The Runner Grad Issue (May 2026)

FREE Monday May 4, 2026

California State University, Bakersfield

therunneronline.com Volume 52, Issue 4

Photo by Raul Rico Designed by Andrew Gonzalez

Students approve campus resolution, what does this mean?

Reconciliating with the legacy of a fallen hero man

From second chances to new futures: inside Project Rebound

Runner Sports Rewind Spring 2026

News | Page 3

News | Page 4

Features | Page 6

Sports | Page 8

02 News

Do CSUB Students Prefer Online or In-Person classes?

By Micah Stover, Staff

This March, students at Cal State Bakersfield have begun registering for classes for Fall 2026.

As they select their classes, they will have to decide between online or in-person courses.

Online classes have become a lot more common after COVID-19, but the jury is still out on what type of courses students prefer.

In Fall 2026, the majority of classes offered for students this upcoming semester are in-person , but there is also a considerable number of online and hybrid classes offered. CSUB will offer 1,304 in-person, 129 hybrid, 16 Independent Study, 52 ITV, and 367 online/web classes, according to Associate Vice President for Institutional Research, Monica Malhotra.

Of ten people who were interviewed--seven students and three professors--four students and three professors preferred in-person classes, while the other three students said that it depends.

Fernando Sarabia, a mathematics teaching major, said he preferred in person classes due to the physical engagement. He mentioned that these classes allow a more hands-on experience and the opportunity to make connections with the professor.

“I hate to see the campus become heavily dependent on online courses,” said Dr. Miriam Raub Vivian, professor emerita of history.

Vivian is strongly in favor of in-person classes and says they allow time for real conversations, discussions, and answers to questions.

She also mentioned that artificial intelligence

could impact online classes, making it more difficult for faculty to detect it in students’ work.

For Sarabia, another difference is that students have more distractions sitting at home for online classes compared to the classroom.

Mathew Forry, a traditional history major, also prefers in-person classes and agrees with Sarabia’s opinion. He said that it is easier for students to ask questions in person compared to digital classes. He also mentioned that with in-person classes students don’t have to worry about experiencing internet connection issues or delays and they are able to socialize with other students. “[Students] absorb information better in class, with people,” said Johnny Diaz, a music education major.

He mentioned that online classes feel off and don’t feel like a working environment. He mentioned that while online classes can help him and other music majors complete their class requirements, online performances or rehearsals are often plagued with delays and technical issues. However, online classes offer flexibility around student’s busy schedules.

“For Gen Ed classes or easier classes, I prefer online platforms, for more difficult courses I prefer in person instruction,” said Andy Valdivia, an electrical engineering major.

Continued on page 3

News 03

Students approve campus resolution, what does this mean?

By Julian Caro Students will now pay an additional $5 for tuition next semester and $5 more in following semesters for the next five years, due to a resulution that was passed, adding up to a $50 increase to the student association fee by the Spring 2031.

The resolution, Runnervation, passed with 268 students votes in favor and 90 votes against. The total voter turnout of students was 358, less than 4% of the student body.

“I’m super proud of the board. I know we’ve been working hard over the last couple of months to get the word out, especially over the last couple weeks,” said Anthonio Reyes, president of Associated Students Incorporated.

The idea for Runnervation came from the creation of an ASI committee that focused on finding ways to better serve students at Cal State Bakersfield. A months long effort ultimately resulted in Runnervation going out to the student body and being passed.

“I feel like it’s an interesting initiative trying to bring back something they already had [Runner Night’s concert], ...and it’ll increase student enrollment,” said Daniel Harris, a sophomore that voted in favor of Runnervation.

Dalton Rojas, a senior, voted against Runnervation, expressing that while the increased fee will not affect him because he is graduating, it will affect his younger sister, who will be attending in Fall 2026, by increasing her cost of attendance.

In addition to the cost of attendance, the rate of inflation was a factor in one student’s mind before voting.

“I voted yes,” said master’s student Kayla Keifer. “I think it’s a worthwhile cause; I think it [ASI portion of the student association fee] hasn’t risen since 1980, to adjust for inflation.

It’ll be $50 more, but in the grand scheme of

Continued from page 2 Whether students prefer online or in-person classes, they all see the value of online classes, especially due to its flexibility.

Online classes offer students flexibility, allowing those who have responsibilities at home, work, or a lack of transportation to complete their education.

