CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE : Deaf Students to Decorate Float

For the fifth year, the Deaf CSUNians, a group for deaf students at Cal State Northridge, is coordinating volunteers to decorate a float for the 103rd Tournament of Roses Parade.

The CSUN organization began working on the floats as a joint effort with the Eastman Kodak Co. to promote nationwide deaf awareness.

About 150 Deaf CSUNians and their friends will participate in decorating this year’s Kodak entry, using a variety of flowers and organic materials such as coconut chips, angel hair, cattails and roses. They will work from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31 at the C.E. Bent and Sons Rose Palace building in Pasadena.

The float, titled “Family Outing,” features a family of swans swimming together. The theme of this year’s parade is “Voyages of Discovery.”

Chairman David Gardner said those who participate experience the thrill of decorating something that most people see only on television. “It is the pride of knowing a good job is done, and the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that results from seeing something grow before your eyes,” he said.

Kodak employees and their families will join in the decorating on one of the days.

“It has been a rewarding five-year relationship for both parties, and our company appreciates the sincere support and professionalism of the Deaf CSUNians,” said Michael J. Donnelly of Kodak’s corporate sponsorship and events group.

The Deaf CSUNians is an organization with 225 members with a strong history of participation in various aspects of campus and community-sponsored activities, through services offered by the National Center on Deafness, spokesman Gary R. Sanderson said. The center provides services such as interpreting, note-taking, tutoring and counseling to deaf and hearing-impaired students.