The Inauguration of President Wilson

Blenda J. Wilson, in inaugural ceremonies Friday, will be installed as the third president of Cal State Northridge. Wilson, 52, is the nation’s only African-American woman to head a university of more than 25,000 students. Wilson took over the campus in September, after the retirement of James W. Cleary.

The daylong event, which is open to the public, includes a free lunchtime buffet and an afternoon of campus activities staged by different academic departments to showcase the school’s offerings.

Parking is free at all campus parking lots.

At 5 p.m., 960 students will be honored for scholastic achievement, with a reception afterward.

CSUN, the 37th largest school in the country, is a comprehensive, four-year institution offering bachelor’s degrees in 51 fields, master’s degrees in 40 fields and a number of professional certificates.

The New Leader Wilson holds a master’s degree in education from Seton Hall University and a Ph.D. in higher education from Boston College. She has held administrative posts at Harvard and Rutgers universities and, before taking the CSUN post, Wilson was chancellor of the university of Michigan at Dearborn. Her Challenges Declinging state revenues prompted cancellation of more than 1,000 classes this year. Next year, more class cuts are possible. Even tenured faculty could be laid off. Wilson is seeking more support from the private sector and alumni, but the region still struggles to recover from the recession. Relations among students of different races, cultures and income levels have been strained this year. Guide to CSUN Inaugural Events 1. 9 to 11 a.m.: Inauguration ceremony. Oviatt Library lawn. 2. 11:15 a.m.: Dedication of Alumni Plaza, Sierra Quad, Alumnus Robert Englund (Freddie Krueger) appearing. 3. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Inaugural reception on Sierra Quad; free buffet for public. 4. 12:30 to 2 p.m.: Inaugural luncheon for invited guests, University Club. 5. 5 p.m.: Honors Convocation and reception, Oviatt Library lawn. Showcases A sampling of the dozens of events, sponsored by each university department to be held across campus from 2 to 4 p.m. A Student art exhibit: Fine Arts Building, art gallery. B. Doll Exhibit: Physical Education Building, east patio. C. Prose and poetry reading: Sierra North, Room 311. D. Planetarium shows: Science Building. E. Television studio tours: Oviatt Library, Room 18. F. KCSN campus radio, live broadcast: Physical Education Building , east patio. G. Hand-eye coordination tests: Physical Education Building, east patio. H. Income tax assistance program display: Sierra South, Room 245. I. How to become an elementary school teacher: Oviatt Library, Room 1. J. Ethnic mapping of Los Angeles: Fine Arts Building, Room 129. The Cost About $35,000 in campus funds will be used to help stage Friday’s inauguration and open house. Overall costs have not been tallied, college officials say, but the balance will be covered by private donations. Largest California State Campuses Enrollment at top five universities in the 20-campus California State University system: San Diego State: 309,904 Cal State Long Beach: 30,071 San Jose State: 29,499 Cal State Northridge: 29, 084 San Francisco State: 26,531 CSUN Through the Years 1958: School renamed San Fernando Valley State College. May 7, 1959: Ralph Prator inaugurated as first president. The school’s first permanent building, the College Library, is dedicated. The facility is now the Learning Resource and Computer Center. Jan. 9, 1969: Police arrest 300 students demonstrating to demand the creation of ethnic studies programs. June 15, 1969: James W. Cleary-vice chancellor of 1956: School opens as the San Fernando Valley campus of Los Angeles State College of Applied Arts and Sciences. Sept. 1, 1968: Prator leaves. Three interim presidents preside over period of tense campus demonstrations. Nov. 4, 1968: Students take over administration building. June 1, 1972: School renamed California State University, Northridge. May 20, 1992: California State University trustees name Wilson president. Cleary retires a month later. Researched and written by SAM ENRIQUEZ / Los Angeles Times