CSU Alumni Trustee Report

Viewpoints: Supporting CSU system will pay off big for state

2010-05-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Special to The Bee

PUBLISHED SUNDAY, MAY. 09, 2010

They lead our state, grow our food, heal us when we're sick and keep our neighborhoods safe. They are the alumni of the nation's largest institution of higher education, the California State University, and they are the pillars of our community and our economy.

In the Sacramento Valley alone, CSU alumni earn $5 billion more per year than they would without their CSU degrees. Together with the contributions of the CSU campuses in Sacramento and Chico, their higher earnings generate enough economic activity each year to support 45,500 jobs and more than $573 million in tax revenues for local and state governments.

Statewide, the CSU's 23 campuses and 1.96 million graduates living in California produce $70 billion in annual economic activity. That is enough to support more than 485,000 jobs – or one in every 32 jobs in California today – and almost $5 billion in tax revenues every year.

These are the conclusions of a new study of CSU's impact on the state by ICF International. As CSU prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, this study, scheduled to be released Monday, proves that Cal State is indeed working for California. It is preparing the educated and diverse work force businesses need to succeed and grow, and its research and partnerships with business are generating the jobs and opportunities those workers need to prosper.

At Sacramento State, for instance, the Center for Small Business has helped nearly 3,000 small businesses with free advice on topics ranging from business plans to website design. Sacramento businesses and government also rely on the university's Institute for Business Research and Consulting for research and economic analysis of the Sacramento region.

At CSU Chico, the Cleantech Innovation Center is developing energy-efficient and sustainable businesses, and the university's agricultural research is helping producers create new markets for their products.

But California could lose these benefits – and more – if it doesn't reverse the downward spiral in higher education funding. Since 1984, the state has cut general fund support for higher education nearly in half. State prisons now get a bigger share of the state budget than colleges and universities.

In just the past two years, state funding to the CSU dropped by 21 percent, forcing the universities to cut enrollment, raise student fees and lay off employees.

To reverse this downward spiral, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is following through on his promise to restore the "one-time" cuts made in this year's higher education budgets. He's proposed $365.6 million more for the CSU in 2010-11 than it received in 2009-10, and he's vowed to veto any budget that doesn't include it.

As the governor unveils his May budget revision, the Legislature should join him in fulfilling the promise to restore CSU's funding. To do anything less would cause further damage to an economy just beginning to emerge from the worst recession since the Depression.

Already, the state's failure to fully fund the CSU threatens the underpinnings of the state's economic growth. The Public Policy Institute of California is projecting the state will have 1 million fewer college graduates than it needs by 2025, if it can't increase college enrollment and graduation rates.

With 92,000 graduates a year, CSU is helping to close that gap. Last year, it graduated more than half the state's new teachers. It leads California's other institutions of higher education in providing well-educated workers in the fields of health and medicine, business, engineering, agriculture, tourism and media – all critical industries accounting for more than 5 million jobs in California.

In the Sacramento Valley, CSU Chico is helping overcome the nursing shortage by training nearly 75 percent of the region's public health and registered nurses with master's and bachelor's degrees. CSU Sacramento is preparing the state's future leaders with its highly regarded Capital Fellows Program internships. And its criminal justice program is one of the largest in the nation, turning out the trained members of law enforcement who protect our community.

California's Master Plan for Higher Education made this work force development possible with its commitment to offer a high-quality, affordable college education to all. But 50 years after that pledge, the master plan is in danger of turning into a hollow promise.

We need to keep the promise alive by investing once again in the CSU. It is an investment that will pay off many times over by creating jobs, economic activity and the well-educated, diverse work force needed to ensure California will prosper and grow for the next 50 years.

Bob Linscheid is the alumni member of the CSU board of trustees and the board�s vice chair. He is a graduate of CSU Chico and president of The Linscheid Co.

