2022 CAL STATE LA CBE Dean's Report
2022 Dean's Report
2022 Dean's Report
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1
<strong>LA</strong>’S BUSINESS SCHOOL<br />
3
MISSION / VISION / CORE VAULES<br />
DEAN TYE W. JACKSON<br />
OUR MISSION<br />
We develop engaged leaders and foster their<br />
professional and social mobility to benefit greater<br />
<strong>LA</strong> and the world.<br />
OUR VISION<br />
To become the top California State University Business college<br />
in graduation rate, employability and social mobility<br />
OUR CORE VALUES<br />
Collaborate. Engage. Care.<br />
Dedicated to developing the next generation of business<br />
professionals, the <strong>CBE</strong> cares deeply about the lives<br />
we are improving. We understand professional skills<br />
cannot be an afterthought. Building critical professional<br />
skills is strategically integrated into our curriculum and<br />
a core part of our students’ progress towards graduation.<br />
Students are encouraged to connect with our industryleading<br />
faculty and alumni so they, too, can be prepared<br />
to enter the workforce and actively contribute to the<br />
communities they are a part of.<br />
A Message from our Dean<br />
Welcome to the home of the Golden Eagles! I am Tye W. Jackson,<br />
Dean of Cal State <strong>LA</strong>’s College of Business & Economics.<br />
We are excited to welcome you to <strong>LA</strong>’s Business School,<br />
Cal State <strong>LA</strong>’s College of Business & Economics (<strong>CBE</strong>).<br />
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, our College offers unique<br />
programs rooted in real-world learning. Our focus on hands-on<br />
projects makes our students career-ready when they graduate.<br />
We recognize the potential in future generations and provide<br />
meaningful insight into how to best navigate what lays ahead.<br />
Our commitment to excellence consistently ranks us as one of<br />
the premier business schools in the nation. Students leave <strong>CBE</strong><br />
equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in<br />
today’s competitive business fields, no matter what field they choose.<br />
Though our community is vast, we are tight knit—and proud to<br />
facilitate continued mentorship and career support through our<br />
vibrant alumni network. We hope that here each student finds<br />
comradery in the classroom, and mentorship that will last a lifetime.<br />
With a degree from one of our many accredited programs, there is<br />
no limit to what students can accomplish. Welcome to <strong>CBE</strong>, where<br />
you’ll learn why, “We Are <strong>LA</strong>’s Business School.”<br />
Dr. Tye W. Jackson
6<br />
IN THIS REPORT<br />
1<br />
3<br />
5<br />
7<br />
15<br />
21<br />
23<br />
25<br />
26<br />
27<br />
29<br />
31<br />
33<br />
35<br />
41<br />
43<br />
About <strong>CBE</strong><br />
Award-Winning Programs/By the Numbers<br />
Pathways to Success<br />
Alumni/Student/Faculty Spotlights<br />
Career and Professional Development<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> Events<br />
Diversity & Inclusion<br />
Undergraduate Programs<br />
Graduate Programs<br />
New Faculty<br />
Newly Promoted & Tenure Faculty<br />
Emeritus Faculty<br />
Retiring Faculty<br />
Dean’s Advisory Board<br />
Distinguished Alumni<br />
Partnerships
1 ABOUT THE <strong>CBE</strong><br />
<strong>LA</strong>’S BUSINESS SCHOOL<br />
2<br />
ABOUT THE <strong>CBE</strong>...<br />
WE ARE <strong>LA</strong>’S BUSINESS SCHOOL<br />
The College of Business & Economics is accredited<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> graduates are career-ready, armed with the knowledge<br />
The College is continuously incorporating hands on<br />
Our students participate in over 15 award-winning student<br />
by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of<br />
and skills to succeed in today’s sought after business fields.<br />
learning and project-centered activities into all of its<br />
organizations and compete in industry-sponsored events and<br />
Business (AACSB), putting it in the top 5% of business<br />
Through our programs we offer specializations in forensic<br />
Business programs. Students are able to obtain real world<br />
competitions throughout the year. Our honor societies<br />
schools worldwide. We are consistently highly ranked in<br />
accounting, entrepreneurship, social media, information<br />
experience by applying their knowledge to classroom<br />
offer opportunities for students in Business (Beta Gamma<br />
numerous college lists including the US News & World<br />
systems, health care management, logistics, and applied<br />
and internship opportunities. Our students are working<br />
Sigma) Accounting (Beta Alpha Psi), and Economics<br />
<strong>Report</strong> Best Business Programs, The Diverse Top 100, and<br />
economics as well as many other business fields. Students<br />
internships with Creative Artists Agency, JPL, Boeing,<br />
(Omicron Delta Epsilon). Between our programs and<br />
Washington Monthly College Rankings. Our faculty have<br />
can customize these programs to fit their career goals.<br />
Southern California Edison, and many other corporations<br />
our student organizations, there are a multitude of<br />
won distinguished teaching and research awards from<br />
as well as major accounting firms.<br />
opportunities for students to gather real-world<br />
professional organizations and our staff has been honored<br />
experience for any career path.<br />
numerous times within the University.
3 AWARD WINNING PROGRAMS<br />
BY THE NUMBERS<br />
4<br />
Award-Winning Programs<br />
2 Years in a row<br />
BY THE NUMBERS:<br />
#<br />
1 **<br />
#<br />
1 **<br />
#<br />
1 *<br />
#<br />
1 *<br />
$72,979<br />
MBA Program<br />
#<br />
in Southern California<br />
1 *<br />
Best Affordable Degree in:<br />
Business<br />
#<br />
Management Degree<br />
6 *<br />
Best Affordable Degree in:<br />
Business Administration<br />
Accounting Program in California<br />
#<br />
2 *<br />
Best Affordable Degree in:<br />
#<br />
Supply Chain Management<br />
25 *<br />
Best MBA/Graduate Program<br />
Human Resources Management<br />
Best Affordable Degree in:<br />
Operations Management Degree<br />
#<br />
2 *<br />
Best Affordable Program in:<br />
#<br />
Economics Program<br />
36 *<br />
Best MBA/Graduate Program<br />
Supply Chain Management<br />
Best Affordable Degree in:<br />
Entrepreneurship Program<br />
#<br />
3 *<br />
Best Affordable Degree in:<br />
#<br />
Information Systems/IT<br />
44 *<br />
Best MBA/Graduate Program<br />
Management Information Systems<br />
Employer Partnerships<br />
Placement Services met with over<br />
100 new and existing employer<br />
contacts, including new connections<br />
such as Netflix, Moss Adams, U.S.<br />
Accountability Office (GAO), GHJ<br />
Advisors, Entertainment Partners<br />
and Boeing<br />
510<br />
# of jobs and internships shared<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> Graduate’s Average Annual Starting Salary Upon Graduation<br />
58 %<br />
# of students who are first generation<br />
to pursue graduate degree<br />
48 %<br />
Average acceptance rate<br />
Graduation rate:<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> majors graduate faster than majors<br />
in all other Cal State <strong>LA</strong> Colleges<br />
37<br />
# of virtual information sessions<br />
*Source: University HQ<br />
** Source: Best Value Schools<br />
Source: Cal State <strong>LA</strong> Office of Institutional Effectiveness
12 5<br />
PATHWAY TO SUCCESS<br />
PROGRAMS & EXPERIENCES<br />
613<br />
PATHWAY TO SUCCESS<br />
PROGRAMS & EXPERIENCES<br />
VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX<br />
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (V.I.T.A.)<br />
VITA offers free tax preparation to people with<br />
annual incomes of $55,000 or less, to persons with<br />
disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.<br />
FINANCIAL FITNESS FORCE<br />
Faculty, lecturers, industry experts<br />
and external partners develop and<br />
offer essential financial workshops/<br />
information to empower students.<br />
PROFESSIONAL FUNDAMENTALS<br />
PROGRAM (P.F.P.)<br />
BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH<br />
ANALYTICS VISUALIZATION<br />
ENVIRONMENT (B.R.A.V.E.)<br />
Allows faculty, students,<br />
communities, & businesses to<br />
conduct research in a secured lab<br />
environment using behavioral<br />
research technology.<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> SUITS ME<br />
Provides disadvantaged students<br />
with free access to professional<br />
clothing that can be used for<br />
business related activities.<br />
CAREER P<strong>LA</strong>CEMENT<br />
Connects local businesses with<br />
students and recent alumni. Helps<br />
local businesses connect with<br />
students and recent alumni; educates<br />
students and alumni about their<br />
business; and matches talents with<br />
their needs<br />
CONNECTING ALUMNI & STUDENTS<br />
WITH EMPLOYERS (C.A.S.E.)<br />
“C.A.S.E. presents unique opportunities for students to build<br />
relationships with alumni and sponsoring companies in the Greater<br />
<strong>LA</strong> community. C.A.S.E. projects serve as opportunities for students<br />
to solve real-world business problems from sponsoring organizations<br />
and to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world experience to<br />
create best practices working solutions and potentially connect them<br />
to create internships and job opportunities.”<br />
PFP prepares students for a career<br />
and life after college through tangible<br />
experience obtained through invaluable<br />
mentorship from speakers, faculty, and<br />
alum. The program’s targeted approach<br />
toward filling in the gaps between what<br />
is learned in the classroom and what<br />
is needed in the workplace not only<br />
prepares students for what’s to come,<br />
but establishes an immeasurable sense<br />
of self-reliance and self-confidence<br />
evident for the rest of their career.
714<br />
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT<br />
DR. SANTOR NISHIZAKI<br />
8<br />
<strong>CAL</strong> <strong>STATE</strong> <strong>LA</strong>’S <strong>CBE</strong> ALUMNUS AND<br />
PROFESSOR DR. SANTOR RELEASES<br />
HIS BOOK ON WORKING WITH GEN Z<br />
“We can help our students by providing tools like how to budget and increase<br />
credit scores, how to network, or tips to negotiate their first salary, all from<br />
experts in these fields,” Dr. Nishizaki said. “These tools aren’t offered at many<br />
colleges and universities.”<br />
Distinguished Cal State <strong>LA</strong> College of<br />
Business and Economics alumnus and<br />
Professor, Dr. Santor Nishizaki announced<br />
the release of his first book, a publication<br />
five years in the making, titled Working<br />
with Gen Z: A Handbook to Recruit, Retain,<br />
and Reimagine the Future Workforce after<br />
COVID-19.<br />
This project is a reflection of Dr. Nishizaki’s<br />
desire to support “Gen Z,” the generation<br />
born between the years of 1995 and 2012.<br />
He has been studying generations in the<br />
workplace for over a decade, seeking to<br />
educate employers on best practices for<br />
attracting talented Gen Z and millennial<br />
graduates, while preparing students for the<br />
workforce in his classroom.<br />
Much of Dr. Nishizaki’s research outlines<br />
differences in what has traditionally<br />
characterized many workplaces and the<br />
preferences and desires of Gen Z workers,<br />
such as a desire for a hybrid work schedule<br />
or their affinity for finding a workplace that<br />
embodies core values such as empathy and<br />
intentionality. Dr. Nishizaki believes that to unlock<br />
the potential of the new generation, employers and<br />
colleagues must understand them. He emphasizes<br />
that this generation consists of “digital natives,”<br />
seeking meaningful work and mentorship beyond<br />
what is typically offered with basic digital or<br />
functional skill training.<br />
Dr. Nishizaki’s research and book is in part inspired<br />
by a special collaboration between one of his<br />
mentors, Dr. Tye W. Jackson Dean of the College<br />
of Business & Economics, and Dr. Angela Young<br />
Associate Dean of the College of Business &<br />
Economics to bridge the gap between students<br />
and young professionals. “College has historically<br />
left students underprepared for the workforce<br />
and the Professional Fundamentals Program<br />
changes that,” Dr. Nishizaki said. The program<br />
within <strong>CBE</strong> features guest speakers from a variety<br />
of industries, who highlight topics like how to<br />
network or strengthen public speaking skills.<br />
“We can help our students by providing tools like<br />
how to budget and increase credit scores, how to<br />
network, or tips to negotiate their first salary,<br />
all from experts in these fields,” Dr. Nishizaki<br />
said. “These tools aren’t offered at many colleges<br />
and universities.”<br />
Prior to the publication of Working with Gen Z,<br />
Dr. Nishizaki has also been quoted as an expert in<br />
news features on Gen Z in the workplace in notable<br />
publications such as the Wall Street Journal,<br />
Forbes, Inc. and Psychology Today. “Gen Z is very<br />
optimistic about the world. They care about the<br />
environment, about equality, and they’re very<br />
serious about their future early on,”Dr. Nishizaki<br />
said in an interview with Cal State <strong>LA</strong>’s College<br />
of Business & Economics. “They’re interning for<br />
Fortune 500 companies as early as high school.”<br />
Dr. Nishizaki’s work is further explored in his<br />
podcast, “Zillennial Leader,” at his regular keynote<br />
speaker appearances, and on the Cal State <strong>LA</strong><br />
website. His new book, Working with Gen Z: A<br />
Handbook to Recruit, Retain, and Reimagine the<br />
Future Workforce after COVID-19, is available<br />
to purchase on Amazon and the audiobook is<br />
available on Audible. To learn more about Dr.<br />
Nishizaki and any upcoming work, connect with<br />
him on LinkedIn or visit his website.<br />
Working with Gen Z: A Handbook to Recruit,<br />
Retain, and Reimagine the Future Workforce<br />
after COVID-19 by Dr. Santor Nishizaki
16 9<br />
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT<br />
MARKUS JUST<br />
10<br />
STUDENT-ATHLETE BRINGS<br />
LESSONS FROM THE FIELD<br />
AND THE <strong>CBE</strong> C<strong>LA</strong>SSROOM<br />
TO THE WORKFORCE<br />
“My advisor Professor Arun Aryal and Professor Nanda<br />
Ganesan both really helped me to get to where I am today.<br />
Without them, I would not have pursued my master’s, or<br />
gotten a job at this amazing company,”<br />
Shah Akshat Utpal, Markus Just, Dr. Ming Wang, Sindhuja Dasaka, and<br />
Uriel Avila representing Cal State <strong>LA</strong> and placing 2nd in the world at the<br />
ERPSim Sustainability Challenge.<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> student Markus Just, center back for<br />
Cal State <strong>LA</strong>’s men’s soccer team, credits luck,<br />
hard work, and a great support group for his<br />
successful journey to landing a dream job<br />
after graduation.<br />
After graduating from San Francisco State in<br />
<strong>2022</strong> as captain of the men’s soccer team with<br />
a bachelor’s degree in business, Just had a year<br />
of eligibility left as a student-athlete. He was<br />
faced with the question of whether to retire and<br />
return home to Norway or pursue another year of<br />
collegiate soccer.<br />
It was his love for the sport that led him to Cal<br />
State <strong>LA</strong>, where he was able to pursue a master’s<br />
degree in information systems while continuing<br />
