The weather may be struggling to decide what it wants to be, but for our graduating students, their career choices will soon be one step closer when they walk the stage at Spring Commencement 2026 and head out into the world. 🎓

It's always such a joyous time for our students as well as for their families and the campus community. The rest of our Hive can also take great pride and inspiration in seeing their peers complete their degrees.

The best part of graduation season is seeing all our soon-to-be alumni roam the campus in their suits, dresses, and caps and gowns, as they take grad photos on the Guy West Bridge, at the campus entrance sign, and next to the University's public art displays. 📸

But it's not just Commencement where our grads can celebrate their accomplishments. In the coming weeks, several graduation ceremonies celebrate the diverse identities and cultures of our students. Some of those events have already taken place, but many are still to come and you're welcome to join the festivities as we mark the academic accomplishments of our grads.

Helping our students successfully cross the finish line is at the heart of what we do in Student Affairs, so, happy graduation season! Stingers Up! 🐝

By Daniel Wilson, Digital Communications Specialist, The Buzz Editor

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

– Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist and philosopher (Attributed)

The Buzz hits your inbox once a month. Your partnership is the heartbeat of this newsletter. We’re eager to hear how we can elevate it for you. Please share your thoughts, feedback and ideas with us. 💌

Don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram for a peek into campus life! 📸

Each day, I have the opportunity to wake up and share the incredible stories of what our students are achieving. Whether I’m speaking with a donor exploring how they can make a meaningful impact, or a business leader interested in partnering with our division, my role centers on amplifying the good news emerging from Student Affairs. There is never a shortage of stories to tell—Arrive to the Hive, Financial Literacy, the Basic Needs Resource Center, CARES, the Black Honors College, CARC, and club sports all reflect the breadth of support and engagement we provide.

Recently, I’ve had the privilege of hosting C-level executives on campus, walking them through how we serve our students. Without exception, they leave impressed by our commitment to holistic student support—meeting students where they are and ensuring they have the resources to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Just as important, they consistently recognize that this level of care and impact is only possible because of the dedication and excellence of our staff. Their hard work does not go unnoticed; it is evident in every program, every service, and every student success story we share.

That impact is resonating beyond campus. A major Sacramento-based company recently made a verbal commitment to provide significant support for our division, with a focus on the Basic Needs Resource Center, Student Orientation, and Arrive to the Hive. For them, investing in our Hornets was an easy decision, grounded in a shared belief in supporting the next generation of regional leaders. This kind of alignment has become a defining theme in my role as Executive Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy, and a reflection of the strong foundation our team continues to build.

In the months ahead, we will announce new and exciting partnerships with local businesses. These collaborations are the result of sustained efforts by the Student Affairs Leadership Council and our broader team to engage the business community in deeper, more intentional ways. As we continue this momentum, I encourage our staff to keep bringing their best to our Hornets. The relationships we are building—rooted in trust, impact, and shared purpose—are creating pathways to internships, philanthropic support, and expanded career opportunities for our students.

Stingers Up!

Charles Nelson

Executive Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy

May recognizes several cultural and heritage observances, including Jewish American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. Key dates include Mother’s Day on May 10 and World Day for Cultural Diversity on May 21, offering opportunities to celebrate well-being, culture and community.

A range of cultural graduation celebrations will honor diverse student communities. Thank you to those who joined us in celebrating Chicanx/Latinx Ceremony (April 19), Veterans Graduation (April 24) and APIDA Graduation (April 27). Upcoming events include Undocu-Grad (April 30), Native American Recognition (May 2), Pan African Graduation (May 11), Lavender Graduation (May 12), Parents and Families Celebration (May 13), and SWANA Graduation (May 14). Learn more about the graduation celebrations, and please plan to attend as many as possible. 

Here are some other events to look forward to as well as updates on our designations:

Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Designation

“Nuestras Historias – Inaugural Art Show,” hosted by El Centro Serna, highlights Latinx voices through storytelling and artistic expression, emphasizing identity, representation, and lived experiences.

 Black-Serving Institution (BSI) Designation

The Pan African Graduation on May 11 celebrates the achievements, resilience, and cultural contributions of Black graduates, fostering pride and community connection.

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (ANNAPISI) Designation

AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated throughout May, recognizing the histories and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, with additional programs and events forthcoming.

APPEX Director announcement: The campus welcomes Vu Tran as APPEX Director. With over a decade of experience, he has advanced student success, expanded academic initiatives, and secured major funding to support underserved and first-generation students. The campus community came together on April 28 to meet Vu and connect with the APPEX team. Learn more about the APPEX program. 

From Our Perspective: Our VA Work-Study students serve as VA Education Benefit Advisors through the VA Work-Study Program at the Veterans Success Center. In this role, they support student veterans and military-connected students by assisting the School Certifying Official with federal and state VA education benefits.

Their work requires strong attention to detail, professionalism, and a commitment to helping students successfully navigate their educational benefits and resources. It’s great to see their presence made within the campus community.

Read on to learn more about our current Student Assistants or Interns.

