Annual Report 2009-2010 - Graduate School of Education and ...

Alumni Events and AccomplishmentsEventsSeptember 11, 2009: Step Forward Day at Hope GardensAs a part of the annual University day of service, GSEP alumni, students, staff, and faculty joined together to make surethe school-age children living at this transitional living facility for the homeless in Sylmar, California, had the school suppliesthey needed for a successful start to the academic year. Through an adopt-a-student effort, each child was given a backpackfilled with grade-appropriate classroom items. A “Back to School” celebration, including games and crafts was enjoyed bythe children, moms, and seniors. The day ended with a shared meal and the presentation of the backpacks to the children.Students in the Urban Fellows program of the GSEP Urban Initiative also assisted with coordination and participated in thefestivities.October 22, 2009: Celebration of ExcellenceThe annual Celebration of Excellence recognized the 2009-2010 student scholarship recipients and donors and friends of GSEP.Hosted at the Ayres Hotel in Manhattan Beach, California, the evening included a reception, program, and dinner attended bynearly 180 people. The ceremony began with a message from Dean Weber; an introduction by Dr. Robert deMayo, associatedean of the Psychology Division; and an invocation given by Dr. Eric Hamilton, the associate dean of the Education Division.Two scholarship receipients were invited to address the dinner guests regarding the significance of their studies and the impactof their scholarship awards: Hannah Limb (MA ’03, MS ’10) a recipient of the Olaf H. Tegner Endowed Scholarship, and AniPezeshkian (MA ’07), a student in the doctoral psychology program and a recipient of the Glen and Gloria Holden Scholarship.The event also honored the late Pat Lucas, who served as director of student teaching at GSEP for more than 20 years.Dr. J. L. Fortson, director of student teaching, introduced the new Pat Lucas Center for Teaching Preparation, created withthe generous support of Lucas’ husband, Dr. Bill Lucas, to honor her memory as a mentor to the many aspiring teachers sheshepherded through the credentialing and placement programs at GSEP. Fortson will serve as director of the Pat Lucas Center.January 27, 2010: GSEP Selects Superintendent of the YearThe GSEP Superintendent Advisory Council announced the selection of Dr. Trudy Arriaga, superintendent of VenturaUnified School District, as the recipient of the 2010 Superintendent of the Year Award. The council comprises Californiasuperintendents and school leaders, and utilizes Pepperdine University as a forum to discuss issues that concernsuperintendents and their schools. GSEP also provides professional development activities for the council’s members. Arriagawas honored for her visionary, instructional, and ethical leadership; organizational management; family and communityinvolvement; and advocacy at the sixth annual Pepperdine Superintendent Advisory Council Dinner in Monterey, California,attended by GSEP faculty members and alumni. The event coincided with the Association of California School Administratorsannual conference.March 11, 2010: California Association of Bilingual Education Visionary Award ReceptionThe GSEP Alumni Office hosted the third annual reception for the presentation of the California Association of BilingualEducation (CABE) Visionary Award on March 11 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, California. This year’s recipient was OmarGuillen (MS ’07), alumnus of the master of science in administration and preliminary administrative services credentialprogram, who serves the Anaheim City School District as a parent involvement specialist in curriculum and instruction. ThePepperdine CABE Visionary Award is given to an alumnus who has exemplified the CABE mission of promoting bilingualeducation and quality educational experiences for all students in California. The reception was attended by students, alumni,faculty, staff, CABE representatives, and friends of Pepperdine, and coincided with the 35th Annual CABE Conference, whichhad the theme “Celebrating 35 Years of Promoting Best Practices for English Learners.”April 17, 2010: Key Strategies for Educational Administrator Advancement WorkshopHosted by the GSEP Superintendent Advisory Council, presenters included Dr. Robert Barner, adjunct professor of educationat GSEP and retired assistant superintendent with the Los Angeles County Office of Education; Dr. Tom Johnstone (EdD ’97),alumnus of the institutional management program at GSEP and superintendent with the Wiseburn Elementary School District;