T H E M AG A Z I N E O F C A LI F O R N I A S TAT E U N I V E R S IT Y, F U LLE R T O N
W I N T E R/S P R I N G 2016
When Worlds Collide The Scholarship of Science Fiction
PRESIDENT’S VIEWPOINT California State University, Fullerton’s goal to harness the power of our diversity through interdisciplinary programming, cross-college collaborations, and the widespread sharing of multicultural perspectives hinges on our ability to purvey an inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment for all, by all. I am proud of the collective efforts of the faculty, staff and students who have made this dream a reality, as evidenced by the incredibly diverse voices, research projects and achievements highlighted throughout these pages. From our ongoing and increasing support of our military and veteran students to the engagement and advancement of underrepresented and women engineering students, we’re not only reaching higher in the classroom and the community, but to many science fiction fans, scholars, and yes, even Trekkies, we are reaching to “boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before.” Of course, as outstanding as this issue of Titan magazine is, it is only a snapshot of an ever-growing body of work that, over the past three years, has seen our six-year graduation rates go from 51 percent to 61 percent and a notoriously stubborn achievement gap drop from 12 percent to 9 percent. For these reasons and many more, I am so very proud of the Titans profiled in these pages, and all Titans around the world who continue to “reach higher” on behalf of everyone who calls Cal State Fullerton home. Sincerely,
COVER STORY
14 When Worlds Collide:
The Scholarship of Science Fiction University Archives and Special Collections’ science fiction holdings are legendary, with Ray Bradbury’s manuscript of “Fahrenheit 451,” a generous pulp collection, and original documents from Philip K. Dick and Frank Herbert among the prized possessions.
2 University News
3 Philanthropic Foundation
5 Titan Athletics
7 Alumni Association
Mildred García President California State University, Fullerton
TITAN Titan is the magazine of California State University, Fullerton, published by University Advancement for alumni, friends and the University community. We welcome your observations, news and comments.
WINTER/SPRING 2016 / VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1
IN THIS ISSUE
10 Re-engineering the Gender Gap
20 Serving Those Who Serve
10 Snapshots
22 Class Notes
28 Titan Profile: Navid Madani ’90 ’92
EDITOR
Sarah Muñoz
DESIGNER
Howard Chang ’00
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Valerie Orleans ’80
ART DIRECTOR
Mishu Vu
COVER
WRITERS
Debra Cano Ramos ’84; Pamela McLaren ’79; Cerise Valenzuela Metzger ’93
PHOTOGRAPHER
Far-away worlds, bizarre contraptions and alien life forms come alive in the science fiction collection at the Pollak Library.
PRESIDENT
Dr. Mildred García
VICE PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Matt Gush ’12
Gregory J. Saks
PRODUCTION PLANNER
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Andrea Kelligrew ’99
Jeffrey D. Cook
University Operator 657-278-2011 I Titan 657-278-2414 I 2600 Nutwood Avenue, Suite 850, Fullerton, CA 92831 I TITANmagazine@fullerton.edu I © 2016 California State University, Fullerton Nonprofit standard postage paid at Santa Ana, CA I Report address errors to uarecords@fullerton.edu or 657-278-7917
For more university news, please visit news.fullerton.edu.
UNIVERSITY NEWS CONVOCATION HIGHLIGHTS NEW FACULTY, EXCEEDING GOALS In August, during her fourth CSUF Convocation address, Cal State Fullerton President Mildred García welcomed 70 new tenure-track faculty members and declared that the University had achieved its goal of boosting the six-year graduation rate to 60 percent, two years ahead of schedule. The graduation rate now stands at 61 percent, the highest in CSUF history. The achievement gap for underrepresented students dropped from 12 to 9 percent. Emphasizing the collaborative work of the divisions of Academic and Student Affairs, García declared: “Our incredible success in student persistence, retention and graduation over the past year is a result of our faculty’s commitment to improving student learning via curricular changes, course redesign, high-impact practices and leveraging co-curricular practices, such as supplemental instruction and service learning.”
CSUF RECOGNIZED AS LEADER IN SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION The Chancellor’s Office recognized CSUF’s Supplemental Instruction program efforts to boost student success as a model for other California State University campuses. To expand the program systemwide, the University is now serving as a CSU Center of Excellence for Supplemental Instruction, with Philip Janowicz, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, as the center’s interim director. Supplemental Instruction, an initiative of the CSU Course Redesign 2 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
with Technology program, offers students enrolled in historically difficult courses extra academic support through peer-led study sessions.
UNIVERSITY A ‘BEST VALUE’ Cal State Fullerton continues to be among the nation’s “Best Bang for the Buck” universities, according to Washington Monthly. In August, it released its annual ranking of “schools that do the best job helping non-rich students earn marketable degrees at affordable prices.” This is the fourth consecutive year that Cal State Fullerton has been selected. The magazine also names CSUF No. 7 in the West and No. 5 in California for “best value.” CSUF is cited among schools that “deliver for their students big-time.” In the publication’s separate “public good-based rankings,” CSUF is No. 23 in the nation and No. 6 in California among universities that award mostly bachelor’s and master’s degrees. For the 15th consecutive year, the University also ranked among the nation’s “Top Public Regional Universities” in the West, announced by U.S. News & World Report in September. CSUF is now No. 7, up from No. 9 last year. In addition, the University has the second-lowest percentage of graduates in the “Least Debt” category in the West among regional universities.
PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATION
Members of Cal State Fullerton’s Philanthropic Foundation continued their efforts to support student success this year. Pictured with CSUF President Mildred García, center, are Dave Doran, vice chair of the Finance and Investment Committee; Greg Saks, CSUF vice president for university advancement; Ernie Schroeder, vice chair of the Resource Development Committee; Jeff Van Harte, chair of the Board; Marilyn Brewer, vice chair of the Advocacy Committee; and Kerri Ruppert-Schiller, vice chair of the Audit Committee. Not pictured: Mike Wiseman, vice chair of the Titan Pride/Marketing Communications Committee.
FOUNDATION’S STRATEGIC PLAN SUPPORTS UNIVERSITY GOALS The Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation has adopted a three-year strategic plan — aligned with the University’s strategic plan — to build philanthropic support, bolster efforts to close the achievement gap and promote high-impact practices. “I’m proud of the foundation’s hard work in developing this plan, and continuing its focus of being complementary and supportive of the University’s goals,” said President Mildred García, who is a member of the Executive Committee. “This board knows and embraces the fact that the University’s educational mission is always at the heart of all the work the foundation does.” This year, the Resource Development and Titan Pride/Marketing Communications committees have united to explore ways in which alumni can play an integral role in proven high-impact experiences. “These two committees joining forces is a great example of collaboration to build programs that appreciably advance work to support student success,” said Greg Saks, vice president for university advancement. Other committees are also taking cues from the foundation’s plan. “The Nominating and Governance Committee is working on a succession plan for the board through 2020, as well as strategies to keep board emeriti connected,” said Saks. Members of the Audit Committee are focusing on processes to manage business and financial risk, while the Finance and Investment Committee is reviewing the performance of managed funds and other assets. The Advocacy Committee is identifying partnership opportunities and reaching out to local entities to increase alumni and stakeholder involvement.
NEW DEAN FOR THE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS Dale Merrill stepped into the position of dean of the College of the Arts July 1, taking over for Interim Dean Jim Taulli, professor of theatre and dance. Merrill, the former dean of Chapman University’s College of Performing Arts, has more than 20 years of choreographic credits and an extensive track record in community involvement, for which he was recognized with a 2001 Rudy, a national award for community leadership and advocacy, and with the Corporate Council for the Arts’ Unsung Hero Award in 2002. “One of the things that I was really attracted to at Cal State Fullerton is their honest commitment to diversity,” said Merrill. “It is not something that the University is doing because it’s popular or a trend — because it is a trend in higher education — but in the case of this University, it is a real commitment to the community.”
n foundation.fullerton.edu CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 3
MOTOWN COMES TO CAMPUS The 1960s and ’70s made a comeback in September as close to 4,000 friends and supporters of Cal State Fullerton gathered to celebrate the music and artists of Motown at the annual Concert Under the Stars. President Mildred García danced alongside alumni and students for the opening number, the Marvin Gaye classic “Dancing in the Streets,” which was followed by such hits as “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” a Jackson 5 medley and other signature Motown songs. The event grossed more than $750,000; proceeds will be used for student scholarships and programs.
