Just call him "doctor"

By Sharon Nagy, On-line Forty-Niner

May 27-29,1998

Tommy Lasorda, who will be presented with an honorary doctorate from the College of Health and Human Services at its graduation ceremony at 1 p.m. today, earned the degree for his work with young people.

 

"He was selected for his years of dedication to young people," said President Robert Maxson. "Even when he was a manager, no matter what important position he held, he has always taken time out to help young people. And young people are what this university is about."

 

"I expect him to address the crowd for 5-7 minutes," said Anna Behar-Russell, assistant to the dean of health and human services.

 

Lasorda worked as a manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers for 20 years, from 1976 to 1996, and brought home not only two World Series crowns and four National League pennants, but also eight National League division titles.

 

He now serves as the Dodgers' vice president.

 

Lasorda's daughter, Laura Goldberg, graduated from CSULB in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in dance.

 

The college recommended to Maxson that Lasorda receive the doctorate.

 

Maxson said the board of trustees made the final approval at a meeting in March.

 

"Tommy is a Baseball Hall of Fame sports figure, so he has a connection to the College of Health and Human Services," Maxson said.

 

Tommy Lasorda to receive honorary degree"He has changed the

lives of a lot of young people."­ President Robert Maxson

 

 

The dean of the college, Donald Lauda, will present the award, Maxson said.

 

Honorary doctorates are rarely given at CSULB. Maxson said in the five years he has been at CSULB, only three honorary doctorates have been presented.

 

Maxson said Lasorda has quietly helped the university in many ways, and the college wanted to recognize his contributions to the lives and careers of young people.

 

"He is always giving needed words of encouragement and support," Maxson said. "He has changed the lives of a lot of young people."