Maria Herrara completed her internship with the Pan American Health Organization in Washington, D.C. “If someone had told me during my freshman year that I’d be working as part of the World Health Organization … I wouldn’t have believed them,” she said. “Had it not been for the Rutledge family, I would not have been able to afford it.” Faculty award winners took their bows in person at the Gala, accepting medallions and hearty rounds of applause before their videotaped “thank-yous” were aired. Dr. Marc S. Federico, of the Exercise Science and Sport Studies Department, accepted the President’s Faculty Award for Teaching. Dr. Paul F. Crawford, of the Department of History and Political Science, was honored for research, and Dr. Kelton Edmonds, of the same department, accepted the award for service. Emeriti faculty honorees were Dr. Phyllis McIlwain, who retired from the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, and Professor Richard R. Nemec ’65, who served in the Department of Communication Disorders. In her filmed acceptance speech McIlwain recalled her work with preservice teachers. Nemec mentioned a former colleague, the late Dr. John Bitonti, and a number of family members who are proud Cal U graduates. The Lillian M. Bassi Core Values Award was presented to Dr. David L. Amati ’70, ’72, president of Global Business Associates, a consulting firmed based in Sewickley, Pa. Amati also is president of the Foundation for California University. After-dinner entertainment at the gala included dancing, Monte Carlo games and a silent auction of items donated by University friends. Successful bids on getaways, artwork, sports memorabilia and other prizes boosted the scholarship fund. “We know that each of you feels the way we do about our University and our students, and that ‘paying it forward’ is a concept that all of us understand,” Charles Pryor said. “Thank you all for your care and concern for our students, and for your commitment to Cal U.” ■ By Christine Kindl, communications director at Cal U
Left, students Keith Fuller ad Liz Lynerd enjoy ‘A Night on Broadway.’ Caught having fun (above): Courtney Cochran ’12, Jeff Ward ’11 and professor emerita Annette Kaleita.
Above, Dr. David Amati ’70, ’72 accepts the Lillian M. Bassi Core Values Award. Seen at the gala (right): New graduates Cory Stoner ’12 and Tamara Alkhattar ’12.
Above, Dr. Kevin Koury, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, applauds the gala award winners. Left, alumna Amber McDonald ‘02 traveled from Nashville for the gala.
IT’S SHOWTIME
To see videos illustrating how scholarships impact students’ lives and enrich their studies, visit www.calu.edu/news, click on ‘Cal U review’ and look for ‘As Seen in the review.’ SUMMER SUMMER 2012 2012 CAL U REVIEW 9 ■■