ULVoice SpringSum .02 final - University of La Verne

The University of La Verne
$80,000 Gift from National Institutes
for Health Creates Research Lab
Jake Ham, one of 3 students studying Apoptosis in the cell and molecular biotechnology lab. Megan Souter examines results from a protein gel.
The University of La Verne has
a reputation that grows daily
– for academic excellence and
timely, cutting-edge research.
The recent addition of state-of-the-art
research equipment further increases its
distinction among universities in the
Inland Empire.
The new cell and molecular
biotechnology lab is the result of work
by several people, including former and
current faculty members as well as
university administration. It was
Assistant Professor Christine Broussard,
however, who elicited the gift of over
$80,000 worth of donated research
equipment from the National Institutes
of Health (NIH), under the Stevenson-
Wylder Innovation Act. Although the
lab was unveiled only recently at an
Open House on February 13, students
already are engaged in several exciting
research projects.
Dr. Stacey Darling Novak, Assistant
Professor of Biology, is currently
advising three students who are
completing their senior research
projects on Apoptosis, also known as
programmed cell death (PCD) in plant
systems. Since PCD is necessary for
proper development and is also needed
to destroy cells that represent a threat
to the integrity of an organism, it has
been an intense focus of research in
recent years. Dr. Novak’s students are
studying PCD in Zea Mays L. (corn),
an essential crop plant for sustaining
human life. Under the direction of Dr.
Broussard, other students will be
studying Oncogenes, mutated versions
of normal genes, in animal cells.
Oncogenes can release cells from
normal restraints on growth, thereby
converting them into tumor cells –
cancer.
“Clearly, this project is a benefit to
students ... and will help them to
develop their laboratory technique and
research skills,” said Novak. The
research skills learned by ULV students
may even lead to exciting future
developments in the fields of
biotechnology and disease control.
Nancy Castro checks her DNA quantity
with our new SmartSpec 3000.
Spring 2002 • Volume 82, No. 4
ULV Calendar
of Events
The University of La Verne offers a wide variety
of athletic, entertainment, and cultural events,
many at no cost or a nominal fee. Please feel free
to take advantage of the many activities offered on
campus. Main Campus number: (909) 593-3511.
For specific information regarding events call the
following extensions: Athletics: x 4261, Carlson
Gallery of Photography: x 4281, Harris Art Gallery:
x 4386, Music: x 4917.
May 16th-September 27, 2002
Robert Mellor Paintings
Tall Wall Space
Opening Reception: May 26th
6:00-8:00 PM
May 25-26, 2002
Commencement Weekend
Undergraduate Ceremony: May 25
Diamond Jubilee Distinguished Alumna
Speaker: Cynthia Cervantes McGuire
Assistant Superintendent, Azusa (CA) Unified
School District
May 26, 2002
University of La Verne
Graduate Ceremony:
Speaker: Michele Forman, 2001 National
Teacher of the Year
Social Studies teacher, Middlebury
Union High School, Middlebury, VT
June 3, 2002
Golf Tournament
Glendora Country Club
Glendora, CA
Information: (909) 392-2896
Or email: yordyj@ulv.edu
June 24, 2002
Football Program Golf Tournament
Sierra Lakes Country Club
Fontana, CA

Welcome
School of Business
and Global Studies
Welcomes New Dean
Gordon J. Badovick, newly appointed
dean of the School of Business and
Global Studies at the University of La
Verne, will begin on July 1, 2002.
According to
Richard
McDowell,
Provost and vice
president of
Academic
Affairs, “Dr.
Badovick represents
the kind of
academic and
professional
leadership that
will serve this
region and the
nation well as
the business
school continues
to develop its
Dean Gordon J. Badovick
teaching and research agenda for the 21st
century.”
During 18 years in the corporate world,
Dr. Badovick managed, developed and marketed
technology-based products and services
for Citicorp, New York; Bank of
America, San Francisco; and NCR, San
Francisco and Los Angeles.
Dr. Badovick currently serves as dean of
President’s Message
2 ULVOICE • SPRING 2002
the School of Management at Marist College
in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he led
the team that attained the prestigious business
program accreditation from the
Association to
Advance
Collegiate
Schools of
Business
(AACSB)
International.
The team established
online
MBA and MPA
programs, the
first in the state
to receive
approval from
the New York
State Education
Department.
Dr. Badovick
holds a bachelor’s degree from California
State University, Los Angeles and a Ph.D. in
marketing from the University of Oregon.
His work has appeared in the Journal of the
Academy of Marketing Science, the Journal
of Personal Selling and Sales Management,
the Journal of Marketing Theory and
Practice, and the Journal of Applied Business
Research.
As I write this, spring is in full bloom
all over the campus, and it’s an
appropriate time to celebrate the recent
accomplishments of our talented faculty
and students.
As part of the School of Education
Diamond Jubilee, we have honored 75
representatives of the myriad of men
and women who have graduated
from the University of La Verne and
gone on to influence the lives of
countless students at every level of
education. At the Alumni Reunion
Day Luncheon on April 20 we
spotlighted 35 Distinguished Educators,
and others have been recognized at
celebrations in Bakersfield and
Sacramento.
