Being the first in your family to attend university is a phenomenal achievement—and one which too often requires overcoming barriers and hardships. That was the central message at CSUDH’s 5th Annual First Generation Celebration on Nov. 8, an event dedicated to the nearly 50 percent of Toro students who are forging this path for themselves and their families. Organized by TRIO Student Support Services, and in collaboration with 17 other departments, the celebration was part of a series of events designed to increase awareness of first-generation Toros and uplift their narratives. First Generation College Celebration Day is observed nationally on Nov. 8 to commemorate the signing of the ... Read More
Campus News
Economic Forecast Touts Strength of the South Bay
The South Bay has proven remarkably resilient in the face of recent economic challenges and uncertainties, and is well poised to weather future changes. That optimistic message was woven throughout CSUDH’s ninth annual South Bay Economic Forecast on Oct. 26, where more than 300 industry leaders gathered to listen to CSUDH and business experts discuss the region’s economic trends. Moderated by Frank Mottek of 790 KABC’s Mottek on Money radio show, the event began with CSUDH’s South Bay Economic Institute discussing their 2023 South Bay Economic Forecast and Industry Outlook, a report which delves into sectors of the economy ranging from real estate to entrepreneurship, manufacturing, the ... Read More
Child Development Center Earns NAEYC Accreditation
2023 has become an especially noteworthy year for the CSUDH Child Development Center. Run by Associated Students, Inc., the center has long been a trusted child care provider for students, employees, and the surrounding community. This year, in addition to its 50th anniversary, the center is celebrating a new accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Child Development Center (CDC) has played an integral role at CSUDH since its inception in 1973, when it was established to provide affordable, accessible child care to student-parents and employees. The center continues that mission today under the leadership of Program Director Candace ... Read More
CSUDH’s Sonja Ulrich on Cult Survivorship and Healing
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
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
