Benjamin Stockton '78

My time at Cal State Long Beach was a transformative experience. I had previously been in the Army and had relocated back to California, where I got an associate in science degree at Cyprus Community College and then a bachelor of Arts degree at Cal State Long Beach. My first day on campus was a shock, but I stuck with it and eventually graduated. I was the first in my immediate family to finish college. Graduation day was a proud moment for me and my family. My major was political science, and I had some memorable professors and advisors who had an impact on me, such as Dr. Ron Schmidt and Dr. Larry Martinez, who are still close friends of mine. I learned a lot about citizenship and the value of self-study. I also learned the importance of going to office hours and writing a good thesis. I am now an alumni of Cal State Long Beach and the creator of a scholarship administered in the political science department. I'm still involved with the university and I'm excited to be a part of The Beach.