PSFA E-CONNECT - June 2009

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

PSFA’s 2009 Commencement took place on Saturday, May 23 in two ceremonies at Cox Arena. We celebrated this special day with over 2,100 graduates and their families and are pleased to bring you this special E-Connect highlighting this memorable day.

I’d like to extend a special thank you to Bill Trumpfheller (Journalism ’87) and Larry Thomas (Journalism, ’70) for welcoming the new graduates into their lifelong role as SDSU alumni during the ceremony.

Joyce M. Gattas, Dean
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts

Commencement

Former Governor Pete Wilson Receives Honorary Degree

At PSFA’s second ceremony President Weber and Dean Gattas conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws upon The Honorable Pete Wilson, who has a distinguished career of public service to California and San Diego. Wilson served as California’s 36th governor (1991-1999), a U.S. senator (1983-1991), mayor of San Diego (1971-1983) and California state assemblyman (1967-1971).

During his speech, Wilson reflected upon the personal sacrifices that past generations have made in the name of freedom and reminded everyone that "freedom is what gives you the right and ability to make important choices." He also reminded graduates that with choice comes responsibility, saying, "One of the choices is to find time in the busy lives that you will surely be leading to take part in the governance of your society. And what that means is not that you have to embark on a political career (though some of you will, I predict and so hope), but what it does mean is that you can choose to participate in your community."

Dr. David Dozier Recognizes Perseverance and Encourages Lifelong Learning

Award-winning Journalism and Media Studies professor and 2008 PSFA Outstanding Faculty recipient David Dozier was the Commencement speaker for PSFA’s first ceremony. Acknowledging the challenges faced in today’s economy, Dozier declared that the perseverance demonstrated by individuals who complete a degree is a “competitive edge” that will carry them through their job search during these tough times. Dozier went on to observe that students aren’t done learning just because they have received their degrees, stating, “Learning is a lifelong experience.”

PSFA Outstanding Students Succeed Despite Obstacles

Iris Caffin (Television, Film and New Media, ’09) and David Richards (Public Administration, ’09) were honored at Commencement as the Outstanding Students from PSFA. Both attended community college with the belief that obtaining a university degree might be out of reach, and both transferred to SDSU in 2007, achieving their dream on graduation day 2009.

Iris Caffin excelled at SDSU, producing and directing numerous award-winning television shows and films. Caffin gave her fellow graduates the following advice on weathering the current economy, “These are chaotic and restless times but quiet your mind and listen to the voice within, for it’s your soul’s compass and it will guide you towards where you need to be and where you need to go. Trust that.” Caffin plans to continue her education at SDSU and eventually to become an editor.

For Richards, pursuing his education was a long and bumpy road. Working three jobs as a teenager to help support his family, Richards developed the work ethic that would help him blossom from a young adult with a fourth-grade reading level to an outstanding graduate.

Richards recounted his early years of being home-schooled, teaching himself at the age of 10, and sacrificing his education to start work when he was 16 before finally earning his GED at 19 years of age. His message was about perseverance. “Even when the world is against you, even if you are late off the starting line, ignore the people who try and bring you down and embrace the ones who lift you up… Now go out and be proud, but remember, when the odds are stacked against you, don’t give up. Stand up and fight for your dreams.”

Alumni Highlights

Marisela Sager Named 2009 Music Alumnus of the Year

Marisela Sager (Music and Dance, ’99) was named Music Alumnus of the Year for 2009 at the school’s annual Honors Convocation. An active soloist and chamber musician, Sager graduated magna cum laude then built an impressive career that includes many performances with notable artists. She currently holds the position of assistant principal flutist with the Cleveland Orchestra. Sager was honored because her "accomplishments reflect individual distinction in the profession and a record of service and/or leadership in the arts.”

Fire Chief Tracy Jarman Announces Retirement

Tracy Jarman (Biology, ’78, MPA, ’96) recently announced her intent to retire from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department at the end of this month. Jarman has been with the department for 25 years and was appointed Fire Chief in 2006. Prior to becoming chief, she served as the Assistant Fire Chief from 2003-2006 and served as Deputy Chief overseeing the 911 Fire and Emergency Medical Services Dispatch Center for five years.

Jarman was named Fire Chief of the Year by the California Fire Chiefs Association in 2008. And will remain with the department as a consultant for 60 to 90 days while the department searches for her replacement.

Student Spotlight

Outstanding Graduates Recognized During Commencement Ceremonies

Each year PSFA gives special recognition to a select group of accomplished graduates and each of the graduates names a faculty member who was most influential during their academic career. For a complete list of outstanding graduates and influential faculty members for 2009, click here.

Faculty Focus

Phi Kappa Phi Inducts Dr. Kathryn LaMaster

PSFA Associate Dean Kathy LaMaster was one of only two people nominated this year for honorary membership by SDSU’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. LaMaster was inducted into the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society. Chapter President Chris Frost said of LaMaster, “As we annually select two individuals for honorary membership, we identify a list of persons who are passionately seeking excellence in learning, and who do so in a collaborative manner. Kathy's name emerged at the top of this year's list, and our local chapter is honored to count her as one of our own."

PSFA Faculty Retirements

The College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts extends its sincere appreciation to eight faculty who are retiring, ending their time in the Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP), or beginning their FERP this year for their many years of loyal service to SDSU. Combined, this year’s retirees represent 278 years of education, service and mentoring to the University community! We commend them all on a successful career and thank them for their commitment to SDSU.

• Thomas McKenzie, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, 1980-2009
• Nico Calavita, School of Public Affairs, 1980-2009
• Susan Hellweg, School of Communication, 1979-2009
• Jack Logan, School of Music and Dance, 1969-2009
• Margaret McKerrow, School of Theatre, Television and Film, 1971-2009
• Gail Roberts-Fields, School of Art, Design and Art History, 1975-2009
• Allan Miller, School of Art, Design and Art History, 1963-2009
• Harold Warman, School of Music and Dance, 1977-2009 (not pictured)

Professor Aufsesser Wins PLF Award

Dr. Peter M. Aufsesser, Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, was one of five recipients chosen by The President's Leadership Fund to receive a $5,000 grant this year. From a pool of over 33 nominations, the winners were selected for their contribution to San Diego State. Aufsesser is the Founder (1983) and Director of the Fitness Clinic for Individuals. The Fitness Clinic has helped over 1200 individuals with severe physical disabilities, serving about 75 clients each semester and training over 175 students per year. Congratulations, and keep up the good work!