|
 |
The geodesic dome is dedicated, with Westminster Fuller in the background. |
My memories of CSUF are many. My ex-husband helped build the geodesic dome and, I believe, attended classes in it. I received my bachelor’s degree in 1969, my credential in 1971, and much later a master’s in teaching science. I was there when the Vietnam war protests were going on and remember the police arriving to calm things down. I still remember seeing the destruction in the hallway of the administration building. I remember wondering why people needed to break glass cases and spray paint on walls in order to show their anger over the war. I could not figure out what my school had to do with it. I also remember the confusion of students who were leaving classes in the language arts building, unaware of the chaos and confusion outside. One of my friends was in that group and told me she was not sure what to do when she exited the building, only to face rows of riot police with raised shields and batons.
Some of my fondest memories involve an instructor who went on to teach my daughter in her classes, Dr. Jane Hipolito. I was an English major and she enriched our learning by inviting wonderful speakers to share their ideas and to read poetry. Among these were Cicely Tyson and Anthony Zerbe. Mr. Zerbe also spoke at my graduation, which at that time was held at Angel Stadium.
 |
Alumnus James Engle and the Orange State College pep band in 1961, playing for the college basketball games. |
I led an Orange State College pep band for basketball games in 1961 (photo attached). As I recall we were not the Titans yet, and I confess my memory fails on the team mascot. But if the bass drum is a clue in the photo, then we either borrowed the drum from the juinor college (and probably the player, for we were a scant but hardy crew in those days, we music people at OCS.)
In the picture I’m the very young dude second left, eyes closed (transported no doubt) with the trumpet. I would give a lot to be able to remember the other guys’ names; we only got together for the games.
For me it was a very longstanding tradition. I had a pep band (under the great direction of Nelson Bonar) at Fullerton High School (class of ‘54.) Did a hitch in the U.S. Navy as a musician, came back and graduated Fullerton J. C. in 1960, where I was a music major and played and traveled with the dance band. (Remember Bobby Hatfield, the Righteous Brother? He was in our touring group).
So, when OSC turned out some outstanding basketball teams under Alex Omalev, who was also my speech teacher at OCS, some of us few music majors decided we’d pull together a pep band for some games.
Don’t think there was football yet.
Highlights for me at Fullerton were playing taps at the flagpole service for JFK upon his death. Having the wonderful services of the music and English teaching staff (the Music Department made extra effort to get a struggling, still shaky Korean vet through the program, believe me!) the Health Services, and the extraordinary administrative and personnel offices and staff who kept me propped up
and walking along the correct paths. I have had a wonderful career teaching English, music and special education!
