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INNOVATION CELEBR ATING VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
S AT U R D A Y, A P R I L 9 , 2 0 1 6 THE RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY S I M I V A L L E Y, C A L I F O R N I A
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Greetings!
It is my pleasure to welcome you this evening to the Farewell Dinner honoring the Presidency of Richard R. Rush. As our theme, From Inspiration to Innovation, signifies, we a e gathered together to pay tribute to an extraordinary, visionary leader. On behalf of the CSU Channel Islands (CI) Foundation Board, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to President Rush for all that he has contributed to our students — past and present — and our community. President Rush, you have enriched our lives by creating a place where learning and scholarship are celebrated, where the underserved are given opportunity and where creativity and innovation thrive. As Chair of the Board, I have been honored to work alongside you to support the development of our beautiful campus. Together with the dedicated effo ts of the faculty, staff, administration and our community partners, we are forging a bright future for higher education in our region. Many will benefit f om access to this vibrant University that provides quality teaching and creative instruction. President Rush, this is the legacy you leave behind. In addition, I would like to thank and recognize our sponsors for their generous support. Along with them, the CI Foundation is pleased to underwrite the cost of this event and to create a scholarship fund with the proceeds. Once again, I am delighted to welcome you on this very special occasion. Thank you for your continued support and confidence in CI!
C I F O UN DATION BO ARD OF D I REC TORS G E ORG E L EI S Chair J A N E T G A RU FI S Vice Chair E M IL IO P O Z Z I Secretary Y S A B E L T RI NI DA D Treasurer TH E ODO RE B A G L EY E DWA RD B I RC H H U G H C ASSA R H E N RY D U B RO FF ROB E RT ENG L A ND C H RIS TINE G A RVEY M A RK H ART L EY L A RRY HI B B L ER R A L P H T. I A NNEL L I , J R . WIL L IA M K EA RNEY H A N K L AC A YO DOU G L AS MC R A E C H RIS MEI SSNER LON M ORTO N J OH N N OT T ER
Sincerely yours,
DIA N E PA LU MB O LOIS RICE B L A IS E SI MQ U P E TE R WO L LO NS
George Leis
C IN DY W YEL S
Chair of the CI Foundation
A L E X Y E PEZ
The CI Foundation exists to encourage and accept private gifts to the University. It serves as a conduit through which gifts and endowment income flow to add ess immediate and long-term needs.
ZOH A R ZI V S C OTT ZO L K E
A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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Program WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS EMCEE: JEFF GORELL
Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security & Public Safety, City of Los Angeles
N AT I O N A L A N T H E M TRISHA LOPEZ
WELCOME GREETINGS BLAISE SIMQU
Chief Executive Offic , SAGE Publishing
S C OT T P. H A N S E N , C F P
Senior Vice President, Regional Managing Director, Wells Fargo Private Bank
REMARKS T I M OT H Y P. W H I T E
Chancellor of the California State University
RON WERFT
Chief Executive Offic , Cottage Health
BRODERICK HUGGINS Pastor, Saint Paul Baptist Church
SPECIAL MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PROJECT M OF ÉLAN ARTISTS
T R I B U T E V I D E O P R E S E N TAT I O N GUEST OF HONOR REMARKS RICHARD R . RUSH
S P E C I A L P R E S E N TAT I O N B Y P R E S I D E N T ’ S S C H O L A R S BRANDON DOWLING
‘11 B.A. Political Science & Psychology
PRESIDENT ’S SCHOLARS 2 009-PRESENT
FA R E W E L L & I N V I TAT I O N TO A F T E R- PA R T Y JEFF GORELL
Reception Music by Chris Fossek | Dance Performances by L.A. Flamenco | Bagpipes played by Mike Reynolds
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Menu FIRST COURSE BABY KALE SALAD WITH CRISPY CHICKPEAS , S H A V E D M A N C H E G O , H E I R L O O M TO M ATO , AND A LEMON VINAIGRETTE DRESSING served with
B A S K E T O F R O S E M A R Y F O C C A C I A , W H O L E W H E AT, G R I L L E D H E R B , F L AT B R E A D, A N D R U S T I C B R E A D S SERVED WITH BUTTER
MAIN COURSE FILET MIGNON WITH A COGNAC DEMI-GLACE , R O S E M A R Y, A N D C R I S P Y O N I O N and
S E A B A S S W I T H R O M A TO M ATO E S AND COMPOUND BUTTER served with
T R I - C O L O R P E E W E E P OTATO E S , H A R I C OT V E R T W I T H R O A S T E D S H A L L OT S A N D TO A S T E D A L M O N D S , A N D A C A R R OT S O U F F L É vegetarian option
PA R M E S A N R I S OT TO C A K E S I N A C R E A M Y W I L D M U S H R O O M R A G U W I T H A S PA R A G U S S P E A R S
DESSERT F L O U R L E S S C H O C O L AT E C A K E A N D LEMON LAYER CAKE SERVED WITH A STRAWBERRY AND VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM
A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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BRINGING CI to Life
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hen Richard R. Rush assumed the role of founding president for California State University Channel Islands (CI), he knew he was in for a great adventure.
