“I've come a long way,” said CSUDH alumna Teresa Ramirez, reflecting on her college and career path. A first-generation Mexican-American born in Torrance, and raised in Compton, Ramirez was the first member of her family to pursue a college education. Ramirez was a self-described “shy, quiet, somewhat naïve” first-year college student. By the time she graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology, Ramirez had developed “the confidence that I needed to be a leader, someone who can communicate without being afraid.” Ramirez traces much of her success to being awarded a CSUDH Presidential Scholarship, the university's premiere scholarship program, in recognition of her outstanding ... Read More
Alumni
David Puerta: Forging a Path in Biotechnology
When Forge Therapeutics COO and VP of Discovery David Puerta first set foot on the CSUDH campus, he wasn't sure what kind of career he wanted to pursue. As a first-generation college student, his (and his parents') initial goal had been to just get to college. After being recruited to play soccer for the Toros, he started classes with only a vague notion that he wanted to be involved in science. “I was always interested in science,” Puerta said, “but I didn't know where you could go with that in terms of a career, outside of being a physician or dentist..” Due to a close relationship with his chemistry professor, Leonardo Martinez, Puerta began to focus his studies on biotechnology. ... Read More
Olympic Gold Medalist Carmelita Jeter Bestowed Honorary Doctorate During 2019 Commencement
For her athletic achievements, contributions to the sport of track and field, and her dedication to her community, Olympic Gold medalist and California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) alumna Carmelita Jeter was bestowed a California State University Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during CSUDH's Commencement on May 17 and 18. This year, the Class of 2019 enjoyed a more intimate graduation experience in the Dignity Health Sports Park's Tennis Stadium with stands full of family and friends cheering on the graduates. The more than 3,600 graduates listened to words of well wishes, personal reflections, and insightful advice from six CSUDH alumni keynote speakers during six ... Read More
CSUDH to award Olympic gold medalist Carmelita Jeter with honorary degree
Cal State Dominguez Hills will award an Olympic gold medalist who graduated from the university with an honorary doctorate at a graduation ceremony next month. Carmelita Jeter, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist in the 4×100-meter relay, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university and the California State University board of trustees on May 17. She will receive the degree at the commencement ceremony for the College of Health, Human Services and Nursing, for which she will be the keynote speaker. Jeter is one of six Cal State Dominguez Hills alumni serving as keynote speakers to about 3,600 students receiving bachelor's and master's degrees. Jeter was part of the ... Read More
Alumni Share Knowledge and Try Their Hand at Teaching During Professor for a Day
Passing on knowledge and advice that will help both students and their industries thrive are among the top reasons California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) alumni return to their alma mater for the university's annual Professor for a Day. Experiencing teaching at the college level and as a potential future career option is another. This year, 31 alumni became honorary professors in the most industry-diverse cohort in Professor for a Day history, which after six years has grown to cover several days. Alumna Dehra Lopez ('12, M.S., Occupational Therapy), an occupational therapist (OT) who works full-time for Windsor Gardens Convalescent Center in Long Beach, tried her ... Read More
