Cal State Fullerton was honored for 60 years of helping students succeed by the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County at the organization’s annual banquet Saturday, Sept. 9. Two other organizations, PBS So Cal and USO, also were honored.
Speaking on behalf of the University, President Mildred García told the sold-out crowd, “Tonight, we honor our respective histories, and at Cal State Fullerton, it is impossible to do so without recognizing the incredible Titan leaders whose shoulders we stand upon today.
“This past year, we lost two of those leaders: Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb, president and professor of biological science emerita, and Dr. Milton Gordon, president and professor of mathematics emeritus. While some had the privilege of working with both of these incredible leaders, all of us at Cal State Fullerton have been — and forever will be — impacted by their tremendous legacy.
“Indeed, Presidents Cobb and Gordon not only understood the transformative power of higher education, they wielded it in ways that cleared a path for those who aspired to follow in their footsteps. I am one of those people and am so proud that today, we see their spirit and legacy in our classrooms, around our communities, and in every life-changing degree we confer.”
“The Black Chamber has been a significant partner of Cal State Fullerton for the 40th, 50th and now 60th anniversary celebrations,” said Bobby McDonald ’75 (B.S. physical education), longtime chamber director and a former Alumni Association president. “‘Titans take care of Titans’ has been a motto of mine since graduation. It is an honor to keep the tradition going as Titans reach higher. Cal State Fullerton is a continued strong leading force for education, leadership, research and diversity.”
“Cal State Fullerton’s 60-year legacy would not be possible without each of you and the diverse communities you represent,” García said. “The Titan community does not end at the boundaries of our campus; we are all part of the same community… a community that stands together and thrives together so that all the diverse peoples of this great state have equitable opportunities to achieve their academic goals and life dreams. Thank you for being a part of that journey.”
A video of images of the two former presidents can be seen at this link.