Distinguished Service Awards
| 2010 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD HONOREES |
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Doug Curley '79 earned his degree in journalism and currently serves as editor in chief of Comstock's Magazine.
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Helena Fitch-Snyder '73 earned her degree in family and consumer sciences with a minor in biological sciences. She worked most of her career as a zoologist in the San Diego area.
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Eddie Kho '77, MS '85 earned his degree in civil engineering and currently serves as President of Morton & Pitalo, Inc., a Sacramento based engineering firm.
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Cristina Mendonsa '96 earned her degree in government and journalism and currently serves as news anchor for Sacramento's KXTV News10-ABC.
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Michael Reneiro '87 earned his degree in accounting and currently serves as vice president and CFO of Smile Business Products, Inc., a Northern California based company.
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Holly Tiche '89 earned her degree in accounting and currently serves as the president of Placer Ranch.
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| DSA Rising Star Award |
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Baldwin Chiu '98 earned his degree in mechanical engineering and currently works for engineering firm in Los Angeles. In addition Chiu works as an actor and recording artist in his spare time.
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About the Award
Established in 1972, the Sacramento State Alumni Association hosts the Distinguished Service Award Dinner to honor outstanding alumni. The awards are given jointly by the University and the Alumni Association to recognize alumni achievements in the following categories.
Distinguished Service Awards are given in recognition of professional achievements and community service. Nominees must have achieved prominence in their chosen field and brought distinction to the University and/or their community through their accomplishments.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to alumni for exceptional career achievements, exceptional contributions to the campus and community, and for setting high standards of excellence in their personal and professional lives.
Honorary Alumnus Awards are given to friends of the University who have demonstrated a close affinity to the campus and who have rendered exceptional support and leadership to the University or Association.
The Rising Star Award is given to a graduate of Sacramento State who has received his or her first Sacramento State degree within the past 10 years and has made outstanding contributions professionally, to the community or to Sacramento State.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. To submit a nomination for the 2011 award, please contact Jennifer Barber, jbarber@csus.edu.
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2009 Distinguished Service Awards
Karen Bakula
1980 BA; 1987 MA Communication Studies
Karen Bakula earned a B.A. in 1980 and a Master’s degree in 1987 in Communication Studies from Sacramento State. Her roots run deep at the University. Her father, Tony Bakula, her sister and brother are also alumni. Karen is the founder and president of Karen Bakula & Company with more than 25 years in the field. Her company is the 15th largest public relations/marketing/advertising firm in the region. She has been recognized with many professional honors for her achievements, including the 2008 Sacramento Public Relations Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Karen is extremely active in the community, serving on many boards and committees. In her “spare time,” she teaches, conducts seminars and serves as a guest and keynote speaker to a variety of local and statewide organizations.
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Charles Bell
1971 BA, Police Science; 1973 MS, Criminal Justice
Charles Bell graduated from Sacramento State in 1971 with a B.A. in Police Science. He excelled in academics and athletics, earning a spot on the Dean’s Honor List and leading the Far West Conference in punt and kickoff returns. In 1973, he earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and Community College Teaching Credential. Charles began working for the California State Assembly in 1974 and in 1983 became the first African American in the nation appointed to the position of chief sergeant-at-arms. Now retired, he is very active with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. He is also involved in various youth programs and is a long-time supporter of Hornet athletics.
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Dr. Alejandro Garcia
1969 MS, Social Work
Dr. Alejandro Garcia is a professor in the School of Social Work at Syracuse University, where he has taught for 30+ years. He earned his B.A. from the University of Texas; his MSW degree from Sac State; and his Ph.D. from Brandeis University. Dr. Garcia has served on several boards including the National Association of Social Workers, the National Policy Council of AARP, the National Academy of Social Insurance and a the Gerontological Society of America. His many honors include the Distinguished Social Work Educator of the Decades from California State University and a scholarship in his honor at Sac State. Dr. Garcia is also the co-editor of two books on elderly Latinos and one book on minority youth and HIV/AIDS.
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Dr. Jan Nolta
1984 BS, Biological Sciences
Dr. Jan A. Nolta is one of the nation’s leading stem cell researchers. She earned a B.S. in 1984 from Sac State, and a Ph.D. in molecular microbiology from the University of Southern California in 1994. Dr. Nolta is known internationally for her work in stem cell research, gene transfer, cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. She has spent more than 20 years conducting research, has served on numerous NIH review panels and has served as a scientific journal editor. Presently, she is the director of the UC Davis Stem Cell Program where she has built a student partnership between Sac State and UC Davis. Dr. Nolta’s current research is focused on developing new and better stem cell therapies for treating liver disease, cardiac infarction and peripheral vascular disease.
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Honorary Alumnus Award
George Crandell
George Crandell moved to Sacramento from Southern California in 1986 as the first venture capitalist in the region. He immediately began to invest in the future of our University through his involvement with The University Foundation at Sacramento State. George is a founding member of the Foundation board, has served an unprecedented 22 years and is currently Foundation chair. Under George’s leadership, the Foundation has developed into a major philanthropic organization and realized substantial financial gains. George and his wife, Linda, ’98, are major donors to Troops to College and have established the Crandell Faculty Advancement Awards program. The Crandall’s are also founding members of the President’s Circle and continue to give generously to the campus.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Larry Cook
1965 BS, Business Administration
Larry Cook has been involved with Sacramento State for more than 40 years: first as a student and then as an active alumnus, donor and volunteer. Both Larry and his wife, Jane Frazier Cook, ’71, are alumni from the College of Business Administration. Currently, Larry is vice president of Airco Mechanical, Inc. He is active in many organizations including the Sacramento Builders Exchange and the Mechanical Contractors Association, serving as president for each organization. Larry is a bold and tireless advocate for Sac State in the business community. He dedicates his time and talent toward building a strong and vibrant campus, including help with the construction of the Alumni Center and in raising private support for the Broad Fieldhouse. In addition, Larry served many years on the Alumni Association Board including a term as president in 2004-05. His ongoing efforts will benefit students, faculty, alumni, staff and the region for many decades.
All previous recipients.
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Thank you to our sponsors:
Title Sponsor
HANNIBAL'S CATERING - Visit website
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Platinum Sponsor
AIRCO MECHANICAL - Visit website
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Gold Sponsors
COMSTOCK'S MAGAZINE
NEHEMIAH CORPORATION
PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC
SMUD
TMCS, INC.
UC DAVIS HEALTH SYSTEM
UNGER CONSTRUCTION
VISION SERVICE PLAN
Silver Sponsors
FIVE STAR BANK
GOODWIN COLE
MCDONOUGH, HOLLAND & ALLEN PC
Bronze Sponsors
MARGOT BACH
JOHN BARNEY
TINA TREIS
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