The challenge was formidable: start a public university from scratch with minimal state funding and inadequate facilities. It included renovating dilapidated buildings — a daunting task in and of itself. However, this was just the beginning. President Rush knew he would take on much more. He wanted to create a new type of university — one that would address the community’s deepest needs, embrace and nurture each student on his or her academic journey, and model values associated with respect, diversity and public service. These elements are the foundation of CI’s mission pillars and will remain part of the University forever. The milestones included here represent only a fraction of CI’s many accomplishments. Chief among them is accreditation. CI received rapid accreditation and reaccreditation for the maximum periods — a strong show of confidence in a young universit . Not included among the milestones are President Rush’s many awards. The ones that touch him most are being named Statewide President of the Year twice by the California State Student Association and receiving honorary membership in CI’s Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. President Rush leaves an indelible mark — from his dedication to putting students firs , supporting underserved populations, and striving for innovation to his direct participation in hiring faculty and staff, and his role in building partnerships that facilitated expansion and prosperity. The newest campus in the CSU system, CI is the nation’s fastest-growing public university offering degrees up to a master’s and recently received accreditation for its first doc oral program in educational leadership. That said, President Rush is quick to credit those around him. “I am awed by the accomplishments of our students, the dedication of our faculty and administrative staff, and the support of our community,” he said. “It has been my honor to serve with you.”
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2001 Richard R. Rush assumes his duties as university president and hires the first 13 p anning faculty members 2002 Academic Master Plan approved • Inauguration ceremonies held for President Rush • Opening ceremonies held for the University and first 250 trans er students begin classes
2003 Inaugural Commencement ceremony with three graduates • Inaugural freshmen begin classes • Grand opening/dedication of new science building, Aliso Hall
2004 Undergraduate degrees approved in Chemistry, Economics History, and Psychology; Master’s degrees approved in Biotechnology/ Bioinformatics, Business and Education • Grand opening/dedication of Anacapa Village, first on campus student housing
2005 First honorary doctorate degrees presented to John Spoor Broome and Robert J. Lagomarsino • Groundbreaking ceremony for John Spoor Broome Library
2006 Naming of first school The Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics • First group of master’s students graduates • Prop 1D is approved, allocating $62 million for campus improvement projects
2007 Inaugural freshman class graduates
2011 Launch of the Institute for
2014 Groundbreaking ceremony held for new science/lab facility, Sierra Hall
• WASC accreditation granted for the maximum of seven years
• WASC approves undergraduate and graduate business degree programs in Santa Barbara
• Washington Monthly recognizes CI as a top “Bang for the Buck” university
• Grand opening/dedication of student on-campus housing, Santa Cruz Village • Nursing program launches with first 66 students
2008 Grand opening/dedication of the John Spoor Broome Library • Land swap agreement adds another 153 acr es to the University
2009 Grand opening/dedication of the Martin V. Smith Center for Integrative Decision-Making
• County of Ventura transfers 360 acres of adjacent land to the University • CI introduces new formal and spirit logos
2010 Launch of the California Institute for Social Business • Grand opening/dedication of new Student Union • U.S. Department of Education designates CI as a Hispanic Serving Institution • CI named “Great College to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education • Groundbreaking ceremony for Del Norte & Madera Halls • Launch of the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies • Groundbreaking ceremony for new entrance road
Global Economic Research
• Honorary doctorate degree presented to Jack O’Connell • Robert J. Lagomarsino Award presented to Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation and Smith Family • CI awarded a $6 million federal grant to encourage students in science and math
2012 University celebrates 10th anniversary • CI establishes partnership with National Park Service for Undergraduate Research Station on Santa Rosa Island • CI and Cottage Hospital launch Santa Barbara County’s first bache or’s degree in nursing program • Dedication of new entrance road, University Drive • Honorary doctorate degrees presented to Hank Lacayo and Kathy Ireland
