Alumni in the News - July 2008
Features
Cal Poly Alumnus Is Out of this World -- Literally
Astronaut and Mustang alum Greg Chamitoff is now aboard the International Space Station, where he's serving as the flight engineer until coming back down to Earth this fall. Chamitoff (B.S., Electrical Engineering, 1984) joined the seven-member crew of the shuttle Discovery on their mission to the International Space Station. The shuttle launched May 31 from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. Discovery returned returned to home June 14. Chamitoff remained on the International Space Station, where he will live and work for the next six months. In addition to his Cal Poly degree, Chamitoff earned his M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from CalTech in 1985, a
Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT in 1992, and an
M.S. in Space Science and Planetary Geology from the University of Houston Clear Lake in 2002.
Visit NASA's Space Station Web site
See Chamitoff's NASA bio page
Journalism Alum Wins Emmy
Marianne Favro (B.S., Journalism, 1987), medical reporter for San Jose’s NBC-11, took home a regional Emmy Award for her segment on fitness legend Jack LaLanne. Most reporters spend their entire career awaiting one golden statuette. Favro now has two.
Read the Mercury News article
Poly Alums Ante Up for Art
Answering a call from the Art and Design Department, former students-turned-professional artists donated their works for a recent fundraiser.
Find out who donated what
Long list of Accomplishments, Emmys for Alum
Kathy Sabine (B.S., AgBusiness, 1987) has worked in television since she graduated from Cal Poly. Forecasting the weather and reporting, writing, producing and anchoring the news has won her several regional Emmys and national appearances.
Read more about Sabine
“Iceman” Chuck Liddell is on the Mend
Former Cal Poly wrestler Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell (B.S., Business Administration, 1995) is gearing up for his next fight after suffering a major hamstring pull.
Read about the update that aired on KSBY news
Gladiators Fans See Mustang Alumna Doubles
Sisterly love goes by the wayside as twins Clinessa Burch (B.S., Industrial Technology, 2005) and Lillian Thomasson (B.S., Agricultural Science, 2005) compete on the television show, “American Gladiators.” While both may have star quality, only one can advance to next week’s show.
More about the sisters’ experience
Aero Alum and Father Flip for Flying
Eric Tucker (B.S., Aerospace Engineering, 2006) and his dad are the world’s only father-son show aerobatic flight team. Like a fine waltz, the formations the duo performs in the air are carefully choreographed to include precise, fluid motion that is beautiful to watch.
More on aerobatic flying
Alum Wins Close County Supervisors Race
Budget shortfalls, smart growth and affordable housing are some of the top issues facing incumbent Jim Patterson (B.S., Natural Resources Management, 1974), who secured another term as Fifth District Supervisor. The Fifth District includes Atascadero, Santa Margarita, Garden Farms, Creston, Pozo, California Valley and part of San Luis Obispo.
More on Patterson
Alumna & Horse Have a Shot at Olympic Team
Gina Miles (B.S., 1997, Crop Science) is attempting to make the 2008 Olympic Team in the equestrian sport of eventing on her Irish horse McKinlaigh. The team are a likely choice to make the U.S. squad. They were part of the 2007 gold medalist U.S. team at the 2007 Pan American Games and took an individual bronze medal at that competition as well. Miles, a 34-year-old Cal Poly graduate from Creston, and McKinlaigh came close to making the 2004 Olympic squad, but fell short when the horse became ill.
Read the SLO Tribune news brief
Read the SLO Tribune feature on Miles (includes multimedia)
Alum honored through National Teacher of the Year program
Kevin Woodard (M.S., Agriculture, 2003) makes science come alive for Clovis Unified School District students.
To recognize the enthusiasm and knowledge he brings to the classroom, the California Association Future Farmers of America recently honored Woodard, naming him the Star Agriscience Teacher of the Year for the state of California.
Read more about Woodard
Alum is Chaplain at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
The Rev. David MacDonald (B.S., History, 1976) has been an Episcopal priest for 21 years. He serves as the Chaplain of Washington National Cathedral and is a member of the Order of St. John in the Anglican Church, as well as serving as the rector of historic Christ Church in Maryland. He wrote his dissertation on the rich history of surrounding the Durham parish while studying for his doctorate in Anglican history at the University of Oxford in England. He's since followed up with a book about the Maryland church, which was founded in 1661
Read the story in the South Maryland Independent
Olives Produce Liquid Gold for Agribusiness Alumnus
Brendon Flynn (B.S., Agribusiness,1995) is the force behind Pacific Sun Olive Oil. The artisan olive oil company is the newest venture of 56-year-old Pacific Farms and Orchards Inc. owned by Jane Flynn, Brendon Flynn's mother. Brendon Flynn has added olives and gourmet olive oil to the family farm operation. Pacific Farms also produces prunes, walnuts and almonds from orchards outside Redding in Northern California, and is a member grower for Sunsweet (prunes), Blue Diamond (almonds) and Diamond (walnuts).
