’70s

Jennifer D. Bethel, 77 BA English, co-owns Bistro 234 in Turlock. The restaurant recently won Best Small Business of the Year at the 42nd Annual Best of Turlock Awards.

Brent Bohlender, ’73 PE, Education and MA Education ’86, has been selected as one of the members of the first class to be inducted into the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Sac-Joaquin Section Sports Hall of Fame. A swimming and water polo coach at Modesto’s Johnansen High School who has compiled the top win record in the state, Bohlender is one of 55 athletes, coaches officials, media, and administrators who will be inducted during a banquet in Sacramento this fall.

Sandra L. Costa, ' 72 BA Business Administration, owns The Diet Center in Manteca.

Henry Escobar, ’72 Liberal Studies/Education, will retire as Livingston School District Superintendent on June 30, 2010, after 16 years in the district’s top post. A native of the Azores, he started his career as a fifth-grade teacher following graduation from CSU Stanislaus and became a principal in 1986. Escobar has founded Escobar Group LLC, which will provide leadership, professional development and mentoring services.

Raphael Hurtado Jr., '72 BA Spanish, is a mathematics teacher at Hanshaw Middle School in Modesto. He was honored by the Association of Mexican American Educators in May 2009 during the “Day of the Teacher” celebration.

Tony Leo, '76 Teaching Credential, retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Stanislaus County Fair in December 2009 and served as interim CEO in early 2010 until a successor was named.

Linda Martin, ’70 Spanish and Teaching Credential, is retiring in 2010 as a third-grade teacher at Sherwood Elementary School in Modesto. She has been a teacher for 39 years.

Thomas P. Mitchell, '77 Teaching Credential, recently retired after teaching for the Lake Tahoe School District for 31 years.

Carol L. Niblett, '76 Credential Elementary Education, teaches Kindergarten at Ripon Elementary School in San Joaquin County.

Katherine M Oberg, ’79 BS and '83 MS Psychology, is active with Community Hospice of Modesto which she helped to found 30 years ago.

Philip Pimentel, ’79 Social Sciences, is a Modesto attorney. He was a candidate for Stanislaus County Judge in the June 2010 election.

Steven D. Rodriguez, '77 BA Biological Sciences, is Chief Administrative Officer of Madera County.

Sandie Sing, '73 Teaching Credential, a teacher at Walnut Elementary Education Center who concluded a 36-year career in 2009, was recognized by the Turlock Unified School District Board of Trustees for her “excellence in service.”

Steven Stinnett, ’79 Social Sciences, ’86 MA Special Major, ’88 Teaching Credential, retired and moved to St. Cloud, Florida, in 2008 after serving as a social studies teacher at Mae Hensley Junior High School in Ceres. He previously served as a youth counselor with the California Department of Youth Authority.

Robert J. Ulrich, '79 MA English, won two Artios Awards in November 2009 from the Casting Society of America for his casting of the television pilot comedy "Glee" and pilot drama “The Mentalist” on the Fox Network.  "Glee" is a 2010 People's Choice Award winning series about a high school choir and “The Mentalist” focuses on a crime-solving police consultant.

Virginia Corin Vyborney, ’74 BA, ’76 MA History, received a Stanislaus Arts Council Excellence in Arts Award in March. Vyborney has used her history background to design and produce costumes for Modesto Performing Arts, Modesto Civic Theater, and Modesto High School theater productions for more than 20 years.

Glen H. Wild, '73 BA Art, is in the sign business in Modesto.

’80s

Yubert Envia, ’87 Business Administration, who is vice president of turkey and prepared foods at Foster Farms, was elected 2010 chairman of the National Turkey Federation Board of Directors. He has moved through the ranks during his more than 20 years with Foster Farms, having started in accounting and packaging.

Mick Founts, ’89 MA Education and Counseling, who has served as Deputy Superintendent of San Joaquin County Schools, will become Superintendent in January 2011. Having worked in education for more than 30 years after starting as a high school English teacher, Founts is the only candidate in the June 2010 election.

Jeffery M. Garrison, '81 BA Business Administration, is President of Stonefield Josephson, an award winning certified public accounting firm with offices in California and Hong Kong. He was also featured in the April 2007 issue of INC. magazine for his leadership in guiding the company to record growth in recent years.

Patrick A Genseal, '86 BA Psychology, is an Air Force Major and Senior Protestant Chaplain who has served 13 years in the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB in Missouri.

Nancy B. Mckim, '83 BA Liberal Studies, teaches second grade at Virginia Parks Elementary School in Ceres.

Terrance P. Withrow, '82 BA Business Administration, owns an accounting firm, is a Stanislaus County Appeals Board Member, and has farmed for 15 years in the Modesto area. He is a candidate for the District 3 Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors seat in the June 2010 primary.