2013 Arbor Day Foundation honors CI with “Tree Campus USA” designation • CI receives keys to Channel Islands Boating Center • Springs Fire prompts campus evacuation and two-day closure • Honorary doctorate degree presented to Ronald Reagan biographer Lou Cannon
• CI breaks ground on Santa Rosa Village, student housing facility • University’s Four Mission Pillars Mortar Board honor society earns national award
2015 CI receives WASC reaccreditation for nine additional years and approval for first doc oral program (Educational Leadership)
• President Rush signs American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, and CI is named a STARS Gold Institution by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education • CI makes President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for fifth consecutive yea • President Rush announces his retirement at the fall convocation ceremony • Grand opening of Sierra Hall, a three-story, 68,000 square-foot science building
2016 CI receives $3,045,000 from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to fund graduate student internships • CI’s 2025 Vision Plan earns the American Association of University Administrators, John L. Blackburn Award
A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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ank You TO O U R
GENEROUS SPONSORS TITLE SPONSOR
DIAMOND & VIP SHUTTLE SPONSOR
MUSIC SPONSOR
RUBY SPONSORS
VALET SPONSOR
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS
EMERALD SPONSORS
Elise & Bill Kearney C R Y S TA L S P O N S O R S
Barbara & Wayne Davey TA B L E S P O N S O R S
Californians for Energy Independence
Linda and John Dullam
Montecito Bank & Trust
Camarillo Chamber of Commerce
El Concilio Family Services
Ojai Oil Company
Tim & Elizabeth Rubalcava
Port of Hueneme
Hi-Temp Insulation, Inc.
Southern California Gas Company
Canteen of Coastal California Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families
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Donald Frazeur & Karen Jensen Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.
CSU Channel Islands MVS School of Business & Economics
Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation
DCH Auto Group
Minnesota State University, Mankato
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Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services, LLC
A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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Chancellor Emeritus Charlie Reed and Mrs. Catherine Reed Congratulate
Dick & Jane Rus for their Outstanding Leadership at
California State University Channel Islands.
A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rain fall soft upon your field , And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. ~IRISH BLESSING
We have been honored to work alongside you in building our beautiful CI campus. O FFI C E O F T HE PRESID ENT STAFF Alanna • Angie • Bob • Brittany • Brooke • Celina • Christine • Dennis Elizabeth • Genevieve • Jane • Jonathan • Judy • Mary • Meagan Melissa • Michael • Miyuki • Ted • Therese • Tia • Zach
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A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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THANK YOU DR. RUSH
for your support of the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics The Smith Family and the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation
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A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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THE PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT Congratulations on a splendid career in education helping students achieve their dreams. “Trust me, I’m a doctor.” It’s fun with Dick and Jane… beginning tonight! Jack & Caroline
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THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF SO MANY. All the best on your next chapter… Elise & Bill Kearney
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Dick Rush, A Great American‌
Buena suerte y todo lo mejor. R.E.
i t h
We thank you for all you have done to help shape Ventura County over the past 15 years. Wishing you and Jane all the best in retirement!
A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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Dear Dr. Rush (Dick), You are what you built. Your vision and leadership has created a University that, like you, is welcoming, warm, approachable, intelligent, open-minded, creative, inclusive, appreciative, forward thinking and humble.
