The CSUF College of Business and Economics is celebrating the service and legacy of Eleanor Perry-Tomlin (known by friends and colleagues as “El”), assistant and advisor to Dean Sri Sundaram and Dean Emeritus Morteza Rahmatian. Perry-Tomlin is retiring at the end of December, following nine years at Cal State Fullerton, first at the Provost’s Office and then in the Dean’s Suite of the college.

“Eleanor has a unique combination of technical skills, people skills and leadership skills,” says Sundaram. “Her experience working in industry prior to coming to academia allowed her to develop managerial skills that are critical for someone serving in the role assisting the business college dean. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her these past 18 months. She was my pillar of support when I first arrived at the college. We have made a great team – each day, we start with a meeting and shared many good laughs during these times. While I will miss working with her, I want to wish El the very best in this next phase in her life – a well-deserved retirement in Nevada! Thank you El, for all that you have done for all of us here at the business college and CSUF. You will be missed.”

Perry-Tomlin’s impact wasn’t limited to the College of Business and Economics.

Says CSUF Chief Information Officer Amir Dabirian: “El is the best. She makes everyone around her a better person with her positive, can-do attitude. She is kind and considerate, with a great personality and special love for our students. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement.  We will miss you.”

Esteemed College of Business and Economics friend and supporter Joe Moderow ’70 says, “It has been a great pleasure and inspiration to work with Eleanor Perry-Tomlin. She represents the connective strength of the College of Business and Economics— working together supporting students in achieving their highest potential.

Jose Cruz, former CSUF provost and current president of Northern Arizona University, says this of Perry-Tomlin’s service: “It’s been a decade since I had the privilege to work with Eleanor and I have missed her dearly, as I am sure the Titan community will miss her once her retirement becomes official. Eleanor’s strong competence and kind confidence will be missed, but her contributions to so many who aimed to reach higher at CSUF will forever be celebrated. Enhorabuena, Eleanor!”

Numerous student assistants, student leaders, faculty members and staff fondly recall the encouragement, support and friendship that Perry-Tomlin provided during her years of service at the Dean’s Suite.

“Since I met El, she has always provided me with her insight to help push though difficult problems,” says Diane Mazzey ’08, ’10, director of the Business Advising Center. “Whenever I had a challenge, I knew that I could count on El to listen and provide her brand of support and advice. She has inspired me to think outside the box and be a better person.”

Arielle Brown ’14, ’26, the college’s event’s specialist and a longtime unofficial mentee of Perry-Tomlin, says this: “El has made a huge impact on me in the year that I worked closely with her. She was a wonderful mentor who gave me the ins and outs of the college and guided me to the right path to be successful. She was honestly like my work mother and cheered me on. I am so grateful to be in her presence and hope she enjoys her retirement, as she truly deserves it!”

In recent years, the College of Business and Economics has built a powerful alumni network to serve as mentors to current students, donors, advisors and supporters. Perry-Tomlin has been invaluable to these efforts.

We at the College of Business and Economics wish Perry-Tomlin health and happiness in her retirement!