’90s

Stephen A. Ashman, '98 BA Political Science, is Executive Director of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Stanislaus County. He founded the ZaSu Pitts Memorial Orchestra of San Francisco and won a Bammy award for Best Independent Album of 1985.

James A. Autrey, '91 BA Political Science, is the branch manager of Scottrade's Fairfax office. Scottrade is an online investment firm providing tools and research to aid investment decisions. He also serves as budget advisor for Fresno State.

Joshua S. Bernard, '97 BA Social Sciences, was elected to the Turlock School Board in 2009. He is a dairyman and a former U.S. Army soldier.

Abigail Casteel, '94 Teaching Credential, is a fourth grade teacher at Dent Elementary School in Escalon. She was named Teacher of the Year for 2009.

David R. Chavez, ’93 Business Administration, was elected 2010-11 president of the Sacramento chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). Chavez is the managing partner of the Sacramento firm of Chavez, Kirstien & Co.

Susan C. Eggman, '96 MA Social Work, is a member of the Stockton City Council.

Marilyn Farrens, '96 BA Liberal Studies, teaches third grade at Salida Elementary School in Modesto.

Jared Gibson, ’99 BA Physical Education, guided the Verdugo Hills High School boys basketball team to its first league championship since 1959 as head coach of the Dons. Gibson, who had no previous coaching experience and teaches physical education, drew praise for serving as a positive role model and his youthful enthusiasm. An outstanding outside shooter during his playing days with the CSU Stanislaus Warriors basketball team, Gibson still holds the team record of 10 three-pointers in a game against Chico State in 1999.

Cynthia "Cindy" Kasper, ‘95 BA Liberal Studies, is a resource specialist at Elliott Alternative Education Center in Modesto.

Laura (Rowan) Hollister, ’99 Geology, is a geosciences teacher at Pitman High School in Turlock. She started her career as a professional geologist. Hollister recently received the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher of the Year award given by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, Far West Section.  

Kelly B. Huston, ’94 Organizational Communication, is Assistant Agency Secretary for Public Crisis and Communication with the California Emergency Management Agency in Sacramento. Huston’s previous jobs included Commander of Media Relations for the California Highway Patrol and Manager of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Media Relations and Legislative Affairs Unit.

Dana (Salles) Trevethan, '95 MA Education Administrative Credential, is the Principal of Turlock High School and a part-time Education instructor at CSU Stanislaus. She was named 2010 Educator of the Year by the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.

John R. Waayers, '97 MA Business Administration, is Fresno State University’s Academic Affairs Budget Officer.

Kevin R. Wilson, '94 BA Physical Education, is the new athletics director at North Mecklenburg High School in North Carolina.

Rhonda L.Wright, '93 BA Sociology, is a television model for Twentieth Century Fox. She also owns a flower business in Southern California.

’00s

John S. Alexander, '02 MA Business Administration, is the new CEO for Livingston Medical Group, a non-profit community health center serving families in Livingston, Delhi, Stevinson, Hilmar, and Ballico. His previous experience includes human resources director for Golden Valley Heath Centers and regional human resources director for PeaceHealth in Oregon.

Robina Asghar, ’00 Psychology, is executive director of Community Partnership for Families (CFR) and was one of 10 women honored in February 2010 with the Susan B. Anthony Award by the San Joaquin County Commission on the Status of Women. She focuses on developing programs, such as the internationally recognized “Journey Across Cultures,” that strive to break the cycle of poverty.

Mark P. Campbell, '08 MA Education, is the new Superintendent of the Calaveras Unified School District.

Lauren M. Casey, '02 BA Liberal Studies, teaches in the Stockton Unified School District.

Ralph A. Clark, '01 BA Drama, is the author of the historical account "Images of America: Lodi." After injuring his back as a bareback bronco rider in 1998, the freelance writer started writing for “About.com,” and plans to open his own writing company

Heather A. Costa, '04 BA Liberal Studies, teaches second grade at Monticello Elementary School in Tracy.

Natalie M. Cron, '05 BA Business Administration, is a human resources specialist for Old Castle Glass in Modesto.

Zachary Frampton, '04 BA Psychology, is the CEO for Prodigal Sons and Daughters, a Christian ministry serving those who struggle with addiction.

David B. Gonzalves, '05 BA Applied Studies, is the City of Merced's new development services director. He oversees the Planning Department, Inspection Services, and Housing Department.

Danny Glenn, ’02 BA Liberal Studies, is a sixth-grade teacher at Modesto’s Wilson Elementary School where he has drawn praise for his active involvement and great relationships with students, co-workers, parents, and administrators.

Matthew L. Gouaux, ' 03 BA Economics, was recently selected as one of two Barristers of the Year for the Bar association of San Francisco. He currently works for Tucker Huss in San Francisco, a firm specializing in employee benefits law.

