Features | CSUDH Bulletin

LifeSupport

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

After student Pedro Valles almost lost his newborn son, he joined March of Dimes volunteers to help raise money.

By Isiah Reyes

Student Pedro Valles is pictured with his son, Noah.

Staff Writer

After his own son was born three months premature, Dominguez Hills student Pedro Valles is volunteering his time for the March of Dimes Foundation.

The nonprofit organization uses the money from fundraisers to improve the health of babies by preventing defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

While pregnant two years ago, Valles’ wife was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening complication. His son was removed from the womb as a stillborn and needed CPR to regain a pulse. After a few minutes, doctors lost his pulse again and had to resuscitate him.

Esther’s Journey

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

She’s got her degree, now what? Alumna and former communications major Esther Castillo can’t wait to find out.

By Alex Schutz

Staff Writer

Twenty-six years after first enrolling in college, California State University Dominguez Hills alumna Esther Castillo finally has her degree.

Her journey wasn’t easy.

Castillo came to San Francisco from Mexico with a visitor’s visa in 1970 when she was 5. When the visa ran out, she and her mom simply stayed.

“I grew up with no money,” says Castillo, 49. “My mom and I lived below the poverty line as long as I can remember. She worked and had to borrow money I don’t think she was ever able to pay back just to live.”

Overcoming Addiction

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

A recovering drug addict kicks his habit and finds his way back to school.

By Jamaal McIntosh

Wayne Timmerman is a program assistant for Intramurals on campus.

Staff Writer

There are some who choose a destructive path in life. Few of those go on to get a degree and embrace college life.

Wayne Timmerman is one of the few.

Timmerman works as a program assistant for Intramurals at California State University Dominguez Hills. He’s also a CSUDH graduate.

Timmerman dropped out of high school after becoming addicted to hard drugs. He started drinking alcohol at the age of 9, then moved on to marijuana a year later. For more than a decade, he was in and out of jail for possession of illegal drugs, disturbing the peace and trespassing.

Interim president enjoys the daily grind on campus

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

From humble beginnings, Willie Hagan now eyes permanent presidency at California State University Dominguez Hills.

By Isiah Reyes

If he had more time, Hagan said he would like to write a novel. Photo courtesy of University Communications

Staff Writer

The process for selecting a permanent president for Cal State University Dominguez Hills begins this fall, and Interim President Willie Hagan intends to apply for the position.

“That’s my plan,” Hagan said. “I don’t make that decision. The chancellor and Board of Trustees do, but that’s my plan.”

Hagan was appointed as interim president last June. He says that if he hadn’t gone into administration years ago, he would have gone into writing or music.

“My main hobby is writing,” Hagan said. “This job doesn’t allow me to do as much of it as I would like.”