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Motown Sound Fills the Air

Friends and Supporters Come Together for Evening to Benefit CSUF Students
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About 4,000 friends and supporters of Cal State Fullerton gathered on campus Saturday night for the University’s annual Concert Under the Stars.

Following welcoming remarks from Dale Merrill, the new dean of the College of the Arts, guests enjoyed an evening of spirited music presented by talented CSUF alumni, students and special guests.

For the opening number — the Marvin Gaye classic “Dancing in the Streets” — CSUF President Mildred García danced alongside cast members who entertained the crowd with their singing and dance moves. 

Tim Alexander ’15, a graduate of the University’s Guardian Scholars Program that awards full scholarships to former foster youth or students at risk of homelessness, served as master of ceremonies.

“Through the support of Cal State Fullerton, I have danced at the American Academy of Ballet in New York, interned at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., and am now pursuing a master’s degree in education at … you guessed it, Cal State Fullerton. Tonight’s concert supports the education, the stories and the success of nearly 39,000 current Cal State Fullerton students. 

“I want to take a moment to especially thank the donors here tonight,” he continued. “So much of your contribution contributes to student success. Thank you for believing in our students.”

The event grossed more than $750,000, which will be used for student scholarships and student programs.

Then it was on with the show! The crowd cheered and clapped to such Motown hits as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and dozens of other signature Motown songs.

Alumni who performed included: Brooke Aston ’02, Antwone Barnes ’15, Brandon Burks, Averi Jenkins ’12, Charles McCoy ‘14, Emily Mitchell Lindbeck ’00, and Calvin Seabrooks ’10.  They were joined by current CSUF musical theatre students and 10-year-old CJ Wright.

They may not have been dancin’ in the streets, but they were clearly dancin’ at Cal State Fullerton. The finale, as always, featured a fireworks show that lit up the sky.

 More images are available of the evening’s festivities.