Alumni Association
Our Priorities
In support of our mission, the Alumni Association has selected core priorities to focus our efforts over the next several years. We believe that by driving initiatives under these priorities, we can enhance our engagement with the alumni community. We have created both short and long-term measurable action items under the priorities of:
- Student Success
- Equity, Inclusion, & Anti-Racism
- Outreach & Engagement
Enhance the overall student experience to increase engagement and retention, while promoting intellectual achievement and career readiness
• Improve graduation rates and close equity gaps.
• Create an engaging and inclusive student experience.
• Increase participation in high-impact educational practices (HIPs).
• Prepare students for successful careers.
• Make education more affordable and accessible.
Create an authentic and empowering culture of equity, inclusion and anti-racism by embracing our diversity
• Develop and implement a formal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) plan.
• Recruit and retain diverse faculty and staff.
• Eliminate systemic racism and other biases in policies and practices.
• Foster culturally responsive teaching practices and work environment.
Build connections with the region, state and nation through brand awareness and community, alumni and donor engagement.
• Deepen and expand regional community engagement initiatives.
• Enhance Cal State East Bay brand awareness and reputation.
• Increase alumni engagement.
• Establish innovative public-private partnerships.
Alumni Association Board Meetings
Board meetings are held quarterly at the Hayward Campus and via zoom. Meetings are open to all alumni and we encourage your to attend. Please see the FY24/25 BOD Meeting Schedule for more information.
Alumni Association Board of Directors Executive Committee
Paige Luben, MBA
President
BS '09, Business Administration
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24, 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Software
FUN FACT:
I was adopted as a baby.
Parker Rugeley, MPA
President-Elect, Lead Board Recruitment & Alumni IT Specialist
BA, BS '18, Political Science & Criminal Justice; '20 MPA
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24, 2024-26
Industry:
Information Technology
FUN FACT:
I played euphonium for the university symphony band and bass trombone for the university jazz band my freshmen year.
Melody Simmons-Hudson, MBA
Treasurer & Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Committee Member
BA '09
Terms: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Finance & Social Impact
FUN FACT:
During my trip to Bali, Indonesia, I conquered my fear of heights by soaring through the jungle on the Forest Swing in Ubud. It was an incredible and liberating experience, I can now cross this off my bucket list!
Raj Prasad
Chancellor & Outreach and Engagement Chair
BS '03, Business Administration
Terms: 2021–23, 2023-25
Michelle Rippy, Ed.D.
Immediate Past President
BS '02, Forensic Science
Terms: 2017-19, 2019-21, 2021-2023, 2023-2025
INDUSTRY:
Higher Education
FUN FACT:
I enjoy being an urban gardener.
Robert Mendenhall
Student Success Committee Chair
BS '92, Physics
Term: 2023-25
Emerald Templeton, Ed.D.
Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Chair
BA Human Development '06
Terms: 2022-24, 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Higher Education
FUN FACT:
I'm reading and listening to 2-3 books at any given time! I love to read about social politics and listen on Audible to memoirs and autobiographies.
Board Members
Veronica Collins, MS
BA '19, Health Sciences
Terms: 2022-24, 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Health Policy
FUN FACT:
I am a Veteran and first-generation student.
Dessiree Cuevas
Student Success Committee
BA '21, Psychology
Term: 2024-26
Raven Davis
Student Success Committee
BA '14, Communications
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Healthcare
FUN FACT:
I won the CSUEB Department of Communication's Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher, but I hate reading despite my love to learn.
Kabir Dhillon
Student Success Committee
BS '22, Computer Science
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Technology
FUN FACT:
I've built over 75 LEGO sets.
Stan Herbert III
Student Success Committee
BS '76, Business Administration
Term: 2023-25
Nikole Hobson
Student Success Committee
MBA '23, BA '09
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Real Estate
FUN FACT:
I am an avid Yogini and practice yoga 3-5 times a week.
Amer Orabi
BS '16, Business Administration
Terms: 2021–23, 2023-25
Lindsay Samples
Outreach and Engagement Committee, Alumni Association Scholarship Committee
BA '04, Liberal Studues
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Government Grant Management
FUN FACT:
I enjoy running, but I am a slow runner. I once came in last in a 10K race with a police escort as they opened the street behind me!
Elnaz Sarraf
BA '12
Term: 2024-26