Full Name: Mariamah Banks-Bey
Major: Business Administration (International Business)
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Career Goal: Project Manager 
Favorite Thing about Sac State: Opportunity.
Fun Fact: I love getting outside in any capacity, including kayaking, paddle boarding, a road trip down California's north coast or going to Thailand.

Full Name: Anthony Peter Bordens
Major: Communication Studies
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Career Goal: Work for a major NFL team
Favorite Thing About Sac State: Veterans Success Center
Fun Fact: I know how to wiggle my ears!

Full Name: Kay-Denise Brownridge
Major: Design Studies/Interior Architecture
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Career Goal: Designer
Favorite Thing About Sac State: Our majorette team (go Stingerettes!) and our golden campus during fall.
Fun Fact: I am a Stingerette dancer! Catch us performing during football season!

Full Name: Phillip Do
Major: Construction Management
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Career Goal: Project Engineer
Favorite Thing About Sac State:  Veterans Success Center
Fun Fact: I can flip a quarter using a forklift!

Full Name: Jennifer Kaitlyn Marroquin
Major: Communications/Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2028
Career Goal: Systems Engineer
Favorite Thing About Sac State:  The trees! Every day is a beautiful day on campus.
Fun Fact: I am a Marine Corps veteran and love to 3D print/take on too many DIY projects.

Emeline Koloamatangi, APIDA Center, continues to be a pillar of strength and advocacy for our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students and staff. She leads our NHPI Student Success Series, actively supporting over 200 NHPI students on our campus, providing mentorship, advocacy, and holistic guidance. Emeline also represented Sacramento State in engagement with the Fijian Ministry, strengthening international and cultural connections that elevate our institution’s commitment to Pacific Islander communities. Balancing her roles as a full-time staff member, graduate student, community leader, wife, and mother, Emeline embodies resilience and excellence.

Click the button below to learn more about Emeline. Congrats, Emeline! 

The Staff Talent Appreciation & Retention (STAR) Awards program acknowledges the exemplary performance and contributions of staff members within the division.

Head to our submission form below to NOMINATE the next STAR of the Month!

Welcome to Honey, Wings & Stings!

The Buzz highlights members of the Student Affairs family who have been promoted (Honey 🍯), newly hired (Wings 🦋), and those who are leaving our division, including retirees (Stings 🐝).

Join us in recognizing and congratulating these extraordinary employees!

Honey 🍯recognizes our staff who have been promoted or transferred to new roles within Student Affairs.

Congratulations to these outstanding members of our Student Affairs family!

Wings 🦋 recognizes new hires in the division, with a list of names, titles and start dates.

Join us in welcoming our newest division members!

Stings 🐝 recognizes members of the Hornet Family who are departing the division, including our retirees.

Join us in wishing these folks all the best in their next adventure!

By Leha Hawkins, Communications and Programs Specialist, Campus Life

Carnival on the Quad: A World of Wonder transformed the heart of campus into a vibrant celebration of community, culture and connection on Friday, April 10. Despite a forecast calling for rain, the campus community was fortunate to experience a perfect four-hour window of little-to-no precipitation, allowing the event to unfold seamlessly for the well over 2,000 students and guests in attendance!

Designed as a large-scale, celebration of campus culture, the carnival brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members for an evening of joy, engagement, and shared celebration. From bumper cars to a pirate ship ride and classic carnival games to global food offerings and immersive entertainment, the event created a space for students to connect, unwind and experience a strong sense of belonging.

Performances by student organizations highlighted the diversity and creativity of the campus community, as performers took to the stage to share traditions, stories and artistic expression. There were also roving circus performers and a variety of activities including balloon twisting, spray tattoos, face painting, caricature artists and a live DJ.

The turnout and engagement reflected the importance of creating opportunities for students to come together outside of the classroom and celebrate the richness of their shared community.

By Dr. Marcellene Watson-Derbigny, Associate VP for Student Retention and Academic Success

Student Academic Success and Educational Equity Programs (SASEEP) hosted the IRA Internship Program Celebration and Student Recognition Ceremony. The event in the University Union Ballroom on April 13 supported a theme of “Contagious Confidence” to advance the goal of student success and career readiness.

The signature convening featured a welcome reflection by Dr. Aniesha Mitchell, Vice President for Student Affairs, who shared an amazing message of success and determination. President Wood also featured a powerful video congratulating the interns on their inaugural year in the program.

During this vibrant celebration, a keynote address was provided by Otis Amey, former NFL Player and current Director of Player Development for Sac State. His address breathed life into the role of confidence and boldness in achieving life success.

Reflections were also provided by local news anchor Ashley Williams from Good Day Sacramento, as well as partnership remarks from the Director of the Career Center Dr. Melissa Repa and the Director of the Community Engagement Center Dr. Samantha Blackburn.

The event culminated with divisional recognitions and scholar awards for one year of program completion. Together with the leadership of the division and campuswide collaboration, the IRA Internship Program has worked to enrich the lives of students in meeting career readiness goals and supporting the CSU’s broader mission of social mobility and student success through CSU Forward.

Throughout the year, departments, offices and centers in Student Affairs hold various events for students, faculty and staff. We appreciate your support, attendance and participation in our Student Affairs events whenever possible.

