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Alumni Association
Our Priorities
In support of our mission, the Alumni Association has selected core priorities to focus our efforts over the next several years. We believe that by driving initiatives under these priorities, we can enhance our engagement to the alumni community. We have created both short and long term measurable action items under the priorities of Careers, Communications, and Communities.
The foundation for a successful career starts with providing opportunities for alumni to seek and advance their careers. Through initiatives like CareerBOOST and resume reviews, we are seeking to bring our alumni expertise to foster growth and challenge each other. We celebrate our entrepreneurial Pioneers with our 40 Under 40 awards for their achievements in business and the community.
The cornerstone to a strong network is the sense of community and we understand that our alumni have to find their home within the Forever Pioneer network. Our priority works to engage alumni where they are most comfortable amongst the most meaningful people that fostered their experience at Cal State East Bay. We are working on a Day of Service, Alumni Orientation Videos, and engaging & sustaining affinity groups. The successful Women on the Rise programs highlight our women that pave the way in their fields.
We are employing a number of strategies to reach and engage our alumni and future alumni. The communications priority seeks to strengthen existing channels, diversify our communication tactics, and build a stronger brand identity. We are working to enhance our electronic newsletter to increase readership, develop engaging social media content, and deliver a cohesive brand that makes us all proud Pioneers.
Alumni Association Board Meetings
Board meetings are held quarterly at the Hayward Campus located in the Student Faculty Building, room 329 at 6:30pm. Meetings are open to all alumni.
2022-23 Meeting Schedule
November 7, 2022
February 6, 2023
April 17, 2023June 12, 2023 - Annual Meeting
Alumni Association Board of Directors

Michelle Rippy
President
BS '02, Forensic Science
Terms: 2017-19, 2019-21, 2021-2023
INDUSTRY:
Higher Education
FUN FACT:
I enjoy being an urban gardener.

Paige Luben
President-Elect
BS '09, Business Administration
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24
FUN FACT:
I was adopted as a baby.

Amandeep Singh
Treasurer
MBA '18
Terms: 2019-21; 2021-2023

Lisa Booker
Secretary
BS '04, Business Administration
Terms: 2016–18; 2018–20; 2020-22; 2022-24
INDUSTRY:
Higher Education
FUN FACT:
I like to run marathons, see a comedy, and workout.

Allen Kwan
Immediate Past President
BA '04, Communication
Terms: 2014-16, 2016-18, 2018-20, 2020-22
INDUSTRY:
Insurance
FUN FACT:
Bagels are my favorite round breakfast food.
Board Members

Terry Buttchen, MBA, MS
MS Education '12
Terms: 2022-24
INDUSTRY:
Sports Production, Home Improvement
FUN FACT:
I'm a pilot.

Michael Cesena
MS '16, Kinesiology
Terms: 2019–21; 2021-2023
INDUSTRY:
Higher Education
FUN FACT:
I have an IMDB account for playing a volcano zombie in a movie.
Donald Chu, Ph.D.
BA Physical Education '65, MS Physical Education '70
Terms: 2022-24
INDUSTRY:
Physical Therapy
FUN FACT:
I have been a licensed physical therapist for 50 years.

Veronica Collins, MS
BA Health Sciences '19
Terms: 2022-24
INDUSTRY:
Health Policy
FUN FACT:
I am a Veteran and first-generation student.
Aila Dinglasan
BA Human Development '15
Terms: 2022-24
INDUSTRY:
Non-Profit
FUN FACT:
I'm a big kid at heart and will never turn down a place date with my nieces and nephews.

Ronald Garcia
BA '69, English
Terms: 2018–20; 2020-22; 2022-24

Rahul Kuruvilla
MS '01, Computer Science
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24
FUN FACT:
I enjoy playing and watching tennis.

Jesus Mora
BA Sociology '22
Terms: 2022-24
FUN FACT: I have a huge sweet tooth. I grow weak in the knees around brownies, cakes, and doughnuts!

Amer Orabi
BS '16, Business Administration
Terms: 2021–23

Raj Prasad
BS '03, Business Administration
Terms: 2021–23
Karla Prince-Cheng, Ed.D.
Outreach Committee Chair
MS '12, Education
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24
FUN FACT:
My favorite R&B singer is Mary J. Blige.

Jessica Rivera
BA '15, Cultural Anthropology
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24
INDUSTRY:
Healthcare
FUN FACT:
I am a die-hard Elvis Presley fan!

Parker Rugeley, MPA
Affinity Committee Chair
BA, BS '18, Political Science & Criminal Justice; '20 MPA
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24
Industry:
Higher Education
FUN FACT:
I played euphonium for the university symphony band and bass trombone for the university jazz band my freshmen year.

Husnia "Nia" Samady
BS '04, Computer Science
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24
FUN FACT:
Avid traveler, in 2012 I climbed Mount Sinai in Egypt, 7,497ft.
Emerald Templeton, Ed.D.
Careers Committee Chair
BA Human Development '06
Terms: 2022-24
INDUSTRY:
Higher Education
FUN FACT:
I'm reading and listening to 2-3 books at any given time! I love to read about social politics and listen on Audible to memoirs and autobiographies.

Richard Watters, Ed.D.
BS English '95, BS HRT '13, Ed.D. '21
Terms: 2022-24
INDUSTRY:
Non-Profit
FUN FACT:
I love to bake.
Ex-Officio
Travis L. Nelson
Director, Alumni Engagement & University Events
INDUSTRY:
Higher Education
FUN FACT:
I own over 500 completed LEGO sets, with my largest collection being the Star Wars theme.