– Additional reporting and photos by Cristina Espinosa and David Ajtun
April is National Arab American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the cultures, histories and contributions of nearly 4 million Arab Americans. With roots in 22 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries — including Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan — Arab Americans represent a wide range of identities, languages and traditions. At CSUN, Arab American students are making their mark in classrooms, student organizations and beyond. CSUN Newsroom spoke with Matadors from diverse backgrounds who reflected on how their heritage has shaped their college experience, the values they carry with them and how they are honoring their culture while forging their own path.
CSUN student Katie Karroum
Katie Karroum, 22. “I am Syrian American.”
A senior communication studies major and CSUN’s Associated Students President, Karroum said her cultural background has had a profound influence on her college experience — particularly as a first-generation student. “Arab Americans [may] relate to the fact that our families have very high expectations for their children to succeed,” she said. “It is a lot of pressure, and a lot of the pressure also turns into feeling like you don’t have a say in the degree you want to pursue and the career you want to end up landing in.”
One value she holds close is the tradition of hospitality, which she believes is central to Arab culture and something she feels more people should embrace. “Be the one to offer to pick up the bill first, invite them into your home, making sure that they have food and something to drink in front of them,” she shared. “It brings that morality of being a human back to us… you’re a human and I’m a human and I want to make sure that you’re nourished and cared for.”
Karroum said she hopes to make an impact on her community through open dialogue — particularly focusing on the struggles and intersectional identities that she feels can go unspoken in some Arab American communities. “I think that’s the biggest thing that we don’t see in the Arab community is people speaking up,” she said. “Arab Americans… are really used to this culture of not talking to other people about [their] struggles because you don’t want other people to know that you’re struggling.”
By embracing open conversations, she believes her generation can foster more empathy and understanding. “It’s important to acknowledge that there needs to be learning and reflection,” she told CSUN Newsroom.
When asked how she is working on keeping her culture alive, she said standing together in solidarity — especially in the face of discrimination and misrepresentation — is where she starts. “There’s a lot of anti-Arab rhetoric that goes around, and it’s super common and super normalized,” she shared. “A lot of what we see in the media and what we see in policy and legislation is inherently anti-Arab and coming together and finding community is [vital].”
CSUN student Dawoud Mishal
Dawoud Mishal, 22. “I am Palestinian.”
A senior film major with a focus in producing, Mishal said his cultural identity has been a driving force in his college experience and creative work at CSUN. Born in the U.S. and raised in Jordan, he shared that although he hasn’t visited Palestine, it remains the culture he connects with most — a connection that has shaped his advocacy, community building and storytelling on campus.
“I always try to support them, and motivate them, and encourage them, because I know these are very tough times,” he said. “A lot of people are even ashamed or reluctant to even say they are Palestinian… I try my best to motivate them and let them know that they have a community.”
That sense of connection has extended into his work as a filmmaker. His senior thesis project, “The Anniversary,” tells the story of a Palestinian family living in post-9/11 Detroit and navigating racism.
“CSUN has given me the opportunity to express being Palestinian,” he said. “I’ve been working on anything related to Palestine since then.”
A founder of the Express Film Festival — an effort to unite student filmmakers from CSUN, UCLA and USC — Mishal said he hopes to uplift underrepresented voices and build bridges through collaboration with his fellow storytellers and creatives.
When it comes to honoring tradition, he holds close a phrase from his upbringing that reminds him to stay grounded. “Alhamdulillah… it means thanks or gratitude to God,” he explained. “I try to say it after every encounter… even if they don’t like me, or even if they don’t align with me. I try to say alhamdulillah. God bless them.”
CSUN student Angelica Alhakim
Angelica Alhakim, 21. “I am Yemeni American.”
A senior psychology major, Alhakim said her background has shaped the way she approaches challenges and how she stays focused on her goals. “In my culture, giving up is like not really an option,” she said. “Because my future is important and that’s what’s going to shape who I become in the future and who I’ll be.”
She shared that deep sense of purpose is grounded in the values her family has instilled in her — especially the importance of staying connected to loved ones. “Always put your family first,” she said. “They’re always there to support me and… I’m there to support them.”
At CSUN, she hopes to create a stronger sense of connection and belonging for other Yemeni students. “[I would like to] bring more Yemeni girls like me together… like a safe space… a bonding experience, to get to know each other,” she said when asked about making an impact on her community.
Alhakim explained she is inspired by how her generation is keeping cultural traditions alive while adding their own voices. During the holy month of Ramadan, for example, she’s seen a growing number of students observing and sharing in the experience. “That month is all about having good intentions,” she said. “I’m happy that I see a lot [more] Arabs participating.”
Through identity, resilience and community, these Matadors are making their mark — using creativity, connection and the power of their voices to inspire change. They are just a few of the many CSUN students embracing their heritage and shaping a brighter future.
(L-R: CSUN students D’oni Demerrill, Isaiah Taylor, Melonie King, Phoenix Douglas,Quinn Island. Photos: Cristina Espinosa & David Ajtun /CSUN)
Black History Month, observed each February, is a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions and resilience of Black individuals throughout history. At CSUN, it offers students a chance to reflect on their identity, honor their heritage, and explore how their experiences on campus shape their understanding of Black history. CSUN Newsroom spoke with Matadors from diverse backgrounds who shared personal reflections on what the month means to them, highlighting themes of empowerment, pride and community. Their stories underscore the significance of cultural identity and how CSUN’s supportive environment encourages students to embrace their past while shaping their future.
D’oni Demerrill, 24, “I am Black.”
For Demerrill, a senior marketing major, Black History Month is about unity, shared history and celebration. “I really like the community that I have when it comes to being Black. I feel like I have a lot of people that are with me … because we all come from somewhere in Africa … That kind of brings us all together, especially here at CSUN,” she shared. CSUN’s Black House has played a significant role in fostering that connection for her. “The events that I have gone to, they’re really nice. Everyone was so comforting, it made [me] feel I belong here at the school.”
The marketing major emphasized that Black History Month is not just about looking back but about celebrating achievements that often go unrecognized. “We have a lot of history [that] a lot of people don’t normally know too much about … I feel like the history aspect of [this month] is really important. Our accomplishments are definitely brought to light,” she explained.
