Life has changed dramatically for Heidi DeLeon since she grew up on a Michigan farm in Pinconning, a small town where at 10 p.m. the major traffic signal switches to a blinking red light and the police station closes. In a flash of violence in 1995, a series of events were set into motion that would send DeLeon's life spiraling out of control and eventually lead to her doing a five-year stint in Chowchilla's Valley State Prison for Women in central California years before she would become a Ronald E. McNair Scholar and a Class of 2013 graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills with a degree in Africana studies. DeLeon was only 14 when her father fatally stabbed her ... Read More
Commencement
Alumni Among List of 2013 Commencement Speakers
California State University, Dominguez Hills is pleased to announce the speakers for its 2013 Commencement Ceremonies, scheduled to take place over two days, Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, at The Home Depot Center Tennis Stadium on the university campus. “It is an honor to welcome such accomplished individuals as our 2013 commencement keynote speaker, all of whom are leaders in their fields,” said Interim President Willie J. Hagan. “It is especially gratifying to welcome two of our own prestigious alumni as keynote speakers this year, both of whom personify the promise and possibility before our graduates and exemplify the value of a CSU Dominguez Hills education and their ... Read More
Commencement 2012: Graduates Reach Their Goal But Not Their Limits
A record 3,100 students received their diplomas during the 2012 California State University, Dominguez Hills Commencement May 18 and 19 at the Home Depot Center Tennis Stadium. It was the first time in several years the ceremonies spanned two days, with this year's exercises split into five college-based ceremonies. As expected the days were filled with big smiles, hugs, cheers, balloons, confetti, congratulatory signs and a generally festive atmosphere as faculty, administration, staff, special guests, and thousands of family and friends celebrated as master's candidates were hooded and undergraduates moved their tassels from right to left. While many undergraduate students pushed ... Read More
Pamela Lane: Nursing Graduate Finds Purpose in Helping Others
For Pamela Lane - a recipient of the 2012 California State University, Dominguez Hills Presidential Award for Outstanding Student for academics, leadership and community service and the Presidential Award for Personal Perseverance who was once a high school dropout - walking in commencement exercises to receive her Master of Science in Nursing this past Saturday was not merely an academic accomplishment, but a personal triumph in turning the troubles and tragedies of her past into a future of helping others. Troubled Past Lane grew up in a broken home, her parents having divorced when she was 4 years old and her mother, who remarried and divorced twice more- to abusive heavy drinkers- ... Read More
Alumni Connect and Experience Graduation
About 70 California State University, Dominguez Hills alumni returned to the university to participate in the 2012 Commencement exercises Friday, May 18. After reminiscing and celebrating with cake during a private pre-reception held in their honor, the attending alumni, in full regalia, led the procession of soon-to-be graduates of the College of Business Administration and Public Policy into The Home Depot Center Tennis Stadium. For Frankie Stewart (Class of '83, B.A., sociology; '86, M.S., behavioral science), the alumni processional is a not-to-miss event that helps her recapture the feeling of being in college. “Academia is near and dear to my heart. Every September I agonize ... Read More
