CSUSB recently welcomed nearly 30 community college deans, department chairs, articulation counselors and university leaders to campus for the Community College Partnership Learning Community meeting, a collaborative effort focused on strengthening transfer pathways and improving student success across the region.
This installment looks at the university during the 2020s, when the university navigated the challenges of a global pandemic while expanding academic programs, research activity and regional impact. Yet that didn’t deter Cal State San Bernardino from its mission to help its students define their futures.
Stuart Sumida, professor of biology and the president of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, is the lead signatory of a letter signed by more than 150 scientists urging Congress to protect Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, citing its global importance for dinosaur fossils, paleontology research, biodiversity and ecotourism.
“This exciting milestone highlights our department’s dedication to meaningful, data-informed transformation to assess and improve our departmental climate and our ongoing commitment to removing barriers and creating pathways for success in physics, astronomy and beyond,” said Katy Wimberly, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
The new podcast series by CSUSB’s Office of Academic Research explores how artificial intelligence is transforming work, leadership, education and innovation. Hosted by Chief Research Officer Timothy Akers, the debut episode – released May 13 – features Valerie Capers Workman, chief human resources officer of Empower Pharmacy and former head of human resources for Tesla.
As a first-gen student, single mother and campus leader, Jennifer Cornejo’s journey at CSUSB is powered not only by her own determination, but by the sacrifices, encouragement and resilience of the family who believes in her and supports her every step of the way. “She never gave up,” said her father, Carlos Cornejo. “And I hope that becomes an inspiration for other young people – that everything is possible.”
What began as a classroom commercialization project at CSUSB has evolved into a growing startup gaining national recognition. MSEI students Raymond Moorehead Jr. and Jacob Estrada are advancing BluCore Minerals’ technology to extract lithium and other valuable minerals from wastewater streams while securing funding, accelerator opportunities and industry connections.
Jose Ramirez II, the Outstanding Undergraduate Student, and Bobae Lee, the Outstanding Graduate Student, will be honored at the college’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m. at Toyota Arena in Ontario.
Cal State San Bernardino’s College of Arts and Letters has named Alexander Valdez Jr., Kenia Castaneda, Annabelle Su and Filimon Fregoso as its 2025-26 Outstanding Students. The honorees will be celebrated during the college’s Commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. May 16 at Toyota Arena.
Pablo Gutierrez, doctorate in educational leadership, and Marisol Sanchez, master of science, education specialist, are the Watson College of Education’s outstanding graduates who are examples of how Cal State San Bernardino prepare leaders to serve diverse communities.
Two first-generation students – Carmen Uribe, master’s in psychology, and Lidia Albarran, bachelor’s in social work – are being recognized for research excellence, community impact and a shared drive to expand opportunity. Uribe is the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ Outstanding Graduate Student, and Albarran is the college’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student.
The university will host its Spring Commencement ceremonies on May 15-16 at Toyota Arena in Ontario.