The College of Health and Human Development saw hundreds of it’s students graduate on Tuesday. Dr. Samira Moughrabi, nursing faculty, gave the opening speech at a pinning ceremony for students who earned a bachelor’s of science in nursing. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

This week CSUN celebrated the academic accomplishments of nearly 10,000 students in more than 9 graduation ceremonies.

An estimated 7,753 candidates received their bachelors degree, 2,190 candidates received their masters degree and 19 candidates received their doctoral degree.

The graduation ceremonies began with the 31st annual Honor’s Convocation Monday, May 20. More than 2,000 graduates were recognized for their academic and extracurricular achievements. To be invited to participate in this ceremony, students had to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.88 or higher.

President Dianne Harrison opened the ceremony.

“The students we honor tonight represent the very best of Northridge,” she said. “You truly help make CSUN shine.”

The annual Black Graduation was held on May 20 as well. African-American graduates and their families filled the lawn behind Manzanita for the ceremony. More than 140 graduates, including 14 graduates receiving their masters, attended the event.

The College of Science and Mathematics, Health and Human Development and the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication held their graduation ceremonies on May 21.

Graduating seniors and master students from the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication crossed the stage to obtain their respective degrees at 8 a.m. Graduating senior Anoushiravan Saboktakin was awarded the $10,000 Ravi K. and Amalia Sawhney Creative Excellence Award. This scholarship commemorated Saboktakin for his creative achievements and professional aptitude as a graduating senior.

Graduates of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences walked across the stage on May 22. Nearly 2,650 students and their families attended the ceremony, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in support of his youngest son, Antonio Villaraigosa Jr.

President Harrison congratulated the mayor before addressing the graduates as a whole.

“I’ve heard your stories, and they are varied, and they are inspirational,” she said to students. “You have truly made CSUN shine.”

More than 500 students and their families gathered on the lawn behind Manzanita Hall at the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s commencement May 22.

CSUN alumnus Kunal Chitre, a software engineer for Digital Energy, addressed the Engineering and Computer Science graduates. Chitre congratulated the class on their achievements and the many sacrifices they have made to succeed.

“I can say this for definite certainty and personal experience: that trading those beach weather weekends for group studies, skipping movie nights to prepare for midterms and suffering through pages and pages of readings for that one question on your exam has paid off very well to this day,” Chitre said.

In addition to the above mentioned graduation ceremonies were the Aztlan Graduation and the Rainbow Graduation. The Aztlan Graduation took place on May 18.  The ceremonial  theme was “Our Inspirations: the people, places, and things that have inspired us to progress”.

Rainbow Graduation, a commencement ceremony for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Ally (LGBTQA) graduates, took place May 20. The ceremony congratulated the 26 graduates participating in the event for their academic achievements and diversity.

John J. Duran, keynote speaker and mayor of West Hollywood, spoke about his experiences being a gay man and a LGBTQA advocate in the 1980’s. Duran is one of the few openly gay and HIV-positive elected officials in the United States and his education has played a pivotal role in shaping who he is today.

The College of Humanities, College of Business and Economics and the Michael D. Eisner College College of Education celebrated their commencement ceremonies on May 22 and May 23.

Contributing reporting from Muna Adem, Megan Diskin, Charlie Kaijo, Jennifer Luxton, Luis Rivas, John Saringo-Rodriguez, and Taylor Villescas

CSUN students from the College of Health and Human Development graduated on Tuesday, May 21. Traditionally, nursing students participate in a pinning ceremony and their graduation ceremony upon completing their degrees. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

The College of Health and Human Development students gathered on the Oviatt Lawn minutes before taking their seats for their commencement ceremony. Many graduates customized their caps to fit their personalities and while doing so they made sure that they were easily spotted from a distance. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

Hundreds of students participated in the College of Health and Human Development graduation on Tuesday. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

CSUN students from the College of Health and Human Development graduated on Tuesday. Many graduates creatively customized their caps with inspiring quotes. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

CSUN graduates celebrate getting their diplomas during the Art, Media and Communications graduation held at the Oviatt Library lawn, Wednesday. Photo credit: Loren Townsley / Editor in Chief

Students from the College of Science and Mathematics celebrated with friends and family at their graduation ceremony held on the Manzanita Hall Lawn on May 21. Those graduating with honors wore medallions. Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics , Dr. Jerry Stinner, and President Dr. Dianna F. Harrison were the main speakers. Photo credit: Luis Rivas / Opinions Editor

