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Mr. Guy Heston

2017 Recipient - College of Business Administration Distinguished Alumnus
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Long Beach Transit (ret.)
1987, Master of Business Administration, CSULB
1973, Bachelor of Arts, Radio/Television/Film, CSULB
1971, Associate of Arts, Long Beach City College

guy heston A self-described “working-class kid from North Long Beach,” Guy Heston credits CSULB for giving him an educational experience that prepared him for his “dream job” with Long Beach Transit and for many years of distinguished public service to the community where he got his start. Heston, who is currently the president of the Long Beach City College Foundation, retired from the public sector in 2010 after a remarkable 30-year career with Long Beach Transit. Hired by the company as a marketing manager, Heston rose through the ranks and was eventually appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Under his leadership, Long Beach Transit received local and national awards; established permanent fare-free zones in downtown Long Beach; and instituted the highly popular U-Pass program for CSULB students, faculty, and staff. Heston has been equally dedicated to his alma mater and to the California State University. He served for 10 years on the CSU Alumni Council, including two terms as President representing 3 million alumni. He concurrently was on the CSULB Alumni Association board of directors, including two years as president. Said retired CSU Assistant Vice Chancellor Karen Zamarripa, “There is no one who has given more time and devotion to the alumni and to all CSU students.”

Mr. Jon Storbeck

2016 Distinguished Alumnus
Vice President, Disneyland Resort (Ret.)
1982, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, CSULB

jon storbeck In January 2016, after many productive and rewarding years with “The Magic Kingdom,” Jon Storbeck retired from the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. As the vice president of Resort Hotels and the Downtown Disney District, Storbeck directed daily operations for Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the historic Disneyland Hotel, and Paradise Pier Hotel. He also oversaw the operations of Downtown Disney and led the Security & Emergency Services teams for the Disneyland Resort, as well as Disney Special Activities for all domestic theme parks and resorts. Prior to that, as vice president of Disneyland Park, Storbeck oversaw the entire operation of Walt Disney’s original theme park. After graduating from CSULB, he began his 32-year career with Disney. He went on to hold a variety of key leadership roles. In 2013, Storbeck was named the "VoluntEAR of the Year" by Disneyland Resort in recognition of 30 years of volunteerism. He began volunteering with the fledgling Disney Community Action Team in 1983 and has participated in Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! playground builds, the annual CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park, and the resort’s Toys for Tots toy drive. He has been involved with Junior Achievement, Make-a-Wish Orange County/Inland Empire, Paint Your Heart Out Anaheim and currently serves on boards for the CHOC Children’s Foundation and Taller San Jose/Hope Builders. In addition, he is a member of the CSULB Board of Governors. Storbeck and his wife, Katie (’88, Psychology), are the proud parents of Jack, Dana, Joey, and Matt.

Ms. Anna W. Ngai

2015 Distinguished Alumnus
Restaurant entrepreneur (retired); Philanthropist
1974, Bachelor of Science, Business and Finance, CSULB

Mr. John M.W. MoorlachAs co-founder of two banks in Northern California and the co-founder, vice president and treasurer of several companies that operate restaurant franchises throughout Northern California and Southern Oregon, Anna W. Ngai helped create more than 2,000 jobs during her 30-year business career. When Ngai returned to Southern California in 2007, she continued to make a difference in her community buy joining the Newport Beach Rotary Club and serving as the club’s treasurer for two years.

Born in China and raised in Hong Kong, Ngai was an international student who attributes much of her success to CSULB. She says she loved the campus and the city and was fortunate to meet compassionate faculty and administrators and to make many friends during her college years. She so valued her Beach experience that she decided to give back by supporting the planned new alumni center with a lead/naming gift. The Anna W. Ngai Alumni Center will not only serve as a welcoming campus gateway and gathering spot, but it will also foster rewarding connections between alumni and current students and help tomorrow’s alumni understand the importance of building a lifelong relationship with their alma mater.

In recognition of her transformational gifts to the campus, Ngai has been honored with the university’s prestigious Carillon Society Award. Ngai serves on the board of the CSULB 49er Foundation. She enjoys yoga, bridge, aquatic exercise, flying, traveling and reading; and spending time with her family, including her mother, four siblings, two daughters and two grandchildren.

John M.W. Moorlach, C.P.A.

2014 Distinguished Alumnus
Second District Supervisor, Orange County
1977, Bachelor of Science, Accountancy, CSULB

Mr. John M.W. MoorlachThe Honorable John M. W. Moorlach, C.P.A., is the Second District Supervisor on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, representing the cities of Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, and a portion of Buena Park and Fountain Valley.

Supervisor Moorlach currently serves on several boards, commissions, and committees, including: the Orange County Transportation Authority, the Orange County Vector Control District, the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission, the Orange County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, the Orange County Ending Homelessness Commission (Chairman), the Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee (Chairman), the Children and Families Commission of Orange County (alternate), the National Association of Counties, the Orange County Council of Governments (alternate), the Southern California Association of Governments (alternate), and the California State Association of Counties Board of Directors, including its Executive Committee and is the Chair of the Urban Counties Caucus (representing the most populated counties in California).

