Cal State LA alumni are making a difference in countless ways—sharing their expertise, opening doors to professional opportunities, mentoring students, and investing in the next generation of engineers, computer scientists, and technology leaders.
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.
Giving Back Through Time, Talent, and Connections
There are many ways alumni contribute to the ECST community. Some create internships and paid professional experiences, mentor students, or share career advice. Others advise senior design teams, serve on college and departmental advisory boards, support student clubs and competition teams, or return to campus as guest speakers.
Alumni also help inspire future generations through outreach programs such as MESA STEM Day and LAunchPad, introducing middle and high school students to engineering, computer science, and technology.
Financial contributions make a difference as well. Alumni and other supporters help fund scholarships, peer mentors and student stewards, hands-on learning spaces such as the CircuitSpace and Makerspace, outreach and student success programs, student research, travel to conferences and competitions, and other experiences that enrich students’ education.
Alumni Giving Back in Action
This month’s In Focus highlights three examples of the many ways alumni are making a difference.
Through ECST’s Distinguished Speaker Series, launched by the Dean’s Advisory Board, alumni Jay Donnell and Jorge Ramirez have shared lessons from their professional journeys and are helping students navigate the path from college to career.
Patricia (Patty) Morrison is honoring the legacy of her late husband, Cal State LA alumnus Edward (Ed) Grebel, through a generous gift establishing the CircuitSpace Named Steward Program, creating paid opportunities for students to mentor and support their peers.
And Boeing systems engineer and Cal State LA alumna Maida Lopez has spent more than two decades helping sustain and strengthen Boeing’s involvement in MESA STEM Day, inspiring thousands of young people to explore STEM careers.
These stories illustrate just a few of the ways alumni are giving back—and the lasting impact their involvement can have.
Join Us: Senior Design Reviews and Expo
Alumni and industry professionals are invited to share their expertise with senior design teams, offer feedback on student projects, and connect with emerging engineers at these upcoming events.
| Event/Cohort | Date and Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Design Review Poster Session Fall 2026–Spring 2027 EE/ME/ETEC cohort | November 13, 2026 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | ECST Courtyard |
| Senior Design Expo Spring 2026–Fall 2026 EE/ME/ETEC cohort | December 11, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | University Student Union 3rd Floor |
Continuing the Connection
Whether through a few hours of mentorship, a professional connection, volunteer service, or a philanthropic gift, every contribution is valued and helps create opportunities for students.
We are grateful to the many alumni who remain connected to ECST and continue to invest their time, talents, and resources in our students and programs.
Interested in getting involved? We invite alumni and friends of ECST to explore opportunities to mentor students, share professional expertise, support college programs, or make a philanthropic contribution. Contact [email protected] to learn more about ways to get involved.
Together, we are building a stronger community and opening doors for the next generation.
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Continue reading ECST InFocus | October 2026