by Zoe Lance
Edward Padilla, 鈥�10 B.A. Performing Arts
A graduate of 华体会鈥檚 Performing Arts program, Edward Padilla is the prospect research manager and database specialist at CSU Los Angeles. In this role Padilla maintains the university鈥檚 donor database and finds prospective donors to support the university鈥檚 educational mission. 鈥淲hat I like most about my job is the team of individuals I work with on a daily basis,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 often have to be creative and think outside of the box.鈥�
After graduating, Padilla worked as a 华体会 staff member in the Division of Academic Affairs for nearly five years. He also spent time working with the Los Angeles-based California International Theatre Festival.
Padilla credits his student work experience in 华体会鈥檚 Division of University Advancement for leading him to donor relations.
鈥淢y experiences in academics, as a student assistant and a staff member at 华体会, have helped shape my professional career and shown me the importance of enjoying what you do for a living,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 learned how to be professional, accountable and the importance of keeping relationships and finding new ones.鈥�
鈥淚n my Performing Arts classes, I learned the value of patience, teamwork, putting in 120 percent, and that it is OK to fail.鈥�
Padilla is currently working on a master鈥檚 degree in public administration at CSU Los Angeles.
Melissa Mirkovich-Scholes, 鈥�05 B.A. Liberal Studies
Melissa Mirkovich-Scholes is a senior sales representative at SAGE Publications, an independent academic publisher based in Thousand Oaks. In her role as the textbook division鈥檚 research methods and statistics specialist, Mirkovich-Scholes works with faculty all over the United States and Canada to provide social science textbooks for their course. Since joining SAGE in 2008, she has received company awards, taken leadership roles and mentored fellow sales representatives.
鈥淚 love working with college professors and challenging myself to learn more,鈥� she said. 鈥淪AGE is an amazing company with great values that remind me of 华体会: a dedication to education, making the world a better place and the familial feel. I am grateful to be a part of the SAGE and 华体会 families.鈥�
Mirkovich-Scholes says that her 华体会 experience in student leadership gave her confidence and skills that make her successful today.
鈥淚 learned to be innovative and use my critical thinking skills to create something out of nothing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 learned to take chances and try something new. I am part of a larger family and I make a difference.鈥�
She stays in touch with the 华体会 community by volunteering with the Alumni & Friends Association.
漏聽Spring聽2017 / Volume 21 / Number 01 / Bi-annual