Insights / Spring 2024
ON THE PATH TO RENEWAL
Sonoma State is undergoing a forward-looking transformation
Racing toward the future, leaning into core strengths
Resilience – our ability to seek renewal and a sustainable future – is the continued story of Sonoma State
Preserving and renewing tradition
With the aid of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the refurbished Fairfield Osborn Preserve is an educational foothold on a mountain held sacred by Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo tribes.
SEEDS sprouts community-minded teachers
SSU program creates special-education experts – and a heartfelt community of educators.
Innovation key for Learning by Making program
SSU faculty and staff in EdEon STEM Learning didn’t have the technology they needed to innovate science instruction in rural and underserved schools. So they built it.
IN THIS ISSUE
On the cover
Stevenson Hall is the centerpiece of the 269-acre Sonoma State University campus and is the largest academic building at SSU, making it an intrinsic part of the lives of faculty and students.
More than 60 years after its creation, Stevenson Hall has seen many changes from a campus and academic perspective.
A stunning $90-million renovation completed in 2022 transformed the Hall from a loveable, ivy-covered concrete bunker into the first state-of-the-art, LEED-certified building on campus.
“Stevenson Hall is and will always be a true hub for dialogue and academic endeavors,” President Lee said at the 2023 ribbon-cutting ceremony, raising a pair of giant scissors as the crowd roared with appreciation.
Our ability to seek renewal and a sustainable future is the continued story of Sonoma State.
New president Mike Lee sees his job as bringing back and giving new life to the pride in the University.
Preserving and renewing tradition
With the aid of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the refurbished Fairfield Osborn Preserve is an educational foothold on a mountain held sacred by Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo tribes.
Seeking variety among the varietals
SSU alumni emphasize the importance of diversity in the wine business
Growing community-minded teachers
SSU program creates special-education experts – and a heartfelt community of educators.
They didn’t have the technology needed to innovate science instruction in rural and underserved schools. So they built it.
Geology student Kelsey Dowdall said her fieldwork experience gave her better tools than anything she could have learned in the classroom.
SSU researcher's study of the Gullah people yields insights about shared abundance
Student experience key to enrollment success
New Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management Ed Mills knew he had a big challenge ahead of him when he arrived at Sonoma State. In fact, he was counting on it — and welcomed it.
Eight questions to four faculty members: David McCuan, Political Science; Kim Hester Williams, English; Robert Eyler, Economics; Omayra Ortega, Math and Statistics
Biologist Crocker wins Wang Award
The high selective award recognizes unparalleled record for successful campus funding.
Students get top CSU scholarship, award
Students honored with CSU's Sally Casanova Scholarship and Trustee Emeritus Kenneth Fong Scholar among CSU Trustees' Awards.
Popular programs celebrate 40 years
The Art from the Heart benefit auction and the Holocaust and Genocide Lecture Series celebrated a major milestone this year.
Sarris, Brackett receive honorary degrees
The chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and the well-known North Bay realtor will receive awards at the 2024 Commencement in May
Student exchange with Tunghai University
Tunghai is offering comprehensive scholarships, including travel, for two students to attend Summer Minimester, a program sponsored by Fulbright Taiwan.
Otter research makes cover of "Nature"
Brent Hughes’ research on sea otters and their role in protecting a California salt marsh was the cover article of “Nature," and picked up by nearly 200 news outlets.
Alumni Spotlight: Mike McGuire
The political science alum took office this year as the Senate President Pro Tempore.
A letter to the alumni community from Tiffany O'Neil, our assistant vice president for alumni relations and university engagement, and the members of the 2023-24 board of directors
Meet the recipients of the Ambrose R. Nichols, Jr. and the Heart of SSU scholarships.
