"The College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts prides itself on the creativity, involvement, leadership, and scholarship of its students. We hope you will enjoy reading about the talented individuals who make PSFA their home at San Diego State."
- Joyce M. Gattas, Dean
PSFA Students Distinguish Themselves at Student Research Symposium
The Annual Student Research Symposium (SRS) was held on February 27th and 28th. The two day event highlighted the achievements of students in research, scholarship and creative activity. Four PSFA students distinguished themselves as recipients of a Presidential Award. Presidential Award winners will compete in the CSU Research Competition on May 1st in Los Angeles. This year’s winners were:
Wendy Shapiro and Karl Smerecnik
Wendy Shapiro, graduate student, School of Art, Design, and Art History, “Extraordinary at 100”
Karl Smerecnik, graduate student, School of Communication, “Capitalistic Agency: BP’s Helios Power Campaign”
Kizzy Ezirio, graduate student, School of Art, Design, and Art History, “Virtual Water Revealed”
Kizzy Ezirio and Golnoosh Behrouzian
Golnoosh Behrouzian, undergraduate, School of Journalism and Media Studies, “Do Acculturation and Language Preference Affect Responsiveness to Anti-smoking Media Messages? A Study of Individuals of Korean Descent Residing in California”
Receiving Dean’s Awards were: Amanda Bernard, Exercise and Nutritional Sciences and Lauren Beck, Art, Design, and Art History
Click here to see a complete list of symposium participants from PSFA. Congratulations to all PSFA students who submitted their work to this prestigious event.
Mortar Board Taps New Members
The award-winning, Cap and Gown, Chapter of Mortar Board tapped its’ new members on Sunday, April 26th at Casa Real. Eight PSFA students were inducted into this highly prestigious, senior honor society. Membership into Mortar Board is based on scholarship, leadership and service and is limited to 40 students each year. Two new members were awarded $500 scholarships for their record of outstanding community service. Natalia Van Stralen, double major in journalism and political science and Jaime Lyerly, art major and psychology minor were the 2009 award recipients.
Natalia Van Stralen and Jaime Lyerly
2009-2010 PSFA Mortar Board Members include:
- Brianna Bennett, Communication major and Sociology minor
- Morgan Bridge, Communication major and Public Relations minor
- Ashley Dutcher, Public Relations major and Marketing minor
- Jaime Lyerly, Art major and Psychology minor
- Breanna Hill, Art major with emphasis in Graphic Design and Spanish minor
- Kristin Hill, Foods and Nutrition major
- Keri Van Deventer, Art major with emphasis in Graphic Design
- Natalia Van Stralen, Journalism major and Political Science major
PSFA Sophomores Recognized For Excellence
Under the leadership of Jemalyn Chavez, Vice President of Academic Affairs (second row, far left), the PSFA College Council hosted its 2nd Annual Sophomore Recognition Program on March 20, 2009.
Casa Real was the setting for over 90 students, parents and guests who were recognized for their academic achievement. All students who attended have earned over a 3.0 gpa. Dr. Tanis Stark, Director of the Cross Cultural Center, was the inspirational speaker. Bravo to our outstanding students.
Contact Information
If you have recently received university or community recognition for an accomplishment, please let us know. Perhaps you will be in the next “Spotlight on Success”. Submit your contact information and newsworthy event to the Dean’s Office in PSFA 212.
College of Professional Studies
and Fine Arts
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-4512
Phone: (619) 594-5124
Fax: (619) 594-6974
Web address: http://psfa.sdsu.edu
Department News
Theatre, Television and Film
Destin Cretton, graduate student in the School of Theatre, Television and Film, was the recipient of the 2009 Jury Prize in U.S. Short Filmmaking at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The award was presented at the Festival's Shorts Awards and Party held the evening of January 20th.
Although Cretton has written and directed four award-winning short films, "Short Term 12" was his inaugural film at Sundance, and is one of four U.S. films competing in France's 2009 Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival. To view a short video of Cretton discussing his film, please click here.
School of Communication
Tracie Ugamoto
Tracie Ugamoto, Communication and Spanish major was selected as a “Quest for the Best” recipient. Tracie joins nine other SDSU students in receiving the highest award given to students recognized as outstanding student leaders from the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Division of Student Affairs.
Tracie has been highly involved in service related activities and has been active in AB Samahan, the Cross Cultural Center, Alpha Psi Rho, Asian Pacific Student Alliance, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, to name a few. Tracie has also been on the Dean’s List. We commend this fine young woman for her contributions to the campus and the community.
School of Music and Dance
Melissa Carter and Peter Dayeh
Melissa Carter, a graduate student in vocal performance in the School of Music and Dance, took first place in the Vocal Division of the 2009 La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Young Artists Competition, held January 24th. The competition provides talented young artists an opportunity to further their careers by performing as soloists with the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus during the 2009-2010 season.
John Polhamus and Julia Teal Kermott
Peter Dayeh won first place in the Grossmont Community Concert Association's Scholarship Competition on Saturday, March 28th, 2009. The $1,500 award will assist Peter in his musical studies. He will perform at the Ronald Reagan Community Center on April 19th in El Cajon, California.
Graduate students John Polhamus and Julia Teal Kermott performed with the San Diego Winter Pops Program in their “Valentine’s Day at the Pops” performance on February 14th. Congratulations to these fine performers.
School of Art, Design, and Art History
On Tuesday, March 17 the School of Art, Design, and Art History held its annual student art show featuring top student work. Leaders from across campus selected their favorite student pieces to display within their college or department. Students whose pieces were selected received a $500 scholarship for their work. The winners were:
Lyubov Klimova
President’s Award
“Bible” Lyubov Klimova
Provost Award
“Face”, Jessica Siemens
PSFA Award
“Better”, Christiana Updegraff
Extended Studies Award
“Becoming”—Silvia Valentino Karabashlieva
Art Walk and Frame Maker Award
“The Business of Art”, Jessica Siemens
Art and Letters Award
“Devoid” Barbara Knuth
Nameta Sharman
Art Council Award
“Homage to Frances Bacon”, Joshua Jackson
Design Innovation and Campus Relations Awards
“H2O Precious”, Nameta Sharman
Juror’s Awards:
“Consumed”, Lisa Ellena Starrett