California State University, Stanislaus

12 California State University, Stanislaus students were named 2023-24 McNair Scholars. The Stan State McNair Scholars Program helps prepare students for graduate studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair Scholars are first-generation and low-income students and students ethnically underrepresented in graduate school who have demonstrated academic potential and interest in graduate programs.

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.

Jasmin Dominguez Cervantes recalls her parents' hesitation to seek medical treatment from doctors. When they did, they struggled to connect with them. "They lacked confidence and trust in the healthcare system," said Cervantes, whose parents hail from Mexico. "Whenever they went to doctors, they felt as if they were not being heard, and they were not able to have a trusting relationship with their physicians." Seeing her parents' experiences strongly influenced the Modesto native's desire to become a physician and eventually establish a medical practice where patients trust and confide in her. Her dream of achieving a career in healthcare took a significant step forward when she received the PreMed First-Generation Scholarship, which supported her educational pursuits at Stanislaus State. Established by Dr. Stephanie Brown, alongside her daughters, Lydia and Nelia, both of whom are Stan State alumnae, the First-Generation Pre-Med Scholarship is more than a monetary gift. It's a catalyst for continuity and community care. "The gift of scholarship is an opportunity to serve and nurture future generations by providing students with educational opportunities that my own children had at Stanislaus State," Brown said. It encourages graduates to plant their newfound skills in local soil by remaining in the Central Valley once they graduate and lessen the stark shortage of healthcare professionals in the region. The family has donated $300,000 toward the fund, which supports nursing and pre-med students, each year gifting up to $12,500 to support. Ten students have been awarded the scholarship since the fund was first established in 2020. Each of the scholarship recipients was born and raised in the Valley, is bilingual and carries a story of ambition and resilience.

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.

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.

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

As a Stanislaus State student studying biology and pursuing a minor in chemistry, Hussein Maatouk recently found inspiration and motivation when he was awarded a First-Generation Pre-Med Scholarship. Maatouk began his studies at Stan State in fall 2020, and he is looking forward to graduation in spring 2024.

As they prepare for careers in education, law enforcement and business, six Stanislaus State students have been selected as the 2023 Mary Stuart Rogers Scholars.

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.

The California Pre-Doctoral Program has supported the doctoral aspirations of California State University (CSU) students for more than three decades. This year, the advisory committee from the CSU and the University of California reviewed 156 student applications and picked 76 recipients to receive the program's Sally Casanova Scholarship including Stanislaus State student Isabel Hernandez.

Stanislaus State congratulates more than 3,000 students who were named to the Spring 2023 Dean's List.

Stan State welcomes more than 3,000 new Warriors for the fall 2023 semester. New students include first-time and transfer students who are enrolled in full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate programs.

Legacy Health Endowment Foundation and Golden Valley Health Center Foundation Fund Scholarships, Supporting Next Generation of Medical Professionals in Central Valley.

Colin Bethishou, of Turlock, is one of 23 students selected by the California State University (CSU) to receive the 2023 CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement. Bethishou and his peers -one from each CSU- will be honored during a ceremony as part of the CSU Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement, which is the highest student distinction within the university, grants students scholarships based on academic achievements, financial need, excellence in community service and personal hardship. "The life stories of these extraordinary students who have triumphed over personal hardships to stand among the university system's most distinguished scholars are a testament to the transformative power of public higher education," said CSU Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester. "Through donor support, the CSU is able to provide students who have faced educational barriers the opportunity to pursue a college degree and apply their life experiences and classroom knowledge to elevate their communities and our great state."

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.

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.

Five Earn Alumni Association Scholarships of $1,000 Each.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi-the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines- has recognized Stanislaus State's chapter as a Circle of Excellence Gold Chapter, the second-highest commendation a chapter can receive from the organization. The award is given to chapters that exceed expectations in chapter operations and that demonstrate sustainability and vitality. Since Stanislaus State Chapter 282 was chartered in 1999, it has inducted more than 1,800 members. "We're so grateful the Society recognizes the dedication of this chapter's members and honors the labor of the leadership team," said chapter president and Professor of English Scott Davis. "We intend to use this award directly to support student success at Stanislaus State."

Aspiring teachers, artists and other professionals have been selected as the 2022 Mary Stuart Rogers Scholars. The awards, in their 32nd year, honor upper-division students and credential candidates who have overcome challenges to achieve success and demonstrate hope for the future.

Two Stanislaus State nursing students are among five Central Valley recipients of the Golden Valley Health Center Foundation's annual Flora R. Martinez Nursing Scholarship.

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.

On June 16th, Golden Valley Health Centers Foundation presented a total of $25,000 in scholarships to five deserving college students pursuing degrees in nursing and health care.

Phi Kappa Phi members nationwide have been selected to serve as officers for their local chapters.

Over 500 Stan State students have been inducted to the national honor society, Tri-Alpha. The purpose of this organization is to recognize academic excellence and provide opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and campus and community service for first-generation college students.

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

For the 2021-22 academic year, Stanislaus State recognized 3,130 graduates and 306 credential recipients. The ceremonies, which were live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, were the largest in-person events to take place at Stan State since 2019. The University postponed Commencement in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a top performing student, agriculture major Samuel Johnson of Escalon received the department's Outstanding Student Award at its 2022 Graduation Dinner. Three local businesses were also recognized for their ongoing contributions to the ag department and its students during the years of 2020, 2021 and 2022, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Called the Roots Awards to symbolize steadfast and essential support, the honors went to Duarte Nursery, Inc. for 2020, Frantz Wholesale Nursery, LLC for 2021 and Yosemite Farm Credit for 2022.