Antonio Loya '76

My experience at California State University, Long Beach was truly memorable. I knew I belonged there the moment I stepped foot on campus. I remember standing in the parking lot and looking up at the campus and feeling like I was home. I had some really great professors who encouraged me along the way. One professor in particular, Mr. De Harris, was especially influential. He was passionate about teaching and wanted us to take our education seriously. He was a great professor and I'm grateful for the impact he had on my life. My time at Long Beach State also prepared me for my career and life after graduation. It enhanced my ability to be creative, not only in the art world, but in the aerospace world, which I did for 35 years. It also helped me later get my doctorate's degree in psychology. Even now, at 76 years old, I'm still using the skills I learned at Cal State Long Beach to write and illustrate a book. My degree from the university means a lot to me and I'm thankful for the impact it has had on my life.