Matadors from 1964 Celebrated at 2014 Founders’ Day

  • President Dianne F. Harrison, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students William Watkins and John Cagle, former Associated Students president 1966, talk during Founders' Day 2014. Photo by Victor Kamont.

  • Fred Delshad, Jimmy Delshad and Robert Gunsalus, CSUN's vice president for University Advancement, pose for a picture during the 2014 Founders' Day, a celebration of graduates, faculty and staff who called San Fernando Valley State College home in 1964. Photo by Victor Kamont.

  • Founders' Day co-chair Tom Garnella tells a story before the group attending the Founders' Day luncheon. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Participants at this year's Founders' Day joined CSUN's 50-Year Club, a collection of alumni, faculty and staff who graduated, taught or worked at Valley State in 1964. Photo by Victor Kamont.

  • Founders' Day attendees were treated to different showcases that highlighted some of the school's innovations. This picture was taken after the "Driverless Vehicles, Voice-Activated Cameras and other Technological Wizardry" session. Photo by Victor Kamont.

  • CSUN Provost Harold “Harry” Hellenbrand (center) and Founders' Day attendees share their memories of the school during the luncheon. Photo by Victor Kamont.

  • Chuck Malouf and his family stand in front of the pool center at the Student Recreation Center. The SRC was one option on a list of campus tour destinations during Founders' Day. Photo by Victor Kamont.

  • Shuttles and carts were available to ferry Founders' Day attendees such as Joe and Nina Perret around campus. Photo by Lee Choo.

The California State University, Northridge campus invited a few old friends over on Sept. 20 for its 2014 Founders’ Day celebration, which celebrated graduates, faculty and staff who called San Fernando Valley State College (CSUN’s name until 1972) home in 1964. Approximately 200 Matadors took a walk down memory lane during the event.

The day began with two showcases of CSUN innovation: “Driverless Vehicles, Voice-Activated Cameras and other Technological Wizardry” and “Dive into Research: In Search of Baby Giants and Tiger Tarantulas.” Both presentations aimed to show CSUN’s commitment to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) movement.

Next up was the Founders’ Luncheon and an induction of the new members of the 50-Year Club, a collection of the alumni, faculty and staff who graduated, taught or worked at Valley State in 1964. Those who hadn’t been previously acknowledged were invited to receive a pin commemorating the event and take a group photo. The university welcomed 40 inductees this year.

Participants wrapped up the day with guided tours of the campus, the newly refurbished Matadome floor — dubbed the Blacktop — and the Student Recreation Center. Those who toured The Matadome also saw a presentation on the new “Rise of the Matadors” pride campaign. Throughout the day, shuttles and golf carts transported guests across campus.