The Communications Department
commemorated 25 years of excellence at
an anniversary celebration in the newly
renovated Arts and Communications
Building. Many of our Communications
graduates have gone on to impressive
careers in print and broadcast journalism.
The reputation of the University of La
Verne continues to grow. Assistant
Professor Christine Broussard secured a
Vice President of Enrollment
Wins National Award
On February 24, 2002 the College Board presented
their prestigious 2002 Joe Allen Exemplar Award
to ULV Vice President of Enrollment, Patricia
Coleman. The award, which had its beginning in
1983 and is the highest award given by the College
Board, recognizes “outstanding past or present service
to the Board and in the field of education.” Of the
award, Lisa Meyer, Director of Admissions said, “In
selecting Pat for this award, her peers formally recognized
what we have all commonly understood over the
years – on a national level, Pat is one of the most
prominent, well-respected individuals in our field. To
work with her is an honor.” With pride and respect,
we honor Patricia for a career of exemplary work in
the fields of Admissions and Financial Aid.
ULV Emeriti Group Enjoy Luncheon
Thirty emeriti professors, staff and their spouses gathered on March 15, 2002 for a special
luncheon at the Hillcrest Homes Dining Room in La Verne. They enjoyed an excellent
meal, pleasant company, and a report on the state of the university from John Gingrich, dean
of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Pictured on the left from the front, are Virgil Wilkinson, Phillip Wright, Rhoda Kachuck, and Stuart Mandel. Seated on the right are Ernie
Ikenberry, Leona Ikenberry, Donna Arnold, George Arnold, Jan Hogan, and Herb Hogan.
gift of over $80,000 worth of equipment
from the National Institutes of Health,
enabling us to build the kind of research
lab usually found only in very large
institutions. The American Bar Association
granted approval to our Legal Studies
(formerly paralegal) program and points to
it as a model curriculum. Both our men's
and women's athletic teams continue to
bring accolades to the university, and the
College of Law Moot Court teams fill
trophy cases with awards. In July, Gordon
J. Badovick will take his place as dean to
lead us to continued academic and
Patricia Coleman, winner of the Exemplar Award, with (left)
Darren Finks ’84 Vice President, Harvey Mudd College and
(right) Chair of the Western Regional College Board Hector
Martinez, who nominated her.
PATRICIA CASCIO ’01
professional success in the School of
Business and Global Studies.
And you, our Alumni and friends, bring
praise to the university because of the
respect you have earned in your individual
professions and personal lives. Thank you
for the difference you continue to make to
us and to the world. The impact of the
University of La Verne continues to grow
in positive ways both here at home and in
distant lands.

On Campus
Legal Studies Program Gains ABA Approval
The University of La Verne has reached
another milestone of academic excellence.
On February 7, 2002, the American Bar
Association granted approval to the
University of La Verne Legal Studies program,
thanks to the tireless work of Director
Vitonio San Juan and Academic Advisor
Patricia Adongo. Surveys, reports, faculty
and curriculum changes and other issues
needed to be addressed before approval was
earned. At the celebration reception, the ABA
official who visited commented that the ULV
program is now seen as a model!
2002 marks the 30th year of the Legal
Studies now part of the School of Public
Administration and Health Administration.
ULV is one of only a few universities in the
country that offers a Bachelor’s Degree in
Legal Studies as well as the Certificate in
Paralegal Studies, and one of only two in
southern California. This distinction is
important because the B.S. degree is increasingly
required for employment within the
profession
unless a person
has prior
experience.
The Legal
Studies program
boasts
over 700
alumni and
has granted
Board of visitors members Michael Bidart, Esq. and Tom
Girardi, Esq. demonstrated trial tactics at the ULV College
of Law in Ontario on March 6, 2002. The event, held in the
Bidart Moot Courtroom, was well attended by students and
community. Michael Bidart presented his opening statements
from an actual $8 million negligence lawsuit against the Boy
Scouts of America involving the paralysis of a former scout
during a diving accident. Tom Girardi emphasized the primary
importance of the jury selection process and an attorney’s
opening statements. He illustrated “painting pictures” for the
jury by discussing strategies he had used in the past.
Professors Vitonio San Juan and Patricia
Adongo at reception honoring ABA Approval
of the Legal Studies program.
129 Bachelor’s degrees since 1988. About 70
students are currently enrolled. The Legal
Studies curriculum is a balance between
learning the law and practical applications.
All who have done internships during their
study are now working in the field. Because
they have graduated from ULV, they have
“learned substantive law and practical skills,
developed analytical ability, and built a
framework for life that is ethical, service-oriented,
appreciative of diversity and committed
to continuing education.” Please visit
the Web site at www.ulv.edu/legalstudies/.
Prominent Attorneys Present Trial Demonstration
Board of Visitors members, Mike Bidart and
Attorney Tom Girardi at the ULV College of Law.
Moot Court
Teams Wins
National
Awards
The ULV College of Law
trophy case is quickly filling
up! The national moot court
traveling teams have won
numerous trophies and awards at
virtually every national
competition in which they
competed.