Prior to being elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2006, he served as the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector for nearly twelve years. Supervisor Moorlach has the distinction of having predicted the largest local government investment portfolio loss and the third largest municipal bankruptcy (behind Jefferson County, November 2011, and city of Detroit, July 2013) in U.S. history. He has been a voice on major fiscal issues facing the county, state, and the nation. He is a noted and respected long-time advocate for public employee pension reform and serves on the California Foundation for Fiscal Responsibility Advisory Board.

Prior to serving as Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector, Moorlach was Vice President of Balser, Horowitz, Frank & Wakeling, an Accountancy Corporation, and was the administrative partner of its Costa Mesa office. He served on numerous nonprofit and industry related boards during his eighteen years in public practice and was a frequent writer and speaker on financially related topics.

Moorlach is a California history enthusiast and served as Vice President of the Gold Discovery to Statehood California (1848-1850) Sesquicentennial Foundation Board. He has photographed nearly all of the State’s historical landmarks, a program under the auspices of the State Historical Resources Commission. Consequently, he has visited every county in the state, some on numerous occasions, and has enjoyed multiple drives on Highway One, from San Diego County to Crescent City and beyond.

Moorlach graduated from California State University in Long Beach in 1977 and passed the C.P.A. exam in 1978. He completed his studies for the Certified Financial Planner designation in 1987. He earned a Certificate in Public Finance from the University of Delaware, Division of Continuing Education in 1995, the Certificate of Achievement in Public Plan Policy (CAPPP) in Employee Pensions in 1999 and the Trustees Masters Program in 2003 through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and the New Supervisors Training Institute in 2007 from California State University in Sacramento in cooperation with their Center for California Studies.

Russ Lesser

2013 Distinguished Alumnus
President, Body Glove International
1964, Bachelor of Science, Accountancy, CSULB

Mr. Russ LesserIn 1990, Russ Lesser became president of Body Glove International, which has grown into a $100 million business. From 1970-90, he worked at the CPA firm Windes & McClaughry, first as a partner, promoted to managing partner in 1986. He was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve's Finance Corps from 1964-70. While attending college, he worked for the U.S. Post Office from 1960-64. Lesser's ties to Manhattan Beach are strong, having served in the City Council (1978-1986), including two terms as mayor (1981 and 1984-85). His participation on boards of directors included the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce (1989-95), acting as president in 1993-94; Independent Cities Association (1980-86); American Heart Association; and the environmental organization Reef Check, to name a few. Lesser co-founded the Manhattan Beach 10K Run in 1978, serving as chairman until 2002. His support to CSULB includes donations to the College of Business Administration and President's Scholars, as well as wetsuits and equipment to the Marine Biology Program. In 1994, he and his wife of over 43 years, Charlotte, jointly received the South Bay Citizens of the Year award and, in 1992, accepted the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce's Rose and Scroll citizens of the year award. Together, they have a daughter, Valerie; and two sons, Tim and Greg, with whom Lesser and several friends formed the folk/rock band Thin Ice. In his spare time, Lesser enjoys running and scuba diving.

Charles W. Sewright

2012 Distinguished Alumnus
CEO, Quest Advisors
1969, Bachelor of Science, Accountancy, CSULB
1974, M.B.A., CSULB
1981, Certified Management Accountant

Mr. Charles W. SewrightWith more than 30 years of experience, Charles Sewright has used his business expertise to oversee numerous financial services companies. In 1995, he founded Quest Advisors, which provides advisory and outsourcing services for the mortgage banking industry. He was the president/CEO of three mortgage banking firms, including Avondale Funding.com, Inc. (1998-00); Anchor Mortgage Services, Inc. (1991-95); and Marine Midland Mortgage Corp. (1987-91), considered the largest U.S. wholesale mortgage bank during Sewright's tenure. At the national level, Sewright served two four-year terms on the Mortgage Bankers Association of America's Board of Governors. In addition, he sat on Fannie Mae's advisory board (1990-92) and the Freddie Mac CEO roundtable (1993-94). In the community, he has served on the Medaille College Board of Trustees in Buffalo, N.Y. As an alumnus, Sewright's close ties with CSULB include supporting the 49er Athletic Club and the President's Associates, and sitting on the President's Board of Governors as well as the College of Business Administration dean's advisory board. He was one of the CSULB New York Alumni Club co-founders and served as chairman. His sister, Kathy Kester, who studied business administration from 1979-81; and his niece, Heather Quintana (Karwoski) (2005, B.A., studio art), are also Beach alumni. Married for 45 years to his wife, Bonnie, they have three daughters: Kimberly, Traci and Megan; and three grandchildren. In his spare time, Sewright enjoys golf, hiking and traveling.

