CHHS Distinguished Alumni
2012 Distinguished Alumni
College of Health and Human Services
Samuel R. Ward
Associate Professor, Radiology, Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering,
University of California, San Diego
1997, Bachelor of Science, Physical Therapy, CSULB
2003, Ph.D., Biokinesiology, University of Southern California
2006, Postdoctoral Fellowship, Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego
Samuel Ward is impacting patient’s lives through treatment, teaching and research. A leader in multiple disciplines, he has received numerous honors, including the International Society for Study of the Lumbar Spine’s 2011 Research Prize. He joined the UC San Diego faculty as a Department of Radiology in 2006. In addition, he works with the Center for Musculoskeletal Research in the Institute of Engineering in Medicine and the Clinical and Translational Research Institute. From 2003-10, he was a research biologist in the San Diego VA Medical Center’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Prior to being a scientist, he was a clinical physical therapist and taught at USC from 1998-99. As an alumnus, Ward serves as a Department of Physical Therapy guest lecturer and advisory board member, sponsors a scholarship, and funds an annual graduating student award for excellence in biomechanics.
College of Health and Human Services
Cynthia Mirsky
Co-Owner, Pacific Rim Capital, Inc.
1996, Bachelor of Science, Dietetics and Food Administration, CSULB
In 1990, Cindy Mirsky, her husband David, and Marc Mills created Pacific Rim Capital, Inc. (PRC), which is one of the fastest growing U.S. general equipment leasing and asset management providers. Since 2006, Mirsky has served on Mission Hospital’s Foundation board of directors, with time spent on the Strategic Planning, Executive and Stewardship Committees. In 2011, she joined the Heritage Pointe board of directors, presently serving on the Governance Committee and assuming the chairpersonship this summer. A Temple Beth El of South Orange County past president, she sits on the National Board for the Union for Reform Judaism. She also teaches reading to children through the organization, Reading Partners. She frequently consults with Department of Family and Consumer Services faculty, and refers students to the undergraduate and graduate programs.
