Volunteer Service Award Program Recipients

Demonte “Tray” Thompson ’14
Alumni Association

Demonte “Tray” Thompson graduated from CSUN in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. A child of foster care, Tray found a strong support system at CSUN through the university’s Educational Opportunity Programs. He worked in CSUN’s Financial Aid and Scholarships Department before graduating alongside his twin brother, Demontea “Tae,” as recipients of CSUN’s 2015 Outstanding Graduating Senior awards.

Upon graduation, Tray’s passion for money management led him to start his professional career as the Financial Literacy Program assistant within CSUN’s Financial Aid Department. Driven by gratitude and the desire to inspire others to overcome their circumstances, the brothers founded the nonprofit TwInspire. This year they gave back to their alma mater by donating $6,000 to create and support the Lorenzo Edwards-TwInspire Scholarship for former foster youth pursuing higher education.

Today, Tray works as a Vice President of Producer Development at AIG and is a member of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, where he actively engages the Young Alumni group. He is also supporting local foster youth on the Board of Directors at United Friends of the Children where he conducts financial literacy presentations.

Beth Perrin

Arts Council

Beth Perrin is currently serving a third term as President of the Arts Council for CSUN. The Arts Council serves as a community resource for CSUN in its sponsorship and presentation of the arts and its educational arts programs.

Thankful for the education that her children received at CSUN, Perrin began volunteering for the Arts Council in various capacities in 2011. “Since I have been a member of the Arts Council I have had the opportunity to interact with students and faculty. I have been very impressed with the commitment of the faculty to the students’ success, and how much perseverance it takes for some students to overcome difficult personal situations in order to get their education. If I can help by providing scholarships, it makes me happy,” Perrin said.

Now retired, she has volunteered countless hours as the President of the Native Daughters of The Golden West and served as Secretary for The Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association for 20 years.

Mai Narasaki-Jara ’03, M.S. ’06, Ed.D. ’18
Athletics

Mai Narasaki-Jara has three degrees from CSUN — one in Kinesiology athletic training, a master’s degree in Kinesiology adapted physical activity, and a Doctorate degree in Education. She is currently in her third season as a volunteer assistant coach with the Matador women’s tennis program. Narasaki-Jara is a former CSUN tennis player, lettering for the Matadors in 2002.

Narasaki-Jara was involved in a life-saving moment this past April at the Big West Tennis Championship in Indian Wells when the head official of the tournament suffered a heart attack.

“I had to do one cycle of CPR,” said Narasaki-Jara. “AED (defibrillator) did its job by analyzing his heartbeat, then the pulse was there, and all of us were calling his name. We saw his face go from purple and gray to coming back alive.”

In addition to her coaching duties, Narasaki-Jara is also currently a lecturer and the Director of the Adapted Aquatics Program at the Center of Achievement at CSUN. As a director, she operates 48 adapted aquatics classes per week and offers them to individuals with various disabilities. She continues to teach kinesiology students the principles of adapted physical activity through the student-service learning program at the Center of Achievement.

Laurene Abato-Earwood M.S. ’92
Delmar T. Oviatt Library

Laurene Abato-Earwood graduated from CSUN with a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Since then, she has gone on to be an active member of the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Board, where she was named as the Chair in 2016.

Abato-Earwood has served on the WISE Board since 2011 as well as the budget and events committee sub-groups. In addition to her service on the WISE Board, Abato-Earwood is involved with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), working with high school students who build competition robots. She also volunteers her time as a sponsor, judge and referee for local robotics tournaments.

Abato-Earwood joined Xerox as a summer intern in 1985 and worked as an engineer in product and software development advancing to technical program manager at Xerox Special Information Systems. She retired from Xerox in 2016 and is currently working at Conduent — an IT and services company — as a technical program and compliance manager.

Ed Burke ’59, M.A. ’69, Cred. ’69
Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts

Ed Burke spent nearly four decades as an educator and as much time involved in politics, from the local to the national level. He always had a drive to help others.

