Kimberly Lopez-Zepeda always wanted to go to college. But she worried that might not be an option. As the first in her family to attend college, she wanted to be in a place where her peers and mentors could understand her situation and offer support.

“I chose Cal State Fullerton because I wanted to get a good education and attend a campus that had many other Hispanic students,” she said. “My culture is important to me and I was hoping that others with similar experiences would be able to support me. That’s exactly what happened here.”

Now a junior majoring in chemistry, Lopez-Zepeda hopes to earn a doctoral degree in chemistry and become a chemistry professor herself…and help other young women like her.

She is now involved in the MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers) Scholars program, which offers research training to undergraduate students interested in bio-medical research. The goal is to place undergraduates into respected graduate programs and ensure their success in those programs.

“We appreciate and celebrate the rich culture and integral Hispanic and Latinx heritage here at Cal State Fullerton,” said Cal State Fullerton President Fram Virjee. “We are a university that celebrates culture and leadership, and the richness that cultural diversity provides in our daily lives.”

Hispanic students make up 41% of the student population and Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) has been a leader in welcoming not only Hispanic students but faculty as well.

In fact, The Hispanic Outlook on Education ranked Cal State Fullerton as #8 in total enrollment (four-year schools), and #27 in total graduate (master’s and doctoral) degrees granted in the nation. CSUF also is ranked #2 on the magazine’s Top Communication and Journalism Schools and the top California school, #2 in communication and media studies degrees, #2 in business management and operations degrees, #3 in teacher education and professional development specific levels and methods degrees, and #5 of the California schools in the Top Engineering Schools for Hispanics. 

Key university achievements include being a national leader in closing the equity gap and creating a safe space for “Dreamers“ to work, study, play and dream. From cultural resource centers to innovative curriculum to bilingual orientation sessions for parents, the university continues to lead efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming environments for all students.

“For the last three years, CSUF has provided me with a community of role models who have helped me further understand my role as a leader,” said Jasmine Garcia, a first-generation college student who recently spent the summer studying abroad in London. The junior marketing major is also a President’s Scholar, one of a select group of students who spend up to four years in a comprehensive, rigorous program that offers experiences and opportunities in academics, leadership, service and mentorship.

“I chose to attend CSUF because I knew it would provide me with unique learning opportunities and meaningful mentorships. It was important for me to find a campus that made me feel supported and academically challenged. 

“I understand the difficulty of breaking barriers,” she continued. “It is important for Hispanic students to dream big and surround themselves with people who are going to help them fulfill their goals. As a Hispanic-serving Institution, our university demonstrates its commitment to creating strong leaders by providing students with meaningful and empowering learning opportunities that support growth and development.” •

Source California State University, Fullerton