GARCÍA STRESSES EDUCATION, DIVERSITY IN FACULTY
President Mildred García struck a chord in September at the Orange County Forum when she pointed out that being “pro-education” is a necessity for achieving desired gains for the region. “You can’t be pro-housing, or pro-health, or pro-infrastructure, or pro-economy unless you are proeducation,” said García, who was part of a three-person panel that commented 4 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
on the 2015 Orange County Community Indicators Report. She also discussed strategies for increasing faculty diversity on college campuses in her October keynote presentation at the fourth annual Deans’ Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, sponsored by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. University leadership, she said, has to underscore why diverse communities and faculty are important — not just for students to see individuals like themselves in positions of power and as role models, but also to emphasize that “when you bring together a diverse faculty to engage in our academic disciplines through their research, the research becomes richer, new discoveries are made and solutions to global issues are enhanced.”
CEREMONIAL GROUNDBREAKING The University broke ground for the Titan Student Union expansion, which will add a total of 26,000 square feet and include a three-story addition at the southeast corner of the building. Part of the renovation also will open the lower level for enhanced seating. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2016.
TITAN ATHLETICS
VOIGT RETURNS FOR SCHOOL OF MUSIC DEDICATION WORLD SERIES HERO Christian Colon had not stepped into the batter’s box in nearly a month. He had only 107 at-bats in the regular season and spent much of 2015 in the minor leagues. But the former Cal State Fullerton star was at bat in the 12th inning of Game 5 of the World Series. Colon delivered a game-changing RBI single, leading the Royals to their first championship in 30 years.
TITAN SOCCER TEAMS REPEAT AS CHAMPIONS The men’s and women’s soccer teams excelled in 2015. In the regular season, both teams captured Big West titles, with the women sharing the title with Long Beach State and UC Santa Barbara. The men took the Big West south division championship outright. Women’s soccer also claimed the Big West Tournament championship, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year. The team lost to USC in the first round of the tournament. The men won their second straight Big West Tournament title by defeating UC Santa Barbara and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The team lost to Santa Clara in the first round.
DONOVAN, VANDERHOOK SIGN CONTRACT EXTENSIONS Cal State Fullerton Athletics Director Jim Donovan and baseball coach Rick Vanderhook both signed multiyear contract extensions in the fall. Donovan’s modified contract takes him through 2020. Since taking over in 2012 as the 11th director of athletics, he has overseen an NCAA Division 1 athletics program that has notched several major accomplishments, including three teams — men’s and women’s soccer and baseball — that won Big West Conference titles and appeared in the NCAA post season. Vanderhook’s extension goes through 2019. Over the past four years, he has won three Big West Conference championships, garnered three Big West Coach of the Year awards, and guided the Titans to four straight NCAA postseason appearances.
Alumna Deborah Voigt commanded the Marcy Arroues Mulville stage at Meng Concert Hall in November for the School of Music Dedication Celebration. Performing with the University Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Chorus, University Singers and Chamber Orchestra, the internationally acclaimed soprano demonstrated her talents in a varied program that ranged from classical music to Broadway hits. Voigt also received one of the inaugural Titans of Music Awards for music performance. Retired educator Carl Schafer was honored for music education, while Carl St. Clair, music director of the Pacific Symphony, was honored for community impact. Voigt also announced the full funding for an endowed scholarship launched by her CSUF mentor Jane Paul Hummel, professor emeritus of music. The first Jane Paul Hummel Scholarship in Vocal Excellence will be presented during the next academic year.
n fullertontitans.com CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 5
STUDENT RESEARCH HELPS ALS PATIENTS COMMUNICATE
PROJECT MISS, CAL STATE DC CELEBRATE MILESTONES Project MISS, a mathematics-intensive summer program to prepare students for success in high school and college, commemorated 25 years increasing the number of female students who choose careers in natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. Founded in 1990 by David L. Pagni, professor of mathematics, the program has welcomed more than 1,500 young women, with approximately 98 percent going on to college. Cal State DC, which offers students opportunities to study and intern in Washington, D.C., celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015. More than 400 students have participated in the program, working with members of Congress and the Senate, government agencies, advocacy groups, nonprofits and other entities.
Several computer engineering majors are developing an electronic communication system to enable ALS patients to access the Internet and communicate via email, text document, chat or Skype using thoughts, facial expressions and head movements. Supported by a grant from the Oakland-based Disability Communications Fund and partnering with the ALS Association Orange County Chapter, Kiran George, associate professor of computer engineering, and his
students are designing a user-friendly device, requiring minimal training. The goal is to keep the device’s cost under $150.
Join or renew your membership in the Alumni Association today and receive a FREE Cal State Fullerton License Plate Frame! For just $45 annually, membership in the Alumni Association keeps you connected with your University and your fellow Titans. Exclusive membership benefits include: • Online career tools • Business networking through the Chapters & Clubs program • Invitations to Alumni Association Events • Access to all 23 CSU libraries • Two-for-one tickets to Titan Athletics games • Cal State Fullerton performing arts discounts • Access to the online Titan alumni network powered by IntroMaps Join online today at fullerton.edu/alumni or by calling 657-CSU-ALUM. Use promotion code 16TMBC when joining online. Offer valid while supplies last! 6 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
HONORING POLITICAL LEADERS In October, Natalie Fousekis, director of Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Oral and Public History (COPH), helped honor Orange County political game-changers Jerry Patterson, the late Howard Adler (represented by surviving spouse Louise Adler, emeritus professor of educational leadership), Marilyn Brewer and Jim Morrissey. Their oral histories became part of the COPH collections.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
ALUMNI TRAVEL PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES A group of Titans will explore Vietnam and Cambodia in May as part of the Alumni Association’s alumni group travel tour. Trips for 2016 include Vietnam (May 14-25), Peru (July 10-18) and Cuba (Sept. 21-29). To learn more about alumni group travel opportunities, visit fullerton.edu/alumni/travel-program.html or call 657-278-2586.
CAL STATE FULLERTON ADOPTS PORTFOLIUM AND INTROMAPS Two services are now available to alumni and students: Portfolium and IntroMaps. Portfolium is an electronic portfolio that helps you develop a dynamic presentation of your professional work. It is a perfect complement to a résumé or a way to showcase visual work to potential employers or clients. Portfolium is free to all alumni. To join, visit portfolium.com. IntroMaps, launched last spring, helps members find and connect with one another around the world. It is free to Alumni Association members and graduating students. To join, visit IntroMaps.com.
VISIONARY TITANS HONORED Cal State Fullerton’s highest honors to alumni are awarded to a group of distinguished alumni at the Vision & Visionaries celebration. Among the 2016 honorees are Honorary Alumni Nicholas and Lee Begovich and Distinguished Alumni Rosalina Davis ’77 (B.A. Spanish), Gary Green ’80 (B.A. business administration-finance) and Henry Martinez ’75 (B.A. engineering-electrical). Visit fullerton.edu/visionandvisionaries for information on the Feb. 20 celebration.
DINNER WITH 12 TITANS
ECONOMISTS DISCUSS ONGOING RECOVERY Anil Puri, dean of the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, and Mira Farka, associate professor of economics, saw a possible end to the recession in their October Economic Outlook and Forecast presentation. “The economy will improve, and we see the next couple of years being better than the last six,” said Puri. However, the collapse in oil prices, strong dollar, international trade and global events have left the recovery vulnerable to a number of shocks. That’s why the economists are projecting a more temperate 2.5 percent growth over the next two years — up from 2 percent recorded during the past few years, but below 3 percent trend levels.
