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Are you a Woodbury Alumni who would like to tell us about your life after graduation? Share your story and look for it here!
Art is a never ending process of change. As an animator, my portfolio is constantly changing as I create better work. As of right now I am trying to make my portfolio the best I can make it. Me and some other alumni are also trying to make an animation studio of our own.
Luis Salazar, Class of 2008
When I entered into the Woodbury University family I was a shy little girl who was lost and had no clue what she wanted in life. This past may at commencement I left as a confident Woman with strong career goals great memories and wonderful friends. This past month it has been hard to adjust. Learning how to sleep all over again has been fun. I have to say the hardest was when I had to go into the faculty center and give up my studio key, that was when it really hit me "This is goodbye." Before I left I was working on a Big Love installation project in my screen printing class you could say it was my "baby." this project had been in the works for 2 years before I actually had an opportunity to put it into production. It was featured in the big end of the year design show which I was ecstatic about. To make things even better there was an Art director there named A. Barata from Cal-poly in San Louis Obispo. He inquired about having the piece in his show in June. I have been working with him since then making changes and prepping the piece. It will be on display June 3rd and 5th. To the class of 2008 congrats we did it!! And to my Fellow GD's I will always cherish the memories we share and the ones we will make together in the future!
Krystal Carrillo, Class of 2008
Life is challenging (as it should be), but Woodbury has equipped me with the proper tools to better handle those challenging situations. I am proud to be a honorable part of Woodbury University Alumni.
Emil Davtyan, Class of 2008
Sometimes I catch myself thinking, "Wow, I'm a college graduate!" As a first generation, minority female my college diploma is special to me in more ways than one. I walked across that stage not just for me but for my family who left behind their whole world to come to the United States in hopes of better opportunities for their children. As I heard my name being called during Commencement I thought back to the morning I spent crying tears of joy with my family when I received my acceptance letter from Woodbury. Over the course of four years Woodbury has helped me grow, mature and expand my horizons. I have experience all the kindness and warmth of this school which motivated me to become an active student leader so I can give back to the university that has given me so much. Thank you Woodbury! I'm going to make you proud!
Ani Okkasian, Class of 2008
Life is challenging (as it should be), but Woodbury has equipped me with the proper tools to better handle those challenging situations. I am proud to be a honorable part of Woodbury University Alumni.
Emil Davtyan, Class of 2008
A fairy tale Woodbury romance, By William (Jack). Duncan BA Journalism '51 It all started in 1949 when Woodbury Journalism Professor Lee B. McConville assigned a college newspaper reporter to escort the editor of Woodberries to the Troi Arts Ball, a formal social event of the year sponsored by the college's three art disciplines. I was that reporter, a GI student. The editor was, Ada Grace Puchi, BA Journalism 1949. The newspaper assignment led to other dates and finally to a decision of marriage in June 1951, after the reporter had graduated and had a job. Ada had already graduated and was working on the ground floor of a new medium, television. President Harry Truman changed their wedding plans and as Commander in Chief ordered Jack back to active duty as a Marine during the Korean War. They moved up the wedding based on Jack's orders. The only day off they both had was Thanksgiving Day, so on Nov. 23, 1950. They were married at Nativity Catholic Church in Los Angeles. Jack's Woodbury Iota Nu Fraternity brother, Dick Livernois, was best man. Ada's bride's maid was Gloria Inzuna, BA Business '50. Ada called it a "fairy tale romance" in the memoirs they co-authored, but in reality it was a lifetime partnership that began as an assignment for Woodberries in the pressroom of Woodberries, the newspaper for Woodbury College -- a dance that has lasted 58 years.
William Duncan, Class of 1951
I have now been in business for 39 years. With my degree from Woodbury I could have done anything I wanted, and I did! After all these years I still love going to work everyday. How many people can say that? I've been married to my wonderful wife Gigi for 21 years and between us we have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. What a great life. We work hard we play hard and we travel. Hope you are all doing as well as we are.
