Charting a
Course with Heart
A Word from the PRESIDENT
Hello, Warriors and Hola, Guerreros,
What an incredible experience it has been to step onto this beautiful campus and be welcomed into the Stanislaus State familia! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many of you — students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, community partners and friends of the University — whose passion and dedication make Stan State so special and lift our rankings high above our peers. I am grateful for your commitment and proud to be a part of such a dynamic, skilled and dedicated community.
Stan State is where dreams take flight. We believe that the power of education is the most effective way to sustainably provide opportunities, thereby transforming the trajectories of our students and their families, creating change that extends far beyond the classroom. As a proud Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution, we honor the richness of every story and every lived experience because when we uplift the voices of our students and their families we build a stronger future for all.
Both our alumni and our stellar rankings are proof of the power of a Stan State education and how far it can take you. Our alumni are out there making a difference every day, leading, creating and inspiring change in their communities. Their success is a testament to the incredible impact of this University and what we can achieve together.
As you read through this issue of STAN Magazine, I hope you feel the same Warrior Pride I do. Each story reflects the resilience, achievement and innovation that define our institution and the bright futures we are building together.
It is an honor to serve as your president, and I am excited for the future that lies ahead. Together, we will continue to create an environment that catalyzes our students’ potential; while celebrating our strengths and making a lasting impact in this region we are so blessed to call home.
Building futures together; Unidos construímos futuros,
Britt Rios-Ellis, Ph.D.
President
STAN Magazine is published by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Stanislaus State.
President
Britt Rios-Ellis
Interim Vice President for University Advancement
Senior Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications & Marketing
Rosalee Rush
Director of Alumni
Engagement
Tiffany Davis (’13)
Director for Communications and Creative Services
Kristina Stamper (’06)
Senior Writer and Content Specialist
Donna Birch Trahan
Content Specialists
Lori Gilbert (’91)
Kimberly Horg
Digital Communications
Specialist
Sara Balisha (’13)
Stay in touch!
Phone: (209) 667-3131
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Saul Avila (’17)
Senior Graphic Designer
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Graphic Designer
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Director of Marketing & Digital Strategy
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Marketing Specialist
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Stanislaus State serves a diverse student body of more than 10,000 at two locations in the Central Valley — a beautiful 228-acre campus in Turlock and the Stockton Campus, located in University Park, a 102-acre site in Stockton’s historic Magnolia District. Widely recognized for dedicated faculty, high-quality academic programs and exceptional value, the University offers more than 100 majors, minors and areas of concentration, along with 19 master’s degree programs, six credential programs and a doctorate in educational leadership. We are a proud member of the 23-campus California State University system.
This Page: Titus joins the fun at Weber Point in Stockton, championing literacy and education at Family Day in the Park.
On the Cover: With the sun setting the scene, President Britt Rios-Ellis gathers with students for a radiant start to the semester.
“As storytellers, we build solidarity between cultures and communities, because if we can tell our stories, we’ll see that we’re not so different. Music can break down barriers and give us a way to dream together.”
- Hector Flores
LAS CAFETERAS CELEBRATES CULTURAL STORIES THROUGH MUSIC
Musical group Las Cafeteras — celebrated storytellers and social justice mavericks from East L.A. — brought their lively fusion of Afro-Latin rhythms, Son Jarocho, folk, rock and hip-hop to the stage at Stan State, kicking off the new Diversity Celebration Series in style for National Hispanic Heritage Month, thanks to the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Mocse Credit Union and in collaboration with campus partners in the Office of the President, Inclusive Excellence, Warrior Cross Cultural Center and the University Student Center.
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HONORING CAMPUS
COMMUNITY LEADERS
Stanislaus State awarded honorary doctorates to two beloved members of its community, Donna Pierce and Wanda Bonnell, during the University’s 64th Commencement ceremonies held in May.
Pierce received the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the College of Science ceremony while Bonnell, an alumna, was honored with the same distinction during the College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work ceremony.
Pierce has been a driving force behind the Wayne and Donna Pierce Trans-California Pathway, bringing to life her late husband Wayne's vision of an on-campus arboretum. A professor at Stanislaus State for 35 years, Wayne inspired the initiative to showcase California's diverse flora.
MASTERING MENTAL HEALTH
Wanda Bonnell, a first-generation college graduate, founded the Promise Scholars program at Stan State in 2006 to support foster and emancipated youth in pursuit of higher education. Having served as a counselor and academic advisor in the Educational Opportunity Program for 24 years, Bonnell transformed the lives of many students and provided them with the resources and guidance they needed to succeed.
Both honorees delivered heartfelt remarks that reflected their gratitude and ongoing dedication to the University.
Professor of Psychology
Harold Stanislaw is leading a $954,032 National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project to study how student well-being influences success among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduate students. Partnering with three other California State University campuses — Northridge, Los Angeles and East Bay — the Well-Being Alliance for Research Masters (WARM) aims to understand how addressing well-being can affect students’ degree completion and retention.
The study will use an app to measure students’ sense of energy, belonging, joy and purpose, while student advisory councils will provide feedback on what’s working and what’s not.
“It’s about understanding graduate students as whole people and supporting their mental health,” Stanislaw said.
Launching at Stan State, the four-year project will expand across participating campuses. By tracking trends, the research team hopes to identify strategies to help more students thrive and shape a stronger support system across the CSU. The findings could help guide best practices for student well-being and influence future programs that support graduate students.
STAN STATE EARNS TOP NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Stan State’s streak of high college rankings shines a light on how Stanislaus State transforms lives. With tailored academic and personal support and hands-on learning opportunities, the University equips students with the skills and confidence to succeed.
“We are incredibly honored by these latest rankings as they truly capture the heart of what we do at Stanislaus State,” said President Britt Rios-Ellis. “A Stan State education provides an exceptional return on investment, offering a transformative experience that facilitates student and community empowerment. As our students rise and thrive, they create a lasting impact on their families, their chosen fields and their communities. Being recognized for social mobility and public impact underscores our role as an anchor
WALL STREET JOURNAL
#2 Social Mobility
#9 Best Public College
#10 Best Value
WASHINGTON MONTHLY
#4 Best Bang for the Buck
#7 Master’s Program
COLLEGE FUTURES FOUNDATION
#4 Golden Opportunities in California: ROI
THIRD
WAY
#6 Economic Mobility
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
#3 Social Mobility
#5 Best Public Colleges
#8 Best Colleges for Veterans
#10 Best in the West
BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS
Stanislaus State celebrated a major milestone at its Stockton Campus in August with the signing and placement of the final beam on its new academic building — a long-standing construction tradition that symbolizes the completion of the building’s structural framework and the beginning of a new chapter for the campus.
The beam, painted white and featuring the University’s shield, was signed by President Britt Rios-Ellis, Stockton Campus Dean Sarah Sweitzer, Otto Construction team members, faculty, staff and community supporters who have championed the campus’ growth.
“When students see that Stan State logo at the top, I hope it sparks pride and a sense of belonging,” Sweitzer said. “It’s a symbol that they can reach their highest dreams.”
Set to open in fall 2025, the new academic building will house state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative spaces and student support areas, creating an enriching setting for learning and community engagement. President Rios-Ellis highlighted the building’s role in expanding Stan State’s impact in Stockton and San Joaquin County by offering more resources that support student success.
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The new facility reflects the Stockton Campus’ ongoing transformation into a hub of educational excellence and opportunity.
From Left to Right: President and CEO Allison Otto, Otto Construction; Stockton Campus Dean Sarah Sweitzer, Associate Vice President, Capital Planning and Facilities Management Julia Reynoso; President Britt Rios-Ellis; Stockton Campus Site Authority Chair Kathy Hart; and Stockton Campus Dean of Students Amy McKinney
TRUSTEES' SCHOLAR EARNS
HONOR, ELEVATES
LIVES
Estefania Hernandez Luna, a first-year Stanislaus State Master of Social Work student, received one of the California State University’s most prestigious honors: the Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. Each year, one student from each of the 23 CSU campuses is selected for the award, and Hernandez Luna was named the William Randolph Hearst Scholar. She and the other recipients were recognized at the CSU Board of Trustees meeting in September.
The Stockton native, who graduated from San José State with a bachelor’s degree in 2021, anticipates completing her master’s in spring 2025. Her passion for helping others, developed through internships with El Concilio and San Joaquin County Behavioral Health, continues to drive her academic success and community impact.
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Inspired by her mother’s early recognition of her empathy, Hernandez Luna set her sights on social work. She plans to become a licensed clinical social worker, and she is already putting her skills to work and making a meaningful impact in her community.
STAN STATE ALUMNA SARA VALENTINE DONATES KIDNEY IN NAME OF TURLOCK TEEN
Sara Valentine, a 1984 Stan State alumna, is no stranger to challenges. Recently, she took on her most significant one yet: donating a kidney to a stranger in need. After seeing a sign about 14-year-old Jaxon Shaneyfelt from Turlock who needed a transplant, Valentine decided to act.
Although she wasn't a match for Jaxon, her donation initiated a chain of events that ultimately saved multiple lives, with her kidney going to a recipient in Tampa. In May 2024, Valentine underwent the fourhour procedure at Stanford Medical Center. Within days of her surgery, she was back on her feet and moving around.
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Valentine’s commitment to helping others mirrors her dedication to sports and teaching. While at Stan State, she earned a liberal studies degree and as a studentathlete, competed in women’s basketball, softball and the heptathlon. A retired elementary teacher, she reflects on her journey: “Stan State helped me become who I am, and I’m thankful.”
TURLOCK MAYOR RECOGNIZES SUE BORREGO’S
IMPACT WITH KEY TO THE CITY
Former Interim President Sue Borrego was honored with the City of Turlock’s highest accolade — a key to the city — during the State of Turlock address in July. Turlock Mayor and Stan State alumna Amy Bublak, who graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s in sociology, presented the key to Borrego, acknowledging the significant impact she made in the community during her 10-month tenure with the University.
“I would like to recognize an individual who, in a truly brief time, made such a significant difference in our community,” Bublak said. The key, mounted on a plaque, was crafted at Stan State’s Dr. Allan Greenberg & Dr. Ellen Junn Warrior Fab Lab, symbolizing the University’s deep connection with the city.
From Left to Right: Councilmember Rebecka Monez, Councilmember Pam Franco, Former Interim President Sue Borrego, Mayor Amy Bublak, President Britt Rios-Ellis and Councilmember Cassandra Abram
From Injury to
Inspiration
Sometimes, a single event can change the trajectory of a person’s life. Little did Bobby Ismail know at the time that a high school football game would shape his life forever.
After sustaining an injury while playing for Downey High School in Modesto, he went to physical therapy at Golden Bear Physical Therapy Rehabilitation and Wellness (GBPT). His initial dream was to go to medical school but receiving treatment at GBPT sparked his interest in physical therapy, which grew with each visit. The experience opened his eyes to a different approach to patient care, and it was then he became determined to work there someday.
