Welcome EEP Family to the Spring quarter 2006! Lots of news on Events (what, a Beach trip in March?), Accomplishments (who got into the #2, 3 and 4 grad schools?), Announcements (Guess who is leaving, no way!?) and Reminders (WPCT exam in April) are ahead so keep on reading! Also, the EEPC will publish their enhanced version of the Newsletter with lots of pictures and student input. Keep reading for the link and more!
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EventS
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EEPC Lounge Manager Chris Humphrey sponsored the Great Lost Auction on January 17th to 21st in the Lounge Game room. This quarterly event leads off the term, every term in Week #4. Abandoned personal belongings from the Lounge were the usual fodder for auction including CD's, blank discs and a dandy cell phone holder. Chris takes all proceeds and buys refreshments for everyone!
Every Wednesday from 9:00am to 10:00am EEP Elder Herbert Lee held a MATH 103 Study Group for Freshmen sponsored by the EEPC. These study meetings can be arranged for MATH 206, interested freshmen should contact Sam Lee, Academic Chair
Laser tag was held on Friday February 3rd at Ultrazone in Alhambra and is now apparently an EEP tradition yet we still don't know exactly why it's so popular. Shooting lasers at people in a dark warehouse? Those kooky kids! Oh well, In addition to the other various hi-larity that ensued, Myle O (Elder) continued his arm-wrestling challenge against the Laser tag staff and again conquered his much stronger, better prepared foes!
Media events in Winter: EEP alumni and siblings Jonathan and Dominique Roberts were mentioned in article, "The Rosser Revolution" in Diversity Online magazine written by Ronald Roach on February 9, 2006.
Our university Biochemistry department's Chemistry and Biochemistry Club sponsored a Preview Day, a Donut -Tamale Sale and the Graduate Student Panel February 18th - 23rd on campus. EEP student and Biochem Club leaders Adekunbi W. (Elder), Joyce H. (Elder) organized these series of events and fundraisers.
The CSULA 14th Annual Student Research Symposium was held on Friday, February 24th. Poster presentations were made by the following EEP research guru's: Michelle Morales, Geoffrey Yang, Joyce Ho, Winny Shen, and Charissa Silva. Oral presentation awards were given to Laura Petersen and Charissa Silva for the paper "Developing and Validating a Test Anxiety Scale for a Multicultural Population" and Lei Zhao for the paper, "Automated Object Detection for Astronomical Images". Oh who doesn't know that stuff! ;)
Light up the World (LUTWWADLB) campus club created and lead by EEP freshman Matthew Goldin held information days February 20-24th The Club's purpose is ecology and recycling.
CSULA Alumni Association's annual scholarship luncheon honoring the 2005-2006 Alumni Scholars was on Sunday February 26th. The evening started with EEP Elder Andrew Post who spoke eloquently on behalf of the recipients, the EEP and the University. Congrats to the following EEP Elder winners: Andrew Post, Alezandra Brady-Villagran Joyce Ho, Andrew Jick, Samantha Lee, Andre Petrikovets, Winny Shen and Adekunbi Williams.
A Mock Trial Club started by David Nagy (Sophomore) with the help of EEP alumnus Mark Gordon J.D and Dr. Scott Bowman faculty advisor, had their initial meeting on Thursday March 2nd. More info in Announcements.
Back in response to huge demand are EEP sports. The EEP 3-on-3-Basketball Tournament was an absolute ball bouncing, sneaker squeaking and hoop rattle success. Held on consecutive Wednesdays Feb 22nd - March 1st with the Championship Matches held on March 8th, this spectacle of athletic prowess pitted Team Hair Ball (Kevork A., Arnie S. and Mo L.) versus Team Off in the Shower (Mikey the K, Neshan S and Andrew P) for 1st place. Battling for the third place prize was Team One Steven-One Black Guy (Steven G. & Akai M., Myle O. and Edwin P.) versus Team SAC (Swapneel P., Albert H. and Chris L.). Who is the EEP champion, see Accomplishments! More EEP athletics coming soon!