Her experience at CSUN has been defined by the strong support she has found among her peers. “[The Black House] is a way for us to just all get together and for us to all connect, and we also guide each other,” she explained. “We celebrate each other’s wins and it’s just really nice to have each other’s back.”
As she looks to the future, Demerrill hopes her legacy will be one of self-discovery and patience. “It’s OK for us to take our time to figure out who we truly are. Figure out our history, our culture, and then use that to guide us to what we truly want to be … it’s not a race, it’s OK, we can breathe.”
Her heritage in one word: “Belonging.”
Isaiah Taylor, 21, “I am African American.”
Taylor, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, views Black History Month as an opportunity to pay tribute to those who paved the way. “Celebrating Black History Month is honoring those that came before me and paved a path for me to be able to do the things that I can do now. Guys like Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain who played basketball through a time where racism was still prominent or guys like Martin Luther King who fought for us to be equal people,” he explained.
That legacy fuels his own motivation to succeed. “It’s empowered me in the sense that I need to uphold the greatness and excellence that they put forth and started and keep that tradition going and that’s what I’m doing by being here at CSUN and being a college student,” he said. “They fought to give me this right and I am trying to uphold it and take advantage of it.”
Coming to CSUN was an eye-opening experience for the mechanical engineering major. “Where I’m from there’s not too many African American people, so being at CSUN and seeing a lot of African American people and being able to make a lot more African American friends is a real eye opener for me,” he said. “We come from different walks of life, and I get to see the ones that struggled a lot more, the ones that had it a lot better than others, and I get to see the different ways that we can interact.”
Taylor hopes to leave a lasting mark at the university. “For my legacy at CSUN, I hope to be one of those people that made it through,” he said. “I want to have some type of imprint where I did something that’s going to stay here for a minute, and I’m still trying to accomplish that.”
His heritage in one word: “Monumental.”
Melonie King, 39, “I am Belizean American.”
As a senior psychology major and transfer student, King has found Black History Month to be a time of reflection and self-care. “Being mindful and in my community and thinking of the things that I can do for the bigger picture, but at the same time resetting, taking care of myself … making sure that I’m not too overwhelmed by the things that are happening,” she explained.
Her experience at CSUN has been shaped by strong mentorship and opportunities to uplift others. “Working at the USU, the affirmation that I’ve gotten just to be myself in this space and also provide programming for students … has been very transformational, especially as an older student and as a transfer student,” she said.
King hopes to be remembered for the way she has impacted others. “I hope my legacy would be to be remembered for the positive way that I made people feel,” she said. “Doing things like Rainbow Graduation … [some] patrons start out here very shy and become more involved with the community, making more friends, and then seeing them graduate.”
Her heritage in one word: “Connected.”
Phoenix Douglas, 20, “I am Black.”
Sophomore art major Douglas sees Black History Month as a celebration of those who have helped shape his journey. “It means celebrating everyone in my life who has put me in this moment. The opportunity to go to college and express myself through art and pursue my passions,” he said. “It’s for my family who have gone through so much, through segregation and discrimination to put me in this moment, in this opportunity. It is for the figures in my community, like Martin Luther King, who have advocated for me to have the right to come here.”
CSUN has provided a space where he can explore his identity. “I had grown up in a very white-dominated community and area for the majority of my life, now being able to explore through different groups and different communities on campus. I can be more connected with my culture and who I am,” he said.
His goal is to inspire future generations of Black artists. “I’m inspired by many Black artists who have come before me and I want to continue on that path,” he explained. “I hope that my legacy will honor the people and strive to push people, that look like me, in more creative fields. Hopefully, I can be one of the people that other young black people and young black students can look up to.”
His heritage in one word: “Resilient.”
Quinn Island, 20, “I am Black and Indigenous.”
For junior Africana studies major Island, Black History Month is a reminder of the ongoing effort to ensure representation year-round. “I do see more Black representation in that month, and it can be kind of a double-sided coin because there should always be some Black representation going on,” they shared.
Island has been deeply involved in advocacy and leadership at CSUN. “I’m vice president of QSOC (Queer Students of Color), I work at the Pride Center, and I’m on a subcommittee in the USU for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion,” they said. “I’ve been really focused on [those things] because I know [CSUN] is going to be temporary for me, but I am working to make it better for people coming after me.”
Island’s commitment to activism is shaped by their ancestors’ strength. “The fact that I exist, despite Native American genocide, despite enslavement … it reminds me that even if I don’t feel the strongest, I know the people before me were really strong … so I have to follow in their footsteps.”
Their heritage in one word: “Resilience.”
(Additional reporting by Cristina Espinosa and David Ajtun)
Students seen at the Meet The Clubs event at Sierra Quad, Wednesday, January 31, 2024. (Ringo Chiu / CSUN)
Studies show that a greater sense of belonging and connection on campus can lead to better academic outcomes including higher grades and ultimately, making it to graduation day.
Cultivating a sense of belonging can take place at any point in your academic journey— and there are many ways to go about it at CSUN. Many of the sources quoted in this article are not only staff and faculty members — they’re also alumni. They know what it’s like to show up, on their own, to this large campus. They figured out how to make it a home and now they help the Matadors who have followed them do the same.Read on for their reflections on campus life and what helped them gain a sense of belonging.
“There is this beautiful, gratifying moment when you come to campus and you cannot walk 15 feet without saying hello to somebody that you know or that somebody who knows you.”
Christopher Aston ’02 (Communication Studies), M.A. ’04, director of Student Development and Transitional Programs, on his involvement as a student in Associated Students and New Student Orientation.
First, What Does it Mean to Belong?
Here’s a general definition — belonging is a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group, in which you feel welcome and accepted.
Ryan Mason ’11 (Sociology), M.A. ’15 (Education) is the senior coordinator of the Black House and student support services. He defines belonging this way: “It’s creating long-term relationships with individuals that will support you through the good and the bad, and make sure that you can develop in some way — and that can be a peer, that can be faculty or staff,” Mason said.
“Belonging is achieved through shared experiences with one or more people,” said Mercado. “It’s connection, affiliation and the sense that you matter.”
Starting Out — Personal Experiences
It’s more than just about making friends or joining clubs — but those are worthwhile pursuits! Sierra Snodgrass, 21, is from Carson, and moved to campus last year. She’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in psychology. She took Mercado’s U-100 class, where many of the assignments require students to explore the campus and write about those experiences.
