More than 4,000 students are expected to graduate from Cal State San Marcos this academic year, including six standouts from the Class of 2024 who are receiving special recognition for their achievements.
Honorees were nominated by faculty or staff and endorsed by their college’s dean. Here is a closer look at each award recipient:
Jocelyne Dates, master’s biological sciences
President’s Outstanding Graduate
Dean’s Award, Graduate Studies
Dates' work ethic in the laboratory has inspired her peers and instructors, and her research will leave a lasting impact. Dates has mastered and established techniques that require the manual dexterity of a neurosurgeon while participating in the lab. She has impressively designed the lab logo and built custom-made research equipment, which increased data acquisition rate for an intricate bioassay from 50% to 100%.
Dates has taken the role of a mentor to multiple undergraduate and graduate students and creates a nurturing learning environment. In her role as a Summer Scholars mentor, she provided guidance to 13 undergraduate students and one graduate student, which resulted in a total of 25 conference presentations and several publications prepared.
Dates’ outstanding scholarship and research contributions are the pinnacle of excellence. Her hard work has led her to be accepted into 12 Ph.D. programs (she’ll attend Vanderbilt this fall) and she has secured over $1 million in external fellowship funding to date. Dates will graduate with four manuscripts and one invited book chapter while having delivered 10 conference presentations and co-authored another 15 conference contributions as a mentor.
Megan Hosfield, sociology
Dean’s Award, College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences
Hosfield has sought out all the opportunities available to her on campus. After she successfully completed Jonathan Trinidad’s statistics course, she volunteered to audit his class. Trinidad quickly saw her deep understanding of the course, and he recruited her as a paid teaching assistant. In this role, Hosfield actively engages with students and provides them with clear explanation and personalized assistance during class and office hours. She has become a role model to students in lower and higher division statistics courses by leading by example and being responsible and reliable.
In addition to her remarkable work as student teaching assistant, Hosfield leaves an impact on her peers. While in Marisa Salina’s large lecture sociology 311 class, Hosfield shared her own experiences with the intersections of various systems of oppression. It was a powerful experience for Hosfield’s classmates about inequities within public health and social services.
Hosfield’s hard work has led her to be accepted into eight Ph.D. programs in sociology and public health. She plans to study how people with mental health and substance abuse issues begin to rehabilitate socially.
Jack Norwood, business administration, management
Gerevas Family Dean’s Award, College of Business Administration
Norwood works as a programming specialist for Associated Students, Inc., at the Temecula campus where he helps students by developing and managing student-focused programs and initiatives. In this role, he also works with other university student affairs departments and organizations in support of Temecula students.
Norwood has volunteered his time as an ambassador for the Temecula campus. He has participated in an Extended Learning marketing campaign, outreach events to prospective students, and represented the campus on efforts with community partners and Mt. San Jacinto College. Norwood has also represented the Temecula campus as part of the Business Organization for Student Success, the ASI Student Advocacy Committee, the Extended Learning Student Fee Advisory Committee, and has been the university representative for the Temecula Student of the Month.
Beyond the university, Norwood has participated in community service activities. He has been a site lead for the Cesar Chavez Day of Service for two years. Beyond his leadership, Norwood explicitly defines the day of service to the volunteers and its comprehensive benefit to the communities served.
Miranda Grzywaczewski, kinesiology
Dean’s Award, College of Education, Health and Human Services
Grzywaczewski has shown a consistent and unwavering commitment to the CEHHS mission and vision as well as consistent engagement in community service and leadership activities. Through class discussion and peer assignments, she leads by example with her outside-the-box thinking. The effort and hard work she put into her coursework shows in her 3.94 CSUSM GPA, as she is one of the top-performing kinesiology students.
Grzywaczewski possesses a certification to do vascular stiffness measurements, which makes her one of four students to achieve this status. This process takes over 30 clinical screenings to perfect these vascular analysis skills.
Grzywaczewski also serves as the CEHHS representative for Associated Students, Inc., where she holds office hours and encourages student engagement. She has a clear passion for service and care toward others.
