We’re getting ready to close the book on 2024 — and what a year it’s been! As we turn the page to 2025, CSUN Newsroom polled our team of editors and writers (and readers!) about the stories from the past year that resonated with them. Read on for their recommendations. Happy Holidays and a peaceful, prosperous and joyful New Year!
Matador Magic on the Road: Alumni Take Center Stage with the Jonas Brothers
This very popular piece features amazing photos provided by the alumni, and it was written by one of our excellent student interns, Ruby Durant (a graduating senior). In fact, this story is all about Matador pride: The tip came from our former colleague and alumna Bridget Fornaro ’19, and it showcases alumni musicians living their dreams! —Olivia Herstein, editor
A Social Media Post That Ate, Plus a Bit of History
I’m obsessed with the “Gen Z Writes the Script” video because it tapped into our multi-generational Matador community in such a viral, memorable and quirky way.
The “CSUN History” post is a great opportunity to share interesting snippets of the campus’ history. It helps the audience see the university as a longstanding educational institution with a rich and meaningful legacy. —Josselyn Partida, digital strategy specialist
CSUN’s Black Student-Athletes: Excellence on and off the Field
I deeply valued the opportunity to learn more about our Black student-athletes, their points of pride, and their reflections on Black excellence. — Genevieve Evans Taylor, chief of staff, Office of the President.
Picture = A Thousand Words
I love the photo (taken by Assistant Photographer David James Hawkins) with the literacy program story because it fits the story so well and shows the power of education. The story (by Jacob Bennett) is worth reading because it shows how programs like CSUN’s help close learning gaps from the pandemic and create new chances for students and teachers. —Ringo Chiu, senior photographer
CSUN Alumna Joins NASA’s Quest for Life Beyond Earth
A CSUN alumna is working on one of NASA’s most exciting projects in recent years — the Europa Clipper, a probe that will collect data from Jupiter’s moon Europa, where scientists think conditions might be right for life to exist. This story profiles CSUN alumna Akemi Hinzer and her work as a planetary protection scientist. —Jacob Bennett, development communications officer
Healing Through Harmony: Inside CSUN’s Groundbreaking Music Therapy Program
This story, which focuses on the power of music, highlights the decades-long music therapy program at CSUN that, in many ways, was ahead of its time when it started in 1984. It represents a model for other universities to follow when it comes to tackling mental health issues in creative ways. —Javier Rojas, media relations specialist
And Finally… Caps, Gowns, Triumph!
We (the editors and writers) always look forward to the beautiful photos taken by our staff photographers. They do a wonderful job of capturing the palpable pride and happiness among our graduates and their families. It’s a very busy time for them — probably their busiest time of year — yet they always deliver amazing work. —Jenny Steinbeck, writer/editor
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