CSUDH News

The primary source of news and information about California State University, Dominguez Hills, its students, faculty, and staff.

Press Releases

CSUDH is Named 2021 Hispanic-Serving Institution Leader by Fulbright Program

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Campus photo and Fulbright HSI logo

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has named California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Leader in the inaugural year of this designation.

CSUDH is one of 35 HSIs to receive this distinction, which recognizes the noteworthy engagement that selected HSIs have achieved with the Fulbright Program – the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program – during the 2019-2021 academic years. This initiative is part of the U.S. State Department’s longstanding commitment to build diversity and inclusion within the Fulbright Program and within all the Bureau’s international exchange programs.

On July 28, 2021, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona released a “Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education,” which outlines the many benefits of international education and the need for “all Americans […] to be equipped with global and cultural competencies.” The Fulbright HSI Leaders Initiative supports the goals of the joint statement, including the principle that U.S. participants in international exchanges should reflect the diversity of the United States.

Over the past decade, CSUDH has not only attracted faculty Fulbright alumni, but has also produced Fulbright fellows from faculty and graduate student ranks. With disciplines ranging from literature and history to peacebuilding and social work, CSUDH scholars have earned fellowships in South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

“CSUDH embraces the vision of the Fulbright program as it aligns with our own mission to provide a transformative education that transcends boundaries and appreciates diversity in all its forms. The Fulbright program has offered unique opportunities for our faculty to enrich the educational experiences of our students, preparing them for global citizenship. We are honored to receive this acknowledgment and appreciate the recognition of our collective efforts,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael E. Spagna.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Academic Programs Ethan Rosenzweig, speaking on behalf of ECA, which sponsors the Fulbright Program, congratulated and thanked the leadership of the designated institutions for recognizing the impact of the Fulbright Program. He said:

“Thank you for creating a campus culture that celebrates the mission of Fulbright and international exchanges. Thank you for epitomizing the principle that mutual understanding between peoples of the United States and other countries will lead to a more just and peaceful society at home.”

Rosenzweig also praised the faculty, staff, and administrators on campus who recruit, advise and support future Fulbrighters throughout the application process, stating “your work epitomizes the values of why we all come to our jobs each and every day…to ensure our students have every opportunity to excel beyond goals they may not have believed were ever obtainable.”

2021 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program, and a dedicated website is showcasing Fulbright alumni, partner countries, and anniversary events.

About the Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program was created to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. 

Fulbright is active in more than 160 countries worldwide and partners with participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States. Many of these organizations also provide direct and indirect support. ECA sponsors the Fulbright program, and several non-profit, cooperative partners implement and support the program on the Bureau’s behalf. For further information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State, please visit http://eca.state.gov/fulbright or contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Press Office by e-mail ECA-Press@state.gov.

CSUDH Presents “Transcend,” a Multimedia Exhibition by Visual Artist Toni Scott

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Transcend by Artist Toni Scott. Multicultural Art Gallery, CSUDH library 5th floor

“Transcend” features paintings and sculptural works that reimagine our differences and celebrate our shared experiences of being human.

What:       “Transcend,” an exhibition of work by visual artist Toni Scott
When:       November 1, 2021 – Winter 2022, Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m and by appointment
Where:      CSUDH University Library Multicultural Art Gallery (5th Floor)
Contact:    University Library, (310) 243-3700

The Multicultural Art Gallery at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) proudly presents “Transcend,” an exhibition of works by Southern California-based visual artist Toni Scott on view from November 1, 2021 through the end of the Fall 2022 semester.

Scott’s work often explores her ethnicity as a descendant of African, Indigenous, and European American ancestry.  Her art presents the questions: Are we one people, or do lines of demarcation define our humanity? And how can we come together as one race, the human race, in greater unity?

One of the works on exhibit is “Ascend,” constructed from queen palm fronds, wood, and acrylic paint. Scott takes inspiration from queen palm trees, which combine compressive strength with grace to withstand major storms – bending and bouncing back with resilience.

Other sculptures include “Mangbetu Woman,” sculpted from fiberglass, and “I Can’t Breathe,” first created in 2009 as a response to the murder of Oscar Grant, and recast in 2020 in response to George Floyd’s murder. The exhibition also includes several of Scott’s paintings which pay homage to her indigenous heritage and evoke meanings tied to the spiritual and ceremonial practices of her ancestry.

