CSUB Alumni Association

05/28/2026

🎩✨ Another RAMP chapter has come to a close.

We wrapped up the year with Magic & Mentorship, an evening celebrating the connections, growth, and community built through the `Runner Alumni Mentor Program.

A special thank you to Christine Lee for an interactive experience that reminded us professional networking can be meaningful, collaborative, and yes—a little magical too. 🐰✨

While this cycle is ending, the relationships and mentorship continue.

👀 Recruitment for our next RAMP cohort opens late summer/early fall.

View the album: https://bit.ly/3PvYbhg

This year's Magic & Mentorship End-of-Year Celebration reminded us that mentorship is a little magical in itself. Through an interactive performance by Christine Lee, our mentors and mentees stepped into an experience that encouraged collaboration, conversation and connection in unexpected ways.

05/28/2026

Congratulations to the ✨2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣✨ Grad Cap Decorating contest winners! You did great work 🤩

Thank you to everyone who participated and submitted your creations! There were so many excellent designs to choose from, which always presents us and the CSUB Alumni Association with a challenging time of selecting.

We had to break it into several categories:

🔹 Most Artsy - Tiffany Mata
🔹 Most Spirited - Eric Perez
🔹 Best Major Reppin' - Lauren Guillen
🔹 Best Pop Culture Reference - Maria Andino De Gonzalez
🔹 Best Cultural Representation - Dr. Olive Garrison

2026 Fall Grads, you’re up next - Start planning now 😉

05/21/2026

✈️ A First-Class `Runner, then and now. 💙💛

From the Class of ’72—CSUB’s first graduating class—to Alumni Hall of Fame honoree (’07), Greg Bynum continues to embody `Runner pride and legacy.

Greg helped celebrate the unveiling of Rowdy’s new home at , welcoming visitors with a little extra blue and gold spirit.

A first-class grad helping welcome travelers through a first-class gateway to Kern County. ✈️

05/19/2026

We are proud to celebrate CSUB alumna and Alumni Hall of Fame member Raji Kaur Brar on her historic appointment as Vice Chair of the California State University Board of Trustees for the 2026-2027 term.

Appointed to the Board by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023, Trustee Brar now steps into one of the highest leadership roles within the CSU system. This marks an extraordinary milestone for both Kern County and California State University, Bakersfield.

As President Vernon B. Harper Jr. shared, her appointment reflects the strength, leadership and service that define the Roadrunner community.

Congratulations to Trustee Brar on this richly deserved honor. Your CSUB family is cheering you on every step of the way. 💙💛

05/18/2026

04/29/2026

04/23/2026

We're honored to celebrate Traco Matthews, who will receive the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from California State University, Bakersfield during the May 16 commencement ceremony.

As Chief Health Equity Officer at Kern Health Systems, Traco has dedicated his career to advancing equity, reducing health disparities and advocating for communities that are often overlooked. His leadership extends beyond his role, serving on the California Racial Equity Commission and across numerous community organizations.

A proud CSUB MBA alumnus, Traco has remained deeply connected to campus, founding the MBA Alumni Chapter, mentoring students through the `Runner Alumni Mentor Program and inspiring others as a guest speaker.

His work reflects a powerful belief: Belonging changes outcomes. Please join us in congratulating Traco on this well-deserved honor.

Read the full article:

CSUB Alumnus Traco Matthews to receive honorary doctorate

04/21/2026

🎓✨ GRADS 🎓✨

CSUB and the CSUB Alumni Association are bringing the Grad Cap Contest back this commencement season!

The 2026 CSUB Grad Cap Contest will open later this week on April 23.

Stay tuned for more details in your CSUB email, along with information about commencement guest tickets!

04/17/2026

Behind every scroll-stopping post, packed inbox and can’t-miss moment… there’s a team making it happen.

Some of the most impactful work happens behind the scenes, and our MarComm team is the reason so much of what you see (and feel) comes to life.

From storytelling to strategy, they shape how we connect, celebrate and show up for our alumni community every single day.

We see you. We appreciate you. We’re proud to work alongside you. 💙💛

Creativity. Strategy. Ex*****on. They’ve done it all.

Join us in giving them the recognition they deserve! 👏🏼

04/16/2026

What does mentorship look like in action?

For our RAMP mentors and mentees, it looks like stepping inside the Regional Crime Lab and connecting with leaders at Community Action Partnership of Kern to explore careers, community impact and pathways forward.

These experiences help bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world, turning connections into opportunities.

Thank you to our partners for hosting us and investing in the next generation of leaders. We are so grateful for your time and partnership!

Check out photos from the industry tour here:

On April 7, 2026, RAMP mentors and mentees participated in an industry tour at Kern Regional Crime Lab and Community Action Partnership Kern County. Together, they learned about the functions of each organization and how they serve the Kern County community.