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.
Camille Vrieling and Miranda Owen were selected as the 2025-26 Outstanding Students for the College of Natural Sciences. Owen, Outstanding Undergraduate Student, and Vrieling, Outstanding Graduate Student, will be honored at the college’s Spring Commencement at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.
Brenda Franco Alcala, who lives in Cathedral City, is currently pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with concentrations in accounting and hospitality management at the Palm Desert Campus.
In her debut memoir, “Junkyard Princess,” CSUSB alumna Robyn Saunders Wilson reflects on growing up in a High Desert junkyard and how Cal State San Bernardino opened the door to possibilities she had never imagined. Through stories marked by resilience, humor and compassion, Wilson explores family, identity and the transformative power of education.
Camelia Fowler, the community partnerships analyst with the Office of Community Engaged Learning, recently completed a 12-week professional development program founded by political strategist Angela Rye, gaining mentorship, career insights and connections with industry leaders.
Mahmood Nikbakhtzadeh, assistant professor of environmental health science, has been appointed to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Sustainable Pest Management Advisory Committee, which will play a key role in supporting the state’s efforts to evaluate and reduce pesticide-related risks while advancing sustainable pest management practices.
Katy Rodriguez Wimberly, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, was selected as one of 21 astronomers nationwide for the 2026 cohort of the prestigious American Astronomical Society Harlow Shapley Visiting Lecturers Program. This initiative supports faculty in sharing their research through engaging, accessible talks while inspiring curiosity about the universe.
The CREATE Academy initiative will launch in summer 2026 with hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) programming, pre-college experiences and industry-connected training designed to prepare students for careers in emerging technologies and the future workforce.
Tony Coulson (cybersecurity) was interviewed about the cyberattack on Canvas, an article featured the “Phoenix of Gaza XR” virtual reality project that Ahlam Muhtaseb (media studies) helped develop, and Brian Levin (criminal justice, emeritus) was interviewed about the latest hate crime statistics.
After transferring to Cal State San Bernardino through Instant Admit Day, computer science senior Ryan Stairs gained the confidence to pursue his goals and make the most of his college experience. Through hands-on work in the Digital Transformation office and contributing to the “Join the Pack” website, he’s building the skills and connections needed to launch a future in game development.
The reception highlighted academic excellence while offering a meaningful opportunity to recognize the accomplishments and journeys of the graduates.