Approaching five years of continued service with the Forty-Niner Shops, Alma has established herself as an anchor in the HR office. Not to limit herself or her degree in Business Administration (concentration Human Resources Management, Class of ’08), she has also proven to be an integral part of the CSULB Staff Council, a voluntary advisory board focused on the viewpoints and interests of staff members from the university and its auxiliaries. Initially involved with the Cherishing Children Toy Drive two years ago, Alma has recently been advanced to the position of Staff Council Chair. Prior to being the Chair, she served as the SC Special Events Committee Chairperson, nominated by the incumbent and officially appointed as a Forty-Niner Shops SC Rep by former HR Director Nancy Green. As the committee chair she worked with staff members to plan major campus wide events: Spooktacular, Staff Day, and the Staff Summer Picnic, in addition to coordinating the toy drive that introduced her to the Staff Council. Alma enjoys the opportunity “to build relationships with our campus partners,” also gaining experience “to contribute to the growth and success of the Forty-Niner Shops, as well as my own personal growth.” Congratulations, Alma, on your recent appointment to Staff Council Chair, and thank you for your extensive support and continuous service to the employees of the Forty-Niner Shops!
To learn more about the Staff Council, please visit http://www.csulb.edu/org/staff-council/ or contact Alma at asmith5@csulb.edu.
Among the many well-deserved promotions in the Forty-Niner Shops this last academic year, Marianne Winters-Russo left the Corporate Reception desk after five years to become the Graphics Supervisor in October of 2010. With a new position and new calendar year she decided to make some changes. “Basically, I walk for two reasons. The first being I can. For many years I was morbidly obese, reaching over 300 lbs. I couldn't walk or be active without completely wearing myself out. It was a miserable existence for me and kept me from truly living my life. Back in 2006 I joined Weight Watchers and started committing myself to eating better and to actually moving more.” Determined and highly motivated, she has turned this healthy new practice into a fun habit. Joining the Forty-Niner Shops’ team, the Walking 49ers, for the Relay for Life, she loved the feeling of being able to give to such a worthwhile organization. “I had a wonderful experience with my team and it motivated me to keep moving and getting healthier.” Marianne made her 2011 New Year’s resolution to keep walking 5K events, challenging herself to walk at least one every month. Walking and eating better, she has conquered a weight loss of over 120 pounds, bringing her closer to goal weight, and she has the walk/run resume to back it up. “So far I have walked in the Superbowl Run in Redondo Beach, Newport Beach Spirit Walk/Run, Relay for Life—CSULB, and in the OC Aids Walk at Disneyland.” The Weight Watchers 5K Challenge and the Wrigley River Run/Walk are just over the horizon in the next two months for Marianne, and she appreciatively credits Shops Accountant Liz Sanchez with keeping her informed on 5Ks around Long Beach and beyond. Thank you, Marianne for your positive attitude and hard work that you bring to the Shops and congratulations on integrating this spirit into your life overall!
Newly elected ASI Treasurer Michael Quibuyen is no stranger to the Forty-Niner Shops. In fact, the incoming Board Member has a unique relationship with the Shops as a former student employee. Michael first joined the Shops as a freshman, working in the Convenience Stores division. Over the span of two years he was able to work in the Bookstore’s warehouse and data entry departments, helping consolidate invoices and verify textbook orders.
“I really enjoyed my time with the Shops,” Michael said. “I learned first-hand the role the Shops play as an organization at CSULB.” He added, “I also benefited greatly from having a job that was conveniently located on campus, not to mention the friends and the people that I was able to meet along the way.”
Quibuyen, an Environmental Science and Policy Major has been very active on campus, balancing his role as a Student Senator in the College of Natural Science and Mathematics, while serving as Vice President of the Environmental Science and Policy Club, representing CSULB as the California State Student Association (CSSA) - Academic Technology Officer, and participating in various campus wide committees and student organizations.
“I get involved because I really like this campus, and the opportunities that are available,” he said. “I encourage all students to get involved in one way or another; you never know where those networking opportunities will lead.”
As a graduating senior, Michael looks forward to the exciting adventures that lie ahead. “I am happy to bring my unique experiences to this new position,” he said. “I look forward to working with the Shops once again, and using what I learned first-hand as an employee, to make a difference on our Board of Directors.”
