For many of the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) students who will graduate May 15 and 16, being conferred a university degree will significantly help them to find a career, a calling, or even a future. For theatre arts major Audrey Edwards, the years she spent on stage at CSUDH as an actor and scholar has helped her find a voice. “When I was little I was super shy, super little and had no voice. But getting on stage helped me find my voice,” said Edwards, a Los Angeles resident who first began performing in middle school. “I wish I could have found the arts when I was younger, but I have it now and I want to use it to help inspire others.” Edwards likes dancing ... Read More
Commencement
Class of 2015: Erik Ceja, B.S., business administration, entrepreneur
KNWRZN? What could that possibly mean? For Erik Ceja, a business administration student at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) who graduates May 15 with his bachelor's degree, it is a growing streetwear apparel business and brand, an investment in his future, and a tribute to a lost friend. “My best friend Omar 'Reazn' Valdez passed away in 2007 at the age of 24. He was a local graffiti artist who greatly influenced me when I was growing up,” said Ceja, whose degree concentration is in marketing and advertising. “After he passed away, I wanted to keep his spirit alive and created the first incarnation of KNWRZN.” He shelved the name after a couple of years to ... Read More
Class of 2015: Benjamin Clinton, 65, B.A, interdisciplinary studies, giver
At 65 years of age, Benjamin Clinton, an interdisciplinary studies student at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), has no plans to hold back his career aspirations. In fact, like most of his fellow graduates who will walk across the commencement stage May 15 and 16, he sees his bachelor's degree as a critical step toward professional advancement. “Just by having a bachelor's degree while working for Los Angeles County will enable me to move up in the system,” said Clinton, a Carson resident who has been working in Los Angeles County's Department of Public Social Services' (DPSS) GAIN (Greater Avenues for Independence) program for 31 years. “My degree will make me eligible ... Read More
Presidential Scholars honored by university, donors and friends during benefit
When California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Presidential Scholar Suzanne Rodriguez told university President Willie J. Hagan she would graduate summa cum laude during his inauguration dinner last year he replied, “You'd better!” She did not disappoint. Rodriguez, a liberal studies major, will graduate summa cum laude when she is conferred with her bachelor's degree during commencement this spring. Rodriquez was one of 22 Presidential Scholars honored during the 2015 Presidential Scholars Benefit held April 30 in the Stadium Club at the StubHub Center located on the CSUDH campus. The Presidential Scholars program has been supported since its inception in 1990 by ... Read More
CSU Dominguez Hills to bestow honorary doctorate on actor, humanitarian Forest Whitaker
Academy Award-winning actor and renowned social activist Forest Whitaker will return to his hometown of Carson on May 16 to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and serve as a keynote speaker during the university's College of Arts and Humanities Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the StubHub Center Tennis Stadium on campus and is one of five college-based commencements taking place May 15 and 16 in celebration of the approximately 4,000 students graduating from CSUDH. Forest Whitaker is the founder and CEO of the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), an international non-profit ... Read More
