Taina Bucci, an administrative services assistant in the College of Business Administration at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), was recently named by her coworkers as the campus’ Employee of the Month.
In honor of her selection, Bucci was recognized in a special ceremony held at Friendship Walk near the campus’ university student union, and the walk was renamed “Taina Bucci Lane” for the month.
“I feel quite honored,” said Bucci, who began her career at CSULB in 1972 as a receptionist in the Office of Staff Personnel. Over the years, she also has worked in the Office of President, Parking Services, Information Systems and the College of Health and Human Services at CSULB. She worked six years at Cal State Fullerton and two years for San Diego State. She is now settled in and is working in the Dean’s Office for College of Business Administration.
CSULB President F. King Alexander praised Bucci for her ability to help anyone in need. “She cares about the students and will go out of her way to help solve problems for them, as well as for faculty and staff,” he said. “She is always willing to volunteer her assistance when departments are short staffed while maintaining her responsibilities in the Dean’s Office.”
Bucci thinks one reason for her recognition as Employee of the Month is her ability to keep smiling and help where needed. “I’m always willing to help, and I’ve been here long enough to know how to do that,” she said. “I feel very lucky to work with a wonderful group of people here in the College of Business Administration. I feel very appreciated and loved. I’m a problem-solver, and when I get calls from people, whether from inside or outside the university, I try to assist them to the best of my ability. And because I’ve been in the system for over 20 years, from San Diego State to Cal State Fullerton, I usually know who to call or where to go to get the answers.”
Bucci is not only a longtime employee but a CSULB graduate as well, having earned a bachelor’s in sociology in 1998 and a certificate in gerontology in 2001. She is also nearly completed with her master’s of science degree in gerontology, which she will finish in May. The topic of her master’s-directed project is “Problem Gambling Among Older Adults: A Training Program for California Service Providers.” The project involved developing a curriculum and PowerPoint presentation that proved effective in training California service providers on problem gambling among older adults.
She encourages others to think about a career in higher education. “It has provided me with security, a good education, and the opportunity to meet lots of nice people,” she said. “I’ve been in and out of CSULB three times and I keep coming back– it has a special place in my heart.”
Community Hospital of Long Beach President and CEO Ray Jankowski recently announced the selection of Dr. William Kurohara as the new medical director for the Don & Ruth Temple Cancer Center. Kurohara replaces Robert Goebel, who recently relocated to Des Moines, Iowa. Joining Dr. Kurohara at the cancer center is Jeffrey Yuen, M.D.
As medical director, Kurohara will be responsible for the daily operations of the cancer center. He also serves as medical director for the Ruby Golleher Oncology Center at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier.
Kurohara received his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is board certified with the American Board of Radiology and a diplomat with the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Yuen is currently the associate medical director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Ruby Golleher Oncology Center, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. He is also board certified with the American Board of Radiology, Radiation Oncology.
Yuen received his medical degree from Columbia University. He is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and serves on the board of directors for the American Cancer Society in Long Beach.
Also joining CHLB is information service director Robert J. Klingseis, human resources director Valerie Martin, CHLB Foundation development manager Loara Cadavona, and performance improvement coordinator Mary Harris.
