Cal State LA honors six outstanding faculty during University Convocation and Investiture
Six faculty scholars were recently honored for their excellence in teaching and exceptional commitment to students as well as professional accomplishments and services. The faculty members were recognized and featured in a sizzle reel during the University Convocation and Investiture on Aug. 18. The annual event marked the start of the academic year and included the investiture of Berenecea Johnson Eanes as the university’s ninth president. This year’s President’s Distinguished Professor Award was presented to David Blekhman (Technology). The Outstanding Professor Awards went to Eun-Young (Elaine) Kang (Computer Science), Devika Hazra (Economics and Statistics), Rupa Purasinghe (Civil Engineering), and Patrick Sharp (Liberal Studies). Dinur Blum (Sociology) received the Outstanding Lecturer Award. Read about the faculty award recipients.
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Chicanx Latinx Heritage Month celebration begins this month
Cal State LA kicks off Chicanx Latinx Heritage Month on Monday, Sept. 15, in honor of the diverse Indigenous, Latinx, and Chicanx heritage on campus and beyond. Hosted by the Cross Cultural Centers, the LatinX Heritage Month Celebration will take place from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on the University-Student Union Plaza. The event includes music, performances, free food, activities, and more. The campus community is welcome to propose events or activities that align with the celebration on the event and program form online. A listing of events is available on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging website.
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Cal State LA joins East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade for the first time
For the first time in university history, Cal State LA will participate in the 79th Annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival on Sunday, Sept. 14. President Berenecea Johnson Eanes will be joined by Senator Sasha Rene Perez, a distinguished alumna, along with the Cal State LA Cheer Squad. The parade will also feature Rosario Marín, former U.S. treasurer and Cal State LA alumna, as Madrina (Godmother) of the parade. Wear your Cal State LA gear and cheer along the 1.5-mile route, starting at 10 a.m. at Cesar Chavez Avenue and Mednik Avenue. Parking is available at the East LA Civic Center.
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EagleCon 2025 is scheduled for Sept. 23-24
EagleCon 2025, Cal State LA’s annual science fiction and fantasy convention co-hosted with the Art Directors Guild, celebrates diversity and imagination in speculative storytelling. This year’s theme, “Resistance,” honors filmmaker Alex Rivera (Sleep Dealer, The Infiltrators), legendary Star Trek art director Herman Zimmerman, and the nonprofit Organization of Transformative Works. The Sept. 23-24 conference features award ceremonies, student panels, industry workshops, and the exhibition titled The Art of Resistance in Film and Television. Visit the EagleCon website for the schedule of events.
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Benefits enrollment period opens Sept. 15
The annual CSU Open Enrollment period for CalPERS health, dental, vision, Dependent Care Reimbursement (DCRA), Health Care Reimbursement (HCRA), or voluntary benefits plans is open from Sept.15 through Oct. 10. Eligible employees may enroll, change plans, and add eligible family members during this time. The effective date for all updates is Jan. 1, 2026. Full details on health plans are available on the CalPERS website. The annual Cal State LA Benefits Fair will take place on Monday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Golden Eagle Ballroom. A Virtual Systemwide Benefits Fair will be held online on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register online to attend virtual fair.
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AANAPISI Week 2025 launches off with a virtual panel
Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week 2025 begins with a virtual panel on Monday, Sept, 22, from 12 to 1 p.m., titled “Speaking Up: Elevating Voices and Impact of AANAPISIs.” The event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policy advocates to discuss how AANAPISIs advance educational equity and uplift Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander student voices. Cal State LA is an AANAPISI, a designation the university has held since the program’s inception in 2007. To attend the virtual panel, go to the registration webpage.
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The Luckman presents a performance featuring Aída Cuevas
A landmark performance by one of Mexico’s most enduring and influential musical voice: Aída Cuevas, the unrivaled “Queen of Ranchera Music,” brings her celebrated artistry to The Luckman at 7 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 28. She is recognized as one of the most powerful and emotive voices in Mexican music. Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff can purchase discounted tickets at the Luckman Box Office upon presentation of a valid Cal State LA One Card.
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FilAm Creative Film Festival returns to Cal State LA
The 2025 FilAm Creative Film Festival (FACFF), a celebration of Filipino-American filmmakers and their incredible work, will take place Sept. 25-28 at the Luckman Theatre. Now in its third year as a festival, FACFF will showcase 24 films, including narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and music videos. The festival is co-hosted by The Luckman. Faculty and staff can receive a 50% discount using the code FACCALST, with a valid One Card required to be presented at entry. Cal State LA students can get in for free by using code FACSTUDENTS, with a valid One Card required at entry as well. For information or tickets, visit the FACFF website or Eventbrite.
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Commercial Music Ensemble to perform at State Playhouse
Experience the talent and creativity of Cal State LA’s Commercial Music Ensemble as they kick off a season of exciting live performances. Don’t miss their upcoming concert on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the State Playhouse. Most shows presented by the Department of Music are free to the public, with many livestreamed on its YouTube channel.
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Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing hosts Cedars-Sinai blood drive
Faculty, staff, students, and community members can give blood on campus during the Cedars-Sinai’s Give from the Heart Blood Drive on Tuesday, Oct. 28, through Thursday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors will receive free snacks and the choice of a limited-edition T-shirt or gift card from In-N-Out. The blood drive is organized in partnership with the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing. To make an appointment, please visit the Cedars-Sinai Blood Drive webpage (donor group code: CSLA). The blood drive will be held in the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing Simulation Center (Salazar Hall 161).
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Silverman Gallery features an exhibition titled ‘Thru the Lens’
The Ronald H. Silverman Fine Arts Gallery at Cal State LA presents Thru the Lens: Photographic Art from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation. Curated by Billie Milam Weisman, Thru the Lens features over three dozen artists who explore various forms and methods of the photographic process. The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 25. The gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from noon to 5 p.m.
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University Reports is accepting entries from faculty, staff
√ Did you present a paper at a professional conference?
√ Have you recently published a book?
√ Were you awarded a grant for your research?
The Office of Strategic Communications is accepting submissions for the next edition of University Reports. The web publication showcases professional activities and publications, as well as the awards received by our faculty and staff. Submit your information to the Office of Strategic Communications at paffairs@calstatela.edu for inclusion in the next issue.
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Submit fall events for the University calendar
As you plan virtual or in-person events for the fall semester, please submit calendar entries to the Office of Strategic Communications at paffairs@calstatela.edu as soon as possible to allow time for inputting onto the online University calendar.
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