TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1998

Kudos for Cal State Long Beach

A warm congratulations to Professor Maulana Karenga, chair of our black studies department, on the publication of his recent book "Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture."

Through his talented efforts and commitment, the seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa, originated by Professor Karenga more than 30 years ago, is observed by some 20 million people worldwide.

He continues to bring great distinction and pride to Cal State Long Beach.

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You might be interested to know the average high school GPA for incoming CSULB students has increased to 3.2 in 1998 from 3.0 in 1994.

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Last week I attended the CSULB Dance Company in Concert, at the invitation of Jaime Shapard, a dance major who was recently inducted into the Golden Key National Honor Society.

It was a great pleasure to watch our talented dance faculty and students in extraordinary and delightful performances.

You might be interested to know that the average high school GPA for incoming CSULB students has increased to 3.2 in 1998 from 3.0 in 1994. Also, since 1994, the average composite SAT score increased by 62 points.

All of you should be very proud of your fellow students who are helping to raise the bar of academic excellence at your university.

What do screenwriter Linda Woolverton (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast), mystery writer Wendy Hornsby, award-winning novelist Jill Marie Landis and KTLA-TV sportscaster Ed Arnold have in common?

They all graduated from CSULB!

The No. 1-ranked women's volleyball team in America did it a second time, capturing the Big West Championships with a spectacular 30-0 record by soundly defeating Nevada in three games.

Our hats are off again to these exceptional 49er Champions and the phenomenal talent in the No. 5 jersey, Misty May!

We start the march toward the national championship this Thursday and Friday at The Pyramid.

The 49er basketball team had its annual banquet last week to honor the 1998 College World Series Team.

We can expect another great year from the Long Beach State team, which will probably be ranked in pre-season in the top 10 in the country.

During the past few days, the Long Beach State men's 49er water polo team and the women's and men's basketball teams have also played competitive and aggressive games against tough rivals.

We cheer all our student athletes for working hard both in the classroom, as well as on the court, in the pool or on the track.

Congratulations to the Daily Forty-Niner newspaper staff. What a great semester you guys have had! I wish we could keep you in the job forever.

Hope your Thanksgiving holiday was a wonderfully warm and relaxing celebration with your friends and family.

Good luck on your final exams. I hope to see all of you before the semester break.

GO BEACH!