Issue 8: Winter 2007 Quarter - January 2007

EEP Names in the News

Rich's health. Of course, the biggest concern on everyone's mind is Rich. Rich suffered a stroke on Monday, October 30th. He was hospitalized for a week, and then sent home, with orders for lots of rehab. His progress has been great; only his left arm and hand are still impaired (as is the normal course of progress). But these improve every day, and a full recovery is indeed expected. A stent was planned for insertion on December 20th, but Rich's response to medication so surpassed expectations that the procedure was cancelled and no surgical follow-up is necessary. He is grateful to all the EEPsters, PEEPs and his staff -- everyone "stepped up to the plate" and so ably took care of things in his absence. To add to his distress, his mother suffered a stroke on Thanksgiving, and passed away a week later. All the PEEPs, EEPsters and staff extend our sincerest condolences to Rich on his loss.

• If you would like to send wishes to Rich, there is a special email account set up just for this purpose, separate from his work account. Please understand that Rich is receiving many good wishes from collegues, PEEPs, EEPsters, alumni, so he will not respond to these emails, especially since typing (which has never been his forté) is even harder now! Just send to wishesforrich@sbcglobal.net
• Rich is back in the office part-time as of January 2nd; while no new medical procedures are necessary, complete recovery will take many more months.

Leana Wen -- Rhodes Scholar 2007

CSULA's first Rhodes Scholar Congratulations to Leana Wen, who graduated CSULA-EEP in 2001. Leana had her choice of eight full-scholarships to prestigious medical schools (she chose Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis), and is the president of the national AMSA (American Medical Students Association -- their first female president). She is one of only 32 graduate students chosen for this honor, out of 896 selected by their universities. Click here for the complete article.

EEPsters in the News. Congratulations to all the EEPsters in the news!

• Law school-bound Senior Andrew P took the LSAT last September and scored a 172. This score is extremely high (top 10%) and will probably land him acceptance in the ranked law school of his choice. Congratulations Andrew and keep up the good work!
• Nika N's article "Keeping Girls in the Mathematical Loop" was published in the University Times on October 23rd. The article described her experience and involvement in volunteering at the Sally Ride Festival, which promoted women's involvement in the sciences.
• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): Chair (President) - Andrew P; Vice Chair - Spencer P; Treasurer - Alex K; Outreach Committee Chair - Christopher L; Program Committee Chair - Andrew L-Z
• Humanitarians on Campus (HOC)/ Ladies of EEP (LEEP): President - Natasha S; Vice President - Elizabeth C; Secretary - Maggie H
• American Medical Student Association (AMSA): President - Theresa C; Vice President - Roy C; Treasurer - Lubabah B-G; Secretary - Christine D
• Chemistry-Biochemistry Club: President - Christopher L; Vice President - Joyce H; Treasurer - Alexander C; Secretary - Ronald M; Historian - Michelle M; Social and Publicity Director - Steven G
• Forensics Club: Vice President - Cory O’B; Secretary - Andrew P; Treasurer - Alejandra B-V
• Horticultural Club: President - Catherine T; Vice President - Albert H; Secretary - Maggie H; Special Events Coordinator - Samantha L
• General Education Honors Club: President - Swapneel P; Vice President of External Affairs - Jennifer C; Vice President of Internal Affairs - Claire W; Recording Secretary - Andrea K; Social Secretary - Amanda J; Treasurer - Sunny P
• Golden Key Honors Society: President - Michael C; Vice President - Samantha H; Treasurer - Amanda J; Secretary - Jennifer C, Alejandra B-V
• Mock Trial Club: President - David N; Vice President - Sonia L; Treasurer - David S; with EEP alumnus Mark Gordon as Coach

EEPC was honored as CSULA Club of Year 2006

EEPC was named Club of the Year. When you visit the EEP rooms, you will see proudly displayed the plaque the EEP Club earned for being tapped as CSULA's "Organization of the Year."