“I was fascinated with my physical therapy experience because it helped me get back to playing football,” said Ismail. “I liked how they treated all their patients, and I wanted to be able to do the same in the future.”
Determined to make physical therapy his career, Ismail began the academic journey to get there. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Sacramento State and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of the Pacific, he returned to GBPT in 1995 and joined the team as a staff therapist.
Two years later, when an opportunity presented itself, he acquired the practice.
Today, Ismail’s journey has come full circle. He is now GBPT’s president, and he recently has become a member of Stanislaus State’s Foundation Board of Directors, finding even more ways to give back.
For more than 30 years, Ismail has remained committed to providing patients with the best care available. As president of GBPT, he is dedicated to all aspects of the business. In 2016, he completed his doctorate in physical
A High School Injury Sparked Bobby Ismail’s Passion for Physical Therapy and a Career of
Giving Back
By Kimberly Horg
therapy from the Evidence in Motion Institute of Health Professions.
“Health care is dear to my heart and people in our community need health care,” Ismail said. “Working in physical therapy, I try to get involved to improve access to care. I had a dream to help other athletes, and I wanted to give back to the community I call home.”
Giving back is a theme that runs deep in the Ismail family. Ismail donates his
Inspiration
time to Stan State and his church, the Assyrian Church of the East. He follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Malik Yako Malik Ismail, who was a man of faith serving the Assyrian community. Ismail is proud to show some of the same traits. His grandfather fought in World War I with allied forces in the Middle East. He led Assyrian battalions and was known as a warrior.
His family wanted to formally recognize their grandfather’s courage, and since
he was an Assyrian warrior, they came together when there was an opportunity to name a collaborative working space on the second floor of the Vasché Library, now known as Warrior Way.
The family’s $50,000 pledge was directed toward The Next Chapter Library Campaign Fund for Sustainability and Innovation, supporting technology, furnishings, innovation and state-ofthe-art student support.
“Many factors led us to want to give back to Stan State,” Ismail said. “We have ties to the University, so the naming of the ‘Warrior Way’ spoke to us.”
He said his grandfather has been greatly missed since his passing in 1974, so to name a space in his honor keeps his name alive.
“It was amazing to see the entire family rejoice when we first saw the sign and
Bobby Ismail stands proudly in the Malik Yako Malik Ismail Warrior Way section of the Vasché Library named in honor of his grandfather.
“I wanted to be part of a group that brings more opportunities to students. A lot of students go away to college but I want to create programs here so students want to stay locally and give back to their community.”
- BOBBY ISMAIL
the space,” Ismail said. “It was the perfect way to honor our grandfather.”
Ismail’s personal connection to Stan State began long before he joined the Foundation Board. After graduating high school, Ismail moved to Turlock and was just a few blocks away from the Stanislaus State campus. It was during this time that he was attending Modesto Junior College and recalled that he would often walk to the Library at Stan State to study. It’s where his fond memories of the University first began.
Back then, the building was still in its original form, constructed in the 1960s with dark wood features and private rooms for studying. It was not the bright, open space it is today but a spot where he could concentrate on his studies.
“For me, the Library is nostalgic,” Ismail said. “It was my study zone and is a place that is dear to my heart.”
His commitment to education extends beyond his own experiences. Ismail is the youngest of four boys. His brother John lives in Modesto, Sargon lives in Turlock, and Sam lives in Canada. His parents, Zaya and Marie Ismail, lived in Syria before immigrating to Ontario, Canada, where Bobby was born.
Ismail and his wife, Tina, have six children: Isabel, Gabrielle,
Zachery, Zoey, Elise and Elivia. The couple’s two eldest attend Stan State, studying public health. He plans to encourage his other children to attend Stanislaus State, too. He found that students get both a high-quality and affordable education.
“A lot of students go away to college, but I want to create programs here so students who want to stay local can and give back to their community,” he said. “Stanislaus State is recognized nationally and ranks high as a University, which I think is long overdue,” said Ismail.
His dedication to community and education inspired him to get more involved. His friends who are Foundation Board members — Ryan Fitzpatrick, John Jacinto, Edwin Rizo and Manmeet Grewal — encouraged him to join the board for years. Now that his daughters are Stan State students, the timing seemed right.
“I wanted to be part of a group that brings more opportunities to students,” Ismail said. “I am in a place in my career where I have time to give, and it was a wise decision to allocate my time here. This is something I have wanted to do for a while.”
Additionally, he hopes to have a positive impact during his time as a board member by helping improve access to quality education while connecting Stan
State to more health and wellness initiatives and educational pathways.
“It is a privilege to serve as a board member,” he said. “My friends who serve have been very supportive, and I look forward to the years ahead and serving together.”
Despite his busy schedule, Ismail isn’t slowing down. While committed to working on behalf of the University, he continues to pursue his entrepreneurial ventures. He created a new business in Modesto named F45 Training, a boutique exercise training studio. F45 stands for “functional 45-minute workouts.”
While his passion started in the physical therapy field, he has added general health and wellness through functional exercise.
“F45 Training is committed to a life changing team training approach to exercise and overall well-being,” Ismail said. “My goal is to continue to promote health and wellness to our community.
“It is in my DNA to help people,” Ismail said. “Working in health care allows me the chance to carry on that tradition.”
Children From Hardship to helping others
Samantha Magaña Dreams of Fostering Joy and Stability for Vulnerable
By lori gilbert
S
pend even a few minutes with Stan State senior Samantha Magaña and the word “joyous” comes to mind.
The child development major, who expects to finish her degree in December and walk in next spring’s Commencement ceremony, radiates warmth and friendliness.
