A rapt audience of preschoolers gathered around CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham on Oct. 24 as he read Piper Chen Sings, a children’s book about self-expression, confidence, and the power of family support. The special reading event, held at the Child Development Center (CDC), was in celebration of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Day—the world’s largest shared reading experience. Read for the Record invites thousands of schools, child care centers, and libraries to read the same book on the same day, and distributes copies to every child in attendance. The annual initiative’s goal is to raise awareness of the importance of early literacy and provide access to inclusive, high-quality ... Read More
Campus News
Political Science Faculty Weigh in on 2024 Election
In the final stretch of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, two CSUDH political science professors answer questions about what this historic moment means for voters, public discourse, and the health of our democracy. CSUDH is a non-partisan educational institution that does not endorse any political candidate or ballot initiative. Assistant Professor of Political Science Julien Labarre Labarre focuses on the health of the information environment, and how the media and political psychology contribute to pathologies of democracy like polarization, populism, and extremism. What do you find notable about this election? For the first time since 9/11, we see a ... Read More
Despite Uncertainties, Growth Predicted for South Bay at Economic Forecast
Even as the current political climate makes markets nervous, the South Bay region of Los Angeles is well poised for the next decade. The 2024 South Bay Economic Forecast predicted a bright near-term future for the region, namely due to its skilled workforce and cutting-edge companies. Hundreds of industry and government leaders attended the Oct. 24 event at CSUDH, which also marked the forecast's 10th anniversary. 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 2024 South Bay Economic Forecast and Industry Outlook, a report which explores economic sectors including real ... Read More
Jesus Trejo’s “Roots of Comedy” Takes Viewers to the Stories Behind the Laughs
CSUDH alum Jesus Trejo wears several professional hats—standup comedian, actor, writer, award-winning children’s book author. What informs all these roles and serves as the touchstone for his humor is a deep connection to community. “Comedy is being able to speak my truth in a funny way that resonates with people in my community,” says Trejo, who returned to his alma mater to screen two episodes of his new six-episode PBS docuseries Roots of Comedy. “And if you’re not in the community, you’ll get a deeper understanding of it.” The screening and subsequent panel discussion took place at the Marvin Laser Recital Hall on Oct. 15 as part of the university’s Hollywood ... Read More
Passion, Drive at Heart of Women in Comedy
“Having stories to tell is your sustenance—that’s what pushes through the breaking points.” So said screenwriter, actor, and director Lake Bell, who moderated “Women in Comedy” on Oct. 7 for an audience of students, faculty, and staff. Presented by the Women’s Studies Department and Hollywood by the Horns, the event brought prominent comedy creators and performers to CSUDH to discuss their triumphs and setbacks in the entertainment industry. In addition to Bell, the panel included screenwriter and producer Nicole Jefferson Asher, comedy writer and stand-up comic Erin Foley, playwright and TV writer Janine Nabers, and actor and comedian Michaela Watkins. Among the themes discussed ... Read More