During the fall semester, one of the teams
competed at the University of San Diego
National Criminal Procedure Competition
and advanced to the Quarter-final round,
besting several other teams including
numerous prestigious ABA schools.
In November, ULV’s team won the award
for “Best Petitioner Brief - First Place” at the
National Entertainment Law Moot Court
Competition, sponsored by Pepperdine
School of Law in Malibu.
February and March 2002 were busy
months for several ULV teams. Our Black
Law Students’ Association team won the
Best Team Championship trophy (and
several individual trophies) for the second
year in a row at the Frederick Douglas
National Moot Court Western Regional
Athletics Year in Review By
With the women’s volleyball national
championship in the books and several
outstanding performances by ULV athletes, the
2001-2002 school year has been filled with
excitement and accomplishment. More accolades
and championship performances for La Verne
could be on the horizon.
The men’s water polo team finished second in
the SCIAC, led by senior Stephen Smith, who was
selected as a first team AWPCA Division III All-
American.
In one of the most competitive seasons in the
Captain Nate Michael and middle-hitter David Engle double-team
Springfield Player, successfully blocking his attempt during game
one of the Molten Division 3 Volleyball Championship.
Photographer: Tom Galaraga
NANCY NEWMAN-BAUER ’89
SCIAC for women’s soccer, ULV placed three
players on the All-SCIAC first team, tying
conference champ Redlands with the most
representatives on the first team squad.
The ULV men’s swimming and diving teams
enjoyed much success this season as several
records were broken. Sophomore Jason Walters
collected three individual wins (200 IM, 100
Back, 200 Back) at the SCIAC Swimming &
Diving Championships and was the only athlete
to achieve an “A” national cut at the SCIAC meet.
Junior Crystal Marks captured both the 1-meter
and 3-meter diving events at the SCIAC
Championships.
The Leopard track and field teams raced to
Left to right: Mike Sargent and Brandi Miles Moore (Cybercrimes team), William Cheney
(Best petitioner brief 1st place winner), Kathy Garcia (HNBA team), Greg Roach
(Cybercrimes team).
Competition. They advanced to the Quarterfinal
Round and won 6th place brief out of
54 teams competing.
During the same weekend, ULV’s Hispanic
National Bar Association team competed at
the HNBA National Moot Court
Competition and advanced to the Semifinal
round, winning the Third Place Team trophy
as well as the Second Place Petitioner Brief
trophy.
Finally, the ULV Cybercrimes National
Moot Court Competition Team won the Best
Brief trophy for the second year in a row
along with the Second Place/Runner-up Team
trophy. The judges for the final round were
unanimous that the final two teams were
virtually tied after the final round arguments,
but the 1st place team award finally went to
Indiana University.
National Recognition!
The National Wildlife Foundation recently named the University of La Verne as
a “leading school” based on curriculum and ecological practices on campus.
Will Darity, Sports Information Director
second-place finishes for both the men and
women in SCIAC dual meets and hope for further
success at the upcoming conference
championships and NCAA Outdoor Championship
meet. Several athletes have qualified for
nationals. Two of the athletes to watch are junior
Will Lawson and sophomore Lori Waters, both of
whom are ranked in the top five nationally in
their respective events.
The Leo baseball team enjoyed another strong
season to finish 3rd in this year's SCIAC race.
The Leopard golf team has also moved to the
top of the conference heap, earning a tie for first
in dual competition.
ULVOICE • SPRING 2002 3

Gifts to ULV
Corporate Associates Business
Lecture and Luncheon
Kurt Rothweiler, Chair of the Corporate
Associates, and his wife Peggy enjoyed the
Spring Business Lecture and Luncheon with over
200 other members, guests and ULV students.
The Latino Alumni Association’s first
annual reception was held at Pomona
Valley Mining Company on April 5th. Over
100 people attended the elegant event. The
restaurant’s plate-glass windows overlook the
valley, and guests arrived just as the sun was
setting. Alumni enjoyed themselves as they
discussed their experiences at the University
of La Verne. “Familia” is very important in
the Latino culture, so it was not unusual to see LAURA GONZALEZ ’01
spouses and children attending the event.
Everyone was proud to be a ULV graduate and to be a part of
this kickoff reception. Currently, over 30 percent of ULV
students are Latino, and the Alumni Association looks forward
to supporting the efforts of this alumni group.
4 ULVOICE • SPRING 2002
NANCY NEWMAN-BAUER ’89
NANCY NEWMAN-BAUER ’89
Diane McIntyre, wife of Trustee William McIntyre who sponsors the annual
Outstanding Business Graduate Award with honoree Tammie Davis and her
parents, Rosemarie and Tom Davis.
State Farm Sponsors Latino Alumni
Association Reception by Laura Gonzalez ’01
Pictured, L to R:
President
Stephen Morgan
with
Assemblyman
Tony Cardenas,
Keynote Speaker,
the Outstanding
Business
Graduate of 2002,
Tammie Davis,
and three other
excellent ULV
business students
Suzanne Saenz,
Jacqueline
Reaser, and Mark
Vazquez.