That Magaña exudes happiness is extraordinary because the 23-year-old's life has been anything but.
Growing up with a father struggling with substance abuse and alcoholism, Magaña vividly remembers the turmoil and the times when he, without any reason, would kick his three children out of their home. They’d stay with relatives in Oakdale or Modesto, and she’d commute to Turlock High School, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.
A year into Stan State, where she planned to study to become a pediatric nurse, her dad, Bernabe, was diagnosed with stage four gastric cancer.
Despite their fraught relationship, Magaña’s passion for helping kicked in. She drove him to
treatments at Stanford and cared for him at home.
It continued for months, and she didn’t know what day might be her dad’s last. Meanwhile, her studies suffered.
“I realized I couldn’t do nursing,” Magaña said. “I had to be realistic with myself, and I thought, ‘I don’t think I can do this because of the time commitment.’”
She decided to focus on her dream — helping children.
“I felt that because of everything I went through, I could help other children,” she said. “I know what it’s like to live in that house. I know what it’s like to have toxic people around you. I know what it’s like to have a dad that drinks or does drugs or to have abuse in the family. That’s the main reason I always wanted to help children.”
Her Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) advisor, Gabriela (Gaby) Cervantes Morder, saw Magaña’s potential and pain and gently guided her toward studying child development, believing it would suit Magaña’s passion for nurturing young lives.
“I knew an education in child development would prepare
her — whether she wanted to be a teacher or social worker,” Cervantes Morder said. “It was going to give her different options.”
More than giving her advice, Cervantes Morder was determined to help keep Magaña in school.
“When we first met, her dad had started chemo, so she was dedicating time to taking her dad to medical appointments and taking care of him at home,” Cervantes Morder said. “So, I wondered, ‘Who’s taking care of you?’ I felt more like a big sister. I am the oldest in my family and that automatically kicks in. I asked her, ‘What can I do to support you?’”
Cervantes Morder took the extraordinary step of giving Magaña her cell phone number.
“She is the only student I have ever shared my number with because I didn’t want to lose touch with her,” said Cervantes Morder, a Stan State alumna who has spent 10 of her 19 years at the University in EOP, a program for firstgeneration students with limited economic resources. “I needed to make sure she was OK.”
Magaña’s father died in July 2021, two years after his diagnosis.
She and her brother, Juan, made peace with their father before he passed away. Toward the end, Juan took over as the primary caregiver while Magaña worked and went to school full-time — and their mom worked too.
Cervantes Morder suggested Magaña take a break from school after her father died.
“I know everyone grieves differently,” Magaña said. “My grieving was to keep going, and I kept going.”
She did that until October, when the weight of her loss finally hit her.
“October 2021 was probably the hardest month of my life,” Magaña said. “I got depression. I got anxiety. I lost 15 pounds. I felt I was in such a black hole. Nothing or no one could take me out of it. I wanted to give up, but I knew my dad wanted me to keep going. Before my dad passed away, one of the things he told me was, ‘Wherever I am when I’m gone, bring me your diploma.’ I feel that’s embedded in my head. That’s what’s kept me going.”
That promise — and her faith in God — have kept her moving forward.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Gaby,” Magaña said. “She’s helped me and guided me the whole way. She knows my whole story. She’s seen me shed tears. She’s seen me with a broken heart. She’s also a big part of why I kept going when I wanted to give up.”
Four months after her father’s death, Magaña’s mother moved on, began a relationship with a boyfriend and disowned Magaña and her 18-year-old brother when they moved out of their childhood home.
Despite the hardship, they both persevered.
Juan and his girlfriend have a baby, and he is working for an agency caring for individuals with behavioral needs.
Magaña, now a semester away from earning her degree, plans to pursue graduate studies and a career helping children who need a strong advocate.
“I’m here now, ready to graduate and so happy to reach this milestone in my journey,” Magaña said. “I know my dad is watching me from up above, and as I walk the stage, I’ll be in tears. The weight of my experiences will be lifted when I lay my diploma on his gravestone, knowing that all the struggles were worth it and that he’s with me in spirit every step of the way.”
“I felt that because of everything I went through, I could help other children. I know what it’s like to live in that house. I know what it’s like to have toxic people around you.”
- SAMANTHA MAGA ñA Child Development Major
With a Focus on Collaboration and Shared Purpose, Stan State’s 13th president, Britt Rios-Ellis, is Partnering with the Campus and Broader Community to Shape a Bold Vision for
the University’s Future
Tby Donna Birch Trahan
he past few months have been a whirlwind of activity for President Britt Rios-Ellis.
Since taking the helm as Stanislaus State’s 13th president, she hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped. She’s been out and about across the Central Valley — connecting with students, faculty and staff; meeting with alumni, community leaders and elected officials — and has immersed herself in the vibrant life of Stan State and the region we serve.
For Rios-Ellis, it’s more than just settling into her new role. She’s building a shared vision for the University’s future.
“From the start, I could feel that this is a special place,” Rios-Ellis said. “Stan State has a deep sense of belonging that runs through every corner of this campus. It’s palpable. It’s a place where people feel seen and valued, and I’m honored to be part of this community.”
“We have the power to transform the lives of our students and, by extension, their families and
their resiliency, their linguistic strengths, their community bonds and making sure that they leave here equipped and empowered to lead in their careers and communities.”
Her deep commitment to students is part of her journey. Her connection to California’s agricultural heartland runs deep, dating back to her time conducting research and health outreach for migrant and Latina adolescents. She recalls how that experience shaped her passion for public health and redirected her entire career path.
