Linda Muse and her son, Nathan

Psychology students mobilize to help campus employee

By: Consuelo Martinez

Posted: 5/5/09

Two CSUSM student organizations, the National Honor Society in Psychology (PSI CHI) and the Psychology Student Organization (PSO), are keeping busy this semester to help one of their own. The two clubs whose members spent the past weekend participating in the "Relay for Life," an event created by the American Cancer Society, have joined efforts to raise emergency funds for a campus employee and her family. As part of their fundraising efforts, the two clubs will hold an opportunity drawing this week for a chance to win a personal computer valued at $1,200.

Militza Jimenez, PSO secretary and PSI CHI member, met Linda Muse, administrative coordinator, when she worked as a student assistant for the Visual and Performing Arts department.

Jimenez learned from Muse that her 19 year-old son Nathan Hood would need to undergo surgery for a brain tumor. Shortly after, Jimenez approached members of both the PSI CHI and PSO about helping to provide Muse's teen son with entertaining event opportunities. The two clubs combined efforts and were able to provide the teen with tickets to a motor cross event, a Taylor Swift concert, and an invitation to meet the San Diego Chargers this summer.

After news that the teen's surgery was successful, PSCI CHI and PSO members learned that doctors diagnosed his mother Linda Muse with Leukemia, a form of cancer of the bone marrow and blood, the same week of his surgery.

Members of the psychology student clubs are prepared to continue to help the Muse family.

"The family is in a lot of need and we just want to do anything that we can to help," said Sarah Connelly, president of PSI CHI. Connelly explains that cancer affects so many people and that is why it is important to attend events such as "Relay for Life."

Jimenez, who explained that Muse is currently on leave of absence, also recalled the contributions made by the Visual and Performing Arts department employee.

"Linda is very nice and so helpful in the department. I just feel it is important to help out one our own on this campus."

Organizers have set a goal to sell at least 50 tickets at $10 each. The opportunity drawing tickets will be on sale the day of the drawing on May 7. Cash and checks are acceptable methods of payment. Checks can be made payable to ASI/PSI CHI. Donations are also accepted and a receipt for tax purposes is available upon request. Any student clubs or departments who would like to help sell or buy tickets can contact Militza Jimenez at Jimen042@cougars.csusm.edu.

The opportunity drawing will take place Thursday, May 7 during U-Hour at Kellogg Library Plaza. Proceeds from the opportunity drawing go to Linda Muse and her family. Organizers will notify the winner the day of the drawing.