Event and Visitation Schedule- April, May June 2010

2010-03-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

* March 24-25- CSU Agriculture Advisory Board- Sacramento and Chico
* April 23- Distinguished Alumni Event-Chico State
* April 24-26- California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS)
* April 27- UC, CSU and Community College at the Capitol
* May 5-7- San Diego State University- Alumni Event
* May 15- Commencement- CSUCI
* May 21-23- Commencement- Chico State
* May 29- Commencement- San Jose or Sonoma
* June 4- Commencement- Stanislaus
* June 12-13- Commencement- CSU East Bay

Action Rally at Chico State

2010-03-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

Chico State University students on Wednesday added their voices to a chorus to keep higher education a priority.
Chico police estimated 2,000 people participated in a rally that started on campus and continued to City Plaza.

Protesters heeded organizers' calls to speak out but refrain from violence. Last week, a handful of similar demonstrations across California and the country ended in violence or jeopardized safety.

Alumni Visit- New York City

2010-03-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

I was able to accompany Vice Chancellor Garrett Ashley on a visit to New York City to meet with CSU Alumni in that region. Our host was Paul Dorr from Bernstein Wealth Management. Mr. Dorr is an alum from San Francisco State. Twenty-seven guests attended including CSU Alumni Council past President Dana (Bezzera) Pancrazi who works in New York City.

Daryl Clements,Senior Portfolio Manager for Municipal Investments provided an interesting program on the California economy including a view at the housing market, Export data, a view on the State Budget and a discussion on the safety of the municipal bond market.

President King Alexander from Long Beach State attended and provided specific information to the Alums present regarding the CSU system and answered their questions regarding what the system is doing to advocate for greater investment in Higher Education.

I am hoping that we continue this program and strongly encourage campuses to participate.

Capitol Hill Day- Washington DC

2010-03-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

I accompanied several other Trustees and Chancellor's Office staff to Washington DC to visit our California Delegation in Congress. In the morning, our gathering of CSU leadership were provided a briefing from our DC staff headed by Jim Gelb. Our priority projects included the Agricultural Research Initiative, CSUPERB Biotech Partnerships, COAST, Strategic Language Initiative, Water Resources and Policy Initiative and Metro Academic Initiative.

I accompanied Sonoma State in visting with Congressman Lynn Woolsey and Congressman Mike Thompson's office as well as CSU East Bay to Congressman Jerry McNerney and Chico with Congressman Wally Herger.

Chancellor Reed was present in the Education Committee, Chaired by California Congressman George Miller. At that time Secretary of Education Arne Duncan testified before the Committee on the importance of continuing to invest in education.

California State University has benefited greatly with the support of Congress for the Pell Grant program Students receiving Pell Grants receive approximately $5,700 per year. The CSU has 126,000 Pell Grant receipients and has received an increase of $84 million over the last several years.

CSU Advocacy Training Conference-Los Angeles

2010-02-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

An absolutely outstanding program was provided by our Advocacy and Institutional Relations staff headed by Karen Zamarippa. The program began with a presentation by Dr. Peter Navarro from UC Irvine. Mr. Navarro provided an Economic Outlook and a vision for California's Recovery.

A very lively discussion was next when political consultants Dan Schnur(R) and Steve Maviglio (D) talked about California Election process and Political Reform. The back and forth format was quite entertaining.

Our lunch speaker was Chancellor Charlie Reed who provided a quick update on the current budget situation. His no nonsense approach was enjoyed by those in attendance.

In the afternoon, Ryan McPherson for the University of Buffalo Government Relations staff provided a session on what successful advocacy models in other states.

Former Senator Jim Brulte presented a very frank and entertaining program on effective Sacramento advocacy.

The day concluded with Karen Zamarippa and Robert Turnage discussing key legislative and budget issues for the year ahead.

Campus Visit- CSU Monterey Bay

2010-02-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

My visit to the campus started with a tour of the Seafloor Mapping Lab on campus. Dr. Rikk Kvitek, Director presented a very interesting tour showing their earth systems technology program. I was first introduced to Dr. Kvitek when presented his program at the Board of Trustees meeting in January. I continue to be amazed at the applied technology being on campuses involving undergraduate students. CSUMB's program maps the floor of the ocean and shows the movement of the land under the ocean. This program profile is available at http://www.seafloor.csumb.edu.