Read the Redding Record Searchlight Story on Flynn
Engineering Alum Creates Cycle Silencer to Save Motocross
Neal Saiki (B.S., Aero Engineering, 1990) has developed a new, electric ultra-light, ultra-fast, and silent off-road motorcycle. A self-described "outdoorsman," Saiki worked for NASA early in his career. In 2006, he founded Zero Motorcycles in Santa Cruz. His Zero-X off-road motorcycle can jet silently across the pavement or a dirt track, leaving not even a wisp of exhaust in its wake. It runs completely on electricity and is one of the first motorbikes of its kind to be mass-marketed by an industry professional. Saiki is hoping it makes motocross racing and civilization more compatible.
Read the story on Saiki in the Bohemian online
Alum Balances the Scales of Justice in Reno
Bob Green (B.S., Food Science, 1979) is a champion of justice in Reno. As a weights and measures inspector he checks out gas pumps, produce scales and jewelry scales—all to make sure that people are getting their money’s worth. Sometimes though, consumers are the culprits when it comes to the mysterious “jump at the pump” that adds a few cents to their gasoline purchase.
More on Green’s story
Turnarounds Inspire Life Change for Alum
Matt Talbert (B.S., Business Administration 1977) has worked all over the world, in industries as diverse as jewelry, aviation acoustics, magazine publishing and financial strategies for developing nations. The one thing in common among all of his businesses has been finding a diamond in the rough, and today the winery he just bought in Templeton is no different.
Read more on Talbert
Idaho Weather Calls, J-Alumna Answers
Danielle Grant (B.S., Journalism, 2007) began work at Local News 8, an ABC affiliate in Idaho. Grant currently services as the weekend weather anchor and reporter.
More on Grant
Architecture Alum Races for Delta College board
Looking to “restore integrity and full transparency and openness” to the San Joaquin Delta College Board of Trustees, Stephan Castellanos (B.Ar., Architecture, 1971), has formed a campaign committee and will be a candidate for Area 5.
Read more about the race
Alumna, Family Switch from Cows to Goats
Cindy Pomi (B.S., Animal Science, 1995) and her family run Big Oaks Farms. They decided to stop raising dairy cows and focus on raising goats instead. The goats are slaughtered humanely in a stress-free environment and the meat is lean, higher in protein than beef or chicken. Goat meat has less fat, calories and cholesterol than other meats.
More about goat farming
Goats' Graze Helps Fight Summer Blaze
With fire season here, property owners are urged to control the amount of dry brush near homes to prevent future flames from spreading. While some may choose traditional methods, Beth Reynolds (B.S., Animal Science, 2005) has an innovative solution that may appeal to those looking for a more natural approach to fire prevention.
See the story on KSBY
Journalism Alum’s Photography on Display in SLO
When searching for a beautiful scene in nature, landscape photographer Tony Hertz (B.S., Journalism, 1984) takes on the mindset of a hunter. The photojournalist, freelancer and teacher has his first professional exhibit, “Centered,” at the San Luis Obispo Art Center.
Read the SLO Tribune story about Hertz
New Times article on Hertz
Bio Alum Healing Africa with Beads of Hope
Former marine biology student Jessica Connolly (B.S., Ecology and Systematic Biology, 2005, M.S., Biological Sciences, 2006) found her ultimate calling not in the deep blue sea, but deep in the heart of Africa. The beads Connolly imports and markets in Shell Beach are helping to feed families who suffered and eventually fled the wars in Northern Uganda.
More about the beads and who they’re benefiting
Internship Ends Up “Cooler” than Expected for Business Grad
With a quarter left before graduation, Janelle Metzer (B.S., Agricultural Business, 2006) attended a college job fair where she was offered an internship as a cooler inspector at Tanimura & Antle. Metzer also received a research assignment to assess the profitability of the firm's consolidation program. Her work landed the recent grad a job.
More on Metzer in the Californian
The House that Barry Built - In Nicaragua
Thinking about buying property and building a house in Nicaragua? With the Nicaragua property boom is just taking off, it may seem like a good time. Barry Oliver (B.S., Mechanical Engineering, 1994, M.S., Industrial and Technical Studies, 2000) found that falling mangos and swelling rivers are only two of the perils that await homebuilders in Central America.
Read more about Oliver’s experience
Alum 'LEEDs' Green Forum
The Young Architects Forum recently presented the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes conference. Cal Poly grad Michael Kloefkorn (B.Ar., Architecture, 1996), LEED AP, of Van Meter Williams and Pollack, discussed regional residential green building programs and practices, residential green building means and methods and an overview of the Green Point Rated Program.
