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
Campus News
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
Toro Softball Off and Running
The CSUDH softball team has their sights set on a third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, and have come roaring out of the gate this season. After a four-game sweep of Stanislaus State at Toro Diamond over the weekend, the Toros can boast a 11-3 record and stand in first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference standings. How does the team maintain consistency year-to-year, despite losing key players to graduation? “It always starts with continuing to develop good people,” says head coach Jim Maier. “We focus on moving them forward academically, and then we focus on trying to win games.” This season saw the Toros lose several outstanding players, ... Read More