Darrel Reifschneider

2011 Distinguished Alumnus
CEO, Lite Cylinder Company, LLC
1953, Associate of Arts, Industrial Engineering, Compton Junior College
1955, Bachelor of Science, Management, CSULB

Mr. Darrel ReifschneiderDarrel Reifschneider serves at the helm of several thriving businesses, thanks to his leadership skills and manufacturing expertise. In 2002, he founded the Lite Cylinder Company, which manufactures and sells composite propane cylinders for residential and recreational use. The Discovery Channel featured the company and its revolutionary manufacturing process on the show "How it's Made." Since 2000, as CEO, he had led Harpeth True Value Hardware, a retail store and lumber yard in Franklin, Tenn., as wells as partnered with residential home builder Tennessee Valley Homes and All Service Propane. From his start as engineering manager in 1955 to president and CEO from 1972 to 1999, he worked for Manchester Tank Company, a business founded by his family and, in 1999, the leading pressure vessels manufacturer with seven plants, 1,000 employees and more than $200 million in sales. In addition, Reifschneider is a member of the Tennessee Commerce Bank board of directors, National Fire Protection Association and Tau Kappa Epsilon, a fraternity that he joined while a student at CSULB. He also sits on the National Propane Gas Association’s Governmental Affairs and Technical Standards Committees. Locally, he is active with the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Among his other interest, Reifschneider counts tennis, hunting, gardening, and running a 150-acre farm. He lives in Franklin with his wife, Joan, and they have two living children and three grandchildren.

Cynthia Stamper Graff

2010 Distinguished Alumna
1975, Bachelor of Science, Finance CSULB
1985, Bachelor of Law, York University

Ms. Cynthia Stamper-GraffA nationally recognized expert in weight management, Cynthia Stamper Graff is CEO and owner of Lindora, Inc., the largest multi-site medical weight control system in the U.S. Working Woman magazine ranked Lindora among the “Top 500 Women Owned Business in America for three consecutive years. She also established the Lean for Life Foundation, which promotes obesity research and educational programs. Prior to her work at Lindora since 1989, Graff founded The Road Butler, an emergency road service company in 1985. In 1975, she established MC Financial Real Estate Brokerage & Development. A member of the Founding Fifty, Women’s Philanthropy Fund of United Way, she serves as an advisory board member of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine. An Orange County Business journal Women in Business Award winner, Graff is also member of the Young Presidents Organization and Adaptive Business Leaders. During her senior year at CSULB, she participated in a CBA program sponsored by the Small Business Association for which she helped a prosthetics company design a manufacturing and warehouse facility. As an alumna, she was a Woman in Philanthropy board member and has sponsored grants to dietician program students. Graff feels blessed to be a part of the large family, her father, two brothers and brother-in-law all work at Lindora. Her hobbies are golf, reading and psycho-neuro immunology (understanding the mind/body connection). She and her daughter Ally reside in Newport Beach.

Gary S. Cohn

2009 Distinguished Alumnus
1976, Bachelor of Science, Finance, CSULB

Mr. Gary S. CohnGary S. Cohn has over 30 years of experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. In June 2008, he was appointed senior vice president and manager of commercial banking services for City National Bank, having served on the company's advisory board since 2000. From 1991-07, he was the executive director of Congregation Emanu-El, one of the ten largest synagogues in North America, after working from 1983-91 as Union Bank of California's vice president and team leader. Cohn began his banking career in 1977 with Manufacturers Bank, Los Angeles. His community service record is equally impressive and extensive, beginning in 1978 with the Professions and Finance Associates of the City of Hope Medical Center, and includes committee, board and chair positions for the Bentley School in Northern California, National Association of Temple Administrators (where he is an immediate past president), STAR Foundation, San Francisco Food Bank, Bureau of Jewish Education and Jewish Vocation Services. As an alum, he donates regularly to the Beach Fund and the College of Business Administration. In 2008, he lectured in an upper division finance class. During his CSULB student days, Cohn worked full time for the 49er Food Services as a student manager, taught Hebrew school on the weekends and was a member of Hillel (Jewish Student Association). Cohn is married to Holly Brock-Cohn, and they have one daughter, Erica.

Joseph Wong

2008 Distinguished Alumnus
1973, B.S. Business Administration

Joseph WongSince founding J & A Food Services, Inc. in 1978, Joseph Wong owns 40 restaurants in four different companies with 2,400 employees. They include Burger King, Applebee's, Marie Callendar's and Logan's roadhouses in California and Oregon. His company, AB Enterprises, running 11 Applebee's Restaurants in California and Oregon, was ranked 87th out of 200 top restaurant franchises by Restaurant Finance Monitor in 2005. After graduation from CSULB, he went to work for Burger King corporate with the goal of buying a franchise, the first one popping up in Redding, Calif. All of his employees have the opportunity to earn scholarships to further their educations. The Hong Kong born businessman's CSULB connection extends to his family as well, with his brother and sister both CSULB graduates with degrees in fine arts and a broker-in-law with a degree in engineering. His sister later returned to the University for a degree in accounting and currently works as a certified public accountant. The collector of rare automobiles has served on boards of directors for the Camp Fire Girls, the Chamber of Commerce and the Northern California Franchise Association. In his career, he has been named Restaurateur of the Year in 2004, and received awards from the National Highest QSC Shopper Report for his Marie Callendar's restaurants in 2002, 2003 and 2004. When asked to sum up the value of his CSULB experience, Wong replied that he especially valued being able to finish his education working full-time in what he called "one of the best business schools in the state."