In addition, Pilar Gose provided a complete day and a half of visits including the Advancement team, Alumni Board members, and Student Leaders including Zoe Carter, ASI President and Chair of the CSSA Board.

Campus Visit- San Francisco State University

2010-02-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

An amazing today was planned for the campus at SFSU. The morning began with the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate. Senate Chair Shawn Whalen introduced me to the leadership of the Faculty organization on campus. A discussion on Facilitating Graduation as well as student financial aid were the main topics along with the need for advocacy in the system as well as legislative accountability.

In addition, I met with the President's Cabinet, University Advancement team as well as the student leaders. The day was capped off with a foot tour of the campus.

I was very interested in the work being done on Intellectual Property policy developed by the campus and the possibility of using this as a template for other campuses.

Campus Visit- CSU San Marcos

2009-12-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to visit with the President's management team involved with the development of the athletic facilities and the Advancement team. Matthew Ceppi and Neal Hoss were very excited about the future development and partnerships opportunities that had recently come their way. The campus has done a great job with communicating with the City of San Marcos and the business community regarding the campus master plan. The future looks bright in San Marcos.

Campus Visit-San Diego State University

2009-12-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

This visit to SDSU was primarily visit with the Alumni Association staff, visit the new Alumni facility and check in with the Director of the Honors program that travels aboard to the island of Cyprus.

The Alumni Building at SDSU is clearly a case study in the engaging alumni. You have to see the building to understand how awesome a facility it is. I'm certain Jim Herrick and staff would be willing to share their success story.

California State Student Association- San Francisco State University

2009-12-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to attend the morning session on the CSSA Board meeting. Our own Karen Yelverton-Zamarippa was the first speaker of the day and she provided a summary of what was going on in Sacramento on behalf of the system and the focus of our legislative program. Following Karen was Assemblyman Alberto Torrico who was pitching is legislation AB 656.

Our students asked great questions on how any legislation was going to benefit students. I am truly impressed with the level of competency of our student leaders. Check out the CSSA website at http://www.csustudents.org The campaign MADE IN THE CSU rocks.

Campus Visit- Cal Poly Pomona

2009-11-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

Following the November Trustees meeting I was the guest of President Ortiz and Alumni Director Melissa Riordan. A very full two day visit including meetings with the Student Senate, Athletic Department leadership,Advancement team,the campus Farm and meeting with the Alumni Board.

Cal Poly Pomona Alum and Alumni Council Executive Committee member Jon Lundstrom and Alumni Council President Ken Stone also were in attendance at the meeting and provided the local Board with a very comprehensive report on the work of the CSU Alumni Council.

Obviously the financial condition of the State of California budget remains at the top of everyone's discussion list. Alumni are very willing to mobilize on behalf of the campus and are interested in hearing more about our work in Sacramento.

During the meeting with the Student Senate the discussion focused on class section availability and a visual presentation from the students about how the budget cuts are impacting the students at Cal Poly Pomona.

Many thanks to Melissa Riordan for an outstanding visit.

Campus Visit- CSU Dominquez Hills

2009-11-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

Monday prior to the November 2009 Trustees meeting, I was the guest of the CSUDH Alumni Advisory Council. Long-Time CSU Alumni Council representative Jimmie Thompson was present along with Vice President Greg Saks. It was important to Alumni Director Porsche Gordon that we spend some time discussing issues important to Alumni on campus and how to mobilize them on behalf of the campus.

The Alumni organization at CSUDH has made some organizational adjustments and in the vision of Campus President Millie Garcia, she believes they are on track to help the campus focus on student access and regional support for the campus.

Hearst CSU Trustees Awards

2009-10-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

About the Award

The William Randolph Hearst/CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement is given each year to those students who demonstrate superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need. Each of these outstanding students receives a $3,000 scholarship.