“I think I tend to, in most environments, feel like an outsider,” said Snodgrass. “So, I needed a push to get out there,” she said.
Snodgrass ended up exploring “Meet the Clubs,” a huge club fair that’s held on the Library and Sierra quads twice per year, at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. Then, a trip to Alaska with Associated Students’ Outdoor Adventures program inspired her to pursue a job with the organization.
“Now, with Outdoor Adventures, I see a lot more [familiar] people around campus … to say ‘hi’ to people doesn’t feel as uncomfortable,” Snodgrass said.
The Payoff
In a study by Maithreyi Gopalan and Shannon T. Brady, the authors note: “At four-year schools, belonging predicts better persistence, engagement and mental health” among students.
Christopher Aston, 02 (Communication Studies), M.A. ’04, who now oversees New Student Orientation and graduation ceremonies at CSUN, said getting involved builds overall confidence and empowerment.
“You’re doing more, but you’re doing better,” he said. “Not just your well-being, but your classwork is also improved, so everything is kind of tied together.”
Mercado noted that belonging promotes an overall sense of well-being.
“If you belong, it can have an impact on your emotional wellness, your social wellness,” Mercado said. “And all of these things add up to a balance and harmony.”
A Way In (or Many Ways): A (Partial) List of Resources and Ideas
For first-time freshmen and transfer students, check out the University 100 classes.
Cultural and identity centers and departments on campus are great places to find a sense of community.
Photos and additional reporting by Cristina Espinosa and David Ajtun
June is a special time at CSUN, as the campus comes together to celebrate Pride Month — honoring identity, sharing stories and uplifting the voices of LGBTQIA+ Matadors. Throughout the year, the Pride Center and campus partners offer supportive, vibrant spaces where students can connect, express themselves and feel at home. CSUN Newsroom spoke with Matadors from diverse backgrounds who shared how being part of the LGBTQIA+ community has shaped their CSUN journeys, and they offered messages of support and advice for others still exploring or embracing who they are.
Hosanna Merrick (she/they), 18. “I am bisexual and non-binary.”
CSUN student Hosanna Merrick
As an incoming computer science major, Merrick is already finding a place to grow and connect. Surrounded by a circle of LGBTQIA+ friends, she shared: “A lot of my friends are members of the LGBTQ community, who understand what it’s like to not be straight or fit into the norms. They support me in the things that I’m going through and in discovering myself.”
The Pride Center at the University Student Union quickly became a second home for Merrick. “That has been my safe place, a place where I feel really safe and seen,” they said. “Everybody there has always been really nice and supportive.” Through the center, the computer science major found community, guidance and stability. Their message to other Matadors who are still exploring their identity is filled with encouragement: “Be yourself, find the people that are willing to accept you for that,” they said. “The Pride Center has helped me to really feel included.”
Corrin Cacioppo (all pronouns), 22. “I am queer and genderfluid.”
CSUN student Corrin Cacioppo
Cacioppo, who is majoring in documentary studies and minoring in queer studies, journalism and disability studies, brings a deep awareness of identity to every class conversation. “Being a queer student especially at a school that has a queer studies program, does a lot,” they said. Discussions on queer healthcare, disability and navigating identity in the workplace have felt especially meaningful when shared with other Matadors and CSUN faculty who understand, Cacioppo said. “The professors do a really good job letting students lead with their queer experience, which is really nice,” they said.
They’ve found community through friendships, classes and shared experiences. “Once you find that one person, they’re going to pull you in, whether you like it or not,” they said. “Being queer, you need support from other queer people to really feel seen and comfortable.” Their advice for other students is bold and freeing: “You’re in college right now. This is the time to explore,” they said. For Cacioppo, that exploration led to belonging. “Once you find yourself and you find your people… you’re so uplifted by the community.”
Leo Chou (he/him/they/them), 20. “I am a transgender male.”
CSUN student Leo Chou
For Chou, a senior music major with a focus on media composition, being part of the LGBTQIA+ community has added depth to campus life and academic conversations. “Being in the community has added a lot of depth to my perspective, with discussions about identity, diversity and inclusion,” they said. “I’ve been encouraged by professors, who welcomed different viewpoints and created affirming environments, allowing me to speak openly about my experiences and add to classroom discussions.”
Before coming to CSUN, Chou worried he’d have to hide parts of himself again. But during his campus tour, he found gender-inclusive housing and a vibrant Pride Center filled with events. “That made me feel like I was going to be OK,” he said. At one of those events — a clothing swap — he picked up gender-affirming clothes that he still wears. His message for students on their journey: “There’s no rush in finding a label for your identity. Just continue to be who you are and hopefully, the world can be a safer place for people just looking to exist.”
Marisa Beard (she/they), 20. “I am queer.”
CSUN student Marisa Beard
When Beard arrived at CSUN to study the music industry, she brought with her a lot of questions about identity. “I spent a lot of time being confused because I went to a Catholic school,” she said. “Meeting a lot of other queer — especially older queer — people [at CSUN] helped me become more certain of myself and made me realize, yeah, this is just who I am.” What once felt isolating now feels like a shared experience — and an opportunity to build unexpected connections for the CSUN senior. “For every million queer people, there’s twice as many people that are maybe not queer and are going to accept you and will be part of your community,” they said.
To students still navigating identity, they offer gentle honesty and encouragement: “It’s OK to be wrong, there’s nothing wrong with changing your mind,” the Music Industry Studies major said. She spoke about how her own understanding has shifted over time — what once felt like a “tomboy thing” became something deeper. “I spent a long time being like, ‘Oh, I’m nonbinary’ or ‘Oh, I’m gender fluid’and then I kind of turned to, ‘I don’t really know what my gender is,’” they said. They also emphasized self-acceptance: “You don’t have to learn about who you are so you can explain it to other people. It’s to make yourself happy.”
– Additional reporting and photos by Cristina Espinosa and David Ajtun
At CSUN, students who identify as Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) are finding meaningful ways to celebrate their heritage, embrace their identities and build community. During APIDA Heritage Month, CSUN Newsroom spoke with Matadors from diverse backgrounds who shared how their cultural roots continue to shape their academic journeys, personal growth and visions for the future. From the traditions they carry forward to the stories they hope to inspire, these Matadors are honoring where they come from and reimagining what representation and legacy look like for a new generation.
