University Advancement Wins CASE Award for 50th Anniversary Celebration

The University Advancement team at California State University, Dominguez Hills has won the Silver Award in the Year-Long Special Events category from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII Awards of Excellence program for the university’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“We want to congratulate you on winning an award for your hard work. There were a record number of entries —388 in all—and your excellent achievement stood out among a large pool,” wrote Lishelle Blakemore, CASE VII Awards of Excellence co-chair, in a message announcing the award.

“It is really wonderful for the university to receive this award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education,” said Greg Saks, vice president for university advancement. “Recognition of the work performed by our staff is even more significant when you consider the caliber of institutions in our CASE district.  It is always wonderful to be recognized by our peers.”

For consideration in the Year-Long Special Events category, a university’s event had to include multiple activities centered on a theme, such as an anniversary, inauguration, or fundraising campaign.

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Terry McMillan, the bestselling author of “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” “Disappearing Acts,” and “Waiting to Exhale,” visited California State University, Dominguez Hills on Feb. 15. McMillan, who has taught English at the University of Arizona, Tucson, the University of Wyoming, and Stanford University, addressed an audience of students, faculty, staff, and community members in the Loker Student Union and read from her newest book, “Getting to Happy.”

President Mildred García welcomed McMillan to CSU Dominguez Hills and described the impact of watching the premiere of movie version of “Waiting to Exhale.”

“The next day I was reading the front page of the New York Times, where they wrote about all those women talking back to the [screen], and about how that book spoke to our experiences, spoke about support, love, and sisterhood,” said García recalling seeing the movie with friends. “The universal understanding, honesty, and empowerment found in [McMillan’s] work resonates with so many of us and creates a powerful dialogue that transcends all races.”

McMillan discussed “Getting to Happy,” which is a sequel to her 1992 bestseller, “Waiting to Exhale.” She said that revisiting the story of four women who stood together in friendship through single life, marriages, divorce, and motherhood reflected her need to heal from her own painful and public divorce in 2005.

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CSU Dominguez Hills Names New Director of Development

California State University, Dominguez Hills is pleased to announce that Alexandra Jordan is the university’s new director of development. Her first day was February 7.

Jordan comes to CSU Dominguez Hills with more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and higher education arenas. For the past three years she had been a development coordinator at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she was responsible for implementing fund raising strategies for the College of Business Administration. Prior to working at CSULB, she served as interim executive director and administrative director at Christian Outreach in Action, a nonprofit that serves the homeless population in the greater Long Beach area.

“Dominguez Hills is a vibrant university committed to educational excellence and student success,” Jordan said. “It is a privilege to be a part of the team facilitating partnerships that help grow scholarship, research, and academic programs at the university. I am proud to join the Toro family!”

“Alexandra brings her passion for higher education and knowledge of the CSU system with her to CSU Dominguez Hills. We are happy to have her join our development team and look forward to a bright future,” said Andrea Sala, associate vice president of development.

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Alumni Notes

Arturo Aguayo (B.S. '05), was recently appointed to Assistant Vice President with Sterne Agee’s Municipal Finance Group. His seven-year career in public finance began at the City of Long Beach, in the Department of Financial Management, where he played a key role in the oversight and maintenance of the City’s multi-billion dollar debt portfolio.

Kevin P. Lembo (M.P.A '05), was elected to State Comptroller for the State of Connecticut. He will be serving his second 4-year term as head of this independent state agency that helps untangle the complexities of the healthcare system for all Connecticut residents.

Katrina Manning (B.S.'10), was nominated by the City of Hawthorne for the 2011 25th Senate District Women of Distinction. Her recognition is a result of her personal achievements and hard work which benefits all in the Hawthorne Community.

Sharon Ward (B.A. '98), was appointed to Director of Public and Media Relations for Pelican Products, Inc. Ward brings more than 20 years of branding, marketing and sales experience to her new position in which she oversees all Pelican corporate communications and activities and will act as the company’s official spokesman.

We’d like to hear from you! Your friends at CSU Dominguez Hills want to know what you're up to! Email the Office of Alumni Programs at alumniprograms@csudh.edu.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of California State University, Dominguez Hills, we invite you to share your stories about campus life.

From our alumni, we’d like fond memories of fellow students or professors, reminiscences of student life and academic progress, or how your experiences at CSU Dominguez Hills have shaped your lives and careers.

Please send submissions, either in written (not to exceed 200 words) or photographic form, to jharmon@csudh.edu.

Please include your name, major and graduation year; if you are also CSUDH staff or faculty please include your title and department, and the year you began your employment here.

We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your stories on the 50th Anniversary website.

The CSUDH Founding Celebrations page is now up on the American Association of State College & Universities website. You can visit it through their homepage.

Toros at Lucky Strike
Thursday, March 10
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge
3525 W. Carson St. Torrance, CA 90503

Show your Toro spirit! Young alumni come join the Alumni Association for FREE drinks, food, bowling and the L.A. Lakers vs. Miami Heat.

Please RSVP to fhernandez@csudh.edu or (310) 243-2237 by Friday, March 4.

2011 Women’s Conference: Connecting Women to Power
Open to CSUDH Alumna
Wednesday, March 30
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Location: Loker Student Union- Ballroom

To RSVP and for more information click here.

2011 Commencement Alumni Processional
Friday, May 20
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Home Depot Center Tennis Stadium
18400 Avalon Boulevard, Carson CA 90746

Pre-reception at 4:30pm in the American Express Stadium Club

Please RSVP by Friday, May 13 to (310) 243-2237 or fhernandez@csudh.edu.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSU Dominguez Hills (OLLI), a program of educational, cultural and social opportunities for retired an semi-retired individuals age 50 and above.

University Library OLLI Event
Wednesday, March 23
Time: 10:00am
Location: EE-1213

OLLI Public Service Event on Health Care Reform
Tuesday, April 5
Time: 10:00am
Location: EE-1213

OLLI Ice Cream Social
Tuesday, April 19
Time: 1:30pm
Location: EE-1213

To RSVP, email us at olliassist@csudh.edu or call 310-243-3208

OLLI Members Meeting
Tuesday, May 24
Time: 10:00am
Location: EE-1213

For more information about OLLI contact Jim Bouchard at 310-243-3729 or jbouchard@csudh.edu

More Alumni Events and Alumni Photos available on our website.

Stay Connected! Help us keep your contact information current so you don't miss out on invitations to events, your alumni e-newsletter, and more! Update your information online here.

Did you know you can make a gift that provides a fixed income for life? More information can be found on our Planned Giving website or by calling 310-243-2182.

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Dateline: Dominguez Hills