Both Ed and his wife Carol are members of the Heritage Society and President’s Associates. Ed is a longstanding member of The Soraya Ambassadors, regularly purchasing 20 to 35 tickets to The Soraya for friends and family every time he visits from Hawaii. Ed and his wife support students at CSUN through a legacy gift that helped fund The Ambassadors Endowment as well as creating his own Ed Burke Scholarship Endowment.

Ed is active as an ambassador for The Soraya and established three charitable gift annuities with the university. His annuities and generous annual contribution support The Soraya, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Division of Student Affairs through various scholarships and programs throughout CSUN.

Burke taught history and government for 33 years at Chatsworth High School. He was Chief of Staff to Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member John Lorenson and Chief Advisor to Board Member Bennett Kayser. He also founded the Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) program for teachers.

Norma Andrade
Student Affairs

If there’s one day that truly represents Andrade’s volunteer spirit, it’s her birthday. For the last decade, Andrade has volunteered on her birthday for various

Los Angeles-based nonprofits, including the LA Regional Food Bank, the Downtown Women’s Center, A Place Called Home, the Midnight Mission, and Project Angel Food. Recently, Andrade has looked to her own backyard to provide special care.

In 2017, in recognition of its impact on the community, Andrade became a donor to The Soraya. The same year, she went above and beyond and contributed to Matty’s Closet, which provides professional outfits to students free of charge. Andrade held a suit drive for Matty’s Closet in 2017, gathering more than 50 suits from colleagues and friends. Andrade consistently donates to the cause, with the number of suits donated now close to 100. She also supports CSUN’s Food Pantry. Andrade, an international child support attorney for the County of Los Angeles, is a lifetime member of the CSUN Alumni  Association and serves on The Soraya Ambassadors Advisory Council and The Soraya Executive Director’s Circle.

Joan Owens 
88.5 FM          

Joan Owens is a longtime supporter of college and public radio with a passion for music. She has been volunteering with 88.5 FM since 2011. Owens was a Radio/TV/Film major at Bowling Green State University and discovered 88.5 FM (when it was known as KCSN) shortly after moving to Los Angeles from her Cleveland hometown. Owens has helped the station in membership acquisition and retention, data entry and gift-fulfillment coordination. Owens says the mix of classic and new artists combined with being a part of a community that values noncommercial, member-supported radio is what she enjoys most about the station. She is inspired by the stories of listeners who tell her the impact 88.5 FM has made on their lives.

“The university continues to provide a home for the station and support its mission," she said.

Owens worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District as an elementary and middle school library assistant from 2000-2013. She has been married to Tom Owens for 35 years and they have two sons, Patrick and Steve. 

Joan Waller ’78
Arts Council  

Joan Waller earned her master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Early Childhood Education from CSUN in 1978. Her impact on the CSUN community is reflected through her work with the Arts Council. Waller joined the Arts Council in 2014 and got involved in many of its functions immediately. She eventually became Arts Council coordinator for the Department of Theatre and helped with the organization and execution of guest lectures and their seasonal productions. Waller was instrumental in implementing the ongoing Matadors Community Credit Union Award. The $1,000 award is presented to a student in the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication to assist in completing a project that will impact the student and the community. 

Waller is also a retired College of the Canyons staff member, where she worked as director of Family Studies and Early Childhood Education. Waller and her husband Paul frequently attend many of the student events from the Departments of Music and Theatre at CSUN. Paul Waller is also an Arts Council member and editor for the council’s monthly newsletter. The Wallers are also season subscribers to the Soraya. 

Jacqueline Hansen '74
Athletics 

Jacqueline Hansen is a CSUN alumna who received her bachelor’s degree in English in 1974. Hansen was inducted into the Matador Hall of Fame in 1988 for her athletic success. She was CSUN’s National Intercollegiate Track & Field Champion in the mile run. During her time at CSUN, Hansen also won the 1973 Boston Marathon, which launched a career of 12 marathon wins out of 15, including two world records and the first marathon run under 2 hours, 40 minutes by a woman. Hansen has continued to stay close to CSUN. Her volunteering efforts include working with a committee tasked with advancing athletics for the university. Fast forward to today and CSUN Athletics is a thriving, successful body of athletes, teams, coaches, and staff. Hansen was also invited by President Harrison to be part of the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Council (IAAC). 