to play.<br />
Just plans to graduate in May and has accepted a<br />
job as an IT engineer with Sopra Steria, which was<br />
named “Norway’s best workplace” by Great Place<br />
to Work in <strong>2022</strong> for the fifth year in a row.<br />
Just said that practicing in Southern Californian<br />
weather has been a welcome change.<br />
“My advisor Professor Arun Aryal and Professor<br />
Nanda Ganesan both really helped me to get<br />
to where I am today. Without them, I would<br />
not have pursued my master’s, or gotten a<br />
job at this amazing company,” explains Just.<br />
His experience as a student-athlete is unique,<br />
Just said, and not a common opportunity for<br />
students in Norway.<br />
“My family is really proud that I am able<br />
to accomplish this, while getting a stellar<br />
education,” he details. His gratitude is evident.<br />
Through his experiences on the field and in his<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> courses, Just said he has learned valuable<br />
tools that will help him in his career.<br />
“My experience being a student-athlete at <strong>CBE</strong><br />
has taught me time management, goal-setting<br />
practices, and leadership,” he said.<br />
“It has definitely been busy doing a master’s in<br />
just one year but my supportive and helpful<br />
Professors have made this possible for me.”<br />
It is evident that Just feels both excitement for<br />
the future, nostalgia and appreciation about<br />
this chapter’s end.<br />
Just also recently represented <strong>CBE</strong> alongside<br />
teammates in the International ERPSim<br />
Logistics Sustainability Game Competition,<br />
placing second among teams from around<br />
the world. He serves as an example of both<br />
academic and athletic excellence at Cal State<br />
<strong>LA</strong>. His fellow Golden Eagles are excited to<br />
see where his experience at <strong>CBE</strong> takes him next.<br />
Just on friendship: “Everywhere feels like home, it’s the people and not<br />
the place that create that feeling.” His teammates from left to right: Emil<br />
Antonacci and Tommaso Belli.
18 11<br />
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT<br />
PRATIMA SHERPA<br />
12<br />
“Sherpa notes that the skills learned in her courses at <strong>CBE</strong>,<br />
especially a leadership class taught by her favorite Professor, Brandon Shamim,<br />
directly translate to her golf career and make this vision possible.”<br />
PRATIMA SHERPA:<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> ATHLETE ON<br />
THE WORLD STAGE<br />
home not only golf balls, but the lessons she<br />
grew up with on her family’s farm: hard work,<br />
dedication, and self-reliance. Though her daily<br />
tasks may look different, waking up with the<br />
sun and completing schoolwork and practice<br />
to the best of her ability are still Sherpa’s<br />
primary goals.<br />
After putting together a highly successful<br />
women’s golf league fundraising event in<br />
Nepal, Sherpa’s outlook on the future reflects<br />
the large impact it left on her. “I want to better<br />
my family, my country, and lastly, women<br />
around the world. I definitely want to return<br />
home, but I want to find a way to keep golf a<br />
part of my life.”<br />
Sherpa notes that the skills learned in her<br />
courses at <strong>CBE</strong>, especially a leadership class<br />
taught by her favorite Professor, Brandon<br />
Shamim, directly translate to her golf career<br />
and make this vision possible.<br />
“He gave me goosebumps with such great<br />
examples and stories,” Sherpa recalled.<br />
Among skills like networking and public<br />
speaking, she points out that the biggest<br />
takeaway from leadership class was learning<br />
to “speak up for herself,” and to “socialize<br />
no matter how different you may think<br />
you are, remembering the importance of<br />
self-confidence.”<br />
Sherpa continues to inspire many and is<br />
expected to graduate this spring with a degree<br />
in Business Administration Management.<br />
Pratima Sherpa is a celebrated College of<br />
Business & Economics student-athlete,<br />
but first and foremost, she considers herself<br />
a Nepalese athlete, representing both her<br />
country and women of color on the world stage.<br />
Sherpa’s story has been told by well-known<br />
outlets such as ESPN and Golf Digest, and<br />
her life’s journey is viewed as a fairy tale by<br />
many, though the rising star has always felt<br />
immensely fortunate even before receiving<br />
such recognition. “I never felt different<br />
or out of place because of my home or my<br />
background,” she said. “My parents always<br />
made me feel like I had everything I needed.<br />
I had a home filled with love and support.”<br />
Starting with a make-shift club provided by<br />
her father and free lessons from a charitable<br />
local coach, Sherpa now spends her days<br />
with what is effectively a second family<br />
according to her coach, Hans Kersting.<br />
“She fits in seamlessly,” he said. “Her attitude<br />
gives nothing away of how far she’s had to<br />
come to get here.”<br />
Sherpa and her team practice frequently<br />
at Rio Hondo Golf Club, where she drives<br />
Sherpa and her coach, Hans Kersting, discuss techniques during practice.<br />
Sherpa on the practice range.<br />
(From left:) Gabrielle Lawrence, Emily Wang, Harley Richardson, Pratima Sherpa,<br />
Morgan Sjoerdsma, Joshlyn Ayala, and Coach Hans Kersting.
13<br />
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT<br />
21<br />
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK<br />
<strong>2022</strong> PANEL<br />
Professor Yuanyuan Li<br />
<strong>CBE</strong>’s own Marketing Professor Yuanyuan<br />
Li participated in the Cal State <strong>LA</strong><br />
Faculty Panel on International Activities for<br />
International Education Week on November<br />
18th, <strong>2022</strong>. The virtual panel also featured<br />
Professor Danelle Dyckhoff (an English<br />
Professor at the College of Arts and Letters)<br />
and Professor David Blehkman (a Technology<br />
Professor at the College of Engineering,<br />
Computer Science & Technology). Topics<br />
included the benefits of international<br />
education and exchange worldwide, how<br />
to best facilitate both international and U.S.<br />
student mobility, and how to encourage being<br />
a global citizen among many other themes.<br />
International Education Week was held<br />
November 14th –18th in <strong>2022</strong>, and is a part<br />
of a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of<br />
State and the U.S. Department of Education<br />
to promote programs that prepare Americans<br />
for a global environment, as well as attract<br />
future leaders from abroad to study, learn and<br />
exchange experiences.<br />
Prior to International Education Week,<br />
Professor Yuanyuan Li discussed the<br />
importance of faculty international<br />
experience in relation to student interest and<br />
success in Global Business classes. She also<br />
shared her story about co-authoring research<br />
with colleagues located in five different time<br />
zones, described her visits to Universidad<br />
EAN in Bogotá, Colombia (through Cal State<br />
<strong>LA</strong> International Programs), and outlined her<br />
Collaborative Online International Learning<br />
program (COIL) via the X-culture platform,<br />
where Cal State <strong>LA</strong> students can work with<br />
students from five different continents.<br />
Professor Yuanyuan Li closed out her<br />
presentation by stating, “Our faculty and<br />
student international mobility facilitates<br />
mutual understanding and plays an important<br />
role in our diversity, equity, inclusion, and<br />
belonging (DEIB) initiative.”<br />
It is her hope that International Education<br />
Week gains even more support and<br />
participation next year.
