The Women’s Support Organization will honor Ahlam Muhtaseb (communication studies) with the 2024 Distinguished Woman of the Year award from Women Support Organization (WSO) on Saturday, March 2, when the organization celebrates International Women’s Day. In addition, her latest film, “36 Seconds: Portrait of a Hate Crime,” has been screen and honored at several international film festivals.
Kristi Papailler (theatre arts) was interviewed for an article about one of her students, Dea Armstrong, who won a national award, and Diane Vines (nursing) was honored by her alma mater, Vanderbilt University, with an award for public service.
Dea Armstrong’s essay on former slave, abolitionist and playwright William Wells Brown marked the first time a Cal State San Bernardino student won a Black Theatre Network research award. “Stepping out of my comfort zone and really applying myself has made all of this come true,” she said.
Anthony Donatelli, BA, communication studies ’15, is being recognized for his creativity and impact in the spheres of broadcast journalism, digital media and mass communication.
Dr. Tae-Wook Chun, BS, biology, ’92, is being recognized for his notable contributions in the fields of biopharmaceuticals and immunovirology, and his unwavering dedication to scientific research aimed at enhancing the well-being of individuals and families affected by the HIV infection.
The university was selected by American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ awards committee for its CSUSB President’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Board initiative and “its outstanding results and potential to influence and serve as a model for other institutions.”
The award criteria required that an individual or group employs curiosity and courage in their work; they know bold, innovative thinking is necessary to identify greater systems efficiency and solve longstanding regional challenges.
Mary Jane McCoy, BA, history, ’67, who was one of three African American students in the first graduating class of 59 students, is being recognized for her decades of dedicated leadership, service and generosity to the educational community and beyond.
Sahmae Jackson, a student veteran in the CSUSB Career and Technical Education master’s program, has been named the Trustee Emeritus Murray L. Galinson Scholar for the donor-funded CSU Trustees’ Award and will receive a $9,000 scholarship.