In November, 28 alumni hosted 14 dinners for 120 students. Gatherings were held from Whittier to San Clemente. Students shared their plans and aspirations, while alumni shared how their Titan degrees have helped them in their careers and lives. To learn more, visit fullerton.edu/alumni/d12.
n fullerton.edu/alumni CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 7
SNAPSHOTS
1 2
8 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
3
4
5 6
1
Students Jesenya Magana and Mona Bennani were among
the many students and faculty and staff members who gathered for November’s PeaceGiving Vigil.
2
CSUF fans cheer as our
women’s soccer team plays against University of California, Irvine.
3
An altar decorated with paper flowers serves as the
centerpiece for the Día de los Muertos celebration in November. 4
Sheremiah Alba performs the aparima, a traditional Tahitian
dance, during DiscoverFest, a two-day fall event that showcases student groups to prospective new members.
5
Cal State
Fullerton Army ROTC cadets ride aboard on Black Hawk helicopters during training exercises.
6
Student broadcasters
Adeyling Fiallos and Marissa Plascencia film “Al Día,” Cal State Fullerton’s first Spanish-language newscast. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 9
Re-engineering the Alumnae Mentors Foster Staying Power in Engineering and Computer Science
By Debra Cano Ramos / Images by Matt Gush
s a teen, Jeanette Corona knew that she wanted to create and design products to advance engineering and technology to help humanity. She pursued a mechanical engineering degree at Cal State Fullerton and was among a handful of women in the Class of 2015. After graduation, she landed her first job as an engineer at Edwards Lifesciences, an Irvine company specializing in the design and manufacture of artificial heart valves. “I’m glad I stuck with it,” says Corona, whose engineer role models are her two older brothers, also CSUF grads. “Now I’m working on products that can save lives.” With low numbers of females choosing engineering and computing careers nationwide, the College of Engineering and Computer Science is priming the pipeline by partnering with industry, providing mentoring and offering extra support to encourage and motivate female students to stay in engineering and computer science, graduate and enter the workforce. Because data show that the first two years are critical in student retention and eventual success, the college wanted to do more to advance female freshmen and sophomores. In 2012, it began offering a specially designed one-unit course for
A
10 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
entering women, made possible by a gift from Raytheon. Over the last couple of years, the outreach effort has succeeded in helping retain female students in the historically rigorous majors, notes Victor H. Delgado, assistant dean for the college. With continuing Raytheon support, the college launched a re-engineered effort — the Women in Computing and Engineering program — to provide a more comprehensive approach to foster a learning community, improve college persistence and graduate more women. Begun in the fall, the program provides extra academic and support services, leadership opportunities, career planning and advice, as well as exposure to female industry and faculty mentors to help them succeed in their majors and professions. Program offerings include counseling and retention services, peer-to-peer mentoring and career readiness workshops. “One of the key focuses of this program is connecting students to professionals, specifically women within the industry, while also adding the element of site visits to companies to introduce them to the world of engineering and high tech,” says Marcela Rojas, the college’s career specialist, who coordinates the program with Delgado.
Gender Gap
Beena Ajmera, right, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, is passionate about mentoring female students like Smriti Dhital.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 11
“We’re passionate about empowering female students by providing a learning community and sense of belonging to show them that they can do it and that women are just as capable as males to thrive in engineering and computing disciplines,” says Susamma Barua, professor of computer science and computer engineering and the second female to hold the position of associate dean within the college. “Industry needs women because women provide a different perspective in the workplace.”
Alumnae Take the Lead When Laurie Haack ’79, ’06 (B.S. computer science, M.S. software engineering) walked into her first computer science class at a local community college in the 1970s, she was the only woman. Originally a business administration-accounting major, she switched to computer science after taking a programming course, awed by the possibilities. “When I first looked at the computer science curriculum, I remember that my stomach clenched, and I felt very stressed about the path ahead,” Haack recalls. “The curriculum had many courses that sounded so difficult, plus courses on topics that I had never heard of. I have since learned that it is good to be scared. It means you are stretching and challenging yourself, and I tell other women, ‘Jump in, you can do it!’” Haack has enjoyed a 37-year career at Raytheon, where she manages a 30-member team that develops software for battlefield radar systems. She is among several mentors who frequent campus special events and career fairs, serve as guest speakers or meet female students for lunch. “I think that by being here on campus, young women can better visualize their future opportunities when I talk about my experiences in the engineering field and at my company, and how I have balanced my family and career,” says Haack. Caecilia Gotama ’82 ’86 graduated with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering-mechanical despite her father’s belief that the profession wasn’t ideal for a woman. She happily proved him wrong and worked in various progressive positions before starting her own successful engineering firm. “The good thing about being a woman in a maledominated industry is that everybody will remember you by name; you are not just one of those 6-foot-tall people with a blue suit and tie. If you are good at what you do, everybody will remember that,” says Gotama, who recently retired. Corona also has returned to her alma mater to talk to students enrolled in the Introduction to Engineering course. “The first engineering class can be intimidating,” says Corona. “Mentors are important for both males and females.
Visit our CSUFofficial Facebook page for our top 10 list of women engineers who have made a difference in the world.
12 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
In order to obtain a good start, the correct guidance is key to a successful career. It is a great way to network and meet professionals. “Women also need to understand that computer science and engineering are excellent career paths,” she adds. “Great discoveries have been made by women — and the key to increase women in these fields is exposure to women in these fields.” Gotama also is a keen supporter of the college. She has provided funding for the development of communications and soft-skills training so undergrads — both female and male — can flourish in technical careers. “Bringing the importance of these skills to the forefront to all students and providing them with training opportunities will help them perform better in their work environment,” says Gotama.
Faculty Boost Increasing the number of females in academia is just as important as in industry, says Barua. In the fall, four women joined the college faculty, including Beena Ajmera ’11 ’12 (B.A. civil engineering and mathematics, M.A. civil engineering), assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering,
1
2 3
who holds a doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. “As a high school student, when I told people that I was interested in a career in engineering, I was often asked, ‘Are you sure?’ I was constantly reminded that I was entering a maledominated industry, and some even went to the effort of giving me statistics about how few female engineers there are,” says Ajmera. She is excited to be back at her alma mater to inspire and build confidence in all her students, especially women. “Studies have shown that more women are likely to pursue careers in engineering if the presence of female faculty exists. Female faculty members and female engineers in the industry can illustrate and even put a voice to the idea that this does not need to be a male-dominated industry, that there are plenty of women who can contribute, and that their hard work and opinions are valued,” she says. “Women can provide the additional support and guidance that’s needed to bridge the gap between a maledominated industry and a gender-balanced industry.”
The Next Generation Freshman Marissa Alvarez has always had an interest in math and science, yet had her sights on pursuing a career in business.
1 2 Jeanette Corona is an engineer at Edwards Lifesciences, which designs and manufactures artificial heart valves. 3 Laurie Haack of Raytheon, center, is a leading supporter and mentor to engineering and computer science students, including freshman Marissa Alvarez, left, while Marcela Rojas helps coordinate the Women in Computing and Engineering program.
That changed after she landed an internship at Northrop Grumman during her last semester of high school. “The experience opened my eyes to all the amazing inventions created by engineers. It motivated me to strive to one day work for such a prestigious company — and be part of something big to make this world better,” says Alvarez. A first-generation college student and a member of the student chapter of the Society of Hispanic Engineers, Alvarez has already met with Haack and her fellow female engineers, who encourage her to stay with it. “Hearing their stories, getting insights about the field and the steps they took to be in the positions that they are in today inspires me to want to be successful like them.” n CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 13
THE SCHOL ARSHIP OF SCIENCE FICTION
By Sarah Muñoz / Images by Matt Gush
“I feel, after careful thought, that a life-size plaster statue of me standing meditatively before all my manuscripts and books and stories would be most appropriate. I will look into the costs of this, and report back to you accordingly (I’m just kidding; a statue like that would attract pigeons, and you don’t want pigeons in your library).” hilip K. Dick revealed a playful sense of humor in a 1973 letter to the Pollak Library’s University Archives and Special Collections, where alternate worlds, alien beings and scholarly pursuits had begun to converge a few years earlier. David Sandner, professor of English, comparative literature and linguistics, likes to call 2015-16 the year of science fiction at Cal State Fullerton. In October, the library celebrated the 50th anniversary of Frank Herbert’s “Dune.” This spring the University will host a two-day Philip K. Dick conference. And it all began with an English professor whose vision led to a pioneering science fiction collection that includes some of the most important titles, manuscripts and authors in the genre.