Thank you for lending CI your mind, talents, personality and leadership. Thank you also, Jane, for your love, support and your personal leadership as well. You are both leaving an enduring and everlasting legacy. You will be missed, but the genesis of what you have created will keep you at CI forever. Best always, Julie & Doug Kays
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In honor of my dear wife Jacqueline, I extend sincere best wishes to President Richard and Jane Rush “Dick & Jane.” Albert D. “Bud” Marley, EdD
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YOUR VISION, LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT to creating CSU Channel Islands is an inspiration YOUR LEGACY will live on and be the foundation for continued growth and excellence in education.
Congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful retirement! Lon & Rocky Morton
CĐž atulate We
President
RICHARD R. RUSH on his retirement and for leaving a legacy of expanded access to a quality higher education.
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CONGRATULATIONS & GODSPEED JOYCE M. KENNEDY, PH.D. Director Emeritus, CSUN Ventura Campus
Congratulations, Dr. Rush, on your outstanding career.
Th nk You
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Congratulations to President and Jane Rush on your accomplishments. Wishing you great happiness in your retirement.
Dr. Rush, Thank you for giving us the opportunity and the tools to rise above and pursue our dreams. All the best as you begin a new chapter. TEAM KIMBALL
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Dr. Richard Rush, Thank you for your dedicated leadership and making our University a brilliant star! ROBERT & CHARLENE SCUDDER
President Rush: Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for making the vision of a California State University in Ventura County a reality. You and your outstanding faculty and staff have built an educational treasure for the county.
Best wishes for the future! THE COUNTY OF VENTURA
A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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Bes Wish FOR
PRESIDENT RUSH “Thanks for helping to cultivate such an amazing experience for me while I was a student. Forever a Dolphin!” — Travis Allen, CI Alum
“Much of what we have built these past many years is a direct result of your leadership, vision, and civility. You are without question the best academic leader I have encountered in all my years of rambling about across the higher education landscape.”
“President Rush has impacted my experience, not only as a former student, but as a current higher education professional. Your influence and the techniques and skills I learned from you have greatly impacted the students I work with. CI was lucky to have you and your legacy will continue long after your departure! You are the ‘CI Way’ at its best.” — Anthony Bernardo II, CI Alum
— Sean Anderson, CI Associate Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management
“Bravo to you for all you have accomplished. I know you will close this chapter in style.”
“You are not only a brilliant and a completely dedicated and committed leader and academician, but you are a solid and quality human being. Congratulations on a job well done and for cementing an indelible legacy with CSUCI that will serve many generations to come.”
— Don Betz, President, University of Central Oklahoma
— John Baker, Senior Executive Director for Development, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
“Thank you so much for your support and service to the CSU Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology. Your help and “can do” spirit truly helped make this a “CSUPERB” organization. I’ve learned much from your modeling of higher ed leadership. May you have unscheduled days ahead!” — Susan Baxter
“I was honored to contribute toward the start of CSU Channel Islands and I am very pleased with what all of you have done. I am proud to say I grew up in the town with CSU Channel Islands.” — Todd G. Beguelin, Senior Financial Advisor, Meridian Private Wealth Management, Inc.
“You will continue to have an impact long after you retire and we as students are extremely grateful for everything you have done on campus and your impact and presence with the students of CI!” — Julia Bennett, CI Alum
“Thank you for your wisdom, dedication and leadership. You have made a lasting difference and are irreplaceable.” — Michael Bradbury, District Attorney, County of Ventura (Ret.)