“Transcend” is a part of an ongoing multi-year creative collaboration between Scott and the university which was announced last year and continues through 2023.

“Toni Scott’s artistic mastery is inspirational, thought-provoking, and compelling. The themes contained within her work, including race, identity, culture, and inequity, align perfectly with the ethos of CSUDH – a university firmly rooted in its mission of social justice,” said CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham. “We are proud to partner with Ms. Scott and are humbled that she has chosen the CSUDH campus to help highlight her artistic endeavors.”

Viewing hours for “Transcend” are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or by appointment. For more information call (310) 243-3700.

The Multicultural Art Gallery is located on the fifth floor of the University Library at CSUDH, 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson. For a map and directions, visit csudh.edu/directions.

CSUDH Announces Partnership with ViewSonic for New Esports Incubation Lab

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ViewSonic Elite gaming monitor with CSUDH Esports and View Sonic | Elite logos over the top.

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) has entered into a partnership with gaming giant ViewSonic to furnish the university’s new Esports Incubation Lab, as well as providing support for other career-building opportunities and activities.

“The CSUDH community is grateful to be working with an industry leader like ViewSonic, who cares about putting students first,” said Ruben Caputo, academic advisor and general manager of the CSUDH Esports Association, which was established in 2017 and currently has over 200 members. “The partnership collaboration will allow us to make an even bigger impact as we enter our brand-new esports facility.”

Under the terms of the agreement, ViewSonic will serve as the official monitor sponsor for the CSUDH Esports Association and provide the Esports Incubator Lab with gaming monitors, large television monitors, an interactive whiteboard, and other equipment. They will also provide funding for jerseys and other apparel for Esports Association members.

According to Caputo, ViewSonic approached the CSUDH Esports Association after seeing several of their social media posts highlighting the ways the university is using esports as a student success strategy. Esports Association’s mentoring program with Compton Unified School District convinced the company that CSUDH would be a like-minded partner in developing esports.

“ViewSonic is committed to its ongoing community outreach efforts as part of their Empowering Future Generations initiative,” said Kenneth Mau, Product and Channel Director, ViewSonic Americas. “It is imperative we extend our reach to not only provide an outlet for youth, but also provide something that is sustainable and beneficial. Within a short time, we have seen the value in esports and what it provides to so many children, teens and young adults. The esports culture not only provides a community, but it develops various skills across all age ranges, prepares students for careers and offers lifelong ingenuity.”

In addition to providing equipment and apparel, ViewSonic will work with the Esports Association to develop an internship pipeline for CSUDH students, allowing them to begin to transfer the skills they are learning in esports to the workplace. ViewSonic will also offer career day opportunities to Toro students, and will provide support for other events and activities as they arise.

In announcing the partnership, CSUDH President Thomas Parham added, “This partnership is vitally important to CSUDH, because esports will be a critical element of our student engagement strategy going forward. We are looking for ways to keep students engaged and on track, while teaching them skills in coding, mathematics, science, and writing that will help them better manage the rigors of a university curriculum—skills they need to master on their way to preparing for the workforce. ViewSonic’s support will enable us to make sure our students have the tools they need to succeed while they’re here on campus, and after they graduate.”

The Esports Incubator Lab is currently under construction, and is expected to be completed by Spring 2022. On October 15, during the CSUDH Grand Opening, the esports program will be digitally unveiling the new Esports Incubator Lab.

President Parham Honored as 100 Black Men of Los Angeles’ Man of the Year

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CSUDH President Thomas A. ParhamFor his leadership and advocacy, California State University, Dominguez Hills President Thomas A. Parham will be recognized as the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles’ Man of the Year at their 40th annual gala, which will take place virtually on Oct. 23.

The nonprofit organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for Blacks and other underrepresented racial groups, will also honor Congresswoman Maxine Waters as their Lifetime Achievement Awardee and LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell as Woman of the Year.

“What an honor and privilege to be recognized and celebrated by the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles, along with other consequential and iconic leaders in the Los Angeles and Southern California community,” said Parham. “This honor is humbling.”

In selecting him for this honor, 100 Black Men of Los Angeles noted Parham’s decades of work on behalf of young people and the community at large. The organization called Parham “a prime example of what dedication and hard work is all about. He has touched many lives over the years and continues to make a difference. Dr. Parham goes about his work without asking for fanfare or recognition. As an organization, we are ecstatic to have him as an honoree.”