Several students decorated their graduation caps at the College of Science and Mathematics ceremony held on the Manzanita Hall Lawn on May 21. Professors wished graduating seniors good luck in their respective lives. Photo credit: Luis Rivas / Opinions Editor

Graduates of the College of Social and Behavioral Science wait for their turn to take the final walk across the steps of the Oviatt Library to receive their degrees May 22. Photo credit: Ken Scarboro / Senior Photographer

Anthropology students wait for their turn to walk across the stage at the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences graduation May 22. Photo credit: Ken Scarboro / Senior Photographer

CSUN graduates wait in line to receive their diplomas during the College of Engineering and Computer Science graduation held at the lawn behind Manzanita Hall, Wednesday. Photo credit: Loren Townsley / Editor in Chief

President Harrison congratulates CSUN graduates during the College of Engineering and Computer Science graduation, Wednesday. Photo credit: Loren Townsley / Editor in Chief

CSUN graduates stand in preparation of receiving their diplomas during the College of Engineering and Computer Science graduation held at the lawn behind Manzanita Hall, Wednesday. Photo credit: Loren Townsley / Editor in Chief

CSUN police officers interview family members of a student who was found passed out in his parked car on the second floor of the B3 parking structure on May 21. Police recovered an empty bottle of sleeping pills. Paramedics rushed the student to Northridge Hospital Medical Center. Photo credit: Luis Rivas / Senior Reporter

At approximately 5:30 p.m. yesterday a CSUN student allegedly overdosed on sleeping pills according to witnesses. The incident took place on the second floor of the B3 parking structure on the southeast side of campus.

The male student was examined at the location and rushed to Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

A witness stated that he noticed the male student asleep in a parked car next to his with all the windows down earlier in the day. The witness assumed he was resting and continued to head to his graduation ceremony. But when the witness returned he noticed that the student was still there.

Fire Department paramedics and CSUN police officers were called over.

Upon searching the vehicle, police found ashes inside the car, an empty bottle of sleeping pills, a long store receipt and a plastic bag.

Officers heard statements from the student’s family, and asked if anyone had access to his Facebook account. Assuming it was an attempted suicide police officers said that oftentimes people post comments online prior to these attempts.

It is unclear if the student was a graduating senior or took part in any of the commencement ceremonies of the day.

Witnesses and police refused to comment any further on the incident.

Students graduating with high achievements were recognized during the Honors Commencement at the Oviatt Lawn on Monday. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

Graduating seniors gathered on the lawn of the Oviatt library Monday evening for CSUN’s 31st annual Honors Convocation. Each graduate was recognized and celebrated for their academic success.

President Dianne Harrison opened the ceremony, excited to introduce her first graduation ceremonies as president of the university.

“The students we honor tonight represent the very best of Northridge,” she said. “You truly help make CSUN shine.”

Out of an estimated 10,000 students that qualify to graduate this Spring 2013,  more than 2,000 were recognized for their academic and extracurricular achievements. To be invited to participate in the ceremony, students had to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.88 or higher.

Harrison went on to introduce the keynote speaker Linda Lingle, CSUN alumna and former governor of Hawaii. Lingle was the first female Jewish governor of the islands.

“You cannot get a better education than the one you get here at CSUN,” Lingle told the crowd of students and families. “It prepared me for everything I’ve faced in my life.”

She shared memories of her own graduation from  CSUN, along with valuable words of advice for the graduates.

“No matter how big the issue in front of you…you can get beyond it by putting one foot in front of the other,” Lingle said.

Graduating students received a medallion for their hard work and academic acheivement while at CSUN. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

CSUN president Dianne Harrison presented Ryan Witkosky, geology major, with an Outstanding Graduating Senior Award at the Honors Commencement on Monday. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

CSUN president Dianne Harrison presented Shelley Thurk, mechanical engineering major, with the 2013 Wolfson Scholar Award at the Honors Commencement on Monday. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

John J. Duran, mayor of West Hollywood, was the featured guest speaker at Rainbow Graduation. Duran spoke of his trials and tribulations of being a gay man and LGBTQ advocate in the 80′s and how his education played a pivotal role. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

CSUN’s Rainbow Graduation brought the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Allied (LGBTQA) community together Monday afternoon to celebrate academics and diversity.  Family, friends and faculty gathered at the Northridge Center in the University Student Union (USU) to support the 26 graduating seniors participating in the event.

