By many measures—particularly the standards of other prestigious higher education institutions—at 50 years Cal State Northridge is a “young” campus. It takes time for tradition and a sense of character to become established at an institution. Such traditions must also be embodied by faculty, staff and students, who then share and pass them on to the people who follow in their footsteps.
The University’s 50th anniversary, being celebrated throughout the current 2008-09 academic year, presents a wonderful opportunity for the campus to engender pride and build on growing tradition by remembering the past while also commemorating achievements and looking ahead to the promise of the future.
On Monday, September 22, Cal State Northridge celebrates “Founders Day”—the precise date 50 years ago when classes commenced at what was then known as San Fernando Valley State College.
The celebrations will begin with a luncheon for returning alumni, faculty and staff from the campus’ earliest days. At this event, the CSUN Alumni Association will also induct Cal State Northridge’s first students into the new “50-Year Club.” This will encompass students from the classes of 1956, 1957 and 1958, some of whom attended classes when the campus was still a branch of the present California State University, Los Angeles.
Then that evening the University will re-christen the currently-named Magnolia Walk between University Hall and the University Library as the “James and Mary Cleary Walk.” Dr. Cleary served as president of Cal State Northridge for 23 years, from 1969-92, a productive period in the University’s history. To commemorate the legacy of President Cleary, who passed away in early 2007, and of his beloved wife Mary, who passed away in 2002 and served the campus memorably at his side, we are proud to re-dedicate this walk in the Clearys’ honor.
The dedication ceremony will be immediately followed by a reception for the opening of an exhibition on CSUN’s history, “Fifty and Fabulous,” at the Oviatt Library’s Tseng Gallery. The display will feature many of the contents from a time capsule that was buried just west of the Oviatt Library portico during the campus’ 25th anniversary celebration and other memorabilia.
As this shows, even though Cal State Northridge is still a youthful campus, we already have a past rich in tradition and history. I am excited by the opportunity to meet with founding students, faculty and staff and show them what new traditions and achievements have been built upon their contributions and efforts.
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Please note that the President’s message to the campus community regarding the September 12 Metrolink collision has been posted at http://www.csun.edu/presofc/presletters/presletter-09-2008-metrolink.html
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Braving the high temperatures of a typical late summer day in the San Fernando Valley, approximately 1300 members of Cal State Northridge’s newest freshman class came together yesterday evening for the second annual Freshman Convocation.
Organized by the Division of Student Affairs in collaboration with the entire campus community—and intended as a culmination of sorts of New Student Orientation—it is our hope Convocation will strengthen our students’ commitment to academic success and welcome them to the campus community. In addition to our new freshmen, many faculty, staff, continuing students, and alumni took part or attended.
Author Barbara Ehrenreich was our distinguished keynote speaker, whose book Nickel and Dimed, was selected by the Academic First Year Experiences Committee as the freshman common reading for 2008-09. As in our selection of last year’s speaker, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Convocation keynote address is meant to evoke what freshmen students should expect as college students and stimulate a willingness to hear other views and to think critically a about important issues. In this spirit, Ms. Ehrenreich provided provocative and thoughtful commentary for our next generation of leaders to consider and think about.
As I looked out at the enthusiastic faces of these future graduates, I was struck by their sheer number. Some of you may know that this year’s freshmen class currently number around 4500—Cal State Northridge’s largest freshman class ever.
Accommodating such a large number of new students creates a significant challenge and impact on faculty, facilities and the University’s limited resources. Nevertheless, Cal State Northridge takes great pride that such a large number of students have chosen to study here. For most, Cal State Northridge was their first and only choice. Their trust in us is a responsibility, challenge and opportunity that everyone at Cal State Northridge takes seriously.
With the start of classes, yesterday’s Freshman Convocation, and the welcome back picnic last week, the new academic year is off to an exciting start!
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