John Maidlow
After graduating from Woodbury University, I worked in the fashion industry as a designer for several years. I met my husband who was employed by Arthur Andersen. He was recruited by Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. and we moved to Orange County. While living in the City of Orange, we had our first two daughters. When they were ages five and three, we were transferred by Fleetwood to a small town in Indiana. Here we had our third daughter. We were fortunate to settle here and raise the girls. Nothing like a good Midwest upbringing! Our oldest daughter is currently enjoying a surgical/oncology fellowship in Southern California after a grueling six-year general surgery residency at Indiana University Medical School. Our second daughter is happily married and living in northern Indiana. She is able to work out of her home doing corporate communications. Our youngest is attending Indiana/Purdue University, working towards a degree in business and corporate event planning. My husband and I are now "retired," and I enjoy my two part-time jobs: one at a Curves health facility and the other, a gift shop. I also enjoy watercolor painting, personal and freelance. I am passionate about ministering with Be In Health Global, a Christian Ministry based at Pleasant Valley Church, Thomaston GA--teaching health from a scriptural perspective. I would love to reconnect with friends!
Kathleen Norton, Class of 1970
My career in International Overseas assignments started soon after graduation from Woodbury in the fall of 1951. I retired in 1993, after an approximated 40 years of foreign, and at times exotic assignments, e.g. Pacific Rim, Southeast Asia and Middle East. The most memorable event during my 40 years tenure in international assignments, was my association with the U.S. Atomic Energy Agency Enewetak Pacific Test Site. In November 1952 I witnessed the initial detonation of the U.S. Hydrogen Bomb. This Hydro Detonation was truly awesome and mind boggling for all that witnessed this event. The most descriptive, but quite disparaging remarks were made by a project scientist, words to the effect "this Hydrogen Device we just witnessed, in comparison, made the Nagasaki and Hiroshima Atomic Bombs look like firecrackers." I recently celebrated my 80th birthday, and blessed with good health. I'm still employed; trying to keep the mind active, although I'm now walking a little slower.
Henry Sotelo, Class of 1951
I'm not sure there is enough room to cover all of the activities of the past nearly 60 years but I'll try. I married a fellow Woodbury Student Doris Sheldon, who became my wife in December 1946. We had been married 55 years when she passed away. Doris and I became the parents of Donald, Bill, Ed and Lilli Sauls. Don is deceased. Bill (wife Stacy) is a successful attorney in San Diego. Ed (married to Lisa Miller a CPA)is an environmental/development consultant. Lilli is a housewife, married to Steve Nix for thirty years. He is a safety engineer. I am remarried to Beverly Jane Cullum five years ago. She was my secretary thirty years ago. We have a wonderful marriage. I am 82 and Beverly is 80. Between us we have six children and 11 grandchildren. I have been a Real Estate Broker dba Jim Sauls, Real Estate Marketing, currently in my 47th year in the business. My specialty is land. Particularly for conservation purposes. Secondarily for development. My memories of Woodbury are all warm and pleasant. Delightful teachers, wonderful friends. Keep up the good work.
Jim Sauls, Class of 1948
Graduated in Fall of 1952. Employed by IBM Corporation as Management Assistant. I left IBM in 1957 to go into private business as a Manufacturers Rep. for four eastern manufacturers. Sales areas. Eleven Western States. Bought out, by one of our Principals in 1963 and worked for them until 1965. In 1965, went to work for NVF Company, a manufacturer of Laminated Plastics, copper clad for Printed circuits and Vulcanized Fibre. Sales territory, 11 Western States. Retired in 1991 as Western Regional Manager. California Plant closed and I retired early. Moved to a small town in Central Utah. Married in 1950 to Marvene Weir, Three children, eight Grandchildren, seven Great Grandchildren.
