California State University, Dominguez Hills: Notable Alumni
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) stands out among the nation's exceptional urban universities. With a distinctive history, a vibrant academic environment, exciting research programs, and a tradition of service in the South Bay, CSUDH has produced alumni who have made their mark in a variety of fields. This article highlights some of the most prominent graduates and former students of this institution, showcasing their achievements in diverse sectors such as politics, entertainment, sports, and community service.
A Legacy of Excellence
CSUDH alumni have achieved remarkable success after graduating. From Superior Court judges to Olympic gold medalists, Toro alums have made their mark in a variety of fields. Some of the university's most outstanding alumni have been featured in the campus' popular "I'm a Toro" banner campaign.
Political Leaders
CSUDH has a strong tradition of producing leaders in the political arena. Several alumni have risen to prominence in local and state government, making significant contributions to their communities.
Karen Bass: (bachelor’s degree in health science, Class of 1990) is the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles, the first woman and second African American to be elected as mayor. Bass utilized her health science degree as a nurse and physician assistant. She later served in the California State Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives. Her accomplishments include holding LAPD more accountable and transforming liquor stores and motels into community assets.
Steven Bradford: (bachelor’s degree in political science, Class of 1985) is the current representative of the 35th district of the California State Senate. Bradford has also represented the 51st and 62nd assembly districts and was the first African American elected to the Gardena City Council. His Senate Bill 50 aims to prohibit peace officers from initiating traffic stops for low-level violations without a separate, independent reason.
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Rex Richardson: (bachelor’s degree in philosophy, Class of 2020) is the 29th mayor of Long Beach and the first Black person to be elected as mayor as of November 2022. Richardson also served as vice mayor from 2016-2022 and was elected to Long Beach City Council in 2014. He was instrumental in building Long Beach’s first municipal homeless shelter and created the Long Beach Office of Equity to improve community health outcomes.
Lula Davis-Holmes: (bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and sociology, Class of 1983; master’s degree in public administration, Class of 1992) is the first African-American female mayor of Carson. Davis-Holmes was the first female recreation center supervisor assigned to Stevenson Park in 1980 and the first female recreation superintendent of Carson. She also spearheaded a housing project for middle-income residents of Carson and the development of affordable housing for seniors and veterans.
Joe Buscaino: Served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council for the 15th district from 2012 to 2022.
Jerome Horton: Served as a member of the California Board of Equalization from the 3rd district from October 5, 2009 to January 7, 2019. He previously served as a member of the California State Assembly from 2000 until 2006.
Entertainment Industry Luminaries
CSUDH has also nurtured talent that has shone brightly in the entertainment industry. Actors, comedians, and producers have all passed through its doors, leaving a lasting impact on film and television.
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Niecy Nash: An American actress, comedian, and television host known for her roles in "Reno 911!" and hosting "Clean House," for which she won a Daytime Emmy Award.
Clarence Gilyard: An American actor best known for his roles as Conrad McMasters on "Matlock" and Jimmy Trivette on "Walker, Texas Ranger."
Jeff Coopwood: An American actor, singer, broadcaster, and educator.
Michael Happoldt: A music producer known for his work with Sublime.
Rodney Allen Rippy: An American former child actor, television personality, marketing director, producer, and politician who appeared in TV commercials for Jack in the Box.
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Pam Braud: Co-producer of The Simpsons. Braud started her career with The Simpsons while attending CSU Dominguez Hills, as an assistant to the producers.
Sporting Achievements
CSUDH's athletic programs have produced numerous athletes who have excelled in their respective sports, both at the collegiate and professional levels.
Kevin Pillar: An American professional baseball outfielder who has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams. Pillar was a walk-on, non-scholarship player at his Div. II college, and he chose Dominguez Hills because he'd have a chance to play every day as a freshman.
Gyasi Zardes: An American professional soccer player who plays as a forward.
Kei Kamara: A Sierra Leonean professional footballer who plays as a striker for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. He is one of 13 players to have scored 100 goals in MLS history.
Carmelita Jeter: A retired American sprinter who competed in the 60 metres, 100 m, and 200 m. She was the 2011 world champion and the 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the 100 m.
Kevin Hartman: An American former soccer player who played 17 seasons in Major League Soccer.
Tony Alfaro: A Mexican professional footballer who plays as a defender for USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive.
Craig Grebeck: An American former professional baseball middle infielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams.
La Rue Washington: A former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Texas Rangers in 1978 and 1979.
Eric Crookshank: An American professional basketball player who last played for the Saint John Mill Rats of the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL).
Community Leaders and Activists
Beyond politics, entertainment, and sports, CSUDH has also produced individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through activism and service.
- Sweet Alice Harris: A community organizer based in Watts, Los Angeles, California, as the founder and executive director of Parents of Watts, a local youth outreach group.
Journalists and Media Personalities
Ben Swann: An American television news anchor, investigative journalist, and conspiracy theorist.
Steffan Tubbs: A journalist, two-time winner of the Edward R. Murrow Award.
Other Notable Alumni
Leon Chancler: An American pop, funk, and jazz drummer, composer, producer, and university professor.
Stewart Alexander: An American democratic socialist politician.
Babatunde Fowler: A Nigerian public officer, tax administrator, and social reformer.
Danny Grissett: An American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer.
CSUDH's Impact
CSU Dominguez Hills has over 110,000 alumni, of whom 60% live and work within 25 miles (40 km) of the campus. The university plays a major role in the region's economy - a recent economic impact study revealed CSU Dominguez Hills generates a total impact of $519 million annually in the South Bay. This impact sustains over 5,600 jobs in the region and statewide economy and generates more than $45 million in statewide tax revenue per year.
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