Whoever said smart kids can't dance? Well, practically everyone but they don't know the EEPsters. The Cain PEEPsters (Elder Josh and Leslie) again hosted the EEPC Spring Formal in the now famous Cain Warehouse Of Glee, in Eagle Rock on Saturday March 18th 7:00pm to midnight. A wild prom-like time was had by all and we saw a new EEP tradition born, the EEP Dance Off. Who won? See Accomplishments!
Over the weekend March 4th to 5th a number of EEPster ASI representatives (CSLA student government) spent time in Sacramento where they lobbied the California legislature over a variety for student rights issue including increased fees. We heard they received a real life education in politics and influence peddling.
Early reports speak of sumo wrestling and bizarre sea creatures at the Beach Party Barbecue held on Monday March 20th at Huntington Beach. Though a storm was blowing out as another was coming in, this Monday of Spring Break was actually quite pleasant, a tad windy, but otherwise a great day of post-Finals relaxation and fun-in-the sun. Food, beach toys and sand were provided by your EEPC, well, most of these were!
American Medical Student Association (AMSA) sponsored a delicious Brownie & Sundae Day fundraiser in the EEP kitchen on Wednesday February 22nd and Wednesday March 2nd. Brownie sundaes and ice cream sandwiches (uummmmm) were peddled to support this nationally recognized club for future doctors. Hey, future medical doctors selling high calorie ice cream and cakes...drumming up business?
Vanessa Sheldon PhD EEP Alumnus held a world premiere of her original work, "A Poem from Harp to Piano" presented at the CSULA State Playhouse on Monday March 6th. Vanessa is an internationally re-known harpist and is a faculty member at College of the Canyons, in Santa Clarita.
PEEP again is sponsoring the EEP Lounge Clean Up Day on Thursday March 23rd. Thanks to the following parents for helping maintain the EEP lounge - William Neetles, Gina Hecht, Shelly Kadison, Kurt Lee and all the rest! Also thanks to Herb L. (Elder) and Albert H. (Junior) for their clean up efforts the 1200 sq foot home to over 150 teenagers! We love the PEEP support and promise to keep at least the ceiling clean!
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AnnouncementS
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WPCT Exam and PEEP General Meeting on Sunday April 23rd starting at 10:00am. Our normal PEEP meeting for current parents will run 10:00am to 11:00am and the Tester Parent Reception hosted by the PEEP begins immediately afterward. All manner for treats and donations are needed including teen snacks & lunch items plus parent breakfast-ey stuff like pastries and juice too. Please mark your calendars!
EEP Provie Orientation will be on May 31st Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 9:30pm in KH Lecture Hall I. We always need at least ½ a dozen PEEPsters to help answer questions so if you can attend please send a note to the office. We expect to have well over 100 applicants this summer!
New EEP Club officers were announced mid term. We are happy to welcome to the team of EEP student governors Swapneel Patel (Treasurer), Spencer Perrault (Tech Chair) and Elizabeth Chamberlain (PR Chair). EEPC leaders are a critical component to our success and these fine EEPsters will undoubtedly continue the exemplary work exhibited by all our student leaders. Elections upcoming for next year's board!
After five longer years of service Erika will no longer be with us effective April 2006. Please read the News Notices section for more on Erika. We are interviewing for a replacement now but if you know of anyone interested in a full-time position working with the EEP please visit the CSULA website at http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/hrm/openings.htm and select Early Entrance Office Assistant.
In the meantime, Lupe M and Amanda J (Junior) will continue to do excellent work helping the students, running the office and the program.
PEEP volunteers are extra needed in the wake of Erika's departure especially for computer work that can be done at home, office help on campus, chaperoning duties and carpooling for EEPC events/activities and for the biannual WPCT exams and PEEP general meetings. Please let us know if YOU can volunteer by calling 323-343-2287 or sending a note to rmaddox@calstatela.edu OR eepstaff@cslanet.calstatela.edu Thanks!
