This month’s achievements span innovation, storytelling and sustainability
Making Waves is a monthly column that celebrates accomplishments of the CSULB community.
Cal State Long Beach recognized for regional economic impact
CSULB was honored as one of six California State University campuses to receive the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s Strategic Engagement Award, spotlighting their shared role in driving workforce development, regional partnerships and economic transformation. President Andrew Jones joined CSU Chancellor Mildred García and fellow presidents at the 30th annual Eddy Awards gala Nov. 5, where LAEDC leaders applauded the universities for connecting classrooms to careers and collaborating with industry and community partners. The recognition underscored how CSULB prepares graduates to power key Southern California sectors, from healthcare and aerospace to digital media and clean energy while expanding equitable economic opportunity across the region. With thousands of CSULB students earning degrees each year and stepping into high-demand fields, the campus continues to serve as a vital engine for a diverse, highly skilled workforce in Los Angeles County and beyond.
Alumnus author brings ‘Tao of Surfing’ to film
Michael Allen ‘88, ‘92, author of “Tao of Surfing,” returned to campus recently for a screening of “A Long Road to Tao,” the feature film inspired by his Pulitzer Prize-nominated book. The story followed a blocked writer who reconnected with a long-lost friend dying of AIDS, blending surf culture with Taoist and Native American spiritual themes as the men confronted fear, grief and acceptance together. Allen — who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy from the College of Liberal Arts in 1992 served as author, producer and co-screenwriter, and he shared with students how a deeply personal story evolved into a decades-long film project. The event in Theatre Arts highlighted the power of independent filmmaking to address LGBTQ+ identity, friendship and loss while offering an example of how alumni can translate their academic work and lived experience into art that encourages empathy and reflection.
Campus leaders advance sustainability efforts
CSULB recently celebrated the faculty and staff who are shaping a more sustainable campus through teaching, research and hands-on impact. Two faculty members received the Changemaker Award: Elaine Villanueva Bernal was recognized for weaving environmental justice into chemistry instruction and expanding STEAM-based climate education, and Kent Hayward was noted for championing sustainable filmmaking and guiding students to build practical tools for greener production. The Changemaker Award also went to a staffer: ASI’s Kimberly Cruz, whose leadership of Sustain U nurtures student growth while advancing campuswide engagement. Honorary awards went to College of Business lecturer Nataliya Acc-Nikmehr for strengthening sustainability education in business through new courses and cross-disciplinary initiatives, and staffer Pedro Ramirez Godoy, whose work in Landscaping and Grounds Services is improving biodiversity, water efficiency and waste diversion.
Africana studies scholar guides student success
M. Keith Claybrook, associate professor in Africana Studies has expanded his support for student achievement with the third edition of his book, “Building the Basics: A Handbook for Pursuing Academic Excellence in Africana Studies” (2021, Kendall Hunt Publishing). Claybrook uses the handbook to help students strengthen core skills such as critical reading, scholarly writing and collaborative learning while grounding their work in the goals of Africana studies. The updated edition continues to offer practical strategies, guiding questions and activities that encourage students to take ownership of their learning in and beyond the classroom. Claybrook’s work in Black freedom movements, Black Los Angeles and Black intellectual histories also shapes his teaching and writing and mentoring through organizations such as the Black Student Union and the Black Business Student Association.
October Employee of the Month: Parking coordinator Sal Espinoza
Parking Events Logistics Coordinator Sal Espinoza logistics was celebrated as October’s Employee of the Month for turning the summer closure of Lot G12 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center into a smooth, guest-friendly experience. Sal Espinoza mapped out staff positions to guide visitors who arrived unaware of the changes, created safe and efficient traffic and pedestrian flow and coordinated signage, drop-off zones and shuttle support for less mobile patrons. Colleagues in Parking & Operations praised his calm leadership and partnership mindset, noting how he consistently looked for solutions rather than problems. Beyond his duties, Espinoza mentors student assistants, encouraging them to step into expanded roles and honoring their contributions on a department “Wall of Fame.” After 18 years at Cal State Long Beach, he continues to blend operational savvy with genuine care for the campus community.
Have an item for Making Waves? Send your submissions to Wendy Thomas Russell.
