Top 20 Stories of 2020

What does it take to achieve national honors, pursue groundbreaking research, launch innovative programs, lend expertise on critical issues and support local communities amid global challenges? It Takes a Titan. Cal State Fullerton’s top 20 stories of 2020 reflect the deep resilience of Titan faculty, staff and students, and supporters against the backdrop of a pandemic, social unrest and a historic presidential election.

Nursing Faculty Battle COVID-19

While continuing to teach, several faculty members from the School of Nursing are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business Center Works to Save 57,000 Jobs

The Small Business Development Center in the College of Business and Economics has helped more than 10,000 small businesses obtain $280 million in relief.

President Recognized for Pandemic Leadership

The Orange County Business Journal recognized CSUF President Fram Virjee for making a positive difference during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CSUF Top-Ranked in U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report ranked CSUF fourth in Top Public Schools in the Western region, third in Best Undergraduate Teaching and fifth in Most Innovative Schools.

University Achieves Full, Maximum 10-Year Accreditation

After a rigorous review process, WASC Senior College and University Commission granted Cal State Fullerton a full and maximum 10-year accreditation.

Campus Master Plan Approved by CSU Board of Trustees

A new physical campus master plan for CSUF was unanimously approved by the California State University Board of Trustees.

University Nationally Ranked on Social Mobility

Cal State Fullerton is in the top 1% of four-year universities in the nation for helping low-income students reach financial success and transition to high-salary jobs.

$10 Million Gift Kicks Off University Campaign

The late Nicholas Begovich and his wife, Lee, made the single largest gift in Cal State Fullerton’s history to benefit gravitational-wave, engineering and computer science research.

Titans Win Statewide Voter Registration Competition

CSUF was named this year’s champion in the California Secretary of State’s Ballot Bowl competition, registering 2,716 student voters for the 2020 general election.

University Launches Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation

To advance the support and inclusion of Black people and culture, Cal State Fullerton has established the new Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation.

Experts Examine Racism and Police Reform

Spurred by George Floyd's death and nationwide protests, faculty members explore the roots of racism and calls for law enforcement reform.

Educators Introduce Anti-Racist Teaching Series

College of Education faculty members created an anti-racist teaching series to address underlying racist policies and practices that exist in schools.

Paleontologists Uncover Three Species of Extinct Walruses

Cal State Fullerton paleontologists have identified three new walrus species in Orange County, estimated to be 5 to 10 million years old.

Scientists Find Merging Black Holes Plentiful in the Universe

CSUF physicists and their students contributed to the latest detection and analysis of gravitational waves.

Data Scientist Studying Gender Differences in Opioid Treatment

Amid the nation’s opioid crisis, a business faculty member is working on one of the first studies to look at gender differences in opioid treatment.

$1.25 Million Grant to Help Children With Language Needs

Students and faculty are addressing the needs of children with intensive language and communication needs thanks to a new U.S. Department of Education grant.

Student Art Exhibition Unifies Community Through Art

A graduate student curated the first-ever Titan art exhibition, “Colores de la Vida,” at the Consulate of Mexico in Santa Ana.

Computer Engineer Is 2020 Outstanding Professor

For his prolific research, leadership and commitment to teaching, Kiran George garnered CSUF’s annual Outstanding Professor Award.

Two Win CSU Faculty Innovation Award

Archana McEligot, professor of public health, and Roberto Soto, assistant professor of mathematics, received the CSU’s 2020 Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award.

Journalism Students Win Four National First Place Awards

College of Communications students swept media competitions this year, including several accolades for “Al Día: A Border Emergency,” a Spanish-language newscast.

2020 in Photos

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