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STAN2009California State University StanislausALUMNI REPORTPeople give their support. Students benefit. TheUniversity’s 2008-09 Annual Report awaits you inside.classroom combatDr. Shawna Young invites you into the gym whereshe teaches Combative Activities and the importanceof including them in K–12 physical education.California State University StanislausCalifornia State University StanislausthePROMISEof determination.California State University StanislausScholar recipients overcome more odds before theyCalifornia State UniversityPromiseStanislausenter college than most of us do in a lifetime. Meet three ofthem inside and learn about how this program for fosteryouth is providing opportunity and encouragement.vito chiesadr. ellen bell digs ita Tennis warrior’S DayIn the Ambassador Spotlight,Chiesa covers sustainability,responsibility, and more.The CSU Stanislaus professoruncovers the incredible historyof the lost Maya kings.We followed student athleteVerena Preikschas to see whatgoes into that on-court perfection.
contentsDepartments04University news0850th anniversary10Ambassador spotlight18alumni CONNECTION25STOCKTON center26Death Valley, doctorates,and so much moreInaugural Gala a success,University preps for anotheras anniversary nearsCounty Supervisor Vito Chiesavows to promote education —and talks sustainabilityPolitical Science grad Steve Josthas three decades of experienceon Capitol HillStockton and success gohand-in-hand; plenty afootat University ParkPhilanthropy reportcover story12CSU Stanislaus ‘was his life,’and Wayne Pierce lived tohelp others.28FOCUS ON FACULTY32warrior HIGHLIGHTS38Terrence Ellis uses art to express thehope and gratitude he’s felt sincebecoming involved with the PromiseScholars Program.It’s an understatement to sayDr. Ellen Bell digs anthropologyWhat’s a day like for arising tennis superstar?In a word: busy.SHOWING PROMISEThe Promise Scholars Programlaunches into the spotlight.Its students gain knowledge,society benefits.feature Story36STUDent spotlightsCOMBATIVE ACTIVITiesYou think tests aretough? Try taking oneof Shawna Young’s.Chad Cummings, VeronicaEstrada, and Tara Garrisonfoundation boardofficers:Dr. Hamid ShirvaniChairmanMatt SwansonPresidentCEO, Associated FeedPet Extreme, Inc.Susana Gajic-BruyeaExecutive OfficerRuss GiambellucaTreasurerJames BrendaSecretaryPresident, JKB HomesdirectorsBill AhlemCo-founder, Hilmar Cheese CompanyDr. Esmail Amid-HozourCEO, Eton CorporationDr. Amin AshrafzadehOpthalmologist and Eye Surgeon withpractices in Turlock and ModestoDorothy BizziniPresident, Bizzini Investments, Inc.Carol Bright TougasVice President, Bright DevelopmentMathew Bruno, Sr.President, Turlock Dairy andRefrigeration, Inc.Dr. Moses ElamPhysician-In-Chief, Kaiser Permanente
California State University StanislausCalifornia State University StanislausCaliforniaState University Stanislausfriends of CSU Stanislaus by the Office ofSTAN magazine is published for alumni andCommunications & Public Affairs in the DivisionCalifornia State University Stanislausof University Advancement.Comments may be sent to STAN, Public Affairs,One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382Phone: 209.667.3131 Fax: 209.667.3026E-mail: stanmag@csustan.eduPlease send Class Notes, in Memoriaminformation, and address changes toCalifornia State University, Stanislaus,Attn: Alumni Affairs, One University Circle,Turlock, CA 95382PresidentHamid Shirvani, Ph.D.Vice President for University AdvancementSusana Gajic-BruyeaAssistant Vice President for Communications& Public AffairsKristin OlsenMagazine Contributors :EditorKristin OlsenArt DirectorEric Arvizua State University StanislausContributing WritersEric ArvizuDon HansenJacob McDougal ’04Shannon NicholsDenise Nordell ’04Kristin OlsenHerb Smart ’05Leola Washington ’08Shawna Young, Ph.D.Graphic DesignEric ArvizuTammy WhitePhotographyCary EdmondsonBob Endsley ’74President, Coldwell BankerEndsley & AssociatesEd FitzpatrickCEO, Fitzpatrick Dealership GroupRon FosterCEO and Chairman , Foster FarmsDianne GagosPhilanthropistSteve GemperlePresident, Gemperle Enterprises, Inc.Steve Mort ’75CEO, Don’s Mobile GlassMilan PanicChairman and CEO,MP Biomedicals, LLCRobert Triebsch, Esq.Founder: Triebsch, Frampton,Dorius & LimaJim VieiraPresident, P&F Metals and CaliforniaMill Co.Jane Evans VilasPhilanthropistPaula Zagaris Leffler ’87CEO, Liberty Property ManagementJane Bruner, Ph.D.Associate Professor of BiologicalSciences, CSU StanislausDiana HerediaPresident, Associated Students, Inc.CSU Stanislaus