Want your events featured in The Buzz? Add your events to Trumba (details below) and let us know so we can consider them for inclusion.

Here are some upcoming events to attend: 

Upload your events to Trumba, Sac State's event management platform. It's designed to help organize, share and promote campus events with ease. Uploading to Trumba only takes a few minutes and is an easy and efficient way to keep students up-to-date on all the exciting events we have planned!

Learning & Development offers a wide variety of employee professional development trainings, events and activities each month. All trainings subject to change. See the full calendar at the button below for up-to-date events, additional information, and to request accommodations and register.

Here are some highlights for May: 

The Career Center offers a wide variety of career development and employer networking resources, trainings, events, career fairs and activities for you, your students and alumni each month.

See the full calendar below for events, additional information, and to request accommodations and register.

📝 Finals week is just around the corner, and Finals Friends is a great way to show support for our students during this high-stress time. Over three evenings, volunteers will help pass out snacks to students studying in the AIRC, with additional distribution in the University Library and University Union while supplies last.

If you’d like to get involved, please use the link below to sign up for a volunteer shift from 8–9 p.m. on Monday, May 18, Tuesday, May 19, or Wednesday, May 20. Departments can also support this effort by donating snacks—such as granola bars or fruit snacks—by Tuesday, May 12. Donations may be delivered to Lassen Hall 3008.

😎 It may not feel like it just yet (it kind of does though 😓), but summer will be here soon. Each year, to conserve energy, Sac State rolls out a modified Summer Hours work schedule with normal business hours for the campus of 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. and a 30-minute lunch break. The modified schedule enables the University to reduce energy consumption during the late afternoon hours when energy demand is highest. It also gives an opportunity for employees to get the most from the longer summer days. Authorized managers may modify individual work schedules to address special situations. Look for a SacSend in the coming weeks announcing the start and end dates for our Summer Hours schedule.

Many of our departments are among the most active users of the campus Konica scan folders. As we work to maintain a secure and efficient digital environment, we want to bring an upcoming change by IRT to your attention to ensure your files remain safe and accessible.

The Change: July 6

Starting July 6, IRT will reinstitute the auto-deletion policy for all Konica scan folders. While these folders have traditionally been used for temporary transit, the new policy will be more strictly enforced to prevent data overages.

Your Action Plan: Move Before You Lose

Because scan folders are intended for temporary storage only, please review your folders before July 6 and move any necessary documents to a permanent home.

Need a Hand?

Our SA-IT team is here to help your department navigate this transition. If you have a large amount of data to migrate or do not have access to your department’s scan folder, please open an SA-IT service ticket.

We appreciate your partnership in keeping our digital Hive organized and secure!

Certain Common Human Resources System (CHRS) processes and transactions will be temporarily unavailable Wednesday, May 6, through Monday, May 11, due to the upcoming Wave 4b go-live.

Since CHRS is a shared system, campuses currently using CHRS will also need to prepare for the Wave 4b go-live. Specific processes and transactions will be paused beginning Tuesday, April 28, at 5 p.m.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

Submissions after April 28 cannot be processed and will be paused until after CHRS Wave 4b go-live (on May 11).

Please refer to the Chancellor's Office CHRS website to learn more.

CSUBuy (P2P) Reminder

It is each department manager's responsibility to approve requisitions over $5,000. Other authorized approvers available to approve the requisition will not do so unless specifically requested to do so. Please reach out to SABR administration to request assistance in approving requisitions if you are going to be out or if you are having trouble approving requisitions.

Procards

If you are a procurement card purchaser, be sure you have picked up your new Concur procard. Old procards were deactivated as of April 23. If you do not have a new procard and one wasn't ordered for you, you will need to request a new card in Concur. 

Concur Travel - New Expense Type 

A new expense type has been created. It is called "Agenda/Itinerary (Attachment)." Use this expense line to attach your required agenda or itinerary. This will be a zero-dollar expense line.

Thank you for supporting Hornet Weekly - Sac State's email newsletter sent every Tuesday to students. 

UPDATE: Hornet Weekly does not run during the summer months, so there are only two more editions for Spring 2026. Those will hit students' inboxes on Tuesday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 12. Please be sure to submit your items! See our schedule for more.

The goal of Hornet Weekly is to reduce the number of emails students receive while providing an easy-to-read digest to better keep students informed.

We cannot produce Hornet Weekly without submissions from our Student Affairs family and all of our campus partners.

Want to keep up with the latest editions of Hornet Weekly? Have items to include? Click the buttons below to learn more, submit your items and visit the Archive.

Have you heard? We have an easy way to request campaigns, emails and more. Use our new forms to request graphics, photos, videos and targeted SacSends!

We are here to help. Let us guide you on the best practices and platforms for reaching students. Planning ahead streamlines communication pathways, helping you connect with your target audience(s).

Thanks for reading the April 2026 edition of The Buzz Around Student Affairs!

🐝 The Buzz is usually sent the final week of each month. Please submit updates for the next newsletter no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. 🐝

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(916) 278-6011  |   www.csus.edu