Distinguished Alumni Awards
Recognizing outstanding alumni is one way the Alumni Association shows its commitment to showcasing the impact of Cal State Northridge on the personal and professional lives of its graduates and the community in which it serves. These honorees represent the thousands of alumni who contribute in countless ways to business, education, the arts and society. These individuals have been honored because they personify the University's tradition of excellence, bringing distinction to themselves and to CSUN through their outstanding achievements.
Past Events
Rudy Pereira ’85 (Computer Science)
President and CEO
Premier America Credit Union
Pamela Villasenor
Pamela Villaseñor ’06 (Psychology)
Executive Director
Pukúu Cultural Community Services
Dr. William Watkins
Dr. William Watkins ’74 (Urban Studies)
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
California State University, Northridge
David Knoller (Theatre '86)
Wendy Knoller (Radio/TV Production '87)
Award-winning producers
Fred Rivera (History '90)
Business and community leader
Fred Nigro '74
One of Hollywood's Most Powerful Business Managers
Lauren Ridloff '01
Globally Inspiring Broadway, Television and Motion Picture Actress
Keith Weaver ’96, M.P.A. ’07
Executive Vice President of Global Policy and External Affairs at Sony Pictures EntertainmentTBD
Andrew Anagnost '87 (Engineering)
an inspiring and influential tech executive who is President and CEO of the global computer-aided design giant Autodesk.
Milt Valera ’68 (Journalism)
is one of the most influential leaders in the service, education and advocacy of America’s Notaries Public. He is the Chairman of the National Notary Association
Michelle Vicary ’08 (Cinema and Television Arts)
is recognized as one of the most powerful women in her industry. She is Executive Vice President of Programming and Network Publicity for Crown Media Family Networks.
Richard H. Foos ’71 (Sociology)
Founder of Shout! Factory, an audio and home video entertainment company.
Janet Garufis ’77, M.A. ’02 (English ‐ Humanities)
Chairman of Montecito Bank & Trust and inspiring leader in the banking industry
Hon. D. Zeke Zeidler ’87 (English Literature ‐ Humanities)
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge at Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court
Milton Berlinski ’78 (Computer Science)
Titan of the investment banking industry
Mike Darnell ’87 (Communication Studies)
Trailblazer in the television industry and a pioneering force in reality TV
Patricia Maloney ’80 (Chemistry)
Dynamic leader in the programmatic and strategic planning side of science and technology globally
Shigemi Matsumoto ’68 (Music)
Classical Music Singer, Educator and Champion of the Arts
James Ring ’70 (Psychology), ’72 (Urban Studies)
Urban Developer and Humanitarian
Robert D. Taylor ’82 (Engineering)
Financial Industry Leader and Economic Justice Advocate
Muralist and Community Arts Pioneer
Entrepreneurial Leader in Real Estate and Telecommunications
Acclaimed Filmmaker, Motion Picture and Television Director
Bill Imada ’84 (Human Resource Management)
Founder, chairman and chief collaboration officer of IW Group, one of the foremost minority-owned-and-operated advertising, marketing and communications agencies focusing on growing multicultural markets.
Philip Tauber ’68 (Music) and Gayle Tauber ’72 (Political Science)
Dynamic duo. They bring a driving passion to everything they do. The have created several businesses, most notably, Kashi Company, an innovative natural food product enterprise that grew into an international company.
Diane Manzella ’72 (Speech Communication)
Pioneer in the fields of audiology and speech pathology. Her practice has quickly grown to provide rehabilitation services in 12 states with more than 350 employees.
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2001 Secondary English Education Credential National Teacher of the Year for 2012 |
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1979 Bachelor of Arts, Art Three Dimension Creative visionary and industrial designer |
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1981 Bachelor of Science, Geography President and CEO of Union Bank's Central Coast Region |
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Joan Chen '92 Bachelor of Arts, Radio, Television, Film Award-Winning Actress |
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1972 Bachelor of Arts, Political Science CSO of Nestle' Waters |
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1977 Bachelor of Arts, Music Internationally Renowned Conductor |
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1975 Bachelor of Arts, Music Animated Film Producer |
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1976 Bachelor of Arts, Music, 1998 Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Opera Singer |
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1971 Bachelor of Science, Physical Education Founder, Zak Designs; a worldwide leader in licensed children's dinnerware |
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1972 Bachelor of Science, Psychology CEO and Founding Principal of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners |
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1967 Bachelor of Arts, Political Science Founding partner of Myman Greenspan Fineman Fox & Light LLP; a leading entertainment law firm |
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1978 Music Grammy award-winning songwriter and owner of Realsongs; the most successful female-owned and operated business in the music industry |
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Harvey Bookstein 1970 Bachelor of Science, Business Administration One of California's most respected Accountants |
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James Otero 1973 Bachelor of Arts, Political Science Judge, United States District Court (Central California Division) |
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Debra Farar 1975 Bachelor of Arts, English, 1987 Master of Arts, Education Past Chair & Member of the Board of Trustees of The California State University |
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Teri Garr |
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Bill Handel |
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Adriana Ocampo Uria |
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James Berk |
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Brad Bowlus |
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Michael Klausman |
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Grant Ashley |
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Mike Curb |
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Mory Ejabat |
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Larry Feldman |
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Barbara Fairchild |
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Scott Horowitz |
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Ron Insana |
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Linda Lingle |
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Richard "Cheech" Marin |
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Sue Herera |
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Vincent Barabba |
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Lynn Doll |
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Charles Noski |
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Patsy Flanigan (Deceased) |
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Daniel Chernow |
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Steve Howard |
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Bob Miller |
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Lois Roberts |
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Michael Day |
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Bill Griffeth |
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Irene Tovar |
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Yvonne Chan |
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Frank del Olmo (Deceased) |
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Dirk Gates |
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1990 |
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1989 |
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1988 |
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1988 |
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1987 |
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1986 |
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1985 |
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1983 |
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1981 |