P
14 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 15
Brave New World The late Willis E. McNelly taught some of the first university-level courses in science fiction as part of his 31-year career at CSUF. At a 1967 Science Fiction Writers of America meeting, he stressed the importance of the relationship of science fiction and academia. “We have a ton of correspondence between McNelly and the authors,” says Patricia Prestinary, University Archives and Special Collections archivist. “He implored them to donate their manuscripts to universities. He was thinking of Cal State Fullerton, but he really wanted to preserve them — to let the writers know that they were just as important as any type of literary manuscript collection. He had the foresight to see that they would be highly influential in the future.” McNelly also befriended some of science fiction’s most famous authors, including Ray Bradbury, who donated the manuscript of “Fahrenheit 451,” today an American classic taught in schools and universities. McNelly met Herbert in 1967, and the author asked if he was interested in acquiring the manuscripts of “Dune.” “Interested? I fairly jumped at the opportunity,” wrote McNelly. “Thus, a few months later, I visited Herbert in the Bay Area, where he was then living, spent several days with him and his wife, Beverly, and returned to CSUF with a car trunk full of manuscripts. I was exultant.” “Herbert published ‘Dune’ in 1965 and, because it was a 400-page science fiction novel, it broke all the barriers,” says Prestinary. “It was literature, it was extremely complex, it was long — far too long. A lot of publishers turned it down because they thought it was too long and difficult to read, which no one would have ever said to Charles Dickens or Dostoyevsky. But for science fiction, it was quite revolutionary at the time.” CSUF’s Herbert collection includes all of Herbert’s personal copies of his books, short stories, correspondence and research files. McNelly’s most famous published scholarship is the critically acclaimed Dune Encyclopedia, which he edited and compiled with 42 other contributors. Then there was Philip K. Dick. McNelly met him in 1972 and persuaded him to safeguard the manuscripts he still had at Cal State Fullerton. When Dick needed a place to stay, McNelly found a place in an apartment with CSUF students. McNelly brought the manuscripts he collected to class, and often the authors as well. Dick became a campus regular. He spent the last 10 years of his life in Orange County and gave the University a large collection of books, manuscripts, unpublished material and other novels.
collections and donations from other patrons. A large number of pulp magazines, with hyper-dramatic covers dating back to the 1910s, includes now-famous contributors H. G. Wells, Jules Verne, Herbert and Dick. “Everything about a pulp issue is an artifact,” says Sandner. “There are people who study it not because they’re interested in fantastic literature, but because they’re interested in Americana.” There are original “Star Trek” scripts, including “The Trouble With Tribbles,” which came with an alien tribble. And there is a lot of correspondence — Special Collections’ and McNelly’s files of letters and notes relating to those collections, in regular acid-free document boxes available to the public. Visitors arrive almost every week, says Prestinary. “We had a recent researcher from Abu Dhabi writing a book about Middle Eastern influence in science fiction. The topic of ‘Dune’ was the first chapter of the novel,” she says.
Studying the Genre The science fiction collection has become an important resource for scholars from around the world, and the intricacies of the genre often call for a multifaceted approach to its study. “Our Special Collections provide us with a wonderful opportunity to bring faculty, staff and students from our eight colleges together via interdisciplinary programming, as we did with ‘Dune’ in the fall,” explains Scott Hewitt, interim university librarian. The “Dune” speaker series included biology, kinesiology, political science and business faculty members analyzing “Dune” from their academic perspectives and connecting them to some of the topics of the University’s “Pathways to Success” general education program, including “Politics and Power,” “Sustainability,” “Global Studies” and “Food, Health and Well-Being.” “The politics and control of power, ecology, longevity and interplanetary travel and trade are all important topics in ‘Dune,’” says Hewitt, who admits that “Dune” is his favorite science fiction novel. “It was very interesting to see ‘Dune’ through these four different perspectives, but what I enjoyed most was seeing how each speaker connected his perspective to the other speakers, showing that these different topics are interconnected both on Dune and Earth. “Given that Special Collections hold the unique part of our collection, we plan to put more focus on these items via exhibits and programming,” he adds. “The beauty of science fiction for the illustrator and the visual storyteller is that these worlds don’t exist, so you get to
The Highlights Besides Bradbury, Herbert and Dick’s contributions, manuscripts from Harry Harrison, Norman Spinrad, Avram Davidson, Brian Aldiss and other authors form part of the collection, as do McNelly’s own personal book and periodical 16 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
“Dune” or “Star Wars?” #CSUFSciFi @CSUF
1
2
1 Faculty and students contributed “Dune”-inspired artwork for the fall exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the book. 2 3 Among the pieces: “Fremen,” left, by Garrett Kaida ’13 (B.F.A. art-illustration), who is pursuing an M.F.A. in art-illustration, and “Dune,” below, by art professor Cliff Cramp.
3
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 17
make them up,” says Cliff Cramp, professor of art, who curated and contributed some of the artwork for this year’s “Dune” exhibition and whose extensive body of work includes the cover art for “Star Wars: The Complete Saga” Blu-ray collection. “The alternative universe allows you to invent. For an illustrator, that’s a wonderful thing to do.” The great thing about science fiction authors, he adds, is that “they deal with timeless themes. They’re not necessarily stuck in a generation. And we have the home-run hitters of the science fiction world — their original manuscripts, their notes — housed right here at Cal State Fullerton. I don’t know if you can get more significant than that.” Sandner likes to study historical arguments — “what writers say about what they’re doing, what critics say complaining about it and reasons that arise in different eras about why we keep on.” From the moment there was any sort of fantasy literature, he says, critics of every era have complained about it. “‘Why don’t you stop reading this crazy stuff that has nothing to do with the real world? It would be more important to read about life now.’ “That complaint is hundreds of years old, and yet from the moment this type of literature appeared — with the Gothic in the 18th century, which is really the first popular literature — people loved it. They absolutely loved it,” he adds. Andalee Motrenec, who is completing a master’s in English, was a student in Sandner’s Critical Approaches in Literature class, which begat the “SF at CSUF” website (sfatcsuf.wordpress.com). She helped design the site and scan many of the pulps. “I really felt like I had the opportunity to learn about digital archiving and literary studies, a cross section within the humanities that is growing as more programs begin to have interdisciplinary components — and which started me on my first steps to finding a Ph.D. program that would fit my interests,” she says.
Working on the site with fellow students, she adds, “made us feel more connected to Orange County because we were studying authors who are connected to Cal State Fullerton and the growing community around this genre of literature.” “I love science fiction because, when it’s done well, it shows us a mirror of our society — what it was, what it will be, what it could become — and warns us, scolds us, gives us hope about the things on the horizon,” says graduate student Jaime Govier ’13 (B.A. English), president of Acacia, the English department’s graduate student group. “Science fiction allows for radical thought to be more palatable, and more importantly, for us to question ourselves with a critical distance.”
