December 7, 2010 - The California State University, Bakersfield Alumni Association will induct its fifth annual class of accomplished alumni into the Alumni Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 19, during a black-tie ceremony at the Petroleum Club.

"The Hall of Fame event recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions in their chosen field of endeavor or in their community, and whose accomplishments and careers have brought honor and distinction to the university," said Nancy Chaffin, CSUB alumna and chair of the Hall of Fame committee. "The 2011 CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame class members are role models. They have made a significant and lasting impact in their professions and in their contributions in our community."

This year's four inductees are:

Christine Frazier - Frazier received her teaching credential in 1984 and her Master's in Education in 1985, both from CSUB. On June 9, 2009, Frazier was named Kern County's 20th Superintendent of Schools. Frazier has worked in education for more than 30 years - as a teacher, principal and school district superintendent. She taught in Arizona and northern California before moving to Shafter in the early '80s where she taught for 12 years. She joined the Superintendent of Schools office in 1996, and from 2005 to 2009, was the associate superintendent. Her career has involved both instruction and fiscal management. Her priority is to encourage more youth to view high school graduation not as an end to classroom instruction but rather a first step toward higher education.

John Hefner - Hefner received his teaching credential from CSUB in 1976 and his Master's in Education in 1983. He retired from Fruitvale School District in 2007 after 30 years of service. During his tenure he received numerous recognitions, some of which include: Middle School Principal of the Year by West Kern ACSA in 2004; ACSA Region 11 Administrator of the Year Awards for 2003-2004; Constitutional Rights Teacher of the Year for his History Day successes; Leader of the Year by Kern Political Education Center; Beautiful Bakersfield Award for the World War II Memorial fundraising drive which included an invitation to him and four students to the White House by President Clinton. Hefner was a "110 percent" supporter of the CSUB Facility for Animal Care and Treatment (FACT) for over a decade working countless hours with Dr. Ted Murphy. He received an award for his work with FACT in 2001. Hefner is also a vice president of the Bakersfield Sister City Project.

Ben Stinson III - Stinson is a 1979 graduate of CSUB, with a degree in Business Administration. A Bakersfield native, Stinson is president of Stinson Stationers, a family owned business that started as Stinson Grocery Company in 1916 by his grandfather, Ben F. Stinson, Sr. Transferring the lessons learned from his father, son Ben Jr. established Stinson Stationers in 1947. By 1952, the business moved to the corner of Baker and Kentucky, where extra square footage allowed for the addition of a warehouse and delivery service. In 1966, the business grew to its current location, with expanded delivery to offices throughout Kern County. In 1981, Ben III became president of the now-incorporated company. The spirit and tradition continues today as Stinson's celebrates 60 years of service to the community. Stinson is very involved with CSUB as a Foundation Board Member and also serves on various boards in the Bakersfield community.

Jon Van Boening - Van Boening is a native of Bakersfield and received his Master's in Health Care Management from CSUB in 1992 and his Pharmacy Doctorate at University of the Pacific. He is a registered pharmacist and president and chief executive officer of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. Mr. Van Boening is married to Phillis and they have four children. Van Boening also serves on the CSUB Foundation Board.

"We are pleased to recognize four more outstanding graduates of CSU Bakersfield," Chaffin said. "Christine, John, Ben and Jon exemplify professional success as well as personal integrity. Each has excelled in their chosen field and has been generous in their commitment of time and resources to the community and the campus. We couldn't ask for a more distinguished group of individuals to represent CSUB."

The community is invited to join in celebrating these distinguished alumni. Single tickets are $100; a table of eight is $700. A social hour starts at 6:00 p.m., with dinner and the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $10,000. Proceeds from the event benefit the CSUB Alumni Scholarship Fund.

For more information, call 654-3211.