Adventures in Culture. LA has so many fine cultural experiences available, it is hard to know about all of them. And it can be very expensive to do some of them. However, PEEP Ganna Levitin is organizing events for EEPsters (and interested PEEPs), once or twice a quarter, finding special deep discount opportunities for students. Enrich your child's life with opera. Student introduction tickets to Opera Pacific's final dress rehearsals, in full costume and set regalia, are only $18 per event, or $39 for the 3-show series -- Jan 14th, Feb 25th and Apr 9th. Click here for more information, and email Ganna at alevitin@cox.net or call at 949-249-1425 with interest in this new EEP adventure for your child.

Venture Capitalists of the Future? Playing Monopoly in the kitchen after exams

Mock Trial Club will compete in February. If your child wants to learn more about CSULA's Mock Trial Club (all EEPsters!), and especially if they want to join next year, come see what it's like at the Regional Competition in Claremont on February 23-25th. Have your EEPster contact EEPster David N. by email for more information.

Muratori's book. Remember how PEEPs were invited to send their comments on EEP to Michelle Muratori last spring? Her book "Early Entrance to College" was just published. List price for the paperback is $18.95, but Amazon offers it new at $12.89, and used copies even cheaper -- visit the website for more details, and even some sneak previews. The book quotes Rich, and anonymously quotes parents and students of CSULA EEP as well as those of other programs. Click here for a few highlights.

EEPC Tutors. Don't those quarters fly by fast? If your EEPster is interested in being a tutor, or in need of some tutoring for a difficult course, remind him/her not to procrastinate! Have your EEPster email EEPC Academic Chair Samantha H. for more information. The Tutoring Program is an essential part of EEP success!

EEPsters happy after Fall Quarter exams

Volunteer Opportunities. PEEP volunteers are always needed for computer work (at home), office help (on campus), chaperoning and carpooling duty for EEPC events/activities and, as always, help for the biannual WPCT exams and PEEP general meetings. Please let EEP know if YOU can volunteer by calling 323/343-2287 or sending a note to Rich or EEP. While there are no upcoming chaperone needs for the Winter Quarter, there will be help needed for the Spring formal as well as graduation.

Reminder: Yearbook orders due Jan 18th. Don't forget to order one for your EEPster. The $50 price includes the book and a dvd movie of all the memorable moments this school year -- your EEPster won't want to miss these! Click here for the order form. This year, $5 personal pages are also available.

Reminder: PEEP Website and Yahoo Group. The PEEP website is continuously updated with tons of useful links and information, including our private Yahoo PEEP group which contains a private PEEP roster with city and emails so PEEPs can set up carpools, or just get in touch with the parents of your EEPster's friends.

EEF Financial News

Annual Giving Campaign Over Half-Way There! These PEEP donations go 100% to Rich to buy everything you see in the EEP lounge, even the quarterly cleaning! They are 100% tax-deductible, and donations dated 2006 will receive a tax-receipt letter dated 2006. We have already received almost $15,000, with a third of our families participating, but remember that every gift, whatever the amount, is important to us, and is much appreciated. Please join in! Make your check out to "Early Entrance Foundation" and mail to: 16311 Ventura Blvd, #1298, Encino, CA 91436.

Last minute studying for exams, in front of our new drink machine "Gladys"

Drink Machine. Alumni PEEP Ned Fenton donated a drink machine to EEP, and it has found a home in the room off the kitchen. It is stocked with healthier alternatives than the soft drinks available in the CSULA machines, with all proceeds going to EEP, of course. In its first quarter of operation, Gladys netted about $300 for EEP -- yes, that's the affectionate name of our new drink machine!

Electronic Scrip Sign-Up. EEP is always looking for a more families to sign up for escrip. It's simple, it's effective, it's free and it needs you! Just sign up your grocery cards (not charge cards, just grocery club cards), for your family or even your friends and relatives too -- EEP gets a percentage back on all the grocery purchases. If you have no charitable organization specified on your cards, the stores just keep all the money. We made $741 last school year, and are shooting for $1500 this year! You can sign yourself up online (click here) or call (818/905-6249) or email (dhay16301@sbcglobal.net) PEEP Donna Hay for help, information or to let her know you signed yourself up. Note -- Vons/Pavilions cards signed up last year (2005) must be renewed -- the designated charity expired November 1st.

ebay Donations. Don't discard, Donate! PEEP Helene Chemel will convert your unwanted collectibles into cash for EEP on ebay through her i-soldit store in Chatsworth. Drop your items off anytime at her store; visit the I-SoldIt website for more information.