“Dr. Parham is a generational leader who has a sincere understanding of today’s youth,” added gala co-chair Tommy Davis. “His commitment to shaping society and educating the future leaders of this world must be recognized at all levels.”

Parham has spent nearly four decades in higher education as an educator and administrator. Prior to his tenure as president of CSUDH, he served as vice chancellor for student affairs and an adjunct faculty member at the University of California, Irvine, where he had been since 1985. He is also a scholar and practitioner of psychology in the area of psychological nigrescence, specifically on identity development, African psychology, and multicultural counseling.

He has long maintained a relationship with the 100 Black Men of America organization, helping charter the Orange County chapter in the early 1990s. While serving as chair of the education committee, he helped to develop their signature Passport to the Future program, and is the architect of their Rites of Passage component. From 2002 to 2005, Parham served as president of 100 Black Men of Orange County. He has also served as national chair of education for the 100 Black Men of America.

“In my work as the President of CSUDH, and an actively engaged member of the L.A. community, my goals always coalesce around being a servant leader; being an advocate for my students, staff, and faculty needs; and being a voice of uncompromising clarity on those things that align with justice, fairness, and equity,” added Parham. “I hope this award indicates that I have managed those affairs with integrity and righteous character.”

Previous Man of the Year honorees include then Senator Barack Obama, L.A. Laker Earvin “Magic” Johnson, former L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Bishop Charles Blake, and radio host Tavis Smiley.

The 40th Annual 100 Black Men of Los Angeles Gala will be held virtually on Oct. 23. For more information, please visit  www.100bmla.net.

CSUDH Presents John Patrick Shanley’s ‘Savage in Limbo’

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Savage in Limbo, Nov. 10, 11, 12, 13 at 7 p.m.

What:             “Savage in Limbo,” by John Patrick Shanley
When:             November 10, 11, 12, and 13 at 7 p.m.
Tickets:          Livestream tickets are $15 per night. Live audience tickets are $15 per night. To reserve a ticket visit https://www.csudh.edu/theatre-arts/buy-tickets/
Contact:         Call (310) 243-3589, or email PerformingArts@csudh.edu.
Note:               The show features adult themes and language and is not advised for children under 12.

California State University, Dominguez Hills will perform a livestream and in-person production of “Savage in Limbo,”  providing both audiences with a unique theatrical performance. Directed by CSUDH Theatre and Dance Department faculty member Mary Beth McIntosh, the show will run November 10, 11, 12, and 13 at 7 p.m.

Written by Tony and Academy Award-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley, “Savage in Limbo” is an arresting and brilliantly inventive play that examines isolation, dashed dreams, and the varying states of limbo in which a group of lost parochial school friends find themselves. Against the 1984 backdrop of a seedy Bronx bar, these characters bemoan their loneliness and desperately seek mutual connection in a world determined to ignore them. Who will succeed and break their self-defeating cycle, and who will remain trapped in limbo?

McIntosh feels that “Savage in Limbo” is appropriate for the times, as the play magnifies the need for human connection, communal comfort, and empathy. It is her hope that “every individual finds their way and not only accepts, but celebrates who they are.” The CSUDH students are honored to work on this vital, timely, and revelatory production.

The current pandemic has, in many ways, turned the theatre world on its head. The Dominguez Hills Theatre Department has felt the effects and has adapted by creating livestream theater. Espousing this new theatrical mode, McIntosh brings the filming process center stage, creating an interactive live television studio experience for in-person patrons and providing them with a unique perspective.

Tickets to “Savage in Limbo” are $15 and may be purchased for either in-person or livestream experience at www.csudh.edu/theatre/tickets or by calling (310) 243-3589. The show features adult themes and language and is not advised for children under 12.

In-person performances will take place in the University Theatre, located on the CSUDH campus, 1000 E. Victoria St. For driving directions and a map of campus, visit www.csudh.edu/directions. Parking permits are $9 and may be purchased at kiosks near each lot.

Please note: All in-person performances are presented on the condition of current public health orders and may be canceled. In-person audience members will be required to follow COVID-19 protocols, including wearing face coverings at all times.

For more information, call (310) 243-3589, or email PerformingArts@csudh.edu.