Hundreds of prospective and current students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members gathered at Stanislaus State on Saturday for the University’s first-ever Warrior Expo.  

Throngs of people converged at the Turlock campus for the University’s biggest in-person event to occur so far during the 2022-23 academic year. Warrior Expo gave attendees a chance to experience Stan State in person and provide prospective students and their families an opportunity to learn about the University, its academic programs, resources and offerings. 

“It is exhilarating to be on campus and to have more than 2,000 people here,” said Stan State President Ellen Junn. “It shows the amazing stamina and organization of our incredible team.  Across the campus, all divisions worked together to put on an amazing day of activities and fun for families and prospective students. To see all the energy here is so exciting and absolutely invigorating.” 

Festivities kicked off in the morning with the first half of the day geared toward prospective students and their families. Future Warriors were able to go on campus tours, explore academic programs, meet faculty members, learn about available resources and more.  

The Office of Admissions even set up a booth for on-the-spot admission decisions for first-year applicants. Prospective students who brought their transcripts, completed admissions paperwork and met initial eligibility requirements gained on-the-spot admission to Stan State. Every time a potential student was admitted, staff members cheered, rang a bell and presented each future Warrior with a Titus bobblehead. 

The second half of the day, which was open to everyone including community members, gave guests a chance to hang out on campus, enjoy live music, face painting, inflatable lawn games, prizes, giveaways and a free lunch.  

First-year Stan State student Marisa Ochoa of Merced attended Warrior Expo with her parents. The liberal studies major lives on campus, and the event gave her and her parents an opportunity to spend some family time together at her “home away from home.” 

Her time at Stan State “has been amazing,” Ochoa said of her first semester as a Warrior. “Everyone is friendly. I was greeted with open arms on my first day here and it’s made me feel like this is home. Stan State feels like home.”  

High school senior Talia Maxwell and her father DeAndre of Fresno came to Warrior Expo to visit the campus. Maxwell, a student-athlete who plays basketball, was invited to campus by Stan State Women’s Basketball Coach Wayman Strickland, according to her father. 

“He thought this would be a perfect time to come because we could see what the campus has to offer both academically and socially,” DeAndre Maxwell said. “He said this would be a perfect day to get information, see what the campus provides and what support is available to students.  

“As a parent, it’s good to come out and experience the University with my kid,” DeAndre Maxwell said. “The people have been kind, the campus is nice, and the coach has been awesome.”  

Second-year Warrior Tatiana Souza, a member of Stan State’s Cheer Team, came to Warrior Expo with her squad members, who all put their Warrior Spirit and pride on display. 

Souza, of Gustine, called the event awesome, just like her University. 

“I love it. I love my cheer team, I love my school and I love this event,” Souza said. “Seeing everybody come out and be a part of the community really means a lot. Thank you, Stan State, for providing for us students!”    

Stanislaus State is accepting applications for admission to the fall 2023 term. For more information, visit csustan.edu.