Connections

Cal State LA, Binzhou Medical University to explore range of cooperative educational opportunities

Cal State LA and Binzhou Medical University of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote international academic collaboration and foster educational exchange between the two institutions. Key areas of collaboration include faculty and staff exchanges, joint teaching initiatives, and student-centered programs such as exchange opportunities, credit transfers, and cultural camps. Read more about the MOU.

Prison Graduation Initiative celebrates new Chino campus dedicated to serving incarcerated students

Cal State LA, the California Institution for Men (CIM), and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the university’s new campus in Chino, the first in the country dedicated solely to serving an incarcerated population. The university’s Prison Graduation Initiative (PGI) program will operate out of the 17,500-square-foot campus to guide CIM students toward bachelor’s degrees and teach them the everyday skills they will need upon paroling back to society. Read more about the CIM College Campus.

PGI Convening addresses issues facing the recently paroled and their families

In other PGI news, the program held its second PGI Convening in April. With the theme of “Community and Careers,” this year’s event served as a resource fair with more than 30 exhibitors assisting paroled students with job searches and other services. The convening also offered a healing circle and an official campus tour to anyone interested in attending Cal State LA. Read more about the PGI Convening.

University receives grant to expand pathways for ethnic studies, gender and sexuality studies

Cal State LA has been selected to receive a $100,000 grant to expand connections between Ethnic Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. The grant is funded through a California State University-wide initiative committed to advancing the study of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. The Cal State LA project will develop dual B.A. degree pathways for students to pursue double majors in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and an Ethnic Studies discipline. Read more about the grant.

Two-term ASI president compiles long list of accomplishments

Initially hesitant about student politics, Yahir Flores has completed two terms as Associated Students, Inc. president, with key accomplishments that benefited the 22,000 fellow Cal State LA students he served. Flores graduated with double undergraduate degrees in political science and Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies and will return to Cal State LA in the fall to begin work in the Master of Public Administration Program. Read more about Yahir Flores.

Cal State LA designated as Opportunity College and University in latest Carnegie Classifications

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recognized Cal State LA as an institution that can serve as a model for how campuses can foster student success. Under the 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification, the university was designated as an Opportunity College and University, which confirms Cal State LA as a higher access and higher earnings school that equips socio-economically and racially diverse sets of students to be more economically successful than their peers. Read more about the Carnegie Classifications.

Nursing graduate program ranks among nation’s best

U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 edition of Best Graduate Schools ranked Cal State LA’s Master of Science in Nursing program among the top five in California and 30th overall in the nation, moving up 11 notches from the previous year. It is one of only two public universities in Los Angeles County included in the 2025 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s listing. Read more about the ranking.

Professor’s Maya bioarchaeology research gains international attention

Michele Bleuze, assistant professor of anthropology at Cal State LA and director of the university’s Subterranean Maya Bioarchaeology Project, has garnered international media attention for her recent findings from the Cueva de Sangre site of Dos Pilas in Petén, Guatemala. Bleuze’s investigation of a Classic Period (AD 250−900) ritual deposit at the cave revealed compelling bioarchaeological evidence of Maya sacrificial practices. Her analysis identified perimortem trauma and postmortem anthropogenic modifications on several skeletal elements. Read more about Bleuze’s research.

Pérez-Silverman Symposium focuses on university’s biodiversity, conservation efforts

The university’s Pérez-Silverman Symposium: Promoting Urban Ecology explored the connections between wildlife, native plants, and environmental resilience in urban environments such as Cal State LA. Named for benefactors and Cal State LA alumni Amelia Pérez-Silverman and Jeff Silverman, the two-day symposium featured an on-campus bird tour, an oak tree-planting session, a seed-harvesting workshop, and a “Birds and Seeds” panel. Read more about the symposium.

Professor leads innovative robotics and orchestra collaboration

John M. Kennedy, professor of music in the College of Arts and Letters at Cal State LA, led a visionary project that brought together robotics, orchestral performance, and real-time innovation. The Mars, PA, Robotics and Orchestra Project features a newly composed musical work for a traditional ensemble, enhanced by robotic sound generators developed by the students of a robotics association from Mars, Pennsylvania. The orchestral performance was scheduled to debut in early June at Mars’ Martian New Year Celebration. Read more about the project.