Outside of CSUN, she spearheaded a movement for women runners to compete in long-distance events in the 1984 LA Olympics as president of the International Runners Committee. Hansen has also successfully published a book, a memoir, and is currently working on a new book entitled The History of Women’s Running. She currently works as business services coordinator and a health education instructor in the School of Education at Loyola Marymount University, where she achieved her master's degree in Education. Hansen received a lifetime achievement award from the Road Race Management national organization.

Jenniffer Herrera ’06, M.S. '09
Delmar T. Oviatt Library                                                      

Jenniffer Herrera has been a dedicated member of the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Board for several years and chair of the WISE Board from 2015-2016. Herrera acts as an advisor to improve the understanding, appreciation, and recognition of women’s contributions in these technical fields. She plays a pivotal role in supporting the occupational growth of women within the engineering, math and science industries. Herrera also provides advice on the expenditure of funds related to the Bonita J. Campbell Endowment for Women in Science and Engineering. 

In addition to her service on the WISE Board, Herrera has participated on-campus panel discussions at CSUN and served on the local chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Herrera was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 9. She earned a bachelor’s degree from CSUN in Manufacturing Systems Engineering in 2006 and a master’s in Engineering Management in 2009. 

Her first industry position was with Nestlé USA as an industrial engineer in the Hot Pockets factory in Chatsworth, beginning in Sept. 2010. Herrera now works in the company’s Glendale corporate office. She has held several positions, including goal alignment lead for the International Brand Division and lean value stream manager for the Confections Division. Her current role is technical services manager, continuing to support the Confections Division.

Andrea Reinken ’80
The Soraya                                                                            

Andrea Reinken, a 1980 Journalism graduate from CSUN, joined the university in 2006 as director of major gifts for University Advancement. In 2008, she moved to the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, where she served as the development officer, raising funds for the college and the capital campaign to build The Soraya (formerly Valley Performing Arts Center), until her retirement in 2012. Six months later, she returned to work for the Mike Curb College as part-time director of development, then went over to The Soraya to work part-time until April 2016.  Her volunteer work at CSUN focuses on the arts. Currently chair of The Soraya Ambassadors, she says, “I volunteer because I care deeply about our community having access to the performing arts. 

Before working at CSUN, Reinken enjoyed a 24-year career with the Los Angeles Times. She is married to Donald Reinken (they will be celebrating 25 years of marriage in the spring) and together they are members of the President's Associates and The Soraya Ambassadors. They have been passionate supporters of The Soraya and the Mike Curb College for years. 

“Perhaps most important to me is the opportunity to be part of a vital, vibrant and diverse community that gathers at The Soraya where the arts bring us together,” she said.

Alexi Sciutto '13  
Student Affairs                                                               

Alexi Sciutto earned his bachelor's degree in Cinema and Television Arts with an emphasis in Film from CSUN in 2013. During his time as an undergraduate student, Sciutto worked on campus at the Office of Student Involvement and Development as a student coordinator. He collaborated with many different departments to get workshop, education, and informational videos out to students for use and reference. 

Through this avenue, Sciutto was working alongside CSUN staff members Christopher Aston and Tom Piernik, whom he gained an amount of respect for, and who served as the catalyst for the motivation to give back.  “Ever since then, I’ve always felt empowered to give back to the school that give me the legs to stand on to be the person I am today,” Sciutto said.

He currently spends his time working multiple jobs across Los Angeles as an assistant director, production assistant, writer, and a SAG-AFTRA actor. Sciutto has worked on shows for companies such as Lifetime, Hulu, Amazon, Disney, SYFY, BET, The CW and 20th Century Fox. 

As a CSUN alumnus, Sciutto continues to work with CSUN helping Aston with nearly every commencement ceremony since 2008. He volunteers as the head chapter advisor for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on campus.

