Commendation for President Emeritus Donald R. Gerth and His Book The People’s University: a History of the California State University

AS-2946-09/FGA

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (ASCSU) congratulate President Emeritus Donald R. Gerth on the publication of his comprehensive history of the California State University, The People’s University: a History of the California State University; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the ASCSU commend President Gerth for highlighting in his book the many strengths of The California State University and the central role it has played in the shaping of California society over the past half century by virtue of its commitment to providing widespread access to affordable high-quality postsecondary education; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the ASCSU also commend President Gerth for his book and its recognition of the central role played by shared governance in the success of the California State University; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the ASCSU note that the publication of The People’s University: a History of the California State University occurs at a fortuitous time, coming as it does at both the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the California State University system and at a time when the University faces considerable challenges in continuing to carry out its mission in the 21st century; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the ASCSU thank President Donald Gerth for his long and distinguished service to the California State University and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

DISTRIBUTION

• President Emeritus Donald R. Gerth
• Chancellor Charles Reed
• CSU Board of Trustees,
• CSU campus Presidents,
• CSU campus senate chairs,
• California State Student Association leadership,
• Other trustee professors
• Chair of the Senate Education Committee
• Chair of the and Assembly Higher Education Committee
• Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee
• Chair of the Senate Budget Committee
  

RATIONALE: Donald R. Gerth has served the California State University for close to a half-century, as a faculty member, as Provost at CSU Chico, and as President of CSU Dominguez Hills and CSU Sacramento. Based on this experience as well as extensive interviews and research, he has produced a comprehensive history of the California University system, documenting both its foundation and subsequent growth, and its contributions to the prosperity of post-WWII California society. The book appears at an important point in the history of the California State University, for it will not only contribute to the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the establishment of the CSU system but also serve as a reminder of the California State University’s importance to the people of California at a time when its ability to fulfill its mission faces increasing challenges.

Approved Without Dissent – March 10-11, 2010