CSULB President Robert C. Maxson was presented with a resolution last Monday on the floor of the California State Senate in Sacramento in recognition of his many achievements and his guidance of the university "into the influential educational institution it is today."

State Senator Alan S. Lowenthal (D-27th District) initiated the commendation in light of Maxson's retirement announcement, which he made in February. Maxson is expected to officially step down from his post before the end of 2005.

"It was an honor to present Dr. Maxson with a resolution on the Senate floor. However, as I said on the floor that day, I did so with a heavy heart," Lowenthal pointed out. "Bob is a great president who has helped lead Long Beach State into the 21st century. He will be sorely missed and impossible to replace. Go Beach!"

The resolution noted Maxson's educational background, his professional experience prior to Cal State Long Beach and his publishing accomplishments as well as his establishment of the President's Scholars Program at Cal State Long Beach, a program that actively and successfully recruits the most academically talented high school students in the state.

Additionally, the resolution pointed out the president's service on corporate governing boards (including Bank of America, Nevada and Houston Security Bank and International City Bank), and several awards presented to him during his tenure at Cal State Long Beach ("Man of the Year" by the National Conference for Community and Justice and the American Jewish Committee; and the Silver Lily Award by the Easter Seal Society for his humanitarian deeds). It also made special mention of his being named "President of the Year" four times by the student leaders of the 23-campus California State University system.

"Resolved by Senator Alan S. Lowenthal, that he takes great pleasure in commending Dr. Robert C. Maxson, President of California State University, Long Beach, for his visionary role in guiding the development of this outstanding educational institution to its current preeminence." The resolution concludes, "and extends to him sincere best wishes for all the richness and rewards of an active and productive retirement."

"It was an honor to be recognized on the floor of the California State Senate, and I want to thank Senator Lowenthal, Senator (Martha) Escuitia, Assemblywoman (Betty) Karnette, Assemblywoman (Jenny) Oropeza and the others who took the time to be part of the presentation," Maxson said. "Cal State Long Beach has always had a good working relationship with its state legislators, many of whom have ties to the campus, and it is especially gratifying to me that they would recognize my efforts on behalf of the university over these last 11 years."