Buzz Grows over April 25 Alumni Awards Dinner

Event bolsters pride among National University graduates

The excitement is growing among National University graduates as invitations for the 2006 National University Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner were mailed to alumni and special guests this month. 

The event, being held in the Pavilion of the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines on Tuesday, April 25, is already generating attention in various circles and drawing reservations. Many graduates are applauding the line-up of influential classmates and community leaders and see it as an excellent opportunity to network with alumni and reconnect with their alma mater and its expanding field of affiliate institutions.

The evening will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., offering ample time for introductions and mingling amid an impressive sunset view of the Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. Dinner follows at 7 p.m. and an awards ceremony at 8 p.m.  This year's six honorees include the following: 

Robert E. Dean (MA, Management,1988) CEO, Vista Hill Foundation
As CEO of Vista Hill Foundation, Mr. Dean leads a non-profit organization that provides private psychiatric services in San Diego, including inpatient services, group homes, public sector services, partial day treatment and a specialty behavioral health HMO.

Marti Emerald (BS, Liberal Studies, 2005)Investigative Reporter, KGTV Channel 10 News
Ms. Emerald has been a consumer advocate and investigative reporter with KGTV Channel 10 news for 18 years. She is also an active volunteer, working with numerous San Diego area charities and organizations.

Adolfo Gonzales (BPA, 1986) National City Chief of Police
Chief Gonzales was appointed to his current position in July 2004, after serving 26 years in law enforcement.  He enjoys expertise in neighborhood policing, gang suppression and prevention, emergency disaster management and domestic terrorism.

Sammantha McDonald (BBA, 1980 / MBA, 1983) Community Volunteer
Ms. McDonald serves on the Board of the San Diego Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, where she is currently the President and 2006 Chair for the Race for the Cure. She also serves as a board member for Volunteer San Diego. 

Jeff Olivero (MS, Educational Administration, 1995) Principal, Mira Mesa High School
Mr. Olivero is the principal of Mira Mesa High School, which is designated a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and a 2005 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education. 

Jerry Sanders (BPA, 1988)  Mayor, City of San Diego
Mayor Sanders was the Chief of Police for the City of San Diego from 1993 to 1999, before serving as President and CEO of the United Way of San Diego and a board member of the American Red Cross of San Diego. He was elected mayor of San Diego last November.

Tickets are $75 per person or $750 per table of ten. Seating is limited so those interested in attending are urged to make reservations early. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Lacey Render at (858) 642-8095.