California State University, Fullerton: A Factory of Notable Alumni

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a public university in Fullerton, California. Founded in 1957, CSUF is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system. The university offers 109 baccalaureate degrees, 85 master’s degrees, and four doctoral degrees.

Notable CSUF Alumni: A Legacy of Excellence

CSUF boasts an impressive list of notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. These distinguished individuals include:

Sporting Stars

• Vlad Guerrero (MLB): Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018, Guerrero is a five-time All-Star and eight-time Silver Slugger winner.
• Edgerrin James (NFL): A four-time Pro Bowl selection and NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2005.
• Michael Orr (NBA): A former professional basketball player who played for seven NBA teams, including the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks.
• David Robinson (NFL): A three-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl XXIX champion with the San Francisco 49ers.
• Kiki Vandeweghe (NBA): A five-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist in 1984.

Entertainment Icons

• Jorge Garcia (Actor): Known for his role as Hugo “Hurley” Reyes in the television series “Lost.”
• David Henrie (Actor): Known for his role as Justin Russo in the Disney Channel series “Wizards of Waverly Place.”
• Kristin Lehman (Actress): Known for her roles in the films “The House of Sand and Fog” and “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
• Omar Chaparro (Comedian, Actor, and Singer): A renowned Mexican comedian, actor, and singer who has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
• Harry Dean Stanton (Actor): A character actor with a long and distinguished career, including roles in films such as “The Green Mile” and “Twin Peaks.”

Business Leaders

• Thomas K. Cheng (Business Executive): Former President and CEO of the Bank of America Corporation.
• Harold Hamm (Oil Tycoon): Chairman and CEO of Continental Resources, one of the largest independent oil companies in North America.
• Frank McKenna (CEO): Former Chairman and CEO of Merck & Co., one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.
• John Rowe (Business Executive): Former CEO of Exelon Corporation, one of the largest utility companies in the United States.
• Steven Mnuchin (Business Executive): Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under President Donald Trump.

Political Figures

• Ed Royce (Politician): Former U.S. Representative for California’s 39th congressional district.
• Charles Schumer (Politician): Senate Majority Leader and U.S. Senator for New York.
• Dianne Feinstein (Politician): U.S. Senator for California since 1992.
• Kamala Harris (Politician): Vice President of the United States since 2021.
• Sharon Quirk-Silva (Politician): Former California State Senator and California State Assembly member.

Statistics: A Glimpse into CSUF’s Impact

According to the CSUF Career Center, over 90% of CSUF graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The university’s graduates have an average starting salary of over $50,000, which is significantly higher than the national average for college graduates.

Program Highlights: Fueling Future Leaders

CSUF offers a wide range of academic programs that prepare students for success in their chosen careers. Some of the university’s notable programs include:

• Business: The Mihaylo College of Business and Economics is one of the top business schools in the nation, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Education: The College of Education offers a wide range of teacher credentialing programs, as well as graduate programs in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction.
• Engineering: The College of Engineering and Computer Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and software engineering.
• Health Sciences: The College of Health and Human Development offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, kinesiology, social work, and public health.
• Natural Sciences and Mathematics: The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers undergraduate and graduate programs in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science.

Partnerships: Collaborating for Innovation

CSUF has established partnerships with numerous organizations, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. These partnerships provide students with opportunities for internships, research, and service learning. Some of CSUF’s notable partnerships include:

• Disneyland Resort: CSUF students have the opportunity to work at Disneyland Resort through the university’s College of Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program.
• NASA: CSUF has a partnership with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which provides students with internships and research opportunities in space exploration.
• Amgen: CSUF has a partnership with Amgen, a leading biotechnology company, which provides students with research opportunities and support for biotech-related projects.
• City of Fullerton: CSUF collaborates with the City of Fullerton on a variety of projects, including community outreach programs and economic development initiatives.
• Orange County Business Council: CSUF is a member of the Orange County Business Council, which provides the university with access to business leaders and opportunities for collaboration on workforce development initiatives.

Innovation Index: A Catalyst for Creativity

CSUF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) is a hub for fostering innovation and creativity among students. The CEI offers a variety of programs and resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs, including:

• IdeaLab: A co-working space where students can collaborate on creative projects and develop business ideas.
• Launchpad: A mentorship program that pairs students with experienced entrepreneurs who provide guidance and support.
• Venture Accelerator: A program that provides funding and resources to student-led startups.
• Business Plan Competition: An annual competition that awards cash prizes to students with the best business plans.
• TechHack: A 24-hour hackathon that brings together students from across the university to solve business challenges.

International Presence: A Gateway to Global Opportunities

CSUF has a strong international presence, with partnerships with universities in over 50 countries. The university offers a variety of study abroad programs, as well as exchange programs and dual degree programs. CSUF also has a large international student population, which provides students with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives.

Table 1: CSUF Notable Alumni by Industry

Table 2: CSUF Academic Program Highlights

Table 3: CSUF Partnerships

Table 4: CSUF Innovation Index

Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence and Impact

California State University, Fullerton is a dynamic and diverse university that has produced a remarkable list of notable alumni. The university’s academic programs, partnerships, and innovation index provide students with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen careers and make a positive impact on the world.