Matthew F. Gordon, '08 BA Social Sciences, works as a substitute teacher for the Tracy Unified School District and plans to pursue a career in law enforcement. He married

Ashlee F. Hess, '08 BA Liberal Studies, in March 2009. She is also a substitute teacher for the Tracy Unified School District.

Elliot L. Johnson, '07 MA Criminal Justice, is a California Highway Patrol Officer. He previously worked as a social worker for Child Protective Services in San Joaquin County.

Ericka Kiriakou, '02 BA Liberal Studies, is a Kindergarten teacher at Chrysler Elementary School in Modesto.

Carl Lindberg, ’06 Theatre Arts, recently launched Chased By an Elephant Theater Company that kicked off with the production “The Sweet Stuff” this summer in Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Grand Forks, North Dakota. Lindberg has developed expertise in everything from directing to costume design since graduating from CSU Stanislaus.

Sarah R. Mankin, '07 BA Mathematics, is teaching at Chowchilla High School.

Kate Lynn Nelson, ’06 Liberal Studies, was recently appointed new volunteer coordinator of the Humane Society of Ventura County. The former elementary school teacher is a longtime volunteer at the nonprofit animal shelter, is a licensed ham radio operator, and is pursuing a pilot’s license.

Buz Olson, ’05 Teaching Credential, is a third grade teacher and track & field coach at Stanfield Elementary School in Stanfield, Oregon.

Jorge Oseguera, ’00 BA Politics, was appointed by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson as the city’s new internal auditor in March 2010. He previously served as senior program performance auditor for the city of San Jose and earned his master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University.

Jorge Perez, '00 BA Liberal Studies, is an outreach coordinator for Modesto City Schools. He serves at-risk youth through counseling and leading gang-awareness meetings.

Derek C. Rey, '06 BS Business Administration, is co-founder and president of Adly Inc., a company that arranges promotional advertising via Twitter.

Yumi Soares, ’03 Liberal Studies, is in her fifth year as a second-grade teacher at Modesto’s Beard Elementary School. Her previous experience includes a teaching stint at a Japanese cultural school in Cressey during the summer months.

Robin L. Stromberg,' 08 BA Liberal Studies, is a substitute teacher for three school districts in Tracy.

Camila Sweaney, '09 BA Communication Studies, holds the title of Miss Ripon 2009.

Kimberlie R. Theis, BA '03 Geology, teaches earth science at Riverbank High School. She travels all over the world with her husband to view geological phenomena.

Edwin Thomas, '07 BA Chemistry, is a second year student working toward a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of the Pacific.

Cynthia Velazquez, '05 BA Psychology, is a counselor at Hamilton Elementary in the Stockton Unified School District.

Amy Vickery, ’01 Communication Studies, is a public relations specialist at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

Jessica L. Weatherman, '00 BA Liberal Studies, teaches at Dairyland School in Chowchilla.

Aisha Wallace-Wyche, '03 BA Criminal Justice, is the Senior Account Manager of BoardVantage, a San Francisco executive electronics company. She was recently recognized by Cambridge's Who's Who for excellence in account management.

Jillian (Thompson) Wilson, ’03 BA Theatre Arts, is a costume designer for Disney. Responsible for all Disney characters for the West Coast, she has designed for the Disneyland Parks and worked as a costumer on “Fantasmic” and “Remember” flying Tinker Bell fireworks shows.

In Memoriam

GRADUATES
David Allain '95 BA Social Sciences, Sept. 24, 2009

Benjamin A. Allustiarte, ' 74 BA Economics, Jun. 25, 2009

David L. Bassard, '84 BA Music, Dec. 26, 2009.

Brenda A. Bressler, '94 BA Liberal Studies, June, 2009

Dennis Brown, '78 and '79 BA Psychology and Music, June, 2009

James M. Chapman,'62 BA Education, May 14, 2009

Mary B. Carkeet, '71 BA Social Sciences, Oct. 9, 2009

Teresa G. Chaves, '94 BA Liberal Studies, Sept. 12, 2009

Donald Erwin, ’71 History & Sociology, May 21, 2010

Janet M. Gathright,'68 Credential, Education, Jan. 31, 2010

Myrna J. Jones, '78 MA Education, Dec. 2, 2009

Brendy A. B. Lundquist, '90 BA Liberal Studies, Nov. 6, 2009

Jack L. Nelson, '83 BA Sociology, Sept. 26, 2009

Darek Peterson, '01 BA Criminal Justice, Sept. 30, 2009

Kathleen Roeser, '92 BA Applied Studies, Sept. 12, 2009

Penny Lynn Tyrell, ’82 Liberal Studies and Teaching Credential, March 17, 2010

Sharon Threet, '78 BA Social Sciences, Aug. 6, 2009