������Ƶ

CSULB’s University Relations and Development team has received a national Circle of Excellence gold award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for its campaign “From Silos to Synergy: Frontline and Planned Giving in Sync.” Led by Planned Giving & Stewardship, the initiative reimagined as a university-wide, collaborative effort by aligning it with frontline fundraising teams, embedding it into development work and setting unit-wide solicitation goals. Partnerships across Strategic Communications, Advancement Services, Alumni Relations and others helped drive engagement, while centralized materials and outsourced marketing freed staff to focus on donors. The result: ������Ƶsecured planned gifts in all 10 targeted units — an institutional first — and achieved its highest planned gift count and Legacy Society membership in nearly a decade.

Kimberly R. Kelly, professor and chair of Human Development, has released her first book, "Narrative Story Completion Methodologies: Research Approaches Across the Lifespan," published by Oxford University Press. Bringing together international and interdisciplinary perspectives, the volume is the first dedicated to narrative story completion methods (NSCM), an approach with a 100-year history in psychology that uses storytelling to explore the self, social discourses, and make meaning across diverse contexts. With chapters spanning the life course, the book highlights culturally sensitive and equity-centered research practices, making it a valuable resource for scholars across human development, education, social work and psychology. 

Tolulope Noah, instructional learning spaces coordinator for CSULB, has published "Designing and Facilitating Workshops with Intentionality: A Guide to Crafting Engaging Professional Learning Experiences in Higher Education." Released by Routledge, the book draws on Noah’s 16 years of teaching and workshop experience to provide a practical roadmap for educators leading professional development. Centered on inclusivity and active learning, the book presents ten key principles for designing workshops that foster connection, reflection and growth. Noah, who regularly leads learning sessions for faculty and staff, has shared her expertise on national podcasts such as "Teaching in Higher Ed" and "Think UDL." 

Andre Rishi, graduate business career coordinator, was named CSULB’s for his student-focused guidance and service. Rishi supports more than 850 graduate business students with tailored career coaching, extending meetings when needed and providing feedback that empowers students to sharpen their materials and strategies. He’s known for his initiative — such as collaborating with faculty to connect MSIS students with career services — and for creating a welcoming, thoughtful environment. Rishi joined ������Ƶthree years ago and has worked in education for more than 15 years. “I find true joy in supporting students’ growth and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a community that is dedicated to student success,” he said. 

Fiscal Operations Analyst Fabiola Tinti ‘17 was recently named CSULB’s for her exceptional service within Academic Resources. A Beach alum with a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice, Tinti began as a student assistant and has advanced through several campus roles. Known for her expertise in budgeting and procurement, she’s also praised for her kindness, clarity and collaborative spirit. Colleagues describe her as a go-to resource for fiscal matters and a consistent source of encouragement. “She is a true example of a BEACH success story,” said Amy Paulsen, noting her leadership on projects like Data Warehouse training.