“It was eye-opening and life-changing,”
“Britt is one of the most tenacious and passionate people I’ve ever known,” he said. “What people don’t always see right away is her ability to combine strength and compassion. She’s committed to what’s right and never shies away from tough decisions, but she does it all with genuine care for people. She leads with her heart.”
That combination of heart and strength is a defining aspect of Rios-Ellis’s leadership style. She’s been intentional about meeting with students, faculty and staff, listening to their concerns and gathering their input as she shapes the University’s path forward.
“Everyone here has a voice, a nd every voice matters.”
Part of this vision is the University’s continued impact in Stockton and San Joaquin County. With construction of the Stockton Campus’s new academic building underway, Stan State is further solidifying its presence as a dynamic hub for education and community engagement.
“Stockton is a growing, diverse community with incredible potential, and I see our Campus there as a cornerstone of the region’s educational and economic development,” she said.
“Our goal is to make Stockton a premier destination for education and to strengthen our role as a hub where students, families and local industries come together to build a brighter future.
“We want to offer programs that speak to local workforce needs and create opportunities for our students to get involved and give back. It’s about meeting students where they are and ensuring they have the resources to thrive, both academically and personally.”
Enrique Rios-Ellis sees this focus on impact and community as central to who Britt is, both professionally and personally.
“She’s focused on the students, the people and the mission of making things better for everyone around her,” he said. “She’s always thinking about the impact on the community and the people she serves.
“It’s never just about the institution for her — it’s about transforming lives.”
Leading with LOVE
Family is at the heart of everything the couple does. They have three children — Xochitl, an aspiring screenwriter and director; Enrique, a talented composer; and Itzel, a Latinx teaching art fellow at Root Division in San Francisco working with refugee and immigrant children.
“I often joke that I’m the most boring person in my family!” said Rios-Ellis, laughing. “But my life would be a fraction of what it is today without these incredible artists around me.”
The couple’s family also includes two beloved rescue dogs, Nene and Wilson, who accompanied them on their journey to the Central Valley.
Reflecting on her family and her work, Rios-Ellis brings her heart into everything she does — both figuratively and literally. It’s not unusual to see her wearing heartshaped jewelry, a reflection of her belief in leading with love and compassion.
“I believe we can bring love to work every day,” said Rios-Ellis. “It’s about showing up fully, caring deeply and creating a space where people can thrive.”
That’s exactly what she’s set on doing: making Stan State a place where everyone feels valued and supported, where people from every corner of the community can come together to succeed.
“We have the talent, the vision and heart,” Rios-Ellis said. “I have no doubt that together, we’ll achieve great things for Stan State and the entire Central Valley.”
“I believe we can bring love to work every day. It’s about showing up fully, caring deeply and creating a space where people can thrive.”
Stephani Smith beams like a kid in a toy store as she stands in the lobby of Stanislaus State’s brandnew Child Development Center (CDC). Pointing to the colorful patterns of light shining across the floor, she explains it’s a detail the architects added during the planning stages at the request of teachers.
The feature is more than just an aesthetic touch — it’s a subtle detail designed to fuel children’s sense of discovery.
“Our goal was to create a space that sparks children’s natural curiosity while doubling as a hands-on laboratory for our students,” Smith said.
A proud Stan State alumna, Smith serves as the CDC’s director. She and her team are excited about the new facility, which officially opened Aug. 21 after two years of construction.
The new, 14,729-square-foot CDC is housed in the southeast section of the University’s main campus in Turlock, between a sustainable garden and the recreation field. Designed and built with sustainable materials and water- and energy-efficiency features, the building includes more classrooms than the former site, allowing the CDC to serve as many as 120 children, ranging in age from 2 months to 5 years, annually — about twice as many as the old location could accommodate.
The CDC’s outdoor play yards feature drought-tolerant landscaping, while indoors, the facility includes a demonstration kitchen where children can learn to prepare simple meals, explore
healthy eating habits and engage in hands-on cooking activities that teach math and science skills.
The Center is more than just a place for play. It’s a cutting-edge facility where childlike wonder meets educational innovation. It is the only child development center within 50 miles accredited
for professionals working with children.”
Students in child development laboratory courses are required to complete a weekly three-hour session at the CDC, where they can test their knowledge and practice their skills in a facultysupervised environment.
“We know it takes a village to raise children, and we’re committed to being a positive part of that village.”
- Hannah Mininger
by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a designation achieved by less than 10% of early childhood centers nationwide, according to Professor of Child Development Rosanne Roy.
Nurturing Student Success
Roy, a Stan State faculty member who has been with the University for more than 25 years, is the Child Development academic program coordinator and serves as the faculty liaison to the CDC. She and Smith work closely to ensure the CDC’s mission aligns with the Child Development program’s academic requirements.
“Stan State students at the CDC are getting valuable hands-on experiences relevant to their future professions, while the children and their families at the CDC benefit from an accredited high-quality program,” Roy said. “The laboratory courses held at the CDC help students acquire the knowledge and skills critical
The facility features four stateof-the-art observation rooms equipped with one-way mirrors and audio-video recording capabilities, making it an invaluable resource for research and training.
“Our students get real-world experience,” Roy said. “Students who take applied courses at the CDC consistently report their experiences here increase confidence in their abilities to work with children in a professional setting.”
A Legacy of Innovation
The CDC has come a long way since its humble beginnings, recalls Professor Emeritus of Psychology Gary Novak, who was involved in its creation and served as its first director.
Back in 1977, when the center started to come together, there wasn’t much support and funding was difficult to obtain.