John J. Duran, keynote speaker引越し 見積もり and mayor of West Hollywood, spoke about his experiences being a gay man and a LGBTQA advocate in the 1980’s. Duran is one of the few openly gay and HIV-positive elected officials in the United States and his education has played a pivotal role in shaping who he is today.

Psychology major Raieka Kianian said that Rainbow Graduation is intimate and personal to her.

“It’s small enough that you don’t get lost in the crowd and your friends and family can see you,” Kianian said.

This year’s student speaker was Karlee Johnson, journalism major and queer studies minor. Johnson spoke of their experiences in the queer studies program and mentioned the benefits of having the Pride Center, a queer resource center, here at CSUN.

Doug Riechel, creative writing major, said that the group of students participating in Rainbow graduation were people he already knew.

“These weren’t random folks that I happened to share an academic discipline with,” said Riechel. “They were people that I have had deep discussions and some rather awesome arguments with over the past five years.”

Rainbow Graduation was held at the Northridge Center, USU, on Monday. Upon receiving their certificates, the 26 graduates were handed a rainbow rose. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

Upon receiving a certificate at Rainbow Graduation, Gender studies major, Raymond Marcell Buford, shares an embrace with friends. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

CSUN students line up to take photos with friends and family at Rainbow Graduation. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

Six members of the sorority Gamma Rho Lambda participated in Rainbow Graduation. The graduates and their sorority siblings chant in celebration. Photo credit: John Saringo-Rodriguez / Photo Editor

CSUN graduates receiving their master’s degree bow their heads for a prayer during the Black graduation ceremony held at the lawn behind Manzanita Hall, Sunday. Charlie Kaijo/Senior Staff

Students, faculty, and family members gathered together late Sunday afternoon to celebrate the Black Graduation ceremony held on the lawn behind Manzanita Hall.

Anthony Ratcliff, pan-african studies professor, introduced the Spring 2013 commencement theme, “Whatever is mentally conceivable is physically achievable”.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of CSUN’s African-American students, and keynote speakers such as Assemblymember Isadore Hall III spoke on the growing 電子ピアノ買い取りsuccess of young African-American men and women.

“African American students are matriculating and maturing to higher levels. There’s no reason to fear the education of a black woman and a black man, but there’s every reason to praise them.”

Over 140 graduates, including 14 graduates receiving their masters degree, attended the event.

Amber Grace Canyon, journalism major, received the highest GPA award.

“It’s been tough dealing with school and finances. The most difficult part of school was being a full-time student and working and putting my all into both,” Canyon said.

CSUN graduates walk to their seats before the Black graduation ceremony at the lawn behind Manzanita Hall, Sunday. Photo credit: Charlie Kaijo / Senior Staff

Enthused graduates dance in celebration of receiving their diplomas during the Black graduation ceremony, Sunday. Photo credit: Charlie Kaijo / Senior Staff

Political science major with a concentration in law and society, Joshua Thompson, gives a speech to CSUN graduates during the black graduation ceremony held at the lawn behind Manzanita Hall, Sunday. Photo credit: Charlie Kaijo / Senior Staff

Students gather in front of the registration table for CSUN’s Aztlan Graduation Ceremony for the Spring 2013 which was held on May 18 on the side of the Chicano House on campus. Featured keynote speaker was Dr. Christina Ayala-Alcantar. Photo credit by Luis Rivas/Opinions Editor

Adjacent to the Chicano House on the northeast side of campus, graduating seniors, families and professors gathered for the Spring 2013 Aztlan Graduation Ceremony on May 18.

This year’s theme was “Our Inspirations: The People, Places, and Things that have Inspired us to Progress”. The graduating seniors focused on inspirational professors such as keynote speaker  Dr. Christina Ayala-Alcantar of the chicana/o studies department.

“It has really been my honor to have many of you as my students,” said Ayala-Alcantarベンツ買取. “You inspire me to read, to do my homework, so that we (can) have great class discussions. It really is an honor to be in a classroom with you.”

Guadalupe Ruiz-Madrigal, chicana/o studies graduate, helped with the Aztlan Graduation planning committee. She said that this ceremony is more intimate than CSUN’s general commencement ceremony.

“I think that the regular graduation from school is not as personal as this one,” said Ruiz-Madrigal.

The Atzlan graduation and scholarship committee is a student run organization. This committee has been hosting commencement ceremonies for Chicano Studies graduates since 1969.

