HONORS AT CSUN NEW GRADS ARE CITED FOR ACHIEVEMENT.

Byline: Lisa M. Sodders Staff Writer

NORTHRIDGE - About 1,500 California State University, Northridge, graduates were honored Tuesday night for scholastic and personal achievements at the university's honors convocation.

Terry Tamminen, a CSUN alumnus and Cabinet secretary for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, gave the address at the special ceremony and urged the graduates to begin a life of public service and volunteerism.

``No matter what you do, there is time and room in your life for public service,'' Tamminen said. ``Who among us will be the first to say, I can do with less so that my children will have more?''

CSUN President Jolene Koester also urged the new graduates - who are among more than 8,800 students who will receive degrees this week - to repay the state's investment in their education by helping others.

``Continue to believe, and act on that belief, that it is your responsibility to give back to your communities and to the region economically, socially and creatively,'' Koester said. ``You are the best of the very best of this great university.''

Proud parents, children, siblings and spouses took snapshots and manned video cameras, their arms laden with bouquets and balloons.

Eve Castillo, 23, of Northridge watched as her friend and fellow teacher Karina Larios, 23, of Northridge was honored for scholastic achievement. Both women, who teach at Reseda Elementary School, will graduate this week with liberal studies degrees and teaching certificates.

``It finalizes everything,'' Castillo said. ``I feel like I can be an adult now and support myself. Now I can help others, and make a difference in the world. When you work with a child and he finally understands something, you breathe a little sigh of relief, a sigh of happiness.''

Nikki Nazeradl, 15, of Encino attended to see her older sister, Nouschin, 21, be honored. Watching her sister - who lived at home while she studied for a bachelor's degree in biology - work so hard was inspirational, said Nikki, a student at Woodland Hill's Taft High School.

``I'm proud of her, and I hope to be able to do as she did, and more,'' said Nikki, who now wants to become a pediatrician. ``I was afraid I couldn't handle (the work) but when you look back at all your hard work, you're always thankful.''

Sandra Abarca, Edward Kay, Ebony Smith and Ani Vartabetian were honored as outstanding graduating seniors. Diana Andres, Rob Silverman and Jennifer Sweeney were honored as outstanding graduate students, and Lilly Parr was named the Wolfson Scholar.

Lisa M. Sodders, [phone]

lisa.sodders(at)dailynews.com

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(1 -- 2) Graduating CSUN students, above, celebrate the start of the school's honors convocation Tuesday at the University Club. At left, family and friends turn out for the ceremony honoring some 1,500 new grads.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer