A Word from the President
Stanislaus State’s 13th president, Britt Rios-Ellis, celebrates the power of education and the amazing community that makes our University so special. Stan State is where dreams take flight. This issue of STAN Magazine highlights resilience, achievement and Warrior Pride. Let’s keep building futures together!
From Injury to Inspiration
Bobby Ismail transformed a high school sports injury into a lifelong calling, dedicating himself to physical therapy and community well-being. Now president of Golden Bear Physical Therapy, his story reflects perseverance, service and an unwavering commitment to giving back, inspiring others to turn challenges into a legacy of hope.
From Hardship to Helping Others
Stan State Senior Samantha Magaña’s journey is one of courage, strength and determination to make a difference. Overcoming family struggles and loss, she channels her experiences into a passionate commitment to help vulnerable children, showing that even in hardship, strength and compassion can light the way forward.
Play with Purpose
The newly opened Child Development Center at Stan State is a place of wonder, where young minds and aspiring teachers thrive. With sustainable features and cutting-edge learning tools, this center reflects the University’s commitment to shaping bright futures and preparing students to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.
Against All Odds
From a difficult upbringing to finding her calling as an inspiration to future educators, Assistant Professor Ana York’s story is one of love, resilience and purpose. Her journey to Stan State shows the transformative power of education and a dedication to helping others overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Calling All Alumni
Tiffany Davis, Stan State’s new director of alumni engagement, envisions an inspiring network of Warriors supporting one another. In collaboration with the Alumni Advisory Council, she seeks to deepen connections that uplift students and alumni alike, celebrating the unbreakable bonds that empower Warriors beyond the campus and across generations.
A Voice for Stockton
Stockton Campus alumna Catalina Di Somma’s pride in her educational journey and her community shines through her new role on the Alumni Council. Dedicated to empowering Stockton students and showcasing the Campus’s transformation, she inspires others to create change, paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
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
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)
Senior Graphic Designer
Steve Caballero (’21)
Graphic Designer
Katie Dowling
Photographers
Jas Khaira
Bea Ahbeck Casson
Kayla Lawson
Merri Hansen
Media Production Specialist
Frankie Tovar (’11)