2STANINTRODUCING!STANmagMYORGUS ONLINEAT WWW.Mystanmag.orgGET MORE OF THE STORIES, JOINWhat year is it, anyway? That’sright, with less than a single year left towrap up the first decade of the newmillenium, we figured it was now or never.Introducing: MyStanMag.org—the onlinecompliment to the magazine you’reholding in your hand right now.It’s an exciting time for us here atSTAN magazine. You’ll find backgrounddetails from the stories you’re about toread, plus a plethora of Web-exclusive,media-rich content that is sure toplease your inquisitive, well-rounded,Stanislaus-educated mind.We’re going to be posting updatesthroughout the year as well—addingcontent on a number of exciting topicsand blogs. Join your fellow alumni in theconversation. We can’t wait to hear fromyou. Go to www.MyStanMag.org now tounleash your opinion upon the world!HIT THE LINKS:STANSTAFFBLOGSGET YOUR CLASS NOTESThe CSU Stanislaus Office of Alumni Affairs welcomes thechance to inform your fellow graduates of the events andactivities in your life. Browse online by class to find newsabout your former classmates and take a moment to submita note of your own. Our class notes are now entirely online,allowing the information to be updated more frequently andbe displayed for a longer period of time. Check it out!Don’t miss out on the slippery footageof your fellow alumni t video online!PHOTOGRAPHER CARY EDMONDSONreceived the prestigious “Grand GoldMedal” for 2009 “Photographer of theYear” from The Council for Advancementand Support of Education. Take a lookthrough his lens by visiting his photo blog.The ‘Herb’Al RemedyOur very own Herb Smart ’05 delves into avariety of topics from social networkingto media to education. So come read allabout it and join the conversation!
fall 2009A Word withpresident SHIRVANIDifficult decisions were made this year at California StateUniversity, Stanislaus. Due to several rounds of state budget cuts,enrollment growth, and unfunded mandates, CSU Stanislaushad to trim its general fund budget by nearly 12 million.In the midst of this economic downturn, there is plenty of uncertainty. What is certain, though, is that our top priority at CSUStanislaus will continue to be instruction and service to students.We must continue to depend on the entire campus community offaculty, staff, alumni, donors, and friends to provide a top-qualityand well-rounded university experience for CSU Stanislaus students.To save funds, we will only be printing one STAN magazine eachyear. However, we are pleased to launch a new and interactive productfor our alumni — STAN mag online at www.mystanmag.org. Insidethis online publication, you will be able to stay current onuniversity news and class notes from fellow alumni, read blogentries, and more. It will be a dynamic feature, and we lookforward to your feedback.If you can support STAN magazine with an annual gift, we wouldbe most appreciative. Enclosed is an envelope you can use to senda contribution. Any amount is helpful.I am delighted to have seen so many more alumni visiting ourcampus over the past year. The Alumni Spring Reunion in Maywas a pleasant time to meet many of you and see your familiesenjoy our beautiful campus.We will continue to keep you informed about the status of youruniversity’s budget as California’s fiscal crisis continues. Moretough and unpleasant choices will be made, but through it all,we will come out stronger and better prepared to educate studentsin a new society.Public universities can remain true to their diverse educationalmissions by sustaining the best parts of their past, but we mustalso boldly reshape and reinvigorate our institutions for the future.You can help us do that by becoming informed and active alumni,engaged in conversations and activities at your alma mater. I lookforward to seeing you on campus.Regards,Hamid Shirvani, Ph.D.3
4STANUNIVERSITYNEWSgeography stdeath valley.F o r t h e l a s t 3 2 y e a r s , C S U S ta n i s l a u s G e o g r a p h y s t u d e n t s h av ee m b a r k e d u p o n a N A n n u a l j o u r n e y t h at i s a l m o s t i n s ta n t lyf os silize d into the ir acade mic me mor ies .