Play with
Inside Stanislaus State’s New Child Development Center
by Donna Birch Trahan
“The expectation was that mothers would be at home raising the children and men would be out working,” Novak said.
But the persistence of students and faculty helped turn the tide.
“We had a few students who were really enthusiastic about having a childcare facility on campus,” said Novak, “and basically, they were told, ‘You can have it, but it has to be part of the academic side.’ We also had some faculty, including me, who were interested in the ability to observe and study child development. So, we kind of put those two things together. That’s how I got involved.”
After securing funding via a $20,000 grant from Stanislaus County, the center opened off campus at a local church. To emphasize the program’s academic nature, it was named the Child Development Demonstration and Resource Center to ensure it was seen as a resource for both child development and as an academic program.
“It was really a bootstrap operation,” Novak recalled. “We had a lot of hurdles. But from the very beginning, our head teachers were students. We also had other students who were assistant teachers. The combination of finding great students who could do child development or had previous experience in child development and elementary teaching settings was key.”
Today, four decades later, the CDC is proof of what dedication and persistence can achieve.
The newly built center is designed to provide high-quality care for infants, babies, toddlers and young children while also serving as a learning lab for Stan State students.
Smith highlights the importance of student workers, noting that they are a vital part of the team. Students fulfill practicum requirements at the center, gaining hands-on experience that is essential for their education and future careers.
The larger center facilitates an increase in student participation and provides more opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Smith adds that kinesiology and nursing majors have also completed clinical hours at the CDC, working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers and gaining insights into child development that they can carry into their careers.
The CDC is a tight-knit community where lasting relationships are formed.
“We’ve become an extended family for the children and their parents,” said Hannah Mininger, the Center’s administrative coordinator. “They
know the quality of care their children will receive here, and they don’t want to go anywhere else.
“We know it takes a village to raise children, and we’re committed to being a positive part of that village.”
As impressive as the new CDC site is, its potential for program growth and expansion excites its leaders and staff. The larger space opens the door to new programs and closer ties with the local community. It also offers a chance for donors to leave their mark by contributing to the naming of specific spaces within the center.
As the CDC begins a new chapter, those who are a part of it remain steadfast in their mission to provide high-quality care and education.
“Our program’s heartbeat is family, community quality and growth,” Smith said. “We don’t want to just meet the minimum standards for children. We want to give them what they deserve. This new facility allows us to elevate the field and create an environment where children, families and students can thrive.”
“This new facility allows us to elevate the field and create an environment where children, families and students can thrive.”
- stephani smith
Against All
Odds
Ana York’s Journey to Assistant Professor of Teacher Education is a Testament to Her Faith, Determination and Passion
by lori gilbert
When Ana York arrived from her native Puerto Rico as a third grader, her teacher placed her with other Spanish speakers, mostly Mexicans.
She didn’t understand them any better than she could the English speakers.
“People group all Spanish speakers together,” York said.
Spanish is different from country to country.
Besides, York cannot be easily categorized.
She was a teenage mother, but not by accident. She married at 14 and had the first of her four children a year later.
Despite an abusive husband who disapproved of her getting an education, she earned a high school diploma from Modesto’s Elliott Alternative Education Center through independent study.
She wanted to be a medical doctor, the only kind of doctor she knew existed, but is a Doctor of Education, an assistant professor in Stanislaus State’s Teacher Education program.
To hear her story is to think “resilient” or “survivor,” but York said the word that best describes her is “loving”.
“I love everything I do, and everything I do, I do from a place of love,” York said.
And she does a lot.
York returned to her alma mater as a lecturer in 2018 and since becoming a tenure-track professor in fall 2022, has:
• Worked on recruiting future teachers with the Center for Transformation for Teacher Preparation Programs grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) students.
• Helped establish Educators Rising at Modesto High School, a club that encourages students to learn more about the teaching profession.
• Formed Stan State’s Aspiring Educators, the California Teachers Associationsponsored college-level club
for future educators and took students to the group’s state conference in San Diego each of the last two springs.
• Secured $400,000 from the We Will! K-16 collaborate grant to take members of Educators Rising and Aspiring Educators to the Educators Rising National Conference for three years. She took her first group, a party of 42, to Washington, D.C., for this year’s conference held June 27-July 1.
• Joined the Stan State Alumni Council and represented the group as a Commencement speaker.
She’s also preparing multi-subject credential candidates to teach social studies and reading, teaches a bilingual reading methods course and supervises student teachers.
A teacher in Modesto City Schools for 25 years — 15 at the elementary level and 10 teaching Spanish at Gregori High — York pursued a doctorate somewhat by chance.
“Be impeccable with your words; speak with integrity, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions and do your best. That’s how I live my life.”
“In 2015, Grand Canyon University came to do some recruitment at our school,” York said. “They pay for you to visit their Phoenix campus. My daughters and I went.”
Her daughters opted for other colleges — two attended Stan State and one UC Merced — but York responded to a follow-up email
inviting her to apply for Grand Canyon’s online doctoral program.
She began in 2015 and by the time she finished in 2021, was a lecturer in teacher education at Stan State.
Had she not made that visit to Grand Canyon University, where her son by a second marriage is earning a bachelor’s degree, York said she probably would not have thought about pursuing a doctorate.
“It’s by the Grace of God,” she said. “I’m so grateful. The first time I saw my name outside my office, it hit home. Dr. Ana York.”
Such distinction seemed improbable for a child of Puerto Rican missionaries who ended up in Modesto when her father was traveling by bus to Salinas, saw the name, thought it meant modest and decided it was a good place to live.
