Cal State Fullerton’s Transfer Adult Re-entry Parenting and Pregnant Student Center unveiled a new space in Langsdorf Hall to foster community, a sense of belonging and camaraderie for more than 4,000 TAPP students.
“The TAPP student population accounts for more than 40% of the overall CSUF population. The larger space allows us to accommodate more students in the physical space for studying, community and programming,” said Laura Hooks, assistant director of the TAPP Center.
The center, which was previously located in Gordon Hall, supports students with academic resources, peer mentorship and leadership opportunities.
The grand opening ceremony in Langsdorf Hall, Room 216, showcased a myriad of new resources, including a lounge area for returning students over the age of 25 to meet with peers and form connections.
Established in spring 2022 with input from the campus community, the TAPP Center has hosted several programs on such topics as reentry support, student engagement, CalWorks and navigating resources. Cameron Cook, director of TAPP, said the center has also awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships.
“Since that first semester, our TAPP center has grown tremendously. We have added many all-star staff and built a wonderful team,” said Cook. “We have started a legacy. Our students have already begun to move on and achieve significant accomplishments.”
‘Never Too Late to Get an Education’
One of those students is CSUF alum Rudy Orozco ’24 (B.S. human services-mental health).
“When I was 13 years old, I remember passing Cal State Fullerton on the freeway and thinking to myself, ‘I want to go to this university,’” said Orozco. “That was the first time I set a goal like that, and it may have taken longer than I anticipated, but I made it.”
After graduating from high school, Orozco spent more than a decade away from school to work and support his family before his mom convinced him to return.
“It’s never too late to get your education,” he said. “Regardless of where you come from, your past doesn’t define who you are. You have the power to change your trajectory and inspire others.”
He earned an associate degree in sociology from Citrus College before turning his dream into a reality and transferring to CSUF, where his excitement for helping others was perfectly matched in the Department of Human Services.
Although he knew he was on the right track, Orozco said he still felt slightly out of place because of his age. He shared his concerns with one of his instructors, who encouraged him to get involved in campus life — that advice led him to TAPP.
“Rudy is an example to all of us that no matter what the obstacles or challenges, with sheer determination and a village in your corner, your goals can be reached,” said Hooks.
Working as a student assistant and peer mentor within the center, Orozco began helping students just like the staff helped him.
“The TAPP staff was supportive and welcoming. Anytime I was struggling, there was always someone there to hear me out,” said Orozco. “It was rewarding to be a peer mentor and see my mentees succeed. That work made me realize that I want to give back to others.”
Excited about working with students in the future, Orozco joined the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program, which provides mentorship and professional development opportunities to help students prepare for careers in student affairs. He also served as a student leader with the Male Success Initiative-Fullerton and was part of the student organization, Adults Who Are Returning to Education.
Supported by these programs, the CSUF alum landed a job as a case manager at the Inland Regional Center, where he serves individuals with developmental disabilities. He plans to return to CSUF to study counseling and pursue a career supporting students in higher education.
“Making the decision to go back to school was a huge change in my life, but I realized that there’s help out there,” said Orozco. “At Cal State Fullerton, having a community and sense of belonging gave me the energy and motivation I needed to succeed.”