2017 CSUF Veterans Appreciation Night Event Program

A night for veterans, families, and supporters to recognize Cal State Fullerton student veterans

SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH, 2017 Hosted by Cal State Fullerton Veterans Resource Center & Student Veterans Association

Dear Titan Family and Friends, Welcome to the 10th Annual Veterans Appreciation Night!

On behalf of California State University, Fullerton’s Student Veterans Association Spring Leadership and the Veterans Resource Center, I would like to offer an enthusiastic and warm welcome. It is a heartfelt honor to host this event today.

For the last nine years, we have come together to celebrate our students’ academic triumphs. Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance our students have successfully transitioned to college life and have pursued their academic and professional aspirations. Tenth anniversaries are traditionally symbolized through tin. Tin is a pliable yet durable metal, which is fitting in symbolizing how the resiliency of the students within our organization have prevailed through both joyous and trying times to come out as strong as we are today.

Thank you for your continued commitment to building the most educated generation of veterans. It’s because of your support, our student veterans and military-connected students will continue to reach their goals and make an impact in communities around the country.

Here’s to a wonderful evening together, Claudia Acosta, B.S. Student Veteran Association, President, Spring 2017 Master of Science in Taxation, Candidate “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive, but those who can best manage change.”- Charles Darwin

SOCIAL MEDIA Tag pictures on Instagram

#CSUFVAN2017 These will be presented on tonight’s on going slideshow.

We also have a Snapchat filter, enjoy!

FIND US ON

@CSUFVRC INSTAGRAM SELFIE CONTEST Tag all of your Instagram photos #CSUFVAN2017 We will announce “Selfie Royalty” winners at the end of the night.

Posts will be judged on creativity and fun!

OPPORTUNITY DRAWING Opportunity Drawing tickets will be available for purchase from 5 to 6 p.m. and during the dinner hour.

Proceeds raised through the Opporutniy Drawing will be used for the Veteran Scholarship for Success fund.

Be advised that as guests are being seated a stationary drone will be recording.

Welcome - Lui Amador, Director, Veterans Resource Center Student Veterans Association Welcome - Claudia Acosta, President, Spring 2017 Presentation of Colors - Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard, March Air Reserve Base National Anthem - Tiffany Hummel, CSUF Student MIA/POW Table - Matthew Pugh, Vice President, Spring 2017 Moment of Silence KIA Message TAPS - Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard, March Air Reserve Base University Welcome Address - Dr. Meredith Basil, Interim Associate Vice President, Student Affairs Student Veterans Association Address - Claudia Acosta, President, Spring 2017 Dinner Keynote Address - Dr. William M. Vega, Distinguished Faculty in Residence at California State University, Long Beach Recognition of Deploying Service Members Recognition of CSUF Faculty/Staff and Community Members A Decade in Review - Catherine Ward, Assistant Director, Veterans Resource Center & Student Veterans Association Co-Advisor Graduate Recognition 2017 Scholarship Awards Opportunity Drawing Closing Remarks - Claudia Acosta, President & Matthew Pugh, Vice President, Spring 2017

DR. WILLIAM M. VEGA

Dr. Vega is the Distinguished Faculty in Residence, at California State University, Long Beach, in the College of Education beginning in August, 2007. Dr. Vega recently completed a three year assignment as Director (President), Dubai Men’s College, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Prior to that, he served as Chancellor of the Coast Community College District from 1993 to 2004, retiring as Chancellor Emeritus in June, 2004.

He also served as the President of Coastline Community College, from 1985 to 1993. Dr. Vega has been an educator for thirty-eight years and has held positions in several California community colleges, including: Dean of Curriculum and Instruction at El Camino College in Torrance; Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs at Compton College in Compton; Associate Dean of Instruction at Contra Costa College in San Pablo; and Director of Outreach at Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles.

He has taught economics at Los Angeles City College and the University of Maryland in Europe. He also taught as an adjunct faculty at California State University, Long Beach, University of California, Irvine, and the University of Southern California. Dr. Vega received his doctorate in higher and postsecondary education from the University of Southern California. He also holds an M.A. in economics and business from Appalachian State University in North Carolina and a B.S. degree in management from Indiana University. Dr. Vega has served on the board of directors of numerous national and international organizations. He is the recipient of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) 2003 Pacific Region Chief Executive Officer Award.

In addition, he has served as a trustee of The College Board, on the board of directors for the American Association of Community Colleges, Chapman University, the Harvard University Educational Management Institute, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education Board of Councilors. He also served as president of Renewal and Change for the 21st Century (RC2000).

Dr. Vega is an infantry veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. As Distinguished Faculty in Residence, Dr. Vega’s teaching assignment will be in the California State University, Long Beach new Ed. D. program in Educational Leadership.

veterans resource center

The Veterans Resource Center at California State University, Fullerton provides comprehensive services to military-connected students that support personal, academic, and professional success.

Our Core Values: Strengths-Based, Student-Centered, Purpose, inclusion, Engagement, Community SERVICES OFFERED: Veterans Welcome Dinner Guidance and Support Counseling Discussion Groups: Men’s, Women’s & Families Workshops and Special Events Women Veterans Conference Community Events Certification of Benefits Veteran Scholar Career Readiness Program Academic Internships Titan Warrior Wellness Program

student veterans association

The Student Veterans Association (SVA) assists students at California State University, Fullerton in getting involved in student life through camaraderie, advocacy, service to community and networking. SVA is committed to aiding student veterans, family members, and supporters in their successful transition from military life and through academia and by improving the quality of their university experience.

REOCCURING EVENTS: Campus Outreach Events Peer Mentoring Open House Discoverfest City of Fullerton Veterans Day Parade Weekly Camaraderie Events Veterans Appreciation Night Women in the Military History Week Women in Higher Education Conference

VETERAN GRADUATES OF 2017 Claudia Acosta

Galen Patterson-Smith

Hector Aparicio

Angel Perez

Chad Armstrong

Matthew Pugh

Bruce Bynes

Miguel Ramirez

Nicholas Detchman

David Ramos

Richard Estrada

James Richardson

Gary Gregory Jr

Alejandro Sanchez

Miguel Huertanicacio

Arthur F Schettler

Nicholas Lee

April Seymour

Kaelin Locker

Leontine Smith

Hanif K Muhammed

Aurelio Vega

Special Thanksr Division of Student Affairs Associated Students, Inc. Great Wolf Lodge

Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard CSUF Titan Shops James Davidson David Valdiva Hilton Hotels Carl’s Jr. Costco Regional Los Angeles Chargers Acosta Family

FOR ALL THE DONORS THAT SUPPORTED THESE SCHOLARSHIPS

Veteran Scholarship for Success Donors This scholarship was established by the CSUF SVA to support the academic success of their peers.

OCRE Veterans Initiative Scholarship This scholarship funded by the Donahue Schriber and the Orange County Real Estate Veterans Initiative supports students who exhaust or are near exhaustion of benefits to assist their academic persistence.

Maribel Ramos Memorial Scholarship The Maribel Ramos Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life of Maribel Ramos, a Cal State Fullerton student veteran, an active SVA member, and who was a strong supporter of military families.

800 N. State College Blvd. Fullerton, CA | University Hall 230 | (657) 278 - 8660