“I do not believe anyone else could have brought the University to where it is today and I wish you well!” — Patty Brown
“I can’t imagine anyone doing the job as well and with as much caring and interest in the students, faculty and staff. You created a wonderful university that I am proud to be a graduate of.” — Erika Butler-Ronchietto, CI Alum
“Congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful retirement.” — Elizabeth Canavan, CSU San Marcos
“It is diffic t to think of CSU Channel Islands without Richard Rush. Let me be one of many to express appreciation for what you have accomplished for education.” — Michael Case, Founding Partner, Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP
“Under your leadership CSUCI has become an institution with an enviable reputation.” — John Chamberlain, Director of Marketing, Limoneira
“You have been a tremendous and valuable gift for CSUCI and Ventura County.” — Holly Cole, Verizon
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“You’ve opened many opportunities for thousands of residents in Ventura County and provided hopes to many families. You will leave an everlasting mark and legacy at CI.” — Hung Dang, CI Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management
“Your vision and leadership helped to develop the campus into a community of learners that has made a difference in the lives of so many.” — Brian Dietz
“A grateful community can only say THANK YOU!” — Linda and John Dullam
“I will always remain proud of attending and graduating from CI. It was quickly evident to me that your genuine concern and leadership attracted only ‘the best’ in administrators, educators and staff. Please know you will never be replaced; instead, you will forever be remembered as the positive light that led the way to establish and grow a university that sparked active change for the betterment of society.” — David Duran, CI Alum
“You have left a HUGE mark on the community, the campus and my life. I value you tremendously and will forever attribute so much of what I have learned to you. I thank you so much for investing time and energy into me and my peers.” — Jessica Easterly, CI Alum, Relay For Life Manager, Constituent Engagement
“I have always been proud of your commitment to partnering with Casa Pacific . Your contributions to CSUCI through the dozen years we have lived here have made such a difference to students and to the whole community.” — Carole Echt
“Of all the superheroes I have known in my life you are at the top of the list. The mountains you have moved and the legacy that you leave will be remembered for generations to come and I have enjoyed each moment I have had being affil ted with you, ‘your’ university and everything you have done.”
“Thank you for the years of hard work and dedication you have put into this University. The spirit and environment at CI is what made me transfer here from CSUN and that type of vibe is only exuded by a campus community from having such a great leader.” — Martha Ferguson, CI HR Support Coordinator
“You are one of our exemplary university presidents that champions diversity and inclusion passionately. We are most grateful for your dedicated leadership and great accomplishments in the development of the 23rd CSU campus into a 21st century institution.” — Antonio R. Flores, President & CEO, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
“You deserve to be very proud of the leadership role you have provided in establishing a firs -rate and innovative CSU campus. I appreciate the role you have played in encouraging and supporting the collaborative initiatives between our campuses and with members of our community.” — Jack Friedlander
“CI is home to so many lives and it’s because of your leadership, your humanness, and your character that it is this way.” — Tania Garcia, CI Director of Development, Alumni Relations
“You have so much for which to be proud and your legacy will pass on from one CSUCI student to the next to the next into perpetuity.” — Lori Gaskin, President, Santa Barbara City College
“Although I have never personally met you, I truly appreciate the school you have built for past, present and future students. As a student, I am constantly reminded of how thoughtful this institution is. I am honored to be a part of this community and I thank you for creating this environment.” — Miranda Gerda, CI Student
“I’m sure the entire community would agree how fortunate we are to have had you leading the creation and growth of our first fou -year university.”
— Harold Edwards, President/CEO, Limoneira
— Steven M. Greenwood
“While I fully understand that it takes a very strong team to accomplish this much, it is also true that it takes a leader with great integrity, a spirit of eternal optimism, clear vision, humanity and respect for all others as well.”
“Thanks for opening the doors to higher education in Ventura County. Your vision and passion has empowered thousands of students to improve their education. You provided us the access to academic preparation. Your passion to engage community members and advocate for social stewardship will remain with us.”
— Ritch Eich
“My congratulations to bringing a firs -rate University to Ventura County!”
— Gabriel Guillen, BSN, RN 2011 CI Alumni
— Yvonne Bodle Farris
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“Thank you for your years of leadership and guidance. You have built a remarkable institution.” — Scott Harris, President, Mustang Marketing
“You truly have ‘created’ an incredible institution at CI.” — Dianne F. Harrison, President, CSU Northridge
“You have led CSUCI very well during its most diffic t growing years. Under your leadership this university has grown in a very positive way in many aspects.” — Marilyn Fordney and Sandor “Alex” Havasi, Havasi Wilderness Foundation
“You have embodied the best exemplars of presidents and colleagues — high integrity, strategic; in for the greater good of a campus; collegial and fun!” — Karen S. Haynes, President, CSU San Marcos
“Your stewardship, passion, and leadership as President of CSU Channel Islands was instrumental in bringing such a beautiful campus of higher learning to Ventura County!” — Jack Hinojosa, Chief Operations Offic , Child Development Resources of Ventura County, Inc.
“You have done so much great work to get the university on a path for generations of success.” — Tim Huebsch, Solutions Manager - Supply Chain Field Solutions & Engineering | Global Business Solutions, General Mills
“President Rush has left a legacy of authenticity in my life and countless others by embodying it in his own.” — Jacob Jenkins, CI Assistant Professor of Communication
“We are honored to have such an amazing Cal State University in Ventura, due in no small part, to you.”
— Hank & Leah Lacayo
“I hope you know how many lives you’ve touched while you’ve been there, including mine. I consider myself so privileged to have been a student at CSUCI during your time there. It definite y would not have been the same without you.” — Danika Lindsey, CI Alum
“Robert Kennedy started one of his oft-quoted pearls… ‘Few will have the greatness to bend history itself….’ In reflecting on these words, we all know that you two have done just that. You came to Ventura County having already made a difference; but here, the “team” of Dick and Jane charted a new direction for so many — young, seasoned, and anyone in between. We all know that; we all feel it; we are all grateful for it; and we all truly admire your commitment to making that difference. Dick, you said that we are the future of CI… True, but you are the rock, the foundation. When you spoke to the new faculty yesterday, you helped each person breath in that identity, responsibility, culture… amazing.” — Mark and Terri Lisagor
“Thank you for all of the wonderful professional opportunities you made possible for me. I had a glorious time as your assistant and as provost.” — Ted Lucas
“You once took me on a tour of some chicken coops. The CSU system is fortunate to have had you.”
“W. Bennis stated, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality” and President Rush, you have dared to lead! Congratulations on building a strong foundation for such a reputable, innovative, and admirable institution of higher learning! Wishing you a very happy retirement!”
— Frank Jewett
— Marisol Luna
“The university represents your fantastic guidance and deep thinking and action.”
“Thank you for putting CI on the map!”
— Dena Jenson, Vice-President & Director, Center for Nonprofit Leadership, Ventura County Community Foundation
— Joan Karp, retired CI faculty
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“Thank You President Rush – CI and Ventura County are better because of your leadership and foresight! You have left a lasting imprint on all of our lives. CI is truly “our” university!”
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— Dave Lynn, Regional Sales Manager, Jordano’s, Inc.
“It will be so hard to imagine Channel Islands without you. You have created, guided, and nurtured a gem in the state. It is a legacy built on character, ethics, wisdom, and dedication.” — Christine Mallon, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic Programs and Faculty Development, CSU Office of the Chancell
“You’ve done a terrific job building CSUCI. You’ve even convinced us in Ventura County that ‘our university’ was built by us when anyone with even rudimentary observational skills knows it was built by you and your team of staff, faculty and students.” — Gene Mancini
“I will sorely miss working with the person responsible for developing CSUCI into the premier institution it has become, and it is my expectation that your vision will continue to guide its progress for many years to come. I also feel deeply honored to call you not only a colleague but my friend.” — Stan Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
“Congratulations on your hard work and retirement.” — Dr. Marla Mastin, Minnesota State University, Mankato
“You are such a tremendous leader for our community. You have a huge impact on those around you and I’m fortunate that I’ve had a chance to be around you.” — James McGee, CEO, American Red Cross
“You have set a tone of enthusiasm for accomplishment and your fifteen year term speaks for itself by way of goals accomplished and exceeded.” — Douglas F. McRae
“I have always admired and respected your hard work and dedication to helping students and parents. You have been an inspiration to our community. Your leadership is simply the best – ever!” — Jose I. Mendoza, Special Populations Educational Support Dept., Ventura County Office of Educati
“I have appreciated your wisdom, experience, smarts and humor. You are a special gentleman, colleague and friend.” — Leroy Morishita, President, CSU East Bay
“From when I first met you, I recognized you as a significant thought leader and visionary. You brought inspirational leadership to the CSU system and on your campus. You are a force of nature and created something just extraordinary.”
