Hundreds of Cal State LA alumni and friends gathered at the GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles on Oct. 1 for an evening of connection, community, and celebration.

The capacity event marked the first regional alumni reception under the leadership of Cal State LA President Berenecea Johnson Eanes. Alumni from across Southern California reconnected, expanded their professional networks, and learned about the university’s vision for the future.

During remarks in the Clive Davis Theater, Eanes reflected on the influence of alumni on her own educational journey. She recalled how her aunt encouraged her to apply to the aunt’s alma mater—a school Eanes had not known about—and offered to pay the application fee.

“That’s the power of alumni,” Eanes said. “So what I say to you tonight is that you are powerful in everything you do.”

Eanes also outlined Cal State LA’s new Strategic Plan, highlighting priorities to strengthen student experience, expand access and achievement, and prepare students for employment. The reception underscored the university’s vision of “One LA, One Path Forward: Career. Community. Connection.”

“I want to be sure that you understand that we have a new plan for the university, and we also have a new CSU plan,” she said. “But I also want you to understand that we value all your stories and your history and whatever you know about us. So tonight, be sure that you network and you talk to each other, because it’s important.”

The reception, themed “Golden Eagles on the Record,” featured culinary offerings by Wolfgang Puck Catering and included remarks from Maria Ubago ’98, ’06, associate vice president of alumni relations, and Jeff Poltorak, vice president for university advancement.

In his remarks, Poltorak encouraged alumni to consider their role in the university’s next chapter.

“As you enjoy the evening, I hope you will not only think about where Cal State LA has been, but about where we are going, and more importantly, about the role you can play in that journey,” he said. “Thank you for being here. Thank you for being Golden Eagles.”

Photo: A Grammy Award on display at the GRAMMY Museum, where Cal State LA held its “Golden Eagles on the Record” alumni reception on Oct. 1. (Credit: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA)

For alumni in attendance, the evening offered a chance to renew their ties to Cal State LA and connect with fellow Golden Eagles.

“I was really excited that the reception was hosted here at the GRAMMY Museum because it is pretty cool to check it out, and also to meet everyone else that has graduated in the past and recently as well,” said Yvette Lopez ’26, a communications graduate.

Derrick Ng ’20, a finance graduate with a minor in real estate, also welcomed the opportunity to build connections.

“What drew me here today was the opportunity to connect with other Cal State LA alumni and also be able to network,” Ng said. “One of the biggest things in life is networking—it takes you places; knowing people takes you places.”

For Keith Saunders ’77, a business graduate, the reception was his first alumni event and another way to support a university he values.

“I’ve been giving money to the university for the last couple of years to help other students,” said Saunders, who stopped to photograph the Michael Jackson memorabilia on display. “I didn’t even know that they have events like this. I am really glad I came.”

The GRAMMY Museum is an interactive educational museum devoted to the history of the Grammy Awards and the artists who have received them. During the reception, guests explored four floors of music history, iconic artist memorabilia, and cutting-edge sound exhibits.

“It is about time after 20 years. I got to be here—to honor and celebrate with my other alumni peers,” said Cal State LA staff member and alumna Consuelo Serna ’07 as she toured the Olivia Rodrigo exhibit. “I love music, but I don’t have a specific genre. I had never been to the GRAMMY Museum. Cal State LA has given me so much and this—to come here—is another one that Cal State LA has given me.”

The venue also highlighted Cal State LA’s connection to the museum. In 2015, Cal State LA was selected as an official university affiliate of the GRAMMY Museum, providing access to the museum’s musical archives and educational resources. After a hiatus, Uziel Colón Ramos, assistant professor of music, drew on his experience in the Recording Academy’s Awards Department to help renew and expand Cal State LA’s partnership with the academy and strengthen connections with GRAMMY U and the GRAMMY Museum.

These relationships have opened doors for Cal State LA students to participate in industry events, build professional networks, and explore internships and career development opportunities within the GRAMMY organization and its affiliated entities.

Additionally, the location reflected Cal State LA’s rich musical legacy. Distinguished alumni include Florence LaRue ’66, a founding member of The 5th Dimension and six-time Grammy Award winner, and Luis Bonilla ’90, a multiple Grammy Award-winning trombonist, composer, and arranger. Musician and activist José Quetzal Flores, founder and leader of the Grammy Award-winning East Los Angeles band Quetzal, received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Cal State LA in 2021.

Patti Kilroy, an associate professor of music and member of the new-music sinfonietta Alarm Will Sound, received a 2026 Grammy Award for best chamber music/small ensemble performance for “Land of Winter,” composed by Donnacha Dennehy. Kilroy teaches violin and strings courses, chamber music, and music appreciation in Cal State LA’s College of Arts and Letters.

Alongside the celebration of alumni connections and musical achievements, the university president called for support of the next generation of Golden Eagles.

“So show up and show out for our young people,” Eanes said. “There is no stopping what we can do for them. But we have to get up every day and be very focused on what we’re trying to do. Thank you for supporting Cal State LA!”

Ubago echoed that call, highlighting opportunities for alumni to give back and stay connected to the university.

“As a double alumna of Cal State LA myself,” said Ubago. “I am proud to bring these important events to our alumni community so that our fellow Golden Eagles can connect, network, and share in the spirit of ‘One LA, One Path Forward.’ I encourage all alumni to get involved, whether that’s sharing their wisdom through our mentoring program, volunteering their time on a campus board or committee, or supporting the campus philanthropically.”