The
Alumni Association
of Cal State Fullerton

2008 Outstanding Senior Award

Melanie McCook

Melanie McCook is graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with an emphasis in mental health and gerontology. She will be beginning the masters in Social Work program at USC in the fall. She has been involved with many programs on campus including: Gender Alliance, The AmeriCorps- WECARE program, The Human Services Student Association, interning at the Center for Internships and Service Learning, and volunteering with many projects within the Women’s Center. Her community work includes volunteering at the Alzheimer’s Association- Orange County, and working to assist Military Families through a local non profit, Pack For The Future. This summer she will be studying abroad with the Humanities department in South Africa in a new program that incorporates a large community service component. She is thankful for the opportunities that her years at CSUF have brought her and it will always hold a special place in her heart.

return to top

2008 Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Hiromi Motozuka

Hiromi Motozuka received her Master of Arts degree in Human Communication Studies in the area of Intercultural Communication. Her graduate project is entitled: “Intercultural Adjustment Training for Japanese Expatriate Spouses in the United States.” The 117-page project was completed under the supervision of faculty adviser, Dr. Stella Ting-Toomey. Hiromi submitted her project for competitive-paper presentation to the National Communication Association Conference.

Hiromi served as an intercultural ambassador for the College of Communications. She assisted international faculty and students in need of campus and city tours, Japanese-English translation, effective communication skills and culture adjustment tips. She volunteered to serve as a translator for some clinicians and clients in the Multicultural Clinic. Off campus, she served as an intern in the renowned Summer Institute of Intercultural Communication in Portland. Her career goals are to apply her intercultural communication knowledge and skills as a resourceful intercultural bridge between the Japanese and U.S. cultures.

return to top

2008 Distinguished Faculty Service Award

Dipankar Purkayastha

Dipankar Purkayastha is Professor and Graduate Adviser in the Department of Economics at CSUF. He has taught graduate and undergraduate classes in International Economics, Development Economics, Macroeconomics and Microeconomics. His research is in the area of international trade and economic development. In recent years, his research has focused on social issues such as the economics of gift-giving and dowry. Professor Purkayastha is actively involved with charitable non-government organizations in less developed countries.

return to top