Not everyone is willing to unpack their past—particularly when it is traumatic or extreme. But Sonja Ulrich, lecturer of anthropology and behavioral sciences, unflinchingly owns her story and the hard-won lessons she has learned from her life experiences. For more than 30 years, she has been rebuilding herself in the aftermath of her tumultuous youth and involvement with the Rajneesh movement, which many experts describe as a cult. Born in Germany and raised by a single mother, Ulrich had what she describes as an “unstable” upbringing. Her mother, who faced many challenges as a single parent, became involved with European communes founded by Rajneeshees, followers of Indian guru Bhagwan ... Read More
Archives for October 2023
Laura Warrell Talks Books, Jazz, and Publishing
It took more than two decades, four unpublished manuscripts, and scores of rejection letters before Laura Warrell brought her first book into the world—the acclaimed novel Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm, which was published by Pantheon Books last year and recently issued in a paperback edition. A lecturer in the English department at CSUDH since 2017, Warrell discussed the challenges she’s faced as a writer, her approach to the craft, and the inspiration for her debut novel during an evening of conversation on Oct. 4 at the Marvin Laser Recital Hall. The event, co-hosted by the departments of English and Women’s Studies, was introduced by Debra Best, professor of English, and featured a ... Read More
Staff Spotlight: Elizabeth Hernandez
As the director of TRIO Student Support Services at CSUDH, Elizabeth Hernandez gets to spend her days helping students and giving back to those who reflect her own educational journey. “These are students like me—first-generation college students,” says Hernandez. “What I enjoy most about my job is assisting those students, helping them overcome barriers, and witnessing them achieve their goals!” Hernandez is a native of Wilmington, Calif., where she grew up with her parents and four siblings. An American of Mexican descent, she was the first of her family to attend and graduate from college, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management from CSUDH in 2012, and a master’s ... Read More
CSUDH Presents “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity”
What: “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" by Kristoffer DiazWhen: October 11, 12, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m.Tickets: Tickets are $15 per performance. To reserve a ticket, visit www.csudh.edu/theatre/tickets.Contact: Call the CSUDH Performing Arts Department at (310) 243-3589. The California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Department of Theatre and Dance presents "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" by Kristoffer Diaz, directed by Theatre faculty Stefani Baez. Performances are on the University Theatre stage, and the show will run October 11, 12, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m. Kristoffer Diaz’ Pulitzer Prize Finalist play "The Elaborate ... Read More
Immigrant Justice Center Celebrates ‘Reopening’
The Toro Dreamers Success Center has provided critical resources for CSUDH’s undocumented community since 2017. Going forward, that support will continue under a new name that better aligns with its core mission and values—the Immigrant Justice Center (IJC). A formal ribbon-cutting event was held at the center’s office on the first floor of Loker Student Union and upstairs in the Palm Courtyard. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff celebrated the reopening with food, music, cultural experiences, and an open house that highlighted key services available to CSUDH’s undocumented community. The center offers undocumented students a range of services and amenities, from academic and ... Read More