Celebrating excellence in speech-language pathology program

The Department of Communication Disorders at Cal State LA, housed in the Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services, announced two significant accomplishments for its Master of Arts program in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology. The speech-language pathology program was reaccredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology through Dec. 31, 2033, which reaffirmed the program’s continued excellence in academic instruction and clinical training, and its commitment to preparing culturally responsive, community-focused professionals. In addition to the reaccreditation, graduate students from the National Student Speech Language & Hearing Association chapter at Cal State LA achieved a major milestone by winning first place at the 2025 California Speech Language Hearing Association College Bowl. The competition brought together top university teams for a fast-paced, Praxis-style challenge that tested knowledge, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Aerial competitions take flight, provide seniors valuable practical experience

Cal State LA hosted a pair of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) competitions that doubled as Capstone Senior Design projects for students from the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology. The Cal State LA Hexwing team won the flight competition in the CSU California Unmanned Aerial Systems Competition at the Mojave Air and Space Port on June 7. The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay took first place in the design competition, and Cornell CUAir was the runner-up in both competitions. At the 3D-Printed Fixed-Wing Aircraft Competition, held on May 31 at University Stadium and Jesse Owens Track, Stanford swept the flight and design competitions. Norco College placed second in the flight competition, Cal Poly third, and Cal State LA’s 2FlyCrew fourth. Cal Poly also came in second in the design competition. Read more about the UAV competitions.

Cal State LA students rise to the challenge at CSU Student Research Competition

Cal State LA fared well at the 39th Annual CSU Student Research Competition held at Cal Poly Humboldt. Alejandro Sanchez (B.S., Biochemistry) won the engineering and computer sciences competition for undergraduates with his presentation, “Improving the Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries at High Temperatures for Space Applications.” Cal State LA also had second-place finishers in Isuru Rajapakshe (M.S., Electrical Engineering) for “Spectral Changes in sEEG as a Biomarker for rTMS Efficacy in Major Depressive Disorder” in the engineering and computer sciences for graduate students category; and Isaac Collins (Master of Social Work) for “Black Americans’ Attitudes and Perceptions of Mental Health Services” in the human and political science for graduate students category. Evelyn Scott received an honorable mention (M.S., Physics) for “Protostar Disk Dynamics of Oph IRS 63” in the physical sciences competition. The annual event gathers scholars from the 23 CSU campuses in a competition that showcases their research, scholarship, and creative work. Read more about the research competition.

Cal State LA advocates for student success and federal support during CSU Hill Week

As part of CSU Hill Week in April, a delegation from Cal State LA traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for increased federal support for students and institutions of higher education. The delegation, led by President Eanes, joined peers from across the CSU system to highlight the transformative impact of the CSU and the importance of continued federal investment in public higher education. Throughout the week, the Cal State LA delegation engaged in meetings with key policymakers to underscore federal priorities that are vital to student success, including preserving and expanding the Pell Grant, supporting protections for Dreamers, and investing in Minority-Serving Institutions like Cal State LA. The delegation had the opportunity to meet with several influential members of Congress, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, a proud Cal State LA alumna, as well as Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congressman Robert Garcia, and Congressman Gilbert Cisneros. CSU Hill Week is organized annually by the CSU Office of Federal Relations and brings together university leaders, students, and policymakers to discuss federal priorities and showcase the system’s powerful return on investment.

Cal State LA names Mike Bonin as Pat Brown Institute’s executive director

Mike Bonin was named executive director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs (PBI) at Cal State LA, effective May 1, 2025. The appointment of Bonin aligns with the educator, podcaster, and former Los Angeles City Councilmember’s passion for public affairs, leadership, and policy. PBI is a nonpartisan, presidentially chartered institute dedicated to the quest for social justice and equity, enlightened civic engagement, and an enhanced quality of life for all Californians. Read more about Mike Bonin and his vision for PBI.

Future Forums panel discusses construction and infrastructure of Los Angeles following wildfires

Cal State LA hosted a Future Forums event, entitled “Recovery, Rebuilding, Resilience and the Future of Infrastructure,” in April at the Golden Eagle Ballroom. A panel of experts discussed the future of construction and infrastructure in Los Angeles in the wake of the devastating wildfires of January. Future Forums are presented through a partnership between Cal State LA, the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, and CSU Dominguez Hills. The forums position higher education institutions at the forefront of industry advancements, offering insights into how emerging developments shape regional economic growth. Read more about Future Forums.