Dorothy Fabricant
Arts Council

Dorothy Fabricant has made invaluable contributions to the music department since she first joined CSUN’s Arts Council in 1997. Two years later, she began volunteering at Cypress Hall’s Music Shoppe and hasn’t looked back since. For 18 years, Fabricant has dedicated three hours a week, nine months out of the year at the store. As part of the Arts Council, the Music Shoppe raises more than $1,000 a year for the music department. The council provides ushering assistance during music and theatre performances, conducting tours in the main Art Gallery and funding for annual student awards.

Fabricant, a Los Angeles native, earned her secondary teaching credential at UCLA and taught at Van Nuys Junior High School before raising her four sons. She later returned to teaching, this time at the Carlson Home-Hospital School in North Hollywood, where she taught students who were unable to attend school due to health issues. To Fabricant, the biggest joy she gets from dedicating countless hours at CSUN is meeting and getting to the know the students and the ability to share the students’ joy when they find an unexpected treasure at the Music Shoppe.

Bruce Lemmerman '69
Athletics

Before spending more than 40 years playing, coaching and working front office positions in professional football, Bruce Lemmerman was a heralded multi-sport athlete at CSUN. Lemmerman, who played baseball and was the quarterback who led CSUN to the 1967 Jr. Rose Bowl, never forgot the lasting impact football coach Sam Winningham and baseball coach Bob Hiegert had on him. “Both coaches taught me what it took to be a pro,” Lemmerman said. “Those two men, the coaching staff and the CSUN faculty instilled in me the qualities that it took to be successful not only in my career, but in life.”

Since leaving the game, Lemmerman has dedicated much of his time and energy to CSUN. He volunteered to help fundraise and contact former players and coaches in the football program so the university could recognize the role football had in its early years. Most recently, Lemmerman has played a key role in raising funds for the Sam Winningham Spirit Plaza, a project announced by CSUN Athletics that will honor the former coach. Lemmerman said he will continue to work on behalf of the university because he believes in CSUN’s mission and leadership.

James "Jim" Parker­
Delmar T. Oviatt Library

Recognizing some of the economic, social and medical challenges many CSUN students face, Jim Parker has been involved with CSUN for nearly 30 years. He has dedicated time editing diversity grants for his wife and CSUN professor Maria Elena Zavala, who has brought in more than $40 million in funds to CSUN. The funds help support more than 100 students in STEM careers. Along with his wife, Parker has been a President’s Associate since 2007 and has volunteered at the Oviatt Library, serving on the Board of the Friends of the Oviatt Library since 2010. Currently, Parker is the president of that organization.

Parker is also a supporter of the Matador Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, donating money to those programs since 2012.  He graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University and later earned a doctorate in Sociology from the University of Colorado.

Thomas Christopher '90
Heritage Society

A CSUN alumnus who played on the Matador football team, participated in student government and maintained fraternity leadership positions, Thomas Christopher has spent the past decade giving back to his university. Christopher has volunteered his time as a resource in the Planned Giving department at CSUN, providing regular presentations for faculty, retirees and community members about estate planning and planned giving.  He also played an important role on CSUN's NCAA Recertification Committee in 2010.

To Christopher, the importance of volunteerism and hard work was obtained while he was attending CSUN. "The academic, athletic and community involvement I experienced while attending CSUN provided the foundation for my continued involvement in leadership positions throughout Southern California," Christopher said. Founder of Christopher Law Group, Inc., Christopher is also a two-time chairman of the board of the Northridge Chamber of Commerce and is currently a board member. He is the acting co-chair of the board of the LAPD Devonshire Police Activity League Supporters Youth Center and is a member of the church council and youth ministry leader at LIFEhouse Church in Northridge.

Cherry Henricks '69
President’s Association

Cherry Henricks first became involved with CSUN in 2010 as a vendor who provided flowers for the Orange Grove Bistro and at campus and graduation events. Although she has maintained that role, Hendricks importance to the university has expanded. She gradually became more interested in what was happening at her alma mater and eventually joined the President’s Associates Executive Council (PAEC) in January 2014.