Here and Now Cal State Fullerton will host the “Philip K. Dick, Here and Now” conference April 29-30. The event is expected to bring scholars and writers from around the world and will feature an art show organized by Cramp, as well as films, including “Tim Powers, Here and Now,” a documentary directed by Motrenec featuring an interview with steampunk author Tim Powers ’76 (B.A. English). “Philip K. Dick walked here, lived here and wrote novels that took place here, so we have a legacy that students can see — some kind of continuity,” says Sandner. “We’re not a very old university, but we have a literary history. And he’s a part of it.” “Because Philip K. Dick is such an important part of Cal State Fullerton’s history, we knew that CSUF needs to be the place that hosts the first conference in his name,” says Govier. “So few people know that Cal State Fullerton was part of changing the cultural map of literature, and this should be celebrated.” n
THE RISE OF STEAMPUNK Another Cal State Fullerton claim to fame in the science fiction realm is the name of a popular sub-genre: steampunk. When Philip K. Dick moved to Southern California, Willis McNelly sent several students to pick him up at the airport. One of these was Tim Powers. He, James Blaylock ’72, ’74 (B.A., M.A. English) and K.W. Jeter ’73 (B.A. sociology) had been collaborating on works that reimagined technology and steam-powered inventions in the 19th century. “Philip K. Dick referred to his work as cyberpunk. He mentored Blaylock, Powers and Jeter; they were all his protégés,” says Cramp. “The story goes that when Jeter was
18 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
being interviewed about it, he picked up on cyberpunk and called the sub-genre steampunk.” “All of us kind of hung out together,” noted Powers in 2012. “We would get together and drink scotch and smoke cigars, and though you’d think with Phil Dick, and Blaylock and me and Jeter that it would have been a lot of writing talk, but, in fact it was not. Sometimes we’d say, ‘Oh hell, I got a rejection letter from Ballantine,’ and Phil Dick would always say, ‘It’s just as well; there are too many books in the world already,’ which we’d take comfort from.”
2
1
3 4
1 The script from “The Trouble With Tribbles” episode of “Star Trek” and one of the furry alien tribbles that starred in the episode reside at Cal State Fullerton. 2 The illustration for the poster for the “Philip K. Dick, Here and Now” spring conference, created by Cliff Cramp. 3 Part of the Frederick & Patricia Shroyer Science Fiction and Fantasy Book collection at the Pollak Library. 4 Student Andalee Motrenec examines an early copy of Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” now an American classic.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 19
SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE
By Valerie Orleans / Image by Matt Gush
Programs and Resources Support a Military-Friendly Campus
20 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
very year, Cal State Fullerton welcomes a new class of veterans and ROTC cadets with a range of programs to help them get the most out of their university experience. It’s part of a campus and California State University systemwide commitment to honor their service to their country. For many veterans, their first stop is the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), where they can receive tutoring, study and hold meetings. They also have a chance to meet other veterans and work on community projects together. “Veterans are often older than other students,” says Lui Amador, VRC director. “They’ve often had vastly different experiences than many of their student peers. Some are married and have families. Because they’re at different stages in their lives, they may not think they have as much in common with other students. What veterans do have is pride in their service. The VRC and programs for veterans are ways that Cal State Fullerton demonstrates its support.” Programs for student veterans include peer mentoring that connects veterans who have been on campus for several semesters with their newer cohorts. The VRC also offers personal and mental health counseling, academic tutoring, career preparation and social programs that contribute to their engagement on campus. To meet the needs of the 82 registered veterans who are female, there are special programs, such as weekly meetings and monthly brunches. “We’re also here to assist veterans with other challenges they may be facing — whether they are academic, helping with the funding process, developing their schedules or figuring out how they can continue their studies if they are deployed again,” says Amador. “We have about 530 student veterans on campus, and about 42 percent of them are actively involved in veterans’ programs here.” In fact, a 2014 survey conducted by Veterans Student Services found that students who take advantage of these services tend to improve their grades and that the persistence rate — the percentage of students that remain in school from one semester to the next — is 80 percent higher than those of nonparticipants.
E
Preparing Leaders CSUF also helps those whose future goals include service in the U.S. Army. Three days a week, starting at 6 a.m., cadets from the ROTC program can be seen training before most students even start to arrive on campus. The ROTC Titan Battalion trains cadets to become future officers in the armed forces, as well as leaders in their chosen fields. Last year, major changes in leadership training were offered in the ROTC curriculum. “ROTC programs had remained about the same for the past few decades,” says Lt. Col. Mark Waters, chair and professor of military science. “But with dramatic changes in the threats this
nation faces now and in the future, we are spending more time focusing on being able to thrive in chaos. “This is done by analyzing battles, enhancing criticalthinking techniques and improving their problem-solving skills rather than ‘by the book’ tactical training.” Seniors, for example, are given theoretical situations and asked to formulate a plan. Afterward, students discuss what ideas would or would not work, and why. Cadets also have opportunities to train off campus during the summer. Additional training includes air assault, mountain or northern warfare, cadet troop leader training at an active Army post around the world, internships with an agency in the Department of Defense, or cultural understanding and language proficiency in a foreign country. In fact, several cadets spent last summer overseas, helping to teach English to that country’s military, working on community projects, health programs and more. The countries most recently visited include Vietnam, Germany, Burkina Faso, Guyana and Croatia. Before completing the ROTC program, cadets must decide whether to compete for active duty or serve in the Army National Guard or Army Reserves. They also must rank, by preference, 17 different job opportunities offered by the Army, including finance, engineering, aviation, infantry, and chemical, biological and cyber fields. “Our goal is to prepare well-rounded leaders who can protect our country and lead it into the future,” says Waters. n
Tribute to a Fallen Cadet Roy Lopez loved being an ROTC cadet. “I think Roy found a sense of community, discipline and structure in ROTC,” says Adriana Mraz of her son, who passed away in 2012. To honor his memory, Mraz is donating $150,000 to help the ROTC program build a military obstacle course on campus. Currently, the closest comparable facility is at Camp Pendleton, but in order to use it, the campus program incurs an annual expense of approximately $10,000 to transport and house about 100 cadets every semester. With Mraz’s gift and additional donations of $50,000, the new course will be built in early 2016. The facility will be named in memory of Lopez and will offer any organization, group or club that wants to utilize the course the opportunity to challenge its members in physical training and conditioning, teambuilding and leadership.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 21
CLASS NOTES DOUGLAS BENNETT ’77 (B.A. communications) is the executive director of college advancement at Orange Coast College, where he has worked for 30 years. He also teaches facility management and event planning at Concordia University.
’70s
JAMES J. BRADY ’74 (B.A. history) joined The Pension Company. A member of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association and holder of a Certified Structured Settlement Consultant designation, Brady previously served with Ringler Associates. STEPHEN L. BUCHMANN ’74, ’75 (B.A. biological science, M.A. biology) authored “The Reason for Flowers: Their History, Culture, Biology and How They Change Our Lives,” published by Scribner. The pollination ecologist also has written a number of published books about honey bees and other pollinators. MICHAEL A. DAVIS ’70, ’71 (B.A., M.A. art) is one of the artists working on artwork as part of the Los Angeles Metro public art program. Davis and architects Dietrich/ Niles Bolton Associates collaborated on the Vermont/Sunset Metro station, creating astronomical and medical imagery throughout to reflect the nearby medical centers and the Griffith Park Observatory. It is not the first of his public art collaborations: others can be found in North Hollywood, Dallas, Miami and Anaheim, and he is working on projects in Santa Monica, San Antonio, New York, Santa Fe Springs, San Jose and Long Beach.
22 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
Alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and community partners are fighting for Cal State Fullerton’s future. Will you join us?
advocacy.fullerton.edu RONALD R. DILUIGI ’74 (M.P.A.) was appointed president of the MOMS Orange County Board of Directors. He is a founding board member and has served the nonprofit organization for 14 years. DiLuigi retired in 2015 as vice president and chief advocacy officer for St. Joseph Health and previously was director of the Orange County Health Care Agency. WILLIAM E. DRAKE ’79 (B.A. communications) was named president of B2B Industrial Packaging in September.