Robert L. Pitts

2007 Distinguished Alumnus
1970, B.S. Business Administration

Robert L. PittsRobert Pitts has enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Toyota Motor Sales while maintaining his commitment to his alma mater. After graduation from CSULB, Pitts, a Palos Verdes resident, joined Toyota in 1971 as its financial manager and is currently group vice president for administrative services. He established Toyota Motor Credit Corporation in 1982 with three employees. When he left 11 years later, the corporation had over 2,000 associates, 30 offices and $10 billion in assets. Pitts has been a staunch advocate for CSULB in garnering Toyota's corporate support. He has been a long-time supporter of 49er Athletics and President's Associates, and serves on the College of Business Administration Dean's Advisory Board. Most recently, he participated in CSULB's Corporate Alumni Initiative. With more than 400 Beach alumni working for Toyota, Pitts spearheaded and graciously hosted a Toyota/CSULB alumni reception at its headquarters in Torrance, Calif. Along with serving on the board of directors for the Japan America Society of Southern California, Pitts is a member of the Torrance Blue Ribbon Committee representing the business community to address consent decree issues with Exxon Mobil. Other family members who are CSULB graduates include his wife, Fran (1975, B.A., Geography); son, Brian (2004, B.S., Marketing); brother, Dennis (1969, B.S., Industrial Relations); as well as nieces and nephews.

James H. Eaton

2006 Distinguished Alumnus
1987, B.S. Business Administration, CSULB
2006, M.B.A., Business Administration, CSULB

According to James Eaton, once he received his MBA, "no position, opportunity or challenge was off limits," and his career path certainly proved him right. Eaton began as a revenue accountant for Exxon Company in 1978. In 2004, he became president and CEO, general partner and director of Airdrome Holdings, LLC, where he has been a key leader since 1987. The company operates with 220 employees globally and generates annual sales of $35 million. Eaton also plays an active role in the community, serving on the board of directors for the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, advertising executive for the Los Alamitos High School Football Booster Club and an elder for Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. Eaton has been an instrumental leader in the development of several CSULB College of Business Administration programs, including serving as a member of the task force to reinvent the department's MBA program in 2001-02. He has also served as a director of the CBA Dean's Advisory Board since 1999, including a stint as chair in 2002-03, and is a charter member of the Leadership Roundtable, a partnership between CBA and the business/professional community. He currently serves a s a member of the Governing Board of the Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership and is president elect of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. As a student, he was a member of the CSULB chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma and made the Graduate Dean's List. A resident of Long Beach, Eaton is proud of his 20+ year marriage to his wife, Sheri, and their three children, Brittany, Christopher and Sydney.

Wayne William Murdy

2005 Distinguished Alumnus
1968, Bachelor of Science, Marketing, CSULB

Being the chairman and CEO of the world’s largest gold-producing company would top list of proudest achievements for many business executives, but for CSULB alumnus Wayne Murdy, his family ranks first. Newmont Mining Corp. has assets of $10 billion and more than 13,000 employees on five continents. Married for more than 35 years, Murdy and his wife, Dianne, have four children and six grandchildren. He cites the influence of his older brother, James, former CEO of Allegheny Technologies, and his mother, Louise, who passed away in 2003 at age 102. Murdy transferred from El Camino College and worked about 20 hours a week while taking classes at CSULB. He said the liberal arts courses he took “have been especially helpful in understanding the history and culture of the countries where we have operations.” Murdy is a director of TransMontaigne, Inc., a U.S. refined petroleum products distribution and supply company. He also is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Denver Art Museum, the University of Denver Daniels College of Business Executive Advisory Board, the Governor’s Commission on Science and Technology, the Board of Trustees of The Catholic Foundation of Denver, the Regional Advisory Board of the Institute of International Education, and serves as an ambassador of the Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust.

Mark O’ Meara

2004 Distinguished Alumnus
1980, B.S., Marketing, CSULB

An inductee into the inaugural class of Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame, Mark O’Meara has been playing golf since age 13 and was the 1981 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. He went on to become one of the top players on the PGA Tour and was named 1998 Player of the Year by winning the Masters British Open and tying for fourth at the PGA Championship. He won the 2004 Dubai Desert Classic in February, Moving him again into the world’s top 100 golf ranking. He also has turned his expertise into consulting on golf course design. In 2003, the Mark O’Meara golf course opened at the Carton House Golf Club in Maynooth, Ireland at the ancestral grounds of Earls of Kildare. He also helped design the new Tournament Players Club at Valencia, Calif. Thanks to O’Meara, CSULB golf team members use a practice facility that opened in 2001 at El Dorado Park, made possible through a PGA of America “Grown of the Game” grant in collaboration with the City of Long Beach and American Golf Corp.

