Beach Connection Magazine : Fall 2017 Fall 2017 | Page 2

• Welcome Alumni Call to Action When Bob Irwin saw an e-communique in 2004 from the Alumni Association recruiting volunteers to welcome new graduates at commencement, he responded because he wanted to reconnect with the school that enabled him to have a successful life and career. As a volunteer, his leadership skills and calming demeanor soon became evident. He was asked to do more with the Alumni Association, and served in several positions on the Board of Directors, culminating with his election as president in June, 2017. Bob honed his analytical skills over 38 years in managerial positions in the defense industry, primarily at General Dynamics and Computer Sciences Corporation. Originally a physics major but changing to mathematics in his senior year, he used both disciplines in designing computer programs, creating large divisional budgets, and managing large groups of IT staff. He continued his education, receiving his MBA at the University of Chicago while working at United Airlines. Since returning to The Beach, the Mission Viejo resident says that he gets energized being around students and sharing their optimism. He wants to lend a helping hand and give back – like those who helped him when he was in college. Now a widower, Bob was married for 38 years to his high school sweetheart. He has two children, Jeff and Kathleen, four grandchildren, and a brother who is also a Beach alum. He enjoys volunteering, fitness, home improvement projects, and spending time with his significant other Yvonne Karn. ■ ■ ■ In meeting alums, I’m always in awe of what Long Beach State provided in transforming their lives as it did mine. In this issue, alums shared their connections to The Beach and what they have meant to them. For some, it was a faculty member who took extra time to counsel them or give a reference for a job. For others, it was relationships forged in a fraternity that became lifetime friendships. Beach Family legacies spanning three generations are proudly described. Others met their future spouses here, which perhaps will result in future 49ers! Thank you for staying connected, sharing with others how The Beach impacted your life, and enriching our students’ educational experiences. GO BEACH! Robert Irwin ’67 2 BE ACH CONNEC TION Come to a Bob Cole Conservatory of Music show The Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir is fresh off their world tour and finding space on the shelf for another first-place award from an international competition, the Internationaler Chorwettbewerb in Spittal an der Drau, Australia. They will be performing with the equally formidable CSULB University Choir on Oct. 21, 2017, so take this great opportunity to support both of our world-famous choirs as they put on one spectacular show. Dear members: Other alums stay connected through the communications they receive, including e-mails, publications and social media posts. Come to Homecoming We’re pulling out all the stops at this year’s Homecoming celebration on Nov. 4, and look forward to seeing a full house in the Homecoming Pavilion. Homecoming is a special tradition for the Beach Family, so be sure to bring your family for a jam- packed day of activities, rides, games, booths, prizes, live music, and of course an exciting men’s basketball game versus Dominguez Hills. President’s Message Several describe their regular visits to campus today to support our student athletes and student performance artists, or see a show at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Connect on Social Media Because an Alumni Association is only as strong as its network of constituents, we’re launching a campaign of “Followship” to bring our alums together. Help us continue to provide the most valuable opportunities to alumni by following @CSULBAlumni on social media, joining the conversation, and using the Alumni Association’s social networks to stay up to date while building your own professional network. ■ Update your info Have you moved or changed your preferred email address? To stay informed about opportunities at The Beach, don’t forget to update your contact information at csulb.edu/AlumniUpdate, or email us at [email protected], FAX [phone], or mail to CSULB Alumni Relations, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840-8101. NEW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT: Robert Irwin ’67, Mathematics