Beach Connection Spring 2018 Spring 2018 | Page 2

• Welcome President’s Message As alumni, we believe that one of our primary roles is to support current students. Our engagement helps enable them to thrive and achieve — and become successful alumni who will enrich our communities and world. In this issue we feature the Highly Valued Degree 2025 Initiative, which focuses on increasing graduation rates and closing the achievement gaps. The ambitious California State University-driven initiative includes a myriad of support programs to help students take control of their education or overcome challenges that may impede their progression to graduation. Alumni can help remove those barriers. They can mentor students, either formally or simply by listening, encouraging, and advising. They can share their career pathway. Beach alums can hire Beach students or recent graduates... or offer internships. They can assist with the Student Intervention and Wellness Program, which aids students facing homelessness, food insecurity, abuse, and other barriers to education. ■ Beach Alumni Day at King Tut The Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh will soon journey beyond the sands of Egypt for a rare exhibition in Los Angeles. Join the alumni expedition on Sunday, June 10 as we caravan to the California Science Center for a once-in-five-millenia immersive experience in the presence of Egypt’s most infamous Pharaoh. Brunch will be served. Contact [email protected] or 562.985.1606. ■ Women’s Tennis vs. UCI March 3 begins a series of home games for the Women’s Tennis team, kicking off with a highly anticipated bout with UCI. Their last meeting was at CSUN’s 2017 Fall Tournament where LBSU triumphed in two close matches. Want to play like an LBSU Tennis star? The campus tennis courts are available for use for Alumni Association members! A special thank-you to the alums who participated in the Alumni Attitudes Study survey this past winter. Your responses will help the Alumni Association and the university continue to improve our support of students and alumni success. And to each member of our Association, I thank you sincerely for your support and your enduring advocacy for The Beach. GO BEACH! Robert Irwin ’67 Alumni Call to Action ■ Be a Giving Day Ambassador On March 15, The Beach community will unite for a day of giving in support of students, and alums can help lead the charge. By signing up, you will receive special social media links that can be shared with the click of a mouse. The more supporters who use your unique link, the better your chances of winning exclusive Giving Day prizes! givingday.csulb.edu ■ Dirtbags vs. Fullerton Diehard Dirtbags booster Marilyn Bohl presented a stunning transformational gift at the newly renamed Bohl Diamond at Blair Field last season, ensuring that the Dirtbags have a worthy ballpark for their next Big West showdown. 2 BE ACH CONNEC TION After an explosive 2017 season that saw 40+ wins, eight MLB drafts, and their first Big West title since 2008, the Dirtbags are riding a wave of support into 2018. Help turn that wave into a tsunami as they avenge themselves against rival Fullerton, whom they faced in the 2017 Super Regional. Marilyn Bohl at the naming ceremony