Class ring sizing and ordering can be done in a one-stop shop manner with Eleanor Boudreaux from Jostens Rings will be in the Lounge on Tuesday April 25th from 10am to 4pm. More info in group meetings and from EEPC VP Sam Hsu sammy_hsu@sbcglobal.net
Group meeting topics and information will now be sent to Elders via email. We have heard that the Elders want to be more involved but they are so busy it's hard to get them all in the same room at the same time hence, technology saves the day! We may also start including the PEEPsters in these e-mailed Group Meeting notes too.
Grad Assistant opening for the EEP. We have posted help wanted flyers in and around the Psychology department offices and classrooms but we may also have a secret weapon waiting in the wings. More later. The GA position will help us with both academic advisement and student counseling.
There is a new Health Center form for all EEPsters under 18. Also, all 18 year old EEPsters must submit a new Health Center form to the Health, more at Group Meetings.
Mock Trial Club for pre-law EEPsters is a great way to involve yourselves and get real-world experience in law and courtroom life. Advised by an EEP alum and Political Science faculty, EEPster David Nagy (Sophomore) may be reached at tealterror@sbcglobal.net for details plus more at Group Meetings in the Spring.
Career Day at CSLA will be April 6th 10:00am to 2:00pm. A great place to find summer internships.
Farewell to Karin McTaggart, our work-study student, who had a short but memorable stay as the EEP Tutor. We are currently search for a replacement
The following students will be heading out to the American Medical Student Association National Convention in Chicago from March 30th through April 2nd Stephanie Sung (Sophomore), Joyce Ho (Elder), Theresa Cheng (Junior), Roy Cheng (Freshman), and Jaimisyn Kopilec (Junior).
We are very happy with this year's PEEP annual fundraiser and wanted to thank everyone who pitched in to help your EEP! Thanks!!! We also have been asked to remind everyone we still haven't reached our goal. At nearly 1/2 the population making a contribution we are moving toward our objective of a 100% contribution rate. Even if it's only $5, every little bit counts toward making your EEP better so please help us reach our 100% parent contribution goal. If we can verify total participation at 100% we may qualify for matching grants and benefits from other foundations, benefactors and support groups. Send requests for info to dhay16301@sbcglobal.net or write Early Entrance Foundation, 16311 Ventura Blvd #1298, Encino, CA 91436
Some of the great things your PEEP will provide to all students of the EEP include: New living room sofas, new library bookcases and shelving, new cubby area lockers and back-pack storage, furnishings for the new Lounge room TBA, computer lab upgrades and professional technical support, new office computer equipment including a research computer, a new video camcorder for the Yearbook, graduate class plaques and commencement sashes, the quarterly lounge cleaning and much, much more with your help!
Please get as involved in the PEEP as you can whether as an office volunteer, a trip chauffer, an event planner, phone call maker or, yes, even a check writer! We thank you in advance!
Now Yearbook 2005-2006 is for sale! Buy it now and save, save, save. Last year we sold out the extra copies of the Yearbook in 15 minutes so please return the order form immediately!! The EEP Yearbook is a rare keepsake and now comes with a DVD chronicling life in EEP, all for only $50.00! We will e-mail order forms soon!
The NSS Student Council Meeting on March 9th from 3:15-4:15pm in KH D136 is a new addition to campus life opportunities where students may discuss news and events for all the various departments in NSS including bio, chem., psych, poly sci etc. NSS is only like the coolest college of all time and EEPsters should be more involved! We encourage them to seek more information for the Group Meeting binders or Chris Lam (Junior) blazinX88@gmail.com or Laura P. (Elder, EEPC Chair) at laura.n.petersen@gmail.com
We had a couple of long-distance visits from prospective EEP candidates this quarter including families from Las Vegas, Texas, Puerto Rico and Japan. We are the best program in the nation and now folks are hearing about us and showing up!
We need more Mentors to volunteer to help the Provies this summer. Please email Amanda at eepstaff@cslanet.calstatela.edu if you would like to be a Summer Mentor. Head Mentors are Charissa Silva (Elder), Amanda J. (Junior) and Sam Hsu (Junior).