fall 2009udents faceGeography major Julia Stephens looks up from studying one of the crystal formations growing in Devil’s Golfcourse.Professor Ida Bowers notes, “There arevery few better ways to learn about asubject than to actually get out andexperience it with your own two hands.”Processes in Arid Landscapes-DeathValley” course curriculum; no differentexcept for the fact that it may very well bethe last trip made.The annual trip to Death Valley hasbecome a landmark staple of the richeducational experience that reflects theprogram’s philosophy of learning. Thisyear was no different for the small groupof seven students and their accompanying entourage who signed up for the tripas part of the intensive “GeographicalThe massive state budget cut affectingthe entire CSU system has not spared theGeography Department’s funding forthe annual trek. The news comes at a badtime for Bowers as well, as she has beenpreparing her own farewell on the way tofinal retirement at the conclusion of anillustrious 37-year career at CSU Stanislaus.Bowers expresses a subtle sense of sorrowknowing that the field trip may notcontinue without her.“There has to be a strong belief in theimportance of field work in manyenvironments for Geography students,”Bowers said. “Students tell me theyremember more whey they’re out learningin the field and not in the classroom. It’sup to students to let their professorsknow that they want field work.”Feeling inspired? Go online andvideo captured by STAN magazine.check out our exclusive Death ValleyYou can also learn more about Dr. IdaWeb content. Catch a glimpse of what itBowers and ways you can supportwas like for the students in Death Valleysaving the annual field trip.through some amazing photography and5
EARN POINTS, NO ANNUAL FEE, SUPPORT MYFELLOW WARRIORS WITH EVERY PURCHASE?YEAH, SIGN ME UP.The Office of Alumni Affairs credit card with WorldPoints rewards card is the only credit cardthat supports CSU Stanislaus Alumni and earns points toward cash back, air travel, merchandise,and more—all with no annual fee and a low annual percentage rate!For every new account that is opened and every purchase made withthe card, Bank of America will make a contribution to CSU StanislausOffice of Alumni Affairs at no additional cost to you! Members mayreview information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits, andapply by calling 1-800-932-2775 (mention priority code FACR8A for Alumni).CALL TODAY TO LEARNMORE ABOUT THEPROGRAM AND TOAPPLY FOR YOUR CARD1-800-932-2775There are costs associated with the use of this credit card. For information about rates, fees, other costs, and benefits associated with the use of the card, call the toll free number.Or, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at alumni@csustan.edu or 209-667-3131.
fall 2009UNIVERSITY NEWSCARNEGIE FOUNDATION HONORSSERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMSCSU Stanislaus has been recognized twicenationally for its active involvement withthe region it serves. The latest honorcame from the Carnegie Foundation forthe Advancement of Teaching’s 2008Community Engagement Classification.CSU Stanislaus is one of only fouruniversities in the California StateUniversity system and one of an elitenationwide group of 119 colleges anduniversities that have been added to theCarnegie Foundation’s CommunityEngagement listing which recognizes thecommunity connection activities of thenation’s higher education institutions.CSU Stanislaus students and faculty engagecommunities in the region through avariety of programs and issues such asliteracy development, public policy, at-riskyouth, healthy families, homelessness,science education, environmental sustainability, and diversity. The Universitycurrently offers more than 50 courses peryear through its Office of Service Learning that extend classroom learning tocommunity service projects. More than2,000 students have had the opportunityto participate in volunteer activities andservices totaling more than 30,000 hoursof service annually.CSU Stanislaus students, faculty, staff,and alumni volunteered their servicesto assist low-income individuals withtheir income tax returns in Turlock.CSU Trusteesapprovefuture growthThe California State University Board of Trustees approved an update of the CSU StanislausCampus Physical Master Plan in March 2009 that will serve as a guide for developmentto an eventual enrollment of 12,000 students while preserving the open green space andmature landscaping that makes CSU Stanislaus a uniquely beautiful campus.The final approved environmental impact report and campus master plan update thatcovers the next 15 to 20 years is the first of its kind since 1968, three years after thecurrent campus opened.A major library expansion project, renovation of the original science building into aclassroom facility, addition of a 1,200-seat auditorium in the College of the Artscomplex, and another multi-story residence hall are high priority proposals on the CSUStanislaus master plan and capital projects list.Find a link to the Master Plan video and more details at www.MyStanMag.org. Come to the CSUStanislaus campus and see all of the great changes for yourself. Maps to CSU Stanislaus and of the228-acre campus are on the University Web site at http://www.csustan.edu/directories/Maps/.For the third straight year, CSU Stanislaus was also named to the Presidents HigherFind out how students are making aEducation Community Service Honor Roll in February 2009 by the Corporationdifference with a literacy program readfor National and Community Service. The University was one of 14 CSU campusesabout it at www.MyStanMag.org.selected for the award out of a field of more than 500 colleges and universities thatsubmitted applications.7
SPECIALTHEFIFTIETHANNIVERSARYREPORTInauguralGala raises 225,000For a night, bow ties replaced books, gowns replacedgrades, a lieutenant became a doctor, and CaliforniaState University, Stanislaus took a giant leap forward.