Dr. Matthew Hanne, assistant professor of music mentioned that trying to do music with instruments online makes it extremely challenging since music is a physical, handson subject. However, he does see the value in hybrid classes, which offer students the flexibility of online, but also the interactivity of in-person.

Most students and professors here at CSUB prefer in-person classes over online ones.

However, they also acknowledge the value and flexibility online courses offer students. ​​ Whether those be students with busy schedules, work, responsibilities at home, or lack of transportation, online classes can help them continue completing classes here at CSUB.

things, it’ll be kind of small.”

While student attitudes on the fee increase vary, CSUB has the highest student association fee among the entire CSU system at $474, with ASI only receiving $30 from that fee.

This is primarily due to previous ASI resolutions which have increased the student association fee in order to establish programs such as: the university’s D1 athletics, athletics scholarships, the spirit squad, the children’s center and provide funding for student clubs.

With the passage of Runnervation, ASI will be pulling money from their reserves to make good on their campaigning promises of “increased scholarships and aid” and “increased and elevated student events and activities.”

They will do so by taking $200,000 out of their reserves for the 2026-2027 academic year.

According to Reyes, ASI will borrow from their reserves until 2028, when the fee will match their operating expenses and then subsequently work to replenish their reserves.

Additionally, ASI’s current operating budget of $600,000 is slated to increase to $1.6 million by the end of the fee increase in 2031.

“I feel very excited for the opportunities that Runnervation is going to provide to students with gas cards and grocery cards,” said Marcos Ramirez, ASI Vice President of University Affairs. “We know that students need and students want the opportunities for more concerts and more extravagant events on campus, so I’m just excited for the opportunities that this will bring to the students.”

The current ASI board will create the budget for the next academic year, however, the way in which those funds will be allocated and managed depends on next year’s ASI board.

Runnervation was created and passed by students to serve one population in mind, the students.

Graphic by Julian Caro

04 News

Reconciliating with the legacy of a fallen hero man

By Brittany Oceguera, Managing Editor

Kern County farm worker picking grapes. Photo by Brittany Oceguera

In just a few weeks, Kern County’s grape season will reach its peak. Farmworkers will soon fill the fields, moving through long rows of vines to harvest grapes while working long hours in unpredictable weather.

Of the nation’s table grapes 44% originate from Kern County according to a 2025 report from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

The Delano Grape Strike began 60 years ago, led by leaders like Larry Itlong, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Filipino and Mexican farm workers joined forces to create the United Farm Workers Union–led primarily

by Chavez–and advocate for better wages and working conditions.

The five year strike was successful, resulting in table grape growers signing the union contracts and providing farm workers better pay and protections.

Chavez’s legacy continued being taught long after his death, having schools and streets named after him.

However, now more than three decades after his death, allegations against Chavez sexually assaulting and raping women and minors have surfaced through a New York Times investigation published on March 18.

The five-year investigation revealed that Chavez had groomed and sexually abused at least two girls, and the cofounder of the UFW Dolores Huerta, all involved in the

farmworkers movement.

Soon after the allegations surfaced, celebrations on March 31 in honor of Chavez were cancelled all over the country. Shortly after, California changed Cesar Chavez day to Farm Workers Day. Miguel Juarez, a student in the teaching credential program, started working in the fields when he was in fourth grade. From fourth grade to sophomore year of high school he often spent his weekends and vacations working alongside his parents in the fields.

“Everything I knew about the man [Chavez] I knew from what teachers told me and documentaries,” said Juarez. “We saw how he was a man of peace, how he tried to help get farm workers’ rights.”

While Juarez grew up learning about Chavez as a man who represents the Latino community, he himself didn’t look up to Chavez much.

On April 23 CSUB hosted a community town hall about the Chavez’s revelations where students had the opportunity to share their thoughts and discuss the allegations. Dr. Jose Villagran, professor of Ethnic Studies shared that his dad was a farm worker who had died due to pesticide exposure.

“I always understood the farm workers’ movement as a collective movement that involved thousands of people, but that Cesar was more of a central figure as a spokesman for

the movement, but he wasn’t the entirety of the movement,” said Villagran.

Villagran has researched the Farm Workers Movement and shared that since he started teaching in Kern County he has emphasized teaching more about Chavez due to the local history.

The allegations against Chavez left many in the Latino community grieving the legacy of a man that is already dead.

“Whether we like the man [Chavez] or not, the work is proven and that’s also written in part of his legacy,” said Juarez.

Juarez believes that Chavez’s name should not be erased from history but that educators should include the good and the bad in the curriculum.

