By Alejandra Arana |Staff Writer|
After 15 years of being CSUSB’s President, Dr. Albert K. Karnig, will complete his last commencement on June 16 in the Coussoulis Arena.
Dr. Karnig is the third president CSUSB has had and has broken records when it comes to enrollment and retention of students.
“Improvement from 75 percent to 89.1 percent overall for first-to-second year retention — now third best among the 23 CSU campuses; highest or second highest African American and Latino retention rates among CSU campuses,” stated the CSUSB website.
Dr. Karnig has said in multiple talks of diversity events held on campus that he is very proud of the amount of diversity this campus has and is impressed with the students that attend.
Student Raul Martinez said, “15 years have passed and CSUSB has grown as a university, as a community and as a place where students feel comfortable to be a apart of what Dr. Karnig has worked very hard to do.”
A gala honoring Dr. Karnig, held May 12 at the university’s Coussoulis Arena raised $300,000 for student scholarships with a potential of raising up to $400,000.
Dr. Karnig and his wife Marylin, contributed $50,00 and encouraged others to contribute another $50,000 to reach the goal of $400,000.
According to the press release “Marilyn and I are delighted to support this scholarship fund, and we’re challenging others to join us in helping make college a reality for many local students,” Karnig said.
“Scholarships have always played a crucial role in attracting and helping students. But in the wake of massive government spending cuts to higher education, the need for scholarships has never been greater.”
“Also, the Faculty Senate presented President Karnig with a resolution commending him for his outstanding service to the university. In addition, some of the Senate’s members presented (as individuals) $2,000 toward the campaign at a meeting last week,” stated the press release.
Along with contributing with CSUSB students education, Dr. Karnig has also received numerous awards through out his years at CSUSB, some include the “Excellence in Education” Award, from Inland Empire Young Visionaries (2012) and“Educator of the Year Award” from the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, (2012, 2007),” according to the website.
Although 15 years have gone by, what this university gained from having Dr. Karnig as president will continue to have a positive effect on the students, faculty and staff.