In January of this year, Victor Sevillano and Antonio Gutierrez proudly represented CSU Long Beach at this year’s NACUFS Pacific Chef Net Conference, and both were awarded medals in the Mystery Basket Culinary Challenge, where competitors were challenged to incorporate salmon into a dish with a time constraint of 45 minutes to full presentation. Victor earned the bronze medal, and Antonio served the winning dish overall, earning the gold medal in the competition, both exhibiting the high levels of expertise and creativity they operate at daily with the Forty-Niner Shops. Victor has spent his five years of service with the Shops at the Beach Walk Café, and Antonio has been with the Shops for nearly ten years, starting as a part-time night custodian at the Residence Hall while attending culinary school at Orange Coast College, before becoming full time with Parkside.
The National Association of College & University Food Services, Pacific Region brought together 20 culinarians from UCSB, University of Washington, Orange Coast College, and several other educational institutions for a four-day conference held primarily at UCSD and SDSU, but also including a dinner cruise aboard a yacht and a four-course reception at the University of San Diego. Additionally, numerous other industry professionals/vendors contributed to the event to share ideas/styles, demonstrations, workshops, and of course, a wide range of food and drinks. Chef David McHugh, C.E.C., Executive Chef of SDSU Dining Service and co-coordinator for Pacific Chef Net 2011, spoke highly of Sevillano and Gutierrez, commending them and appreciating their strong presence and knowledge, professionally and stylistically, accessible to the Latino community, which comprises greater than 60% of the work force in the San Diego area. We are very lucky to have these award-winning culinarians with us at the Forty-Niner Shops. Congratulations again on your achievements and thank you for your daily contributions of excellence!
For more information on the National Association of College & University Food Services, please visit the website at http://nacufs.org/
On April 15, the 3rd annual Bowling for Books tournament took place at Cal Bowl in Lakewood, bringing together sponsors, vendors, students, and staff to raise funds for textbook scholarships. More than $67,000 was raised this year from team sponsorships and vendor donations, including Title Sponsors: Herff Jones and US Foods, Gold Sponsors: Nebraska Book Company, Chegg, Coca-Cola, and several others. In the face of rising textbook costs, Forty-Niner Shops CEO/GM Don Penrod suggested, “Rather than complain about the cost of books, we would do something—and we started bowling to raise money.” In the past three years, over $150,000 has been raised for textbook scholarships, helping to alleviate material costs (and stress levels) for hundreds of students.
Trophies were awarded to top bowlers of the day, Linda Shimizu (Women’s Hi-Series, 555) and William Choat (Men’s Hi-Series, 620), and for a complete list of scores, follow the link at the bottom. Valerie Kelsey, Coordinator of University Scholarships, facilitates the process of textbook scholarship awards. As part of the screening process, statements are submitted by the students, some resorting to long hours in the library or borrowing books from friends at their convenience. She expresses her support for this event, “Textbook scholarships have allowed them to succeed in their classes.” A big “Go Beach!” thank you goes to everyone that contributed to the strong success of this year’s tournament!
Click here to see the results of this year’s tournament! http://www.csulb.edu/aux/49ershops/corporate/bowling/thankyou.html
The Daily 49er interviewed Don Penrod among others at the tournament. Follow this link to see the video: http://youtu.be/2-OU4LKcuJY
What started out as helping a friend get back into shape led to a new avenue in physical conditioning, endurance building, and self-motivation. Chris Alvarez (Class of ’09, B.A. in Recreation and Leisure Studies) has been with the Forty-Niner Shops since his junior year, and he is currently with the Library Starbucks, where he has worked since the beginning of this academic year. Having been “an avid cyclist and snowboarder,” his passion for outdoor activity keeps him on his feet (literally). Chris started training for the October 2010 Long Beach half marathon just a month before, and he continued with this new interest, participating in the Huntington Beach half marathon in February of this year. Looking to conquer the Beach Cities Challenge (three half marathons, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and the OC) and receive a medal for the tri-city feat, he shares, “Running is the easy part. The hard part is waking up early and dealing with the cold weather. The best part of running is when I finish and I feel good both mentally and physically because I have accomplished something before most people even get out of bed.” Self-motivation and continuously tested self-discipline encompasses Chris’s life on and off the clock. He urges his coworkers, “Exercise invigorates the body and mind so get out there and start sweating!”
