ECST InFocus

Welcome to ECST InFocus, a monthly look at the people, programs, and partnerships making an impact across our college and community.

In This Issue

One of the things I value most about ECST is the relationships we build with our alumni, industry and academic partners, and broader community. These connections enrich our students' educational experiences, open doors to professional opportunities, and help inspire future generations.

This month's InFocus celebrates the many ways alumni and friends of ECST give back. We share the story of Patricia (Patty) Morrison, whose generous gift honors her late husband, Cal State LA alumnus Ed Grebel, while creating paid student mentorship opportunities in our CircuitSpace. We highlight distinguished alumni Jay Donnell and Jorge Ramirez, who share career lessons through our Dean's Advisory Board Distinguished Speaker Series. And we recognize Boeing engineer and alumna Maida Lopez, whose longstanding commitment to MESA STEM Day has helped inspire thousands of young people to explore STEM careers.

These stories remind us that giving back takes many forms. Whether through mentorship, volunteer service, professional connections, or philanthropy, every contribution helps create opportunities for our students.

I'm grateful to everyone who contributes to our ECST community and helps our students thrive. Whether you've stayed connected over the years or are looking for ways to reconnect, I hope this issue inspires you to strengthen your connection with ECST.

Nancy Warter-Perez, Dean
College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology
California State University, Los Angeles

Our Current Stories

Capstone Senior Design poster session with students smiling at guest near poster

Giving Back, Moving Forward: The Power of ECST Alumni

At the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST), our alumni are among our greatest partners in student success. They understand the opportunities and challenges our students face because many have walked similar paths. Their experiences, professional connections, and generosity help students build confidence, develop new skills, and envision what is possible for their futures.

Read about the power of alumni

Alumni Leaders Share Career Lessons and Inspire the Next Generation

Successful careers are built not only on technical knowledge, but also on persistence, relationships, and a willingness to keep learning. Through the Distinguished Speaker Series launched in 2025 by the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST) Dean’s Advisory Board, accomplished professionals and industry leaders share their career journeys, offer practical advice, and inspire the next generation of engineers and computer scientists.

Ways ECST alumni inspire

Edward (Ed) Grebel, M.S., Electrical Engineering ’78. Photo courtesy of Patricia Morrison.

Honoring a Legacy

When Patricia (Patty) Morrison wanted to honor the memory of her late husband, Edward (Ed) Grebel, she hoped to find a meaningful way to celebrate his lifelong curiosity, creativity, and passion for engineering. Through a generous gift to Cal State LA, she is helping a new generation of students learn, innovate, and support one another.

Ed's Legacy

ECST alumni Maida and Ernie, Dean Warter-Perez and Boeing executive Laurel, and

Inspiring Future Engineers

For more than two decades, Cal State LA alumna and Boeing systems engineer Maida Lopez has helped inspire the next generation of engineers through ECST's annual MESA STEM Day. As a driving force behind Boeing's participation, she has brought together engineers, alumni, and volunteers to help young students discover the possibilities of engineering, computer science, and technology.

Maida's Story