Upcoming Events for EEP Families

Winter Quarter 2007 Important Dates. Dates of interest for this quarter are:

Emergency Forms. The EEP office must have an "Authorization and Consent for Treatment Under 18 Years", "Patient Address & Notification", and "Emergency Contact Information" forms for each student by Friday, January 19th. The Emergency Contact form is available here and your EEPster can pick up the Health forms in the EEP office. Failure to submit these forms on time will result in a hold being placed on your EEPster's registration and/or inability to receive emergency medical treatment. If you are not sure if you are one of the delinquent ones, click here for Rich's list from December 11th.

WPCT dates. Update your calendar! The WPCT and PEEP meeting will be Sunday, April 15th. As usual, the meeting is 10-11:30 am, followed by the 1-4:15 pm testing for prospective EEPsters. PEEP volunteers are needed to help with the PEEP meeting and the WPCT meeting, including bringing snack foods! Remember, prospective EEPsters and their parents are always blown away by the EEPsters who are monitors and speakers -- we need your EEPster too!

Volunteer Opportunities. Please get as involved in the PEEP as you can! We appreciate your partnership and help! As mentioned above, the EEPC needs parent help with chaperoning duties (including the formal coming up in the Spring), carpooling for events/activities and just plain old advise giving and wisdom dispensing -- email the EEP office at eepstaff@cslanet.calstatela.edu. PEEP also has many volunteer positions available, such as the April meeting and test, organizing next year's parent welcome, coordinator of escrip, newsletter-writing, PEEP website maintenance, etc -- please email PEEP Donna Hay at dhay16301@sbcglobal.net.

EEΠX Store

Rene with the Lemonhead t-shirt and sweatshirt, kitschy license plate frame and the brand new mug

Yearbooks, Sweatshirts, T-shirts and More! We have it all! Just have your EEPster order one, and Rich will send home the item and a bill! With questions, email the EEP Club or call 323/343-5488 and leave a message.

• NEW - NEW - NEW - the EEP smiley face Mug. Pictured at the right, in a bright yellow, of course! Only $5. No home is complete without one! It can't help but chase those grouchies away on these dark winter mornings!
• Yearbooks - The EEPC started planning for the new, better-than-ever yearbook and dvd in September! If your EEPster has a memorable photo, be sure to submit it to the yearbook chair, Margaret L., in person or by email. You must pre-order your yearbook-plus-dvd by January 18th -- just click here for the order form to send in with your check or cash for $50. Your EEPster won't want to miss this keepsake!
  

• Stephanie modeling the Neeshan t-shirt

  T-shirts and Sweatshirts, etc. Your EEpster has a choice of two t-shirts, and two sweatshirts, and don't forget that bodaciously amusing license plate frame (it makes a cute picture frame too!)
  • License Plate Frames - for $5 to display your EEP pride ("we're better than you") on your car or as a picture frame on the wall! And as a special incentive and bargain, get one FREE with any order!
  • Lemonhead Sweatshirt - just the thing to keep your EEPster warm on those chilly treks to and from school. $25 for this one-of-a-kind distinctive outerwear!
  • Lemonhead T-shirts - for $10 cash or check for this one-of-a-kind t-shirt.
  • EEPC t-shirt - guaranteed as unique, this t-shirt features the likeness of EEPster 2006 graduate Neshan! $10 for this limited edition t-shirt! See Stephanie Modeling it to the right above!

