The 2024 California State University Photo of the Year competition captured meaningful moments from across the system that encapsulated the CSU spirit. The winners were announced at the September CSU Board of Trustees meeting by Board Chair Jack B. Clarke Jr.
“This fun and friendly competition provides an opportunity for all 23 of our universities to highlight eye-catching images from the past academic year," Clarke said.
Meet this year's winning photographers—all of whom are alumni of the universities where they now work.
First Place
During Fresno State’s home opener football game, the university’s Red Wave fan base filled the stadium to cheer on their ‘Dogs against a beautiful sunset representative of the vibrant Central Valley.
Cary Edmondson, university photographer
Fresno State
After graduating from Fresno State in 2002 with a bachelor’s in studio art, Cary Edmondson worked as a photojournalist for newspapers in California, Florida and Nevada. In 2007, Edmondson switched gears when he accepted a role to become a full-time university photographer at Stanislaus State. After earning multiple awards for his work there—including the Grand Gold award as the 2009 National Photographer of the Year from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)—he eventually came back home in 2011 to become the university photographer for Fresno State. The photograph chosen for the 2024 Photo of the Year contest was extra special to Edmondson because he got to share a special moment with his son, Caleb. When the clouds above the stadium caught his attention, he raced up 10 rows of steps to his family to get Caleb, and the two hiked to the top corner of stadium so Edmondson could capture a few photos. As they made their way back down, Caleb said, "Daddy, I think I see heaven over there!"
Second Place
Rebecca Graham, a master’s student in exercise physiology at Chico State, uses a pipette to transport a measured volume of liquid in the Kinesiology Biochemistry Lab.
Jason Halley, university photographer
Chico State
Since 2014, Jason Halley has served as the lead university photographer for his alma mater, Chico State, where he captures the experience and visual history of the campus. A visual storyteller for more than two decades, Halley received his bachelor's degree in communication design from Chico State and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Art. His creative work is consistently recognized at a national level. He strives for professionalism and is dedicated to sharing meaningful moments and inspiring others to pursue their passions. Halley also makes it a priority to lead in his field, particularly by serving as a board member for the University Photographers Association of America (UPAA). In his free time, Halley enjoys spending time with his family. Halley took first place in the 2023 Photo of the Year contest.
Third Place
At Cal State East Bay, improv dancing is an inclusive art form. Dance faculty member Eric Kupers creates spaces for intimate shared experiences, healing and celebration, where staff, students and faculty can all participate.
Garvin Tso, campus photographer/videographer
Cal State East Bay
Garvin Tso is a Cal State East Bay alumnus and has worked as the photographer and videographer for CSUEB University Advancement since 2016. Recently, he was part of an interesting project to launch the university’s new brand. Departing from the old marketing photos, Tso had to think of something new in terms of how the faces of students should be presented with the brand. He says, “It wasn't hard at all; the diversity and cadence of East Bay students more than show for themselves in portraiture.” Tso took first place in the 2022 Photo of the Year contest.
View all photo submissions for the 2023-2024 Photo of the Year.