Achievements

2008-2009

A new Alumni Association Strategic Plan was passed at the June 2009 meeting.  Led by the efforts of President Michael Russo, the Board of Directors focused their efforts on building a new direction for your Alumni Association.  Highlights include a new dues structure, renewed focus on connection, engagement and communication.

The 3rd annual Alumni Hall of Fame Gala celebrated alumni accomplishments and our community.   We inducted our third class of accomplished alumni into the CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Seven Oaks Country Club. The gala event honored CSUB alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally and who have made notable contributions in their communities. A committee of university representatives and Alumni Board Members selected the inductees.   The 2009 class: Joel Heinrichs, Pauline Larwood, Wayne Montgomery, and Bill Rector.

Daphne Harley was honored as the 2009 Alum of the Year at the third Alumni Hall of Fame, where she was presented her award by Alumni Association President Michael Russo and CSUB President Horace Mitchell. For more information, see the Alum of the Year 2009 press release.

Party in the Park, the signature event of the Association, was another success this year. This year the event welcomed a crowd of over 600 party goers. We also welcomed beer to the event, making the party enjoyable for all 'tastes'. This event continues to be an opportunity for CSUB alumni and the community to experience a relaxing and fun evening on campus and a great primer for the annual Jazz Festival.

The campus opened two new buildings in 2008-09.  The Science III building was dedicated in September 2008, and many alumni and Association Board members were in attendance. We also participated in the dedication of the new Student Recreation Center in April 2009.  The 'Rec" can be used by alumni who paid fees as students, or by Alumni Association members who pay a monthly fee.  These two state-of-the-art facilities are a great resource for our current students, and a great source of pride for our alumni.

Alumni volunteers enjoyed showing off their alma mater at CSUB’s campus-wide open house, Celebrate CSUB!   This event helped to welcome the next class of incoming freshman and their parents during the annual Freshman Day orientation, but was also expanded to open the campus to all community members for fun, food, and educational activities. Our volunteers were on the planning committee and set up a fabulous alumni booth with games and giveaways at this special 'green' celebration. 

Our alumni joined the hundreds of CSU representatives to support our university by contacting the California Legislature regarding funding for our alma mater. CSU, Bakersfield had one of the larger delegations at the event.  If you would like to join our advocacy efforts, please visit the CSUB Advocacy Webpages.

The Nursing Alumni Chapter, led by Dr. Andal, held its third annual Nursing Seminar in the Fall 2008 to expand local educational opportunities for our nurses.  This year's focus was on The Power of Hope and co-sponsored by NAMI. Visit the Department of Nursing Website.  

Led by Dr. Mike Bedell and Chapter President Tim Quick, the MBA Chapter held an alumni and student mixer to open the 2008-09 school year, as well as other social opportunities throughout the year.  You can get involved in the Chapter by emailing mbaalumni@csub.edu.

The Runner Bookstore and the Alumni Association held two Grad Fairs for those who planned to celebrate their graduation in December '08 or June '09.  The event included the Antelope Valley campus.   Seniors could purchase their caps and gowns, class rings, diploma frames, get information on commencement, and those who purchased alumni memberships got a free license plate frame.

CSUB alumni turned out to volunteer for the Fall and Spring Athletic BBQ’s.  We served up a record number of people at both events – assisting the Athletics Department in raising scholarship funds for student athletes.   The BBQ’s are always popular for party-goers and volunteers alike, and many alumni visited our booth in the Icardo Center.

Once again, during each June Commencement ceremony, our petal-pushing alumni volunteers sold scores of flowers to help raise a record amount of support for the Association.   Almost 1,200 students graduated from CSUB in the three June 2009 ceremonies, and alumni were there cheering them on across the stage.  

Members benefited from an athletic ticket discount, by getting the senior/youth rate on individual game tickets for themselves and a friend.   In addition, special Alumni Nights were offered to graduates at a variety of Roadrunner sporting events. Alumni Association members get in free with their membership to a wide variety of dates, times and sports.  We especially enjoyed the new Division 1 competitions.   Visit Runner Athletics online.

The Alumni Association was privileged to once again give out four alumni scholarships to graduates returning to CSUB to get their Masters or Teaching Credential. Students in Bakersfield and Antelope Valley benefited from these proceeds from the Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment.