California State University, Stanislaus

Stanislaus State's Alpha Alpha Alpha chapter held its Spring 2025 induction ceremonies for new members at the University's Stockton and Turlock campuses. Tri-Alpha is a nationally recognized honor society for first-generation college students who have demonstrated academic excellence. Stanislaus State established its chapter in 2020 and has inducted more than 600 members. These ceremonies honor the newest members as they are inducted into the society and continue to advance and excel in their academic and university careers.

Agriculture major Flint McGrath received a $25,000 Career Ready Agriculture Food Safety (CRAFS) Fellowship, part of a USDA grant awarded to launch a food safety certificate program. McGrath, graduating in December with a bachelor's in agriculture and a minor in economics, will use the award toward a master's degree to continue exploring ag. "The best way to honor this fellowship would be to step out and take some courses in food safety and learn more about biology, pathogens and entomology." McGrath said. "I want to continue to get a well-rounded appreciation of the field."

With her time of 4:40.62 in the finals of the mile at the 2025 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships, Annie Wild became Stan State's first ever Indoor Track & Field National Champion. Wild is the 24th All-American in Stan State Indoor Track & Field history. "Annie's unwavering belief in the process, the coaching, and the program reflects her dedication and drive," said Stan State Head Cross Country Coach/Assistant Track & Field Coach (Distance) Darren Holman. "We couldn't be prouder of her journey and accomplishments." Wild and her Warrior men's and women's track and field teammates will return to the outdoor season in Clovis when they participate in the West Coast Relays at the Veterans Memorial Stadium, which will be hosted by Fresno State. Stan State will host the 2025 CCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, May 1-3, 2025, at the Al Brenda Track at Warrior Stadium in Turlock.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.