Although the University does not formally observe Presidents’ Day until later in the year, I hope each of us can find a few moments today to reflect on the significance of this national holiday.
In recent weeks, we have witnessed events that have resulted in momentous changes in leadership overseas and which express the aspirations of people around the world to live in a democratic society that is transparent and free. These inspiring events are a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a country that enjoys stability and freedom, and that for most of its history has provided a continuity of leadership and a peaceful transition of power with every change of administration in the nation’s executive branch.
While we face many challenges as a nation and there are, at times, deep disagreements over how to address these challenges, we nevertheless accept that the presidents who lead our country—along with the legislators who work with them in Congress—have been fairly elected and are doing their best to fulfill the will of the people and ensure the best interests of the country. Presidents’ Day honors that covenant with the people, and the accomplishments and commitment of those who have served in the executive office.
In this spirit, I wish everyone a happy Presidents’ Day.
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Although the University does not formally observe Presidents’ Day until later in the year, I hope each of us can find a few moments today to reflect on the significance of this national holiday.
In recent weeks, we have witnessed events that have resulted in momentous changes in leadership overseas and which express the aspirations of people around the world to live in a democratic society that is transparent and free. These inspiring events are a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a country that enjoys stability and freedom, and that for most of its history has provided a continuity of leadership and a peaceful transition of power with every change of administration in the nation’s executive branch.
While we face many challenges as a nation and there are, at times, deep disagreements over how to address these challenges, we nevertheless accept that the presidents who lead our country—along with the legislators who work with them in Congress—have been fairly elected and are doing their best to fulfill the will of the people and ensure the best interests of the country. Presidents’ Day honors that covenant with the people, and the accomplishments and commitment of those who have served in the executive office.
In this spirit, I wish everyone a happy Presidents’ Day.
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This past Saturday night, January 29, the University threw a red carpet gala to formally celebrate the opening of the Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge and the launch of its inaugural season. It was an evening filled with the University’s most committed friends and supporters, donors, local dignitaries, and stars. All came to see first hand what is already being touted as one of the most beautiful and modern performing arts venues.
In addition to a black tie reception and ball, the evening’s highlight was the gala show which featured diverse performances and presentations by artists like actor Cheech Marin and mezzo soprano Carol Vaness, who are both Cal State Northridge alumni; and others such as actors Calista Flockhart, Tyne Daly, Andy Garcia, Benjamin Bratt, and Keith David, dancers Gillian Murphy and Jose Manuel Carreno, and Cuban jazz musician Arturo Sandoval.
And underscoring the Center’s role as a facility that advances Cal State Northridge’s mission as an academic institution, joining these performers on the program were the Northridge Singers and the Jazz “A” Band, two outstanding internationally-renowned music groups made up of our students and faculty.
The variety of performances featured at the gala highlight the wide range of presentations that are possible at the Center, which we hope in turn will appeal to the diverse community of the region.
The week leading up to the gala opening was also the first week of the spring semester. So while the organizers were busy preparing for the event, the Performing Arts Center was already in active use by faculty, staff and students, who were in the facility working, rehearsing, and taking classes. The hubbub of activity already underway there is a powerful reminder that the Center is not only intended to draw in the community, but also helps to fulfill the academic needs of students and the University.
As many have noted, the Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge will serve as a “laboratory” for the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication and the broader University community. New work will be created; new artists will be discovered and nurtured; careers will be launched; established artists will be recognized and celebrated; and performance traditions will be preserved.
In many ways, the gala opening was a “coming out party” for California State University, Northridge as well, beginning a new era in which the University will play a more visible role in the community, particularly as a cultural arts institution, and bringing further recognition of the profound importance of Cal State Northridge to the region.
My thanks to everyone who contributed to what was a memorable and joyous evening, including University Advancement, which managed the gala night under the leadership of Vice President Vance Peterson; the producers and organizers of the show; the staff who worked at the event and prepped the facility; our student musicians who performed along with their faculty directors; and everyone who has had a hand in designing and constructing the Center.
I hope in the coming years all of you will have an opportunity to take advantage of the benefits our great new performing arts center offers to patrons.
Please click on any of the thumbnails below to view additional photos from the gala full size.
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