In April 2006, Dr. Ali C. Razi, Trustee Emeritus of the CSU Board of Trustees, endowed a scholarship fund to recognize the top scoring recipient of the Hearst / CSU Trustees' Award. The California State University Foundation Board of Governors honored his commitment to students by naming this outstanding individual as the Trustee Ali C. Razi Scholar.

In 2009, two exceptionally talented and dedicated students — Araciel Juarez and Phi Nguyen — received the $10,000 Razi scholarship, which is distributed due to the personal generosity of Dr. Razi.

In May 2007, Dr. Murray L. Galinson, Trustee Emeritus of the CSU Board of Trustees and Chair of the Board from 2004 to 2006, endowed a scholarship fund to recognize a Hearst / CSU Trustees' Award recipient who best exemplifies extraordinary public service to his or her home or university community. The California State University Foundation honored his commitment to students by naming the honored individual as the Trustee Murray L. Galinson Scholar.

This year two exceptionally dedicated students — Suzanne P. Pullen and Daniel L. Cole — received the $6,000 Galinson scholarship.

Meet the 2009 Awardees

The CSU congratulates the 2009 recipients of the William Randolph Hearst/CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement.

The California State University is proud to present the 2009 recipients of the William Randolph Hearst/CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement.

The personal stories of these students are inspiring. They have each overcome tremendous life challenges to pursue a college degree.

Yet, while their commitment, drive and perseverance are extraordinary, these students are not unlike the thousands of students who look to the CSU each year for high-quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities.

The CSU congratulates this year's winners whose talent, determination and drive will help build and sustain California's future.

Watch video of the 2009 awards ceremony.

http://www.calstate.edu/foundation/hearst/awardees/2009/video/index.shtml

CSU Northridge Alumni Awards- May 16, 2009

2009-05-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

CSUCI Commencement May 16 2009

2009-05-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

Long Beach State Alumni Awards- May 14, 2009

2009-05-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

San Diego State campus visit-May 8, 2009

2009-05-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

CSU Fullerton Guardian Scholars Program 2009

2009-05-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

Sacramento State Green and Gold Gala-February 20 2009

2009-02-20T22:20:00.000-08:00

A sold-out audience witnessed a terrific tribute to the Sac State Troops to College program with special guest Entertainer Carol Channing and her husband Harry Kulligan. President Alexander and Gloria Gonzalez hosted a grand table of supporters of Sac State campus and foundation leaders.

Sacramento State Commencement-December 19-20, 2008

2009-01-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

The only CSU mid-year semester Commencement Ceremony is held at Arco Arena in Sacramento for Sacramento State. Seven ceremonies were held over a two day period this past year. Approximately 2,500 students received degrees this year.

The Staff at Sac State do an outstanding job organizing this Commencement event.

San Jose State- Campus Visit- November 21, 2008

2008-11-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

Paul Richardson, Alumni Director at San Jose State provided a tour of the campus including the John Carlos and Tommie Smith tribute for the 1968 Olympic Awards Ceremony. This tribute was completely campus driven and organized to honor the memory of the controversial expression by these two Olympians who are alums from San Jose State.

That evening San Jose State played Fresno State in Football and a number of the CSU family were present along with campus President Jon Whitmore and Vice President Fred Najjar and CSU East Bay President Mo Qayoumi.

CSU DH- November 17, 2008

2008-11-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

Visited with the Alumni,Students and President's cabinet members at CSUDH. President Mildred Garcia has done a terrific job with the new direction of the CSUDH alumni effort. Vice President Greg Saks organized the visit that included meeting with the Alumni leadership and the members of the ASI.

I had the opportunity to visit with President Garcia and discuss her priorities for the upcoming school year. President Garcia is very excityed about the work of VP Saks and the final selection process of the New Alumni Director slated for late January 2009.

