Making Waves: February 2025
Making Waves is a monthly column that celebrates accomplishments of the CSULB community.
Employee of the Month: Business analyst Lisette Alvarez
Lisette Alvarez, assessment and accreditation analyst for the College of Business, was named January’s Employee of the Month for the instrumental role she played in securing AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) reaccreditation. Associate Dean of COB Accreditation Jasmine Yur-Austin emphasized that Alvarez’s “meticulous attention to detail, strong work ethic and dedication” were key to the process. She compiled and analyzed thousands of student learning outcomes data points, developed a dashboard for assessment and edited the college’s quarterly publication. When a severe storm disrupted the AACSB Peer Review Team’s campus visit, Alvarez swiftly reorganized logistics for 100 attendees, ensuring a seamless experience. Yur-Austin noted that Alvarez “continuously exceeds expectations in every task she undertakes.” Alvarez also led the creation of COB’s first student-focused magazine, "Rising and Shining," highlighting graduates’ achievements and furthering the college’s mission of social mobility.
Alumna contributes to Getty manuscript exhibit
The summer after she graduated from CSULB, classics major Meagan Kim '24 made her mark at the J. Paul Getty Museum as one of 16 Getty Marrow summer interns featured in “Our Voices, Our Getty: Reflecting on Manuscripts.” Now open to the public, the exhibition showcases never-before-displayed manuscripts alongside reflections from the 2024 intern cohort. During her 10-week paid internship, Kim contributed to the exhibition’s creation and implementation, helping bring to light a collection of rare works, including illuminated pages from medieval bestiaries and astronomical texts. Her written reflection, featured in the exhibition, offers insight into how the historical artifacts connect with modern audiences. The museum is part of the Getty Center in Los Angeles. The exhibition is on display at the Getty Museum, offering a fresh perspective on historical storytelling.
CSULB honored for equitable hiring initiatives
CSULB has earned a Bronze Award in the 2025 NASPA Excellence Awards for Equitable and Inclusive Hiring Practices, recognizing its commitment to fostering a more diverse and accessible workforce. The award highlights key initiatives such as the Reverse Job Fair, Career Clothes Closet, Equitable Hiring Practices Training for Employers, and the Employer Identity Ribbons program, all of which promote inclusive recruitment efforts. This recognition celebrates the contributions of several staff members, including the Career Development Center’s Erin Booth-Caro, Dee Hyppolite, Heather Rapoza and Natalie Smerkanich, as well as Jessica Wood (Bob Murphy Access Center), Iraida Venegas (Associated Students Inc.) and Raul Pacheco (Human Resources Management) — all of whom have collaboratively strengthened the university’s hiring practices. The NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) Region VI Excellence Awards honor innovative programs and professionals shaping the future of higher education. CSULB’s achievement reflects its ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion in career development and employment opportunities.
Student-athlete honored for leadership on and off court
Long Beach State women’s basketball player Lovely Sonnier has been named one of just 14 student-athletes nationwide to receive the inaugural Kay Yow Cancer Fund Servant Leader Award. The honor recognizes individuals who exemplify selfless leadership, resilience and a commitment to making a difference. Sonnier, a fourth-year communications major who plays guard, has dedicated time to volunteer efforts with Miller Children’s Hospital, Los Altos Parks and Recreation and Jefferson Elementary School while also serving as the team’s ambassador for The Big West’s “Tough Like Tammy” campaign. She credits her leadership to the support of her teammates and coaches, striving to inspire others through action rather than obligation. As part of the recognition, Sonnier and the other recipients will wear a special jersey patch throughout the season, symbolizing the ripple effect of servant leadership in the fight against cancer.
Professor awarded grant to expand ethnic studies
Theresa Gregor has been awarded an Advancing and Expanding Ethnic Studies grant, part of a CSU-wide initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation to strengthen ethnic studies programs. Gregor, an assistant professor and program director of American Indian Studies, will use the grant to develop new academic pathways that integrate ethnic studies with gender and sexuality studies — broadening opportunities for students to engage in intersectional research and experiential learning. Her work aims to enhance curriculum, support student success and foster collaboration between CSULB and community college partners. The grant is part of a larger effort to increase the number of students pursuing ethnic studies and to advance inclusive excellence across the CSU system.
Have an item for Making Waves? Send your submissions to Wendy Thomas Russell.