22 15<br />
CAREER & PROFEESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT<br />
23<br />
CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT<br />
PROFESSIONAL FUNDAMENTALS PROGRAM<br />
The Professional Fundamentals Program was<br />
created to bridge the gap between soft skills,<br />
hard skills, and the expectations of employers,<br />
as <strong>CBE</strong> educators noted that this gap was<br />
largely present among many colleges across<br />
America. The following research inspired a<br />
collaboration between <strong>CBE</strong>’s own Dean Jackson<br />
and his colleagues, Dr. Santor Nishizaki and<br />
Dr. Angela Young to better prepare <strong>CBE</strong><br />
graduates for life after the classroom:<br />
“Barely one in 10 (11%) business leaders<br />
strongly agree that college graduates have the<br />
skills and competencies that their workplaces<br />
need.” [1] In addition, Gallup found that “onethird<br />
of students believe they will graduate<br />
with the skills and knowledge to be successful<br />
in the job market (34%) and in the workplace<br />
(36%). Just half (53%) believe their major will<br />
lead to a good job.” [2]<br />
This program features essential highlights<br />
such as guest speakers from prestigious<br />
companies sharing career advice and best<br />
practices, current requirements made by<br />
today’s employers related to the soft and hard<br />
skills being sought out in the workplace, how<br />
to network and connect, how to problem solve<br />
utilizing critical thinking, public speaking<br />
skills, and much more.<br />
[1] https://news.gallup.com<br />
[2] https://stradaeducation.gallup.com<br />
FEMBA<br />
The Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA) program<br />
at Cal State <strong>LA</strong> Downtown allows students<br />
to earn their degree in 16 months through a<br />
rigorous curriculum that includes Saturday<br />
in-person class meetings and remote<br />
assignments. An MBA allows working<br />
executives and professionals to build upon<br />
their experience, enhance their management,<br />
leadership, analytic, and communication<br />
skills, and make an impact on their careers<br />
in an increasingly global economy.<br />
Classes are taught by accomplished, awardwinning<br />
faculty who teach at Cal State <strong>LA</strong>’s<br />
main university campus. Cal State <strong>LA</strong><br />
Downtown’s FEMBA program is accredited<br />
by the Association to Advance Collegiate<br />
Schools of Business International (AACSB).
17<br />
EVENTS<br />
EVENTS<br />
18<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> EVENTS<br />
HONORS CONVOCATION:<br />
<strong>CBE</strong>’s annual celebration where undergraduate and graduate students<br />
are recognized for their distinguished academic achievements.<br />
WOMEN IN DATA SCIENCE:<br />
This one-day technical conference provides an<br />
opportunity to hear about the latest data sciencerelated<br />
research in a number of domains; learn<br />
how leading-edge companies are leveraging data<br />
science for success; and connect with potential<br />
mentors, collaborators and others in the field. In<br />
addition to streaming the event, the College of<br />
Business & Economics will host a poster session<br />
of recent work using big data by Cal State <strong>LA</strong><br />
students and faculty and an ERPsim Distribution<br />
Game for attendees to play.
19 EVENTS<br />
27<br />
COMMENCEMENT:<br />
A University-wide celebration at which degrees<br />
are conferred upon Cal State <strong>LA</strong>’s graduating<br />
students by the President of the University. It is<br />
also a time for the University, President, Deans,<br />
Program Directors, faculty, and staff to pay<br />
special tribute to students for the outstanding<br />
efforts put forth toward earning degrees.<br />
UNDERGRADUATE<br />
GRADUATES<br />
GRADUATE PROGRAMS<br />
GRADUATES<br />
832 262<br />
Source: Cal State <strong>LA</strong> Office of Institutional Effectiveness
21<br />
EVENTS<br />
EVENTS 22<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> is proud to host an array of speaker series, inviting<br />
faculty, staff and students to network with both their campus<br />
community and the greater community around them to receive<br />
valuable insight and career advice.<br />
PROFESSOR FOR A DAY:<br />
Accomplished <strong>CBE</strong> Alumni in management<br />
positions at top companies present their career<br />
expertise and personal insight to the campus<br />
community. Attendees are able to engage<br />
speakers with questions and understand the<br />
perspectives of the very leaders in professions<br />
they’re interested in.<br />
C-SUITE:<br />
Corporate level speakers from both the <strong>CBE</strong><br />
alumni network and outside of <strong>CBE</strong> facilitate<br />
meaningful presentations about navigating<br />
management in an evolving business<br />
landscape. They share best practices and<br />
personal stories in their industries.<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> BROWN BAG:<br />
Research is discussed and presented by<br />
students or faculty in a round table setting,<br />
inspiring close conversation, suggestions<br />
for how to further develop research, and a<br />
cross-collaboration between the different<br />
departments in <strong>CBE</strong>.