CSSA Meeting- CSU Northridge- November 15, 2008

2008-11-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

The November meeting for the California State Student Association (CSSA) was held on Saturday November 15 on the campus at Northridge. Bob Linscheid provided the report on behalf of the Alumni Council. All but three campuses were represented that weekend that included a day-long meeting on Friday the 14th with Chancellor Reed and staff to discuss the importance of student involvement in system-wide governance.

Students remain concerned about the rising cost of student fees and the ability of the system to accommodate all students that are CSU qualified. It was during that meeting the Governor announced the selection of Russell Statham of Fresno State as the incoming student Trustee.

50th Anniversary Celebration-CSU Stanislaus

2008-10-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

On the weekend of October 25th, the campus community at Cal State Stanislaus celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate of Arts and Letters to superstar actor Gary Sinise who played the character of Lt. Dan in Forest Gump.

Following the Gala Dinner, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band provided entertainment to a crowd of about 2000 excited supporters of the campus.

Trustee Chairman of the Board Jeffrey Bleich presented the Honorary Doctorate on behalf of the Board of Trustees and President Ham Shirvani. Also in attendance from the Board was Dr. Peter Mehas and Alumni Trustee Bob Linscheid.

CSU Facilities Conference- October 23, 2008- Los Angeles

2008-10-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

The Office of Campus Facilities once again coordinated the annual Campus Facilities conference this year held in Los Angeles. Campuses representing the UC and the CSU along with vendors that service the campuses were in attendance.

CSU Trustee Bob Linscheid served as presenter of the Student Awards for Sustainability programs in the UC and CSU. Student winners provided the audience with a short power point presentation on the programs.

The grand prize was awarded to Chico State for the SCOOP program that provided audits to reduce the use of energy

October 17- Town & Gown Conference- SLO

2008-10-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

The Annual Town and Gown Conference was held in San Luis Obispo on Thursday and Friday October 17 and 18. Best practice programs were held during two-half day sessions. In addition, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell was one of the keynote speakers.

This conference was geared for campus leaders,deans, community and governmental relations, and staff and faculty with expertise in planning, housing and transportation. The cities are inviting elected officials, city managers, county administrators, and planning/community/economic development staff.

I was particularly impressed by the technology, innovation and economic development session put on by the City and University of Boulder. This would be an area of great interest in communities where CSU campuses are located.

Alliance for CSU- August 30, 2008-Chico State

2008-08-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

The Alliance for the CSU concluded the summer series of baseball at Chico State with an additional 900 fans attending a Chico Outlaws game in support for the CSU. Chico State Chapter President Susan Green organized the Alliance and her team secured an additional 300 signatures in proclaiming that CSU is the Solution.

Campus Visit- Long Beach State- August 21, 2008

2008-08-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

A number of capital projects have been completed in the CSU system over the past 12 months. One of the most impressive projects is the library control system installed at Long Beach State. Earlier this year, the CSU Alumni Council visited the library as well. During my official campus visit on August 21st, Mary Stephens, VP of Facilities, provided a tour of the control system that provides a capacity of over one-million volumes. In addition, I was able to tour the Film Department with fellow Trustee Craig Smith who chairs the department on campus.

Gay Arakawa, Alumni Director, organized a meeting with members of her Executive Committee at the Long Beach campus.

Alliance for the CSU-August 21, 2008-Blair Field-Long Beach

2008-08-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

The Alliance for the CSU held a successful event at Blair Field in Long Beach. Over 1000 participants signed up to attend the baseball game between the Long Beach Armada and the Chico Outlaws. Executive Vice Chancellor Gary Reichard and CFA President Lillian Taiz threw out the first pitch during the pre-game ceremony.

Alliance for the CSU- Chico Outlaws Day

2008-06-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Assistant Vice Chancellor Karen Zamarippa and CFA President Lillian Taiz share a moment at the ballgame as each had the opportunity to throw out the "first pitch" on behalf of the Alliance for the CSU.

