CSU Channel Islands report
It all started with a handful of free Dodgers tickets and an enthusiastic graduate. Now all of Ventura County will help celebrate California State University, Channel Islands’ (CI) 10-year anniversary by showing up big at Dodger Stadium. On Sunday, Sept. 30 the CI Alumni & Friends Association will be hosting its 9th Annual Alumni & Friends Dodger Day. More than 500 attendees will proudly wear CI red while attending a big end-of-the-season game in support of CI’s 10-year anniversary. The event will also raise funds for faculty research.
“It’s become tradition,” said Tania Garcia, director of Development, Alumni Relations for CI. “Until we have athletics, Dodger Day gives students, alumni, the campus and external community the means to come together and show that CI pride. The response has been tremendous and every year this is our largest alumni event.” The event has a twist this year: CI President Richard R. Rush will be throwing out the first pitch before the game.
“Everyone recognizes how lucky we are to have great leadership in Dr. Rush and they all want to support him. Even on the field!” Garcia said.
Excitement over this event started back in 2004 when then Alumni & Friends (A&FA) President Kirsten Moss-Frye came up with the idea to engage recent graduates. Moss-Frye, the first president of the organization, graduated as a CSUN-CI alumna in 2003 with a degree in sociology and went on to work at the university coordinating major events such as freshmen orientations and the beginning of the school year’s Welcome Celebration.
“Dodger Day was developed with the intention of bringing students, alumni, friends and families of CI together as representatives in solidarity for the university, for a day of fun only a sporting event can provide. Dodger Day has become a part of the esprit de corps of the university and gives alumni a reason to come back each year, stay connected to the university, and maintain CI camaraderie.”
It’s not just for watching baseball. Over the years, the A&FA has realized that it’s a great way for alumni to reconnect with faculty, staff and fellow graduates. It also opens the door to networking and membership opportunities.
Everyone is welcome. The event is open to any student, alumni, faculty, staff or community friend that would like to attend. Almost 300 tickets have already been sold. Seats will be offered in Infield Box, All-You-Can-Eat and Infield Reserve sections. The A&FA is also encouraging any companies or organizations that would like to take a group to do so.
“Several companies are using this event as a means to build team spirit among their staff, and what a fantastic, fun and meaningful way to do it,” Garcia said. Free transportation will be provided from the CI campus, donated in part by Roadrunner Shuttle.
To buy tickets, visit www.csuci.edu and click on the Dodger Day button.
For detailed information on becoming a sponsor or to discuss taking a large group, call Tania Garcia at 805-437-8952.