Patricia Tulloch, biological sciences
Dean’s Award, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Tulloch has pushed through barriers and has emerged as a motivated leader who is dedicated to helping underserved communities. She leaves a positive impact while conducting biomedical research as a teaching assistant and working to make a difference in her local and international community.
Tulloch has been a dedicated researcher in biology professor Julie Jameson's lab for three years. She always brings a positive attitude to the lab, and she was excited to learn about mouse surgery, anesthesia delivery and dissection. Tulloch has shared her findings at the University of Irvine Immunology Fair and received funding to present at the American Association of Immunologists meeting in Chicago. She is committed to the study of skin diseases, diabetic wounds and psoriasis and she is a co-author on a manuscript that is soon to be published.
In addition to her work in the lab, Tulloch is a dedicated teaching assistant for Molecular Medicine, BIO 456. In this role, Tulloch demonstrates a natural ability to guide students through a team-based learning strategy while they work on case studies focused on medical therapeutics.
Nick Melanese, business administration, marketing
Dean’s Award, Dean of Students
Melanese was recruited to the men’s cross country and track and field team where he became CSUSM’s record holder for the 800 meters, a multi-time California Collegiate Athletic Association champion and an NCAA qualifier.
Melanese was elected as a Leadership Council Member for track and field, where he oversees and facilitates conflict management, team-bonding, apparel and social media during council meetings. He has also been awarded the Elite 13 Award, which recognizes the athletic and academic achievement of a student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average in their sport.
In addition to Melanese’s athletic achievements, he joined the University Student Union team as a video production student assistant in 2021. Melanese’s creativity and dedication to the USU’s mission and values were quickly recognized, which led him to transition to becoming the USU’s marketing coordinator.
Media Contact
Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
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- CALM Program Helps Reduce Textbook Costs, Saving Students MillionsWhen Cal State San Marcos students were asked how they'd spend the money saved by not having to buy textbooks, many said rent, food and even life-saving medication. Their responses showed that textbook costs are a financial burden for students struggling to afford basic necessities. The Cougars Affordable Learning Materials (CALM) program, managed by the University Library, has a solution. The CALM team works with faculty to adopt the use of low- and no-cost textbooks. This year alone, the CALM program saved students more than $4.6 million. The CALM team and CSUSM faculty across campus have reduced or eliminated the costs of textbooks for over 1,000 courses. To recognize participating faculty, the University Library hosted a CALM Faculty Awardees event on April 24. The 2024-25 CALM Faculty Awardees are Christopher Hardnack, George Brusch, Heather Cook, Kathy Fuller, Shannon Baker, Shannon Nolan-Arañez and Suzanna Krivulskaya. To see how much money each of these faculty helped students save, visit the CALM Faculty Awardees webpage. Fuller, a human development faculty member, is a CALM Hero. She CALMed five courses and saved students over $16,000 this academic year. Brusch CALMed five courses in the biology department, saving students almost $13,000. Asked what motivated him to use Open Educational Resources (OER) or low-cost textbooks, he said: "My major motivation for using an open-source textbook is because it is free. This alleviates the financial burden on students, making education more accessible and equitable.” CALM is part of the CSU Affordable Learning Solutions initiative started in 2010. The library’s CALM team – led by Kelly Ann Sam, interim head of user services and textbook affordability lead – aids faculty in replacing costly textbooks with lower-cost alternatives. This is accomplished by using high-quality OER, library materials, digital or customized textbooks, and/or faculty-authored materials. To address the high cost of textbooks, California Senate Bill 1359 aims to ensure that students have access to affordable course materials. It requires courses to be listed as zero cost in the schedule if students are not required to purchase any materials. Students actively can search for courses with the Zero Cost Course Material (ZCCM) logo when selecting classes. “It is essential that faculty confirm their ZCCM courses with the CALM team," Sam said. "By designating ZCCM courses in the class schedule before student registration, students are empowered to make informed decisions based on financial considerations. This allows them to save significantly on education costs each semester, potentially amounting to hundreds of dollars.” For more information, visit the CALM website or contact calm@csusm.edu. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- Double Major Puts Family First on Path to DegreeAshley Lizarraga didn’t have the typical college move-in experience. In August 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lizarraga was coming from Rosarito, Mexico, where she lived with her parents and two younger brothers, to Cal State San Marcos' University Village Apartments. Born in the United States and raised in Mexico, Lizarraga has always prioritized her education. In high school, she crossed the border every day to attend high school in Chula Vista, drawn to the learning environment and opportunities in the U.S. It meant early mornings and long days, but she remained committed, and that drive continued when she enrolled at CSUSM. Lizarraga embraced life on campus, even in a time when many classes were still virtual. But her college experience soon expanded beyond academics. At 19, she became the legal guardian of her younger brother, Evaristo, to help him pursue a high school education in the U.S., an opportunity she knew could open doors for him just as it had for her. A few years later, she welcomed her youngest brother, Esteban, who is now thriving as a high school junior at San Marcos High. In a few weeks, Evaristo and Esteban will join their parents at Mangrum Track & Field to watch their sister cross the CSUSM commencement stage and become the first family member to earn a college degree. “I feel like my professors and the friends I have made at school have all helped me so much,” said Lizarraga, who is double majoring in finance and political science. “I really felt that this is my community, and I felt so supported by everyone. All of that has made my journey here so much easier.” It hasn’t always been an easy journey. Lizarraga was working three jobs before an internship with the San Diego Diplomacy Council ended. She still works at a local restaurant and on campus for Associated Students, Inc., as the vice president of finance and operations where she manages a $2.1 million student-driven budget and leads initiatives that directly support students. Caring for her brothers, working multiple jobs and studying doesn’t leave much free time, but Lizarraga is grateful to mentors like Ashley Fennell, ASI’s associate executive director, for providing a strong support system. “She’s been a caring supervisor who looks out for me not just as a student, but as a person,” Lizarraga said. As Lizarraga’s undergraduate career winds down, she is looking ahead to the next chapter. She has been accepted to several master's programs in finance and hopes to stay close to San Marcos to continue supporting her family while advancing her academic and career goals. As the first in her family to graduate from college, she’s proud to be setting an example and grateful for the support that helped her get to this point. “I’m deeply grateful to my family and to everyone who supported me along the way,” Lizarraga said. “I truly couldn’t have done it without them. This is just the beginning.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Psychology Student Focuses on Mental Health AdvocacyMiyah Walker has had a passion for listening and offering a hand to hold since she was just 13. Being a middle child among three sisters, Walker was often the person who would help and listen to her siblings, cousins and close friends when they needed someone to discuss their feelings or mental health challenges. Without even realizing it at the time, Walker was already heading down the path of psychological sciences. Coming to Cal State San Marcos, Walker felt introverted and nervous to talk to others, but that did not stop her from pushing herself to step outside her comfort zone. Walker has been inspiring her peers and helping create a safe space on campus through her work as a residential adviser; as a collections, delivery and access student assistant in Kellogg Library; and by educating and advocating for BIPOC mental health awareness at Student Health & Counseling Services as a HOPE peer health educator. Walker’s efforts led her to be selected as the recipient of the 2025 Dean of Students Award for Outstanding Leadership. “I was just watching true crime and crocheting when Dean of Students Jason Schreiber called and told me that I won the award,” Walker said. “I was shocked. After I talked to him during the candidacy process, I felt really good about our conversation. I was kind of thinking, ‘Wow, I just finished talking to the Dean of Students.’ ” Walker first knew that she wanted to work in the psychological sciences at 13 after experiencing her best friend going through a challenging time. Walker was a constant advocate for her best friend by being there for meetings with social workers and comforting her when others were dismissing the friend’s mental health struggles. Walker was able to separate herself from the situation and truly just be there for her best friend. The experience opened Walker’s eyes to the need for mental health advocacy, specifically for BIPOC communities when she would hear people dismiss the mental health experiences faced by young individuals. Walker reflected on the rhetoric used during her experience advocating for her best friend. “People would say, ‘You're too young to be depressed. You don't have anything to be depressed about. You don’t have anything to be stressed about,’ ” Walker said. “There