Alumni Spotlight: James E. DeOlden, Distinguished Alumnus 2007

James E. DeOlden is the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics by the Alumni Association of California State University, Long Beach. Co-founder and President of Mediatech, a Virginia-based biotechnology company, DeOlden received his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology in 1969, and his Master of Science in Biochemistry in 1972. Following his degrees, DeOlden worked for the pharmaceutical companies, Allergan and Abbott in the southern California area.

After the birth of his second child, DeOlden moved his family east to work as a senior executive for another company. In this position, Jim DeOlden was confronted by the perceived divide between science and business when he was told that "scientists can't understand business." Challenged to prove the conventional wisdom wrong, DeOlden returned to school and received an MBA with an emphasis in finance from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1983. Through his pursuit of furthering his education, DeOlden met his business partner during a marketing assignment with an outside company. The two of them wrote a business plan and started a business under the name of Mediatech in 1984. Today, 24 years later, Mediatech is a well recognized, profitable company employing over 150 individuals with sales nationally and internationally in the multimillions. The company expects to complete construction of a multi-story building of approximately 100,000 square feet on the first floor this summer.

Mediatech makes a significant contribution to the national and international scientific community with the manufacture and distribution of life science products that focus on cell culture and bioprocessing systems under the brand name of cellgro. In 2004, the company was named Biotechnology Company of the Year by the nonprofit Virginia Biotechnology Association.

DeOlden attributes much of his company's achievements to the quality of science education he received at CSULB as well as the opportunity the campus provided for him to pursue his studies while working and raising a family. He remains in touch with faculty and continues to support the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. DeOlden is a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Tau Kappa Epsilon national fraternity and a board member of the Virginia Biotechnology Association. He and his wife of 41 years, Gerrye, also have a small horse farm and ride Western Pleasure quarter horses for a hobby. They have two sons and two grandchildren.

Distinguished Alumnus Award

An annual award given by the CSULB Alumni Association, the distinguished alumni award recognizes an alumnus/a who has a record of distinction, recognition, and accomplishment in his/her field, and has made a significant impact regionally, statewide, and/or nationally.

1. A graduate of your college or, in special circumstances, an alum who completed a significant amount of coursework at CSULB.
2. A record of distinction, recognition, and accomplishment in his/her field. Made a significant impact regionally, statewide, and/or nationally.
3. A proven record of leadership and service to his/her community and society at large.
4. Demonstrated interest and support of CSULB: has served as a volunteer, contributes as a donor, attends events, and/or stays connected with faculty or staff.
5. Demonstrated pride and a positive affinity for CSULB.