NANCY NEWMAN-BAUER ’89
Multicultural Affairs Director, Daniel
Loera, with Cecilia M. Morris ’75,
California Human Resources
Recruiting Manager for State Farm
Insurance Companies, and Melissa
Ann Negrete ’99, Assistant Director of
Housing Services
Rebecca and Richard
Lewis Establish Students
Run LA Scholarship
Thanks to the unselfish generosity of Trustee Richard
A. Lewis, president, co-owner of Lewis Operating
Corp. and his wife Rebecca, the University of La Verne
proudly announces the Rebecca and Richard Lewis
Students Run L.A. Scholarship. The award presents two
students with $10,000 per year, for four years. Students
who have participated in the Students Run L.A. program
while in high school and who qualify for admission to
NANCY NEWMAN-BAUER ’89
the University of La Verne are eligible to apply for this
Richard and Rebecca Lewis.
four-year scholarship. It is intended to assist with the
overall cost of attendance at the University of La Verne and assumes that the recipients will
maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Over $700,000 Added to
ULV Endowment Fund
Even as we in the university community mourn the
recent death of Betty Wilson, we celebrate the foresight,
generosity, and commitment that characterized her
life and served as an example to all of us. Elvin ’33 and
Betty ’35 Wilson, whose generosity to the university
spanned more than 60 years, contributed in excess of $3
million to their alma mater during their lifetimes.
Recognizing the importance of a high quality library to
the success of a university, the Wilsons were instrumental
in securing the current facility that houses the university
library, which was dedicated in 1982. They were also
major contributors to the renovation of that facility in 1996.
The Wilsons also contributed nearly $1 million to the university to fund charitable gift annuities,
which paid them an income during their lifetimes. Upon the death of Betty, the remaining
principal in these annuities has been transferred to the Elvin and Betty Wilson Library
Endowment Fund and will provide for the ongoing support of the library that bears their
names, providing for books, equipment, materials, and upkeep. Present and future generations
of ULV students continue to reap the benefits of their visionary philanthropy.
Communications
Department Celebrates
25-Year Anniversary
The University of La Verne Communications
Department has much to celebrate in its 25year
commitment to excellence. On March 16,
alumni, faculty, former faculty and students
gathered to honor those whose work has earned
recognition throughout the state of California and
across the country and to give tribute to those who
played a key role in laying the strong foundation
upon which the department was built. Both
President Stephen Morgan and Dr. John Gingrich,
Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, spoke
about the legacy left by late president Armen
Sarafian who conceived of the idea for the
department and invited Dr. Esther Davis in 1975 to
Elvin and Betty Wilson at the 1982 dedication of
the Wilson Library.
Among hundreds of guests at the celebration were former and present
faculty, from left: Sara LaRiviere, Don Pollock, Bill Neill, Mike Laponis, Ruby
Montaño-Cordova, Agnes Rust, Gary Johnson, Gary Colby, George Keeler
(department chair), and Doug Waite. Photographer: Jeanette Keeler
bring that idea to life.
The celebration was held in the newly renovated
Arts and Communications building. “For many
years,” Dr. Gingrich said, “we had really good
people and good programs, but the facility was not
what we wanted. Now, finally, we have those
facilities, and that means the program can grow, it
can prosper, and we can look for even greater
things in the future.

Alumni & Friends
Living History: Theme of
Black History Month at ULV
Black History is an important part of
American History. Keisha Bentley,
Cross Cultural Programs Director, said
“When people have a better understanding
of something, it alleviates the ignorance.”
Each February we have the opportunity to
gain a better understanding of the rich culture
and vital contributions of African
Americans to our collective history.
Bentley said the month’s theme, Living
History, occurred to her when she thought
about the Tuskegee Airmen who spoke at
a special presentation attended by over
200 people on February 26. The pilots
related their experiences during World War
II, and she realized they were living history.
“But then, I realized that we are all living
history,” she said. We all have an affect on
other people and when we do the right
thing, when we make a difference in the
lives of others, when we strive for greatness,
we become part of history.
The events of Black History month at
ULV sparked great interest and brisk attendance.
The 2nd Annual Leadership
Awards Dinner, featuring keynote speaker
Peggy Harvey-Lee, honored several people
who had benefited the African American
community during the year. Other events
of the month-long celebration included A
Karen Shepard-Grimes MBA ’97 is a woman who
has been there and done that – and will
continue to do even more to get the job done! She
has honed her skills throughout a 12-year career
with the Los Angeles Department of Water and
Power as Public Relations Specialist and during her
4 years in Corporate Communications with
Southern California Edison where she serves as
manager of the speakers’ bureau. In addition to
her professional success, Karen has worked in radio
and, since 1991, hosted a syndicated cabletelevision
program, After Thoughts Productions,
broadcast on eight different stations from the San
Fernando Valley to Long Beach, CA.
An accomplished speaker, Karen often gives
career presentations in schools and other
Airman Edward L. Brantley and senior Falone Serna, of the
Brothers Forum.
Tribute to the Black Man honoring four
outstanding leaders; Poetry Slam, an open
mic night emceed by Nelson Brown/Snap
Snap Poets that gave students the opportunity
to share their own poetry; the Griot
Monologues, a presentation of skits based
on Black figures in history; the Soul
Sensation Fashion show; and the closing
Gospel Fest of spirituals and inspirational
music by several artists and choirs.