Read Kloefkorn’s profile
New Eco-Friendly Tasting Room Brings Alum Back
Lisa Ortman (B.S., Forestry and Natural Resources Management, 1994) has come back to Paso Robles with 40 years and two generations of experience and a unique outlook on crafting quality, artisan wines. Ortman Family Vineyards just opened a new tasting room, located in the heart of the city’s historic downtown district. Lisa Ortman worked in partnership with Green Goods of San Luis Obispo to incorporate an eco-friendly approach to the tasting room’s design.
Read the article in the Paso Robles Press
Liberal Arts Alumna Inspires Daughter’s Success
Despite struggles, Espie Ruiz (B.A., Liberal Studies, 2000, Teaching Credential 2002) went on to finish her bachelor's degree and become a teacher. Now, her daughter prepares to attend the University of New Haven, where she will become part of the university's celebrated forensic-science program.
Read the Santa Maria Times article
Alum's Roots Run Deep in Central Coast Farming
Ernie Righetti (Fruit Science, 1971) still lives on the family farm that has operated in San Luis Obispo for nearly 140 years. As he traces the farm’s rich history, interesting stories and life lessons unfold.
Read the story
Language Alum Teaches Elementary School, College
Victor Enriquez (B.S., Modern Languages and Literature, 2001, Teaching Credential 2005) divides his time between teaching first-graders at Oak Avenue Elementary school, and teaching Spanish to college students twice a week at Hartnell College's King City campus.
More on Enriquez
Liberal Arts Alumna on Solid Ground with Earthbound Farms
Networking paid off for Jessica Harris (B.A., Communication Studies, 2007) when she bumped into Shelley Gesicki, a former Cal Poly acquaintance. Today she is the event coordinator for Earthbound Farms and is responsible for the many details that connect the company with wholesalers, retailers and the culinary community.
Read more about Harris
Careers
Biz Alum Named VP at Nationally Ranked Public Finance Group
Stone & Youngberg hired Jake Campos (B.S., Economics, 2003) as an assistant vice president. Campos was previously employed by UBS in the firm’s institutional municipal finance group.
Read more on Campos
Rabobank Names Alumna Assistant VP at Rabobank on Central Coast
Aluma Lettie Fuller (B.S., Business Administration, 1991) has been promoted to assistant vice president at Rabobank, N.A. As financial services officer, she assists customers with personal and small business loans and credit lines and supervises the new account representatives at the bank’s Arroyo Grande branch.
Read the announcement in the Times Press Recorder
Alum is VP of Operations at Meru Wireless
Keith Matasci (B.S., Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering 1986) has joined wireless infrastructure provider Meru Networks as vice president of operations. H e is responsible for the company's supply chain, order fulfillment, planning, forecasting and facilities. Matasci comes to Meru with more than 18 years of experience in global supply chain operations, customer service, information technology and facilities management. He was previously vice president of operations at Terayon Communications (acquired by Motorola in 2007).
Read the story on Unstrung online
Alum is Chief Financial Officer at iGov
Richard Marksberry (B.S., Accounting, 1980) has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at iGov. Marksberry is overseeing the company's financial, accounting and internal support operations. Marksberry was certified as a CPA in California in 1983, and is now active in various professional and technology related groups and associations in the Northern Virginia and Metropolitan Washington, DC area.
Read the story on EarthTimes
Alumna is Production Director at Eugene Newspaper
Janet Owen (B.S., Graphic Communication, 1979) has joined Eugene The Register-Guard as production director. With more than 25 years of newspaper production experience, Owen will oversee the printing, product-distribution and ad-building functions.
Owen moved to Eugene from the StarTribune in Minneapolis, where she served as senior vice president of operations, with responsibility for 920 employees. The StarTribune twice earned international membership in the International Newspaper Color Quality Club during her tenure. She worked previously at the Fresno Bee and the Los Angeles Times.
Read the story in Editor and Publisher online
Engineering Alum is Aerospace Segment Manager at Ohio Corporation
Charles P. "Chuck" Gee is now the Aerospace Segment Manager at Master Chemical Corporation. Gee (B.S., Metalurgical Engineering, 1986) is responsible for managing its aerospace market and product opportunities. In addition to his Cal Poly degree, Gee earned an MBA from San Diego State University.
Read the PR Newswire Story
Alum Receives Special Needs Teaching Award
Templeton High School teacher Tyler LaSalle (B.S., Psychology, 2003) was one of five special educators in San Luis Obispo County to be honored with the Golden Apple Award a group of Central Coast parents and professionals. LaSalle has taught special education at Templeton High School for three years, was one of five recipients who were recognized for their exceptional contributions in their efforts to help support and educate students with special needs.
