Assistant director wins award 

By Ryan May
Daily Forty-Niner

Steve Janisch, assistant athletic director and director of media relations at Cal State Long Beach, was named employee of the month at a small ceremony Thursday between the University Student Union and health science buildings.

The ceremony, attended by 30 of Janisch's colleagues and CSULB President Robert Maxson, included the renaming of the tree-covered walkway, now known as Steve Janisch Lane.

"Somebody has got to make sure that not just Long Beach but the country knows about what's going on in Long Beach State athletics," Maxson said. "We get wonderful coverage [in the press] and he's the man responsible for that. I think he's just the best at what he does."

Janisch began his career at CSULB in 1983, taking an internship with the Sports Information office. He was then hired in 1985, ending up assistant sports director in 1991. Janisch then left for a position as sports information director at St. Mary's College in Moraga returning to CSULB in 1997.

"Coming back here three years ago was the smartest move I made," Janisch said.

Every month, a different department on campus is selected to choose a staff member for recognition. For October, the Sports, Athletics and Recreation department selected Janisch from nearly 100 potential candidates.

"It's a really nice honor because it's voted on by the peers in the athletic department and it's really not based on one day or one month out of your life," Janisch said. "It reaffirms my work ethic and the job that I do as being noticed."

Bill Shumard, athletic director at CSULB and long-time colleague of Janisch's, described him as deeply valued and highly appreciated.

"I have a keen appreciation for how hard Steve works, the hours that he puts in, the dedication that he has toward our entire program and what a tremendous unselfish team player he is," Shumard said.

Steve Janisch