Chicana/o studies department chair Mary Pardo opens up the Aztlan Graduation Ceremony for the Spring 2013 which was held on May 18 on the side of the Chicano House on campus. Featured keynote speaker was Dr. Christina Ayala-Alcantar of the Chicana/o studies department. Photo credit by Luis Rivas/Opinions Editor

Courtesy of the offices of Assemblymember Susan Bonilla

A new bill has been introduced in the California State assembly that could change how women who donate eggs are compensated.

Assemblymember Susan Bonilla (D-Concord) representing the 14th district, introduced AB 926 on Feb. 22. The bill would alter the regulations pertaining to compensation for women who volunteer as medical research subjects.

As the law stands now, medical research volunteers may be compensated for their “time, trouble and inconvenience” when participating in research studies. However, women who donate their eggs are excluded from compensation.

“The ban was a really paternalistic way to ‘protect’ women,” Bonilla said. “Women can make their own decisions about egg donation.”

When a woman donates her eggs for research, under current law she may only be paid for direct expenses incurred for the medical care that goes into the months-long process of egg donation. AB 926 would change the law to allow women who donate eggs for research to be compensated like any other research subject.

Bonilla addresses the issue of possible exploitation of women selling their eggs directly in the text of the new bill.

“Concerns that women will be exploited if compensated for providing human oocytes (egg) for research have not borne out in the states where compensation is allowed,” Bonilla said.

According to the USC Fertility clinic, egg donation is an involved process that can take up to two months. Harvesting a human oocyte, or egg, involves multiple visits to a physician’s office, hormone therapies, daily injections and multiple ultrasound scans before the actual process of “egg retrieval” can be performed. The retrieval process itself takes about two hours.

Passage of the bill would allow fertility research could be beneficial to many women, including cancer survivors. Bonilla said cancer treatments can be detrimental to women’s fertility. Research may provide information that would allow doctors to choose chemotherapy drugs that are less harmful to women’s fertility.

The California Pro-life council opposes the bill. Though they could not be reached for comment, the council has posted many messages protesting passage of AB 926 on their website and Facebook page.

A recent posting reads, “AB 926 would reverse the current ban on compensation for women providing human oocytes or embryos for research, creating an industry for eggs to be harvested.”

They also protest the forming of an ethics committee to determine compensation amounts for women donating eggs for research, saying they have “an inherent conflict of interest with the outcome.”

But Bonilla disagrees. “This bill is not about incentivizing women at all,” she said. Bonilla added that the review board already oversees research in other areas and will ensure that research projects are closely examined and that compensation levels are fair.

The bill has been voted on in the house and will now go to the Senate Health Committee, then on to the Senate floor. The state fiscal committee did have to vote on it as there is no cost to the state if it passes. If AB 926 passes through the state senate, it will then go on to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

“This bill is meant to find healthy eggs for research beneficial to women,” she said.

Collectors of such body art share the meanings behind their creative ideas, expressing that each piece symbolizes anything from overcoming significant events in life to religious beliefs, heartache and simply sheer enjoyment.

Although tattoos have become popular and more acceptable, individuals with these works of art still face pretense from the public and within the workplace.

Displayed are five individuals that contrast their art with their jobs in a specific profession and have an educational background.

Ramil Garcia, 30, is a registered nurse currently working for a specialty unit in acute rehab at St. John’s Reginal Medical Center, where a he works close with patients with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and strokes with a primary focus on rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients. When not working at the hospital, Garcia works part-time as a nursing supervisor and director of an RNA program for a long-term care facility, Shoreline Care Center. All photos by Raelita Darag/Contributor

Working as an RN for seven years, Garcia is one of the few that follow dress code at work that require employees to cover visible tattoos. Garcia explains his own reasons for following through with the non-reinforced dress code. “Personally, I already know what the feedback on it is. I do it for my own because I just want people to just accept my service or my care without judgement…There are people that probably refuse me as their nurse, but I’ll probably end up saving their life later,” says Garcia.

Christel Zelenka, 20, serving as a reserve in the Marine Corps for the past four years, is a Seregeant (E-5) stationed in Mira Mar. Zelenka is a Field Wireman and is attending school for criminal justice in hopes of becoming a police officer in the future.

A new policy has been implemented, restricting Marines from receiving any new tattoos bigger than the size of their palm. “It doesn’t affect our jobs. Having a tattoo on my arm doesn’t make me program phones or run wire any different,” Zelenka said. “It’s frustrating to be worried about getting in trouble especially when I’m in the Marine Corp. Everyone’s argument is that we fight for freedom, we fight for all this stuff. We fight for everyone in America, but then you can’t have tattoos.”