Running is one of the many outdoor activities that can be integrated into your lifestyle to help achieve a personal equilibrium. “For me, running and working out is just one part of trying to stay balanced. It keeps the mind and body sharp. I feel we should work out physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.” Liz has been with the Shops since January ’98, where she started out in the Textbook Office as a graduate student assistant, was later promoted to Returns Coordinator, and moved to Accounting in early 2006. She began running in the Spring of 2009 and has run several 5K and 10K events. Her first half marathon was last October (thirteen miles to celebrate thirteen years with the Shops?), and she plans to run the Disneyland Half Marathon in September, the next Long Beach Half Marathon, and hopefully the San Antonio Rock n Roll Half Marathon before the holiday season. Aside from running for herself, she’s a good source for upcoming events, just ask Marianne Winters-Russo, who has integrated 5Ks into her life as well, with Liz’s support and encouragement. Whether you’re catching her coming down the hall or in the office, Liz’s personal, professional, and emotional balance is apparent in her bright smile and cooperative, positive attitude.
For more information on the Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon, please visit http://runlongbeach.com/
Courage, Collaboration, and Cooperation are some of the core values of the Forty-Niner Shops, and the running/walking employees embrace them on and off the clock. In addition to the others profiled in this edition of BeachBreeze, Steve Zimmerle and Michelle Jung are two more individuals who also participate in these healthy outdoor activities.
Steve (Computer Store Manager) recently participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at CSULB as the Team Captain of the Walking 49ers. Alongside Laurie Glumm, Laura Perez, Charleen Rice, Rosa Rivera, and Marianne Winters-Russo, the team raised nearly $1,000 in the fight against cancer. Leading a team of six and also participating as the Online Chair Contact for the entire CSULB event, Steve is a team player on and off the clock and gives back wherever he goes. Rhory, a computer store employee, was more than excited to talk about her manager, “I love him. He’s really caring and wants to build relationships with all his employees. He always puts everyone, not just employees, before himself.” Daniel, another of Steve’s tech-savvy teammates said, “He’s one of the best managers I’ve had the pleasure of working for. If there’s ever anything going on in my personal life, he understands. I feel like he’s made me college experience better, working for him.” With nearly thirteen years of service under his belt at the Forty-Niner Shops, it’s no wonder why he has been a valued asset for so long.
Michelle (Campus Copy Center Assistant Manager) holds physical fitness and outdoor activities to an even higher level, some may even call it “extreme.” As a recreational mountain climber, peak physical condition, unwavering poise, determination, and courage are primary strengths necessary to literally stay alive, and Michelle exercises these traits every day, whether ascending Yosemite’s Half Dome or efficiently operating the Campus Copy Center with CCC manager Chris Ramirez. He states, “Michelle is literally my right hand in the Campus Copy Center. Every idea or concept created in the Campus Copy Center is either bounced off of Michelle or given to her to refine. We have worked side by side for just over 16 years and I have never known anyone quite like her. Her dedication and hard work make her an ideal employee. Her loyalty and all around kindness makes her one of my best friends. She is also my Bookstore trainer and keeps me eating right (when she can) and encourages me to be more physically fit. [She] is a great blessing to me and one of the most valuable teammates in the Bookstore.”
Courage, Collaboration, and Courage—just a few of the many values incorporated into our lives and honored by the characters of our employees. Whether you exhibit them as part of a community softball team, a fundraising relay team, or at the top of a mountain, it makes a difference to everyone.