A. Maurice Myers

2003 Distinguished Alumnus
1971, M.B.A., Business Administration, CSULB

A. Maurice “Maury” Myers enjoys the challenge of helping a company achieve profitability, particularly among firms dependent upon logistics. With his reputation as corporate turn-around expert, he joined Waste Management as chairman, president and chief executive officer in November 1999. Waste Management, a Fortune 200 company, is the nation’s largest waste disposal company and a major recycler of waste materials. He has since been credited for helping restore the firm’s reputation and improving its operations. He previously was chairman, president and CEO at Yellow Corp., one of the nation’s largest trucking firms, and president and chief operating officer of America West Airlines and Aloha Air group. The Long Beach native grew up in Orange County. “I did my MBA all at night with three small girls at home and commuting from our home in Laguna Beach” he recalled. Through the experience, “I learned the power of perseverance. It has engendered an attitude of ‘never give up’ that has served me well. For me, the very practical approach taught by my professors, most of whom had been in the business world, was of immediate use in my career.” He added that “I am pleased by the school’s reputation and am proud to say I am a graduate.”

Karl H. Romero (1946-2016)

2002 Distinguished Alumnus
1973, B.S., Business Administration- Finance

Karl Romero stated that one of the key elements to his success as a certified financial planner and investment advisor was his studies at CSULB. “The instructors I had at CSULB had a caring attitude and were available,” he remarked. That attitude helped him as he began working for a major national investment company, then in founding Karl H. Romero and Associates in Santa Ana in 1973. Romero believed in sharing his knowledge. “As branch manager of various broker-dealer firms, I have been instrumental in launching careers of many very successful financial planners and registered representatives. I helped launch the University of California’s Personal Financial Planning Program at UCI, ” in which he also taught. He was active in a variety of community activities and was a self-proclaimed “car-nut”. He “enjoyed a couple of Ferraris,” and he was a board member of the Ferrari Owner’s Club. He had four children, two of whom currently work at his firm. “It is amazing to see what a great institution CSULB has evolved into,” he commented. “This is obvious from the quality of the students that are attracted to CSULB.”

Julie A. Davis

2001 Distinguished Alumna
1988, B.S., Business Administration – Management, CSULB
1994, M.B.A., Business Administration, CSULB

The advancement of women has become a driving force in the life of Julie Davis. She has chaired CSULB’s Women and Philanthropy, a group that has endowed a scholarship fund targeted at re-entry women; serves on the board of directors for the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, a national organization that seeks to bring information to women regarding giving; and is president of Charter 100, an Orange County women’s group that also has endowed a scholarship fund at Irvine Valley College for re-entry women who are single parents. Davis is a partner in Coast to Coast Business Equipment Inc., an Irvine based Toshiba distributor of copiers and faxes, where she’s worked since 1982 and oversees administration, finance and personnel as vice president of operations and general manager. “Being named to the Graduate Dean’s List of Scholars and Artists was probably my proudest moment,” says Davis, a native of Minnesota and one of 11 children. “Cal State Long Beach has provided me with a great education that was also a great experience. I would not trade it for any other university.”

Thomas A. Reep

2000 Distinguished Alumnus
1977, B.S., Business Administration- Finance, CSULB
1993, M.B.A., Business Administration, CSULB

Thomas A. Reep has an outstanding record of success in the business world. In 1980, Reep, along with his brother and another partner, formed First Consulting Group Inc. (FCG), a company that provides business and information technology solutions to the healthcare, pharmaceutical and life science industries. Today, FCG is a publicly traded NASDAQ firm with multinational offices and almost 2,000 employees. And Forbes magazine recently named FCG as one of America’s 200 best small companies. The vice president, finance and chief financial officer for FCG is not the only one in the Reep family with strong ties to CSULB: his wife earned her degree in economics, his father chaired the then-School of Business for five years and taught finance from 1954 until his death in 1970, his mother was the first faculty spouse to receive an M.A. in education and his brother, decreased last year, earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and was the recipient of the college’s first Wall Street Journal Award. A board member of the Long Beach Symphony for 10 years, Reep enjoys traveling with his family, especially to Paris each year.

Steven R. Cohn

1998 Distinguished Alumnus
1973, B.S. Business Administration-Accounting, CSULB

Steven Cohn has distinguished himself as a Certified Public Accountant while rising to the position of Managing Partner for Ernst & Young LLP in the Long Beach office. His specialty is audit services for major aerospace and defense contractors, as well as major steel, aluminum, manufacturing and distribution companies. Chair of the College of Business Administration Advisory Board, Cohn also has headed the Advisory Board for the Accountancy Department. CSULB’s Beta Alpha Psi honored him in 1995 as Accountant of the Year. Cohn says that CSULB “provided me with all of the necessary skills to be able to perform in the business world along with the work ethic necessary to succeed.” In addition to his service to the university, Cohn is a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Beach Symphony Association. A golf enthusiast, Cohn is married and has one daughter.

