Latine research honor leads month of Beach achievements

ÀNDALE program named Example of Excelencia

Four people stand beside an Excelencia in Education banner, with one person holding an award. — From left: Michael Aranda, College of Education Dean Anna Ortiz, Natalia Gatdula and Melawhy Garcia.

�䳧��’s Á��ٴ�� Latino Research Training Program has been named the 2025 Example of Excelencia at the baccalaureate level by Excelencia in Education — a title that recognizes intentional, measurable impact on Latino and all student success. Launched in 2014 and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Á��ٴ�� (Advancing Nutrition Development through Alliance for Education and Leadership) prepares underrepresented undergraduates through a one-week intensive, nine weeks of faculty-mentored research and professional development. In its current cycle, the program engaged 53 students, achieved 100 percent retention and reported cumulative GPAs ranging from 3.56-3.77. “We are honored to receive this recognition that highlights the excellence and potential of our Latino students and the commitment to student success of our ɫ��ɫ administration, staff and faculty mentors,” said Melawhy Garcia, principal investigator and director of the Center for Latino Community Health at ɫ��ɫ.

University honored for transfer equity leadership

ɫ��ɫ has been named a 2025 Pathway Champion of Transfer Equity by the Campaign for College Opportunity, recognized as a top CSU Transfer Champion for Black Students and Transfer Champion for Latinx Students. The honor celebrates �䳧��’s success in ensuring that at least half of its 2024 incoming Black and Latinx transfer students earned an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), with more than half of those students on guaranteed pathways. The recognition highlights the university’s commitment to closing equity gaps and advancing seamless transfer routes between community colleges and the CSU system. The university will be recognized during a statewide virtual celebration later this month.

CAPS psychologist honored for leadership

A person stands in front of a wooden fence, facing the camera. — Diane Hayashino

Diane Hayashino, a licensed psychologist with CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) has received a Presidential Citation from the American Psychological Association’s Division 35, Section V (Psychology of Asian Pacific American Women), honoring her contributions to the well-being and rights of Asian Pacific American girls and women. Hayashino previously earned the division’s Distinguished Pioneer Award in 2016. She also supervises the Peer Mentor Program within Project Resilience — a program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to improve and expand �䳧��’s ability to serve Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders, as well as low-income students. On campus, Hayashino supports students through counseling, outreach and training that center cultural context and community strengths.

Chicano studies lecturer releases debut novel

Jacob Terán stands beside the cover of his book titled The Calling. — Jacob Teràn and the cover of his book

Jacob “Jake” Teràn, a lecturer in �䳧��’s Department of Chicano and Latino Studies, has published his debut novel, “The Calling,” drawing on experiences he says shaped his identity and approach to teaching. Teràn’s creative work includes short stories in Somos en Escrito — “A Quiet Night on the Boulevard” and “Niños del Sol” — and a recent Querencia Press anthology featuring “Soy Chicano” and the poems “Mi Color” and “Bare Tierra.” He holds a master’s degree in rhetoric and composition and teaches first-year composition and critical thinking while advocating for social justice, self-care and inclusive classrooms. The new novel follows a young Chicano protagonist navigating gang life, a detour from plans to join the military and a path through college that reframes his sense of purpose — themes that reflect Teràn’s focus on identity and community.

September Employee of the Month: Coordinator Natalie Haubs

Employee of the Month Natalie Haubs stands on the ɫ��ɫ campus holding an award beneath a sign with her name. — Natalie Haubs

An international services coordinator in the Center for International Education, Natalie Haubs ‘13, has been named for leadership that strengthens how The Beach connects with international students. Haubs helped launch a New Admitted Student e-newsletter, refreshed the office’s monthly newsletter and expanded outreach through stronger social media. She also supported building the CIE Canvas course, a centralized hub with guidance on everything from housing to financial literacy — all of which foster safe spaces for students to connect. “Natalie has demonstrated a unique ability to build long-lasting and impactful relationships with the students that interact with her,” said Mayra Serna-Gallegos, assistant director of international student services. A ɫ��ɫ alumna with a bachelor’s degree in international studies, Haubs studied abroad twice, experiences that continue to inform her student-centered approach.

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