Spring 2025
Money Changes Everything
How NIL Cash is Changing College Athletics
Featured Stories
The Future of Humanities: A Conversation with Dean Tim Caron
Dean Tim Caron champions arts, equity, and inclusive education at CSUDH while exploring AI and student empowerment.
Money Changes Everything
NIL money reshapes college sports, as CSUDH navigates new challenges and opportunities in athletics and recruiting.
Dymally Institute Expands Its Footprint on Campus
The Dymally Institute at CSUDH gets a new home, fostering Black leadership, policy change, and cultural programming.
A Unique Forensics Class Gives Would-Be Investigators a Crash Course in How to Handle a Crime Scene
A hands-on CSI course gives CSUDH students a thrilling, realistic crime scene experience with police and faculty.
Loyalty Inside His DNA
Despite big offers, star athlete Jeremy Dent-Smith stays at CSUDH, choosing loyalty, growth, and community over money.
Photo Story
Historic Basketball Season
Both CSUDH basketball teams made historic runs to the NCAA DII title games, showing loyalty, grit, and record-breaking performances.
Jillian Elwart, Toro Paralympian
CSUDH alumna Jillian Elwart competes in the 2024 Paralympics and now helps children as a prosthetics specialist.
Going with the Flow
CSUDH students collect river data in the Sierra Nevada, aiding research on drought and climate change.
Campus News
Brackish Water Los Angeles Marks CSUDH as Premier Art Destination
CSUDH explores art, ecology, and culture in ‘Brackish Water Los Angeles’—a major Getty-funded exhibition and student-led project.
Toro Star Nala Williams Named National Player of the Year
CSUDH’s Nala Williams named 2025 NCAA DII Player of the Year, leading her team to a historic national championship appearance.
Clinical Science Pays Off
CSUDH clinical science grads earn over $120K annually, with a 99% licensure pass rate and high ROI for students.
Gerth Archives to House Hutchinson Collection
CSUDH’s Gerth Archives becomes home to Earl Ofari Hutchinson’s manuscripts on race, politics, and American life.
Plant Life Key to Professor’s Work in Preserving Indigenous Language in Mexico
Professor Mantenuto uses native plants to preserve Mixtec language in Oaxaca through research, film, and education.
New Mural Blooms on Campus Library
Artist Cristina Martinez’s ‘Women in Bloom’ mural celebrates CSUDH’s diverse women students in bold, vibrant color.
Exploring African Immigrant Identities through Song
Professor Ojakovo highlights African sacred music and identity through song, archives, and academic collaboration at CSUDH.
Campus Transformation Continues with Four Major Construction Projects
CSUDH invests $228M in new housing, wellness, and academic facilities, reshaping student life and sustainability.
BSI Launch Event
CSUDH hosts statewide event launching the Black Serving Institution designation, promoting equity in higher education.
Black Servingness Institution: A New Designation for a Commitment CSUDH Already Fulfills
CSUDH exceeds Black Serving Institution standards with holistic support, mentorship, and cultural programs for students.
Burnt Yard Waste Becomes Sustainable Energy Storage
CSUDH physicist turns burnt yard waste into low-cost energy storage, using off-the-shelf materials and student-led research.
Fish Oil to Cure Cancer? Professor Sees Promise in Store-Bought Product
CSUDH professor explores fish oil’s potential as a cancer treatment, involving students in lab-based clinical science research.
The Not-So-Humble Toilet: Japan’s Unlikely Symbol of Modernity
CSUDH historian links Japan’s modern identity to the evolution of toilets, from wooden latrines to smart tech Washlets.
From Tragedy to Triumph
CSUDH prosthetics students helped Zoe, a maimed dog from Egypt, walk again through a partnership with Unstoppable Dogs.
Faculty
Making Sense of Latino Support for Trump
Despite Trump’s rhetoric, some Latino voters support him due to economic frustrations and political disillusionment.
L.A.’s Chicana Leaders
Professor Marisela Chávez’s book explores intergenerational Chicana activism and forgotten Latina political pioneers.
Faculty News in Brief
CSUDH faculty earn honors, grants, and media attention for groundbreaking work in education, science, and policy.
Alumni Profile
Esther Anaya Alumni Spotlight: Chargers DJ, Musician, Proud Toro
CSUDH alum Esther Anaya brings music, violin, and energy to Chargers games and global festivals as a star DJ.
Philanthropy
Philanthropic Giving
Record-breaking gifts took philanthropic giving to new heights.
CSUDH and Apple: Five Years of Changing Local Students’ Lives
A 5-year CSUDH-Apple partnership empowers K-12 students and teachers with hands-on STEM tools and innovation training.
Class Notes
Class Notes – Spring 2025
CSUDH alumni are making waves in business, education, tech, and public service across generations and industries.
The Alumni Advisory Council Needs You!
CSUDH’s Alumni Advisory Council seeks graduates to mentor students, shape campus goals, and champion Toro pride.
Published by University Communications & Marketing
President
Thomas A. Parham, PhD
Director of Communications
Mason Stockstill
Senior Writer
Nick Bulum
Contributing Writers
Philip Bader
Lilly McKibbin
Graphic Designers
Kevin Narvaez
Shin Mi Pak
Multimedia Designer
Hillary Griffin
Photographer
Matt Brown
Videographer
Nathan Brown
Web Content Strategist
Romel Edmond
Production Coordinator
Kandis Newman
Social Media Coordinator
Isabel Casillas
Thank You for Your Support!
Toro Giving Day 2025 just passed, but you don’t have to wait until next year to donate! Your generosity makes a lasting impact on our students’ futures. Every gift—big or small—helps fund scholarships, enhance academic programs, and enrich the student experience at CSUDH. Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders.
Make every day a Toro Giving Day!
Your gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For additional information, please call University Development at (310) 243-2182 or email us at development@csudh.edu