State Senator Dick Ackerman (R-Tustin) congratulates CSUF College of the Arts Dean Jerry Samuelson on being named the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Educator of the Year Award recipient.
CSUF College of the Arts Dean Jerry Samuelson, center, is honored not only by the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award but with commendations from several local and statewide representatives. Pictured with the honoree are, from left, Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby; Assembly woman Lynn Daucher (R-Brea); Fullerton Mayor Leland Wilson; Kevin Pendergraft, president of Pacific Community Credit Union and chair of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce; and Theresa Harvey, executive director of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce.
Among those who took part in the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet were James Young, emeritus professor of theatre and dance, and his wife, Dottie. The two greet honoree Jerry Samuelson, dean of the College of the Arts, and his wife, Mary Lou. Samuelson was honored by the chamber for his work as an educator.

SAMUELSON AWARD
Story by Gail Matsunaga
Photos by Patrick O'Donnell

For being “intimately involved in bringing to fruition the new Performing Arts Center at the university,” Jerry Samuelson, dean of the College of the Arts, was awarded Educator of the Year by the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce during its Business Achievement Awards Gala Feb. 11.

The awards were presented by state Sen. Dick Ackerman (R-Tustin), a longtime CSUF supporter and current Guardian Scholars adviser. The Titan spirit also infused the entertainment, with alumna Erin McNally (B.A. theatre arts '02) performing for the honorees and guests.

Samuelson joined the university in 1962 to teach graphic design and subsequently chaired the Department of Visual Arts and in 1976, became dean.

Under his leadership, Cal State Fullerton's visual and performing arts contributions to Orange County have included -- in addition to the new center -- the founding of the Pacific Symphony, the development of Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana and three nationally ranked departments that continuously attract many of tomorrow's stars in such fields as animation, graphics, acting, dance, music, costume design, education and writing.