Alumni return to alma mater for annual Professor for a Day event

Photos by Corinne McCurdy/CSUSB Alumni Relations hosted its annual Professor for a Day luncheon on May 8 to celebrate the more than double the number of alumni and faculty who participated in the program. During the luncheon, CSUSB President Tomas D. Morales recognized the alumni and faculty participants for their contributions with a special CSUSB Alumni gift. This year, more than 110 alumni spoke or are scheduled to speak in classrooms, student clubs/organizations and career panels to mentor students. One of the program’s goals is to provide students with an opportunity to interact with alumni and learn firsthand how their education applies to the real world. Alumni share their experiences, and are matched to classes and groups according to major, profession, and/or areas of interest. “It’s amazing to have someone who graduated from the school I am attending have some great advice about life outside of college,” one student wrote on their feedback card. “The (alumni) professor made my day,” wrote another. “Now I feel confident that I can take my passion to the next level. I’m focused on me and attaining a greater understanding of my talents. Additionally, I’m going to avoid putting limits on myself.” For alumni, the experience was just as rewarding. Alumnus Gordon Amerson, who earned his bachelor’s degree in health science in 2001 and his doctorate in educational leadership in 2014, and is now superintendent of schools for the Duarte Unified School District, tweeted: “Honored to be invited by my alma mater @CSUSBNews to present at Professor for a Day about my experiences as a #CSUSB student & growing up in the Inland Empire. Wonderful to #giveback to the education community that gave me so much & meet current students ready to rise!”