Class Notes

Jacob McDougal

‘04, Communication Studies

This season has been filled with milestones for Jacob, including the publication of his debut novel, Whispers Among the Blossoms. The novel, a deeply personal project, seeks to raise awareness and spark conversations about often-overlooked societal issues.

During his time at Stanislaus State, Jacob was profoundly influenced by the mentorship of Dr. Peter DeCaro and Dr. Fred Hilpert. Their guidance and support during a challenging period in his life provided both academic direction and personal encouragement. He credits their unwavering belief in him as instrumental to his success and remains deeply grateful for the wisdom they shared.

Maria Alexandra Prasad

‘24, Ed.D. Educational Leadership and Equity

Doctor Alexandra Prasad is a first-generation scholar. She is starting her 18th year in public education. In conjunction to her current teaching position, Dr. Prasad also is also supervising multiple subject credential programs student teachers. Dr. Prasad uses her experience and knowledge to help build relationships with her students as well as her student teachers to ensure a successful year.

Tamara Mena

‘10, Communication Studies

Tamara Mena is a motivational speaker, actress, and model who was born and raised in León, Mexico. When she was 13 years old, she immigrated to Modesto, California. Six years later, she was involved in a car accident in San Diego that injured her spinal cord and left her paralyzed from the chest down. Now 38, she graduated, with honors, from California State University, Stanislaus with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. Today, she works as a motivational and keynote speaker, breaking new barriers in the entertainment and media industry. She was the first woman in a wheelchair to enter the Nuestra Belleza Latina beauty pageant and has been recognized by multiple publications for her ability to inspire and motivate audiences. She’s even modeled for New York Fashion Week and similar international shows. Throughout the years, she has been a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion for people with disabilities: executive producing a TV show that showcases disability-inclusive content, appearing in a commercial for Kay Jewelers, and creating empowering projects like the “Embrace YOU Project.” She is constantly looking for more ways to inspire others and encourage them never to give up on her dreams.

Cynthia Mendonza

‘98, M.S. Psychology

Cynthia Mendonza has been appointed Chief of Legislative Affairs, Administration, at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Cynthia was chief of marketing and regulatory compliance at the California Prison Industry Authority from 2020 to 2021. She also served as chief of budget and financial planning from 2018 to 2020. She was a staff services manager at CDCR from 2014 to 2016. At CDCR, she was also a health program specialist I from 2013 to 2014. Before then, she was an associate governmental program analyst from 2012 to 2013. Cynthia earned her MBA from California State University, San Jose, a master’s degree in psychology from California State University, Stanislaus, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Mary’s College of California.

Mike Midgett

‘06, Economics

The nation’s leading and fastest-growing foundation and water management solutions company announced the hire of Mike Midgett as its new chief service officer. Mike has 35 years of experience in home services including leading sales initiatives in the home services industry. Mike most recently served as the chief sales and marketing officer for American Residential Services, where he grew service lines in heating, cooling, indoor air quality and plumbing for both residential and commercial customers. Before that, he was the chief sales and marketing officer of Direct Energy, a subsidiary of Centrica, where he led the sales, brand and customer experience functions for a billion-dollar home services arm including One Hour Heating and Air, Mister Sparky and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University, Stanislaus and his MBA in finance from Duke University.

Juan Vasquez

‘17 Psychology

Juan Vazquez lived in Stanislaus/Merced County since immigrating from Mexico. Growing up in low-income neighborhoods, he graduated from Modesto Junior College and California State University, Stanislaus with degrees in agriculture business and an MBA.

Paul Acevedo Gomez

‘18, B.F.A. Mixed Media

Paul Acevedo Gomez has rolled out his new exhibit "No Pierdas el Tino" at Tulsa's Liggett Art Studio allowing him to delve into some of his past art experience while also allowing him to solidify his current style. Paul was born in Jalisco, Mexico and traveled to the United States where he completed his bachelor’s of fine art degree in mixed media at California State University, Stanislaus earning and later earning his master's degree at Louisiana State University.

Brenda Bautista

‘20 Liberal Studies

Brenda is going on her third year of teaching kindergarten for Lincoln Unified School District in Stockton, CA.

Destiny Condit

‘23 Political Science

Married with two dogs and working for the California State Senator for District 4, while also managing my side business in Public Relations and actively participating in numerous community groups.

“Stanislaus state was my home away from home. My favorite memory was advocating for 10,000 students for three years while being active in many organizations and speaking at my own commencement!”

Bobby Huggins

‘01 Biology

Bobby Huggins MD (‘01/Biology) now serves as faculty at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. This in addition to being an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UC Riverside Medical School, as well as continuing to see patients in both his Family Medicine and Sports Medicine practice.

