It took more than two decades, four unpublished manuscripts, and scores of rejection letters before Laura Warrell brought her first book into the world—the acclaimed novel Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm, which was published by Pantheon Books last year and recently issued in a paperback edition. A lecturer in the English department at CSUDH since 2017, Warrell discussed the challenges she’s faced as a writer, her approach to the craft, and the inspiration for her debut novel during an evening of conversation on Oct. 4 at the Marvin Laser Recital Hall. The event, co-hosted by the departments of English and Women’s Studies, was introduced by Debra Best, professor of English, and featured a ... Read More
Students
Staff Spotlight: Elizabeth Hernandez
As the director of TRIO Student Support Services at CSUDH, Elizabeth Hernandez gets to spend her days helping students and giving back to those who reflect her own educational journey. “These are students like me—first-generation college students,” says Hernandez. “What I enjoy most about my job is assisting those students, helping them overcome barriers, and witnessing them achieve their goals!” Hernandez is a native of Wilmington, Calif., where she grew up with her parents and four siblings. An American of Mexican descent, she was the first of her family to attend and graduate from college, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management from CSUDH in 2012, and a master’s ... Read More
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
Toro Guardian Scholars Officially Opens New Home
Lots of joy and love were on display on Tuesday, Sept. 19, as the Toro Guardian Scholars (TGS) program welcomed the campus community to the official grand opening of their new space in Welch Hall. TGS is a comprehensive program dedicated to supporting Toro students who have transitioned from the foster care system or homelessness. They help students with everything from obtaining basic needs and emergency housing to financial literacy workshops and academic support. Staff, students, and supporters gathered outside the new space for the grand opening, which included short speeches from several officials, followed by an official ribbon cutting by the program’s first director, Joshua ... Read More
