CSUN President Serves Up Goodwill

As if one layer of clothing weren’t enough under Wednesday’s scorching sun, Cal State Northridge President Blenda Wilson added a bright red apron to her ensemble.

Under tents and shade trees on Oviatt Lawn, a rock band played and faculty and staff dished up hot dogs, veggie burgers, beans and cookies as Wilson greeted students at a “welcome picnic” to start the school year.

In her words, the midday event--paired with an evening version for night students--was an effort to “break down the aloofness” of administrators.

“Presidents are always gray old figures,” she said. “I love this chance to get to see people.”

Wilson made her fourth annual picnic appearance since taking office in September 1992.

As students filed through the line, she chatted about CSUN sports teams, classes and people’s hometowns. Unlike her address to freshmen earlier in the week, the picnic had a leisurely mood.

It also offered a perk.

“I walked out of a class building and saw everyone on the lawn and these big tents set up and I thought, ‘Oh, no. I don’t have any money,’ ” said junior Leticia Rodriguez.

“But this is free! I think it’s great.”

More than the food, Rodriguez enjoyed seeing Wilson in an informal setting.

“It’s breathtaking to finally meet her,” she said. “I’ve seen pictures.”

In between handshakes, Wilson remained realistic about her image on the campus of nearly 26,000.

“Some people, when I see them around, ask, ‘Who are you?’ ” she said with an easy grin. “When I tell them I’m president, they say, ‘You? Of what?’ ”