23<br />
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION<br />
31<br />
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION<br />
It is imperative to the College of Business<br />
& Economics that our graduates reach<br />
their full potential each and every year, and we<br />
recognize that this can only be achieved with<br />
an inclusive and diverse campus. Our Golden<br />
Eagle family strives to be reflective of the<br />
families of the very students, faculty and staff<br />
who make our college so unique, enriching<br />
and special with their varied perspectives and<br />
experiences. It is our hope that the diversity <strong>LA</strong><br />
is known for is evident at <strong>CBE</strong>, as we encourage<br />
our students to be global citizens, seeking to<br />
learn beyond the boundaries of a classroom.<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> prides itself on a history of welcoming<br />
students, faculty and staff without regard to<br />
religion, race or gender. It is within <strong>CBE</strong> core<br />
values to uplift and celebrate the authenticity<br />
of each individual walking our halls, as we<br />
understand that the greatest feats in academia<br />
and in business are accomplished through<br />
collaboration and open-mindedness. We<br />
encourage a deep respect for one another, and<br />
an understanding that success walks hand -inhand<br />
with diversity.<br />
2.57%<br />
5.12%<br />
1.33%<br />
4.90%<br />
0.12%<br />
4.28<br />
Hispanic<br />
Asian<br />
16.20%<br />
4,203<br />
65.48%<br />
White<br />
Two or More<br />
Unknown<br />
American Indian<br />
Black<br />
International<br />
Female<br />
1,933<br />
46.0%<br />
Male<br />
2,266<br />
53.9%<br />
Non-binary<br />
4<br />
0.1%<br />
Source: Cal State <strong>LA</strong> Office of Institutional Effectiveness
32 25<br />
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS<br />
GRADUATE PROGRAMS<br />
26<br />
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS<br />
GRADUATE PROGRAMS<br />
Accounting:<br />
Students perform innovative research<br />
influencing both policy-making and practice<br />
as well as providing students with all of<br />
the financial knowledge and skills needed<br />
to become strong leaders with informed<br />
decision-making skills in a constantly<br />
changing world.<br />
Economics and Statistics:<br />
Professors equip students with the skills<br />
required in today’s job market. Students can<br />
use the broad training in Economics as the<br />
basis to specialize in many areas such<br />
as education, public policy and financial<br />
market analysis, and business forecasting.<br />
The department offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA)<br />
and Master of Arts (MA) degree, as well as a<br />
minor in Economics. Students graduating<br />
from our BA and MA programs have gone on<br />
to such positions as statistician, teacher, and<br />
business professional.<br />
Finance, Law, & Real Estate:<br />
Classes focus on growing well-rounded<br />
financial management skills, as well as<br />
developing an understanding of the practice of<br />
law on varying societal levels and its impact.<br />
Here, students learn about the nature of<br />
the real estate market and best practices for<br />
purchasing or selling property.<br />
Information Systems:<br />
Professors assist students in understanding<br />
how to change the world through technology.<br />
This includes comprehending the impact<br />
of information and technology on business<br />
operations, overall efficiency and structure.<br />
Management:<br />
The Management track prepares students for<br />
all business scenarios by offering a foundation<br />
rooted in fundamental concepts and practices<br />
across a variety of disciplines. Central focuses<br />
include planning, organization, staffing,<br />
leading and upkeep.<br />
Marketing:<br />
Professors delve into the creative, consumerdriven<br />
art of marketing as well as analytical<br />
practices and proven strategies for success.<br />
Students hone communication skills, and<br />
learn about pricing, product delivery and how<br />
to effectively convey product and service value<br />
to audiences.<br />
MBA:<br />
Our Master of Business Administration<br />
program combines a respected, accredited<br />
program, with flexible scheduling and<br />
the affordability of a state university. The<br />
college is consistently ranked among the<br />
best business schools in the Princeton<br />
Review and US News & World <strong>Report</strong> and<br />
is a recognized leader in enabling the social<br />
mobility of its students.<br />
MS Accounting:<br />
With options in Taxation, Financial<br />
Accounting and Information Systems,<br />
a Master of Science degree in Accounting<br />
(MSA) from Cal State <strong>LA</strong>’s College of<br />
Business and Economics will help you<br />
accelerate your career in accounting. Our<br />
program’s customizable options and flexible<br />
scheduling allow you to target your career<br />
path and be prepared for what lies ahead in<br />
an ever changing profession.<br />
MS Healthcare Management:<br />
The Master of Science degree in Healthcare<br />
Management (MS HCM) at Cal State <strong>LA</strong> has<br />
been a local staple since 1975 and is one of<br />
the longest-running programs of its kind<br />
positioned in an accredited business school.<br />
Our comprehensive curriculum succeeds<br />
by explaining the practical implications of<br />
complex issues in healthcare.<br />
MS Information Systems:<br />
The Master of Science in Information<br />
Systems (MSIS) program at Cal State <strong>LA</strong><br />
is designed to provide advanced technical<br />
and managerial skills to those seeking<br />
advancement in their current career<br />
in Information Systems/Information<br />
Technology (IS/IT) and to those on the<br />
verge of transitioning to a career in IS/IT.<br />
MS Business Administration:<br />
The Master of Science in Business<br />
Administration (MSBA) is a specialized<br />
degree program. The program is appropriate<br />
for students who will seek careers as<br />
specialized professional managers, business<br />
analysts or consultants, or who intend to<br />
pursue further graduate study (D.B.A. or<br />
Ph.D.) in business administration.<br />
MA Economics:<br />
Our Master of Arts in Economics program<br />
focuses on current, real-world economic<br />
issues and trains students in the applied<br />
analytics and quantitative skills needed to<br />
support and advise employers.
34 27<br />
NEW FACULTY<br />
NEW FACULTY<br />
28<br />
<strong>LA</strong>’S BUSINESS SCHOOL<br />
Welcomes:<br />
Rui Hu<br />
Accounting<br />
Chengyong Liu<br />
Accounting<br />
Angela Xiangge Wang<br />
Accounting<br />
Niraj Koirala<br />
Economics & Statistics<br />
Gokhan Kumpas<br />
Economics & Statistics<br />
New Faculty<br />
Welcome to the <strong>CBE</strong>. We are so thrilled to have you be a part of our team.<br />
Mohammad Hashemi Joo<br />
Finance, Law & Real Estate<br />
Charleata Battle<br />
Management<br />
Seongwon Choi<br />
Management<br />
Yves-Martin Felker<br />
Management<br />
Alexandru Roman<br />
Management<br />
Sharmin Attaran<br />
Marketing<br />
Neda Mossaei<br />
Marketing<br />
Justin Munoz<br />
Marketing<br />
Irem Yoruk<br />
Marketing
29<br />
PROMOTED FACULTY<br />
FACULTY PROMOTIONS<br />
30<br />
<strong>LA</strong>’S BUSINESS SCHOOL<br />
Applauds:<br />
Promoted Faculty<br />
Porschia Nkansa<br />
Accountings<br />
Promotion: Associate Professor<br />
Dr. Daniel Lee<br />
Finance, Law & Real Estates<br />
Promotion: Full Professor<br />