Nor would she have thought it likely when at 14, awkward and overweight, she agreed to marry a Mexican man she met at church.
“I had no self-esteem, no selfworth and I doubted myself,” York said, “He told me I was beautiful and that was it.
"My mom was afraid if she didn’t sign the consent form, I would run away with him to Mexico, and she was right. I would have left.”
She certainly couldn’t have imagined it during her 11-year marriage that produced three daughters, when she had to study out of the presence of her husband, whose machismo she blames for his abuse of her.
“I always knew as I was going through it that education was going to be my key to freedom,” York said. “Once I had my baby in my hands, I knew I had to do something for a better future for her.”
York earned a high school diploma and attended Galen College to become a medical assistant.
Unable to find a job in that field, she was encouraged by her mom to attend Modesto Junior College.
York’s high school independent study left her ill-prepared for the academic rigors of college. She began with remedial courses and graduated from MJC as a valedictorian before transferring to Stan State.
She earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a bilingual education concentration in 1995 and a year later completed the multi-subject credential program.
Rather than the typical student teacher experience, she was hired as an intern at Rising Sun School in Greyson to teach a class of kindergarten through second graders.
“I think life prepares you,” York said. “I went through independent studies at Elliott teaching myself. I was figuring it out. I was in that marriage, and I was figuring it out. Being at that school, in that situation, I took all those skills. You don’t complain. You just figure it out. That’s what I did.”
She taught at another school in the Patterson district for a year before moving to Modesto City Schools, where she remained until seizing the opportunity to become a fulltime Stan State professor.
York’s love for her students is evident in the extra effort she’s willing to expend on their behalf. She follows simple values she passes on to her student.
“Be impeccable with your words; speak with integrity, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions and do your best.
“That’s how I live my life,” she said. And she might add, to the fullest.
Calling All alumni
They’re in Turlock, Ceres, Modesto, Stockton and other points north, south, east and west.
As Stanislaus State’s director of alumni engagement, Tiffany Davis’s mission is not just to find those who attended the University but to bring them back into the fold.
“Sometimes it’s just letting someone know you’re welcome here,” said Davis, who assumed her role in March.
Welcoming back those who’ve been away is only part of it, of course. There are challenges, as her position was vacant for two years.
“Right now, it’s about rebuilding alumni programming and understanding how alumni want to be connected,” Davis said. “How can we provide services for alumni that are meaningful? How can we provide ways for them to stay engaged? How is that aligned with the University’s mission, and how are we supporting our students who are our future?”
Today’s students are more than tomorrow’s alumni.
“Our students’ goal is to become alumni,” said eighttime Alumni Council Chair Adrian Harrell. “What better way to help them with that success than by being visible and helping them along their journey as much as possible, because their success, ultimately, will be our success.”
Davis, who was a first-generation college student, had no idea at the time what an alum was or that one
New Director of Alumni Engagement Tiffany Davis and Alumni Council Envision Former Warriors Supporting Current Students by lori
gilbert
could help her as she juggled three jobs to earn her psychology degree in 2013. It wasn’t until she was hired by the Division of University Advancement in 2022 that she began to understand the role they can play in students’ lives. She was inspired, she said, by the many alumni who work in University Advancement and various offices across campus.
Now, working with the Alumni Council, she envisions endless possibilities.
“I’m seeing opportunities for alumni to come back, whether that’s for events or to participate in workshops and career panels — finding ways for alumni to support students and connect to the places that were important to them as students,” Davis said.
Since stepping into her role, Davis has embarked on a “listening tour,” visiting department chairs and student organizations to learn ways in which alumni can engage with them.
Faculty, Davis said, would like to not only bring alumni to speak to their classes about their experiences but also help students gain internships.
Students who sit on the Alumni Council and student organization leaders she’s met have shared with Davis that they are interested in how alumni can be a part of their journey at Stan State and how alumni can help support the initiatives that are important to them.
On the flip side, Davis’s office and the Alumni Council are “educating our students about what it means to be an alum and knowing you have a community and a support system that extends beyond graduation,” Davis said. “Your journey doesn’t end when you cross the Commencement stage.”
Davis and Harrell want the Alumni Council to have greater visibility on campus and to be present at student events as a partner or supporter.
Being visible extends beyond the University’s boundaries. Davis and Alumni Council members are tabling at Turlock Farmers Markets to engage with alumni, students, parents and prospective students’ parents.
Harrell carries with her Warrior pins that she hands out to alumni she encounters. The reaction, she said, is always the same. They smile and immediately put the pin on, proud to show that they are Warriors for life.
It’s a small gesture, but impactful, and starts by being present, an idea Harrell references often.
That presence could be strengthened by increasing the number of council members to its maximum of 23.
Starting pre-pandemic, Harrell said the council has sought to find representatives from each of the seven decades of the University’s history and from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds.
Additionally, Davis said the council is partnering with the Black Faculty and Staff Association and Black Student Union to launch a Black Alumni Network.
“Your journey doesn’t end when you cross the Commencement stage.”
- Tiffany Davis
Other plans for the coming academic year include supporting the GALAX-E program (Guiding Alumni and First-Gen in Mentoring and Science Excellence), a College of Science initiative to support first-generation college students in the sciences.
Alumni homecoming festivities also are being planned.
The Alumni Council’s signature events — Vines, featuring area wines and food, and the First-Generation Alumni/Scholars Dinner — returned during the 2023-24 academic year. It also helped organize an event at Gallo to celebrate Stan State graduates who are employed there.
Harrell wants the council to support Dinner with Scientists, featuring alumni telling students about
working in STEM fields, and Dinner with 12 Warriors, in which an alum hosts a dozen students in their home to share stories of the University’s impact.
