College of Humanities Newsletter Volume 11 Issue 1

Elizabeth A. Say, Ph.D.
CSUN Alum 1981

As the 2016-17 Academic Year draws to a close, we are happy to introduce you to several new members of the College of Humanities and to celebrate a truly game­ changing donation to our Armenian Studies Program. This year we welcomed Axel Montepeque to the Department of Central American Studies (CAS). Having taught for several years as a lecturer in CAS freshman writing, Axel is now providing leadership to that program. We also welcome to the Dean's Office two new faces, both valued members of our faculty. Sheena Malhotra, a professor and former chair of Gender and Women's Studies, assumes her role as Associate Dean of the College in Fall 2017. Also in the fall, Jackie Stallcup, professor and former chair of English, will take on new responsibilities as Director of Student Success Initiatives for the College. She will work closely with another new member of the team, Vanessa Martinez, our new Graduate and Retention Advising Specialist. Despite a record number of CSUN graduates this year – 11,500! – we know there is always more we can do to support student success in the College, and Jackie and Vanessa will be leading those efforts. Finally, in this issue you will be introduced to Zaruhy "Sara" Chitjian, a career LAUSD educator who has made a comprehensive donation of her family archives along with a substantial endowment to support Armenian Studies at CSUN. Generous donors like Ms. Chitjian allow the College of Humanities to continue to grow and serve the needs of the many communities we serve.

Courtesy of Teresa K. Morrison

Each spring we ask new faculty members to respond to a brief set of questions styled after the "Proust questionnaire," named for Marcel Proust-who, depending on your source, may have answered a similarly probing quiz twice during his lifetime. Regardless of their origins, the questions are an interesting way to get to know our new faculty. This academic year the College welcomed just one new faculty member, in Central American Studies. As his first year at CSUN drew to a close, we asked him to join in the tradition, answering questions from the list at his own discretion. 

Axel Montepeque, Assistant Professor, Central American Studies

Photo courtesy of Axel Montepeque

Dr. Montepeque earned his Ph.D. in literature at University of California, San Diego. His research interests include Central American literature and cultural productions of the 19th and 20th centuries, Latina/a and Chicana/a liter­atures of the United States, and Latin American literature of the 20th century. He is also interested in literary the­ory and the theory of the novel. He enjoys working with film as well as hiking.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Reading a great book!

What is your greatest fear?

Not trying new things.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire my mother for being such a wonderful person.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Buying fancy ice cream.

What is it that you most dislike?

Arrogance ...

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to play the guitar.

What is your motto?

Innovate and create!