January 23, 2017
San Diego Mesa College Accepting Nominations for 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award
This is the subtitle
By Office of Communications
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 San Diego Mesa College Distinguished
Alumni Award. The award program recognizes former students who have made significant
contributions to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers have
honored the legacy of equity and excellence at San Diego Mesa College.
“We are proud of the tens of thousands of students who have attended Mesa College,
and of the contributions they have made to the city, the people of San Diego and beyond,”
said Dr. Pamela T. Luster, President of Mesa College. “I encourage the community to
respond, and help us to select our 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.”
In 2016, Mesa honored nationally recognized arts educator Rory Pullens. Since 2014,
Pullens has served as Executive Director of Arts Education for the Los Angeles Unified
School District, the nation’s second largest district, where he focused on increasing
access and equity to the arts for students. A native of San Diego, Pullens graduated
from Crawford High School and studied Journalism at Mesa College. Pullens went on
to attain degrees in Film/Media, Theatre, and English, and a Masters in Educational
Administration and Speech Communications from Loma Linda University.
Other notable Mesa College graduates include Los Angeles Angel’s general manager Billy
Eppler, award-winning actress, Annette Bening, Olympic Gold Medalists Felix Sanchez
and Arnie Robinson, San Diego County treasurer-tax collector Dan McAllister, and athletes
including Tony Banks, Mike Martz, Matt Kofler and Brent Storm. Former award recipients
include Robinson, community advocates Linda and Carlos LeGerrette, artist Miya Hannan,
filmmaker Raul Celaya, and, District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia.
The 2017 award recipient will be announced in March and conferred at the college commencement
ceremony scheduled for May 20, 2017. Anyone in the greater community is encouraged
to submit a nomination. Nominations are due no later than Friday, Feb.17, 2017. For
an application or more information see www.sdmesa.edu/alumni or call 619-388-2759.
Tags: Distinguished Alumni Award, Distinguished Alumni, Press Release