| First Name | Last Name | Department | Award (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don | Penrod | 201-Management | Diamond |
| Marianne | Winters-Russo | 206-Graphics | Diamond |
| Jenny | Lew | 433-Residence Dining | Diamond |
| Victor | Sevillano | 413-Beach Walk Café | Diamond |
| Fred | Neely | 305-Bookstore Administration | Gold |
| Margie | Ramirez | 418-Nugget | Gold |
| Edgar | Alvarado | 204-Information Technology | Silver |
| Cynthia | Kuykendall | 301-Frontline | Silver |
| Jason | Eisenmann | 306-Warehouse | Silver |
| Patrick | Joyce | 313-Convience Store | Silver |
| Steve | Zimmerle | 317-Computer Store | Silver |
| Vanessa | Nickles | 322-Beach Hut | Silver |
| Gabrielle | Hernadez | 326-Beach on 2nd Street | Silver |
| Ignacio | Terrazas | 419-Kitchen Preparation | Silver |
| Arthur | Bourke | 444-Parkside Dining | Silver |
| Antonio | Gutierrez | 444-Parkside Dining | Silver |
| Frances | Gray | 450-RLC | Silver |
| Ruizza | Egipto | 202-Accounting | Bronze |
| Liz | Sanchez | 202-Accounting | Bronze |
| Nicole | Boyd | 203-Human Resources | Bronze |
| Chinarain | Howard | 203-Human Resources | Bronze |
| Edgar H. | Ortiz-Guerra | 204-Information Technology | Bronze |
| Joshua | Dominguez | 207-Communications | Bronze |
| Rosa | Hernadez | 207-Communications | Bronze |
| Angel | Del Real | 301-Frontline | Bronze |
| Jeff | Delaunay | 301-Frontline | Bronze |
| Crystal | Miramontes | 301-Frontline | Bronze |
| Rosa | Rivera | 306-Warehouse | Bronze |
| Holy | Ly | 307-Art Store | Bronze |
| Margaret | Chiu | 311-Textbook | Bronze |
| First Name | Last Name | Department | Award (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin | Damacion | 312-Trade Books | Bronze |
| Laura | Rodriguez | 313-Convience Store | Bronze |
| Kriska | Parda | 314-Supplies | Bronze |
| Chris | Tabellario | 314-Supplies | Bronze |
| Phillip | Barrios | 315-Beach Shop | Bronze |
| Alejandra | Gomez | 315-Beach Shop | Bronze |
| Elizabeth | Schatz | 316-Campus Copy Center | Bronze |
| Alex | Chavez | 317-Computer Store | Bronze |
| Jeff | Gaddis | 317-Computer Store | Bronze |
| Chris | Ramirez | 320-Customer Service | Bronze |
| Eva | Ford | 325-Outpost Convenience Store | Bronze |
| Jessica | Mark | 326-Beach on 2nd Street | Bronze |
| Michelle | Zetomer | 326-Beach on 2nd Street | Bronze |
| Joanna | Choe | 405-Library Starbucks | Bronze |
| Andy | Ross | 405-Library Starbucks | Bronze |
| Ariel | Allen | 408-Taco Bell | Bronze |
| Steven | Neal | 411-UDP Administration | Bronze |
| Teddy | Gomez | 412-Chartroom | Bronze |
| Emily | Rincon | 413-Beach Walk Café | Bronze |
| Daisy | Cisneros | 418-Nugget | Bronze |
| Jeff | Chu | 433-Residence Dining | Bronze |
| Ana | Diaz | 433-Residence Dining | Bronze |
| Martin | Duran | 433-Residence Dining | Bronze |
| John | Frigillana | 433-Residence Dining | Bronze |
| Gilberto | Diaz | 444-Parkside Dining | Bronze |
| Cesar | Rodriguez | 444-Parkside Dining | Bronze |
| Thomas | Frew | 450-RLC | Bronze |
| Jose Manuel | Lara | 450-RLC | Bronze |
| Carissa | Limon | 450-RLC | Bronze |
| First Name | Last Name | Deptartment |
|---|---|---|
| Reynald | Kabiling | 202-Accounting |
| Jauaram | Reddy | 202-Accounting |
| Harsha | Soma | 202-Accounting |
| Ruizza | Egipto | 202-Accounting |
| Nicole | Boyd | 203-Human Resources |
| Kimberly | Brais | 203-Human Resources |
| Sobanna | Ngoun | 203-Human Resources |
| Edgar | Ortiz | 204-Information Technology |
| Marlon | Deleon | 206-Communications |
| Shanna | Emrich | 301-Frontline |
| Tara | Hardiman | 301-Frontline |
| Zemma | Meshesha | 301-Frontline |
| Betsy | Ramirez | 301-Frontline |
| Ryan | Richey | 306-Warehouse |
| Kathleen | Rodil | 306-Warehouse |
| Kimberly | Ross | 306-Warehouse |
| Adrian | Lizarraga | 307-Art Store |
| Amy | Payares | 307-Art Store |
| Amber | Smith | 307-Art Store |
| Erica | Lee | 311-Textbooks |
| Brittany | Madrigal | 311-Textbooks |
| Rgie | Tandoc | 311-Textbooks |