“I think there’s a way that you can teach about someone’s contributions to something without wholly erasing them,” said Villagran. “But I do think there is a need to decenter him.”

Many people have spoken up about how the movement was never about one person, but the collective whole, and that what one man did is not a representation of the movement.

Villagran said that he will continue to teach about Chavez’s contributions to the union but that he will include the allegations.

Dr. Moises Acuña-Gurrola, history professor at CSUB said that educators should instead assign the NYT article when teaching about Chavez and the movement, and that all sides of

history should continue to be taught.

“Oftentimes, we don’t necessarily teach enough about queer people, women and other sort of the forgotten folks of the movement,” said Villagran.

Villagran shared that he has taught about other leaders involved in the movement from different areas around the country, but that he will make an effort to decentralize Chavez in teaching about the movement.

“There were thousands upon thousands of people that were involved in the movement,” said Villagran. “And I think that one thing that perhaps we could and should have done earlier, even well before these accusations, was to emphasize the collective nature of the movement.”

Acuña-Gurrola said that he has struggled to tell people that his world is not crashing down because of the allegations against Chavez. He shared that as a historian, his job is to examine history events as they come and document all sides.

“I think we’ll have to continue to say the name Cesar Chavez because he was a monumental force in the movement,” said Villagran. “We just now have to add these allegations into the greater context.”

