For many families, the path to college can feel like navigating an unfamiliar road without a map. At Stan State, ensuring that families feel confident and supported in that journey is a top priority. That’s why the University has partnered with the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), a nationally recognized organization that has empowered more than 2.25 million students and families to pursue higher education.
Founded in California more than 35 years ago, PIQE serves 25,000 families annually across 49 counties in the state and has expanded to 14 other states. The organization bridges the gap between schools and families, ensuring that parents — especially those from first-generation, immigrant and low-income backgrounds — have the knowledge and tools to help their children maneuver the path to college.
That impact was on display in October 2024, when 65 parents at Patterson High School completed PIQE’s Bridge to College program. President Britt Rios-Ellis, who attended the ceremony, celebrated their achievement and reminded them they are powerful advocates shaping their children’s futures.
“You are leading the way for your children, showing them the value of education and giving them the confidence to dream bigger," Rios-Ellis told the graduates. “At Stan State, we are here for you and your children, and we are ready to welcome you with open arms.”
Strengthening this collaboration and the role of the University as an anchor institution in the region, Stan State’s Vice President for Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Rose McAuliffe was appointed chair of PIQE’s board of directors in 2024.
“PIQE is an amazing organization,” McAuliffe said. “I first joined the board to provide financial expertise, and I was honored to step into the role of board chair. This work has been incredibly rewarding.
“As a Latina and an English learner, I understand the challenges families face as they do everything possible to help their children succeed academically. My father advocated alongside César Chávez, and his fight for equity and opportunity for all is where my passion for this work comes from.
“Education is one of the most powerful ways for families to overcome hardships. The partnership between Stanislaus State and PIQE will continue to strengthen opportunities for families in the Central Valley, helping them see that a college degree is within reach.”
Stan State Expands Access with Improve Your Tomorrow Partnership
Stanislaus State has deepened its commitment to educational access by partnering with Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) to guarantee admission for IYT participants who meet the California State University’s admission requirements. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed during the University’s third annual Warrior Expo, establishes a pathway to higher education for students. Under the agreement, IYT and Stan State will provide academic and support services to help participants prepare for college. Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management Maura Gatch says the partnership reflects the University’s mission to foster equity, opportunity and an inclusive learning environment.
The 2025 Warrior Crab Feed once again brought the community together for a night of fun, food and philanthropy, selling out weeks in advance for the second consecutive year. Held on Feb. 8 at Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena, the event drew record attendance, reinforcing its status as a signature Stan State tradition.
Featuring all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab, pasta, salad and bread, plus a silent and live auction, music, beer and wine, the evening raised critical funds for the Warrior Athletics Scholarship Fund. Over the past three years, the Crab Feed has generated approximately $300,000, helping student athletes compete in conference championships and for regional and national titles while pursuing their degrees.
The Warrior Crab Feed has become a premier community event, welcoming alumni, fans and supporters to campus in a show of Warrior Pride. In addition to excelling in competition and in the classroom, Stan State’s student athletes give back through community service by mentoring youth and supporting local initiatives, further demonstrating the impact of student support.
Stanislaus State will honor Clive Grimbleby as its 2025 Champions of the American Dream honoree at a special event on May 6. A respected business leader and dedicated community supporter, Grimbleby has helped shape the region’s financial landscape as the past president and managing partner of Grimbleby Coleman Advisors & Accountants.
After purchasing his father’s bookkeeping and tax business in 1981, Grimbleby grew the company into a thriving firm with nearly 100 employees and 14 principals, specializing in agriculture, construction, estate planning and business advisory services. Under his leadership, the firm has been recognized among Accounting Today’s Best Firms to Work for and Modesto Chamber’s Member of the Year.
A steadfast supporter of Stanislaus State, Grimbleby Coleman generously contributes to the Grimbleby Coleman Scholarship benefiting accounting students. The firm has also played a key role in Meet the Firms Night, Accounting Night and tutoring initiatives, with many Stan State alumni among its team.
The Champions of the American Dream event, part of the Warrior Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program, celebrates individuals who have achieved professional success while making a lasting impact on the Central Valley through mentorship and service.
Stanislaus State will mark an out-of-this-world milestone at its 65th Commencement in May as Salvador and José Hernández are conferred honorary doctorates.