were a lot of things that were happening in her life and happening to her that people were dismissing, and that was taking a toll on her mental health as well. Just seeing how big of an effect it was having on her, I was shocked by the lack of support. It made me aware that people in communities of color do not care as much as they should.” Walker is from Los Angeles and a first-generation college student, so coming to San Marcos was a big transition. But being so active on campus helped her thrive, leading her to believe that you always end up where you need to be. After she graduates next month with her bachelor’s in psychological science and a minor in Spanish, Walker has big plans for the future. She plans to return to L.A. and work as a mental health counselor specializing in underserved communities and communities of color. Her educational and career goals, however, do not end there. Walker intends to obtain her doctorate to work as a psychologist, along with continuing her advocacy and educational work for BIPOC communities, which is similar to her focus at CSUSM. Walker’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. “Miyah’s commitment to excellence in leadership, scholarship and service is clear, both as an RA and as a HOPE peer educator,” Stephanie Burga, a residential director, wrote in her nomination of Walker for the Dean of Students Award. “In all of her roles at CSUSM, she has challenged herself to think creatively and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals. She has also played a significant role in developing programs and initiatives that advance the university’s mission, and each of the programs she’s hosted has contributed to enriching student life at CSUSM.” There’s little doubt that Walker’s legacy at CSUSM will live on as she moves forward with her education and career goals of being a pillar for mental health awareness in BIPOC communities. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Children's Show That Professor Consulted on Nominated for Peabody AwardThe Native-themed children’s show that a Cal State San Marcos professor served as a Native production consultant for has been nominated for a Peabody Award. The Peabody Awards recognize excellence in storytelling across television, radio and digital media, celebrating narratives that illuminate, inspire and empower audiences. Their prestigious standing within the media industry stems from their academic foundation and reputation for discerning exceptional content. Joely Proudfit, chair of CSUSM’s American Indian studies department, was the Native production consultant for the Netflix animated series “Spirit Rangers,” which ran for 39 episodes across three seasons from 2022-24. On Thursday, “Spirit Rangers” was nominated for a Peabody Award in the category of “children’s/youth.” “Spirit Rangers” is a fantasy-adventure preschool show that “celebrates community, nature and the rich heritage of Native American storytelling.” It was created by Karissa Valencia, a member of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the first California Native American showrunner. The show featured an all-Native writers’ room and Natives in every aspect of production. More than 100 Indigenous people worked on the series. “This recognition fills me with immense pride,” Proudfit said. “The lasting cultural impact this show is creating and will continue to create for generations to come makes me forever proud. “This nomination honors not just my work, but the entire team’s commitment to authentic Indigenous storytelling.” Proudfit worked alongside Valencia to help guide all production elements while collaborating closely with Indigenous communities worldwide to authenticate cultural representations, art, music and language. Her meticulous oversight extended to every aspect of the series, from script dialogue to visual artistry and musical sounds. Proudfit, who’s also the director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at CSUSM, consulted on “Spirit Rangers” through her company. Native Media Strategies provides resources that help foster more authentic representation of Native and Indigenous peoples in Hollywood. Among other projects, Proudfit previously offered Native consulting services to “Stumptown,” an ABC crime drama that aired in 2019, and “Hostiles,” a 2017 Western film starring Academy Award-winning actor Christian Bale. She currently serves as a consulting producer for "NCIS: Origins" on CBS and also is co-directing an upcoming documentary project. The 68 Peabody Award nominees were chosen by a unanimous vote of 27 jurors from more than 1,000 entries across television, podcasts/radio and the web in entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service and interactive/immersive programming and media. Winners of the 85th annual Peabody Awards will be announced on May 1, with a ceremony hosted by comedian and actor Roy Wood Jr. to be held on June 1 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. Established in 1940 by the National Association of Broadcasters, the Peabody Award was created to honor excellence in radio broadcasting as the industry’s equivalent to the Pulitzer Prizes. It was later expanded to include television and then to new media including podcasts and streaming. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- Former Student Rises to Executive Producer at NBC 7David Villasenor does more before 9 a.m. than most people do all day. If you’re a watcher of “NBC 7 San Diego News Today,” you’ll see the fruits of his and his team’s labor. Villasenor is an executive producer at the station and has worked there for nearly 14 years. He attended Cal State San Marcos and majored in communication. He now oversees the news programs for the morning show from 5-7 a.m. and the midday show at 11 a.m. His job consists of proofreading scripts for the show and working with staff, including writers, producers and anchors. He also handles breaking news for both NBC 7 San Diego and Telemundo 20, which are both located in the same building in Kearny Mesa. On Aug. 2, he’ll celebrate his 14th anniversary at the station. It’s a day that’s special to him. “I remember that date because that’s the day my son was born. He was born at 7 o’clock in the morning,” Villasenor said. Villasenor is a fourth-generation San Diegan who chose CSUSM because it offered night classes, which allowed him to support himself during the day. At one point, he worked three jobs to put himself through school. He also had a goal: to work for NBC 7 one day. His journey there began as a boy in the sixth grade. “My middle school multimedia program teacher came into the class to promote the program,” Villasenor said. “Ever since then, I fell in love with it. I was the little 8-year-old nerd coming home from school watching Marianne Kushi (current morning anchor) on TV as a kid. I was a news junkie from a very young age.” His average day consists of waking up at 2 a.m. and starting to send emails to his staff. He arrives at the station at 3 a.m., immediately has a quick meeting to discuss the news of the day and then starts working with the anchors to read scripts to get ready for the first show at 5 a.m. He also listens and watches out for breaking news that needs to be added to the shows. Once the show goes off the air at 7 a.m. to make room for the “Today” show, he has a wrap-up meeting with staff and then repeats the process for the next show at 11 a.m. His hard work has paid off, as he won a National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Award, also known as an Emmy, in 2022. The path to this award wasn’t easy, but he kept his eye on the prize. “I was in construction for 10 years, and then I knew I wanted to be in media,” Villasenor said. “My goal was to be on air. But I had a lot of responsibility with family and siblings. I had to stay home and be the dad in a sense to my younger siblings, so I ended up staying here and applying for a cameraman job at KUSI. They said, ‘We don’t have a cameraman job, but we do have a job for writing.’ Now, writing was not my best subject and neither was grammar and spelling, so I had to fake it until I made it. I was working at KUSI while I was at Cal State San Marcos.” He got his big break after a producer at the station got into an argument with the anchor on set on Thanksgiving and then walked out. “I was the only other person there, so I had to jump in the seat,” Villasenor said. “And from that day on, I’ve produced and then moved up to executive producer.” He said he likes working at NBC for a few reasons. “I have great coworkers. They make you want to come to work,” he said. “The majority of people I work with love what they do because you have to love what you do in this industry.” He has this advice for anyone wanting to break into the media or any other career: “Don’t pass up an opportunity because every opportunity that presents itself to you, whether it’s an internship or the opportunity to meet someone to make a connection, whether it be through your teachers at school or someone who knows somebody, can connect you to somebody in the business.” Media Contact Jerry McCormick, Director of Strategic Communications jmccormick@csusm.edu
- Celebrating APIDA Month With Exciting Lineup of EventsIn celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month, Cal State San Marcos’ APIDA Student Life is partnering with campus organizations to present an exciting lineup of events. Everyone is invited to participate in the following events. Book Talk and Signing April 15, 4 p.m., USU 2310-B Come join us for a book talk and signing of Jade Hidle's newly published memoir, “Hair.” The first 30 attendees will receive a free copy of the book, which details how various mental illnesses are compounded by histories of racism, from the Vietnam War to the COVID-19 pandemic. With honesty and humor, “Hair: A Lai Mỹ Memoir” is a story of how breaking cycles is an ongoing process of becoming a daughter and mother. APIDA Cultural Festival April 18, 5 p.m., USU Forum Plaza Enjoy free food, cultural performances, music and more! RVSP to receive a free parking pass for the event. Spill the Tea: Appropriation vs. Appreciation April 21, 3 p.m., USU 3200 Pasifika Luncheon April 29, noon, USU 3200 Lei Workshop May 1, noon, Forum Plaza APIDA Recognition Ceremony May 5, 5:30 p.m., USU Ballroom This is the 19th annual APIDA recognition ceremony celebrating spring graduates. RSVP by April 25 to participate and receive a free APIDA stole! Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