| Enrico | Ovalles | 311-Textbooks |
| Joaquin | Callejas | 311-Textbooks |
| Hillary | Brodowski | 313-Convenience Store |
| Erika | Lechuga | 313-Convenience Store |
| Alex | Noble | 313-Convenience Store |
| Whitney | Brown | 314-Supplies |
| Leslie | Burns | 314-Supplies |
| Erick | Elias | 314-Supplies |
| Laura Lee | Jacobs | 314-Supplies |
| Holy | Ly | 314-Supplies |
| Daniel | Kirk | 315-Beach Shop |
| Christina | Maggi | 316-Copy Center |
| Mary | Ambrose | 320-Customer Service |
| Miki | Loeser | 320-Customer Service |
| Bonnie | Rios | 322-Beach Hut |
| Nathan | Brais | 323-Library Copy Center |
| Casey | Christensen | 325-Outpost Convenience Store |
| Rathana | Phann | 325-Outpost Convenience Store |
| First Name | Last Name | Deptartment |
|---|---|---|
| Michel | Sanchez | 325-Outpost Convenience Store |
| Isela | Walldez | 325-Outpost Convenience Store |
| Jessica | Mark | 326-Beach on 2nd Street |
| Jessica | Hayes | 405-Library Starbucks |
| Aerial | Allen | 408-Taco Bell |
| Chelsey | Curry | 414-UDP Starbucks |
| David | Rindfleisch | 414-UDP Starbucks |
| Jessica | Solis | 414-UDP Starbucks |
| Adam | Evans | 418-Nugget |
| Maria | Ortega | 418-Nugget |
| Natalie | Roca | 425-Event Services |
| Ana | Diaz | 433-Residence Dining |
| Mayra | Hernandez | 433-Residence Dining |
| Thushina | Mamuweera | 433-Residence Dining |
| Hashini | Wedagedara | 433-Residence Dining |
| Nagesh | Dikshit | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Jeremiah | Gusha | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Demetrius | Hampton | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Rushika | Maniar | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Karthikeyan | Manickam | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Ceasar | Martinez | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Rakdesh | Narasapur Dwarakanaeh | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Hema | Pala Loganathan | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Daniela | Rubio | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Harshal | S Ahirrao | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Joanna | Shaffer | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Viraj | Shah | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Ajay | Srivastava | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Daniel | Tejeda | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Yogesh | Varahasandra | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Francis | Venmani | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Naidik | Vys | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Lisa | Dignadice | 450-RLC |
| Amanda | Claussen | 501-ID Card Services |
| Job | Gonzalez | 501-ID Card Services |
| Donna | Soto | 501-ID Card Services |
| James | Ahumada | Board of Directors |
| Alvaro | Castillo | Board of Directors |
| Endal | Kassa | Board of Directors |
| First Name | Last Name | Years of Service | Deptartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert | Tainatongo | 30 | 433-Residence Dining |
| Frances | Gray | 25 | 450-RLC |
| Cyndi | Farrington | 20 | 306-Warehouse |
| Laxmi | Ramnani | 20 | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Julie | Thorpe | 15 | 311-Textbooks |
| Sofie | Alonzo | 15 | 414-UDP Starbucks |
| Marla | Hernandez | 15 | 433-Residence Dining |
| Sandy | Phillips | 10 | 202-Accounting |
| Sylvia | Ferracioli | 10 | 305-Bookstore Administration |
| First Name | Last Name | Years of Service | Deptartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catherine | Smith | 10 | 306-Warehouse |
| Chano | Rios | 10 | 306-Warehouse |
| Nancy | Stone | 10 | 311-Textbooks |
| James | Sullivan | 10 | 433-Residence Dining |
| Enrique | Reynoso | 10 | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Cesar | Rodriguez | 10 | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Victor | Martinez | 10 | 444-Parkside Dining |
| Connie | Hammers | 10 | 450-RLC |