“I take heart and pride in knowing, along with you, I have been a part of building a great university that is truly committed to serving the community.” — Pilar Pacheco, CI Managing Director, Center for Community Engagement
“Thank you for everything President Rush. Feel content that your mission for us students was very much accomplished and that we, in one way or another, are highly proud to call ourselves a CI Dolphin.” — Stephanie Perdomo, CI Alum
“What a privilege and great pleasure it’s been to be a faculty member in this student-centered, civilized, and exciting university your inspiring leadership created and preserved. May your retirement be as rich an experience for you and everyone you touch as your CI presidency has been.” — Joan Peters, CI Professor of English
“What a legacy you leave! To have launched two universities in such a distinguished system, and to put them both on such firm footing, is amazing. And to do so with the joy, enthusiasm and conviviality that you brought to your work is equally impressive.” — David Potter, Former President, North Georgia College & State University
“You have truly done a remarkable job with the Channel Islands campus, particularly in the new era of scarce resources. In such a short period of time, Channel Islands has become a wonderful university, and your leadership was absolutely the key factor to its success.” — Steve Relyea, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Offic , CSU Office of the Chancell
“What an amazing run this has been. You have truly made history and absolutely changed dreams into realities.” — Pat Richards-Dodds, Director of Development, Studio Channel Islands Art Center
“Thanks for all the ways in which you have moved your campus and the CSU forward.” — Lisa A. Rossbacher, President, Humboldt University
“I can’t find the words to express adequately the type of leadership you have provided for Channel Islands, the CSU, and higher education in general. You have had an extraordinary career!” — James Rosser, former President, CSU Los Angeles
— Felice Nudelman, Chancellor, Antioch University
A FAREWELL DINNER IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT RICHARD R . RUSH
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“You have done such an amazing job in developing a phenomenal educational program at CSUCI. There is little doubt that you will be truly missed; but your legacy will live on for decades to come.”
“You have created a positive impact on CSUCI and the thousands of students, employees and residents whom you have given an opportunity to be the next leaders and stewards of our country.”
— Ric Ruffienelli, ZestN , Inc.
— Louie Valdez, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services Inc.
“You have created an environment where employees can thrive. You’ve encouraged us to take risks, to be bold and innovative. Not many individuals can say, they were part of a start-up University.” — Sue Saunders, retired CI staff
“You have inspired others in the geographical community not just the university. I have been so impressed with your leadership.” — Joe Schroeder
“Universities never come and go. They last for decades and centuries. They bring greatness to every society, every city, every state, and every country. They educate the future generations, and they create a framework for civility in our past. Thank you, President Rush, for building our future.” — Blaise Simqu
“As someone who worked at the CSUCI site when it was still a state hospital, I can fully appreciate the educational blooming that has occurred under your leadership.” — Mary Stephens, VP Administration & Finance, CSU Long Beach
“You are an asset to the campus and the community as a whole. You are a tremendous and impeccable leader!” — Paul Southerland, CI Alum
“Thank you President Rush for your outstanding leadership, humanism and friendship!” — Maria Tauber, retired CI staff
“Thank you for helping to teach this Dolphin how to swim!” — Lundon Templeton, CI staff and Alu
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F R O M I N S P I R AT I O N TO I N N O VAT I O N
“You have created an amazing educational institution for our community.” — Rosalind Warner, M.D., President, Board of Directors, Casa Pacific
“You have been an amazing force for good!” — Lynda Weinman, Lynda.com
“You have been an inspiration to all of us and an excellent example for us to aspire to in our own leadership roles. Thank you so much for your service to our University. You will be sorely missed.” — Kay Wigton, Union Bank
“CSUCI is losing an incredible leader. I hope whoever takes your place can keep up the momentum and atmosphere at the University that you have worked so hard to create among students and faculty.” — Peter Wollons, President & CEO, Airborne Technologies, Inc.
“You’ve done an absolutely incredible job and this community is fortunate to have had your leadership for as long as it has. What you have built will have a legacy forever as evolving this region to new heights and levels.” — David L. Wurth, CEO/Publisher, C-Suite Media, Inc.
“As the founding president, you have created a lasting legacy that will spur education and innovation for generations to come.” — Henry Yang, Chancellor, UC Santa Barbara
“Congratulations. You have done our community a tremendous service.” — John Zaruka, President, The Tower Club