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| 05/28/99
CONTACT:
Margie Yu
Public Affairs Asst.
(323) 343-3047
Calendar
of Events | CAL STATE L.A. COMMENCEMENT--SAT., JUNE 12 Los Angeles, CA - May 28, 1999 - The 52nd Commencement exercises at California State University, Los Angeles will take place on Saturday, June 12, 1999, in the University Athletic Stadium, located at the southeast corner of the campus. The academic procession will start at 8:15 a.m. and the formal exercises are scheduled to end at approximately 10 a.m. Commencement speaker will be Congresswoman Maxine Waters, a Cal State L.A. alumna. Department and program receptions in various campus locations will follow the ceremony. More than 20,000 people are expected at this year's graduation to witness the conferral of more than 1,000 master's degrees and 3,100 bachelor's degrees. Among the outstanding students receiving degrees are: Louise Ghandhi, recipient of the 1998-99 Alumni Association Outstanding Senior award; Cal State L.A./UCLA joint Special Education doctoral candidate Tamara Jackson; and the largest group of graduating Early Entrance Program students-18-year-Pankit Doshi (political science), 17-year old Mark Gordon (anthropology), 17-year-old Edward Hsieh (biochemistry), 19-year-old Lin Jin (biochemistry), 17-year-old Haley Leung (psychology), 20-year-old Kyle Nakamoto (psychology), 18-year-old Sumanta Pal (biology), 19-year-old Robert Rivoli III (biology), 18-year-old Reena Ved (computer information systems), 18-year-old Joann Wang (business administration) and 16-year-old Sherry Wasef (English). For photos or interviews, call the Cal State L.A. Public Affairs Office at (323) 343-3050.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who earned her B.A. in Sociology from Cal State L.A. in 1971, is considered by many to be among the most prominent women in American politics today. She has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color, and poor people. On a whole range of issues-economic development and police brutality, veterans' concerns, and international affairs-Congresswoman Waters can be found on the cutting edge. In December of 1996, Rep. Waters was chosen by her colleagues to chair the Congressional Black Caucus for the 105th Congressional term. This honor has placed her in the forefront of the political leadership of this country. Following the civil unrest in Los Angeles in April of 1992, Congresswoman Maxine Waters took on the unpopular position of defining the hopelessness and despair that prevails in cities throughout America. During that time, she was highlighted as "Person of the Week" on ABC-TV World News Tonight for her contribution to the debate about the unrest and, in the words of Peter Jennings as, "a woman who simply will not go unheard." She also has gained a reputation for her fearless work at the grassroots level to change the lives of gang members and unemployed Black and Latino youth. Prior to her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1990, Congresswoman Waters already had attracted national attention for her no-nonsense, no-holds-barred style of politics. During 14 years in the California State Assembly, she rose to the powerful position of Democratic Caucus chair. Early in her Assembly career, she worked on the strategy that helped make Willie Brown Assembly Speaker. She was responsible for some of the boldest legislation California has ever seen. Among her legislative accomplishments were: the largest divestment of state pension funds from businesses involved in South Africa, landmark affirmative action legislation opening up state procurement and contracting opportunities to women-owned and minority-owned businesses and the introduction of the nation's first plant-closure law. She also created the nation's first statewide Child Abuse Prevention Training Program, gained passage of a law to prohibit police strip searches for nonviolent misdemeanors, and promoted legislation to prevent toxic chemical catastrophes. Congresswoman Waters has long been highly visible in Democratic Party politics. She is a long-time member of the Democratic National Committee since 1980. She was center-stage as a leader in Senator Edward Kennedy's campaign in 1980 and seconded his nomination at the 1980 convention. In 1984, she took an early stand in support of the Rev. Mr. Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign. She served as National Co-Chair of the effort and seconded his nomination. In 1988, she continued her staunch support of Rev. Jackson, again seconding his nomination. She seconded President Bill Clinton's nomination at the 1992 Democratic convention and served as National Co-Chair of the Clinton campaign. Congresswoman Maxine Waters is serving her fourth term in the House of Representatives. She has used her skill to win approval and funding for a number of important initiatives. Rep. Waters has compiled a list of impressive accomplishments during her service in Congress.