Lynn Cook, Class of 1952
I graduated from WU on August 9, 1957. During my years there, I met and talked with Pop Whitten and was impressed that he took a real interest in all the students as they progressed. I remember the advice that he gave: "...in every job or assignment you have, be willing to be judged by that project alone..." That stayed with me and prompted my best effort toward everything I did at my place of employment. Membership in the Griffonettes Association and the Inter-Organizational Council rounded out my experience in addition to receiving my BBA, Cum Laude. While at WU, I was employed by the Los Angeles Public Library Main Branch in downtown L.A. I walked to the main branch after my last class and worked 20 hours per week part-time to pay for my tuition, books, supplies and to my parents (as I was living at home in Morningside Park those two years). A fellow student and I carpooled to school and I rode the public bus home after work. On September 28, 2007, I attended the 50th anniversary alumni celebration at the Burbank campus. It was so nicely planned and the various speakers and all the students who were tour drivers and assisted at the Information desk were very professional and well acquainted with protocol and tact.
Orlene Keiting, Class of 1957
The WORLDWIDE DIY COUNCIL is a professional nonprofit organization of U.S. and Canadian Manufacturers who export their products around the globe. There are 127 manufacturer members in the Association and they export to over 100 counties. As the Executive Secretary I am the business manager. I arrange trade show exhibits, seminars and meetings around the world. I am also the Chairman of the Solera Chandler annual charity golf tournament for the benefit of Banner Desert Health Center. I also chair an Investment Advisory Group and am head usher at my church. My wife Joyce and I live on the 8th hole of the Lone Tree Championship golf course here in Chandler, which I play as often as I can. We have 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. We travel 8 to 9 weeks a year for pleasure and about the same for business. Other than that, we are "retired"!!! All the best to Dr. Neilsen
Donald (Don) Droesch, Gamma Sigma Pi Former Student Body President, Class of 1959
Since I graduated (1973(MS),1963(BBA) and 1961(BBA)), too much has happened to write in a few pages. What is significant is that Woodbury was instrumental in providing a foundation for what would be considered a very successful career and life by any standard. That does not mean that there are no setbacks or ups and downs in a persons career and life, but if you apply yourself early to establish the foundation, keep a positive mental attitude, make what you do fun and keep sight of your objectives, the laws of creation will make you successful. These were the inspirations of Dean Clifton (Dean of Women in the 60's) who was an inspirational mentor for my valedictory address. Woodbury's emphasis on practical education taught by experienced and functioning business executives was key to the solid foundations of the schools graduates and created many options for career paths. One of the proudest moments in my life was when my daughter Teresa graduated from Woodbury University with her MBA. Her current career path is based on the education and foundation she received at Woodbury.
Jerry Burdick, Class of 1973
Woodbury Business studies led me to a corporate entry level sales position upon graduation in 1949. My career progressed over several years, and into several states to becoming CEO and President of Lincoln McCallum Company, a 100 year old Midwest food brokerage business representing an average of thirty blue-chip companies. My interest was sold to employees in 1986, following which I returned to California, joining a major steel company in a senior position. Now retired, my brain is kept active with part-time management consulting, with hourly billings a bit above the mid five figures annually. I have two children and six grand children living and working in various parts of the country. As luck would have it, I re-met another 1949 grad, Portia Call, who married me in August of 2007 and she is now Portia Minnis. I have Woodbury to thank for both of these successes. We are doing well!
Robert Minnis, Class of 1949
Lynn was born February 7, 1923 in Kansas. In 1942 the family relocated to Tonkawa, Okla. and then Inglewood. California. Lynn enjoyed a small town life style, which turned glamorous when she attended Woodbury College. Just imagine the excitement of the new school... new friends... Hollywood... and the job at Columbia Studios in the Presidents office. She was voted into Zeta Tau Alpha sorority for a lifetime of warm social activities. She met her husband Chick, at a Woodbury sponsored Pop Whitten dance in 1942. Lynn loves Woodbury for all the guidance and opportunity it has given her and offers a heartfelt thank you!
