Dr. Rashanda Booker, university diversity officer, Division of Equity and Engagement, graduated this month from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Millennium Leadership Initiative.

This initiative enhances the preparedness of traditionally underrepresented leaders in the highest ranks of higher education by developing their skill sets and mindsets.

Dr. Luca Brillante

Dr. Luca Brillante, associate professor, Department of Viticulture and Enology, helped arrange for the International Viticulture and Enology Society to host meetings here as part of its annual conference, Tuesday, Feb. 27.

Over 40 representatives from respected university programs, institutions and wineries from around the world focused on ways to improve viticulture and enology research review and publications. Sessions also discussed how to increase their reach and better understand audience interests.

Luz Mendoza

Luz Mendoza, events coordinator, Department of Viticulture and Enology, helped to coordinate the visit, which included tours of campus facilities, research laboratories, the department library and vineyard.

The event was capped by a dinner and wine tasting of student-crafted, fine wines at the campus winery. Photos from the event are available here.

More information on the conference, including an agenda for its other three days held at locations in Central and Northern California, is available here.

Dr. Patricia D. López, associate professor and chair, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, was part of an expert panel centered on experiences with institutionalizing grant funded activities hosted by the U.S. Department of Education’s Hispanic Serving Institution Division on Thursday, March 7.

Her presentation titled, "Sustaining People, Sustaining Change", shared evidence and lessons learned from the university's Hispanic Serving Institution grant, Enseñamos en el Valle Central.

Candace Egan, professor, Department of Media, Communications and Journalism, has won two prestigious Awards of Merit from The Accolade Global Film Competition.

The award was given for Egan’s exciting documentary shorts, “Untold Stories: The Portuguese Festa in Central California” and “SIERRA ODYSSEY: Orland Bartholomew’s Historic Winter Adventure in the Sierra Nevada Mountains,” which were both directed by Egan and produced by MCJ Production Services.

Read more about Egan's accomplishment on the College of Arts and Humanities blog.