President Dianne F. Harrison addresses members of SAGE at their biannual event. Photo by Lee Choo.

California State University, Northridge President Dianne F. Harrison encouraged local retired community leaders who attended the SAGE Forum luncheon on May 10 to take advantage of the many resources at CSUN, including enjoying performances at the Valley Performing Arts Center, attending athletic events or taking courses.

“I’m a big believer in life-long learning. It keeps us fresh and interested in things,” said Harrison to about 100 members of the group of mostly retirees. “I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities we have at CSUN.”

The president addressed the group as the keynote speaker for the biannual event. SAGE—an acronym for Study, Activity, Growth and Enrichment—is a self-supporting group of retired and semi-retired people who share a passion for learning and meet to exchange knowledge and develop new interests. The organization works closely with the Tseng College to offer “intellectually and culturally stimulating” courses and activities. Many of its members are retired CSUN faculty and staff.

“I feel very honored to have President Harrison at our event,” said Joyce Linden, emeritus associate professor from the Department of Special Education and event chair. “CSUN truly shines, and I think SAGE is one of the sunbeams.”

SAGE President Jeanne Polak-Recht also presented two CSUN students with the Sonja Marchand Scholarship in Gerontology. Marchand, who was a member of CSUN’s staff in the Tseng College, helped launch SAGE. The students awarded scholarships are: Joanne Cecilio and Ragini Kaur, both are health administration majors with a minor in gerontology.

In addition to inviting those at the luncheon to visit CSUN, Harrison discussed her goals for the campus and some reasons the community should take pride in the accomplishments of the university. She has identified seven key priorities for the university: student success; a focus on employees for success; enhancing the visibility of the university; planning for a future less dependent on state funding; increased research activity and sponsored programs; sustainability; and using athletics as a tool for engagement.

“I’m very humbled to be here today and to talk about the many, many ways CSUN shines,” Harrison said.

President Harrison, SAGE Program