NASA Astronaut José Hernández will receive an honorary Doctor of Science on May 27 at the College of Science ceremony. The next day, he will stand alongside President Britt Rios-Ellis to present an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to his father, Salvador Hernández, a farmworker-turned-vineyard owner whose unwavering support helped his son reach for the stars.
Their journey is one of grit, determination and the transformative power of education. Their story, recently captured in the 2022 Amazon Prime film “A Million Miles Away” starring Michael Peña, chronicles José’s experience from working the fields of the Central Valley to orbiting earth aboard the space shuttle Discovery. His father’s receta, or recipe, for success — vision, preparation and perseverance — helped guide the way.
Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Salvador Hernández immigrated to the United States as a teenager and worked as a farmworker while raising his family in Stockton. José, who didn’t learn to speak English until he was 12, took his father’s message about education and persistence to heart, earning degrees in engineering. He persevered through 11 rejections before securing his dream job as an astronaut.
After leaving NASA, José founded the Reaching for the Stars Foundation to inspire students in science, technology, engineering and math. He also opened a successful aerospace engineering consulting firm, has authored 3 books and is a motivational speaker. Meanwhile, he and his father built Tierra Luna Cellars, an award-winning winery gaining international recognition.
“Their path — from the fields to business leadership and to the stars — is a testament to resilience, determination and the power of education,” said Stanislaus State President Britt Rios- Ellis. “As we celebrate Stan State’s 65th Commencement, we are proud to recognize the Hernándezes’ commitment to supporting others, opening doors and inspiring generations to come.”
Stan State’s Commencement ceremonies will take place May 27-30 at the University Amphitheater.
Stanislaus State launched a new initiative last fall that brings nationally recognized artists, speakers and thought leaders to campus. The Presidential Celebration Series, which debuted in October, creates space for cultural expression, advocacy and connection. Sponsored by Mocse Credit Union and the Porges Family Foundation, the series aligns with national heritage months and highlights the resilience and contributions of diverse communities.
The first event featured Las Cafeteras, a Los Angeles-based band that blends son jarocho with hip-hop and Afro-Mexican rhythms. The series continued in February with Kenjus Watson, who spoke about activism through storytelling and shared his own personal anecdotes.
With each event, the series showcases the cultural and aspirational strengths that make Stan State and the Central Valley thrive. More events are on the horizon, offering opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members to engage with powerful voices.
Stanislaus State and KIPP Northern California have signed an agreement to open KIPP Stockton High School on the University’s Stockton Campus in fall 2025. The partnership aims to expand college and career pathways for students in San Joaquin County, offering direct access to a university environment.
The agreement was celebrated at a special ceremony in March, where leaders praised the shared commitment to educational equity.
“Stan State is a hub of learning and career growth in the Central Valley,” said KIPP Northern California CEO Beth Thompson. “We are proud to open our Stockton high school on your campus this August.” President Britt Rios-Ellis called the partnership an investment in students’ futures.
“KIPP is expanding access to high-quality public schools that change lives,” she said. “We are thrilled to expand that impact here in Stockton. This sends a clear message: Higher education should be within reach for every student.”
Eighth grader Jalicia Mondy, a future member of the school’s founding class, shared her excitement.
“I want to be a role model for my sister and classmates,” she said. “After high school, I want to go to college and become a pediatrician. I feel like I’m getting a head start by attending high school on a college campus.”
KIPP Stockton High will open with a ninth-grade class and grow to serve grades 9-12. It builds on existing KIPP-Stan State partnerships and reinforces the promise that college is not just a dream — it's within reach.
This fall, STAN Magazine will debut a brand-new digital experience — designed with our readers in mind. While we’ve loved bringing stories to life on the page, we’re excited to evolve into a more interactive, immersive format that meets you wherever you are.
The new digital version of STAN will feature dynamic storytelling with videos, photos and audio, giving you a richer connection to the people and moments that define Stanislaus State. Whether it’s a student’s inspiring journey or a faculty member’s groundbreaking scholarship, you’ll experience it all more vividly than ever.
Going digital also reflects our commitment to sustainability. By reducing print materials, we’re taking a meaningful step toward a greener future — something we know our Warrior community values deeply.
Though the format is changing, our mission stays the same: to celebrate the heart and spirit of Stan State through powerful stories that inform, inspire and connect.
We can’t wait to share this next chapter with you. Stay tuned for our first digital issue in fall 2025!