Lynn Saffell, Class of 1941
Over the past 30 years I have been on the design staff of several upscale stores: Expo Design Center, Ethan Allen, Thomasville and Barker Bros. I've had many memorable experiences. Many good. Some not so good. But I will always relish the wonderful memories of my time at Woodbury University. When I attended 1970-1973, to my knowledge, I was the only African American in the Interior Design Dept. All the teachers I had, to mention a few; Dr. Jones, Rosalie Utterbach, Mrs. Kim ( and her frequently quoted Phrase to me-WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE OUT!-)made a tremendous impact on my life. And that phrase of Mrs. Kim's has stuck with me always and has not only come in handy for design projects but my personal life too. These teachers really cared about my development to whom I will forever be thankful.
Sheryl Johnson, Class of 1973
Our 2007 vintage of Central Coast Zinfandel is in the barrels and the vines are now well past budbreak with a robust leaf canopy with small grape clusters now forming. This grape growing area is within the Paso Robles appellation near Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. We are also developing another property we own for wine production located in another exciting viticulture area between Austin and San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. Shoaf Vineyards and it's staff are certainly looking forward to an exciting year in 2008.
Michael Shoaf, Class of 1991
Today, I'm a proud mother of two wonderful daughters, one of which also graduated from Woodbury University, and a grandmother of 4 beautiful grandchildren. My Husband, Rick, and my self, co-founded a nonprofit corporation, Valley View Vaulters, in 1980. We work with handicapped and non-handicapped people of all ages and abilities in the sport of Vaulting, Gymnastics on Horseback, those "Gentle Giants", where "VAULTING IS FUN FOR EVERYONE". Vaulting helps to teach the fundamentals of walking, making friends, goal setting, feel good about themselves as well as building confidence and self esteem. We've seen vaulters walk for the first time, had vaulters go to the World Championships and have been National Team and Individual Champions many, many times over the past 28 years. VALLEY VIEW VAULTERS is a program dedicated to vaulting but it is truly, much more than that. There are lessons being taught daily, that will last a lifetime. We also travel form coast to coast, sharing our knowledge of the successes of this wonderful sport. Check out our website at www.valleyviewvaulters.com for more information. I thank Woodbury for the education I received, which has been a great help in our business.
Virginia Hawthorne, Class of 1961
It's been a number of too many years ago (1954-1956) when I was a "4th Floor Student" in the old Woodbury building on Wilshire Blvd. The 4th Floor was dedicated to those students with high hopes of entering the Fashion Design, Interior Decorating or Commercial Art fields. I chose Fashion, and was delighted when I found a part time job at I. Magnin & Co. which later became full time for 5 years. There I met a number of top designers, including Christian Dior and his then apprentice, Yves St. Laurent. Later I got involved in Trade Association administration, including meeting and event planning, for the remainder of my career. The most famous person I've met? Ronald Reagan when he was just considering running for Governor of California. Both Norma Jenkyn Simon and I pledged Eta Upsilon Gamma in 1954. She is not only my dearest friend still today, but together we continue trying to keep the Gamma's together through newsletters and reunions. It is always such a joy to enter the gates to Woodbury's beautiful gem of a campus in Burbank, and, having no family left, whatever may remain of my Estate has been pledged to further Woodbury's exciting future.
Norma Woelfel, Class of 1956
After graduation,in August 1958, I joined for 35 years different subsidiaries from Exxon Corporation in Colombia. My last post was Corporate Public Affairs Manager for the last 15 years with the Company. When I retired from Exxon (now ExxonMobil) I opened my own advisory firm in the field of Public Affairs. On September 1997 I was designated by the Colombian President as the country´s Ambassador to South Africa. After 4 years serving in that post I returned to Colombia and then on 2005 the South African government designated me as his Honorary Consul in Colombia.