Also a member of the Northridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Henricks has been an important liaison between CSUN, the chamber and the PAEC. Henricks soon realized that a big portion of the chamber’s members were CSUN alumni, local business owners or community members. “I thought it would be a great idea for CSUN supporters to build connections with each other by learning more about each other and sharing what the university meant to them,” Henricks said. “With this in mind, I thought it was important to bring two and two together.

As a result, the CSUN Networking Connection was formed in January 2016. The program shows business owners and community members what CSUN has to offer. “The deeper my involvement gets with CSUN, the more I’ve realized what a gem CSUN is for both students and the community. I think everyone should be more aware of what the campus has to offer.”

Stan '70 and Phyllis '70, '75, M.A. '82 Gilson
Student Affairs

For Stan and Phyllis Gilson, CSUN provided lasting friendships, career opportunities and the place they fell in love. Stan has volunteered in some capacity for the past 44 years. He was the advisor to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity for 16 years, served as the fraternity’s province president for 17 years and was the director of the House Corporation Board. As a student, Stan served as the Associated Students Director of Elections and was on the A.S. Finance Committee. As both an alumna and faculty member, Phyllis has played a key role at CSUN for decades. Currently overseeing various Alpha Omicron Pi sorority chapters, Phyllis spent more than 30 years as the sorority’s chapter and new member advisor.

Phyllis also worked at CSUN for nearly 40 years within the Office of Admissions and Records and worked with the campus’ veteran population in order to ensure an easy transition into college.  For Stan and Phyllis, the fact they have been tied with CSUN for more than 50 years is a testament to the impact the university had on them.

“We enjoyed our time at CSUN and wanted to helped the young men and women who followed us,” Phyllis said. “We wanted to make ourselves available to offer whatever guidance we could.”

Louise Adams '06
The University Corporation

In 2001, Louise Adams and a group of CSUN students, faculty and staff started CSUN Cat People in order to manage and care for the feral cat population on campus. Adams, along with other CSUN Cat People volunteers, have provided food, spay/neuter services, and vaccinations to the feral cats all over the CSUN campus. "Our goal has been to educate the community about humane solutions and cat overpopulation," Adams said. With the great help from CSUN’s Physical Plant Management, CSUN Cat People has established feeding stations around campus.

An animal-lover at heart, Adams said that the feral cats at CSUN are valuable because they provide a chemical-free pest control. From cats to students, Adams has seen first-hand how CSUN’s inclusiveness leads to a welcoming environment. A Matador alumna who spent six years working for the CSUN Student Outreach department, Adams said she saw the absolute commitment the university has toward its students on a daily basis.

“I admire and respect the way in which the whole CSUN community helps and cares for its students,” Adams said. “The fact that CSUN cares for the feral cats that live here is so in character with the school.” 

Dena Dahilig
The Arts Council for CSUN 

Dena Dahilig saw a blurb in a newsletter about getting involved with The Arts Council for CSUN and decided to attend a meeting. There was an immediate comfort level that made her feel like she belonged, even though she never attended CSUN as a student. Since that moment in 2010, she has been a vital volunteer for the organization.

When she’s not a voice actor, who specializes in commercial, promo and live events, she is the media committee chair for The Arts Council. She has been the organization’s voice, in a sense. She is responsible for the publication of all print media, online communications and social media for the group. Dahilig was instrumental in launching The Arts Council’s website, as well. Her greatest contribution, she said, is making The Arts Council more visible on campus and helping to build partnerships, such as the one with the Matadors Community Credit Union, which has helped fund activities and student scholarships.

