June 2006 | The quarterly California State University Channel Islands Alumni & Friends Association online newsletter.
Dear CSUCI Alumni & Friends:
Welcome to your first edition of The Wave, the CSUCI Alumni & Friends Association's new e-newsletter! To better communicate with each of you, as active Alumni & Friends members, the Association developed this e-newsletter to help keep you informed about what's going on with Alumni & Friends and CSUCI. Here you will see news about fellow alums, Association updates, upcoming events at the CSUCI campus, special announcements, and other stories that will help you stay involved with the Association and the University.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome, so if there's something you'd like to see added to The Wave or changed, please let us know. We hope you enjoy this first edition of your new e-newsletter, The Wave! To share your suggestions, contact Alumni Relations at tania.garcia@csuci.edu.
Another First for CSUCI Grads
Caps and gowns, class rings, yearbooks, announcements...everything that graduates need and more. CSU Channel Islands held another important first, the 2006 Senior Grad Fest in which more than 300 graduates attended to sign up for alumni membership and make all their plans for the big day. This "one-stop shop" for graduates allowed students to take care of all of Commencement planning so that they were well prepared to grace the stage on May 20. Campus parking services, disability accommodations, advising and senior portraits were among the many services available in the Hub. The Alumni & Friends Association was also present and offered a special package that included cap and gown for a discounted rate.
So I haven't made it big yet, but I want to give back.
As a recent graduate of CSU Channel Islands, many of you may be asking how you can help give back to your University. Yes, the campus has many funding needs and your support is always appreciated, but there is another way to give back. The Alumni & Friends Association is looking for volunteers to help with various events, including wine and cheese orientations and Dodger Day. The Association is not a state-funded organization and maintains its programs from membership revenues, so resources are very limited. That's where volunteers come in. We need you to help us with the great events that are so important to all of us. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Alumni Relations at 805-437-8952.
Recreation Connection This Month
Take a look at the great benefits from Recreation Connection this month. Remember when using this benefit to refer to "CSUCI Alumni and Friends Association" when placing your orders. Have a great time!!
Recreation Connection (PDF, .4MB)
New Board Member Introduction
Melissa Mirkovich - Melissa is a graduate of the CSU Channel Islands Class of 2005 and is currently employed as an inside sales representative for Bend-Pak Incorporated/Ranger Products.
I moved from Los Angeles to Ventura County almost four years ago to be a member of the first class at Cal State Channel Islands. I chose CSUCI because the interdisciplinary classes would allow me to achieve my goals and suited my style of learning. The first time I drove onto campus, I knew I was home. The gorgeous grounds, small class sizes, quality of education and family-like environment were just the beginning of my journey.
Cal State Channel Islands helped me to excel in academics and thrive through my various campus involvements. I enjoyed priceless experiences and gained wonderful friendships through my time spent at the University as a student. Since graduating, I continue to utilize the knowledge I acquired to advance my personal career. I am very honored and grateful to be a member of the Alumni & Friends Association Board and a part of this great collegiate family. I am excited to have the opportunity to give back to the campus community the way it so generously gave to me.
Announcements....
- CSUN-CI alumna Yvette Bocz and CSUCI alumna Lori Macdonald joined a delegation of University staff and community leaders in Sacramento at the annual CSU Alumni Legislative Day. The delegation met with various legislators and attended a special alumni reception for alumni from more than 20 other CSU campuses. If you are an alumni with connections in Sacramento, call Alumni Relations at 805-437-8952.
- CSUCI’s first-ever yearbook is now on sale. The Nautical will feature the history of the campus and talk about all the alumni firsts. If you would like to purchase a copy of this milestone first-edition of The Nautical, please contact Student Life at 805-437-8517.
- The Alumni & Friends Association congratulates Guillermo “Bert” Partida, Class of 2005. He received his Juris Doctorate in January and passed the Bar exam in February.
- Over 400 graduates processed Saturday, May 20 on the South Quad of CSU Channel Islands. A crowd of about 5000 attended to see their proud graduates grace the stage and to listen to Commencement speaker, distinguished author and historian David McCullough. The Alumni & Friends Association and CSUCI handed out a free license plate frame to each graduate.