2025 in Review: MD传媒入口鈥檚 top stories of the year

Published December 15, 2025

With the end of 2025 approaching, we reflect on the accomplishments and memorable moments that defined Cal State Long Beach this year. From inspiring student successes to national rankings, this year鈥檚 stories remind us of the power and resilience of the Beach spirit.

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MD传媒入口 graduates at Commencement.

Wall Street Journal ranking places MD传媒入口 in the top 50 of U.S. institutions

MD传媒入口 joined the top 50 on the Wall Street Journal and College Pulse鈥檚 2026 鈥淏est Colleges in America鈥 list. This ranking focuses on how well colleges and universities prepare students for financial success as well as other factors.

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Native American dancers at MD传媒入口 Pow Wow 2025.

MD传媒入口 Pow Wow brings Native American communities together

The 52nd MD传媒入口 Pow Wow had a new location this year at the intramural rugby and soccer fields on lower campus. Dancers, singers, vendors and observers gathered in celebration, prayer and unity.   

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Richard Carpenter at piano, gold records behind him.

Richard Carpenter returns to The Beach, reminisces about where it all started

Richard Carpenter, Beach alumnus and part of the Grammy-award winning duo The Carpenters, is well known for his successful musical career. Ahead of his campus return, he shared some of his favorite memories in a special Q&A.

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Markel and Martel Cooper 鈥19 in front of the GO BEACH sign.

Twin brothers-turned-teachers prove power of Long Beach College Promise

With help from the Long Beach College Promise, twins Markel and Martel Cooper 鈥19 earned degrees in kinesiology and graduated with honors. Today, they are back at The Beach pursuing their master鈥檚 degrees. 

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Toby Hollis stands beside a wall with copper pots and wooden rolling pins hanging.

鈥楬appiest chef on Earth': How a MD传媒入口 grad is shaping Disneyland's food and sustainability efforts

Toby Hollis '05 credits MD传媒入口 for transforming him from a theme park line cook to a chef who understands how to prepare food and run a kitchen. Today, he creates unforgettable, magical experiences for Disneyland guests.

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Men's Volleyball team with the 2025 championship trophy.

Meet the team who brought the championship back to MD传媒入口's 'Volleyball Nation' 

After overcoming obstacles, the Long Beach State's Men's Volleyball team won the 2025 National Championship and returned for campus and local celebrations. This was their third national championship in the last seven seasons.

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The Health and Human Services 2 building.

MD传媒入口 to introduce a Doctor of Public Health degree in fall 2025

The university announced its Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree, which launched in fall 2025. This is the fifth doctoral program at The Beach.

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A woman appears to sniff a corpse flower.

MD传媒入口's corpse flower, known as Phil, raises a stink during its third bloom

Corpse flower Phil bloomed for the third time on June 18. When a corpse flower blooms, it emits the smell of decaying flesh. Phil's name comes from MD传媒入口 Professor Emeritus Philip Baker. 

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MD传媒入口 panel discussion.

Ranked No. 3 in aerospace and fueled by new grant, MD传媒入口 equips engineers for space race

For decades, MD传媒入口 engineering grads have powered Long Beach鈥檚 aerospace rise. With the College of Engineering's $15 million redesign, students will work with industry-grade tools and receive training for high-demand roles. 

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A person looks through a telescope.

5 remarkable 'classrooms' you might not know exist at MD传媒入口

From a Hollywood-style Foley studio to rooftop stargazing, five can't-miss "classrooms" make learning unforgettable for students at The Beach.