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Student NewS
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Alumni Visits and Written Communiqué this Quarter:
Remember, many of these EEP Alumni and others have provided the EEPsters with their e-mail addresses for consultation and advisement (in the Student Information Binder) with new additions available at Group Meetings quarterly
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EEPster Accomplishments as of Winter 2006
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ReminderS
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Priority Registration for Summer 2006 will be* during the 5th week of Spring 2006 - Advisement Slips due by Wednesday, April 19th @ 3:00pm - Tuition due by Wednesday, April 19th 2006 - Priority Registration is Monday, April 24th 2006 - *We will alert EEPsters of changes @ Group Meetings, the Big Board and/or through mass e-mail. - Remember, Advisement Slips will be due by 3:00 p.m. on April 19th
Group Meetings Spring 06 Week #3 April 11th-12th and Week #8 May 16th-17th
Remember to use Lounge Resources - Student Information Binder (campus policies, alum contact e-mails, etc.) - Course Evaluation Binders (faculty ratings / course evaluations by EEPsters) - Group Meeting Binder (opportunities, EEPC events, sign-ups, policy changes) - Hanging Wall File & Stand Alone File (campus forms and information on clubs, scholarships, campus phone directory, Honors classes, etc.) - Cubby Shelf Unit (interesting magazines, old schedules, class materials, weird EEP stuff, spare umbrellas, etc.)
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CSULA-EEP Important Dates
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Mar 20th-25th -- Winter 2006 Quarter Break Mar 27th -- Spring Quarter classes begin Mar 31st -- Cesar Chavez Holiday, Campus Closed Mar 27-Apr 10 -- Late registration/adjustments April 3rd -- No record drop deadline April 4th -- Spring 2006 "W" withdrawal period begins Apr 10th -- Spring 2006 ADD Deadline Apr 11th-12th -- EP Group Meetings Apr 19th -- EEP Advisement Slips Due by 3:00pm Apr 19th -- Payment for Summer 2006 Priority Reg. Due Apr 24th -- Summer 06 Priority Registration Date May 11th -- Withdraw Period Ends May 12th -- Emergency Withdraw Period May 16th-17th -- EEP Group Meetings May 29th Memorial Day Holiday, Campus Closed Jun 5th-10th -- Spring 2006 final examinations Jun 12th-17th -- Spring 2006 Quarter break Jun 19th -- Summer 2006 Quarter classes begin
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News, Notices, Cheers and Jeers
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A Message to the Parents of the EEP from Richard S. Maddox (Formerly The Maddox Message and Director Message)
As always, the full text Newsletter and Meeting Schedules are e-mailed home and this shortened version is sent through U.S mail. In the future, because of postal rate increases, we will begin to move toward e-mail as our exclusive delivery method for the Newsletter and the Meeting Schedules.
If you want a printed version of the entire text Newsletter mailed home, write or call the EEP office at 323-343-2287 or Just a brief reminder that the full, student-enhanced version of the EEP Quarterly Newsletter with photos is available on-line at: http://www.eepclub.org see the Spring 06 Newsletter
The majority of this section is donated to a worthy topic. See below
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NEWS & NOTICES
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Cheers to someone very, very special
In early 2001 the EEP office assistant Irma G. mentioned to me that she had found a work-study student assistant (SA), a gifted student and track athlete from a neighborhood high school who was new to CSLA and interested in working for the EEP. I didn't attend to this news too passionately as many similar student offers to work for us eventually evaporate, most opt for more serene office work! Well, then like now, the EEP was too busy for our own good and, along with a slow moving college bureaucracy, weeks passed by before we called her with news that we wanted to hire her.