Dennis M. Berryman

1997 Distinguished Alumnus
1961, B.S. Business Administration-Accounting, CSULB

Since graduating from CSULB and obtaining his CPA certificate, Dennis Berryman has had a successful career in public accounting, advancing from chief financial officer to chief executive officer of an NYSE company subsidiary and co-founding Pacific Development Group, which is involved in real estate development, management and ownership. Before assuming the position of managing partner in 1980, he was president and CEO of Santa Anita Development Corp. Berryman also was an audit manager with Coopers & Lybrand, a major accounting and consulting firm. He has found time for his alma mater through involvement in capital campaigns for the College of Business Administration and The Pyramid. His CSULB memberships include the 49er Athletic Foundation and the President’s Associates. He and his wife, Carol Ann, have passed their spirit for the worldwide travel to their daughter, Erin, a travel guide, and their son, Mark, who became a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali, West Africa this August.

Janice M. Mittermeier

1996 Distinguished Alumna
1974, B.S. Business Administration-Accountancy, CSULB
1983, M.B.A., Business Administration, CSULB

Janice Mittermeier lead Orange County out of its financial woes the same way she graduated from CSULB: with a combination of intelligence and hard work. Mittermeier is formerly the Chief Executive Officer for Orange County wher she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of one of the most powerful and diverse counties in the nation with 15,000 employees and a $1.3 billion budget. Her primary focus was been leading Orange County out of its budgetary bad times and her plan is workied. She served as director of John Wayne Airport from 1990-95 and as Chief of Orange County’s Internal Audit Division from 1984-87. Her husband Ron owns a printing business in Huntington Beach and they have two sons and three grandsons. It’s a tribute to her priorities that, when asked to list her proudest accomplishments, Mittermeier rated raising two sons to be caring, responsible fathers over developing a consensus plan to get Orange County out bankruptcy, overseeing the expansion of John Wayne Airport and modernizing the county’s Internal Audit Department.

Gerald L. Baker

1995 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS
1968, M.B.A., Business Administration

Fleet Mortgage Group is one of the top five mortgage companies in the U.S. and the man in charge of this retail network of 106 branches in 37 states is Jerry Baker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Since November 1994, Baker has been responsible for all operating and policy direction for Fleet’s mortgage banking including two major subsidiaries: the Milwaukee-based Fleet Mortgage Corp. and Columbia, South Carolina’s Fleet Real Estate Funding. He oversees a firm with a total combined services portfolio exceeding $105 billion. Prior to joining Fleet, Baker was Managing Director for Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. and Countrywide Funding Corp. from 1989 to 1994. There he was responsible for overall corporate policy and direction and managed CFC’s production divisions as well as marketing programs for all corporate subsidiaries and divisions. The native Evansville, Ind., was raised in Los Angeles and has cultivated a taste for golf, skiing, reading and motorcycles.

Roland F. Osgood

1994 Distinguished Alumnus
1965, B.S., Business Administration, CSULB

Roland F. OsgoodIf it’s true that the California Dream seems especially comfortable in Orange County, then Roland Osgood is one of the people who made it feel at home. The Newport Beach resident began his career in real estate with Broadmoor Homes in 1968 and was named its executive vice president in 1974. He later served as president of the four residential subsidiaries of The Irvine Co.’s Land Development Group and The Irvine Co’s Coastal Community Builders. After 11 years, he left The Irvine Co. in March of 1991 to form Vintage Communities, Inc., renamed Kaufman & Broad Homes Corp., South Coast Division, in 1992. In its first year, two of the company’s neighborhoods finished first and fifth on the year’s Orange County bestseller list. Today, the company is aggressively pursuing its primary goal of building and selling more than 600 homes annually in the Orange County region. Osgood was born in Boston, Mass., and moved to California at the age of 5. Osgood and his wife Dianne are the parents of sons Matthew, Mark and Michael as well as daughter Jennifer.

Jack B. Caouette

1993 Distinguished Alumnus
1969, B.S., Business Administration, CSULB
1970, M.B.A. Business Administration, UC Berkley

Mr. Caouette is currently a member of the LBSU New York Steering Committee. A member of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, he is also a Vietnam Veteran, and served in the U.S. Army from 1965-67. In 1970, he earned his MBA from UC Berkeley. Mr. Caouette assumed his role as Chairman and CEO of CapMAC in June of 1992, after having served as the company’s President and CEO since 1987. CapMAC is a privately-owned financial guarantee insurance company which enhances taxable securities, particularly asset-backed securities, in the public and private capital markets worldwide. Formerly a subsidiary of Citicorp, CapMAC was established in 1987. Prior to joining CapMAC, Mr. Caouette worked for a Continental Grain Co. from 1982-86, and Citicorp from 1970-82. He and his wife, Margaretta, live in Larchmont, NY, and have two children, Tristen and Brian.

