1. Avid sailor
Raced in San Diego and chartered sailboats with her husband and friends in the British Virgin Islands, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Belize, and Tonga.
2. All the way from small town, Illinois!
Grew up in Rock Island, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. She saw the ocean for the first time at age 16 and the Rocky Mountains at age 18. She has been hooked on travel ever since!
3. Fijian explorer
Traveled with a friend through the Fiji Islands in the 1970s to explore other cultures, staying in villages and on coconut plantations.
4. A true travel junkie, solo travels and all!
Traveled solo to about 15 countries in Europe, Israel, Africa, and Asia for a year while on a sabbatical from teaching in Tucson public schools, including traveling through China in 1985 during the first years it was open to individual travelers
5. A love for theater
Season ticket holder for La Jolla Playhouse for over 20 years - loves live theater!
6. She’s a therapy dog mom!
Can be seen walking all over Pacific Beach with Chester, her faithful black lab who volunteers as a therapy dog at Scripps Hospital.
7. A Jane of all trades!
Has taken classes in Chinese calligraphy, throwing pots on a potters wheel, basket weaving, and painting - you never know when those skills will come in handy!
How Caren is Making a difference…
“I really had no idea about the possibilities that existed as a faculty member at a University. I came to SDSU in 1990 to work on a couple of grant projects. That led to teaching, returning to school to complete my doctoral degree, and then moving into a full-time faculty position. Since I’ve been at SDSU, I’ve had the honor and privilege to create new programs, collaborate with colleagues locally, nationally, and internationally, and witness the remarkable contributions of students and colleagues. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see the fruits of our labors as our graduates make their mark in the world!”