Over 3,000 fans attended the Chico Outlaws game on Saturday June 21st. 900 of those fans were there on behalf for the Alliance for the CSU. A huge collaboration between Faculty, Staff, alumni and Students gathered to show support for the CSU.

Outlaws mascot Rascal also joined the Alliance and received his T-shirt during a pre-game ceremony.

Photos from the Alliance Game with the Outlaws in Chico

2008-06-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Alumni Council President Valerie Vuicich

2008-06-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

CSU Alumni Council- June 20-21 Cal State East Bay

2008-06-16T05:07:00.000-07:00

The final meeting of the Academic Year will be held on June 20th and 21st hosted by the Alumni Association at Cal State East Bay.At the May 2008 meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Committee assignments were completed for the 2008-09 academic year. Trustee Jeffrey Bleich was named to the position of Chairman of the Board and Trustee Herbert Carter was named to the position of Vice Chair.

Subject to the re-election by the Alumni Council at the June Alumni Council meeting, I will be serving on the following committees:
1. Chairman, Campus Planning, Buildings and Grounds
2. Member, Government Relations Committee
3. Member, Institutional Advancement Committee
4. Member, Finance Committee

2008-09 Budget

The budget continues to be the issue of the day for the Board of Trustees. While we were successful with the May revise in supplementing the budget with $90 million of additional funding, the Legislature and the Governor have quite a challenge ahead before the Budget is actually signed. The Alliance for the CSU continues to be very active during the summer in providing a strong front in advocating on behalf of teh CSU.

CSU, East Bay Commencement- June 14, 15

2008-06-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

From Left to Right: Joe Morgan, President Mo Qayoumi, Sparky Anderson,Bob Linscheid and Broadcaster John Miller

The final Commencement ceremony scheduled this spring/ summer is the East Bay Commencement on the Hayward Campus on Saturday the 14th of June and Sunday the 15th and on the 15th at the Concord campus. One of the most exciting roles for a Trustee is the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate. At the East Bay campus, Mr. Joe Morgan will be honored when he receives the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

Joe Morgan has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in professional sports: a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, a former two-time National League “Most Valuable Player” with the Cincinnati Reds, and an Emmy-award-winning ESPN broadcaster. A 1990 alumnus of California State University, East Bay, he is a distinguished civic and business leader and longtime supporter of the California State University and Cal State East Bay.

Mr. Morgan’s career as a second baseman spanned 22 seasons, during which he played for the Houston Colts and Astros; Cincinnati Reds; San Francisco Giants; Philadelphia Phillies; and Oakland Athletics. He was selected 10 times to the National League All-Star Team, and was the Most Valuable Player twice. Mr. Morgan was the first second baseman to play in 2,000 games, hit 200 home runs and attain 2,000 hits. He was elected to the Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible.

His broadcasting career followed his 1985 retirement. He has worked for ABC-TV and NBC-TV, announced Reds and Giants games, called World Series games, and received an All-Star Cable ACE award in 1990 and Emmy Awards for sports analysis in 1995 and 2005.

Mr. Morgan is known throughout the East Bay for his inspirational leadership and work on behalf of young people. He is a model of citizenship, educational and professional achievement, and personal excellence who embodies the intellectual and humane values that are consistent with higher education and with the highest ideals of his profession.

Additional pictures from the Commencement are available at the following link

http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=572054023#/album.php?aid=26148&id=572054023

Chico State Commencement May 23, 24, 25

2008-05-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

After two ceremonies at Sac State, I was able to attend the Chico State Graduate School Commencement in Laxson Auditorium that same day. Over 250 graduates were "hooded" by their respective college Deans and shook hands with President Paul Zingg. It was amazing to me that over 30 graduates degrees (my estimate) were given to students in the field of Computer Science/Engineering. Every single one from diverse populations or international students. What can we do to make this field of study more prevalent in our schools here in Chico?

Photos for the graduate school commencement are available on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=1131122717&aid=2823

Commencement-Sacramento State-May 23rd

2008-05-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to attend two separate graduation ceremonies for Natural Sciences and Arts and Letters in the Arco arena with fellow Trustee Margaret Fortune. It is amazing to me to see how accomplished our graduate have become. The jobs our graduates are accepting right out of college is gratifying. Our Faculty should be particularly proud of the role they play in helping our graduates secure in industry.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=24412&id=572054023&saved

Commencement- Channel Islands May 17, 2008

2008-05-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day in Southern California for Commencment at Channel Islands. The weather was really hot and the excitement filled the air. The event began at 9 am and over 600 graduates entered the stage to shake hands with President Richard Rush. Photos for the event are posted on my facebook page and are available at the following link, you must be a member of facebook to view the photos. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23565&id=572054023

President Rush has done a marvelous job in building relationships with the Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni at the Channel Islands campus. At 4 pm, President Rush and his wife, Jane hosted the Faculty at their home for a celebration of another successful year.

Enjoy the photos.

Board of Trustees- May 12-14, 2008

2008-05-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

San Jose State President Selected

On Monday May 12th the Trustees interviewed the top three candidates for the campus President position at San Jose State. On Wednesday the 14th the trustees made it official that Texas Tech President Jon Whitmore would assume the duties as President replacing the popular President Don Kassing who was retiring at the end of this school year. A complete press release is available at the following link:

http://www.calstate.edu/PA/news/2008/SJSUpresident.shtml

Trustees Increase Student Fees by $276.00 per year

After considerable discussion, the Trustees voted to increase student fees for the upcoming year by $276.00.

Press release fo this action is available through the following link:

http://www.calstate.edu/PA/news/2008/feeincrease08-09.shtml

CSU Strategic Plan Adopted

The CSU Trustees adopted the Access to Excellence strategic Plan following a comprehensive process. The effort was the passion and vision of Board Chair Roberta Achtenberg. Thousands of hours from faculty, staff, students, alumni and administration went toward this effort. Complete infomation on this process is available by the following link:
http://www.calstate.edu/PA/news/2008/accesstoexcellence.shtml

May Activities Planned

2008-05-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

May 12- 14- Board of Trustees
May 17- Commencement- CSU Channel Islands
May 23- Commencement-Sacramento State
May 24-25- Commencement-Chico State

Plans are also underway for a group picnic at the Chico Outlaws game on Saturday June 21st with the Alliance for the CSU. All members of the CSU family and supporters are encouraged to attend.

Distinguished Alumni Event-Chico April 25, 2008

2008-04-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

The year I was honored by the College of Behaviorial and Social Science as the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus. My mother, sisters and children were all present at this great event. Photos from this event are available on my facebook link. You must be a member of facebook to view the photos.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=22108&id=572054023&op=6

Big Weekend for CSU Students

2008-04-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend in Sacramento,students from all 23 California State University campuses will hold their annual California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS). On Monday they will converge on the Capital with a simple message. CSU is the Solution. The collaboration of students, faculty, staff and administration for come together as an Alliance for the CSU to drive a message home to the California State Legislature and the Governor....CSU is the Solution.

At a time when we, as Californian's, spend more on prisons than the entire higher education budget the questions remains, "What kind of California do we want?"

As a Trustee for the CSU I am grateful for the togetherness expressed by all segments of the CSU family for this worthwhile effort of protecting our fine higher education system. Please join the students at Raley Field in Sacramento on Monday the 21st at 8 a.m. as they
march on the Capitol. You see, CSU is the Solution.

photos for this event are available from the following link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21489&id=572054023&op=6

Chico State Budget Rally

2008-04-10T21:23:00.000-07:00

Zingg asks university community to protest proposed budget cuts

CHICO -- A rallying cry to protect the financial strength of the California State University system was heard Tuesday at Chico State University, where 800 people packed the Bell Memorial Union Auditorium.

On each seat in the assembly room were cards encouraging people to sign up for the Alliance for the CSU" — www.allianceforthecsuc.org.