Glenn L. Carpenter

1992 Distinguished Alumnus
1969, B.S. Business Administration-Accounting, CSULB

Glenn Carpenter is president, CEO and director of Santa Anita Realty Enterprises Inc. He’s on the board of directors for Santa Anita Operating Co. and the Robert H. Grant Corporation, and he’s on the board of governors for the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. At CSULB he sits on the Foundation Board of Governors, the School of Business Administration advisory board and is an active member of the President’s Associates. For the past two years he has hosted a day at the races for the President’s Associates at Santa Anita Park which is owned by Santa Anita Realty Enterprises Inc. Mr. Carpenter has two children; his daughter Christine is a member of CSULB’s class of 1991.

Samuel A. Keesal Jr.

1991 Distinguished Alumnus
1962, B.S., Business Administration, CSULB

After graduating from CSULB, Samuel A. “Skip” Keesal Jr. attended law school then worked for two law firms before founding Keesal, Young & Logan in 1970. Today, the firm, which specializes in securities-related litigation, maritime law, professional malpractice defense and real estate matters, has grown to 63 attorneys with offices in Long Beach and San Francisco. He has served on committees of various organizations dealing with securities and commodities issues and has been listed in all editions of the Best Lawyers of America. In February Skip was inducted in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers – a prestigious group totaling only 500 members in the world. He serves on numerous boards including the university’s Board of Governors and is a member of the President’s Associates. Despite his busy schedule, Skip still participates in occasional roping competitions at local rodeos, a sport he started at age 10 while growing up on Arizona ranch.

Richard Eugene Baker

1990 Distinguished Alumnus
1961, B.A., Business Administration, CSULB

Richard Eugene Baker knows how much it costs to say “lights, camera, action” at Universal City. Baker is Vice President and Corporate Controller for entertainment giant MCA Inc., in Universal City. He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Before joining MCA in 1966, Baker was an analyst supervisor with Coopers & Lybrand, CPAs in Los Angeles. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and assistant treasurer for the MCA Foundation. Richard and his wife, Johanna Baker, have been married since 1973.

David T. Sun

1989 Distinguished Alumnus
1980, MBA
B.S. Economics, UCLA

PlaceholderThe year he earned his MBA is the year David Sun opened his first Sun Computers store in Huntington Beach. Seven years later, the Chinese immigrant owned the third largest personal computer retailer in Los Angeles County, with sales totaling $29 million. Today, Sun Computers has 11 stores in Southern California, 2 stores in Seattle, and 2 outlets in Hong Kong and continues to grow despite a sluggish personal computer market. Corporate and business clients include TRW, Hughes Aircraft, McDonnell Douglas, UCLA, UC Irvine and Mars Co. His accomplishments as a hard-driving and highly-disciplined businessman were recognized as the Commerce Department National Minority Firm of the Year, Los Angeles Minority Business Enterprise Retail firm of the Year and Venture Magazine/Arthur Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Delbert W. Yocam

1988 Distinguished Alumnus
BA, CSU-Fullerton
1971, M.B.A. Business Administration, CSULB

Del is a well known speaker and advisor on new technology and education; he serves on the Board of Directors of the Technology Center of Silicon Valley and is on a special advisory council to the U.S. Congressional Office of Technology Assessment. He is also the former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Apple Computer, Inc., While at Apple he was responsible for product development, worldwide manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution as well as the success of advanced technology and information systems. Prior to joining the progressive staff at Apple Computer in 1979, he held increasingly responsible positions with Automation, Inc., Control Data Corporation, and Ford Motor Company. Del states: “My CSULB schooling gave me the basic building blocks on which I have based my career. The analytical tasks and perspectives on the world I gained during my CSULB experience have served me well throughout my career.”

Norman Coulson

1987 Distinguished Alumnus
1957, BS, Management, CSULB
1973, MBA, Business Administration, Pepperdine University

Norman completed his BS degree at CSULB, then called Long Beach State College, on the GI bill, returning to school following a stretch in the military. At the time, with a wife to care for and a baby on the way, he found that the convenient location of the campus, and the business program it offered, made his transition into the civilian working world quite manageable and marked the beginning of his career. He is the former president and chief executive officer of Glendale Federal Savings and Loan Association, and vice chairman of GLENFED, Inc. He continues to stay engaged with the CBA as a part-time Finance instructor and founding member of the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) program Advisory Board.

James O. Armor

1986 Distinguished Alumnus
1960, BS in Business Management, CSULB

While a student at CSULB, Jim’s activities included student government and President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Following graduation, Jim’s entrepreneurial business skills enabled him to progress from varied successful jobs to becoming a partner in a California-based plastics company that eventually expanded as far as the east coast. After retiring at age 47, Jim enjoyed four months of comparative leisure before starting his present company, Agile Enterprises (logo a rhinoceros). Jim’s wife, Linda, is also a CSULB business graduate.