Arun Aryal<br />
Information Systems<br />
Promotion: Associate Professor<br />
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion! You make the <strong>CBE</strong> better.<br />
Fang Fang<br />
Management<br />
Promotion: Associate Professor<br />
Shikha Upadhyaya<br />
Marketings<br />
Promotion: Associate Professor<br />
Maryam Tofighi<br />
Marketings<br />
Promotion: Associate Professor
31<br />
EMERITI FACULTY<br />
EMERITI FACULTY<br />
32<br />
<strong>LA</strong>’S BUSINESS SCHOOL<br />
Treasures:<br />
Emeriti Faculty<br />
On behalf of the College of Business & Economics, we want to recognize our<br />
Faculty Emeritus. We thank you for carrying on your scholarly endeavors as<br />
contributing members of the academic community of the University,<br />
through your teaching, research, writing, and consultation.<br />
Dr. Taewon Kim<br />
Finance, Law & Real Estates<br />
34 Years of Service<br />
Dr. Kwong Kern<br />
Managements<br />
35 Years of Service
33<br />
RETIREES & FERP<br />
RETIREES & FERP<br />
34<br />
<strong>LA</strong>’S BUSINESS SCHOOL<br />
Honors<br />
Our Retirees & FERP<br />
Greg Kunkel<br />
Accountings<br />
30 Years of Service<br />
Madhu Mohanty<br />
Economics & Statisticss<br />
24 Years of Service<br />
Lifan Wu<br />
Finance, Law & Real Estates<br />
33 Years of Service<br />
On behalf of the College of Business & Economics, we want to thank you for<br />
your peerless performance during these past years, as we congratulate you on<br />
this remarkable milestone in your professional careers. The years you have<br />
worked here have been marked by unsurpassed efficiency and excellence.<br />
You have been an inspiration to us all.<br />
Joseph Otto s<br />
Information Systems<br />
29 Years of Service<br />
Carol Blaszczynski<br />
Management<br />
41 Years of Service
35<br />
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD<br />
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD 36<br />
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD<br />
Rosalina Cárdenas, ‘89<br />
President, Cardenas Strategy Group<br />
Rosalina Cárdenas is a leading expert in<br />
the power and complexities of the Latino<br />
community and how to speak to it<br />
effectively. For over 16 years, Rosalina<br />
has been involved at all levels in helping<br />
educational, advocacy and political<br />
campaigns understand how best to win<br />
the hearts, minds and votes of Latinos<br />
across the U.S. Rosalina’s 360° approach<br />
to developing effective strategic marketing<br />
campaigns includes a deep knowledge and<br />
understanding of market and voter<br />
demographics, broadcast and digital<br />
media analysis, cross-platform campaign<br />
design, total-concept value-added,<br />
content development and paid media<br />
solutions, messaging and production.<br />
Oscar Chacon, CISA<br />
Principal, ITRM Advisory LLC<br />
Oscar Chacon is an experienced<br />
Information Technology Audit Partner<br />
with a demonstrated history of working<br />
in the accounting industry. He currently<br />
serves as an IT Risk & Advisory Services<br />
Principal at Vasquez & Company, LLP, a<br />
minority and small business enterprise.<br />
He is highly skilled in Business Process,<br />
Enterprise Risk Management, Internal<br />
Audit, Analytical Skills, and Banking, and<br />
has demonstrated much experience after<br />
his long-standing time in the industry. A<br />
strong finance professional, Oscar earned<br />
a Bachelor of Science (Double) focused in<br />
Computer Information Systems, Business<br />
Administration (Accounting), minor in<br />
Economics from Cal State <strong>LA</strong>’s <strong>CBE</strong>.<br />
Vanessa Faggiolly, ‘07<br />
CFO, Amerisal Foods LLC<br />
Vanessa Faggiolly attended the <strong>CBE</strong> from<br />
January 2005 to June 2007. She graduated<br />
from Cal State <strong>LA</strong> with a Bachelor of Science<br />
degree in Business Administration with an<br />
option in Finance and is the Co-owner and<br />
CFO of Amerisal Foods LLC. Vanessa’s greatest<br />
achievement was purchasing a company<br />
that was on the brink of bankruptcy and<br />
transforming it into a food empire. The most<br />
important thing Vanessa learned while at<br />
the <strong>CBE</strong> was being resilient. This resilience<br />
has helped her face challenges in life and her<br />
career. Her advice to current <strong>CBE</strong> students<br />
is “never give up.” Vanessa states that life is<br />
about making your opportunities happen and<br />
making your dreams come true. WVanessa<br />
serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board and<br />
recently sponsored teams of students in the<br />
<strong>CBE</strong>’s first C.A.S.E. Competition. Vanessa is a<br />
true Golden Eagle and now helps others soar!<br />
Steven Kang, CPA<br />
Partner, KSGA, LLP<br />
Steven Kang was first certified to practice in<br />
California in 1985. He is the current Managing<br />
Partner of KSGA, LLP, formerly known as<br />
KAGW, LLP. He was President of Kang &<br />
Associates, an Accountancy Corporation and<br />
predecessor of KAGW, LLP. He has decades<br />
of demonstrated experience in international<br />
financial consulting, auditing, and tax services.<br />
While he was previously president and<br />
chairman of Korean American Certified Public<br />
Accountants Society of Southern California<br />
from 2013-2014, Steven currently serves on<br />
the Dean’s Advisory Board for the <strong>CBE</strong>. Steven<br />
earned his Master of Business Taxation from<br />
the University of Southern California; Master<br />
of Business Administration from Cal State <strong>LA</strong>;<br />
and BS from Indiana University. Steven is also<br />
trilingual (English, Korean, and French)<br />
and a US Private Pilot.<br />
Gary Guibert<br />
Senior Vice President, Public Fund<br />
& Taft Hartley Northern Trust<br />
Gary Guibert is serving as Senior Vice<br />
President at The Northern Trust Company.<br />
Northern Trust Corporation is a financial<br />
services company headquartered in Chicago<br />
that caters to corporations, institutional<br />
investors, and ultra high net worth individuals.<br />
With expertise in corporate and institutional<br />
services, Gary Michael has built and developed<br />
an exemplary professional career.<br />
Karin Kricorian, PhD<br />
Director, Management Science &<br />
Integration, Walt Disney Company<br />
Karin Kricorian is a data science executive at<br />
the Walt Disney Company, leading corporate<br />
analytics consulting services across several<br />
business units. At Disney she is a management<br />
champion for diversity, equity and inclusion<br />
(DEI) efforts and sponsor of Disney Data<br />
Analytics Women, a program that makes<br />
it possible for outstanding college women<br />
to attend Disney’s popular annual Data &<br />
Analytics Conference. After developing this<br />
program at Disney, she partnered with Yale’s<br />
Office of Career Services to pilot it at Yale;<br />
the program has since expanded to attract<br />
applicants from more than 150 other<br />
universities. She is on the board of directors<br />
at MiOra and vice chair of the Dean’s Advisory<br />
Board at the <strong>CBE</strong> at Cal State <strong>LA</strong>. Kricorian<br />
earned a PhD from the Stanford Graduate<br />
School of Business. As a Yale volunteer,<br />
she is a founding member of 1stGenYale,<br />
an agent for the Class of 1994, and a longtime<br />
interviewer for the Alumni Schools<br />
Committee. She has had the opportunity<br />
to speak at several Yale panels and events,<br />
including First Year Scholars and Careers,<br />
Life and Yale.
