 184,000 through May 2007
Acreage: In March 1958, the college received $ 1.65 million from the state system for 228 acres. With the acquisition of property for College Park, there are now 236 acres.
Buildings: Started with 12 portables in 1960; now 27 buildings, including building clusters
ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
Friday: “From Hula Hoops to iPods: A Celebration of 50 Years of Popular Music,” a picnic, concert and fireworks show beginning at 6 p.m. The show is headlined by alumni and international opera star, Rod Gilfry, and will feature CSUF’s musical theatre students, The Preeminents. Tickets are $20 per seat or $200 for a table of 10. Bring your own picnic, organize a potluck or arrange a catered dinner through CSUF at 657-278-4124.
Saturday: Open house and alumni homecoming. From 1 0 a.m. to noon, 50th anniversary party kicks off on the main stage. From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., there will be a re-creation of the first intercollegiate elephant races in 1962 will feature electronic and human-powered elephants. The original “Elephant Racing Club” will recount the “First Intercollegiate Elephant Race in Human History.”
Sunday: “Empowering Minds: Querer es Poder,” 1 1:30 a.m. A Tribute to CSUF’s Hispanic Serving Institution features a free concert by the Mariachi Divas in downtown Santa Ana at Fourth and Main streets.