The Art of the Finale

Opinions 05

and higher. Where in the first season our lead half baked in the best of interpretations. second season came into play in unique ways When a show ends, you want it to be bombas- group of programmers have to try and win that still had viewer’s mouths on the floor even grant money at an event, the if they were thinking about it. last season sees them having to This finale was bang after bang fight the AI uprising and use with how it went about its conBy Zachary Trevino, Opinions Editor rats to their advantage to clear clusion, and it is one that lands Ending things is hard. Whether it be their names, as confusing as it in the annals of history. relationships, a boring book, or finally putting that sounds. The final episode The final part is the throughyour phone down after doomscrolling for two is even nothing like what line. Too often, we see a show hours. A lot of students are coming to an the show was, opting to be a lose sight of what it is at a founending of their own soon here at Cal State documentary of the characters dational level, but to be able to Bakersfield. They will soon be walking the years later reminiscing on the fully understand the foundacommencement stage and moving into a new crazy life they had. It all got tional level all the way through stage in life. Endings are a scary thing, no wonblown out of proportion and is something special. The show der TV shows are so bad at it. lost the plot, literally in this that sums this up is “The Wire” Ending a show in a convincing and case. While the show was sat(2002-2008), this whole show’s satisfying way is a difficult balancing act as they premise captures the world of ire, it was grounded in reality, The Finale of “Breaking Bad” is an example of a strong climax in an ending. Photo provided by AMC have become a lot more serialized and narrative cops and crooks in Baltimore. but the idea was stretched driven. The audience spends years growing until it snapped and it could no longer recover tic and something that will keep you planted The show was a bit wild at times and lost itself, with these show’s characters they’ve grown to from the problem that it made. with baited breath to see what will but the ending is something of a masterclass. love or hate. An audience expects their efforts Now, this is all subjective and the popular happen next, so if the climax is bad, it leaves See, the ending consists of a montage of many to not have been in vain, but the opposite is opinion can change from time to time. With you questioning if the destination was worth characters acting out popular scenes from normally the case. many works of art, it is important to take into the journey. Unfortunately, this is what fate the early seasons, the only difference is that it In trying to find what makes the finale of a account the shifting landscape of the world. had in store for the biggest show of the 2010s, has different characters than when the show show great, I have devised the three pillars of This shift can lead to feelings changing on “Game of Thrones” (2011-2019). To say this started. This was done to show that the entire the modern TV finale which include: Finality, shows and make universally canned finales was a cultural phenomenon was an undera reason for the show to have become more understood and sometimes statement. People were raving stopped where it did, Climax, celebrated as any other good finale. The poster over this show and so much how grand was the show’s child of this is the trailblazing drama menspeculation rose from it, one of ending and did it do a good job tioned earlier, “The Sopranos” (1999-2007). the bigger questions being what building up to that point and, This show was groundbreaking and ahead of would happen when winter a Throughline, did the show’s its time in many different regards and people would come? As it turned out, overall narrative arc make sense needed to know what would happen to Tony the writers were wondering this as to why things shook out the Soprano and all of the other members of his question as well since the books ways that they did. mafia family. Famously however, the ending of this was based on were not finNo show can be perfect in its this show was something that caused an uproar ished by the time the show had to execution, but many are lay out its ending. What came was in a nation of channel surfers. This show’s final excellent examples of these shot was an abrupt cutoff to a black screen in a sped through romp of things three pillars. “Oz” (1997-2003) that had to be done for loose ends the middle of music playing. People famously was a pioneer show of its time called in to HBO and reported that their TVs to be tied up and many aspects “Stranger Things” has a finale that left fans disappointed and wanting more. Photo provided by Netflix by being one of the first serimessed up and there needed to be a fix. And of the shows, through events or aized dramas, airing on HBO even more curiously the show’s creator, David characters actions, leaving fans with middling crime world is cyclical as the faces change, but two years before “The Sopranos” brought this Chase, left the country during the airing. It was the archetypes stay the same, which only makes reception. To be able to tank a show’s reputastyle of television into the major spotlight. The talked about on the news the next day, it was tion that was once in the stars to now being the message clearer. show is not for the faint of heart, centering a circus of attention being brought up. With something that is recalled as pretty good is Now, in all the ways that these pillars can around an experimental prison where prisoners raise a show to stardom by mastery, failure almost impressive and goes to show that it’s not people given time to distance themselves from roam around as they please in the cell block. the ending and really think about it though, how you start, but how you finish at times. to follow in one of these three You can assume brutal things happen to the The Sopranos is not touted as an key aspects can lead a show to inmates, but it begs the question of how do amazing ending to an amazrelative obscurity, even if the you give finality to a show where characters are ing show. Many different nods rest of it had people unable to serving a life sentence? The answer is you kill alluded fans back then, and today look away. the prison. The inmates needed to be evacuatthere seems to be a mutual unA famous modern example of ed, and the last shot of the show is prison buses derstanding between the product this is “Stranger Things” (2016pulling away from the penitentiary. It’s brilliant and its fans, leaving it celebrated 2025) and its lack of finality in in its execution as the show can no longer be as it ought to be. itself. This show dominated as even though the prisoners come in and come So if you are going to be walkone of the most popular shows out, the prison itself was the only constant and ing out of here with your diploma on streaming, unfortunately the that was no longer by the finale. in a few weeks or a few semesters fans were unable to stay invested Moving to the climax, you want a show to be and you feel scared as you don’t as the show had a problem that able to pan out every aspect to the best of its know what’s going to be of you festered more and more and ability, and while it may be overstated, “Breakat the end of this, I will let you in that was its inability to comOnce hated by fans, “The Sopranos” has an ending that has gotten more appreciated over time. Photo provided by HBO ing Bad” (2008-2013) really did it like no other. on a secret. No one knows how to mit. The show’s creators, the Watching the finale of “Breaking Bad” is end anything. Circumstance and Duffer brothers, were constancomparable to finally pushing over that one The final pillar, the Throughline, is something luck play a large factor in what goes on, and ly chastised online for their inability to add domino that sends hundreds more tumbling it’s more important to be able to ride the eave that really hurts to see done wrong. To see a meaningful character deaths to the show and soon after. Many things hung in the air in the rather than properly plan out what will be your show be so good and lose itself along the way overall getting cold feet to large changes to the show, and people sat with baited breath to see life in five years from now. While it can seem is rough to see as you know the potential was status quo. The show’s fifth season left a lot to how this would all end with Walter White and there, but it was just driven off course along the dicey now, down the line you can look back be desired, but the main takeaway was the lack his meth empire surrounding him. The show’s and it can all begin to make a little sense. And way. A show that fell to this fate was “Silicon of character growth. By the end of the show, finale, titled “Felina,” made everything come if you feel that no one believes in you, I believe Valley” (2014-2019), a serialized comedy about evil is defeated, and they go back to doing what together masterfully. Set ups from the opening in you. You got this. a tech startup navigating through a satirized they had done years earlier playing Dungeons shot of the last season finally made sense, and tech world. The show was brilliant at first, and Dragons. There lacks a sense of gravity to things that had been hinted at since the show’s but as seasons went on the stakes got higher what was done and leaves the ending feeling

06 Features

From Second Chances to New Futures: Inside Project Rebound at CSUB

By Ashley Vallejo, Staff On any given day at Cal State Bakersfield, you’ll find students hurrying between classes, trying to balance schoolwork with jobs and personal responsibilities. But for members of Project Rebound and Club Rise, the journey to college carries a deeper story.