37<br />
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD<br />
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD 38<br />
Donald Lam<br />
CPA, Lam Robinson & Company<br />
Donald Lam is a co-founder and CPA at<br />
Lam Robinson & Company, a tax firm in<br />
Southern California. Here, “they believe in<br />
the value of relationships. We view every<br />
client relationship like a partnership, and<br />
truly believe that our success is a result of your<br />
success. We are committed to providing close,<br />
personal attention to our clients. We take<br />
pride in giving you the assurance that the<br />
personal assistance you receive comes<br />
from years of advanced training, technical<br />
experience and financial acumen. Our<br />
continual investment of time and resources<br />
in professional continuing education, state-ofthe-art<br />
computer technology and extensive<br />
business relationships is indicative of our<br />
commitment to excellence.”<br />
Rosario Marin, ‘83<br />
Former U.S. Treasurer, Owner of Marin & Marin<br />
Rosario Marin is an entrepreneur, an<br />
international public speaker, author, and<br />
serves as advisor to two corporations in<br />
Australia and Mexico. She served in Governor<br />
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cabinet as Secretary<br />
of the State and Consumer Services Agency.<br />
Later appointed by President George W.<br />
Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S.<br />
Senate, Rosario served as the 41st Treasurer<br />
of the United States. As Chairwoman of the<br />
California Integrated Waste Management<br />
Board from 2004 to 2006, Rosario presided<br />
over the successful attainment of California’s<br />
50 percent recycling mandate. In addition,<br />
Rosario served as elected council member and<br />
Mayor of the City of Huntington Park. She<br />
has held numerous leadership positions with<br />
nonprofit boards. Currently she is a member<br />
of the Cal State <strong>LA</strong> <strong>CBE</strong> Foundation Board and<br />
formerly served for nine years in the Special<br />
Olympics International Board of Directors.<br />
For her contributions, Rosario has been awarded<br />
countless recognitions including four<br />
Honorary Doctorate degrees.<br />
Rudy Medina<br />
Market President, U.S. Bank<br />
With over 35 years of experience in<br />
banking and financial services, Rudy<br />
Medina serves as the Southern California<br />
market president for U.S. Bank, the fifth<br />
largest commercial bank in the United<br />
States. Rudy currently serves as board<br />
member, Pacific Coast Banking School and<br />
chairman emeritus of the Fresno Hispanic<br />
Chamber of Commerce. Previously Medina<br />
served as chairman, Business Advisory<br />
Committee, Craig School of Business at<br />
California State University Fresno and board<br />
member, California Bankers Association. He<br />
has also shared his time and expertise with<br />
Reading and Beyond and the Fresno Food Bank<br />
organizations. Rudy earned a bachelor’s degree<br />
in finance from University of the Pacific and<br />
is a previous winner of the Kermit O’Hansen<br />
Award of Excellence from the Pacific Coast<br />
Banking School. Rudy and his wife, Susan,<br />
and their two sons reside in the Los Angeles<br />
metropolitan area.<br />
Sal Mendoza<br />
Sr. Vice President, City National Bank<br />
Sal Mendoza serves as Senior Vice<br />
President and Manager of City National<br />
Bank’s Community Reinvestment Department.<br />
He is responsible for managing, monitoring<br />
and reporting on the bank’s CRA qualified<br />
lending, investment and service activities and<br />
spearheads advocacy and related outreach<br />
activities. Sal is chairman of the board of<br />
directors of the Los Angeles Neighborhood<br />
Housing Services, the largest, non-profit<br />
affordable homeownership provider in<br />
Southern California. He also is a member<br />
of the boards of directors of People Assisting<br />
the Homeless and the San Fernando Valley<br />
Financial Development Corporation and a<br />
member of the Executive Council of the City<br />
Scholars Foundation. He also chairs the bank’s<br />
Latino Advisory Board which supports business<br />
development in the Latino community.<br />
Berta M Montoya, ‘02<br />
Director, New Business Development<br />
Latino Market, Thrivent Financial<br />
In May 2016, Berta Montoya was recruited<br />
by Thrivent Financial, a Fortune 300, Nonfor<br />
Profit faith base organization to create,<br />
build, launch, and execute the organization’s<br />
Latinx Community Initiative Nationally.<br />
In this role, Ms. Montoya gets to build a<br />
whole new business unit within a 110+ year<br />
organization and most important she continues<br />
to provide resources, opportunities and be a<br />
gateway to corporate America for the Latinx<br />
community as the first Latinx Director hired<br />
into an executive level position within the<br />
organization. Berta Montoya holds a bachelor’s<br />
degree in business administration with an<br />
emphasis on Management from California<br />
State University, Los Angeles. Her commitment<br />
and involvement in the empowerment of the<br />
Hispanic community is unwavering, having<br />
launched and cofunded her own nonprofit at<br />
age 19, G.A.T.E.S to serve the community in<br />
South <strong>LA</strong>. Ms. Montoya serves as a director<br />
on multiple boards such as YWCA Pasadena,<br />
Saint Francis Center and Advisory Board<br />
member for Cal State <strong>LA</strong>’s College of Business<br />
and Economics, and many others across Los<br />
Angeles county for over a decade.<br />
Luis Patiño<br />
CEO of Austin PBS<br />
With over 25 years of media experience<br />
and mission-focused leadership, Patiño<br />
oversees the operations of Austin PBS as an<br />
organization that informs, entertains and<br />
bridges communities in Central Texas and<br />
beyond. He most recently served as President<br />
and General Manager of Univision Media<br />
Group in Los Angeles. Prior to moving to<br />
California, Patiño served as the Vice President<br />
and General Manager of Univision in both<br />
Austin and San Antonio.
39<br />
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD<br />
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD 40<br />
Remi de la Rocha, ‘01, ‘06<br />
Vice President, Managed Care,<br />
Altamed Health Services<br />
Remi de la Rocha may be the President<br />
and CEO at AltaMed Health Network,<br />
managing a team of over 70 individuals<br />
and spearheading the growth of the<br />
company’s Independent Practice<br />
Association (IPA), their first Limited Knox<br />
Keene license, as well as their very own<br />
Management Service Organization (MSO),<br />
but his visions did not come to fruition<br />
overnight. In fact, he first honed his<br />
conscious-leadership chops at the <strong>CBE</strong>,<br />
which required many of late nights,<br />
planning, collaboration, and hard work.<br />
In 2001, he obtained his B.S. in Business<br />
Administration and in 2006, he earned<br />
his MBA with an emphasis in Health<br />
Management. As the current President<br />
and CEO of AltaMed Health Network, Remi<br />
continues to live by the <strong>CBE</strong> way by as a<br />
business leader in healthcare management.<br />
He hopes to one day return to teaching at<br />
his alma mater and “give back to the<br />
university that gave me so much.” In the<br />
meantime, he would like to leave current<br />
<strong>CBE</strong> students with this, “Enjoy this time.<br />
Make friends and learn how to work<br />
in teams. Find a mentor and work to<br />
become the leader you want to be.”<br />
Lawrence “Larry” Rodriguez<br />
Retired Partner, Ernst & Young LLP<br />
Larry Rodriguez served as the managing<br />
partner of the Ernst & Young’s Honolulu<br />
Office before retiring in 2007. His 40- year<br />
career was spent serving companies in the<br />
financial services, healthcare, airlines,<br />
retail, hospitality, real estate and insurance<br />
industries. Rodriguez received the Pacific<br />
Business News “Leadership Legacy Award”<br />
for his services and contributions to local<br />
charities and community groups.<br />
David Tetreault, ‘89, ‘94<br />
President, Triller<br />
With a proven track record in the TV and<br />
entertainment industry, David Tetreault<br />
strategically drives in all TV and streaming<br />
licensing deals, media, entertainment,<br />
marketing, communications, corporate<br />
development, sponsorships and<br />
co-managing all financial aspects of the<br />
company. David Tetreault joined Golden<br />
Boy in 2015 as the Executive Vice President<br />
of Media and Entertainment, following<br />
major executive stints in the entertainment<br />
industry with FOX, Warner Bros.,and Sony.<br />
Luis Rojas, ‘88<br />
President & CEO, Del Terra<br />
Over twenty one years ago, Luis Rojas<br />
