Hello CGU Scholars! 

Welcome to the Office of Student Engagement blog, Blogging for Student Success!! We hope that through this space you can build community, engage with fellow graduate scholars, and learn some tips and trick as you navigate graduate school. As we kickoff another semester in an online flex format, we look forward to engaging with you and connecting with you bi-weekly in this virtual space!  

We look forward to supporting you and encourage you to check out our homepage to see more of what we do on campus and virtually! 

Stay connected with us for the month of January with the following events!  

Office of Student Engagement Drop in hours  

Do you have a question for us? Come join us for drop-in hours which will be hosted by our team on the first two days of the spring term. We encourage you to connect with us and learn more about resources, any tech issues, how-to navigate your virtual classes, or meet with a Student Support Specialist. 

Attention first year students and Graduate Student of Color, did you know we have programming tailored for YOU! We invite you to learn more about these co-curricular programs and join us at an upcoming event. If you ever want more information, reach out to your student support specialist. 

*Find out more here: https://my.cgu.edu/student-engagement/events/ 

Did you know that each school at CGU has their own webpage with information about upcoming department events, registration, degree requirements, and ways to connect with department staff? We invite you to explore these pages in your first week! Find yours here: https://my.cgu.edu/schools/  

Also be sure to check the main CGU calendar to stay up to date on all campus activities here: https://www.cgu.edu/events/  

As we conclude our first post, we invite you to join in on the conversation. Please comment and introduce yourself. What are you currently reading/watching? For our foodies, what is your go- to meal?  Have you picked up any new hobbies during quarantine? What topics or threads do you hope to see in our new blog? Remember this space is for YOU! If you have any questions, suggestions, or would even like to be a guest contributor we invite you to email us at student.engagement@cgu.edu.  

Introducing your student engagement team! 

David Estudiante (he/him/his) Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Student Support Specialist for the School of Arts & Humanities  

I am a California transplant by way of Texas, Oklahoma, and my hometown Rogers, Arkansas. My success and passion for Higher Education began with my participation in the Trio program Upward Bound, which provides pathways to college for under-represented minority students. As a first-gen, queer student of color I believe in transformative education and the power of sharing experiences to build community. I am excited to learn more about our diverse student population, why CGU, why this degree, what led you to graduate school, and what are your professional aspirations. Through this dialogue I hope to improve the student experience and work to support our graduate scholars! 

Cassandra Hernandez (she/her/hers) Student Support Specialist for the School of Social Science, Policy and Evaluation 

Hey everyone! Thanks for taking the time to stop by our blog! I have lived in Southern California all my life and I feel this is a great place that fosters diversity and where many walks of life intertwine and connect, which brings me to my passions: Comunidad, Familia y Justicia Social (community, family and social justice). I have many facets to my identity as I am sure many of you do and that, I believe, is the true beauty of our existence. I am a first-generation college graduate of Mexican dissent.  I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, El Monte and Baldwin Park to be exact. I am part of a huge family whom I love and cherish, including about 30-something (lost exact count) primos (cousins) and I believe in social justice and that we must keep striving for transformative change to make life better and accessible for all. I am delighted to hear more about you and your intersecting identities, what drives you, and why you have chosen to continue your higher ed journey here at CGU! 

Violet Luxton (she/her/hers) Student Support Specialist for the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Center for Information Systems and Technology  

Hi my name is Violet Luxton! Welcome to the Office of student engagement blog! A little about myself, I am a mixed indigenous woman born and raised in SoCal. I am passionate about #LandBack movements and using wisdom rooted in Indigenous diasporas to re-examine narratives of sustainability, eco-feminism and social justice that center indigenous contributions to society. I am a writer, musician and artist who employs indigenous and afro-futurism to remember the wisdom of our ancestors by creating new ways of sensing and seeing the world around us that honors and respects all life. In the words of revolutionary Assata Shakur: “Part of being a revolutionary is creating a vision that is more humane. That is more fun, too. That is more loving. It’s really working to create something beautiful.” I firmly believe Black Lives Matter and support campaigns for justice for Black lives, murdered and missing indigenous women, environmental, democratic, and algorithmic justice. Please reach out and share what you are most passionate about!!! 

Elizabeth Rubio (she/her/hers) Student Support Specialist for School of Educational Studies  

Hello everyone, my name is Elizabeth! A little bit about myself, I am a softball mom and the first in my family to graduate from college. I am very passionate about Higher Education and the student experience. My Higher Education passion started when I was attending Citrus College five years after graduating from high school. I had the best experiences at both Citrus and CSUF, primarily due to how active I was on campus and the people I met who made a difference. I knew that I wanted to work in Higher Education to create positive experiences for students. I am fortunate enough to be at CGU working with the Office of Student Engagement. I am excited to engage with all of you and to learn from all of you. Ten years from now, I want you to reflect on your time at CGU and remember our office and the excellent staff that work here. 

Amir Woods (he/him/his) Student Support Specialist for the Drucker School of Management and Center for Business & Management of the Arts  

Hello everyone. Welcome to our blog! I am a first-generation graduate from Cerritos, California who holds an MS.Ed. I am committed to being a servant leader, fostering student development and social change. As a community college graduate, I never imagined working in Higher Education and contributing to the success of various student populations. In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, reading biographies, watching documentaries on social issues, listening to jazz, and spending time with family, and friends. I hope this blog creates more engagement for our CGU graduates. Take care and I hope your first week is a success!  

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”  

-Muhammad Ali