For 55-year-old psychology major Samuel Bautista, that balance represents something deeper than just the pace of college life. It represents a second chance.

Not long ago, Bautista’s path looked very different, navigating life after incarceration. Today, he walks through campus with intention, grounded in a journey shaped by resilience, responsibility, and a commitment to change.

Bautista’s road to CSUB began at Bakersfield College, where he earned two associate degrees in psychology and liberal studies. It was at BC that he searched for ways to get involved with at-risk youth. That search led him to Project Rebound; a program dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated students as they transition into higher education.

Project Rebound isn’t just a campus program.

The program’s web page says, “it’s an alternative to the revolving door policy of the criminal justice system and instead encourages students to excel in a course of study.”

The program offers academic support, community and access to opportunities, while aiming to break cycles of incarceration and empower students to become leaders in their community.

But for Bautista the transition into college life wasn’t easy.

As a first-generation adult learner, Bautista navigated the system largely on his own. From applying to school, to figuring out financial aid, the process was unfamiliar and, at times, discouraging. Without guidance, the weight of it all could have easily pushed him off course.

Still, he had a goal, to help others like himself.

And he kept going.

“I came to the realization that if I wanted to break generational curses that I myself was a part of this was the way to do it,” Bautista said.

To him, Project Rebound became not just a resource but a foundation for acceptance.

CSUB Project Rebound Team. Photo by Julian Caro

Balancing school and the need to make a living is the reality for many students, but for Bautista, finding both stability and a safe place to study was essential. Through Project Rebound, he found a supportive environment and a work-study opportunity that helped provide financial security.

“I’m glad that Project Rebound was here and that it offered me these opportunities because I don’t think I would be doing as great as I am,” he said.

Beyond academics, the program helped Bautista reshape how he saw himself.

“I started realizing I was in an office setting; I should dress it up a little bit,” he said.

For Bautista, success starts with mindset.

Presenting yourself with intention, he believes, is part of becoming the person you want to be.

Still, life doesn’t slow down.

Bautista balances school with personal responsibilities, including being a father to a child with special needs, along with his involvement in Club Rise. His experiences within the criminal justice system, he says, have strengthened his ability to handle life’s challenges.

“You deal with life as it comes,” he said.

That mindset carries into how he engages with others, especially within Project Rebound.

From the moment he arrived, Bautista felt something different.

“When I got here, I just felt like I was in the right place,” he said.

That sense of belonging didn’t happen by accident. It came from a community of people who understood his experiences and were ready to support him. Now, he works to create that same environment for others.

“When somebody comes in here, the first thing we do is ask what do you need, where are you in your journey, and how can we help with that,” Bautista said.

Whether it’s offering food, a place to study, or simply a conversation, Bautista believes those small acts of support are what keep the program strong. For him, changing perceptions is just as important as changing lives.

“Don’t judge us by the way we look,” he said.

“If you see us here, that means we’re doing

Samuel Bautista proudly representing Club Rise with pride. Photo by Ashley Vallejo

something positive for ourselves.”

Programs like Project Rebound challenge long-standing assumptions about formerly incarcerated individuals, replacing stigma with stories of growth and determination.

And the impact goes beyond campus.

“The whole atmosphere is encouraging,” Bautista said, describing the environment that helps students stay motivated.

That encouragement translates into real outcomes: higher retention, strong graduation rates, and students who go on to give back to their communities.

According to the CSU Project Rebound Annual Report, formerly incarcerated students in California, particularly those in specialized programs like Project Rebound, show high graduation rates ranging from 63% to 88%.

While general, non-supported, or in-prison completion rates can be lower, specialized support in California colleges leads to exceptionally high retention and graduation outcomes, often exceeding state averages.

Bautista believes access to education should not be limited by someone’s past.

“The only difference between us and people who haven’t been incarcerated is, we made a mistake, we tripped on life, that’s it,” he said.

“We have the same abilities, the same drives.

We need to be educated in the same way so that we can achieve the same things.”

Looking ahead, Bautista’s goals are clear.

He plans to earn his master’s degree in psychology and become a marriage, family,

and adolescent therapist, work that reflects his belief in redemption and growth. As someone who has lived through hardship, he wants to meet people where they are and help guide them toward change.

The director of the program, Adam Turner, has witnessed Bautista’s transformation in real-time.

“I would like for him to succeed in whatever he chooses to do, whatever it is, I know he’ll make a strong, positive impact,” said Turner.

