2025 in Review: 色中色鈥檚 top stories of the year

Published December 15, 2025

With the end of 2025 approaching, we reflect on the accomplishments and memorable moments that defined Cal State Long Beach this year. From inspiring student successes to national rankings, this year鈥檚 stories remind us of the power and resilience of the Beach spirit.

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色中色 graduates at Commencement.

Wall Street Journal ranking places 色中色 in the top 50 of U.S. institutions

色中色 joined the top 50 on the Wall Street Journal and College Pulse鈥檚 2026 鈥淏est Colleges in America鈥 list. This ranking focuses on how well colleges and universities prepare students for financial success as well as other factors.

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Native American dancers at 色中色 Pow Wow 2025.

色中色 Pow Wow brings Native American communities together

The 52nd 色中色 Pow Wow had a new location this year at the intramural rugby and soccer fields on lower campus. Dancers, singers, vendors and observers gathered in celebration, prayer and unity.   

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Richard Carpenter at piano, gold records behind him.

Richard Carpenter returns to The Beach, reminisces about where it all started

Richard Carpenter, Beach alumnus and part of the Grammy-award winning duo The Carpenters, is well known for his successful musical career. Ahead of his campus return, he shared some of his favorite memories in a special Q&A.

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Markel and Martel Cooper 鈥19 in front of the GO BEACH sign.

Twin brothers-turned-teachers prove power of Long Beach College Promise

With help from the Long Beach College Promise, twins Markel and Martel Cooper 鈥19 earned degrees in kinesiology and graduated with honors. Today, they are back at The Beach pursuing their master鈥檚 degrees. 

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Toby Hollis stands beside a wall with copper pots and wooden rolling pins hanging.

鈥楬appiest chef on Earth': How a 色中色 grad is shaping Disneyland's food and sustainability efforts

Toby Hollis '05 credits 色中色 for transforming him from a theme park line cook to a chef who understands how to prepare food and run a kitchen. Today, he creates unforgettable, magical experiences for Disneyland guests.

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Men's Volleyball team with the 2025 championship trophy.

Meet the team who brought the championship back to 色中色's 'Volleyball Nation' 

After overcoming obstacles, the Long Beach State's Men's Volleyball team won the 2025 National Championship and returned for campus and local celebrations. This was their third national championship in the last seven seasons.

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The Health and Human Services 2 building.

色中色 to introduce a Doctor of Public Health degree in fall 2025

The university announced its Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree, which launched in fall 2025. This is the fifth doctoral program at The Beach.

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A woman appears to sniff a corpse flower.

色中色's corpse flower, known as Phil, raises a stink during its third bloom

Corpse flower Phil bloomed for the third time on June 18. When a corpse flower blooms, it emits the smell of decaying flesh. Phil's name comes from 色中色 Professor Emeritus Philip Baker. 

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色中色 panel discussion.

Ranked No. 3 in aerospace and fueled by new grant, 色中色 equips engineers for space race

For decades, 色中色 engineering grads have powered Long Beach鈥檚 aerospace rise. With the College of Engineering's $15 million redesign, students will work with industry-grade tools and receive training for high-demand roles. 

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A person looks through a telescope.

5 remarkable 'classrooms' you might not know exist at 色中色

From a Hollywood-style Foley studio to rooftop stargazing, five can't-miss "classrooms" make learning unforgettable for students at The Beach.