A Word from the President
In her spring message, President Britt Rios-Ellis shares what’s moving Stan State forward — bold investments in healthcare education, a new day of giving inspired by the University’s roots and a Commencement honoring a father and son whose journey speaks to the power of perseverance. It’s a moment of pride, reflection and momentum.
An Egg Above the Rest
For Steve Gemperle, giving back runs in the family — and so do eggs. Continuing the legacy of his father Ernie, Steve blends philanthropy, agriculture and community leadership through his work with Stanislaus State and Gemperle Family Farms. Discover how this Turlock-based family has donated more than $1.27 million to the University, fueled by a deep belief in education, service and the power of homegrown generosity.
Exploring the World
From the hospitals of Ecuador to the memorials of Poland, Stanislaus State students are stepping beyond the classroom and across borders through powerful faculty-led Study Abroad programs. Nursing student Maximo Madrigal returned with a transformed view of healthcare. Criminal justice professor Sebastián Sclofsky is guiding students through Holocaust history to inspire global awareness. These journeys immerse students in new cultures, spark meaningful dialogue and expand their understanding of the world.
Making a Difference on Two Continents
From cocoa farms in Nigeria to fields in California, Roland Starn Endowed Chair and Director of Agriculture Oluwarotimi Odeh brings a global lens to local impact. As a Fulbright Scholar, he returned to his alma mater to teach entrepreneurship, empower students and build educational partnerships. Now back at Stan State, he’s helping future ag leaders think beyond borders and meet the challenge of feeding a growing world.
Reveling in a Season of Firsts
In its most historic season, Stanislaus State Volleyball broke barriers and built belief, winning the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament for the first time and earning a spot in the NCAA Division II Tournament. With seven returning seniors, a summer trip to Costa Rica and a culture defined by care and grit, the team left a legacy that goes far beyond the scoreboard.
1960 Minutes to Give, Grow and Belong
Inspired by the year Stanislaus State opened its doors, the University’s first-ever 1960 Minutes of Giving campaign invites the Warrior community to come together in support of scholarships, programs and student success. Everyone can take part because every gift, no matter the size, helps open doors and create lasting impact.
STAN Magazine is published by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Stanislaus State.
President
Britt Rios-Ellis
Interim Vice President for
University Advancement
Senior Associate Vice President for Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs
Rosalee Rush
Director of Alumni Engagement
Tiffany Davis (’13)
Director for Communications
and Creative Services
Kristina Stamper (’06)
Director of Marketing
& Digital Strategy
Mandeep Khaira (’02)
Senior Writer and Content Specialist
Donna Birch Trahan
Content Specialists
Lori Gilbert (’91)
Kimberly Horg
Graphic Designer
Katie Dowling
Photographers
Jas Khaira
Bea Ahbeck Casson
Kayla Lawson
Merri Hansen
Lyet Koffi
Media Production Specialist
Frankie Tovar (’11)
Marketing Specialist
Allison Kincaid-Nervino
Digital Communications Specialist
Sara Balisha (’13)
Social Media Specialist
Naomi Carrera (’23)
Web Accessibility Coordinator
Saul Avila (’17)
Web Content Specialist
Edith Cisneros (’21)