‘Bright’ CSUN geography major, 24, dies over weekend

CSUN student Erich Malone, geography major, died last weekend, and a viewing and funeral will be held Oct. 19 and 20, respectively, at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Simi Valley. He was 24 year old junior, according to Matt Nordstrom, a junior geography major who was a close friend of Malone’s. The exact cause and date of death was not immediately available. “From the first day I met him, I knew there was something remarkable about him, because I just (saw) a kid that was at incredible disadvantages,” Nordstrom said. “And he was just defying all odds.” Malone was confined to a wheelchair and recently transferred to CSUN from Moorpark College, said Steven Graves, a professor of Malone’s. Although Graves only knew Malone briefly, he said there was something special about Malone. “The guy was extremely bright – so he definitely stood out from an academic standpoint,” Graves said, adding that Malone “had a great sense of humor, despite the fact that he clearly had serious health issues.” The viewing and memorial service will be at 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 at Crossroads Christian Fellowship at 1925 Royal Ave. in Simi Valley. The funeral will be at 9 a.m. on Oct. 21 at St. Peter Claver Church located on 5649 Pittman St. in Simi Valley. Malone’s family asked that donations be made in his name to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy www.parentprojectmd.org.

– Samuel Richard

Professor to discuss experiences in Chiapas’ Mayan community

Developmental and cross-cultural psychologist and UCLA professor Patricia Greenfield will discuss her experiences as a field researcher in the highland Maya community of Nabenchauk at a lecture and book signing today at 12 p.m. in the University Student Union Grand Salon Room. Greenfield will talk about her new book, “Weaving Generations Together: Evolving Creativity in the Maya of Chiapas,” which traces her experiences as a field researcher in the region from 1969 – 1970 and from 1991 thereafter. The event is sponsored by the Masters Association in Early Childhood Education, the Chicano/a Studies and Anthropology departments, the Office of Graduate Studies, Research and International Programs, and the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars.

– Ryan Denham

Poetry Lounge night set for today in USU Pub with live jazz

Poetry Lounge night will take place at the Pub Sports Bar and Grill in the University Student Union tonight at 7 p.m. Between five and seven artists will perform at the lounge, and students will be able to recite poetry during an open mic session. “We wanted students to – realize that we have so many different departments of fine arts on campus and that we should come together,” said Taranika Echols, senior communication studies major and chief of staff for Associated Students. “We are trying to create a way where everybody can get together to create and share their art.” The event was organized by several A.S. directors, including Bryson White and Yolanda Anguiano. The event is free, and is expected to last for about two hours.

– S.R.

A.S. sponsors concert in USU Pub to raise voter awareness

Associated Students will sponsor a concert today at 12 p.m. at the University Student Union Pub Sports Bar and Grille in an effort to get more students to register to vote for the Nov. 8 California special election. Peter Gallego, A.S. director of legislative affairs, said the original goal was to get 3,300 people registered to vote by Oct. 24. So far organizers have managed to register 50 students. “(Now) we are trying our best to get as many students as possible.” Gallego said the goal for “Rock the Vote” is to educate people about the propositions on the ballot and let them know how important voting is. “Students that are registered to vote should take advantage,” Gallego said. “Their voice can be heard through a paper on a ballot. However, if they don’t go out there and vote, then their voice is silent.”

-Valencia Bankston