Oscar Moreno, a junior majoring in film and television production, sat transfixed as nine alumni panelists and about 20 other invited alumni shared details of their college days as well as how they've attained success early in their careers. “I learned about what life is like after graduating, what to be prepared for, interviews, internships,” Moreno, a first-generation college student, said of information that alumni shared. This sort of exchange was precisely what director of Alumni and Family Programs and alumna Gayle Ball-Parker (Class of '78, B.A., psychology) had in mind when organizing the Alumni Career Chat: New Year, New Goals event in partnership with University Housing ... Read More
Alumni
Alumna Eileen Yoshimura: History Repeats Itself
It is often said that history repeats itself. This is true for alumna Eileen Yoshimura. At least in one context. In the mid-1970s as an undergraduate student initially majoring in English at California State University, Dominguez Hills, Yoshimura enrolled in a general education history class taught by Donald Hata, now emeritus professor of history. “[Hata] made history so exciting that I decided to major in history,” the Los Angeles native and Montebello resident recalled. “He also gave me the opportunity to work on the Dominguez family papers doing research. That further excited me.” When some of the Dominguez family businesses came to an end, such as the Dominguez Estate and ... Read More
Alumni Take on Role of Professor for a Day during Inaugural Event
Fifteen alumni and two friends of California State University, Dominguez Hills returned to campus to take on the role of professor during the university's inaugural Professor for a Day on Nov. 20 and 21. “As leaders in their respective fields, our alumni brought a wealth of professional knowledge and career advice to the classroom. This program allowed students to engage in candid conversations with professionals about real life experiences in careers,” said Gayle Ball-Parker, director of Alumni and Family Programs, who organized the event. During their lectures and presentations, the honorary professors shared details of their success since graduating, lessons learned, and how ... Read More
Alumna Bree Nguyen Likes to Have a Plan
California State University, Dominguez Hills alumna Bree Nguyen (Class of '12, B.S., business administration, finance) had a childhood wish to someday work in Hollywood's film industry. Today, Nguyen's wish has come true, although in an unexpected way. As a strategic partnerships manager for public figure partnerships at Facebook she works daily with actors, as well as singers and other famous individuals. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Nguyen will return to campus for the CSU Dominguez Hills inaugural Professor for a Day, which welcomes back successful alumni to campus. Nguyen started following her dream early on, telling herself, “Make a plan. Even if you don't know how you're going to get ... Read More
Second-Generation Toro Follows Family Tradition of Military Service
Petite and self-described as girlish, Kimberly Walker says few of her classmates at California State University, Dominguez Hills know she's in the military. While that might be the case, soon, lawmakers and visitors to the State Capitol in Sacramento will be made aware of her service. The senior majoring in business with a concentration in accounting is among 10 veteran or active service students, alumni, faculty and staff of CSU campuses chosen by the CSU Office of the Chancellor to have their images and stories showcased in a display in the State Capitol during the week of Veterans Day (Nov. 11). The banners will line the Capitol halls as part of a celebration of veterans and the CSU's ... Read More