Working to improve the experience of students is part of the greater goal, with the University landing an Office of the Chancellor grant to support mentorships through an alumni-student connection initiative.
Davis, though, hasn’t lost sight of serving alumni.
“We’re working on rebuilding alumni programming and understanding how alumni want to be connected and how we can provide services for them,” she said.
Alumni Association members have free access to the J. Burton Vasché Library and discounts at the Bookstore and Campus Recreation Center.
Davis wants engaging as alumni to be rewarding.
“I hope they get a sense of belonging and renewed community,” Davis said. “We want to bring back events that were special to alumni and our community.”
A Voice for Stockton
Catalina
Di
Somma
Becomes First Stockton Campus Grad on Alumni Council
by lori gilbert
The Stanislaus State Stockton Campus barely resembles the place where Catalina Di Somma earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science in 2016 through an accelerated program offered by University Extended Education.
“I was here at a time when it was a hidden gem and there was potential for it to become the campus it is today,” Di Somma said. “I didn’t imagine it changing, ever. To see it now — gray walls have color now; empty hallways have people, amenities and resources like the gym and food pantry — it feels completely transformed. And this is just the beginning.”
The Stockton Campus can be much more, Di Somma believes, and she hopes to help make it happen as a member of the Alumni Council.
“My goal is to be of service to the students, to be the face of Stockton on the Alumni Council,” Di Somma said.
Stockton Campus Dean Sarah Sweitzer met Di Somma at a city event and invited her last fall to an event welcoming then-Interim President Sue Borrego.
Not only did Di Somma see a different-looking campus, but she also met Alumni Council President Adrian Harrell.
Within a few weeks, Di Somma, who works for the San Joaquin County Office of Education overseeing after-school programs, had a virtual meeting with Harrell. Di Somma was a member of the Alumni Council by the end of the meeting.
“I am the first person to join the council from Stockton, so it feels like I better show up and show out,” Di Somma said. “It also feels like a great opportunity to connect with that campus and recruit people or let them know about the Alumni Council. Being that voice and being a part of that empowerment for students is truly a full-circle moment.”
Di Somma earned her degree from Stan State’s Stockton Campus by happenstance.
She had moved from Toronto to Lodi at 16. Her mom, a Lodi native, was through with snowy Canadian winters and wanted to return home. Di Somma made the move, and ready to begin her senior year, toured Tokay High School. She was overwhelmed by the emotional turmoil of moving to a new country and instead completed high school online with a Canadian school.
After earning her high school diploma, she wanted to go to work right away and landed a job as a security guard in an affluent Stockton community.
Di Somma was let go because her outgoing, friendly personality did not align with the demeanor of a security guard. That was her wake-up call to enroll in college and begin building a life where her kindness would be valued as an asset instead of a liability.
She enrolled at San Joaquin Delta College and began building a support system of friends she missed out on by not attending a local high school. When she discovered sociology, she’d found her calling.
Driving an old car she called Tallulah, Di Somma knew she could not commute several days a week to Turlock or Sacramento to complete her bachelor’s degree.
The students — mostly non-traditional older students with jobs and families – weren't at the Stockton Campus for its amenities. They were there to get an education.
Two months after graduating, Di Somma had a job as a family advocate with the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County. She has been at the County Office of Education for five years, until recently leading a youth workforce program.
“I’ve had different jobs,” Di Somma said. “They’ve all involved helping people in some way, which is who I am at my core. The degree I chose to obtain through Stan State paved the way for me.”
Some in her cohort earned advanced degrees. One is a professor. Another is a San Joaquin County sheriff’s deputy. Another is a school counselor.
There was no recruitment of her out of Delta College as there would be now. She did a Google search for programs near her and found the Stan State Stockton Campus.
“I remember seeing ‘Get your bachelor’s degree in 15 months,’” Di Somma said. “Typically, I would zoom past that, because it seemed like for-profit clickbait. Seeing the Stan State logo was something that pulled me in. I found the best-kept secret, and it was tucked away on California Street.”
Di Somma met with the late Fred Hilpert, one of the creators of the BASS program. She was impressed with his presentation and joined the program’s third cohort.
“We didn’t have a cafe or lounge area for students. We definitely didn’t have nice massage chairs or a gym,” Di Somma said, laughing, as she reflected on the positive changes made to the Acacia Building. “We were grateful, though. We made the most of what we had.”
“I look at the experiences of the people I went to school with, and we’re all thriving,” Di Somma said. “We started at this place that was looked at as a backup option or people didn’t value it for whatever reason. We did. I’m glad the reputation is being reshaped, because I have seen this campus transform lives. It transformed mine.”
That education now comes with a lot more amenities, including a new, under-construction academic building set to open in fall 2025.
Whatever else the students of Stockton feel they need is what Di Somma hopes to learn and propose to the Alumni Council.
“I would like to see more students feel proud and empowered to attend or say they’re from the Stockton Campus,” Di Somma said. “My long-term goal is making sure I’m an accessible resource to students there. I want to listen to the students and be the voice at the table for them.
“My intention is to really understand the who, why, when and what is happening now and be the driving force for positive change.”
Catalina Di Somma
One University Circle Turlock, Ca 95382
“I had a calling to be a teacher and receiving this scholarship provided a way for me to follow that path. I’m called to make a difference in my community and now I’ve got my dream job. I feel very blessed to have support to achieve my dreams.”
Melissa Ramage-Stephens
Single Subject Credential Candidate 2024 Mary Stuart Rogers Scholar
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