Visit Us On The Web!
www.ulv.edu/ur
Alumni Profile: Karen Shepard-Grimes ’97
organizations. “I tell them that it’s ok to set goals
and not reach them. It’s ok to know you have
another chance,” she said. People often set goals
and become discouraged when life seems to have
other plans, but Karen’s favorite quote is, “If you fall
down, fall on your back; if you can look up, you can
get up.” She is testimony to that truth.
Having been side-lined for ten years after high
school, she went back to college as a single parent.
She earned her B.A. in Broadcasting at the same
time her six-year-old son graduated from “Kiddie
College,” an accomplishment she feels set a great
example for him. Four years later, while at LA
DPW, she worked nights and weekends to earn an
MBA at the Burbank campus of the University of
La Verne and at the job site. “What a great
Our Man in the Olympics!
eah, right! I’ve watched a bobsled race
“Y once,” Edwin Fletcher ’87 responded
when a friend called and asked him to try out
for the Puerto Rican Olympic bobsled team.
Six months later, he was training with the
team at Lake Placid, NY. They spent the
next two and one-half years traveling to several
bobsled tracks in the U.S. and Canada in
the Americas Cup and World Cup Circuits.
Fletcher did it for his six-year-old who can
look up to daddy and strive to do well in
whatever comes.
The team is made up of a driver and a
braker plus two alternates. Fletcher served as
alternate braker, the man you see pushing a
400-pound sled for 40 meters, jumping in
and ducking his head before the sled slams
down the course at 90 mph. He then follows
the driver’s orders to brake when told.
During his years playing football at ULV, Ed
learned from Coach Ortmayer that the game
is 90 % mental and 10 % struggle. “If you
doubt, you are in trouble,” is good advice for
a bobsled braker as well.
The week at Olympic Village was an extra-
Seventy-Five Years of Excellence
program for single parents and working adults – a
convenience and a luxury – to combine the
practical aspects of the work experience with time
in the classroom,” she said. The experience of
going through the MBA program with people in
like circumstances helped her make connections
that can last a lifetime.
Karen served as a facilitator for the Investment in
Excellence Program, teaching people to deal with
things more positively in life as well as at work and
currently serves as a facilitator for new employee
orientation courses offered by SCE. She is a media
spokesperson and on-air talent for company videos
and public service announcements and wants to
share her passion about applying the golden rule in
customer service.
The Puerto Rican Bobsled team, 2002: (l to r) Manuel Reppolett, Mike
Gonzales, and Don Young with ULV alumnus Ed Fletcher ’87.
ordinary experience. Team members enjoyed
gourmet meals, free medical and dental services,
free haircuts, facials, massage, and
manicures daily. Despite the fact that uncontrollable
circumstances kept the team from
final competition, the accomplishments of
qualifying and being there was gratifying.
The closing ceremonies were especially emotional
as the stadium cheered Puerto Rico.
“We’re here with the best in the world,”
Fletcher thought. “It brought tears to my
eyes,” he said. To this Olympian, forming
friendships, making connections with other
cultures, and coming together with other
countries is what it is all about.
Teacher Education Program Chair
Peggy Redman, who was also one of
the 75 Distinguished Educators
honored during the School of
Education Diamond Jubilee,
presented Crystal Apples to several
other award winners at the Alumni
Reunion Day Luncheon. Pictured are
thirty of the recipients,
representatives of the long line of
excellent ULV educators who have
impacted the lives of young people
since 1927.
ULVOICE • SPRING 2002 5

Leo Lines
40s
Ruth (Ransom) Froiland ’46 published
(poetry and a character sketch)
in an anthology, In the Company of
Women, Old Lieutenant Press, 2001,
and Pieces of Our Lives in genre, free
writing and excerpts from journals to
be published in 2002. Ruth was also
featured on Channel 17 San Diego,
CA Public Services, as a mentor to an
at-risk preteen.
50s
Fred ’52 and Elfreda Eller ’53 Holmes
celebrated their 50th Wedding
Anniversary on December 23, 2001.
They have lived at Tonasket , WA and
have been in the apple orchard business
since Fred’s graduation from
LVC. The couple have five children,
eight grandchildren, and one greatgrandson,
Adam Steinshouer born on
May 18, 2001.
60s
Bill Wagoner ’61 was
recently appointed as
Board Director at
Hillcrest Retirement
Community in La
Verne, CA.
Beverly J (Nagel) Duncan ’65 has
been promoted to Assistant/Volunteer
Skills Network (VSN) for American
Baptist Churches/USA as of June
2001.
Lieutenant Colonel Roger Holl ’66
continues to practice law in
Anchorage, Alaska. He was awarded
the Governor’s Alaska Community
Service Medal for his community service.
As a reservist, he spent some
time on active duty after September
11, providing security for the Yukon
River Bridge and the Trans-Alaska
Oil Pipeline. Roger has also been
transferred from Deputy Commander
of the 491st Aviation Regiment to
Commander of the Coastal
Command for the Alaska State
Defense Force. He was awarded a
Commendation Medal for Valor for
risking his life in saving a downed
pilot in a remote region of Alaska.