Tanvi Chereddy, 19. “I am Indian American.”
CSUN student Tanvi Chereddy
Tanvi Chereddy, a cinema and television arts major with a focus on television production, brings her Indian American identity into her CSUN experience through values rooted in education, kindness and introspection. “Growing up, there was a big emphasis on the importance of education,” she said. “But also, on being kind to people and not living with a big ego — that’s helped me form meaningful relationships.” At CSUN, she’s found a sense of belonging through the Indian Student Association, where she feels supported. “Everything I’ve learned from the people around me here has shown me more community than I’ve ever felt in my life.”
Since moving away from the Bay Area, where she explains her culture felt more visible, Chereddy has developed a deeper appreciation for her heritage. “I realized I can’t take it for granted. It’s something that’s always going to stay with me, and I need to keep it alive,” she said. That includes reconnecting with Hinduism on her own terms and sharing Telugu films like “RRR” with her peers. “It’s a way to spread my culture that’s interesting and meaningful.” Her approach to legacy is simple but powerful: “Being a good person is more important than skills, knowledge or money,” she said. “Even if I don’t leave a legacy behind, that’s what I’ll always strive for.”
Alex Sison, 19. “I am Vietnamese Filipino American.”
CSUN student Alex Sison
As a Vietnamese Filipino American and first-year animation major, Alex Sison brings a deep sense of cultural pride and purpose to his journey at CSUN. Growing up, he was taught by his grandparents that hard work and education would open doors — a lesson that continues to guide him. “That drive to do well in school started early for me, and it’s become something I really value,” he said. “It’s not just about getting good grades but honoring the sacrifices my family made.” His parents came to the United States during the Cold War, leaving Vietnam and the Philippines as children in search of a better life.
At CSUN, Sison has found connection through friendships with other Filipino students, especially after moving from the Bay Area. “No matter where I go, I can always find at least one other Filipino person, and that helps me feel more at home,” he said. As a storyteller and artist, he’s finding powerful ways to express his identity and challenge expectations. “There’s a stereotype that Asian Americans are only supposed to go into STEM or law or medicine, but that’s just not true,” he said. Through his original stories and character designs, Sison is exploring Vietnamese and Filipino mythology, weaving in cultural references that reflect his heritage. “Art has always been a big part of Asia’s history,” he said. “I want to help break those harmful assumptions and show that we belong in creative spaces too.”
Ashosha Haque, 19. “I am Bengali and Salvadoran.”
CSUN student Ashosha Haque
As a Bengali and Salvadoran student at CSUN, third-year film production major Ashosha Haque is using her voice and her style to reclaim space for her identity and community. “My religion has become a huge part of my identity here,” said Haque, who is Muslim. “I’m finally able to express that side of myself and be around people who’ve gone through similar experiences.” Whether it’s through wearing a hijab or speaking multiple languages, she said she no longer feels the need to shrink herself to fit into Western norms. “Now people ask questions. They want to learn. And that makes me feel more welcome and included.”
Haque is also using platforms like social media to proudly share her heritage — reminding others of cultural and religious celebrations and using fashion as a form of expression. “Whether it’s henna, a tikka or traditional outfits, those things help me carry my culture forward,” she said. Being herself, she’s found, is the most powerful way to build community. “When I express my heritage, I find [other] people like me… and that’s been really inspiring.” As someone who grew up feeling that her community was often overlooked, Haque hopes her presence and creativity leave a lasting impression. “Putting myself out there is what I hope inspires future generations,” she told said. “I want to leave a mark and make space for people who’ve been stereotyped or silenced to feel seen.”
Jag Manalang, 19. “I am Filipino.”
CSUN student Jag Manalang
For first-year cinema and television arts major Jag Manalang, storytelling is both a calling and a way to honor his Filipino identity. “I intend to leave a film legacy behind,” he said. “I try my best to explore Filipino cultures and identities that have never been seen before on screen.” Manalang is especially interested in telling complex stories of resilience. “It’s important to put on screen where you came from and the cultures that shaped you,” he said. “I want to explore the hidden parts of Filipino identity, especially in the American context.”
On campus, Manalang sees community in everyday connections, often through the comfort of food. “It’s a culture of eating,” he said of being Filipino. “Sometimes just meeting someone at Arbor Grill and [eating together,] that’s family right there.” The CTVA major shares he has found a better sense of belonging through CSUN’s film club, where he had been about to build friendships rooted in shared experience. “I have met students with the same struggles as me, trying to find a place in this world,” he said. “They gave me a sense of comfort and belonging.” Through both his art and actions, Manalang hopes to create space for others to feel more seen. “Representation matters and so does showing up for each other,” he said.
Below is a list of the individuals whose work was recognized from January 2025 through May 2025.
Awards
Moshoula Capous-Desyllas (Sociology) and Silvia Fernandez (Mathematics) received the 2025 CSUN Faculty Award for Outstanding Faculty.
Jacob Hinkel-Lipsker (Kinesiology), Kimberly Kirner (Anthropology) and Vickie Yu (Communication Disorders and Sciences) have received the 2025 Distinguished Teaching, Counseling, or Librarianship Award.
Douglas Kaback (Theater) received the 2025 CSUN Faculty Award for High-Impact Innovation.
Liviu Marinescu (Music) received the 2025 CSUN Faculty Award for Exceptional Creative Accomplishment(s).
Robin Muller (Philosophy) received the 2025 CSUN Faculty Award for Highly Influential and Sustained Innovation.
Tohid Sardarmehni (Mechanical Engineering) received the Outstanding Engineering Achievement Merit Award from The Engineers’ Council.
Alejandro Prado (Chicano/a Studies) received the 2025 CSUN Faculty Award for Visionary Community Based Service Learning.
Suzanne Scheld (Anthropology) received the 2025 CSUN Faculty Award for Extraordinary Service.
Jeremy Yoder (Biology) received the 2025 CSUN Faculty Award for Preeminent Scholarly Publication(s).
Research and Sponsored Projects
Sepideh Abolghasem Ghazvini (Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management) has received $23,928 from the United States Department of Energy, in support of a project entitled “Advancing Automated Computer-Aided Process Planning (CAPP): Leveraging AI for Machining Process Selection Considering Part Geometry and Manufacturing Cost.”
