A reception for California State University, Dominguez Hills alumni was held at the home of Dr. Kathy Tibone (Class of ’75, M.S., behavioral science) on Oct. 11. Approximately 100 alumni, most of whom reside in the South Bay beach cities of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach enjoyed a fall evening at Tibone’s home on the Strand.

“I wanted to renew my connection with the university and this seemed to be something that would really help a lot of people,” said Tibone, who worked as a genetic engineer and taught at CSU Dominguez Hills in the late 1980s. “I’m happy I can do this… [It] just seemed like a really fun way to meet people and connect.”

Tibone, who serves on the advisory board of the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics at Duke University and her doctorate in anatomy and physiology at UCLA. She says that she hopes to help establish more STEM internships and scholarships for students.

“My son just graduated from USC and I saw what the Trojan family does,” said Tibone. “I would like to have a family like that [at CSU Dominguez Hills], where more people help the kids coming out of school to get jobs and more training.”

Click here for the full article.

Gerardo Torres-Ochoa: Bringing Excellent Customer Service to the Table

has a caramel macchiato at Tully’s every day, and you have it ready for them, that means a lot because they know you’re paying attention,” says Torres-Ochoa.  “Or if there’s a line, a simple, ‘I’ll be right with you’ means so much. It’s not about posters or advertising. It’s about the relationship between you and the customer.”

Fostering that relationship began while he was still a student at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The recent graduate (Class of ’11, B.S., business administration) supported himself through college by working at LSU, and in the process was able to combine his in-class learning to the professional development he gained on the job. In selecting him for the award, the selection committee noted his role in assisting with more than 250 events during the university’s 50th Anniversary celebration and raising the profit margin for Campus Dining.

Torres-Ochoa’s day starts with the opening of Tully’s, the LSU’s coffee concession, and ends with the last catered event of the day. In between, he has to oversee and if needed pitch in, for the operations of each of Campus Dining’s services, which is why customers will often see him running the register in Club 1910 or tending bar at a reception in the University Library.

Click here for the full article.

Congratulations to all of CSUDH Alumni who were honored at the 2011 Staff Service Award ceremonies!

President Mildred García recognized California State University Staff for their outstanding commitment and dedication at the 2011 Staff Service Awards. Congratulations to each of the 102 staff members who were recognized but also special thanks to the individuals that represent their alma mater with pride and excellence through the out years.

5 Years of Service
Jyenny Lee Babcock (B.A. '06, M.A. '10)
Lois Leilani Yuik Donnelly (B.A. '07)
Monica Ponce (B.S. '06)
Betty C. Ramirez (B.A. '08)
Tomanika Taylor (B.A. '10)

10 Years of Services
Lisa A. Ayres (B.S. '10)
Jeanette Perez (B.S. '00)
Neisha D. Rhodes (B.A. '11)
Reza Boroon (M.B.A '01)
Khiem Q. Ha (B.S. '00)
Iris Talactac (B.A. '07)

15 Years of Service
Yvette Velarde (B.S. '96, M.P.A. '01)
Mahabub Alam (B.S. '92)

20 Years of Service
Guy Witherspoon (B.S. '91, M.A. '93, M.B.A '01)

25 Years of Service
Pete Van Hamersveld (M.A. '92)
Marion Smith (M.A. '96)

30 Years of Service
Collen J. Arceneaux (B.A. '84)
David H. Inafuku (B.A. '76)
Juana L. Henry-Turner (B.S. '80, M.P.A '90)
Gary Kuwahara (B.A. '83)

35 Years of Service
Marilyn Brady (B.A. '97, M.A. '01)
Enola G. Thompson-Logan (B.S. '90, M.P.A. '93)

Alumni Notes

New Banner Campaign to Raise Funds for Student Scholarships

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.