2011
Distinguished Alumni
CSULB's highest alumni honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award, is bestowed annually in each academic college by the CSULB Alumni Association. In addition to demonstrated pride and positive affinity for CSULB, awardees have achieved a record of distinction, recognition and accomplishments in their fields, a proven record of leadership and/or service to their communities and society at-large. Celebrating 50 years of alumni excellence, the CSULB Alumni Association is proud to honor the 2011 Distinguished Alumni recipients. Visit www.csulb.edu/alumni/distinguished for additional information regarding the Distinguished Alumni Program.
College of the Arts CARSON LEV 1980, B.S., Industrial Design
Carson Lev combined his interests in medicine and cars into a unique entrepreneurial design career. Currently, as vice president and chief operating officer for Foose Design, Carson is well-known among auto aficionados. His custom auto designs are in demand by high-profile celebrity clients, and he transformed Mattel’s Hot Wheels toy car division by marketing to adults and expanding licensing agreements. With his interest in medicine, he has designed heart valves, CT scanners and other medical devices. His wife, two children and other family members are CSULB graduates. Industrial design students have also benefited from his expertise through his numerous classroom presentations.
College of Business Administration DARREL REIFSCHNEIDER 1955, B.S., Management
In 2002, Darrel Reifschneider founded The Lite Cylinder Company, which is one of the few American companies that manufactures and sells composite propane cylinders for residential use. Previously, he served as president of the Manchester Tank Company, the second largest U.S. manufacturer of metal propane tanks and a business founded by his family. Darrel is also the CEO of Harpeth True Value Hardware, a retail store and lumber yard in middle Tennessee. In addition, he is a director for the Tennessee Commerce Bankcorp, and active with the Franklin, Tenn., Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Franklin Breakfast and St. Andrew Lutheran Church.
College of Education
ROBERT “BOB” ELLIS 1958, M.A., Secondary Education
Bob Ellis is a retired, long-time educator from the Long Beach Unified School District who has been very involved with CSULB. Among the positions he held during his career were principalships at Jordan, Poly and Wilson high schools; Hughes Middle School; Catalina Schools; and Fremont and Newcomb elementary schools. He was also the district’s assistant director of personnel. Besides his involvement with The Beach, Bob is active with Long Beach City College, Long Beach Human Relations Commission, Long Beach Fire Ambassadors and the California Retired Teachers Association. His wife Barbara Seelgen-Ellis is also a CSULB graduate.
College of Engineering
MIKE BAGHRAMIAN 1966, B.S., Electrical Engineering
A native of Tehran, Iran, Mike Baghramian started Bager Electronics in 1980 from his home office. Today, the company provides technology solutions, design support and innovation for new applications to the Southwest marketplace, with four offices in Southern California and Arizona. The Fountain Valley-based company acts as a manufacturer’s representative that focuses on the sales of semiconductor components. Prior to establishing Bager, Mike worked in the aerospace industry. He has been an active member of the College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council since 2004, the Foundation Board at Community Hospital of Long Beach, and has served on the Long Beach YMCA board.