This is President Jolene Koester's Blog. The following page is a three column layout with a header that contains a quicklinks jump menu and the search CSUN function. Page sections are identified with headers. The footer contains update, contact and emergency information.
A message from Cal State Northridge President Jolene Koester regarding preventive measures to protect the campus from swine flu infection was just distributed to the University community.
The full text of the message has been posted here.
CSUN’s Grand Reunion, celebrated this past weekend on Saturday, April 25, with 3,500 people in attendance, was a great success! I was so delighted to see so many people there showing their Matador spirit.
As you can see from the photographs accompanying this blog, enthusiasm and pride for the University and its 50th anniversary were in abundance throughout the afternoon and evening celebrations. Alumni shared fond memories about their days as University students and remembered with delight their affiliations with various departments, programs and activities.
Many alumni came accompanied by several generations of their family, and were joined by a cross-section of the broader campus community, including students (our future alumni), faculty, and staff. The people who took part in the celebrations ranged from members of the founding graduating class—as typified by several gentlemen I spotted like the one in the photo at right wearing with pride their classic Valley State College sweaters—to the very young who entertained the crowd with their spontaneous dancing in front of the main stage. Past student leaders, athletes, Greeks, and students from diverse disciplines and fields all attended.
The event, of course, could not have been a success without the leadership, planning and hard work of a large number of people. I would particularly like to thank the Cal State Northridge Alumni Association, under the leadership of its president, Larry Twersky (’84), for outstanding work in organizing the event. The Alumni President and his Board of Directors were ably supported in this effort by D.G. “Gray” Mounger, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations, and the entire Alumni Relations staff, as well as the broader University Advancement staff, led by Vice President Vance Peterson. They, in turn, were joined by a full complement of staff and students from campus who volunteered their time and energy to ensure that everyone who attended had a good time.
Despite the prediction of clouds and possible showers, it turned out to be a sunny day, and perfect for the entire campus family to join together to celebrate “50 years of life-changing opportunity” and to demonstrate collectively why Cal State Northridge continues to be the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the San Fernando Valley and beyond. It was heartening to see what a profound impact this University has had on so many people. I will remember the day with continued pride for some time.
This Saturday, April 25, Cal State Northridge hosts the University’s 50th anniversary Grand Reunion. This community event represents the culmination of our year-long celebration of “50 years of life changing opportunity”!
I look forward to joining with alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends in celebrating the spirit and energy of the University, which has enhanced and influenced the lives of the region and so many students and community members throughout its 50 years.
In the largest gathering of alumni ever, several alumni reunions and special programs will be held to give old friends and peers an opportunity to come together and re-connect. These activities will include campus tours and exhibits.
This also will be a day of fun, food and festivity. As you will see at the schedule posted for the event, there are myriad activities and programs offered to appeal to everyone, including live entertainment and music, a barbeque dinner, a family-friendly kid zone, and wine tasting.
The Reunion begins at 4 p.m. and the party will go into the evening. The extended University family, including faculty, staff and students, are welcome to attend. Tickets include dinner and are still available—visit the website for details and to place an order. And if you cannot attend, a live webcast will be available at the website beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The outpouring of enthusiasm and support for the University that I have seen this anniversary year has reaffirmed for me the important role Cal State Northridge plays in the community and in creating opportunities for students. The Grand Reunion will be a wonderful way for us as a community to feel the energy of the campus and share our excitement and pride with others. I look forward to seeing everyone there!
Next week is spring break at California State University, Northridge. While I recognize not everyone will have the opportunity to take advantage of the week-long break in the class schedule that students enjoy, it nevertheless is a part of the normal rhythm of the academic year that deserves note.
Springtime around the world is traditionally observed as a time of renewal, and regardless of how you spend the break—even if it is in the office—I hope you have an opportunity to engage in some needed “spring cleaning” as the University prepares for the home stretch of the school year. Each of us likely define spring cleaning in a variety of different and personally meaningful ways, such as catching up on some long-delayed project or chore at work or at home, or simply taking a few moments to take stock of your goals.
For me, personally, I am continually reinvigorated by the privilege of working with a group of people as dedicated and talented as the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make up the Cal State Northridge community. Despite serious challenges this year, many of them rooted in the global and local economy, Cal State Northridge’s rise as a first-rate higher education institution continues unabated.
We remain a first-choice destination for students, as underscored by the continued expansion of our physical plant in projects like the Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge and the anticipated opening of Chapparal Hall this fall. This past year, our 50th anniversary celebration has particularly brought attention to Cal State Northridge’s importance to the San Fernando Valley and beyond as a regionally focused, nationally recognized university. This celebration began with the Founders’ Day festivities in the fall and will culminate with the Grand Reunion later this month and, of course, commencement at the end of May.
So however you plan to spend spring break, I hope the time is productive and enjoyable, and an opportunity to focus on yourself, family and friends. And for those of you planning to travel, my best wishes for a safe and fun-filled trip.