Dahilig, who opened the graphic design firm Arts in Action, which she ran for over 20 years, has long had creative inspiration in her life. Her mother was a member for an arts council in Northern California. The USC alumna has one other strong connection to CSUN. Her husband, Gene, is a 1984 graduate of CSUN with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Lou Marino 
Athletics

Lou Marino grew up in Brooklyn, New York and fell in love with baseball — namely the Brooklyn Dodgers and their first baseman Gil Hodges. Marino took that love with him to the West Coast in the early 1960s and fell in love with another team — the Matadors. For decades, Marino has given and raised funds for the Matador baseball program and has been an ardent supporter of CSUN intercollegiate athletics. At 83 years old, his enthusiasm is as strong as ever. “First of all, it’s baseball. Then I fell in love with CSUN,” Marino said on why he has been so supportive.

He is a member of the President’s Associates and three of his children — Carol Ann, Eric and Lou — attended CSUN. Marino is very much a self-made man and an inspirational figure having started his own company, Advanced Business Systems, out of his garage. The company was acquired by Global Imaging Systems in 2003, but Mr. Marino continued in his capacity as CEO until his retirement. Marino coached youth baseball and has supported numerous nonprofit organizations, including the LAPD Devonshire Police Activity League and the YMCA. “I like being involved. I like helping out,” Marino said. “I was raised that way.”

Marilee Wheaton ’82 
Delmar T. Oviatt Library 

Marilee J. Wheaton has volunteered at CSUN for many years. She has served on the Board of the Oviatt Library Dr. Bonita J. Campbell Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Board since 2010 and served as the WISE chair from 2013-2015. Wheaton has also served on CSUN’s College of Engineering & Computer Science Industry Advisory Board since 2005.

Wheaton, who received her bachelor’s degree from California Lutheran University, attended CSUN from 1978-1982 and later received her master’s from USC, is currently pursuing her doctorate from USC and is a Systems Engineering Fellow in the Engineering and Technology Group at The Aerospace Corporation. Wheaton is a fellow and life member of the Society of Women Engineers and an active member of the Los Angeles Section for over 30 years. Wheaton was selected as an SWE Distinguished New Engineer in 1990, as an SWE Fellow in 2000, and she received an SWE Distinguished Service Award in 2010. In addition to her service to SWE, Wheaton has made contributions to increasing the awareness of women in engineering through her participation and leadership in other professional societies.

She is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and a fellow of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE).

Don Larson 
Student Affairs

Don Larson is a fourth-generation Northridge resident who as a small child was present for the groundbreaking ceremony of San Fernando Valley State College. He later attended the California State University, Northridge, worked here and was a popular figure on campus.

Larson has continued to be a popular figure in the community and has become a leader in it. His loyalty to Northridge is seen in his dedication to preserving its history and keeping it the jewel of the San Fernando Valley.

Larson has been an instrumental figure in all aspects of the grass roots “Northridge Sparkle” campaign — a collaborative beautification project centered on the city’s main artery Reseda Boulevard. Larson has been an essential community partner for the university especially in helping to make Matadors Day of Service a success in its first two years running — 2015 and 2016.

In particular, Larson supported CSUN by donating time, skills and community resources. He worked tirelessly in this project, which brought out more than 350 volunteers for a day of service to engage CSUN’s incoming freshman in service.

Anthony Sherrill ’05, M.A. ’07 
University Student Union

Anthony Sherrill considers himself a creator of positive change, and his favorite place to make that change is on a college campus.

Sherrill got his start in Student Affairs as a student assistant in the University Student Union overseeing the campus-wide elections process for the Board of Directors. He was offered a graduate assistantship, where he oversaw the operations of that same board. He was then moved into his first professional role as the information services and special projects coordinator, where he oversaw and staffed three information-providing locations and offered career development to his student staff.

While he was part of the board that has voted on and opened the Student Recreation Center, Pride Center, Veterans Resource Center and the Oasis Wellness Center, he said his greatest contribution has been the ability to create positive change in the lives of students on campus. He is currently the assistant director of Associated Students, Inc. (ASI), where he oversees the facility, programs, and staff of the Student Union at California State University, Channel Islands.

He is an adjunct professor at CSUN and facilitates the freshmen seminar course that guides new students through the challenges of their first semester on campus. He values his role as the alumni representative for the University Student Union’s Board of Directors. He also met his wife, Rhasaan, at CSUN.