Carina Alvarado Alcala (Educational Opportunity Program) and Shiva Parsa (Educational Opportunity Program) have received $272,364 from the United States Department of Education, in support of a project entitled “California State University, Northridge Student Support Services Program.”
Wendy Ashley (Social Work) has received $519,421 from the University of California, Los Angeles, in support of a project entitled “University Consortium for Children and Families (UCCF).”
Annette Besnilian (Marilyn Magaram Center) has received $1,200,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture, in support of a project entitled “Collaborative Pathways to Food and Nutrition Careers Through Culinary and Food Safety Certification.”
Danielle Bram (Center for Geospatial Science and Technology) has received $148,000 from the Ventura County Resource Conservation District, in support of a project entitled “Ventura County Watershed Resilience Planning Program.”
Danielle Bram (Center for Geospatial Science and Technology) and Regan Maas (Geography and Environmental Studies) have received $498,200 from California State University, Chico in support of a project entitled “California Broadband Field Testing.”
Tracy Buenavista (Asian American Studies) and Liliana Gonzalez (Gender and Womens Studies) have received $99,983 from California State University, Office of the Chancellor, in support of a project entitled “The Intersectional Ethnic Studies (tIES) Minor Program at California State University, Northridge.”
Moshoula Capous-Desyllas (Sociology) has received $8,500 from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in support of a project entitled “Using Digital Photovoice to Explore the Relationships Between Social Media Content and Suicidality Among Transgender Adolescents.”
Damian Christian (Physics and Astronomy) has received $61,087 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in support of a project entitled “Dunn Solar Telescope Observations in Support of the Parker Solar Probe Perihelia.”
Kah Chun Lau (Physics and Astronomy) has received $58,000 from Sandia National Laboratories, in support of a project entitled “Creating Quantum Spin Liquids by Disrupting the Magnetic Order in Conjugated Metal-Organic Nanosheets.”
Peter Edmunds (Biology) has received $40,000 from the Borchard Foundation, in support of a project entitled “Franco-American Collaboration to Address Alignment of Goals and Objectives in Advancing Science to Solve the Global Coral Reef Crisis.”
Rafi Efrat (Bookstein Institute), has received $100,000 from the United States Department of Treasury, in support of a project entitled “The Bookstein Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.”
Rafi Efrat (Bookstein Institute), Sara Berzenski (Psychology), and Merav Efrat (Health Sciences) have received $133,207 from the State of California, in support of a project entitled “The CSU 5+ VITA Initiative.”
Maria Elizondo (Student Affairs, Office of the Vice President) has received $700,491 from the California State University, Chico, in support of a project entitled “CalFresh Outreach.”
Michael Eller (Chemistry and Biochemistry) has received $141,158 from the Mayo Clinic, in support of a project entitled “Mass Spectrometry for Highly Sensitive and Sample-Sparing Analysis of Extracellularvesicles in Liver Diseases.”
Brian Foley (Secondary Education) has received $241,651 from the National Science Foundation, in support of a project entitled “Extending and Enhancing the STEM Teacher Pipeline through a Community of Learners and Virtual Lesson Study.”
Brian Foley (Secondary Education), Kellie Evans (Mathematics), and Virginia Oberholzer Vandergon (Biology) have received $52,154 from the University of Oregon, in support of a project entitled “Geogebra Institute Subaward for University of Oregon Western Regional Noyce Network.”
Myriam Forster (Health Sciences) has received $29,848 from the University of Texas, Austin, in support of a project entitled “SALUDe Subaward.”
Rosalia Garcia-Torres (Family and Consumer Sciences ) has received $5,975 from the California State University Agricultural Research Institute, in support of a project entitled “Developing Case Studies for Undergraduates: Valorization of Fruit and Vegetable by Products for New Product Development.”
Steven Graves (Center for Geospatial Science and Technology), Danielle Bram (Center for Geospatial Science and Technology), W. Gabriel Selassie (Africana Studies) and Maurice Hudson (Social Work) have received $30,000 from the Sacramento State – Faculty Research Fellows Program, in support of a project entitled “Food Deserts & Competition.”
Cedric Hackett (Dubois-Hamer Institute) has received $15,000 from the Los Angeles Unified School District, in support of a project entitled “COS-BASP Spring 2025: Identity in Action: A Leading Legacy Blueprint (Chatsworth MS)” and $10,500 from the Los Angeles Unified School District, in support of a project entitled “2024-25 Enrichment Workshops for Porter Ranch Community School.”
Cedric Hackett (Dubois-Hamer Institute) and Sheila Steinberg (Institute for Sustainability) have received $9,000 from the Los Angeles Unified School District, in support of a project entitled “BSAP Spring 2025 for Porter Ranch Community School: Sustainable JEDI Day: A Multicultural Sustainability Imperative.”
Dena Herman-Mendes (Family and Consumer Science) has received $999,838 from the California Department of Public Health, in support of a project entitled “Gestational Diabetes and Postpartum Care Initiative.”
Nhut Ho (Autonomy Research Center (ARCS), Amiel Hartman (Mechanical Engineering), Xunfei Jiang (Computer Science) and Kacie Blackman (Health Sciences) have received $59,596 from the Administration for Community Living, in support of a project entitled “Development of Semi-Autonomous Wheelchair and Socially-Aware Robot Health Aid to Encourage Community Participation for Persons with Low Mobility.”
Crist Khachikian (Civil Engineering and Construction Management), Daisy Lemus (Communication Studies) and Melissa Tindage (Communication Studies)have received $366,778 from the National Science Foundation, in support of a project entitled “Shaping Engineering Identities: The Influence of Faculty Communication on Latinx Students in Engineering Education.”
Bingbing Li (Autonomy Research Center (ARCS) and Nhut Ho (Autonomy Research Center (ARCS) have received $48,368 from the University of California, Irvine, in support of a project entitled “The Sustainable Manufacturing Alliances for Research and Training Industry Assessment Center (The SMART IAC)” and $136,500 from the University of California, Los Angeles, in support of a project entitled “AR/VR Hardware and Software for Training.”
Li Liu (Computer Science) has received $8,080 from Auburn University, in support of a project entitled “FACT: Interactive Deep Learning Platform and Multi-Source Data Integration for Improved Soil Moisture Forecasting.”