Roger was also recognized nationally
Little Leos
Edwin ’90 and Christine (Wehunt) Gibson ’94
announce the arrival of their son, Asa Edwin
Gibson, born on September 20, 2001.
Nick Susnjar ’94 and his wife, Jasna, have a new
addition to their family. Brody Nickolas was born
March 9, 2002. He weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. and measured
20 in. in length. They feel truly blessed to
have him in their lives and part of the ULV family.
Andy and Jackie (Williams) Grillo ’96 proudly
announce the birth of their first child, Brock
Andrew Grillo, born on February 2, 2002 in San
Dimas, California.
Shawn and Judy (Messin) Swineford ’97 announce
the arrival of their first child, Joshua Matthew
Swineford, born on February 6, 2002
Chad ’97 and Judy Polanco ’98
Davis are proud to announce the
birth of their daughter,
Jacqueline Taylor, born on July
21, 2001. She weighed 8 lbs., 11
oz., and measured 20 in.
6 ULVOICE • SPRING 2002
by the State Guard Association of the
United States.
Brenda McDaniel ’66 and her husband,
“Bear,” are “struggling with
traffic” in Okinawa, where they live
in 1940s military housing.
70s
Leah (Oxley) Harness ’71 began in
January, 2002, as the full time
Chaplain at The Cedars, Inc., a
Nursing Home and Retirement
Community located in McPherson, KS.
She is also a graduate of Bethany
Theological Seminary, ’87, and an
ordained Church of the Brethren
Minister. Leah and her husband,
Bryan, and daughter, Virginia, reside in
Newton, KS where Bryan is the
Director of Pastoral Care and Chaplin
at Prairie View, Inc., a private Mental
Health Hospital and Treatment Center.
Mike Molony ’72, after 26 years in
the radio business, is starting a new
job as Director of the Family Life
Center at Sandia Presbyterian Church
in Albuquerque. The Family Life
Center will be a recreational ministry
for the church and the community,
using sports, theater and music. Mike
came to La Verne to become a gym
teacher and came out a speech and
drama major. He says that after all
these years, it’s nice to finally be in
“his field.”
Dale Louise Odom ’76, is a former
director of the University of La Verne
Bookstore from 1971 to 1973. Since
1973, she has been doing background
research for Monsignor Jim Lisante’s,
host of Catholic television programs,
“Personally Speaking” and
“Christopher Closeup.” Recently
she’s been writing and editing for
publication, both written and online.
Oscar Pagan ’76 retired from the
California Department of Corrections
in December of 2000 to Coeur
D’Alene, ID. He’s been enjoying
retirement in northern Idaho with his
wife, Basilisa, and children, Oscar Jr.,
aged 6 and Jade, aged 3. He says that
his BA from ULV helped him advance
during his 33-year career in law
enforcement.
Robert K. Warford ’77 has become a
Fellow of the American College of
Trial Lawyers, one of the premier
legal associations in America. The
induction ceremony at which Robert
became a Fellow took place recently,
before an audience of 850 persons
during the Spring Meeting of the
College in La Quinta, California.
Robert is a partner in the firm of
Reback, McAndrews & Kjar, LLP,
whose principal office is located in
Manhattan Beach. He has recently
established an office for the firm in
San Bernardino, California, emphasizing
the defense of medical and
other professional negligence matters.
He has practiced primarily in the
Inland Empire area for over 20 years.
80s
Ralph W. Boaz ’81 has started his
own company, Pillar Consulting,
which offers consulting services in
Leadership, Process Development,
Engineering, and Traffic
Management. He and his wife,
Angela ’81, live in Yorba Linda, CA.
Joseph Thornell ’86, who lives in Dell
Rapids, SD, was recently appointed
as the state of South Dakota
Command Chief Master Sergeant of
the Air National Guard.
Christine Wallace, Ed.D ’87 has
retired from Moreno Valley Unified
School as of January 31, 2002.
Christine was the district’s Assistant
Superintendent-Fiscal Services. She is
retiring with 33 years of experience in
school finance, having worked in the
finance division of several school districts
including Los Angeles, Pomona,
Bonita, East Whittier and Moreno
Valley. Christine has also held office
positions in ACSA, CASBO, SELF
and others.
Kay (Rupel) Leum ’88 assumed the
position of Registrar at Western
Wyoming Community College in
February 2002, after moving from
Director of Admissions/Records at
Blue Mountain community College in
Pendleton, OR.
Tricia Wright ’89 was recently named
Head Woman’s Volleyball Coach at
Willamette University in Salem,
In Memoriam
Ruth Rothrock Ferrell ’34 passed away on February
17, 2002. Ruth first moved to La Verne, CA in 1923
when her father, Edgar Rothrock, was called to be
the Pastor of the La Verne Church of the Brethren.
Her family was instrumental in founding Camp La
Verne.
La Verne Crites ’39 passed away on October 16,
2001 in Sacramento, CA.