White, the founder of 3DI2 — a management consulting company, is known for setting new standards for linking brand development to sales growth, and for introducing new products based upon the creation of an emotional identity.

Susan Brown  
Valley Performing Arts Center

For decades, Susan Brown had people close to her making efforts to bring a world-class performing arts center to the San Fernando Valley. When one finally arrived, the longtime San Fernando Valley resident who lived walking distance from CSUN for 40 years, was invited by her friends Joan Boyett and Barbara Pinchuk to experience it for herself. She instantly grew attached to the Valley Performing Arts Center.

For the last three years, Brown has been an ambassador for VPAC, promoting it and helping to raise its profile in a way that is so simple, yet so effective — face-to-face and voice communication.

It’s a skill that she honed while working for more than 20 years for The Music Center in Los Angeles. She, along with Pinchuk and inspired by her mentor Boyett, the founder of the Music Center Education Division, helped bring thousands of events to schools throughout Los Angeles County.

Thus, a relationship with VPAC was easy for her.  With her husband Robert, she has also been a donor to VPAC.  And even though she lives in Ventura, she remains dedicated to coming to VPAC and introducing people to it. She was recently on the committee for the Arts Education Benefit Gala at VPAC on Oct. 8, honoring Boyett.

“To me, (VPAC has) totally rounded out my life,” Brown said. “This gives me the ability to go to a wide variety and many live performances. I treasure that.”

Dorothy Weisinger
Arts Council

Dotty worked at CSUN for 36 years, first starting in the admissions office as a clerk before eventually becoming supervisor of Admissions and Records and retiring in December 2001. She loved her job and loved the interactions with students and staff. Volunteering for the Arts Council was a way for her to stay connected to the university and friends. She also has a love of the arts, particularly for music. Thus, she has been a dedicated, hard-working contributor to the Arts Council. She started as a corresponding secretary for the group and later added recording secretary to her duties. She is at all meetings and receptions and usually plays a major role in setting up the events.

Steve Gale
Associated Students

When you do all the math, Steve has coached more than 650 practices, 247 games and taken the CSUN Ice Hockey Club to 13 different states. All told, he has dedicated an estimated 7,000-plus hours of his time to the growth and success of Matador Hockey. To put that in perspective, there are 8,760 hours in a year. Prior to Steve arriving in 2006, CSUN had been ranked in the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s West Top 15 only once in the team’s long history, going back to 1971. Under Steve’s watch, the Matadors have been ranked in the top 15 for the American Collegiate Hockey Association West eight times. The team has made it to the ACHA West Regional Championships six times and made two ACHA National Championship appearances (2010, 2012), finishing 11th and ninth in the nation respectively. In that time frame, CSUN has also had 17 players named to the ACHA All-Academic team, eight players named to the ACHA All-West team, two All-Americans and one player sent to the ACHA National Team to compete in Europe in 2011. All of these accolades can be traced back to Steve’s dedication and expertise in coaching the Matadors.

Jilanne Fager '63, M.A. '72
Richard Fager '62
Athletics

Jill and Dick Fager, married 57 years, both graduated from San Fernando Valley State College and went on to enjoy successful careers, which they felt was due in large part to their education at what was to become CSUN.After their daughter, Cathleen, came to work for CSUN, they re-engaged with their alma mater. Thus began their interest in and contributions to the Mike Curb College of Art, Media, and Communication, Valley Performing Arts Center, David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, Michael D. Eisner College of Education and CSUN’s athletic programs — especially Dick’s passion: baseball, and Jill’s passion: basketball. They also serve on CSUN’s Executive Council of the President’s Associates, Founders’ Day Steering Committee, VPAC’s Gala Committee, VPAC’s Ambassadors, as well as several civic, charitable and fraternal organizations.