Gang Lu (Physics and Astronomy) has received $999,990 from the United States Department of Defense, in support of a project entitled “Excitons in Two-Dimensional Magnetic Heterostructures.”
Gang Lu (Physics and Astronomy) and Xu Zhang (Physics and Astronomy) have received $800,000 from the United States Department of Energy, in support of a project entitled “Excitons in Flatlands: First-Principles Explorations.”
Cathrine Maiorca (Elementary Education) has received $12,588 from Saint Louis University, in support of a project entitled “MiMICRE Grant and with iSCORE.”
Juana Maria Valdivia (Student Outreach and Recruitment) and Monica Jimenez (Educational Opportunity Program) have received $317,460 from the United States Department of Education, in support of a project entitled “Talent Search San Fernando Valley North Central.”
Virginia Oberholzer Vandergon (Biology), Brian Foley (Secondary Education), Matthew d’Alessio (Geological Sciences), Li Ye (Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Norman Herr (Secondary Education) have received $45,000 from the University of California Regents, in support of a project entitled “San Fernando Valley Science Project ESSA.”
Jennifer Pemberton (Strength United) and Merilla Scott (Strength United) have received $204,499 from the California Office of Emergency Services, in support of a project entitled “Campus Sexual Assault (CT) Program.”
Nayan Ramirez (Criminology and Justice Studies) has received $45,410 from Northeastern University, in support of a project entitled “NIDA subcontract: The Impact of Longitudinal Social Networks on Young Adult Substance Use and Misuse.”
Christoph Schaal (Mechanical Engineering) has received $10,000 from the Aerospace Corporation, in support of a project entitled “Concept Development of an Experimental Payload for In-Space Inspection of Bonded Joints.”
Merilla Scott (Strength United) has received $90,000 from the California Office of Emergency Services, in support of a project entitled “Sexual Assault Response Team (XS) Program,” $454,406 from the California Office of Emergency Services, in support of a project entitled “AT – Child Abuse Treatment Program,” $194,000 from the California Office of Emergency Services, in support of a project entitled “Underserved Child and Youth Advocacy Program (XY),” $27,600 from the City of Los Angeles, in support of a project entitled “Domestic Response Abuse Team (DART) – North Hollywood,” $27,600 from the City of Los Angeles, in support of a project entitled “Domestic Response Abuse Team (DART) – Foothill,” $46,912 from the City of Los Angeles, in support of a project entitled “Domestic Response Abuse Team (DART) – Mission,” $27,600 from the City of Los Angeles, in support of a project entitled “Domestic Response Abuse Team (DART) – West Valley,” $49,999 from the National Children’s Alliance, in support of a project entitled “PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT – MEETING THE 2023 NATIONAL STANDARDS” and $250,000 from the California Office of Emergency Services, in support of a project entitled “Child Advocacy Center (KC).”
Mark Steele (Biology) has received $50,000 from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in support of a project entitled “SONGS Mitigation Monitoring Program, 2024-2025.”
Sheila Steinberg (Institute for Sustainability) has received $100,000 from Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs, in support of a project entitled “Conservation Concierges Collaboration to Develop A Climate Workforce.”
Maryam Tabibzadeh (Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management) has received $47,042 from the University of California, Los Angeles, in support of a project entitled “Extending Human Reliability Analysis Methods for Explicit Inclusion of Organizational Factors: Methodology and PRA Implications” and $45,599 from the Regents of the University of California, in support of a project entitled “Extending PRA and HRA Legacy Methods and Tools with a Cause-Based Model for Comprehensive Treatment of Human Error Dependency.”
Houssam Toutanji (Center for Engineering and Computer Science Research and Education), Xudong Jia (Center for Engineering and Computer Science Research and Education), and Ruting Jia (Electrical and Computer Engineering) have received $35,000 from California State University, Sacramento, in support of a project entitled “CSU-LSAMP STEM PATHWAYS & RESEARCH ALLIANCE (Chancellor Award).”
John Valdovinos (Electrical and Computer Engineering) has received $26,277 from the Medtronic MiniMed, in support of a project entitled “Finite Element Model of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensor (CGM) and Experimental Methods for Characterizing CGM Electrodes.”
Ivor Weiner (Special Education) has received $326,682 from Heluna Health, in support of a project entitled “Community Navigator Program.”
Jenn Wolfe (Secondary Education) has received $36,506 from the University Corporation Regents, in support of a project entitled “CSUN Writing Project CSMP” and $39,089 in support of a project entitled “CSUN Writing Project ESSA.”
(L-R: CSUN students Blanca Chivichon, Alexandria Kim, Hazel Stover-White, Sam Garcia, Destiny Ramos, Serenity Lam, Adele Salgado. Photos: Cristina Espinosa & David Ajtun /CSUN)
Each March, Women’s History Month serves as a reminder of the trailblazers who shattered barriers and redefined possibilities—but for many, it’s also a call to action. At CSUN, Matadors embrace this month as more than a reflection on the past; it’s a time to uplift voices, challenge limitations and forge new paths forward. CSUN Newsroom spoke with Matadors who identify as female about what drives them, the mark they hope to leave, and how they continue this celebration beyond March.
Blanca Chivichon, 28: Fearless in the Arts For theatre major Blanca Chivichon, the word that defines her strength as a woman is “fearless.” She carries that mindset into her creative work, finding empowerment in collaboration with other female artists. “Women’s History Month inspires me to always look out for the females in my life,” she said. “I think it’s very important for women to support women and have each other’s back.”
Chivichon believes that the month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to advance women’s rights and visibility. “There’s so much work to do as a woman, not just in that month, but every day,” she said. “We need to talk about females’ rights and share resources and support each other.”
At CSUN, her experiences in stage management and photography classes have strengthened her leadership and confidence. “Stage management showed me how to use my voice, speak up, and be a leader,” she shared. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Chivichon admires the artist’s resilience and determination in an industry with a track record of not always uplifting female artists in the same way as their male contemporaries. “She is a groundbreaking female artist and doesn’t let anything bring her down,” the theatre major added.
Alexandria Kim, 21: Making Women More Visible “Perseverant” is how Alexandria Kim, an art major, described herself. She sees Women’s History Month as a time to highlight women’s achievements and ensure their voices are heard. “We have to unite together to make the world a better place,” she said. “We are not an afterthought—we should be visible and acknowledged.”