Read the Paso Robles Press story
Alum is St. Helena's Firefighter of the Year
Jorge Garibay (B.S. Business, 2003), a four-year firefighting veteran, has been named “Firefighter of the Year” by the St. Helena Fire Department. But St. Helena will soon lose Garibay to the Los Angeles Fire Department, probably by early next month. The 27-year-old Garibay was selected in May by his fellow firefighters as the 36th Fireman of the Year for St. Helena.
Read the St. Helena Star story
Alum Retiring as Santa Maria-Bonita Schools Chief
Dave Francis (M.A., Education Administration, 1976), superintendent of the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, has announced he will retire in January, 2009. In addition to his Cal Poly degree, Francis holds a bachelor's degree from California State University, Fresno. He has served as the SMBUSD's superintendent for the past seven years.
Read the Santa Maria Times story
Alumna is Weathercaster in Idaho
Danielle Grant (B.S., Journalism, 2007)
is a reporter and weekend weather anchor at KFI in Idaho Falls. She came to Local News 8 in January 2008. While at Cal Poly she worked for the campus television station, CPTV, and was the co-director of PRspectives, Cal Poly's student-run public relations firm. She also received the Journalism Department Chair's award for leadership.
Read the KFI bio on Grant
Architecture Alumna Joins Chicago Firm's West Coast Office
Associate Architect Nora Garcia (B.Ar., Architecture, 1996) has joined the architectural and engineering consulting firm GTG Consultants in its West Coast office in San Francisco.
Read the OpenPR story
CM Alum Working on the Railroad - Portland's Light Rail
After landing a job at Eddy Architects, Inc., Matt Alexander (B.S.,Construction Management, 2007) finds himself working on the Ford Hall at Willamette University and the Portland light rail South Terminus for TriMet.
More about the Oregon firm’s recent hires
Alum named Chairman of Health and Kinesiology Department
T. Scott Marzilli (B.S., 1994, Physical Education, M.S., 1996, Physical Education) was named chairman of the Department of Health and Kinesiology at The University of Texas at Tyler. Since 2005 he had been an associate professor in health, leisure and exercise science at the University of West Florida.
More on Marzilli
Alum Retires But Won’t Quit
After 39 years of working at a handful of schools throughout California, Diana Barnhart (B.S., Biological Sciences 1968, M.S., Biological Sciences, 1984) still can’t stop teaching. The 62-year-old Barnart retired recently, but says she’ll teach for free.
More on Barnhart
Alum Retires as Santa Maria-Bonita Schools Chief
Dave Francis (B.S., 1976, Education), superintendent of the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, officially announced his retirement recently. A teacher at heart, his educational career spanned 37 years.
More on Francis
Read the Santa Maria Times story
PASSINGS
Silvio A. Dossetti
Silvio A. Dossetti (B.S., Agricultural Engineering, 1951) died May 30 in Penn Valley. He was 84. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Dossetti had a 30-year career as a design engineer for the FMC Corporation. He was a scout master for the Boy Scouts of America and also served as president of Toastmasters.
Read Dossetti’s obituary in the Union
May Sophie (Pixlee) Paxton
May Sophie (Pixlee) Paxton (Education, 1980) died June 5 of pancreatic cancer. She was 78. Paxton lived in Oregon City, where she was a librarian for Clackamas County.
Read Paxton’s obituary
Robert O. Townsend
Former San Bernardino County supervisor Robert Townsend (B.S., Poultry Husbandry, 1957) passed away June 10 after a long battle with cancer. He was 84. Townsend was instrumental in the development of Chino Hills, Prado Regional Park and the Omnitrans public bus system, among many other accomplishments.
Read Townsend’s obituary
Donald Anton Walker
Donald Anton Walker died May 23 in his Sacramento home following an illness. He was 72. During his 36-year career at Aerojet, Walker (B.S., Aeronautical Design Engineering, 1957) worked on numerous sensitive programs such as tactical rocket motors for various weapon systems and the Midgetman small intercontinental ballistic missile.
Read Walker’s obituary in the Sacramento Bee
Kenneth Nemson
Kenneth Nemson (B.S., Biological Sciences, 1972) was on his way to his father's birthday celebration in Ventura when he was killed in a head-on crash on Highway 126 near Santa Paula. According to California Highway Patrol statistics, 20 people died and 214 were injured on Highway 126 between Santa Paula and Fillmore during the last 10 years.
More on the accident
Franklin Lee Gibson of Reno
Franklin Lee Gibson (B.S., Dairy Management, 1949, M.A., Ag, 1963) passed away on Thursday evening April 24, 2008, in Reno, Nevada. He was born July 1, 1921, in Susanville, California. He was married to his late wife, Irma Jean Gibson, for 55 years and raised four children and several foster children. He attended Lassen High School.
Read the obituary in the Reno Gazette