Ryan Dermody, 27, works as a senior systems engineer for PennyMac, where he has worked for the past nine months. Dermody finished a two-year program at ITT.

Dermondy follows the dress code at work, but in when he shows his tattoos in public people will stare. Dermody explains, “No one ever expects to hear that I work, not only work at a technical industry, but at a well respected huge place. And that I’m a lead on it, not just some dude in the mail-room.”

Registered dental assistant, Stephanie Daigre, 25, currently works for R. Craig Ford, a private dental practice in Woodland Hills. Daigre completed her eight month dental assistant program at Everest College located in Reseda and has been with the private practice for eight months.

Assistant Daigre got her first tattoo at 18 and plans to continue adding to her current body art, describing tattoos as a way of expressing her feelings without having to say words. During company events that happen after work hours where employees are free to wearing any attire, Daigre chooses to continue to cover her tattoos to keep the perception her coworkers of her positive, ensuring sure that the possible judgement of her tattoos do not effect the way colleagues view her work.

Freelance hair dresser, Sonia Salinas, 22, completed cosmetology school at Lu Ross and has been doing hair for almost six years. In her free time Salinas participates in events hosted by RAW Artists, an independent arts organization that supports local artists with talents in everything from photography, music, and fashion, where Salinas has had her own runway show displaying her works of makeup and hair on chosen models.

Salinas describes her encounters with customers at her past job at Macy’s working the makeup counters before moving up to a vendor position. “They would look at me weird, then I would be the one helping them. It’s completely different once you get to know me…especially with my nose [ring], I barely take it out now because people do judge,” explains Salinas.

Achieving multiple Big West nods among the sports, teams and players have helped etch their name in the CSUN record books throughout the season. These are the athletes that have been chosen as the standout players of the spring semester.

Most Valuable Player

Redshirt junior Joshua Goossen-Brown bats on the road against UCLA. He finished the season leading the Big West in RBI on .275 hitting percentage. Photo credit by Loren Townsley/ Photo Editor

Joshua Goossen-Brown

Redshirt junior first baseman/closer, Baseball

Goossen-Brown showed himself to be a power-hitting first baseman and a lock down closer for the Matadors this season. Hitting .275 in his freshman season with a 4-3 record as a pitcher, Goossen-Brown redshirted in 2012. Starting all 47 games for CSUN, he leads the Matadors and the Big West Conference with 43 RBis on the season, and has a .275 batting average. On the mound, he has a 2-2 record and a 1.71 ERA, while his nine saves are a team high.

Lindsy Nelson

Junior Attacker, Water Polo

Recently named an honorable mention All-Big West Conference player, Nelson helped lead the Matadors to a fifth place conference tournament finish and a 23-12 record in 2013. Scoring 70 goals for the season, that ranks fourth in school history and was good for fifth in the Big West. Also leading the team in assists with 56, Nelson was a two-way threat as she was third on the team in steals.

Offensive Players of the Year

Stephan Hicks

Sophomore Guard, 

Men’s Basketball

A staple in the CSUN starting lineup, Hicks started 27 games and averaged nearly 31 minutes per game. Leading the Matadors in scoring with 15.7 points per game, he was part of a trio of offensive weapons for Northridge. Averaging 47.5 percent from the field and 33 percent from behind the arc each game, Hicks helped power CSUN to the second-highest offense in the Big West.

Ashlee Guay

Sophomore Guard, Women’s Basketball

Guay helped lead the Matadors to a 16-win season and a berth into the Big West Conference Tournament, earning All-Big West Second Team honors for her play. Playing and starting in a team high 32 games, the offense ran through Guay throughout the season. Averaging 32.6 minutes per game, she put up a team leading 13.2 points per game, and became a bigger contributor after three-point shooter Marta Masoni left the team midseason. Getting it done on both sides of the ball, Guay also lead the Matadors with 2.9 steals per game, tied for first in the conference.

Defensive Player of the Year

John Baker

Senior Opposite Hitter, Men’s Volleyball

Earning an All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Second Team honor, Baker was a defensive monster for CSUN. Averaging a career-high 3.57 kills per game, he finished as the team leader for the Matadors and ranked 11th in the conference. Baker reached double-figures in kills 19 times throughout the 26 game season for Northridge. He also lead CSUN with 152 digs on the season.

