From Left to Right:
Top Row: Alex Lopez, Jeffery Ferris, Amrish Kurani, Richarde Reese, Dr. James Bell, Lorena Marquez, Sandra Qatami, Carlos Garcia, Madelena Bastian, Gary Fredericksen,
Bottom Row: Meaghan Smith, Linda Lopez, Carolina Garza-Villarreal, Bianca G. Valle, Lideth Ortega-Villalobos, Donna M. Caspio

10 Year Anniversary of the James Bell Internship Program
Tribute to the Life & Legacy of Dr. James Bell
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Kellogg House

During his 79 years of life, Dr. James Bell has had many titles, coach, professor, Marine Corps Sergeant, Vice President for Student Affairs, President pro temp, and the list goes on and on. But today we are here to celebrate those titles not on his vitae; those of mentor, friend, advisor, community leader and exemplary role model. It has been through these many roles that we have all been impacted by his amazing leadership and extraordinary vision.

Dr. Bell's legacy at Cal Poly Pomona is filled with many great people and memories. Although the number of us who were in Student Affairs under Dr. Bell is small, his presence is still felt among us through the Bell Internship.

As I was reading one of the several news articles about Dr. Bell, a particular one stands out to me. Quoting the February 6, 1989 Cal Poly Pomona Bulletin, “a major reason he left the classroom for an administrative position was a sense of commitment to improve social and racial tensions” it further adds “it was a way to bridge the gap between student complaints and attempts by the administration to solve them.” To this day, we honor his commitment to students and education through the internship by doing just this…bridging the gap.

Among Dr. Bell's greatest passions are his drives for equality, justice, and education. Since his youth growing up in the segregated South, he lived the injustices of discrimination based on the color of his skin, and his social economic status. Dr. Bell attributes his determination for equality to the emphasis his mother placed on education as a means to escape poverty, dismantle racism and unlock the doors of opportunity. After serving in the US Marine Corps during World War II, he went on to receive a Bachelors degree in health, physical education and recreation from Lincoln University with the help of the GI Bill, and then received a Masters degree from Columbia University. After that, he received a great piece of advice “A master's degree is just another degree to get fired with; get a doctorate” and he did, in 1953 from Colombia University. Throughout his thirty year career in higher education, Dr. Bell served as not only as leader but as shaper as well.

As a man of great charisma, humor and character, Dr. Bell has never budged when it comes to equality and justice. When appointed to the Vice Presidency for Student Affairs in 1972, he commented “I am not a black vice president; I am a vice president who happens to be black.” This has been a mantra for him not only throughout his professional career but in his personal involvements with many of us here today. We have all come to know Dr. Bell for being a triple A; ally, advocate and activist. It is this mentality that has given Dr. Bell his reputation as a community activist and youth advocate. When appointed as VP for Student Affairs, he brought along other foundational philosophies: inclusion, multiculturalism, positive interactions among students, appreciation of the college support staff, diversity, equity, and respect for all.”

To this day, I believe that the Division of Student Affairs continues to hold these philosophies with high regard. Not only through the student interns that hold the coveted title, but also through its themes and values that place students at the core of all its services, and value the richness of our diversity.

For this and so much more, we honor you Dr. Bell for the lifelong lessons you have given all of us, and for your relentless pursuit of equality for all. You are the embodiment of this and so much more, all while maintaining your feet and mind on the ground…continuing to work with those who need it the most, our youth.


A tribute to  Dr. Bell announced by Carlos Garcia and Carolina Garza, James Bell Interns of the 2002-2003 cohort. 



University Staff and Adminstration honoring former and current James Bell Interns at the Kellog Pomona House. 



Dr. James Bell reviewing the program for the evening.



Dr. James Bell addresses the audience giving thanks and praise to the 10 years of dedication to the internship. 



From left to right: Dr. Sonia Blackman, Pat Davis and Dr. James Bell


 
Former James Bell Interns: Lorena Marquez (left) and Sandra Qatami (right)



Two of the first James Bell Interns, Linda Lopez and Alex Lopez.



Current James Bell Intern Bianca Valle(left) poses in picture with former James Bell Interns Carolina Garza and Lorena Marquez (left to right).



Audience listens as James Bell Interns speak of their experiences.