Making Waves: May 2024

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Although she’s been on staff at CSULB for only two years, Xenia Orozco ‘20 already has proven herself to be a standout human resources specialist known for her commitment and versatility. A powerful advocate for student assistants, Orozco also has skillfully managed various HR challenges — especially during staffing shortages. For this, the business major was named April’s Employee of the Month. "Xenia's relentless dedication and proactive approach truly embody what we consider the ‘Best of The Beach,’ " said Roxanna Roa, associate director of employee relations and leave of absence programs. Orozco’s credits her fellow Beach staffers and supervisors for showing so much initiative so early in her career. “They have created an environment where I feel encouraged to learn and grow every day.” 

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Former Anaheim Angels player Jered Weaver ‘04 was immortalized in a ceremony May 10, as Long Beach State retired his number, 36. Once dubbed the "Friday Knight," Weaver was named 2004 National Player of the Year and was a multiple-time MLB All-Star. The ceremony marked a historic moment for Dirtbags baseball, as it was the first time the team had retired a number. Renowned for his dominance at Blair Field during the ‘04 season, Weaver's achievements that year included 213 strikeouts and a 14-0 start. On two occasions he struck out the first 10 batters he faced. Weaver's legacy extends beyond college, with multiple professional records and a stellar career primarily with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Limited-edition "36” shirts were given out before the game. 

CHHS dean to lead Academy of Kinesiology 

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Dean Monica Lounsbery of the College of Health and Human Services has been elected president-elect of the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK), a century-old organization dedicated to advancing knowledge, upholding standards, and promoting the study of human movement and physical activity. Its members are elected based on their significant contributions within the field; Lounsbery has been a fellow since 2015. Founded in 1925 as the American Academy of Physical Education, the NAK recognizes that the broadening field of kinesiology goes beyond traditional PE to encompass areas such as exercise science, biomechanics, motor control and sport psychology, among other fields. Lounsbery, who will be the NAK’s 84th president in 100 years, has written extensively on strategies and interventions aimed at raising the overall level of physical activity within a population. 
 

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Alessandro Russo '10, '16, has received this year’s Staff Council Outstanding Staff Award. Called out specifically for his commitment to bettering both The Beach and the broader community, Russo has served various roles at CSULB, including Staff Council chair, where he has contributed to the Academic Senate and International Education Committee. Russo has held administrative positions at the George L. Graziadio Center for Italian Studies, the Learning Assistance Center, the Department of Romance German Russian Languages & Literatures and — finally — the Department of Economics. "Alessandro is one of the savviest staff members we have,” Spanish Professor Bonnie Gasior said in her nomination, adding that Russo elevates every project with his “grace and efficiency." Russo is actively engaged in community service, such as charity walks and preparing holiday care packages for the unhoused.

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The University Library recently hosted Donna J. Nicol for a discussion on her new book, “Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, the California State University, and the Fight to Save Affirmative Action.” (University of Rochester Press, 2024). Nicol is associate dean of personnel and curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts at CSULB. Her work delves into the influential role of Claudia H. Hampton, the first Black woman trustee and later chair of the CSU board, who tirelessly advocated for the rights of historically marginalized groups from 1974 to 1994. Nicol’s narrative reveals how Hampton's strategic use of "sly civility" and boardsmanship significantly advanced affirmative action within the CSU system. The library talk, which also featured U.S. History Professor Patricia Cleary, focused on that pivotal period in educational history and the groundbreaking leadership of Black women in academia. 

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Two Moot Court teams at Cal State Long Beach demonstrated legal mastery at the American Moot Court Association's (AMCA) National Championship. Fourth-year English major Morgan Barragan and Ivonne Sotelo, a third-year political science major, showcased their advocacy and reasoning skills to reach the semifinals from a pool of close to 500 others. In a separate victory, seniors Alexa Alvarez and Stevie De La Fuente secured second-place wins in the “respondent written brief competition,” maintaining The Beach’s impressive 14-year streak in the top 10 — a record-setting run in AMCA history. Under the guidance of Lewis Rangel, a lecturer in the Political Science Department and coach since 2006, the Moot Court program continues to prepare future legal minds in simulated Supreme Court battles, a tradition that spans over two decades at the university.