Alumni Association Awardee:
outstanding senior Louise Ghandhi
Louise Ghandhi, a "reentry" student, enrolled at Cal State L.A. in Winter 1997, transferring from the University of Montreal. This June 12, she will graduate with a B.A. in History and a superb academic record-a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She plans to do graduate work in Geography in order to pursue a career in teaching. Ghandhi, a single parent and active community volunteer, has been involved in a number of campus activities as well. Her outstanding academic performance has led to her induction into several honor societies, including Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society, and the Cal State L.A. chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, the national honor society. She is a member of the editorial board for the 1998 issue of Perspective, the student journal of the Department of History, where she works with three other board members to collect, select, edit and prepare student research papers for publication. Ghandhi demonstrated impressive leadership qualities in preparing the Cal State L.A. team for participation in its first Model Arab League simulation in April 1998. Earning a Certificate of Recognition from the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, Ghandi's excellent presentation won important recognition for Cal State L.A. In her community, Ghandhi has been a volunteer for the Glendale Battered Women's Shelter, a volunteer and participant in the Parent Education program of Glendale City College, and served as vice president for 1996-1997 of the Glendale-Foothill Chapter of MOMS (mothers offering mothers support). Under her leadership, the newly created chapter grew from 10-90 members in 18 months. Ghandhi lives in Los Angeles, California with her son Sorab, 4.
Cal State L.A./UCLA joint doctorate in Special Education: Tamara Jackson
After studying at Cal State L.A. for nine years, Tamara "Tammy" Jackson-a teacher, school psychologist and mother of two teenage boys-will receive her Ph.D. degree at Cal State L.A.'s 52nd Commencement under the joint Cal State L.A./UCLA special education doctorate program. Cal State L.A. President James M. Rosser will bestow Jackson's doctoral hood as a special part of the Commencement ceremony. Jackson recently completed her dissertation on prenatal drug exposure, "The Social Support Network of Drug Addicted Women and their Children." The Culver City resident chose the field of special education because "children with special needs need an advocate." Jackson's goal is to teach the people who are going to play a part in shaping the future of these children, whose abilities and needs are extremely varied, she points out. Currently a school psychologist in the Norwalk-La Mirada School District, Jackson enrolled in the joint Ph.D. program in 1990. Since then, she has balanced university life with raising sons Fabio, 18, and Tomas, 15, teaching and counseling at Los Angeles public schools, and teaching at community colleges and at Cal State L.A. Jackson credits her Cal State L.A. mentor, professor and chair of Special Education Diane Klein, with encouraging her participation in research projects and introducing her to professional organizations. She credits her parents with instilling in her the tenacity to pursue a college degree and then to go even farther. "[Education] was most important to my parents," she says.
Early Entrance Program: Class of 1999
Cal State L.A.'s Early Entrance Program (EEP)-the only one of its kind in the nation-has grown steadily since its introduction on campus in 1983. Modeled after the program at the University of Washington, Seattle, the EEP admits extraordinarily gifted youngsters-some as young as 11-directly into college, providing the early entrants with monitored evaluation, regular counseling sessions, and the opportunity to study with like-minded peers. This year, eleven Early Entrance Program students will receive degrees. Pankit Doshi--Date of birth: 12/80
Degree/major: Political Science (minor in Basic Business)
City of residence: Rowland Heights
Former junior high or other school: Rowland High School
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: June 1995
Accepted at: UC Berkeley
Career goal: legal profession
Honors: 1998-99 Alumni Association Scholarship, Hector Elizalde Scholarship, Dean's List, Golden Key National Honor Society, 1999 Alumni Certificate of Merit, Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Political Science, Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society
Hobbies/skills: reading, writing, playing basketball, jogging, watching movies, computers
Community/campus activities: president and co-founder, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Honor Society, Cal State L.A. Mark J. Gordon--Date of birth: 12/81
Degree/major: B.A., Anthropology City of residence: Los Angeles
Former junior high or other school: Horace Mann Elementary School (Beverly Hills)
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: summer 1996
Career goal: M.D., Ph.D.