and his sister, Virginia Campos founded<br />
and developed Del Terra Real Estate<br />
Services, Inc. Luis has been the company’s<br />
President and CEO where he remains hands-on<br />
and continues to lead, manage, and oversee the<br />
program/project/construction management,<br />
general contracting, and consulting firm with<br />
over $3.2 billion in projects managed and<br />
implemented of public and institutional<br />
funded Capital Improvement Bond Programs.<br />
Rojas is also the founder of Evergreen<br />
Energy Solutions, LLC, a renewable<br />
energy development firm. Evergreen is<br />
registered with the California Energy<br />
Commission. Additionally, the Rojas<br />
family, founded the Del Terra Education<br />
Foundation, a non-profit to support<br />
students seeking higher education and<br />
the educators that support them. The<br />
mission of the foundation is to increase<br />
the number of students obtaining college<br />
degrees with the school districts and<br />
community colleges that Del Terra Group<br />
serves throughout California.<br />
Mike Sarian, ‘83<br />
President of Operations, Prime Healthcare<br />
Mike Sarian was recently honored by the<br />
Armenian American Medical Society at<br />
its 32nd Anniversary Gala for his positive<br />
influence as an executive and his extensive<br />
community service. He has over 25 years<br />
of executive management experience in<br />
healthcare and is currently president of<br />
Hospital Operations for Prime Healthcare.<br />
Mr. Sarian was born in Lebanon and<br />
immigrated with his family to the U.S. when<br />
he was a teenager. He earned a Masters in<br />
Business Administration from the University<br />
of La Verne and a Bachelors of Science in<br />
Business Administration, Accounting and<br />
Finance, from Cal State <strong>LA</strong>. Mr. Sarian is also<br />
active in various community, charity, and civic<br />
organizations and donates countless volunteer<br />
hours as an executive board member of the<br />
California Hospital Association and aboard<br />
member of the Venice Family Clinic.<br />
He actively supports Armenia’s hospital,<br />
Armenian churches, Armenian schools,<br />
ANC, and the ARS. Through his company,<br />
he recently helped donate medical equipment<br />
in excess of $2 million to hospitals in Armenia.<br />
In 2015, Mr. Sarian received the prestigious<br />
Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his exemplary<br />
contributions to his community.<br />
Carl Sasaki<br />
Partner, Crowe LLP<br />
Carl Sasaki is a partner at Crowe LLP<br />
and a member of the Deans Advisory Board.<br />
Carl is a past student president of Beta Alpha<br />
Psi and graduated in 1983 with a B.S. Business<br />
Administration, Option in Accounting.<br />
Reflecting on time spent at Cal State <strong>LA</strong>, Carl<br />
recalls an influential professor, Dr. Ronald<br />
Stone, who taught Carl’s first accounting<br />
course. The two have remained in contact<br />
over the years. Carl’s best memory of the <strong>CBE</strong><br />
was getting involved with Beta Alpha Psi and<br />
enjoying the camaraderie and transformative<br />
experience. Carl believes that the diversity<br />
that the Cal State <strong>LA</strong> student body represents<br />
supports an important learning process<br />
where students can share many different<br />
perspectives. “I think that’s important as you<br />
make your way out into the world because as<br />
we all know, the world is a diverse place.”<br />
Susan Sifuentes-Triqueros<br />
Regional Public Affairs Manager,<br />
Southern California Gas Company<br />
With a long history of advocating for the<br />
Latinx community, Susan joined Southern<br />
California Gas Company (SoCalGas) in 1982<br />
and eventually became one of the first<br />
Latinas in the External Government Affairs<br />
department. Some of Susan’s professional<br />
and personal highlights supporting the<br />
Latino community include the National<br />
Association of Latino Elected Officials<br />
(NALEO); MALDEF, the nation’s leading<br />
Latino legal civil rights organization; TE<strong>LA</strong>CU,<br />
a pioneering institution committed to<br />
service, empowerment, advancement and<br />
the creation of economic self-sufficiency<br />
within minority communities; the Mexican<br />
American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF)<br />
which provides socio-economic betterment<br />
opportunities; the Southwest Voters<br />
Registration Project; her alumni USC<br />
Latino Alumni Association and HOPE<br />
(Hispanas Organized for Political Equality).<br />
Susan served as Chair of the USC Latino<br />
Alumni Association and was instrumental in<br />
raising approximately $2 million of the goal to<br />
establish a permanent $5 million endowment.<br />
Susan is proud of receiving the Corporate<br />
Award for her support of the mentoring<br />
program “Girls Today, Women Tomorrow.”
41 DISTINIGUISHED ALUMNI<br />
DISTINGUISHSHED ALUMNI 42<br />
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI<br />
James Bell, ‘97, retired President, Executive Vice President and CFO, The Boeing Company. He<br />
earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from College of Business and Economics, Cal State L.A.<br />
Read More about James.<br />
Richard Cordova, ‘72, President and CEO, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Richard received a<br />
Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the College of Business and Economics,<br />
Cal State L.A. in 1972.<br />
Rosalina Cardenas, ‘89, President, Cardenas Strategy Group. Read More about Rosalina.<br />
Remi de la Rocha ‘01, ‘06, Vice President, Managed Care, AltaMed Health Services.<br />
Read More about Remi.<br />
Alan Fohrer, ‘81, retired Chairman and CEO, Southern California Edison. Alan earned a Master’s<br />
degree in Business at Cal State L.A. in 1981. Read More about Alan.<br />
Marshall Geller, ‘61, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, St. Cloud Capital, LLC. Marshall<br />
graduated from the College of Business and Economics, Cal State L.A, with a BS in Business<br />
Administration, where he currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College.<br />
Read More about Marshall.<br />
Karen Kanemoto, Vice President of Finance, Paramount Pictures.<br />
Michael A. Lucki, ‘78, CFO and Sr. VP, CH2M HILL; Member, CSU Foundation Board of<br />
Governors. Lucki received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in<br />
Accounting from the College of Business and Economics. He is also the 2014 Cal State L.A. Alumnus<br />
of the Year. Read More about Michael.<br />
Rosario Marin, ‘83, Former U.S.Treasurer, Owner of Marin & Marin. Rosario received a Bachelor of<br />
Science degree in Business Administration-Marketing from the College of Business and Economics.<br />
Read More about Rosario.<br />
Thomas McKernan, ‘81, ‘85, retired CEO, Auto Club of Southern California (AAA), Thomas<br />
graduated from the College of Business and Economics, Cal State L.A., with a Bachelor of Science in<br />
Business Administration and an MBA in Finance.<br />
Thomas Nassif, ‘65, Esq., former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco; President and CEO,<br />
Western Growers Association. Read More about Thomas.<br />
Raul Porto, ’84, CEO, Porto’s Bakery. Raul earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration<br />
and Accounting. Read More about Raul.<br />
Lawrence Rodriguez, retired Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Hawaii. Lawrence received a<br />
Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the College of Business and Economics.<br />
Noelia Rodriguez, ‘86, former White House Press Secretary and Director of Communications;<br />
former Deputy Mayor, City of Los Angeles. Noelia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business<br />
Administration from the College of Business and Economics.<br />
Wesley Ru, ‘78, Entrepreneur; President, Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Wesley is the<br />
Distinguished Alumnus for the College of Business and Economics in 2014.<br />
Louis Rubino, ‘79, Professor and Director of the Health Administration program at California State<br />
University, Northridge (CSUN).<br />
America Tang, ‘79, President and CEO, Ace Fence Co. America earned her Bachelor of Science in<br />
Business Administration with an option in International Business. Read More about America.<br />
Gilbert Vasquez, ‘64, Managing Partner, Certified Public Accounting Firm of Vasquez & Company,<br />
LLP; former President, the California Board of Accountancy. Read more about Gilbert Vasquez.<br />
Linda Wah, ‘85, ‘89 MBA, Member, PCC Board of Trustees; Member, Board of Trustees, Pasadena<br />
Area Community College District.
43<br />
PARTNERSHIPS PARTNERSHIPS<br />
44<br />
PARTNERSHIPS
NOTES<br />
Contact Us:<br />
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