CSUN Hosts Founders’ Day to honor Class of 1965 Alumni and Emeritus Faculty and Staff

An early postcard of what was then San Fernando Valley State College. The building is what is now known as Bayramian Hall.

An early postcard of what was then San Fernando Valley State College. The building is what is now known as Bayramian Hall.

California State University, Northridge will be celebrating Founders’ Day on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Honoring the Class of 1965 alumni and emeritus faculty and staff, the event will allow participants to reconnect with one another; learn how the university is evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the students, community and region; and honor those being inducted into CSUN’s 50 Year Club.

Founders’ Day is an annual event intended to identify and re-engage alumni and emeritus faculty and staff associated with the university during its Valley State era.

“Faculty are essentially the bedrock of the university,” said co-chair of the Founders’ Day steering committee professor James Sefton, who recently celebrated 50 years of teaching history at CSUN. “We stick around much longer than most students do. We are very conscious of change over a period of time, so we frequently have occasion to compare students of different generations. The students of 1965 and the students of today mirror the major changes in higher education in California.”

Current students and faculty will host several mini-showcase demonstrations on how the latest technology, research, services, and innovation are being applied in today’s classroom. There will be open houses for the OASIS Wellness Center, a one-of-a-kind facility designed to provide students with serenity and relaxation amid the rush and activity of campus life, and the Veterans Resource Center, where veterans are supported in their transition from military service to academic success.

CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison will welcome alumni at a luncheon, where current student veterans will honor alumni veterans. A ceremony also will be held to induct the class of 1965 and emeritus faculty and staff into the 50 Year Club.

Alumni can get re-acquainted with the university through tours of the campus, the recently renovated Matador Athletics facilities, student housing facilities and of the Student Recreation Center, which opened in 2012.

Organizers are encouraging participants to turn their Founders’ Day experience into a night to remember by attending the Valley Performing Arts Center’s (VPAC) season opener, “Diavolo: Architecture in Motion —L’Espace du Temps.”

Founder’s Day will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University Student Union, located on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Avenue.

For more information about the Founders’ Day or to register for the event, visit www.csunalumni.com/foundersday2015 or call Special Events at (818) 677-1300.

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