Toro Teddy gifting the prize winner to one of the alumni. Photo by Efren Gutierrez Feb 19.
By Efren Gutierrez Staff Reporter.
The year was in 2005, Doug Fetters graduated and received his bachelor’s degree in geography and minor in Earth science. Fetter is one of the many alums that attended CSUDH Homecoming 2022. “When I was an undergraduate, I remember Welch Hall and LaCorte Hall, that building there (LSU) wasn’t even there,” Fetters points at the building. Fetters enjoyed the event with his wife, as he photographed the performance of the cheer and dance squad. “I mean wow! They did a great job, I was impressed,” Fetters said.
“After graduation, I went on to earn a Masters at CSULB (Long Beach) and briefly taught in several local community colleges,” Fetters said.
CSUDH Toros alums return to campus with families and loved ones for Homecoming week. Felicia Hernandez, the Director of Alumni Relations says that she was excited to see many alumni show up. Hernandez is also an alumni from the class of ‘13
Wini Carter, an alumna of the class of ‘97, who graduated at age 78, came back to celebrate the homecoming with other alums and students.
Carter received her bachelor’s degree in English and communication. Carter said that she was always ready for any challenge that was thrown at her, after she graduated from CSUDH, she returned to serve in the Police Department as a volunteer Senior Police Partner.
Another alumnus present in the event was Esteban De La Palma. Esteban came along with two of his siblings. “My younger brothers are really into video games and told them about the tournament that Esports were having.” Esteban and his brothers were in a rush to the new Innovation and Instruction auditorium to play “Smash Bros Ultimate” and “Mario Kart.”
“I am class of 2016 and for me, it feels like I never left because I came back to work for the school,” De La Palma said. De La Palma, who received his bachelor’s degree in computer technology, said that he feels a bit jealous about what CSUDH has now than what they had before. For example, he mentions the number of scholarships that many departments offer. “Back then there weren’t enough opportunities of getting a scholarship and now many of these students have more than one opportunity”
The Alumni Relations Office collected funds from the beer and wine event and is planning to use those funds for students and give scholarships.
Many alumni were really excited about the beer and wine event. “It is something that I wouldn’t have expected for CSUDH to do something like this,” said an alumna from the class of 2017.
Many alumni were surprised about the activities that were hosted but yet very happy for them to be back on campus. Alums did not come just to have fun but to share their accomplishments with incoming freshmen students, staff, and everyone at CSUDH.
“Be serious about your education, but also have fun and enjoy the college experience… don’t be afraid to reach out and connect directly with students/professors. You might make an awesome connection for your life,” Fetters said.
