Year-in-Review: A Look at University of La Verne’s 2023 Highlights
The University of La Verne has enjoyed many celebratory accomplishments in 2023. As a new year approaches, let’s take another look at some highlights of 2023:
January: The University of La Verne was awarded a six-year educational grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Inclusive Excellence 3 (IE3) initiative to support the university’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse community within the sciences, and to increase the number of underrepresented students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields.
February: The University of La Verne hosted the Council of Independent Colleges’ Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Regional Gathering at the Abraham Campus Center. The gathering brought together approximately 60 scholars and educators from across the country as well as University of La Verne alumni to discuss the role teachers have in supporting students from marginalized communities through vocational exploration and the practice of well-being.
March: The University of La Verne LaFetra College of Education and San Diego Unified School District partnership was recognized with the California Association of School-University Partnerships Exemplary School-University Partnership Award.
March: Professor Russell Muir was awarded the Athletic Training Educator Award during the 13th annual California Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposium in Sacramento, California.
May: The university celebrated more than 1,600 graduates during Commencement ceremonies at Ortmayer Stadium on May 26 and 27.
June: The University of La Verne Board of Trustees announced the selection of Pardis Mahdavi, PhD, as the university’s 19th president.
July: A group of digital film production students from the College of Arts and Sciences embarked on a two-week pilot program to Taipei, Taiwan to access a state-of-the-art virtual LED studio at Shih Hsin University for unique competitive career training.
August: This summer, Professor of Kinesiology Paul Alvarez served as head athletic trainer for the 2023 USA Team during the Universiade competition in Chengdu, China.
September: Professor of Marketing and Director of MBA programs Astrid Keel received this year’s prestigious University of La Verne Excellence in Teaching Award.
October: University of La Verne celebrated new era with the inauguration of President Pardis Mahdavi in the Sports Science and Athletic Pavilion tents.
November: On National First-Generation Day, held Nov. 8, the University of La Verne campus community came together to recognize and support the unique experiences of those who identify as first-generation college students, meaning they are the first in their family to attend or graduate college.
December: University Phi Sigma Sigma and Sigma Alpha Epsilon collaborated on a Be the Match sign-up drive on campus for university friend Russell Riehl’s son, Chase, 14, who is battling leukemia.
