[1] According to a 2012 interview with Cal State Northridge's student newspaper, The Sundial, Hellenbrand wanted be an architect when he was a kid, because he always liked design and mathematics.
[4] Hellenbrand started his career as a faculty member in the English Department, and later as Chair, at California State University, San Bernardino from 1982 to 1994.
Before his retirement he taught as a Professor in the English Department at California State University, Northridge, where he had earlier served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for eleven years, during which time he implemented several major changes on campus.
He served in this capacity until January 2012, when he was appointed Interim President at CSUN by the Chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system.
The award recognizes faculty and staff who made exceptional contributions to mentoring past and present students from diverse backgrounds and communities.
He is an outstanding administrator who uses his keen intellect, his compassion, his dry wit and lots of data to constantly further the mission of the university”[12] The William M. Plator Award honored Hellenbrand's leadership in civic engagement.