Though this enthusiastic 18 year-old freshman had already accepted a higher paying position at the financial aid office, for reasons I will never understand, she immediately transferred employment to the EEP. At the time we had 75 EEPsters, a ¼ time counselor, a ¼ time clerical aid and yours truly. Since then, she has moved from student assistant, to part-time clerical assistant to full time administrative assistant. She added one handsome husband, one touching wedding and in 2004, one beautiful baby daughter all while a full time college biochemistry honors student. During this time the EEP has grown, with her help, to international recognition and prestige adding 150 plus super-talented students, nationally honored graduates and a great office team. Five years later it's 2006 and she is now about to embark on another new employment venture.
In January she was selected as a research assistant at Cal Tech, an appointment that will, unfortunately, leave her no choice but to leave the EEP. So now we must say goodbye to our favorite former work-study assistant, a top college student, dedicated wife and loving mother who is our Erika Barbier Garcia. Erika will finish her duties to the EEP in April 2006.
It is no coincidence that Erika's tenure with us has coincided with the most tremendous period of growth and success in the 24-year history of the Program. The EEP is now the preeminent model for radical academic acceleration and this achievement is due in large part to the devotion, hard work and love Erika always displayed for our students and our program. I find myself without adequate words to describe how her help, friendship and leadership has saved me from doubts and worry, from the general blues that work like ours can create. Erika was always here for me. I can, and should, think only of how fortunate her family, Cal Tech and our biochemistry faculty are to have her now all to themselves! Though this sentiment is true, I will still be a little sad, a tad jealous of them all. This move is certainly, above all else, wonderful for Erika and that makes it O.K!
I will always think of Erika when I think of the EEP. Anywhere EEP has been, Erika has been, caring for our students, our parents and me. She has planned trips, stuffed envelopes, straightened collars and patched bloody knees. She has blown up birthday balloons, lit the candles, hung the streamers and banners and served the pie (pizza and sweet) and poured the sodas. She has baked cakes, washed dishes, cleaned refrigerators and painted walls. She has recorded every class taken, every mark assigned and scheduled every meeting held for every EEP student for over five years. She has discovered who needed help, with what and when and then has made sure the help arrived. She did these things often, too often, unnoticed, quietly but steadfastly behind the scenes answering every phone call and waiting to solve the next kid, or adult, problem. She has been so essential to our collective work that we will never, ever, ever replace her. It is impossible. We can only have another administrative assistant, another office manger, another work-study assistant from now on. We will never have another Erika but we will always have our memories of her love for us and thoughts of how much we love her.
On behalf of the hundreds of students and parents of the EEP, past present and future we want to wish her fantastic future success and our dearest and sincerest thanks for her passion to help us all, all these years. Our dear and true blue Erika will be an honorary EEPster for life!
We will miss you Erika!
The EEP and me
R
Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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CHEERS & JEERS
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Cheers to Erika for her ½ decade of work for the EEP!
Jeers to anyone who doesn't give Erika Cheers!
I look forward to our next PEEP General Meeting, 10:00 am on Sunday April 23rd 2006 at the WPC Spring test, set your Outlook computer reminders and mark your calendars!
Should any parent want to discuss their child's performance or if there are any questions or concerns please call the office to schedule a meeting. You may also feel free to call or e-mail me. Have a great quarter! - RSM
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StudenT ContributionS & The EEPC Presidential Message
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No contributions submitted to the offices - See Student enhanced version
President's Message
With another quarter and three more successful events behind us, your EEP Club is looking for a strong close to a year that has already seen many changes. The biggest update everyone should be aware of is the recent ratification of a club constitutional amendment, which most importantly will affect the upcoming elections. Only the President and Vice President of the club are elected anymore, and these executives will appoint whomsoever they see fit to whatever positions they create for the year. Furthermore, the President and Vice President will be running on a ticket, where candidates will choose a running mate for themselves, and you may vote for the two of them as your preferred executive team. Finally, I would encourage all of you to look towards the week 8 group meetings this spring, whether you are required to attend them or not, so that you can give eep club some feedback on what you like out of eep club, so that next year can have more of what you do, and less of what you don't.
~Andrew Post, EEPX President
Newsletter contributions welcome for Summer 2006 - All rebuttals will be processed