Three generations of CSUN graduates. From left: Breanna Fischer has an anticipated graduation date of spring 2013 (Business Administration); Michael Fischer ’79 (Business Administration); Brittany Fischer ’11 (Psychology); Bill Fischer ’62 (Business Administration). Photo provided by Bill Fischer.

Growing up, Bill Fischer ’62 (Business and Economics) aspired to be a professional businessman. However, he put his dream on hold when, at 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served as a staff sergeant during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955.

By the time Fischer finished his service, he had a family to provide for and was unsure how he’d be able to finally fulfill his dream. He credits California State University, Northridge, what was then San Fernando Valley State College, with providing him an opportunity to go to college.

“Let’s put it this way, if (CSUN) wasn’t there, I probably wouldn’t have finished college,” said Fischer. “UCLA would’ve been too much strain on the budget and, at the time, Northridge cost just a few dollars more than the junior colleges.”

San Fernando Valley State College was founded in 1958, the same year Fischer enrolled as a student. He graduated in 1962 and went on to have a long career as an accountant. He raised three sons in Simi Valley, where he still resides.

His love and commitment to CSUN has transcended generations in his family. All three of his sons graduated from CSUN: One granddaughter graduated from the university last year and another is scheduled to graduate in spring 2013.

“Each time that I came back for one of my son’s graduations, the campus got bigger and bigger,” Fischer said.

Alumni, faculty, staff and friends are invited to attend this year’s Founders Day celebration on Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m. in the University Student Union, Northridge Center. Alumni who earned their degrees between 1958 and 1962 as well as faculty and staff who worked at CSUN during that time will be inducted into the 50-Year Club. President Dianne F. Harrison will give this year’s keynote address.

Attendees can look forward to campus tours, including a visit to the Valley Performing Arts Center and the Student Recreation Center; a Story Cube, where attendees will be able to share more about their fondest memories of the university; and a luncheon.

Nazar Ashjian ’62 (Business and Economics), this year’s Founders Day co-chair, said that guests can expect “a lot of pleasant meetings with old friends.”

Emeritus professor Albert R. Baca, who taught full-time at the university from 1962 to 1994 and who also is this year’s co-chair, added that guests will find this year’s Founders Day “a wonderful opportunity to get reacquainted with the campus.”

Fischer recalled that finding parking on campus was not the easiest job in the world when he was a student. A few months ago when he visited the campus, he still found the search a bit of a tricky task. He jokingly said it’s nice to see that some things never change.

Tickets for Founders Day are $35. To purchase tickets or for more information about the event call (818) 677-1300 or visit the CSUN alumni website.

2012 Founders Day

When: Friday, Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m.
Where: University Student Union
What: Receptions; tours of the Valley Performing Arts Center and the Student Recreation Center; welcome from President Dianne F. Harrison and Founders Day co-chairs Nazar Ashjian and emeritus professor Albert R. Baca; a luncheon; and 50-year inductions.
Cost: $35 per person
Sponsor: CSUN Alumni Association
Attendees: Primarily San Fernando Valley State era alumni, faculty and staff
RSVP: Open to all on a space-available basis. RSVP by Sept. 14 via online registration or by returning the invitation reply card.
Info: (818) 677-2137 or alumni@csun.edu

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