December 10, 2003

Riverside, CA – La Sierra University was the Silver Medal winner at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII awarded Dec. 4, 2003. The award was given for the publication, California Geraty and the Annual Fund Quest, for Outstanding Communications in an Individual Alumni Relations or Fund Raising Publication.

"It just hit me that we have a president who is thoroughly respected in the field of Archaeology. Then I thought of Indiana Jones, who all the younger alums will know as an American icon of our time," says Ralph Martinez, LSU Director of Annual Fund/Special Events "Then I just started running with the idea. Dr. Geraty could lead the Advancement team on a trip to an unnamed land. We would go on an archaeological dig to see what we could find. I just let my imagination run wild. The idea just took on a life of it's own." The designer was Rodney Saenz, LSU 2001 Fine Arts graduate.

"I'm very proud of the fact that this is La Sierra University's first ever CASE Award of Excellence," adds Martinez. "This award couldn't have happened without the unwavering support of Jeff Kaatz and Carol Bradfield, as well as all the wonderful colleagues in the Office of Advancement and University Relations. This entire concept wouldn't have been possible without Dr. Geraty's blessing (and great sense of humor!)."

The CASE District VII Awards Program recognizes excellence and outstanding achievement in Advancement. It is given by Advancement peers for creativity, quality, and effective use of available resources in meeting goals and objectives.

"We are so excited about this award," says Jeffry Kaatz, D.M.A., LSU Vice President for Advancement and University Relations. "It is rewarding to have work recognized by your peers."