California State University, Stanislaus

Those ruby red lips and blood dripping from the title are a siren for fans of "The Rocky Horror Show," and the Stanislaus State Department of Theatre production, which runs May 1 through 4 in the outdoor Amphitheater, welcomes aficionados and newcomers alike. Admission is free. Richard O'Brien's mix of 1930s and '40s B horror movies and science fiction films with glam rock became a campy spectacle that debuted on stage in 1973 and its appeal has never wavered. "It is much more than just another musical theatre show," said Director and Department of Theatre Lecturer Kitsy Olson. "It has become a part of culture. It also has become a pivot point for many young people who are sexually ambiguous. It still resonates, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. It's a coming-of-age thing." "The Rocky Horror Show" is the story of newly engaged Janet and Brad, who, caught with a flat tire in a rainstorm, stumble upon the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his coterie of exotic residents, including phantoms, who are the musical's chorus. The production features extravagant costumes and makeup and characters of different sexual identities. Audience participation is a part of the show, which lends itself to an outdoor setting. "If we're doing something in the Amphitheater, let's go big and let's go bold," Olson said. "If we're doing a rock 'n' roll show, that's the place to do it." Audience members are invited to bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy a night under the stars. "The Rocky Horror Show" appeals to all generations, but it contains mature content, so Olson wouldn't advise it for anyone under 16 or 17 years old. She was surprised when teenagers showed up for auditions, which are always open to the public.

Until she began Stanislaus State's Master of Social Work program in fall 2023, Estefania Hernandez Luna had never received a scholarship before. When she started the two-year program, she received an award from Health Force Partners. Now, Hernandez Luna, a 4.0 student, has earned one of the California State University's most prestigious scholarships: the Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement. Hernandez Luna was awarded the William Randolph Hearst Scholarship and was honored during the CSU Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Champions of the American Dream recognizes individuals in the Central Valley who have distinguished themselves by their professional success and have made exceptional contributions to communities in the Central Valley. This year, a new component has been added to Champions of the American Dream, one that recognizes a student. Bradon Hoover, a third-year art major, is the inaugural Emerging Student honoree. Hoover is vice president and treasurer of Stan State's Art Club and chief marketing officer for the Warrior Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group student organization. Hoover is using the experience he gained from launching his high school's maker space, and from hands-on experiences in Stan State's Fab Lab, to start a similar venture in the Turlock area. In addition to recognizing the entrepreneurial and community spirit of the honorees, the Champions of the American Dream event offers students and community members an opportunity to interact with regional business leaders who serve as dynamic role models while giving back.

Stan State welcomes more than 8,000 Warriors for the spring 2024 semester. Students include first-time and transfer students who are enrolled in full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate programs.

Fighting Through Physical Challenges and 20 Surgeries, Manny Alonzo Emerged as a Champion for Marginalized Communities

Stanislaus State congratulates more than 2,000 students who were named to the Fall 2023 Dean's List.

The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Stanislaus State's chapter of Alpha Xi Delta, Iota Beta, earned the organization's highest honor at the national convention. Fraternity Vice President Anahi Lopez represented the chapter in receiving the Xi Achievement Award. The Greek letter organization is one of the oldest women's fraternal organizations in the country. The award, presented at the closing formal Rose Banquet, "recognizes chapters for superior achievement in living the mission and vision of Alpha Xi Delta." That mission is for the organization to nurture unity and cooperation, foster intellectual, professional and personal growth, exemplify the highest ethical conduct, instill community responsibility and perpetuate fraternal growth.

Stanislaus State will celebrate its Class of 2023 during the University's Commencement ceremonies in the University Amphitheater Thursday, May 25, and Friday, May 26.

Second-year graduate student Lisamarie Raimondo is the Stanislaus State recipient of California State University's 2022 Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement, the CSU's highest recognition of student achievement.

The CSU Research Competition featured 21 categories for undergraduate and graduate students, with students having first presented at their own campus.

Karen Garcia was homesick after two weeks in Monterey during the introductory phase for Panetta Institute Congressional Interns. By the time she returned home two months later, Garcia, who expects to graduate this month, was pondering international studies.

Stan State Student June Sidlauskas Among Student Veterans of America's Top-10 Student Vets

The Warriors were going for gold at the CCAA Cross Country Championships in San Marcos as they took first overall out of 11 schools

Phi Kappa Phi student vice presidents from across the nation recently attended the Society's 2021 Student Vice President Leadership Summit held July 13-15 and July 20-22 as a web-based event.

Stanislaus State student-athletes achieved high academic excellence during the Fall 2020 semester. Despite the pandemic, the student-athletes were able to juggle academics and athletics finishing with an overall department grade point average of 3.275.