SPRING 2015 / ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS
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CSU celebrates milestone with online alumni yearbook
If you graduated from Cal State L.A., you didn’t just receive a degree. You also gained entrance to an exclusive group of alumni from one of the largest and most well-known university systems in the country. And this June, California State University alumni membership will grow even larger when 100,000 new graduates walk in commencement, pushing the total number above 3 million.
To mark this significant milestone, the CSU has launched the Class of 3 Million campaign to reconnect with alumni and recognize the impact they have on the state.
“The Class of 3 Million milestone is a momentous occasion that allows us to honor all of the CSU students who have shaped the state, the nation and beyond,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White. “As the world’s largest comprehensive four-year public university system, we are proud to produce leaders who impact every major industry and are vital to making California one of the most successful global economies.”
The economic and cultural impact of the CSU on the state of California is unparalleled. The CSU provides jobs, prepares the future workforce, and creates innovative products and services for the state that will build and sustain its economy.
The impact that Cal State L.A. has on individuals is just as important. In August, Washington Monthly’s College Guide ranked the University No. 7 among top master’s universities, based on research, service and the social mobility of its graduates.
As the centerpiece of the Class of 3 Million campaign, the CSU is seeking to build the world’s largest yearbook at classof3million.calstate.edu, which is available on the web and on mobile devices. CSU alumni from all of the campuses, as well as the Class of 2015, are encouraged to create a profile on the yearbook. From there, they can earn virtual badges for networking or advocacy, and participate in monthly themes. Alumni Pride is the theme for May.
“I joined the Class of 3 Million yearbook because it is a growing platform for CSU alum to share their professional status, whether it is a CEO of a company, a nurse or someone in non-profit management such as myself,” says Carlos Cruz (’06), executive director of the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce and director at large for the Cal State L.A. Alumni Association.
Other Cal State L.A. alumni who have joined Cruz on the yearbook include Richard Cordova, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles; Nancy Aguilar-Mejia, of Univision Communications; and Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Olga Shalygin Orloff.
By creating your yearbook profile, alumni will also be entered to win one of three $10,000 scholarships sponsored by Herff Jones, a manufacturer of achievement products such as class rings, diploma frames and graduation gowns. These scholarships can be used by the winners or dedicated to someone of their choice.
But the yearbook is only part of the yearlong festivities. There are many ways to stay involved with Cal State L.A., such as attending Mega Mixers. During this academic year, Cal State L.A. has participated in CSU alumni association gatherings in Washington, D.C., Denver, New York and Seattle.
Now, Cal State L.A. is making it even easier to get involved. As of January, lifetime membership to the Alumni Association is free. No more membership fees! Alumni only need to sign up with the association to benefit from its special offers, careers resources, events and programs. Sign up today or renew your alumni membership by calling (323) 343-2586 or logging on to alumni.calstatela.edu.
40th Alumni Awards Gala
Cal State L.A. paid tribute to some of its most successful graduates during the 40th Alumni Awards Gala. This year’s event took place on May 15 and honored 11 alumni for their contributions to the University and the community. Cal State L.A. congratulates the awardees for 2015:
College of Arts and Letters
Raynor Carroll (’84)
College of Business and Economics
Susan Woo (’10, ’15)
Charter College of Education
Dr. Michael J. Bina (’73)
College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology
Robert Teague (’81)
College of Health and Human Services
Reneé D. Martinez (’72)
College of Natural and Social Sciences
Nathaniel Trives (’68) Golden Eagle Award Carlos Illingworth, Jr. (’04)
Alumni Family Award
Leonor Gaviña-Valls (’74) Francisco Gaviña (’69, ’72)
University Service Award
Tony K. Wong (’69, ’74)
Alumnus of the Year
Gilbert R. Vasquez (’64)
Welcome Back Weekend and Class of 1965 Reunion October 23-25
Mark your calendars and plan to join your classmates for a weekend of fun and nostalgia as Cal State L.A. hosts Welcome Back Weekend. All alumni are invited as Cal State L.A. launches the Half-Century Club, which celebrates alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago.
Weekend Highlights:
- Half-Century Club Induction and Luncheon
- Class of 1965—50th Class Reunion and Dinner
- Emeriti Faculty and Alumni Reception
The weekend will culminate on Saturday, Oct. 24, with the Billie Jean King & Friends Event, an extraordinary affair open to all Cal State L.A. supporters that you won’t want to miss.
More information about Welcome Back Weekend will be arriving by mail.
Cal State L.A. Alumni Association
alumni.calstatela.edu
Phone: (323) 343-ALUM (2586)
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/CSULA-Alumni-Association/90515907119
Look for the CSULA Alumni Association group page on LinkedIn.