Kiernan Davis

Sophomore Goalkeeper, Water Polo

Starting her second season in net for CSUN, Davis was among the Big West Conference leaders in nearly every  category. Playing in 35 games for the Matadors, Davis logged over 1,000 minutes in the goal. Finishing the season with 289 saves, fourth all-time in a single season at CSUN, Davis ranked third in the conference in saves per game with 8.89. Along with her teammates, Davis and the Matadors ranked fourth in the conference with 7.71 goals allowed per game.

Freshman Players of the Year

DJ Milam

Freshman Pitcher, Baseball

Coming out of the bullpen for the Matadors, Milam has made his name known quickly across the Big West Conference. Currently holding a 4-0 record with two saves in 20 appearances, Milam carries a 2.96 ERA. With a 5 to 2 strikeout to walk ratio, Milam averages 4.94 strikeouts per nine innings.

Maylynn Mitchell

Freshman Shortstop, Softball

A constant presence in the lineup, Mitchell has made quite an impression in her first collegiate season. Currently batting .285 for the season, Mitchell has played in 51 of CSUN’s 53 games. Her batting average is currently third on the team, and her 39 hits also rank third.

Head Coaches of the Year

Matt Curtis

Baseball

In his third season with the Matadors, Curtis has helped the program do a complete 180. Currently ranked second in the conference, just one win behind CSU Fullerton, Curtis’ team recently completed its third consecutive Big West Conference match-up sweep. With a sweep over UC Davis two weeks ago, CSUN clinched its second winning season since 2002. Coached Northridge to their first victory at UC Irvine since 2005 in a 2-1 victory early this season. Baseball defeated eighth-ranked UCLA Tuesday afternoon, the first time since 2008.

Tairia Flowers

Softball

Currently in her third season, Flowers has also helped the program make a turnaround from their 2012 season. Ending that season at the bottom of the Big West standings with 10 total victories, the Matadors recently sweeped UC Riverside for their 24th win of the season. It was Northridge’s first sweep of a Big West opponent since 2010. The 24 wins is Flowers’ most since coming to CSUN. An walk-off victory over nationally ranked UCLA highlighted the season for the Matadors.

Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay, a former two-time CY young winner, has been on the decline since 2011 due to age and injuries. He currently has the second higher ERA in the majors at 8.65. Photo courtesy of MCT

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay’s career continues to decline after news came out Wednesday that he will have arthroscopic surgery to repair a bone spur, a frayed labrum and a partially torn rotator cup in his right shoulder.

The former two-time Cy Young winner will be sidelined for at least three months after surgery.

Halladay has been a shadow of himself for the last two years due to injuries sustained as a member of the Phillies that he never suffered in Toronto. Missing nearly two months in 2012 because of a strained back muscle, Halladay has struggled to be the ace of old, and it appears he may never return to form.

In seven games this season, he has pitched 34.1 innings, giving up 17 walks and nine home runs. His ERA of 8.65 is the second highest in the majors, and his 2-4 record is very un-acelike.

His numbers were not much better last season Halladay as he only pitched 156.1 innings in 25 games, allowed 18 home runs and had a 4.49 ERA with an 11-8 record.

Halladay’s days as a dominant pitcher appear to be behind him as the velocity on his fastball has continued to drop and injuries have continued to plague the soon-to-be 36-year-old right-hander. As pitchers reach their thirties their velocity on their fastball begins to drop, needing to rely on pinpoint accuracy to combat their decline.

Needing to pinpoint pitches that were once able to throw hitters off may contribute to Halladay’s troubles as he seems to be trying too hard.

In his last two outings, he has pitched a combined six innings giving up a total of 17 runs. Pitching 2.1 innings against the bottom-dwelling Miami Marlins, he gave up nine earned runs against them.

In his prime from 2006 to 2011, Halladay averaged 18 wins and 236 innings pitched, and threw a perfect game and a no-hitter in the 2010 season.

Halladay has remained optimistic about his ability to return, stating the doctor told him that this surgery “could turn back the two or three years for me.”

Known as one of the hardest workers in baseball, Halladay’s rise back the pitcher’s mound could be possible, but in the twilight of his career it is unlikely. According to fangraphs.com, only a handful of pitchers over the age of 35 that went on the disabled list for shoulder issues have come back to pitch. They averaged 59 innings total for the rest of their careers.

There is no question that he work hard to get back to pitching in the majors this season again, but will he be same old “Doc” Halladay we were accustomed to seeing in 2011?

Set to become a free agent at the end of the season, how and if he comes back will have a big impact on his career, and his 2.1 inning effort against the Marlins may be the last time baseball fans see him on a mound.