Catharine (Miller) Janzen ’39 passed away on March
4, 2002. Catharine, a prolific letter writer, initiated a
“Round robin” letter the summer between her freshman
and sophomore years for ten of her college classmates.
This letter continues 66 years later! She also
actively participated in the Heifer Project
International, which provides animals for people in
need.
Georgia (Lichty) Rickets ’52 passed away on January
24, 2002. She lived in the Inland Valley of Southern
California for 69 years and taught kindergarten for
30 years in the Rowland School District.
Oregon, scheduled to start in the
early summer of 2002. She has been
the First Assistant Coach at New
Mexico State. Tricia is also an athletic
Hall of Fame member.
90s
Edwin Gibson ’90 was awarded the
Rookie of the Year for 2001 sales performance
at Alcon Laboratories. He
also became a father (see Little Leos)
last year. Which was the greater
honor – or challenge – Edwin?
Mary S. Zavala ’90 is part of the staff
of the Learning Support Faculty for
CalStateTEACH - a new teacher
preparation credential program.
Wendi Smith ’92 received her M.A. in
Education in 2001 from Claremont
Graduate University in Claremont,
CA. In July that year, she moved to
Pittsburgh, PA where she teaches
mathematics at McGuffey High
School.
Vincent Contreras ’93 retired from
Space Systems/LORAL after seventeen
years in the Aerospace industry.
One of his last assignments was to
serve as Technical Director for their
Y2K Compliance effort. In
September of 2001, he accepted the
position of Associate Dean of
Computer Information Systems and
Evening and Weekend Programs for
the DeVry University on their
Fremont, CA campus.
Bunnie Contreras ’94 is an account
executive for KSNI-FM and a couple
other Clear Channel-owned radio stations
in the Santa Maria/San Luis
Obispo area. She was recently named
as a recipient of a scholarship to the
Radio Advertising Bureau’s FastStart
Sales Program, the most prestigious
program of its kind in the industry.
Wallace Ridley ’94 is a volunteer for
the World Cup 2002 in Park City,
Utah. He is also a volunteer for the
2003 FIS in Deer Valley, Utah. Roger
will be a volunteer for the winter
Olympics in Torino, Italy for 2006.
Gena (Conacher) Fowlkes ’95 married
on December 8, 2001 in Upland,
CA. Her husband, Mitch, is an engineer
for the City of La Verne Fire
Betty Wilson ’35
It is with sadness that we report the
death of Betty Wilson ’35, wife of the
late Trustee Emeritus Elvin K. Wilson.
A celebration of Betty’s life was held on
March 23 in the Maury Smeltzer
Lounge at Hillcrest Homes. Her two
sons, Dennis and Don, a ULV Trustee,
participated in the service along with
daughters, Linda and Edna.
Three other people, including President
Stephen Morgan, who had been
impacted by her life, shared their experiences.
One woman, who had lost her parents,
had come to Fullerton to live with a guardian she
hardly knew. She was extremely depressed, but
met Betty’s daughter, Linda, on her first day in
Department. Gena is an apprentice
firefighter for the city and completed
paramedic school in March, 2002.
The newlyweds honeymooned in
Tahiti and are now living in
Wrightwood, CA.
Oscar Valencia ’96 graduated from
Pepperdine Law School in 1999.
Oscar started his own law firm in
2001. The areas of practice of his
firm are criminal law, constitutional
law, and immigration law. The firm
mostly services the working poor in
the Los Angeles area.
Marta (Casper) Weismann ’96 was
married to Daniel Weismann on
August 4, 2000. After graduating
from ULV, Marta enrolled in the
Politics and Policy Program at the
Claremont Graduate University
where she earned her MA in 1999,
shortly before meeting Daniel. Marta
passed her doctoral qualifying exams
last year and is now working on her
dissertation in American Politics.
Marta and Daniel are living in Alta
Loma, California.
Ron Carruth ’97, who earned his doctorate
in educational management at
ULV, has been promoted to assistant
superintendent of educational services
in the Whittier Union High
School District.
Judy (Messin) Swineford ’97 married
Shawn Swineford on August 10,
1997. Judy works for the University
of California, Riverside as a research
associate in their environmental technology
center.
Karen Shepard-Grimes ’97 MBA
manages the speakers’ bureau for
Southern California Edison. In addition,
Karen has her own consulting
business and gives workshops, talks
and keynote addresses. Customer service
is her field of expertise. Read
more about her in this issue’s Alumni
Profile.
Anthony Velebil ’97 will soon be getting
married to Wendy Woyetz
(Claremont-McKenna Grad) on May
4, 2002. They will be honeymooning
in the US Virgin Islands for 11 days.
Sonia (Amezquita) Lopez ’98 after
graduating has moved back to
Lompoc and married in November
1998. She has a 2-year-old boy named
Michael. Sonia works for the Santa
Barbara Municipal Airport. Sonia
plans on continuing her education
and receiving a Masters in Business
Administration in Aviation.
Jennifer (Pashone) Hart ’98 married
Geoffrey Hart on July 21, 2001.
