​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​STORIES OF SUCCESS

Every degree has a story behind it. Meet the students and alumni who have benefitted from Graduation Initiative 2025 programs across the CSU, as well as the faculty who work daily to make a timely graduation easier.

Click on a profile below to read their success story.

Maria Angelica Garcia

Maria Angelica Garcia

student​ | Humboldt State
Louis Adamsel

Louis Adamsel

alumnus | CSU SAN MARCOS
Roger Perez

Roger Perez

Student | CSU DOMINGUEZ HILLS
JULIET WAHLEITHNER, PH.D.

JULIET WAHLEITHNER, PH.D.

Faculty | Fresno State
JOSH KELLY

JOSH KELLY

Student | CAL STATE FULLERTON
MICHELLE RIPPY

MICHELLE RIPPY

ALUMNI | Cal State East Bay
ANTHONY PLASCENCIA

ANTHONY PLASCENCIA

Alumni | CSU Dominguez Hills
IGNACIO OCHOA

IGNACIO OCHOA

Student | Sacramento State



CSU STEM VISTA Profiles

CSU STEM VISTA members are dynamic world-changers from across the state of California and beyond. They grow and develop their skills while making their campuses more equitable and student-oriented.

Learn more about our inspiring CSU STEM VISTAs and the work they are doing by clicking on the profiles below!

 
Image of Jeremy Aquino

"My favorite part of CSU STEM VISTA is being able to support and connect with my school site in a unique way. I've been able to explore data trends for student demographics, determine areas of improvement, and take part in both outreach and events to then increase student engagement and retainment."

— Jeremy Aquino, Cal Poly Pomona

 
Image of Romina Baronia

"I am a CSU STEM VISTA because it allows me the flexibility to translate my passions into a creative and innovative meaning as I work towards improving how we market undergraduate research as a tool that empowers students in all disciplines to feel confident in their goals."

— Romina Baronia, Cal Poly Pomona

 
Image of Mayra Canchola

"I am a CSU STEM VISTA because I believe that in order to help underserved students succeed, we must help them in a holistic way."

— Mayra Canchola, CSU San Marcos

 
Image of Alondra Chavez

"I am a CSU STEM VISTA because there are disparities in the educational system that need to be changed. I will use my voice to serve as an advocate for students' needs."

— Alondra Chavez, Stanislaus State

 
Image of Randall Chevalier

"My favorite part of CSU STEM VISTA is the opportunity that I've had to network with local tribal communities. I'm hopeful that my efforts will result in a long-lasting partnership between the CSU and Indigenous communities."

— Randall Chevalier, Fresno State

 
Image of Carmen Cortez

"Looking back at my time as a STEM student at CSU Channel Islands, I realized that my support system helped in giving me resources and information, so I wanted to make sure all STEM students had the same resources and opportunities."

— Carmen Cortez, CSU Channel Islands

 
Image of Udit Gupta

"My favorite part of CSU STEM VISTA has been the autonomy to provide value to my team in a way that aligns with my strengths."

— Udit Gupta, San Jose State

 
Image of Ines Morales

"My favorite part of CSU STEM VISTA is being a part of a team that is working to center justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in their work."

— Ines Morales, Cal Poly Humboldt

 
Image of Daniela Narvaez

"I am CSU STEM VISTA because I get to help students in a very direct and impactful way and because it has allowed me to give back to a community that gave so much to me."

— Daniela Narvaez, San Diego State

 
Image of Rie Uzawa

"I am a CSU STEM VISTA because I want to be a part of positive change. My goal is to build an equal access path to better STEM higher education in an equitable manner because I believe education is a right, not a privilege."

— Rie Uzawa, CSU East Bay

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