fall 2009Gary Sinise and his “LieutenantDan Band” played at the event.The 50th Anniversary Inaugural Gala featured a sold-out dinner and a concert performance from actor, director, and musicianGary Sinise and his “Lieutenant Dan Band”at the University Amphitheater.The Mary Stuart Rogers building transformed into a fine dining hallduring the 5oth Anniversary Inaugural GalaPrior to the Gala, Sinise was awarded anHonorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree byCSU Board of Trustees Chair Jeffrey L. Bleichand CSU Stanislaus President Dr. HamShirvani. Honored for his multiple accomplishments in the film and television industries, Sinise is best known for his performanceas “Lieutenant Dan” in the Academy-Awardwinning film Forest Gump.CSU Stanislaus is planning a series ofspecial events heading into the 50thanniversary of the startup of the University at the Stanislaus County Fairgroundsin 1960, a major gala event in fall 2010to celebrate its 50 th year.Gary Sinise chats with enrepreneur and philanthropist Sebastian PaulMusco and President Hamid Shirvani inside the President’s suite.Matt Swanson, CSU Stanislaus FoundationBoard President, meets and greets Gary SiniseChildhood pals, Theatre DepartmentChair Dr. John Mayer and SiniseDemi Mehas and Fathy Shirvani strike a posealongside Sinise and CSU Trustee Peter Mehas9
10STANAMBASSADORSP TLIGHTPerhaps it’s the fact that he’s asecond generation rancher whoseroots go deep in Stanislaus County,but a conversation with VitoChiesa has a certain rhythm thatevokes the revolving seasons anda sense of balance between thepast, the present, and the future.Vito Chiesa is the newest member to the StanislausCounty Board of Supervisors. Speaking about thecauses and issues that link him to higher education ingeneral, and CSU Stanislaus in particular, Chiesareturns often to the themes of continuity, sustainability, our ties to the past, and our responsibility tofuture generations.Educational PartnershipsProvide SolutionsChiesa is committed to walking the talk when itcomes to supporting CSU Stanislaus and highereducation in Stanislaus County. “Dr. Shirvani has mypromise to do everything in my power to promoteeducation in any way I can. If the University succeeds,the residents of Stanislaus County succeed. If theUniversity struggles or fails, it will be that much moredifficult for people of the County to prosper.”“We face tremendous challenges: the ’09 high schoolgraduating class will be the largest in history, yet,college enrollment is capped or declining because ofbudget limitations. There will continue to be morecompetition for fewer spots.” Chiesa firmly believesthat business and education can work together tomeet real-world needs. “Everyone has to be on thesame page; businesses need to collaborate witheducators to meet their specific needs.”In Chiesa’s view, the emerging field of biotechnologyoffers examples of this education-meets-businessneeds philosophy, and illustrates how education andbusiness can collaborate to not only prepare thefuture workforce, but also solve problems facingtoday’s farmers and ranchers. At Chiesa Ranch, thefamily farming operation in which Chiesa works withhis parents, Mary and Aroldo, and brother, Andrew,Chiesa looks to biotech solutions for both labor-savingefficiencies and increased production. “The solutionmight come in the form of chemicals that increasecrop resistance to disease, new water efficiencies, oreco-friendly practices that preserve and protectfarmland and the environment. The point is we’relooking to science, and the scientists of the future tohelp solve these problems.”Personal commitment to educationChiesa recognizes that alumni of California collegesand universities are at a unique time in their lives,having gained a base of experience and, hence,perspective while at the same time having abundantenergy and the ability to embrace new ideas. “We canbuild alliances, and lend our support—emotionallyand professionally as well as financially—to theinstitutions that supported us as students.”Speaking of the importance of maintaining collegeconnections, Chiesa reminds alumni, “We are
fall 2009a conversationwith Vito ChiesaBy Denise Nordellproviding not just for our children’s future,but for that of our grandchildren as well.Our kids are attending schools ourgrandparents built. If you believe youreceived a world class education from yourschool, you have an obligation to give backand be sure we are focusing on the thingsthat people need and care the most about.And the reality is, without education, wedon’t have a chance to climb out of thehole we’re in.”A lifelong resident of Hughson,California, Chiesa was elected to theStanislaus County Board of Supervisors in 2008. He represents the 2 nddistrict, which includes Turlock.“Dr. Shirvani has my promise to do everything in my power topromote education in any way I can. If the University succeeds,the residents of Stanislaus County succeed. If the Universitystruggles or fails, it will be that much more difficult for peopleof the County to prosper.”to it and help future generations of students.”Asked about the difficult economicclimate, Chiesa is upbeat yet pragmatic:“It’s easy to get caught up in the doom andgloom, but I believe there are alwaysopportunities for government to reinventitself to better serve its citizens. Bynecessit
The Office of Alumni Affairs credit card with WorldPoints rewards card is the only credit card that supports CSU Stanislaus Alumni and earns points toward cash back, air travel, merchandise, and more—all with no annual fee and a low annual percentage rate! The
