Approximately 9,000 students converged at California State University, Stanislaus for the first day of classes Thursday and throughout the campus, from faculty to administration to knowledgeable seniors and excited freshmen, all had high expectations for the upcoming school year.
“There is definitely a lot of excitement on campus this year, and I think that extends into the community as well,” CSU Stanislaus representative James Leonard. “The university has worked hard to build relationships in the community, and that effort is growing even stronger this year.”
When it comes to the university, Leonard said that CSU Stanislaus hopes to further connect with the community and students that contribute to the school.
“Over the next few weeks we will be opening Art Space on Main, an art gallery and student workspace in Downtown Turlock, and we will be connecting with alumni and other local residents at CSU Stanislaus Night at the Turlock Farmers Market on Sept. 5,” said Leonard.
The partnership between the college and the community will get an invigorating jump on Aug. 28, when more than 300 volunteers, representing both campus and community leaders, will come together to officially launch One Purpose, the new fundraising initiative for CSU Stanislaus.
There is a great deal of excitement and anticipation in the air as we approach our official kickoff for the six-week campaign,” said Jacqueline Holt, Director of Annual Giving. “Everyone will leave the kickoff event feeling motivated and fully prepared to encourage others to pledge their support for scholarships, with every dollar raised benefiting our students and our region.”
CSU Stanislaus President Joseph Sheeley will give his annual report on the university, highlighting some of the strategies and challenges for the coming year, at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Snider Recital Hall.
For most students the beginning of the school year opens a door on a world of possibilities.
When it comes to his last year at CSU Stanislaus, Political Science senior Wesley Bartole hopes to get the most out of basketball and his classes.
“I want to make my last year phenomenal,” said Bartole. “I’m looking forward to another great basketball season and academic semester.”
Genisis Hernandez and Elizabeth Arroyo experienced their first day of college together and said that it completely met their expectations, and were even surprised to get out of classes earlier than planned—something they were not used to in high school.
Both Hernandez and Arroyo both hope for a successful school year, socially and academically, that will launch their college careers at CSU Stanislaus. Hernandez hopes to get involved and join clubs, while Arroyo wants to get close with her teachers and earn good grades.
Business Administration and Marketing major Eric Wilkerson looks forward to making the most out of his third year at CSU Stanislaus.
“I am looking forward to taking 15 units this semester and just doing really well,” said Wilkerson. “I’m just excited to be back in school.”
Biology major Juan Villapudua and Psychology major Brandon Dinh both have high expectations for the new school year. Villapudua hopes to achieve an amazing GPA and start a nonprofit, while Dinh hopes his good grades earn him a spot on the Dean’s List again.
