Student success was never this sweet.
 
The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) is holding an inaugural dessert-themed reception on campus at 3 p.m. today, Wednesday, Feb. 5, to recognize its 2019 scholarship recipients and the donors who are investing in our student success.
 
“Sweet Success: A Celebration of the Power of Scholarship” will showcase academic achievement and philanthropic generosity. Cupcakes, cookies and sweets will be the signature refreshments at the reception at the Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center.
 
“I am very excited for our students and donors to meet and make meaningful connections with one another,” said Sastry G. Pantula, dean of the college. “We all share a passion for science education, and that passion creates positive changes in our lives, our communities, and our world.”
 
University leaders, students’ family members, representatives from philanthropic and corporate organizations, and CNS faculty members will also be in attendance at the event.
 
The speakers will include:
 

  • Robert Nava, vice president for CSUSB’s Division of University Advancement.

 

  • Mak Nai Dohr, the family representative for the Leon V. and Marion G. Pittman Endowed Scholarship and the Ralph H. Petrucci Scholarship in Chemistry. She is the daughter of Ralph H. Petrucci, a founding father of CSUSB and a professor of chemistry from 1965 to 1990.

 

  • Melissa Taha, a biochemistry major who, as a NASA intern, participated in atmospheric research with Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry assistant professor Andreas Beyersdorf. She recently presented her work at Brown University and at last year’s American Institute of Chemical Engineers annual conference.

 
“I’m very much looking forward to the Sweet Success celebrations,” Pantula said. “It will be a wonderful occasion to personally acknowledge our CNS majors for their commitment to knowledge and discovery, and to thank their benefactors for their commitment to our student success. I can’t wait to celebrate.”