Proposition 30: The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012
Voters going to polls on Nov. 6 will have many tough decisions to make, including a proposal that will have a major impact on the California State University.
Proposition 30 is Gov. Jerry Brown's initiative to help address the state's funding gap. The ballot measure would temporarily raise personal income tax rates for individuals making more than $250,000 for seven years and increase sales and use taxes by ¼ cent for four years.
If the proposition fails, the immediate impact to the CSU would be an additional minimum budget cut of $250 million. This would bring the CSU's total loss in state funding since 2007-08 to nearly $1.2 billion, or nearly 40 percent.
The CSU Board of Trustees endorses Proposition 30 due to its direct relationship to the system's fiscal stability and funding levels in 2012-13 and beyond.
Election Day is Nov. 6. To locate your polling place, visit www.lavote.net
Exhibit honors career of McClain
The Fine Arts Gallery at CSULA remembered professor emeritus Malcolm McClain with a retrospective of his artworks in September. Staring Intently at a Sound: The Studio Practice of Mac McClain represented a 65-year career in a wide range of mediums, including ceramics, painting, photography and poetry.
Attending the exhibit opening was former colleague and professor emeritus Walter Askin and former student Robert Bailey '67. In 2007, Bailey honored his mentor and professor by establishing a sculpture scholarship in McClain's name. McClain, who died in May at age 89, was an effective, dedicated and influential educator and artist. He began teaching courses in ceramics and painting at Cal State L.A. in 1965, served as chair of the Department of Art and later the dean of the College of Arts and Letters.
New dean of Graduate Studies and Research
Lawrence M. Fritz was appointed as dean of Graduate Studies and Research in June. He said projects like the Sustainable Hydrogen Facility, the Metrolink station and the inclusion of students in faculty scholarship and research attracted him to Cal State L.A.
As dean, Fritz is looking to improve the admissions process, increase retention rates for graduate students and identify more research opportunities for faculty and students.
Previously, Fritz was assistant vice president of research and dean of Graduate Studies and a tenured professor in biology at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Alumnus at the Olympics
Alumnus Khadevis Robinson '04 (M.S.) spent his summer in London, but he wasn't there for the sightsÂhe was competing in the 2012 Olympic Games. It was the second trip to the Olympics for the eight-time national champion in the 800 meter race. Although his time of 1:47.17 didn't qualify him for the semifinal race, he competed with the intensity and heart he always gives. He received his master's degree in public administration from Cal State L.A. Currently, Robinson works as head coach of women's cross country and an assistant coach of track and field at The Ohio State University and does motivational speaking events.
Q. What are the challenges for the 800 meter race and how did you prepare for the Olympic Games?
A. The challenge is to conquer yourself and your fears. The 800 meter race is the toughest event in track and field because you have to have speed and endurance. This combined with it being a global event with individual athletes from everywhere who are good. I prepared by doing the same things I have been doing my entire career: giving my best every day in every way.
Q. What does it feel like to represent your country twice as an Olympic athlete?
A. It feels great to represent your country. Not everyone can say they had the privilege. I am humbled by the opportunity.
Q. Name one thing you will never forget about your Olympic experience.
A. I will never forget the moments I shared with my teammates and the interactions and responses from all of the Americans that came to watch us represent our country.
Q. What do you think are the keys to success?
A. There are many keys to success: 1) believe in yourself; 2) put in the work and effort; 3) never give up; 4) have faith; and 5) enjoy the process.
Q. What is your next goal?
A. My next goal is to help others achieve their dreams and goals. At this point, I am focused on getting the team I coach at Ohio State University to run really well. I will continue to work hard and pray and see what life has to offer. Major things happen in minor moments!