Cal State LA students participate in Oxford Consortium for Human Rights workshop supported by Rosser Endowment

A contingent from Cal State LA recently participated in the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights Spring 2025 workshop held at the University of Oxford in England. The group, led by Honors College Director Kathy J. Cooke, included Cal State LA students Cindy Nguyen, Veronika Katona, and Alexis Ramirez. Funding for the trip was provided by the James Rosser Endowment in support of the Honors College. The workshop, entitled “Human Rights in War and Climate Crisis,” convened over 40 students from institutions across the United States to examine the intersection of human rights with global issues, such as climate change and international conflict. Participants engaged in dialogue with distinguished experts, including humanitarian Hugo Slim, journalist Annie Slemrod, and Oxford Professor Kenneth Payne. “Participating in the Oxford Consortium workshop for human rights and the climate crisis was an unforgettable experience,” said Katona. “I had the chance to network with like-minded students from across the country, learn about some of the most urgent issues in our world today, and how we can initiate meaningful action.” And, Nguyen noted: “What I learned was beyond what a lecture or textbook could provide. I gained insight into building community, organizing for change, and the lasting impact of advocacy—all of which will shape how I approach my future career.”

CAUSE on Campus at Cal State LA to cultivate future leaders

A group of Cal State LA students convened in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo to prepare for a future of leadership and impact. The meeting, organized through CAUSE on Campus at Cal State LA, was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional world by teaching the students leadership, civic engagement, and professional readiness through a lens rooted in ethnic studies. CAUSE on Campus is a leadership program committed to advancing the political and civic engagement of leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Read more about CAUSE on Campus.

Graduate student Maria Velasco keeps indigenous Mexican language alive

Maria Velasco has become an influencer for Zapotec. The 25-year-old is working to keep alive the ancient language of her native Oaxaca, Mexico, through her graduate studies in linguistic anthropology at Cal State LA. Velasco works with the Language Documentation + Revitalization Space research group and has assisted with the creation of more than 200 Zapotec word-of-the-day videos and a representation of the official regional alphabet. Read more about Maria Velasco.

Pickleball courts open to students, staff, faculty, greater Cal State LA community

America’s fastest growing sport has come to Cal State LA. The university held a grand opening for its highly anticipated pickleball courts in April, inviting students, staff, faculty, and alumni to give the eight state-of-the-art courts a test run. The courts, located at Greenlee Plaza near the Student Services Building, are free to students, faculty, and staff. Read more about the pickleball courts.

Golden Eagles earn top-three finish in Hiegert Cup standings

Cal State LA has matched its highest-ever placement in the Robert J. Hiegert Commissioner’s Cup standings, finishing third among 12 institutions in the California Collegiate Athletic Association for 2024-25. The Hiegert Cup recognizes the most successful overall athletics program in the conference based on performance across multiple sports. Cal State LA’s strong showing included standout finishes in golf, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and basketball. This marks the third top-four finish in the past four years for the Golden Eagles. Read more about the Hiegert Cup results.

Jonon Young earns All-American honors at track nationals

Jonon Young added two more All-American finishes to her résumé at the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships last month, placing sixth in the long jump and eighth in the triple jump. The finishes extend her All-American tally to three this year and seven in just two seasons at Cal State LA. Young swept the long jump and triple jump titles at the CCAA Championships earlier this spring.

Billie Jean King honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Billie Jean King was honored with the 2,807th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first woman to receive a star in the category of sports entertainment. The Cal State LA alumna is highly regarded as a trailblazing tennis champion and advocate for equality. “Her priority always is to help others, especially women, rise to the level she has ascended,” President Eanes said of the 39-time Grand Slam title winner. Read more about the Walk of Fame ceremony.

New AAPI Alumni Network kicks off heritage month

The Alumni Association hosted the inaugural reception of the Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Alumni Network—the ninth and newest addition to the Cal State LA Alumni Association’s growing community—to kick off AAPI Heritage Month. Cynthia Wang, a faculty member in the Department of Communication Studies, treated guests to a special musical performance at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex. Golden Eagles, past and present, had the opportunity to reconnect and learn more about the university’s programs and initiatives supporting our AAPI community. The launch of this alumni network on May 1 marked the beginning of new collaborations, mentorship, and opportunities to amplify the voices and contributions of AAPI alumni and students. Learn more and get involved with the AAPI Alumni Network. 

Prison to Careers Equity Pathway Program celebrates alumni success

The innovative Prison to Careers Equity Pathway Program has helped two graduates of the PGI program secure six-month fellowships and another land a full-time position. The placements are part of the pathway program that connects formerly incarcerated students with meaningful employment opportunities in community-based organizations focused on equity, healing, and justice. Jimmie Gilmer will serve his fellowship with The RightWay Foundation and Charlie Praphatananada with Arming Minorities Against Addiction & Disease. Casi Amezcua now works full-time with the Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles. Read more about the Prison to Careers program.