JUDITH L. FORBES ’74, ’79 (B.A. physics, M.S. engineering - engineering science), president of the educational consulting firm Jandr Associates in Prescott, Arizona, was honored with the Outstanding Engineering Educator Award during the Orange County Engineering Council’s 2015 Honors and Awards Banquet in February. She currently teaches online courses for the University of Maryland, as well as Capella, Regis and Walden universities. The honor was presented to her by Jesa Kreiner, professor emeritus of mechanical engineering. DAWN FOOR ’76 (B.A. German) is supervisor of the Community Service Programs’ Sexual Assault Victim Services, which includes the Orange County Clothesline Project. The project tours local college campuses, including CSUF, and features T-shirts with messages from survivors of abuse.
DENNIS B. PLOESSEL ’72 (B.S. physical education) is head coach of Chapman University’s swim team. Ploessel has served with the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Division III team for 19 years. KENNETH PAUL RAVER ’70 (B.A. political science) is a Hemet City Councilmember. The retired public administrator was elected to the position in 2014. VICTORIA VASQUES ’76 (B.S. human services), president and CEO of Tribal Tech, LLC, saw her company break into the Top 500 of Inc. magazine’s 5000 list of fastestgrowing privately held companies for 2015. The management and technical services consulting company was recognized at No. 320 nationally and No. 17 in Virginia for recording 1,461 percent growth over three years, revenue of $7.5 million and an increase of 34 employees. Tribal Tech also was named No. 29 among Inc.’s 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Led Companies.
Through a planned gift, you have the power to leave a legacy — one that both supports the University and provides meaningful benefits to you and your loved ones. Ontiveros Legacy Society members have done just that,
PHILIP B. WOOD ’70 (B.A. history) is now senior pastor at Fullerton First United Methodist Church. He has served in the Methodist Church for 42 years, including 19 years at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Arcadia.
enjoying the financial advantages that come with a planned
DANIEL H. YOUNG ’74 (B.A. history), president of the Irvine Community Development Co., was spotlighted in the Orange County Business Journal’s OC 50 this year. He currently serves on the board of Taller San Jose in Santa Ana, which provides education and job skills for at-risk young adults.
you may contact Hart Roussel at 657-278-5429 or
gift while knowing that the impact of their generosity will be felt by Titans today and far into the future. Helpful planning tools are available online, or CSUFplannedgift@fullerton.edu for more information.
fullerton.edu/CSUFPlannedGift CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 23
JOHN R. ZITNY ’79 (B.A. political science) is a judge in the Orange County Superior Court. Previously, Zitny was chief deputy at the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office and a deputy public defender in the office of the Orange County Public Defender.
STEVEN P. BARBOUR ’80 (B.A. business administration-accounting and finance) has retired from Nestlé, where he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream in Oakland. He worked for the corporation for 20 years, holding such positions as finance director for Nestlé United Kingdom and vice president and controller for its Prepared Foods Co. in Cleveland. Prior to Nestlé, Barbour worked at Mars Inc., and Arthur Young and Co.
’80s
RENÉE BONDI ’82, ’91 (B.A. music-education, single-subject credential) was awarded the Living Water Award by Wells of Life, which seeks to fund the drilling of 1,000 wells in Uganda over a 10-year period. The singer and speaker also has been recognized with the Woman of the Year distinction by the California State Senate, Best Contemporary Acoustic Songwriter by the Great American Song Contest and other awards. DENISE M. CUNNINGHAM ’88, ’90 (B.S. human services, M.S. counseling) is senior vice president for Crittenton Services. She is responsible for building an internship program in partnership with her alma mater. The organization was honored with the 2015 Most Committed Partnership award by the University’s Center for Internship and Community Engagement.
DAVID KOENIG ’85 (B.A. communications), author of “Mouse Tales: A Behind-the-Ears Look at Disneyland,” has seen his latest book, “The People v. Disneyland” published. DAWNNA L. LAWRENCE ’89 (B.A. business administration-accounting), the first female chief deputy in the Los Angeles County Fire Department, was promoted to the management position of chief deputy in charge of business operations. She has served with Los Angeles County for 20 years as part of the fire department, public works and health services. MARK A. LONGE ’88, ’92 (B.A. geography, single subject-social science credential) was named superintendent of the Utah Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. The appointment was effective in August. He had served as principal at Saint Vincent de Paul School in Salt Lake City three years and has been with the school administration for 19 years. EDWARD J. MASTERSON ’82 (B.A. communications), head of sales and marketing for SOS Entertainment in Santa Clarita, was appointed to chair the Valley Industry Association board for 2016. BRETT A. PROCTOR ’83 (B.A. speech communication), athletics director for Alta Loma High School, was named the 2015 statewide Athletic Director of the Year by the California State Athletic Directors Association.
ANGELA ZEPEDA ’89 (B.A. communications-advertising) is chief executive officer for advertising agency Quigley-Simpson. The former president and chief marketing officer for Lowe Campbell Ewald Los Angeles was selected in July following a national search. Zepeda previously served as vice president of Rapp Collins Worldwide, as well as vice president and account director at Doner in Newport Beach.
MARC P. ADAMS ’96 (B.A. biological science) is author of “Surf Longer, SUP Stronger — A New Approach to Advance Your Performance, Avoid Injuries, and Surf and Standup Paddleboard for a Lifetime.”
’90s
THOMAS D. AUGUST ’92 (B.A. business administration-accounting) has joined John Muir Health in Walnut Creek as chief information security officer. August formerly served as director of information security at Sharp HealthCare in San Diego, and has held IT security leadership positions at Sony Corporation of America and Pacific Life Insurance Co. SERGIO A. BROWN ’96 (B.A. English) was named recruiting coordinator and first base coach for the University of Arizona’s baseball team in July. A former player for the Titans, Brown has served various positions, including assistant coach at Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine, UC San Diego and Cal State Northridge.
CSUFCommunity Want to learn more about what’s happening at Cal State Fullerton? Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter.
community.fullerton.edu/form.aspx
24 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
RICHARD M. SHEEHAN ’87 (B.A. political science) is the new superintendent for the Covina-Valley Unified School District. Sheehan started his teaching career at Covina High School, where he also served as head football coach. He served at Northview High School as assistant principal and principal. Prior to his appointment, Sheehan was superintendent of the Glendale Unified School District.
DANIEL J. CAHILL ’92 (B.A. criminal justice) was appointed second deputy chief in the Orange Police Department in September. Cahill has served with Orange since 1991 and was promoted to captain in 2007. In addition to his degree from CSUF, he holds a master’s in organizational leadership from Chapman University. LESLIE J. CLAVIN ’91 (B.A. communications-journalism) has been named a vice president at SHIFT Communications in San Francisco. She previously served as senior vice president of technology at Grayling and vice president at Racepoint Global. JEFFREY DILL ’90 (MBA) has been named president of PBF Energy, Western Region and will lead the company’s efforts in Southern California. MICHAEL C. FLORES ’91 (B.A. history), a professor of history at Cypress College, is a member of the Ontario-Montclair School District Board of Trustees. JOE B. JOHNSON ’90 (MBA - finance), a partner with BDO USA, LLP, was re-elected to a three-year term on the firm’s board of directors. This is his second term on the board. Johnson also serves on the advisory board of the Center for Corporate Reporting and Governance in CSUF’s Mihaylo College of Business and Economics. MICHAEL R. LARRAIN ’98 (B.A. business administration-management) is CEO of PCA Skin. Larrain, whose career began in medical esthetics, previously served as president of L’Oreal’s Active Cosmetics Division.
ANTHONY RENDON ’82, ’94 (B.A., M.A. political science) was elected speaker of the California State Assembly in September. He is the first Titan to lead the 80-member body of lawmakers. First elected in 2012 and now in his second term, Rendon represents the 63rd Assembly District, which includes the cities and communities of Bell, Cudahy, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, north Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount and South Gate, where his district office is located. Rendon chairs the Utilities and Commerce Committee and serves on the following other standing committees: Appropriations; Water, Parks and Wildlife; Natural Resources; and Public Employees, Retirement and Social Security. Prior to being elected to the Legislature, Rendon was executive director of Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services Inc., a Los Angeles nonprofit agency, and taught political science at his alma mater from 2001 to 2008.