Michael Leach

‘01 Sociology

On April 18, 2019, Michael was hired as State Director at the South Carolina Department of Social Services by Governor McMaster and confirmed by the South Carolina State Senate. Michael recently hit his five-year anniversary serving as the State Director for the South Carolina DSS, leading 4,500 employees across the state.
 

Loren Mannard, MSW, LCSW, CEAP

‘97 Masters Social Work

Since graduation, Loren Mannard became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2001 and has worked in the Central Valley area for the last 28 years, providing mental health therapy support through county mental health programs and private practice. Loren has worked at Kaiser Permanente for the last 15 years in the central valley area and is currently working in the Employee and Physician Assistance Program, providing therapy, organizational consultation, critical incident debriefing and presentations to the 6,500 health care employees of the Central Valley. Loren is also an active Stanislaus County Behavioral Health Board member.

Tim Hall

‘75, History

After a successful career, Tim Hall retired in 2018. He now spends his time volunteering with the American Red Cross, enjoying his granddaughters, going on cruises and to Disney World.

Dave Dein

‘96 Business Administration, Marketing

After graduating from Stan State, Dave went on to establish one of the nation's pioneering high school truck driving programs. He co-founded Next Generation in Trucking, a nonprofit organization that offers complimentary support to high schools aiming to emulate the PHS program. Recently, Dave secured a $154,000 grant from the Bendix Corporation and the PepsiCo Foundation. This grant facilitates the professional development of the PHS program curriculum by a reputable curriculum company. Consequently, Dave now possesses a tangible resource that can be freely distributed to schools.

Amanda Putnam

‘13 Sociology

Amanda Putnam has worked in Admissions for 11 years, eight and a half of those years were spent at Stan State. In 2021 Amanda moved to UC Merced as the Native American Recruiter and was promoted July 2024 to Assistant Director of Admissions - Diversity Engagement and Transfer Initiatives.

“I will always be so thankful for Stan State for giving me not only an amazing education, but also for beginning my career in Education. I worked in Admissions the four years I was a student and began full time as soon as I graduated. Many of my colleagues and former supervisors have achieved amazing things at Stan State and I am so thankful to all of them for their mentorship and encouragement of my journey.”

Heather Contreras

‘07, M.A., Arts, Education
‘11, Ed.D. Arts, Educational Leadership and Administration

In March 2024, Heather Contreras was appointed superintendent of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. With 22 years of experience in teaching across various grade levels, site administration, and district office leadership, Heather brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Beyond her educational roles, Heather actively promotes leadership development and educational change, serving as a mentor, teacher and member of the California Educational Partners Collaborative.

Gurjant Dhillon

‘17 Business Administration, Operations Management

Gurjant, while attending Stan State, was able to utilize the fundamentals learned to kick off his own business, Cre8ive Entertainment. Since 2015, he has built a company that services the wedding and live show/production industries. Over the years, he has built a portfolio as a wedding DJ and has been able to travel the world entertaining the masses.

Jack Waldorf

‘62, ‘13, History

Jack was re-elected to a second term as the Stanislaus County Behavioral Health Board Chairperson. He was appointed to the Board by the County Board of Supervisors and has served for 22 years, with three prior two-year terms as chairperson.

Desiree Jones

‘22 MBA

Desiree has successfully reached her goal of gaining employment at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). As a Business Analyst in the Finance directorate, she will support the Livermore Lab's mission by implementing strategic initiatives learned at Stan State to enhance the complex financial systems and processes.

Kim Craddock

‘95 Cultural Anthropology

Kim is making a difference in her community as the Chief Probation Officer for Calaveras County. She credits her experience studying cultural anthropology at Stan State as an important element of her success.

"When you come from a small community, everybody knows everybody, or is related, so everybody’s kind of the same. When I left Calaveras County to go to Stanislaus State, I found there was so much more. It’s so enriching when you’re immersed in it, especially when you have people from different cultures with different points of view. I don’t think I’d be a good probation officer without those experiences."

Amy Bublak

‘88 Sociology, Criminal Justice

Warrior Hall of Famer and Turlock Mayor, captured gold for women’s javelin and the broke world record at the 2023 World Police & Fire Games in Winnipeg, Canada.

Yesenia Maldonado

‘21, Communication Studies

Yesenia is working in her new role of human resource technician for Delhi Unified School District (DUSD) after being the event coordinator for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce. Yesenia assists in maintaining DUSD’s website and social media presence.

Julio Pimentel

‘14, Biological Sciences

Julio successfully defended his doctorate in Cancer Biology at Wayne State University. He credits Stanislaus State as part of his success and encourages underrepresented groups toward academia.

Manuel Zaragoza

‘21, History

Manuel had an acrylic painting titled “mysteries triangle seeker” selected for display in the Mistlin Gallery in Modesto June 15-July 15. It was his first attempt at acrylic painting. Zaragoza plans to refine his art skills and seek out more art competition opportunities.