J. Michael Straczynski doesn’t much care for rules. As a student at San Diego State University, he risked expulsion by bluffing his way into two writing courses taught by celebrated writer and educator Norman Corwin. Straczynski didn’t get expelled, and Corwin became a lifelong friend and cherished mentor. But he understood the risks, and therein lies an important lesson. “In order to be any kind of creative person, you have to be willing to push outward and engage with the world in ways that sometimes break the system,” Straczynski told students and faculty during his 2024 Patricia Eliet Memorial Lecture at the LSU ballroom on April 11. “When you do that, strange and wonderful things ... Read More
Campus News
CSUDH Alum Performs with Her Students at Carnegie Hall
Toro alumna and high school music teacher Amanda Chavez never imagined that someday she’d be conducting on the stage of Carnegie Hall. But on March 12, that’s exactly what she did, marking her and her students’ debut in the illustrious New York City venue. Chavez and 55 of her students had been invited to perform as a featured ensemble for the "I Choose Love" festival organized by National Concerts. Chavez, who earned her degree in music education and minor in Asian Pacific Studies in 2013, is the Director of Instrumental Music and Department Chair of Performing Arts at Jordan High School (JHS) in Long Beach, where she also directs multiple ensembles. When she received the invitation to ... Read More
Professor Prakash Dheeriya Shares Tips for Financial Literacy
In recognition of April being National Financial Literacy Month, CSUDH Professor of Finance Prakash Dheeriya discusses some of the basic ways that young adults can learn how to manage their money and set realistic goals for themselves. Dheeriya’s expertise is in personal finance and how to make wise decisions as a consumer, investor, or borrower. What does it mean for a young adult to be financially literate? To be financially literate implies that you are not prone to be victims of common financial fraud. It also means that you are able to earn more income without really working at a second job. In other words, you are savvy enough to invest wisely and earn more income ... Read More
University Library Unveils New Mural
On Monday, March 18, the Leo F. Cain University Library introduced a striking new addition to the CSUDH campus: a huge mural created by Presidential Artist in Residence Cristina Martinez. The mural, titled “Women in Bloom,” will provide a lasting legacy of Martinez’ collaboration with the campus. “I like to take these opportunities to have as many people as possible see themselves in my work, especially when it’s going to be on the side of a building like this,” said Martinez. “In thinking about the students, I wanted to incorporate many different skin tones. “Plus, with this being Women’s History Month, I wanted to create something that would let the women of CSUDH feel empowered, ... Read More
CSU Young Males of Color Consortium Receives $3.2 Million to Improve Higher Education Access, Support, and Retention
The California State University (CSU) Young Males of Color (YMOC) Consortium, a collaboration spearheaded by and housed at CSUDH, has received $3,235,000 to support its goal of creating systemic change leading to increased retention and graduation of male students of color. The new funding will enable YMOC to expand its reach by developing institutional partnerships between 16 CSU campuses and their affiliated community colleges. Together, the institutions will create effective intersegmental program models and strategy recommendations for supporting male students of color that can be replicated across the state. “Community college is often the primary pathway for men of color to enter ... Read More
