Not everyone is willing to unpack their past—particularly when it is traumatic or extreme. But Sonja Ulrich, lecturer of anthropology and behavioral sciences, unflinchingly owns her story and the hard-won lessons she has learned from her life experiences. For more than 30 years, she has been rebuilding herself in the aftermath of her tumultuous youth and involvement with the Rajneesh movement, which many experts describe as a cult. Born in Germany and raised by a single mother, Ulrich had what she describes as an “unstable” upbringing. Her mother, who faced many challenges as a single parent, became involved with European communes founded by Rajneeshees, followers of Indian guru Bhagwan ... Read More
Alumni
Immigrant Justice Center Celebrates ‘Reopening’
The Toro Dreamers Success Center has provided critical resources for CSUDH’s undocumented community since 2017. Going forward, that support will continue under a new name that better aligns with its core mission and values—the Immigrant Justice Center (IJC). A formal ribbon-cutting event was held at the center’s office on the first floor of Loker Student Union and upstairs in the Palm Courtyard. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff celebrated the reopening with food, music, cultural experiences, and an open house that highlighted key services available to CSUDH’s undocumented community. The center offers undocumented students a range of services and amenities, from academic and ... Read More
CSUDH Alumna Fills Vanna White’s Shoes on Wheel of Fortune
When co-host Vanna White tested positive for COVID-19 before Wheel of Fortune shot their “Teachers Week” episodes in July, the hit game show called on a CSUDH alumna to fill in—2023 California Teacher of the Year Bridgette Donald-Blue. “I’m not sure how I was selected, but I was very excited to receive the call,” says Donald-Blue, who currently serves as a K-3 Math Intervention Teacher at Coliseum Street Elementary in downtown L.A. “I am very honored to have had this incredible opportunity and am extremely grateful.” Viewers of the Monday, Oct. 2 episode were surprised to see long-time host Pat Sajak walk out by himself, rather than accompanied by White. He ... Read More
Governor Appoints Toro Alum to CSU Board of Trustees
On June 29, California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed recent CSUDH graduate Jonathan Molina Mancio to the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees, the oversight and regulatory body for the entire 23-campus system. Mancio will commence his two-year term as student trustee in Fall 2023, when he will also begin attending Cal State Fullerton's Master of Science in Higher Education program. Mancio graduated from CSUDH in May 2023 with his bachelor's degree in business administration and a strong record of student leadership and advocacy experience. During his time at CSUDH, Mancio's peers elected him president and CEO of Associated Students, Inc. (ASI), a position he held from ... Read More
TIME: UPS Is Failing Part-Time Workers Like Me
Source: TIME (authored by CSUDH alumnus Cesar Castro) Like many working-class people of color living in Los Angeles County, I work to support myself and my family. This includes my four younger siblings and single mother. I work hard at UPS part time and just completed my degree in labor studies at California State University, Dominguez Hills. I'm a proud member of Teamsters Local 396, which represents transportation and sanitation workers in Southern California. As a shop steward, I apply my knowledge to help my co-workers at UPS advocate for themselves. Every worker should be able to sit directly across from their employer to negotiate the working conditions they deserve. I'm ... Read More