Ivan Axelrod '72
Advancement

Ivan shares a similar story to many CSUN alumni. While in school, he didn’t realize what sort of impact was being made on him. After graduation, he started a career in accounting and became a successful member of the community and in business. There was a near 30-year gap between the time that Ivan graduated and returned to campus. Upon that return, he immediately decided to give back to the university and become a part of not just its past, but its future. Ivan has participated in the CSUN “Professor for a Day” program, providing insight to students on expectations of the business community after their graduation. His business management firm is a regular participant at the annual Department of Accounting and Information Systems’ “Meet The Firms” night. Ivan focuses on hiring CSUN students and presently has 10 staff from his alma mater working in various positions with his firm, of which, seven have been hired in the past two years.

For the past two years, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the CSUN Foundation and a member of the Finance and Investment Committee and was recently re-elected to a new three-year term. Ivan has also volunteered for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Temple Judea in Tarzana, Beit T’Shuvah in Los Angeles and the United States Trotting Association.

Rita Streimer     
Oviatt Library

Rita, an accomplished artist and teacher, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art and art education from Brooklyn College. Her artistic works are mainly in paints, collage and quilting. For 35 years, Rita taught art and craft classes, as well as ESL in the LAUSD’s Adult Education program. She introduced her artistic quilt making to the curriculum of both LAUSD and Glendale Community College. And even now, though retired, she continues to teach her craft for the Pierce College Encore program. Since 1998, Rita has served on the Friends of the Oviatt Library (FOL) Board, serving two terms as president. She was instrumental in establishing and running the group’s bookstore. Rita and her late husband, Professor Emeritus Irving Streimer, are long-time members of the CSUN family. Irving joined CSUN’s psychology department in 1964, where he developed courses and was instrumental in establishing a graduate program in human factors. Through a significant contribution to the Library’s endowment fund in 2008, a library study room used by faculty and graduate students for academic research was named in honor of the Streimers. At the dedication ceremony, Rita said, “The Library is the heart of any university, and the Oviatt Library is especially dear to our hearts. This study room is an ideal way to say thank you to this university that has given us so much.”

Ronald Clouse '71    
Student Affairs

Over the last 50 years, Ronald has run the gamut at CSUN. He transferred to the university as an undergraduate student in 1965, earned his bachelor’s in economics in 1971 (his education was interrupted by three years in the military, including one year in Vietnam) and his master’s in economics in 1973. After graduation, he worked for CSUN for 33 years, most notably as chief budget officer as the director of budget planning and management. In 2006, he retired after those 33 years of service to the university. 

In 1990, Ronald was asked to be the president’s representative on the University Student Union Board of Directors. He served in this position and on the University Student Union Finance Committee until his retirement. Between this and his role as chair of the Student Fee Advisory Committee, he was able to consult with, advise and work with students, and be a part of the student-centered focus of the university. In May 2010 Ronald was asked to serve as chair of the Audit Committee of the University Student Union. He accepted and has volunteered in the position ever since. Ronald said CSUN gave him a top-rate education and it provided the opportunity for a great career. His two sons also earned degrees from CSUN in computer science and music composition. It is a pleasure, Ronald said, to be able to give back even in this small way.

Marla Lefton 
VPAC

Marla Lefton was an essential part of the successful Yo-Yo Ma Gala Performance event at the Valley Performing Arts Center on May 6, 2015. She served as chair of the event’s planning committee and was tireless in recruiting relatives, friends and  other guests to participate in the event. Marla and her husband Cary’s business Agora Realty & Management, Inc. was the gala’s presenting sponsor. But more, Marla was a hard-working chair who attended all internal VPAC planning meetings and led the three full-committee meetings to plan the gala, as well. Her creative approach to the event was the impetus behind asking the CSUN ceramics students to design cello centerpieces for the 45 tables at the dinner. She also suggested and helped plan a successful live auction and insisted on sending 470 dinner guests home with milk and cookies as a special thank-you gift. She and Cary hosted four tables and convinced several friends to also purchase tables for the event.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Marla is an alumna of CSUN, where she studied graphic design and communications. Later, Marla studied fine arts with several noted painters. Marla and Cary provided significant support for the VPAC Capital Campaign.