Geri Welch

Publications and Design

Began in 1978
Retired in 2009

After five years as a newspaper journalist in upstate New York and Kansas City, I was lured to California by college friends who had made homes here. At the same time, California State University, Sacramento was in the process of expanding its one-person public affairs office (directed by the highly regarded Chuck McFadden) to include its first-ever public information specialist. I applied, and the rest is indeed history.

It turned out I would be privileged to witness 31 years of remarkable progress as the relatively young state university evolved and expanded. Buildings, students, faculty—and yes, presidents—multiplied. I served a total of five presidents: James Bond, Lloyd Johns, Austin Gerber (interim), Donald R. Gerth and Alexander Gonzalez.

Over the years, my title evolved and after six years, I became the director of publications, still in the public affairs office, but charged with establishing standards and overseeing the overall visual and written messages the public received about the University. I certainly grumbled about the work load, but the truth is, I was thrilled that my job led me all over campus—literally to virtually every department, program, division and activity. I marveled at the expertise and dedication of our faculty, the energy of the students, and the deep caring and professionalism of the staff. I was certain that I had found the best possible role that I could play in advancing the University.

And as perhaps the biggest bonus of all, I made what turned out to be wonderful lifetime friendships which continue to sustain me.

Fast forward to retirement, and it turns out my love of the University and its purpose has not diminished. I am presently serving on two University boards—the Friends of the Library, and the Retirees Association. Both groups focus exclusively on supporting the resources needed to provide the best possible learning environment for students, and also offer the public an opportunity to experience the expertise of our faculty through speakers programs.