MARGARET “MEG” LINTON ’95 (M.F.A. art-design) was appointed executive director and chief curator of the Center for Contemporary Arts in Santa Fe. She previously served as a strategic planning and special projects consultant at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. JOSHUA D. LUKE ’96 (M.A. communications-public relations) joined Health Dimension Group in May as national adviser and member of the consulting leadership team. Luke is founder of the National Readmission Prevention Collaborative and author of “Readmission Prevention: Solutions Across the Provider Continuum.” He is a fellow with the American College of Health Care Executives, serves on the board of directors for the California Hospital Association Center for Post-Acute Care and chairs the Hospital Association of Southern California Care Coordination Committee. KEITH F. MASON ’99 (B.A. communications) is a sales manager for Source One Rentals in Costa Mesa; his wife, LORI ANDERSON ’02 (B.A. communications-journalism and English), is an art director with the Auto Club of Southern California.
KARENA M. MASSENGILL ’93 (M.F.A. art-sculpture) is the creator of 18 dogs-at-play silhouettes that designate the boundaries of Rosie’s Dog Beach, a 2.9-acre, off-leash recreation area in Long Beach. The artwork, created from powder-coated three-eighths-ofan-inch plate steel, was a result of a statewide artists’ competition by the Arts Council for Long Beach and the Long Beach Marine Bureau. CAROLINE OWEN-NOLTE ’92 (B.A. Latin American studies) teaches AP world history at Alta Loma High School, where she heads the Social Studies Department. JEFFREY H. PARSELL ’99 (B.A. business administrationaccounting) is a partner in the audit and assurance services practice of the accounting firm Windes. Parsell, who joined the firm in 2007, is on the firm’s audit and assurance news alerts team and the editorial board for the firm’s Solutions newsletter.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 25
MELISSA HOON ’10, ’12 (B.A. communications-journalism, American studies, M.A. American studies) developed and runs the therapeutic journalism program Inner Awakening Writing Center (writingandconsciousness.com) available at spiritual retreats, high schools and universities throughout Orange County and the West Coast. The program, recently featured in LA Yoga magazine, was developed with attention to self-study. Hoon is a journalist, sexual assault counselor and documentary filmmaker committed to serving abused populations. She provides her expertise to the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force and CSP Inc.’s Sexual Assault Victim Services team as a hospital crisis response counselor.
RANDALL L. PAULSON ’92 (B.A. business administration-marketing) was named chief marketing officer for Moffatt & Nichol, a Long Beach-based engineering firm. Paulson recently worked for the international architecture firm AECOM and is a past president of the Society for Marketing Professional Services - Los Angeles Chapter. MICHELLEE A. PHELPS ’99 (B.A. communications-advertising) is global brand services manager at Outrigger Enterprises Group in Honolulu. DOUGLAS M. PRYOR ’94 (B.A. business administration-finance) has joined Wedbush Securities, a financial services provider, as senior vice president of its Private Client Services Group. MARICELA RIOS-FAUST ’96 (B.A. psychology) is chief operations officer for Human Options, an Orange County-based provider of services to victims of domestic violence. She credits an internship with a gangprevention program in Huntington Beach for launching her career. KELLY RITCHEY-DAVOREN ’92 (B.A. business administration-management) is vice president of human resources at Advanced Medical Reviews. She previously served with Decurion Corp.
26 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
JAMES D. SADRO ’92, ’95 (B.A. political science and criminal justice, M.P.A.) is the city manager for La Habra, where he previously served as assistant city manager and director of finance and administrative services. MOISES O. SAMAN ’98 (B.A. communications-photojournalism), an award-winning photojournalist with the international photographic cooperative, Magnum Photos, has been awarded a 2015 Guggenheim Fellowship. DARIN K. SCHOUMAKER ’90 (B.S. engineering-electrical), founder of ManagedNet Technology Solutions, is joining other business experts and entrepreneurs in co-writing a book about their success. He founded the IT consulting and management firm in 2004. WILLIAM C. SHUTE ’93 (B.A. business administration-marketing) is chief strategy and marketing officer for Viewpoint, a managed service provider, and president of Viewpoint Clearing, Settlement and Association Services, a wholly owned subsidiary. LINDA SMART ’91 (MBA) has been named vice president of information technology for Southland Industries, a Garden Grove-based company that provides mechanical, electrical and plumbing building systems.
DZUNG BACH ’02, ’03 (B.S. child and adolescent development, multiple subject credential) is teaching five periods of Vietnamese language and culture to about 500 students at La Quinta High. The elective classes, he reported to the Orange County Register in May, are taught almost entirely in Vietnamese and focus on grammar and pronunciation. Bach, who was born in Hai Phong, North Vietnam and served in the South Vietnamese Army, has been teaching at La Quinta for 11 years.
’00s
KAREN L. BARDSLEY ’08 (B.F.A. - artgraphic design) is a goalkeeper with England’s World Cup women’s soccer team. While at CSUF, Bardsley was named Big West Conference Freshman of the Year in 2002 and Goalkeeper of the Year in 2004 and 2005. She was a member of Great Britain’s team during the 2012 London Olympics and currently plays for Manchester City Women’s Football Club of the Football Association Women’s Super League. MAYRA J. BEJARANO ’08 (B.A. business administration-finance) was named manager of facilities, planning, maintenance and operations for the Tustin Unified School District in July. She previously worked at the Santa Ana Unified School District for 10 years. MARIA L. BUCOY-CALAVAN ’07, ’10 (B.A. music, M.M. performance) was named the artistic director of Summit Choral Society. Bucoy-Calavan also is director of choral studies at the University of Akron and was recently appointed to the National Board of Directors of Chorus America. BEHNAM “BEN” DEHNADI ’07 (B.A. business administration-finance) designs and creates custom fishing rods as co-owner of Low Down Custom Rods.
T.J. DILLASHAW ’09 (B.S. kinesiology) successfully defended his Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title in July. He won the title in May 2014. PURVI A. LAVINGIA ’02 (B.A. communications-entertainment studies) is a casting director in India. Among her clients: Ali Fazal, “Fast & Furious 7,” and Sameer Ali Khan, “Rock the Kasbah.” MICHELE MARTINEZ ’09 (B.A. criminal justice), a Santa Ana City Councilmember, was elected to a one-year term as president of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. Martinez, director of the Alliance for a Healthy Orange County, was first elected to the city council in 2006 and is currently serving her third term. Martinez also serves as vice president for the Southern California Association of Governments, is an at-large member of the League of California Cities - Orange County Division and a board member for the Orange County Council of Governments. She also serves as a board member for the Southern California Latino Policy Center.
IN MEMORIAM n OSWALDO (OZZIE) ARANA, professor emeritus of foreign languages and literatures, died Nov. 24. Arana served the University for 25 years. n TAKENORI ASO, associate professor emeritus of sociology, died Oct. 1. Aso taught at CSUF for more than 30 years. n JOHN E. DEWEY ’66 (M.S. educationeducational administration) died July 22. The former business education teacher at Sunny Hills High School was 86 years old. n TROY L. HAMMONDS ’71 (B.A. business administration) died July 11, after a career as distribution manager at Bristol-Meyers. He was 77 years old.
MICHAEL A. MOODIAN ’03, ’04 (B.A. communications-advertising and sociology, M.A. communications) was named a public member of the Commission on Judicial Performance by Gov. Jerry Brown in July. Moodian is an associate professor of social science at Brandman University and a part-time lecturer at Cal State Fullerton. He holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University. JENNIFER GRAY OLSON ’03 (B.A. artteaching) is the author and illustrator of the children’s book “Ninja Bunny.” DANG HUNG PHAM ’04 (MBA – finance) is director in charge of private equity investments at Rising Dragon Holdings (Singapore), an investment company in Southeast Asia. He previously served with Saigon Asset Management and was a founding director of ASEAN Merchant Partners. JENNIFER CARTER SMITH ’06 (M.M. performance) has soloed for five years in the Southwest Symphony’s productions of Handel’s “Messiah.” Most recently, she performed with the Utah Lyric Opera Principal Artist Program. Smith teaches voice privately and serves as an adjunct faculty member at Dixie State University.
