CSU Leader: Celebrating the Class of 2012

News and Information for California State University Leaders

Vol. 11, No. 13, June 20, 2012

23 Faces of the CSU

23 Faces of the CSU

The CSU graduates nearly 100,000 students every year, with each student traveling a unique journey toward a higher education. From first generation students and foster youth to battling addiction and facing homelessness, CSU students have triumphed over obstacles to obtain a degree. More.

Degrees of Distinction

Dr. Alice Rivlin The California State University awarded its first honorary degree to President John F. Kennedy in 1963 at San Diego State. Since that time, the CSU has awarded honorary degrees to more than 400 distinguished individuals.
More.

Sending Off the Class of 2012

Commencement speakers have the rare opportunity to inspire hundreds of people on one of the most important days of their lives. On this day, new grads stop to remember their college experiences and recognize their accomplishments—and they also look ahead as they begin their lives as college graduates.

Coming from campus, community and national leaders, as well as their own peers—here’s some of the words of wisdom conferred to the Class of 2012. More.

Happy Fresno State Grads

The Gift of Giving

Senior class giving is a long-running tradition throughout the CSU and marks graduates’ first opportunity to give back. This year, student leadership at many campuses coordinated official senior class gifts such as supporting the Trans-California Pathways Project at CSU Stanislaus, a hydration station at the Cal Poly SLO library, and purified water stations throughout the campus at Cal Poly Pomona.

Others urged graduates to give back to their new alma mater in any way they could, reminding them that even though they are no longer on campus, they will always be a part of the university as alumni. To find a way to support your local CSU campus, visit the CSU Alumni website and click on "Get Involved."

CSUs Ranked Top LGBT-Friendly Schools

Humboldt State and San Diego State are ranked among the top friendliest schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students by the national non-profit organization Campus Pride. Out of the over 300 schools that participated in the group’s annual Campus Climate Index Survey, HSU and SDSU were among only 30 to receive a five-star ranking. More.

CSUDH Gets NIH Grant for HIV/AIDS Related Study

Matt Mutchler, associate professor of sociology and director of the Urban Community Research Center at CSU Dominguez Hills, was awarded nearly $400,000 to conduct a three-year study on sexual health in urban communities. More.

CSUCI Hosts Climate Change Exploration

CSU Channel Islands will hold its first Summer Climate Science Institute and Camp, which will bring together NASA scientists, climate science experts, local teachers and students for seven days of learning about climate change and the science behind it. More.

Spelling Champ a Future Aztec?

San Diego State joined the San Diego community in honoring Snigda Nandipati, the winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. During an assembly at the eighth grader’s school, SDSU President Elliot Hirshman surprised her with a four-year scholarship offer. More.

Fresno State Hosts Agricultural Lending Institute

Fresno State’s Craig School of Business will host world class leaders in agricultural finance at the 11th annual Agricultural Lending Institute June 18-22. More.

Featured Post:
The Hope of a Better World

Sonoma State University graduate Punya Droz survived the Khmer Rouge genocide, giving her a special appreciation for the degree she recently received. Read her moving account on CSU Voices and Views.

Questions?
For questions about editorial content, e-mail Michael Uhlenkamp at muhlenkamp@calstate.edu.
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leader-help@calstate.edu.
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