While energy to fight proposed CSU cuts might be strong now, the real effort will be needed in the summer when the state budget is being negotiated, organizers told the crowd.

University President Paul Zingg asked the college community to join together in an effort to contact legislators and protest the budget cuts. "We are a community," Zingg said. "We do many things together."

"We cheer our athletic teams," Zingg said, learn together, occasionally mourn those from the community that are lost, "we share our dreams," he said. "And on occasion we are called upon to fight together," the president said. "What we are fighting for is a vision for the future of California."

California has had a history of supporting higher education, which provides opportunities for the future. That didn't happen by accident, Zingg said.

But that promise of access to a college education is being threatened. "It is a promise challenged for new college seekers," he said.

The task now is to "convince leaders of the state we embrace the future," he said.

Campus rallies to put pressure on legislators to protect the CSU system have been held in all of the 23 campuses in California to try to stop $386 million in funding cuts proposed in the 2008-2009 state budget.

The state faces a $14 billion budget deficit and the governor has announced a 10-percent reduction in all General Fund departments, including education.

According to literature handed out by the California Faculty Association, the governor's budget would increase student fees by 10 percent, to a total of $3,048 a year, which is 113 percent higher than in 2002.

CSU Trustee member Bob Linscheid called the cuts "criminal."

"Do we want to have first-rate prison and second-rate higher institutions?" he asked.

But the cuts aren't inevitable.

Susan Green, chief of the local chapter of the California Faculty Association, said its important that students and others who support higher education join the fight to lessen budget impacts.

"Our message is simple," Green said. "Higher education is part of the solution for a troubled economy."

Especially impacted would be disadvantaged and middle-class students who will find it more challenging to attend college, speakers said. The estimates given were for 10,000 fewer qualified students able to attend the CSU system, plus other effects such as fewer classes, fewer teachers and increased class size.

Students and other community members were also encouraged to attend a statewide student rally April 21 at Raley Field in West Sacramento.

Budget Rally

2008-03-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

well over five hundred people attended a Budget Rally on the campus of Sacramento State to discuss the impending budget crisis that currently shows the California State University in line for a $380 million cut in the 2008-09 budget. The net effective is that 10,000 students will not gain access to the CSU system. A system of opportunity for many who enter.

The Rally, sponsored by the California Faculty Association (CFA) was the first of its kind where all members of the CSU Family, Faculty, Staff, Students and Administration participated .

All 23 campuses in the CSU are scheduling a Budget Rally with the goal of communicating that a budget cut of any kind was unacceptable. California's workforce requires the system to stay in tact and keep producing the 93,000 graduates each and every year in order to full the jobs available in California companies.

Chico State will be hosting their Rally on April 8th at 10:30 a.m.

December 2007 Report

2008-03-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

PAST official campus visits-EVENTS

June 21/22- CSU Alumni Council- Humboldt State
July 10-12- Board of Trustees
August 7- Regional Shareholders meeting
August 17- CSUAC Executive Committee planning meeting
September 14/15- CSUAC at Dominquez Hills
October 5- Sacramento State- Green and Gold Event
October 15-18- Visit to Eastern Mediterranean University- North Cyprus
December 21-22- Commencement- Sacramento State

PLANNED official campus visits-EVENTS

First Quarter 2008

Channel Islands

Sacramento State

Chico State

San Francisco State

Presidential search-san jose state

The Trustee Selection Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday January 14^th along with the Campus Advisory Committee to discuss the role of the committee, set the schedule of meetings, and discuss preferred attributes of the next President. AC Member Patricia Smith will be serving on the committee.

campus planning buildings and grounds

November 2007 Board Meeting

Approval of Schematic Plans, Action

California State University, Chico—Northern California Natural History Museum

California State University, Fullerton—Children’s Center

San Diego State University—Alumni Center

California State University, San Marcos—Public Safety Building

Certify the Final Environmental Impact Report and Approve the Campus Master Plans

San Francisco State University