Kim hopes to leave a lasting mark through her art and inspire other women to enter the field. “Many artists inspire me to be better at my profession,” she said. “Hopefully, my work encourages more women to get into this field because I want us to be more visible.”
On campus, she has found support in CSUN’s Board Game Club and her taekwondo class, where she feels welcomed and empowered.
Serenity Lam, 19: Telling Stories That Matter When asked to sum up their strength in just one word, TV Production major Serenity Lam said with confidence, “Determined.” She finds motivation in the women who fought for rights in the past and those still pushing for change today. “We are equal to men,” she said. “We have the same power, but we’re just being suppressed and brought down.”
Lam aspires to be a female director and screenwriter, telling raw, unfiltered stories. “I want to retell real stories, not sugarcoat anything,” they said. “I hope that my work makes people see the reality of how cruel this world can be.”
She credits their cohort in the TV Production program for helping her find her voice. “I met a lot of empowering women there. It was a very supportive environment where I could express myself and learn from my mistakes.”
Lam also draws inspiration from their entrepreneurial cousin, who built her own business and leads her own employees. “She inspires me because it shows me that I can do what I want,” she said. “Seeing her take charge of her career reminds me that success is within my reach.”
Hazel Stover-White, 20: Embracing Multidimensional Strength Psychology junior Hazel Stover-White describes herself as “multidimensional.” She believes that simply existing as their true self is a testament to the impact of women throughout history. “Being able to just be myself and exist is a celebration of women,” she said.
She appreciates Women’s History Month for recognizing the women who paved the way and values the acknowledgment of their contributions.
On campus, Stover-White has found mentorship at the Africana Studies Writing Center, where female leaders have guided and empowered her. She draws inspiration from actor, writer and producer Issa Rae. “She is one of my favorite women in the world. She’s definitely paving the way right now for a lot of Black women artists,” she said.
Sam Garcia, 23: Owning Their Voice For biotechnology student Sam Garcia, “individuality” defines their strength as a woman. Women’s History Month has reaffirmed their confidence and self-expression. “Growing up, I was always told I was too loud, I say too much, or I don’t know when to stop talking,” the biotechnology major said. “Women’s History Month teaches me that I should keep talking.”
Garcia’s inspiration to persist in their field stems from this month’s celebration of women’s accomplishments. “It inspires me to continue in my field, no matter what obstacles I may encounter,” they said. “To continue to get my education and make an impact on the world.”
Garcia credits Professor Kayla Kaiser for providing support, encouragement and inspiration throughout their academic journey. “She supported me and inspired me to continue going forward, no matter how hard things were,” they added.
Destiny Ramos, 21: Lifting Others Up
Music Industry Studies major Destiny Ramos says being “perseverant” is her defining trait. She believes Women’s History Month is about creating space for women to be heard and celebrated. “A way that I celebrate who I am as a woman is by uplifting other women,” she said. “I feel like the best way you can celebrate yourself is by not letting any kind of inner voice tell you that you can’t do something.”
Ramos hopes her legacy will be one of community and advocacy. “I want to be someone who stands up for what they believe in and backs it,” she said.
Through her involvement at CSUN’s Pride Center, Destiny Ramos found a sense of belonging and empowerment in embracing her identity as a queer woman of color. She also plays a leading role in elevating student voices as Co-Executive Producer of Five of Five Entertainment (VOVE), the university’s student-run record label, where she helps guide emerging artists through everything from advocacy to contract negotiations.
Her biggest inspiration? Her mother, who taught her to be assertive, empathetic, and a lifelong learner. “She inspired me to know that my voice matters, but also to listen to people and be kind.”
Adele Salgado, 19: Creating Space for Women in Theatre Theatre freshman Adele Salgado describes herself as “resilient.” “Women’s History Month makes me reflect on all the amazing women who came before me, but also the women around me now,” she said. “I try to keep that inspiration alive by supporting women in my life and continuing to learn from those who’ve made a difference.”
Her goal is to create a space where women in theatre feel empowered to pursue their passions. “I hope the work I do can challenge norms and give women more representation and a stronger voice,” she said.
She credits the CSUN Theatre Department for helping her find her own voice and identity. “My professors encouraged me to find my own voice and stay true to who I am,” she said.
Her greatest inspiration is her mother, whose strength and grace have shaped her into the woman she is today. “She’s been through so much but always handles things with strength and grace. She showed me what it means to be resilient.”
(Additional reporting by Cristina Espinosa and David Ajtun)
Freddie Sánchez, CSUN’s assistant vice president of student affairs for equity and inclusion, has been recognized with one of the California State University’s highest honors — the Wang Family Excellence Award. Photo by Steven Wein, CSUN University Student Union.
Ensuring that every student at California State University, Northridge has the tools they need to succeed drives everything that Freddie Sánchez does at CSUN.
For his commitment to advancing holistic student support and success strategies, Sánchez, CSUN’s assistant vice president of student affairs for equity and inclusion, has been recognized with one of the California State University’s highest honors — the Wang Family Excellence Award.
“It feels surreal to learn that I got the Wang Family Excellence Award,” Sanchez said. “Chancellor (Mildred) Garcia was the one who called me, and I told her that what makes this honor so significant is that it focuses on our students and our contributions to them. That’s what makes this award so exciting for me — it’s the acknowledgement of our equity-centered framework and philosophy.”
The Wang Family Excellence Award is given each year to four CSU faculty members and one CSU administrator who, through extraordinary commitment and dedication, have distinguished themselves in their academic disciplines or university assignments. The awards, which include $20,000 to each recipient, were established in 1998 through a gift from CSU Trustee Emeritus Stanley T. Wang and administered through the CSU Foundation. Sánchez formally received the honor on (today) Tuesday, Jan. 28, during a meeting of the CSU Board of Trustees.
In her letter to Sánchez formally informing him of the award, Garcia thanked him for his “unwavering commitment to the California State University and our students.”
CSUN President Erika D. Beck hailed Sánchez as “an unrelenting champion of our students” when nominating him for the Wang Award,
“Dr. Sánchez is a passionate advocate for equitable access to higher education and a dynamic changemaker focused on empowerment of historically underserved student populations,” she wrote. “Recognizing the criticality of fostering a sense of belonging for our students, Dr. Sánchez has created authentic opportunities for students from every background, identity and lived experience to genuinely feel seen, supported and celebrated. Students learn from Dr. Sánchez that their identity is their power.”