H. Wayne Snavely

1985 Distinguished Alumnus
1963, Business Administration, CSULB

H. Wayne SnavelyH. Wayne Snavely has served TMSF Holdings as a Member of the Board since October, 2002. Prior to that, Mr. Snavely was Chairman of the Board and CEO of Imperial Credit Industries, Inc. ("ICII"). He also served as the President of ICII from February, 1996 to August, 2001 and as a director of Imperial Bank from 1975 to 1983 and from 1993 to January, 1998.

Alan J. Whiley

1984 Distinguished Alumnus

PlaceholderRecent bio not available at this moment.

Jim H. Gray

1983 Distinguished Alumnus
1958, B.S. Business Administration-Marketing, CSULB

Jim H. GrayJames H. Gray is Co-Chairman of the Board of the Bank and a director of the Bank. He serves on the following committees of the Board of Directors of the Bank: Directors Loan Committee, Audit Committee, Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee. Mr. Gray is chairman of the Nominating and Compensation Committee. An independent businessman, Mr. Gray has previously served as founder, senior executive and director of several financial institutions in Southern California including First National Bank of San Diego (2001-2002, Chairman of Trust Activities), Generations Trust Bank, N.A., Long Beach, California (1999-2000, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and director), City National Bank, Beverly Hills, California (1998, Senior Consultant) and Harbor Bancorp and Harbor Bank, Long Beach, California, (1976-1998, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and director). Mr. Gray also served as the President of the California Bankers Association (1985-1986) and the Treasurer of the American Bankers Association (1993-1995). Mr. Gray graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 1958 with a B.S. in marketing and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University in May 2000. He served as a Trustee for the California State University System from 1990-1999 and was honored by the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce as "Entrepreneur of the Year" for 2002 and by the California Bankers Association as "Distinguished Banker of the Year" for 2006.

Edward R. Cheramy, Jr.

1982 Distinguished Alumnus

Edward R. Cheramy, Jr.A native of Kansas, Cheramy retired to Jackson Hole in 1994. He was a partner in the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse and also served as president of a publicly traded, international telecommunications company. He and his wife Shirley founded the Cheramy Foundation. The Cheramys have been active philanthropists and community leaders in Jackson Hole. Cheramy has served as a board member for the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust, St. John’s Hospital Foundation and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. Cheramy is an avid fly fisherman.

Edna M. Andrews (1918-1998)

1979 Distinguished Alumna

Edna M. AndrewsRecent bio not available at this moment.

John V. Briggs

1973 Distinguished Alumnus
1956, M.B.A., Business Administration, CSULB

John V. BriggsBriggs was born in Mitchell, South Dakota and moved to southern California in 1935, where he was raised by his single mother. He attended high school and college in southern California and later served in the United States Air Force from 1947 to 1951, seeing action in the Korean Theater. After his stint in the Air Force, Briggs served in the United States Naval Reserve. Near the end of his military service, Briggs met his future wife, Carmen Nicasio, at a USO dance. Together, they had three children and currently have eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. After his military service, Briggs started a successful insurance brokerage. In June 1973 (during his fourth term as Assemblyman), Briggs was selected by his Alma Mater, California State University, as Outstanding Alumnus. Throughout the years, Briggs has remained active in a variety of community groups including the Jaycees, the Rotary Club, and the Boys and Girls Club.

Marvin R. Haney

1972 Distinguished Alumnus
1956, B.S. Business Administration, CSULB

Mr. Marvin R. HaneyA 1956 CSULB Alumnus (BS, Business Management), Mr. Haney received the 1972 CSULB Distinguished Alumnus Award. He is a past president of the Alumni Association, and a former board member of both the University Advisory Board (with former President Stephen Horn) and the School of Business Administration, a past president of the National Council on Alcoholism, and a past chairman of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. He is now semi-retired and but still an active partner in The Haney Co. When he is not working Mr. Haney is an avid wood carver and sculptor. Mr. Haney have been married to his wife Emily for 54 years. The Haney’s love to travel and enjoy spending time with their two children and their families. This recent photo was taken at age 80 on a recent trip to visit his daughter who lives with her family in Lake Tahoe.

Donald N. Dyer Esq.

1970 Distinguished Alumnus

Donald N. Dyer Esq.Donald N. Dyer Esq, was the first person to be inducted into the CSULB Hall of Fame in the "community" category, and appropriately so. He was an attorney in Long Beach and served as legal counsel and vice president for the Long Beach Grand Prix. Dyer actively supported 49er athletics since he was a student in the 1960's. Perhaps foremost among Dyer's efforts on behalf of the 49er athletic programs is the creation of the Hall of Fame. Dyer served as president of the Athletic Foundation in 1973 and 1974 and received "superstar" recognition for fundraising efforts in 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987 and 1988. Dyer eventually worked in the Athletics Department prior to his retirement to Seattle..


College of Business Administration
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

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