Peach Pride at the Beach

Lisa Molina de la Loza

Soon after the arrival of spring every year, the CSULB campus is resplendent with the brilliant pink blooms of more than 2,000 “Helen Borcher” flowering peach trees that dot the university grounds. For Lisa Molina de la Loza, alumna of the class of ’79 and an assistant director of the University Student Union, it is a time of the year that not only is beautiful, but also is full of meaning.

Molina de la Loza, who has worked in the University Student Union for more than 29 years, says, “CSULB feels like home to me. I enjoy the beauty and color of the pink peach trees that have been placed on campus in the last 30 years.”

During her years at The Beach, Molina de la Loza saw the campus develop and change. Her appreciation of the flowering peach trees became more significant. Molina de la Loza remembers riding by CSULB in the car with her brother, Steve Molina, also of the class of ’79, and their father, Carlos Molina. Her dad often said, “This is the school you will go to.” Back then, Molina de la Loza remembers seeing the vivid pink of the peach trees. Several years later, Molina de la Loza’s father was employed in the university’s Mechanical Engineering Department. While a student, and later as a professional staff member, Molina de la Loza often met her father for lunch. Their noontime rendezvous point was midway between the University Student Union and the Engineering building. The area where they once met regularly (near the Mechanical Engineering Department and the Jack Rose Track) was Molina de la Loza and her brother’s site of choice for the planting of a flowering peach tree in their father’s memory. At Molina de la Loza’s request, the peach tree donation plaque—approved for placement on lower campus—will include her father’s name.

Standing alongside the tree dedicated to her father opens Molina de la Loza’s heart to many memories. It helps her remember the outgoing, helpful and encouraging personality of her dad. The placement of the tree also prompts Molina de la Loza to recall stories of her dad running during the noon hour with former Long Beach State Football Coach George Allen and of her father serving as a volunteer who made equipment repairs for the CSULB baseball team, the Dirtbags. At her dad’s funeral in June 1998, a photograph autographed by Dirtbag team members was placed in his coffin as a token of the team’s appreciation.

Carlos Molina will be remembered for many things, including his 15 years of service at CSULB, his selection by his colleagues as “Employee of the Month,” his commitment to Mechanical Engineering students and Long Beach State athletes and, especially, for his devotion to family. Molina de la Loza’s contribution to the Peach Tree Campaign and spending time near his tree is one way she can honor the memory of her beloved dad.

Kathryn Courtney is director of development for the Division of Student Services.