Sánchez acknowledged that receiving an award for his equity-centered work is important now more than ever.
“Our focus on equity is not in response to the moment, but with long-term impact in mind. The issues we are looking to address are how do we create practices, policies and programming that elevate our students to learn about themselves, learn about others, and then be able to work in their communities and sustain themselves beyond these walls and be productive, active, contributing members of our society,” he said. “We’re hoping to build character for our students, so that they can boldly and courageously do that for themselves. That’s what’s important. That’s why we need to step up, do the work and continue to do the work, even when it’s the most difficult.”
In his previous role as associate director of programs and inclusion for CSUN’s University Student Union, Sánchez expanded capacity and resources for CSUN students though the university’s Pride Center, Veterans Resource Center and the DREAM Center and was a leader in the university’s shift from a deficit model to an asset-based framework. He also pioneered programs that engender belonging, such as the Women Inspired to Succeed and Discover Opportunities through Mentoring (WISDOM) program and the HEAL Project, which connects CSUN’s at-promise students with tools and resources they need to thrive in college and complete their degrees.
Sánchez serves as co-chair of CSUN’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion and also served as one of three campus leaders responsible for guiding CSUN successfully through the process for earning the Seal of Excelencia from Excelencia in Education. In 2021, he assumed co-leadership of a research study to explore the feasibility and impact of identity-based resource centers to eliminate equity gaps, in alignment with the CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025 goals. Throughout this project, he ensured that the resulting report and recommendations incorporated the ideas, insights and feedback of the students the centers serve.
Sánchez pointed out that regardless of the political climate, universities and colleges are facing challenges as they compete for an ever shrinking, yet increasingly diverse, college-age, college-ready population.
“If we create an environment where all students know they will have the support they need to succeed, then I think we have an edge on other universities,” he said. “But you can’t just say that you’re welcoming, you have to prove it. You have to make it a reality.”
CSUN’s Queer Studies program has grown substantially over the past five years, increasing the number of tenure-track faculty members and expanding its course offerings to become more representative of both CSUN’s students and the current field of Queer Studies.
Under former program director Sheena Malhotra, the program’s curriculum expanded two years ago to include several new courses, including Transgender Studies and Race and Ethnicity in Queer Studies. New program director Jacob Lau said the Queer Studies program, which is in the College of Humanities, recently added a new tenure-track hire in Queer Chicanx Studies, Luis Esparza, who will also teach in the Department of Chicana/o Studies.
Lau is working with other CSUN programs and departments to add courses that reflect the intersectional nature of the field of Queer Studies. This includes: Jotería Studies (which centers on the histories and experiences of queer Latinx/a/o people), Religious Studies, Asian American Studies and Disability Studies. In the future, Lau would also like to add classes in Black Studies and Indigenous Studies.
This work was accelerated by a recent $10,000 pledge from alumnus Michael Ruvo ’80 (Journalism), and his husband, Stephen M. Lachs. Ruvo is the owner of Ruvo Reps, an independent sales and marketing firm specializing in high-end home and commercial decorative products. Lachs became the first openly gay judge in the country — and, likely, the world — when then-Gov. Jerry Brown Jr. appointed him to the bench in 1979.
“This generous gift from Mr. Ruvo and Judge Lachs comes at a crucial time of significant growth for Queer Studies at CSUN,” Lau said. “In a time when LGBTQIA+ content is being cut from K-12 schools, we hope, and plan, to grow the minor into a major within the next few years. Students deserve to know the histories, literatures, and theories of LGBTQIA+ communities — that can only be possible through gifts such as these.”
Ruvo and Lachs are longtime supporters of scholarships and other causes at CSUN. Their gift to Queer Studies will be used to expand the program, including enrollment. These efforts include bringing in speakers and developing programming that reflect the interest of current CSUN students, emphasizing intersections of race, disability and trans identity as well as the strengths of the CSUN campus, such as the Vern and Bonnie Bullough Collection on Sex and Gender in the University Library.
For more information about supporting CSUN’s Queer Studies program or creating a fund of your own, contact the CSUN Office of Development at (818) 677-7586 or development@csun.edu.
California State University Northridge will mark Dia de los Muertos with an exhibition of barriletes, giant traditional Guatemalan kites, in the University Library on Monday, Nov. 4.
The barriletes were created by Guatemalan artisans at the invitation of members of CSUN’s Department of Central American and Transborder Studies with the idea of showcasing how the region of Guatemala celebrates the Day of the Dead. The artists will discuss the creation process and share the kites’ cultural and spiritual significance from noon to 2 p.m. in the Ferman Presentation Room of the library.
“With a growing Central American student community at CSUN, it is essential for us to highlight and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that spans across the diverse nations of Central America,” said Yarma Velazquez, Chair of the Department of Central American and Transborder Studies. “Events like these not only foster pride in cultural identity but also allow students to see their traditions reflected and valued within the university setting.”
Department faculty collaborated with La Casas De La Cultura De Guatemala for the showcase. Attendees can expect to see barriletes from Santiago Sacatepéquez, a town in Guatemala known for its tradition of kite making.
Velazquez said the kites are only one of the many aspects of Guatemalan culture.
“Central America is a region of immense diversity, with each country offering unique traditions and cultural expressions,” Velazquez said. “Our goal is to provide students the space and opportunity to explore their identities, connect with their heritage, and gain a deeper understanding of how these cultural practices shape their sense of self and community.”
She said traditional barriletes can be up to 64 feet tall and are often created just for display. Other barriletes can be as tall as 10 feet and can fly, with the help of many people. The practice of the barriletes has been documented since the early 20th century. Barriletes celebrate Mayan heritage and are believed to serve as a bridge between the living and the dead.
Velazquez said she invites those familiar with the tradition to join and share their experiences, and encourages those who are new to the celebration to embrace the opportunity to learn more about Guatemala’s rich cultural customs.
The event was created by students in the University 100 Central American Experience class, in collaboration with Central American studies faculty and members of the community.
A Guatemalan artisan workshop will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, in La Casita, a gathering place for CSUN Central American students located near the center of campus, to teach students how to build barriletes.