Alumni in the wedding included Julie
Eklund ’98, Michelle Runyan ’98 and
Tracey Jones (Landisi) ’98 ’00, who
was the maid of honor. Jennifer’s sister,
Danielle Pashone ’02 was also in
the wedding. The couple currently
lives in Seattle, WA where Geoff
works for Microsoft and Jennifer
teaches high school English at
Sammamish High School.
Norma Baker ’99 Ed.D was recently
appointed by the State Board of
Education to the Curriculum
Development and Supplemental
Materials Commission. Dr. Baker has
been the principal of Hudnall
Elementary School in the Inglewood
Unified School District since 1999.
Herman Barahona ’99 is a community
organizer with LA Metropolitan
Strategy Industrial Areas Foundation
(IAF). Following his Los Angeles
work, he will move to Houston, TX
for a two-year assignment.
00s
Melissa L. Smith ’01 is currently
working as a Forensic Counselor for
Mentally Ill Offenders and is working
on her Masters in Counseling –
option in Marriage Family Therapy at
Cal State University, Long Beach.
Joseph Wright ’01 and Rachelle
Silverstein-Wright ’01 were married
on July 28, 2001. Rachelle is currently
working on
her Ph.D (in
Marital and
Family Therapy)
at Loma Linda
University.
Joseph is a
Project Manager
for Alliance
Environmental
Group.
school. Betty and Elvin became like
parents to her. She had never seen what
a marriage was like until she spent time
with the Wilson family, and later patterned
her own life and family after
theirs.
In President Morgan’s words, “Betty
and Elvin epitomized the spirit and mission
of the University of La Verne.
From their days as students in the 1930s
through the dawning of the new century,
they supported their alma mater
with dedication and generosity. They actively participated
in every major initiative and encouraged
our progress at every turn. …We will miss Betty’s
wise counsel and encouragement.”

Alumni and Friends
Alumni Reunion Day 2002
Trustee, Alumni Board Vice
President and Distinguished Graduate
Rich George ’70.
The La Verne
College Male Quartet
who sang from 1958 to
1961: Franz Brightbill
’62, Quinter Beery ’62,
Harvey Beery ’61, and
Philip Walker ’61.
Trustee and Distinguished Graduate Myrna Wheeler ’60 and her daughter,
Julia Wheeler ’85, M.Ed ’96.
Drop Us A Line!
…and let us know what is happening in your life – if you’ve
changed jobs, retired, taken a wonderful vacation, recently
wed, had a child, received an award or anything else that
has happened in your life. We cannot print all submissions
in the ULVoice, but you may read the complete, uncut
Leolines online at www.ulv.edu/ur. From the Alumni page,
click on “Leolines.”
Send your information to:
ULVoice, 1950 3rd Street, La Verne, CA 91750
or e-mail: schuhm@ulv.edu
Tel: 909/593-3511, ext. 4687
FAX: 909/392-2750
Leading the Alma Mater, from left are
Chuck Butterfield ’42, Trustee Dick Landis
’42, and Director of Teacher Education and
Distinguished Graduate Peggy Redman ’62.
Mary (Weide)
Eadington and Gaynel
Kendrick enjoy the 1972
decade reunion reception
in the Kendrick home.
Former ULV
Basketball Coach and
Distinguished Graduate,
Gary Stewart ’84.
Name: Class of:
Spouse: Class of:
Address:
New Address:
Today: It was a day of
nostalgia for the group who
performed for the first time
in forty years at Alumni
Reunion Day 2002.
Betty Haines ’42, Lois Miller Thomas ’27, and Euline Wilkinson ’42.
PHOTOS: ELLEN MAIETTA ’98
Home Phone: E-Mail:
Business Fax: Business Phone:
Announcements, Comments, News:
Bakersfield Alumni Reception
Eva and Ricardo Zavala, both elementary school principals
in Bakersfield, Ca, are two of the distinguished graduates
honored at a celebration held at the University of La Verne
Bakersfield campus. It has been 75 years since the University of
La Verne was first approved to provide teaching credentials.
The Bakersfield celebration was one of many planned
throughout California for the Diamond Jubilee. The Zavalas
were among the 75 noteworthy men and women selected as
Eva and Ricardo Zavala
representatives of countless educators who have touched so
many lives during La Verne’s past 75 years of excellence in teacher education. They are being
honored for their outstanding contributions to the field of education.
Making A Difference: Landis Book
No one goes his way alone:
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.
-Edwin Markham
Not many people have the opportunity to help shape the history
and development of a major institution during their
lifetimes, but Beth and Richard Landis have truly made a difference
at the University of La Verne. For that reason, as well as
the general example of their lives, their new book, Making a
Difference, has extraordinary value for anyone connected with
the university.
If you would like a copy, you may order by sending $40, plus
$5 for shipping and handling to:
Lori Mast
University Relations
University of La Verne
1950 Third St.
La Verne, CA 91750
For further information, contact Lori at mastl@ulv.edu or call
(909) 593-3511 ext. 4664. Proceeds from the sale of the book
will contribute to the Venna and John W. Landis, Sr. Scholarship.
Making a Difference
Richard ’42 and Beth ’45 Landis.
ULVOICE • SPRING 2002 7