Hobbies/skills: music (drums) fishing, boating, off-roading, music, hockey
Comments: "EEP helped me to realize my dreams, learn about reality and actualize my potential." Edward Hsieh--Date of birth: 10/81
Degree/major: B.S., Biochemistry
City of residence: Hacienda Heights
Former junior high or other school: Orange Grove (Hacienda Heights)
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: summer 1994
Accepted at: Cornell, Johns Hopkins, UC San Diego
Career goal: Ph.D., Biochemistry
Hobbies/skills: plays violin Lin Jin--Date of birth: 02/80
Degree/major: B.S., Biochemistry
City of residence: Valinda
Former junior high or other school: Grandview Junior High (Valinda)
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: summer 1994
Accepted at: Georgetown, Dartmouth Med
Career goal: medicine
Honors: General Education Honors, Dean's List, 1997-98 Alumni Association Scholarship, 2nd Place Chinese Poetry Recitation Contest. Hobbies/skills: tennis, badminton
Community/campus activities: student research assistant, University tutor, Associated Students, Inc. representative, Circle K service club. Haley Leung--Date of birth: 07/81
Degree/major: Psychology
City of residence: Pasadena
Former junior high or other school: San Gabriel Christian School
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: 1994
Accepted at: UC Santa Barbara, Rutgers, Penn State
Career goal: social psychologist/statistician
Honors: 1999 Alumni Association Scholarship
Hobbies/skills: art, music (plays violin, viola, piano), math
Comments: "EEP provides a refreshing alternative to the usual high school curriculum." Kyle T. Nakamoto--Date of birth: 01/79
Degree/major: B.A., Psychology
City of residence: Torrance
Former junior high or other school: Hull Middle School
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: June 1993
Accepted at: UC Irvine, University of Pennsylvania
Career goal: Ph.D., teaching and research in the field of acoustics
Hobbies/skills: computer programming, massages, martial arts, music (percussion) Community/campus activities: Psi Chi Psychology honor society Sumanta Pal--Date of birth: 5/81
Degree/major: B.S., Biology
City of residence: Covina
Former junior high or other school: Covina High
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: 1994
Accepted at: UCLA medical school
Career goal: medicine
Honors: Biology Department scholarship, Alumni Scholar, Eagle's Pride Award
Hobbies/skills: guitar, music, soccer
Community/campus activities: Circle K service club (vice president, treasurer, membership chair), General Education Honors (president, secretary), 1997-98 Alumni Association Scholarship. Robert J. Rivoli III--Date of birth: 10/79
Degree/major: B.S., Biology
City of residence: Los Angeles/West Covina
Former junior high or other school: El Sereno Middle School (Los Angeles)
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: summer 1993
Career goal: plastic surgeon, cardiologist or professor and politician
Honors: 1998 Eagle's Pride Award, 1997-98 Alumni Association Scholarship, Richard Alatorre Scholarship, TELACU Scholarship, "Who's Who Among College Students," National Dean's List, Cal State L.A. Dean's List, National Hispanic Scholarship Fund award recipient, Greek Honor Roll, Major Tsai Chinese Scholarship Award Winner, Cal State L.A. Orientation Volunteer of the Year
Community/campus activities: Circle K service club, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Inter-fraternity Council, Raza Graduation Committee Reena Ved--Date of birth: 09/80
Degree/major: B.S., Computer Information Systems
City of residence: Rowland Heights
Former junior high or other school: Alvarado Junior High School (Rowland Heights)
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: summer 1994
After graduation: taking a year off to work in the field
Career goal: computer networking
Honors: Dean's List
Hobbies/skills: computers
Community/campus activities: Abacus Computer Society; former vice president, Circle K; former treasurer, General Education Honors Club
Comments: "EEP gave me the most unique and rewarding experience of my life. I met a group of gifted students and was able to start my college education early. I had more fun my years at Cal State L.A. than I could have at an older age at a more prestigious school." Joann Wang--Date of birth: 01/81
Degree/major: B.S., Business Administration with an Accounting option (minor in Economics)
City of residence: Hacienda Heights
Former junior high or other school: Mesa Robles Middle School (Hacienda Heights)
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: 1995
Accepted at: Vanderbilt Law, University of Minnesota Law, Boston University
Career goal: law
Hobbies/skills: writing, music (piano), racquetball
Community/campus activities: vice president, Beta Alpha Psi National Accounting
Honors Fraternity; volunteer, Edward D. Edelman Children's Court. Sherry Wasef--Date of birth: 07/82
Degree/major: B.A., English (minor in biology)
City of residence: Pasadena
Former junior high or other school: Polytechnic (Pasadena)
Began studies at Cal State L.A.: summer 1993
Career goal: pediatrician
Honors: General Education Honors Student of the Year
Hobbies/skills: swimming, reading, jogging, music (singing, piano).
Community/campus activities: General Education Honors board member
Comments: "EEP gave me a six year head start on my life." # # # |