JON C. SMITH ’02 (B.A. business administration-accounting) has been promoted to partner in Ernst & Young LLP’s Orange County office. Smith is a member of the firm’s assurance practice. KELLY SZESTERNIAK ’07 (M.S. education-educational administration) was named principal of Jefferson Middle School in the Mt. Lebanon School District, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She previously served as principal of Hoover Elementary and assistant principal of Mellon Middle School in the same district. WESLEY R. WILCOX ’03 (B.A. psychology), former men’s basketball student manager, was promoted to general manager of the Atlanta Hawks. He was the team’s assistant general manager for three years and has served with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans. SHALLY M. ZOMORODI ’01 (B.A. communications and political science) is an anchor on Fox 5 San Diego’s morning news program. She started her career at Good Morning Southeast Texas, then returned to Southern California working for Voice of America, City View Channel 35 and Daybreak OC before joining the San Diego station.
n MARY LYNN HARTMAN ’65 (B.A. communi-
n J. BRYAN MOFFET, professor emeritus of
cations), lecturer emerita in communications, died Sept. 5. She worked as a journalist and high school teacher before joining the University faculty in 1974. She taught at CSUF for 14 years. n IVAN E. JOHNSON ’68 (MBA) died June 27 of pulmonary fibrosis. He was 79. Johnson worked at Rockwell International for 31 years before retiring and relocating to Utah. n KIMBERLY KNORR ’94 (B.A. communications) died June 23 at the age of 45. The wife of Washington Nationals coach Randy Knorr, she was vice chair of Wheelchairs 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities.
teacher education, died June 17. He served on the CSUF faculty for 17 years. n TIN THANH NGUYEN ’10 (B.S. health science) died Dec. 2. Remembered by the campus community as a determined and motivated young woman, Nguyen worked at the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. n EULA MAE STOVALL, professor emerita of health, physical education and recreation, died Aug. 11. She served the campus community for 24 years. n HEATHER TUNENDER, head of collections and processing services in the Pollak Library, died July 1. She joined the University in 2006.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 27
BLAKE J. ARTHUR ’13 (B.A. communications-journalism) has been named the sports director at KPSP-2 (CBS) news in Palm Springs. He formerly was with KFBB, the ABC Fox affiliate in Montana.
’10s
NICOLE BAILEY ’10, ’13 (B.A., M.A. English) has joined her alma mater as assistant director of annual campaigns and stewardship in University Advancement. She previously served as community engagement associate with PBS SoCal. ROHULLAH LATIF ’14 (B.S. engineering-mechanical), former Associated Students Inc. president, is the owner of Light The Nation, an Orange County-based firm specializing in industrial, commercial and residential lighting. BRANDON J. URRY ’12 (B.A. communications - journalism) is program coordinator for the master of arts in the intercollegiate athletics administration program at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. TYREE VANCE ’13 (M.S. education-higher education), project coordinator for the Black Male Success Initiative at Azusa Pacific University, was commencement speaker for Crafton Hills College in May. JESSICA WALLS ’12 (B.A. history) is teaching Resource Social Studies at Lake Havasu High School. CASEY WARD ’15 (M.S. kinesiology) won the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur golf championship in July. PERRY J. WEBSTER ’12 (B.S. kinesiology), a former basketball player and team captain, was recently appointed men’s basketball coach at Fullerton College. He previously served three years as assistant coach at Saddleback College. MICHAEL ANTHONY WILLIS ’15 (B.A. business administration-entertainment and tourism management) is manager of volunteers at the nonprofit THINK (Teaching, Helping, Inspiring and Nurturing Kids) Together, a Santa Ana-based organization, and is starting Serve the Way, or Sway, an organization to inspire individuals to volunteer through community engagement.
To submit news about yourself, please email titanmagazine@fullerton.edu.
28 I TITAN WINTER/SPRING 2016
avid Madani’s commitment to health advocacy, education and research stretches beyond classrooms, labs and international lines. The Cal State Fullerton alumna ’90, ’92 (B.S. biochemistry, M.S. chemistry) and Harvard Medical School senior scientist is building collaborations and infrastructure in the Middle East and in North Africa to help reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS and other infectious diseases. Madani travels regularly to the region to give talks about the HIV epidemic, to educate and stop the stigma and discrimination toward HIV patients. She began visiting her home country of Iran several years ago to meet with public health officials and the scientific community, addressing HIV and AIDS from a biology-based approach, such as how the disease is transmitted. “HIV is a taboo subject in the Middle East,” she explains. “I’m trying to use my science, as well as leverage my background, heritage and gender, to do something more to address global health issues pertaining to HIV. It makes me feel connected and that I’m giving something back.” With grant support from ViiV Healthcare, a pharmaceutical company specializing in treatment and care for people living with HIV, Madani co-organized the first international HIV/AIDS conference in Tehran in October 2012 with UNAIDS-Iran and the Iranian Research Centre for HIV/AIDS. While at CSUF, she worked with research mentor Maria C. Linder, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and a Harvard alumna. Originally set on going to medical school, Madani’s experience of working in Linder’s lab piqued her curiosity about being involved in scientific discoveries.
N
A Champion “Dr. Linder had a big influence on me. In working in her laboratory, I fell in love with doing basic science research. She set the foundation for my career as a scientist,” says Madani, who keeps in touch with her CSUF professor and returned to campus last spring as the keynote speaker for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry’s inaugural “Alumni Day.” “She taught me to be curious about science, to become a critical thinker, and as a woman, mentor and teacher, she taught me about other things in life, like literature and music. She has become part of my family,” adds the mother of two young boys. Madani earned her doctorate from Oregon Health & Science University, followed by postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School
By Debra Cano Ramos / Image by Matt Gush
for Global Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She is continuing her research and studies on the mechanisms of HIV and how the virus enters its host cell. “We are working toward designing, and finding, an inhibitor that stops HIV at the site of infection before it enters the target cell. It’s a potential preventive methodology,” says Madani. Emulating her CSUF faculty mentor, Madani — who also holds an adjunct faculty appointment at Harvard’s Department of Global Health and Social Medicine — is enthusiastic about guiding students on their academic and scientific journeys. “I’m passionate about mentoring and educating the next generation of scientists in the United States and abroad —
because that is what Dr. Linder did for me,” she says. As part of her international work, Madani has taken students with her to learn from HIV/AIDS experts and health professionals and to conduct research. “I think it’s important to share with my students how science is done in the Middle East and North Africa, expose them to different cultures and social environments, and help them to realize that we have the same challenges and problems,” says Madani. “I’m hoping that a side effect of these international exchanges is not just science, but a better understanding of each others’ cultures and beliefs.” n
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON I 29
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POS TAGE P A I D PERMIT NO. 1635 SANTA ANA, CA
University Advancement 2600 Nutwood Avenue, Suite 850 Fullerton, CA 92831
Change Service Requested Family members, please note: If recipient is no longer at this address, please send his or her current address to uarecords@fullerton.edu or call 657-278-7917.
social.fullerton.edu
Titan Fund An Ultimate Expression of Titan Pride Your annual gift to the Titan Fund provides essential support to Cal State Fullerton students, colleges and programs, ensuring that the University has the needed resources to continue providing an exceptional educational experience. Join the remarkable family of donors who, through their generosity, unmistakably show that Titans Reach Higher. Your gift can be directed anywhere across campus to the program that has the greatest meaning to you, or you can choose to have it support the University’s most pressing needs.
Give online at giving.fullerton.edu or call us at 657-278-4180.
giving.fullerton.edu