Fred Jacobsen, Class of 1958
There are not many alive who remember when the Great Depression of 1929-34 hit with the force of a thousand-year storm. I remember it well. I had just graduated from Imperial Valley Junior College, and my hopes of university and a career in education were dashed. My father lost his job and there were no savings accounts to fall back on. My parents had not lived for the sake of accumulating a fortune--it had never been their goal. Like most middle-class Americans they lived to raise a good family, to have friends who were like-minded, to participate in the wholesome activities of the community and to be happy. It was that simple. It was satisfying. I suddenly knew that the floor had caved under me and I grew up fast. I saw my father delivering special delivery mail for the post office to earn a few dollars. He was alert to any possibility to earn a dollar to support my mother and younger brother. I was on my own. Woodbury Business College in Los Angeles quickly designed a concentrated two-year degree program for ambitious young people like me. Dreams of being a teacher had faded and the world of business beckoned. Here the challenge was great to be a part of the generation whose job it was to save what was left of the economy and to rebuild it after the devastation of the awful Crash.
Norma Yocum, Class of 1931
After graduation,in August 1958, I joined for 35 years different subsidiaries from Exxon Corporation in Colombia. My last post was Corporate Public Affairs Manager for the last 15 years with the Company. When I retired from Exxon (now ExxonMobil) I opened my own advisory firm in the field of Public Affairs. On September 1997 I was designated by the Colombian President as the country´s Ambassador to South Africa. After 4 years serving in that post I returned to Colombia and then on 2005 the South African government designated me as his Honorary Consul in Colombia.
Fred Jacobsen, Class of 1958
I graduated twice from Woodbury. In 1963, with a major in Accounting and in 1969 with a major in Business Management. In 1964, I joined the U.S. Army, attended Officer Candidate School and Parachute School at Fort Benning, GA. Upon receiving my commission as an officer, I went to Viet Nam with the First Infantry Division (1st/28th) and served as an infantry platoon leader. I was awarded several medals including the Combat Infantryman's Badge, two Air Medals, Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal. In 1970, I was employed by "Big Eight" accounting firms for six years. In 1976, I started my own accounting practice which I owned and operated for 28 years, I retired in 2004. My wife Joni and I have two sons and four grandchildren, they all live in Colorado. We visit them at least twice a year. I enjoy fly fishing, waterfowl hunting, camping, hiking, traveling, and most outdoor activities. We are active members of the First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, CA. Joni and I are volunteers with Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) which is a group of trained volunteers who provide emotional and practical support to victims of traumatic events and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy. We are called to crisis scenes by police officers, firefighters, highway patrol, and hospital emergency room personnel. That's it! We are enjoying life to its fullest.
Nicholas Terpstra, Class of 1969
My first employment after graduating in 1938 from Woodbury's branch college in Hollywood was with a theatrical agency on Sunset Strip. When that office closed in 1939 I found a job in downtown Los Angeles, and in 1944 took the train to Mexico City where I worked for the Government until 1949 when I was transferred to Prague, Czechoslovakia. I met my husband who worked for the Military Attache, and when the Embassy was advised by the Communist Czech Government to cut their staff by two-thirds, we left for the U.S. and my husband was transferred to Rome, Italy, where our first two daughters were born. After several more transfers, California, Bermuda and Washington, and three more daughters we finally came to rest at our present home in Medina, Ohio, where our son was born. I have fond memories of my days at Woodbury and am still in touch with several friends I met there.
June Foy, Class of 1938
Studying at Woodbury University had been one of my greatest and rewarding experiences. Not only I have had the privilege to study under amazing and knowledgeable professors and professionals in the field of Architecture/Interior Architecture, I also met lot of passionate and devoted classmates, that helped me to overcome many academic as well as personal challenges. I became even more engaged to design and architecture, that I decided to continue my studies. I have been admitted to Harvard Graduate School of Design into the Master in Architecture program, where I still utilize the knowledge I gained at my undergraduate studies.
Iva Kremsa, Class of 2007
Life without Woodbury has been bittersweet. The memories that I made will forever stay put in my heart and being a alumni of Woodbury has given me the opportunity to prevail in the most difficult of situations. I am sure that anyone contemplating about education at this institution will not be left dissatisfied.
Ojen Ojenian, Class of 2008
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