  Swapneel displaying the ever-favorite EEΠX sweatshirt

  • EEΠX Sweatshirts - only $20 for this black-that-goes-with-everything sweatshirt with its oh-so-cool-Greek-EEΠX-logo!
• Rings - EEP class rings, available for 4th year students and graduates, have an EEP logo (pdf drawing) designed by April E. and the insignia of the student's major and year of CSULA graduation. You can get an idea of what the rings will look like at the Jostens website. The rings cost $398 for the women's and $451 for the men's (10K white or yellow gold).

Upcoming CSULA Events of Interest for EEP Families

Winter 2007 Science Series
---Yong Ba (Chemistry and Biochemistry): "Mechanism of Antifreeze Proteins in Ice-Growth Inhibition" on Wed, Jan 10th at 8 pm
---Kim Bishop (Geological Sciences): "Shake, Rattle, and Roll -- Some Lessons from the 1971 San Fernando and 1994 Northridge Earthquakes" on Wed, Feb 7th at 8 pm
Both are free, at Physical Sciences 158. Call the Department of Physics and Astronomy at (323) 343-2100 for more information.

Luckman Jazz Orchestra

Luckman Jazz Orchestra. Experience an evening of superb jazz by the orchestra that Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times, has called "one of the country’s finest musical organizations." Program to be announced. Tickets: $30/35. Sat., Jan 27th at 8 pm at the Luckman Street of the Arts. Call the Luckman Box Office at (323) 343-6600 or visit http://www.luckmanarts.org for more information.

Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology Career Fair. Network with the top engineering companies seeking to hire CSULA students for full-time, part-time, and/or internship positions. Professional attire and resumes required. ECST Courtyard on Thur, Feb 22nd 3-7 pm; call the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology at (323) 343-4500 for more information or visit the website.

The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra

Big 3 Palladium Orchestra. At the Luckman Theatre on Sat., Feb 24th at 8 pm. "The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra may rank as the most brilliant large Latin Jazz ensemble this side of Havana" (Chicago Tribune). Call the Luckman Box Office at (323) 343-6600 for more information, or visit the website.

Winter Blues. Sat, Mar 3rd at 8 pm at the Luckman Theatre. Call the Luckman Box Office at (323) 343-6600 for more information, or visit the website.

Southwest Chamber Music. Sat, Mar 10th at 10 am in the Intimate Theater. Emigre Quartets of Eric Zeisl and Erich Korngold Virtuoso performers "unwrap" the music with examples, questions and answers, and insights into the preparation and performance of the the works presented, providing an opportunity for families and students of all ages to gain an appreciation for music from diverse cultures and styles. Free. For more details visit the website or call the Luckman Box Office at (323) 343-6600.

CSULA Calendar for all events available at http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/calendar/

LACHSA too. EEPsters and their families might also be interested in LACHSA events, such as Candide in November. Visit their website for their schedule, with details on their many concerts throughout the LA area, as well as their events at CSULA's Luckman Theatre.

Articles of Interest

Paying for college 101: Do your homework - LA Times, October 28, 2006. "As the cost - as well as the value - of higher education rises, it is important to research parents' and students' options early." Click here for complete article.

Putting Limits on Teen Drivers - TIME Magazine, October 15, 2006. "States are getting tough on kids behind the wheel. But many parents are reluctant to curb their children." Click here for complete article.

Education Secretary Has Collegiate Shake-Up in Mind - LA Times, September 27, 2006. Saying American higher education had slipped in global competition, Education Secretary laid out her plans for an overhaul -- a federal database to track students' academic progress and revamping the financial aid system. Click here for complete article.

Who Needs Harvard? - TIME Magazine, August 21, 2006. "Competition for the Ivies is as fierce as ever, but kids who look beyond the famous schools may be the smartest applicants of all." Click here for complete article.

For a link to the index of dozens of articles Rich has clipped -- to learn about homework myths, MySpace safety, "crispies", "twixters" and much more -- click here!

Old Favorites! A Nation Deceived - a study summarizing 50 years of research on acceleration and its effectiveness - at this website http://nationdeceived.org/download.html and TIME's "Saving The Smart Kids" - a 2001 study found that 70% of kids who skipped ahead had no regrets.

Links of Interest, Past Issues, Contact Information