And for those who might be standing where he once stood, unsure of what comes next, his message is simple: “Come on. Let’s get it!”

When asked to describe Project Rebound in one phrase, Bautista doesn’t hesitate.

“A blessing.”

To him, the program represents more than opportunity, it represents possibility.

“Everyone deserves second chances, and this is where you can find one,” he said.

Through his journey, Bautista has built a sense of self that is rooted in purpose and shared with others. It’s a mindset he hopes continues to grow within the program and beyond it long after he’s gone off campus.

At Project Rebound, success isn’t just measured in degrees, it’s measured in lives rebuilt, communities strengthened, and the belief that no matter how many times someone stumbles, there is always a way forward.

And for Bautista, that path is just getting started.

52 Years Old and Finishing Strong

By Linda Gonzalez, Staff

Photo provided by Linda Gonzalez.

In my early twenties, I was a single mother trying to balance college and raising my sons, a newborn, a one-year-old and an eight-year-old.

I was also navigating the realities of motherhood while carrying the weight of surviving domestic violence, all while working to rebuild stability for myself and my children.

There was no room for uncertainty. With bills to pay and mouths to feed, the choice was not between school and work, it was survival.

Even through it all, I felt drawn to storytelling. The desire to write and make sense of the world around me was always there, but never seemed within reach. Each time I tried to hold onto it, responsibilities pulled me in another direction.

I eventually left school for a job, trading classrooms for long hours and steady paychecks. Providing for my boys became my focus, and school faded into the background.

And for years, it stayed there.

I worked 16 years as a recruiter in human resources for a staffing agency and over time, began noticing practices that did not sit right with me. Workers were sometimes misled about job conditions. But what stayed with me most was how women were treated.

Supervisors made comments that reduced them to their appearance. I was asked to send younger women to certain job sites, not for their qualifications, but for how they looked.

I could not ignore it. I faced a choice: stay silent or walk away. I chose to leave.

After stepping away, I spent time with my family. I thought about the kind of world my grandchildren would grow up in, and it became clear that I wanted to do more.

My life shifted as my sons grew up and built families of their own. Today, I have nine grandchildren. For the first time, the timing felt right. Returning to school was no longer about what I had missed, it was about what I could still become. I wanted to finish my degree and become a stronger advocate for my community and for the generations coming after me.

As a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, I was able to return to school with the support of a tribal scholarship, an opportunity that made this next chapter possible.

But I did not do it alone. My husband,

Daniel, supported me mentally and financially.

My sons and daughter in law helped me with transportation when I needed it. My sister and her family stepped in to care for my grandchildren, since I was their regular babysitter, while I attended class.

What began as a personal goal became a collective family effort. Returning to school to study communications and journalism gave that purpose a direction.

Around 45, I began to recognize injustices I could no longer ignore. So, I started writing, first on my laptop, then with more intention.

Writing gave me a voice in a way speaking never had. Studying journalism is not just about earning a degree, it’s about telling stories that matter, inform, challenge and help others see a way forward. That purpose became deeply personal when I wrote a story I called “Calladita.”

For years, there were parts of my life I had never shared, not even with my husband of 17 years. Writing that story forced me to choose between staying silent and telling the truth.

I chose to speak.

I learned that silence does not protect people.

It isolates them. Using my voice became a way to connect, to advocate and to remind others they are not alone.

Now, at 52-years-old, I am preparing to graduate college. My royal blue gown hangs against the closet door, and a cap and tassel rest on the bed, waiting for a moment that once felt out of reach.

This degree represents more than an education. It represents resilience, growth and a commitment to something bigger than myself.

I want to leave this world better than I found it.

I want to let my grandkids, especially my granddaughters know that their voice matter, that they should never feel silenced or overlooked.

Going back to school at this stage in my life is not just about finishing what I started. It’s about setting an example and showing the next generation that their voices are powerful and that it’s never too late to begin.

I have a new goal now, to become an activist for those who are shy, like I once was.

Features 07

After All These Years Poem by Jessica Mil, Staff After all these years It’s finally our turn, To say goodbye, Carrying what we learned.

After all these years We see the finish line, It’s bigger than we thought, And our goals come to mind.

We came here curious, And full of questions.

We leave here nervous, And full of dreams.

When we first arrived, We didn’t know who we would be, But these halls paved, And gave us the answer key.

We gave it our all, And we did our best.

We got back up After every test.

Now, it’s our turn To chase our dreams, With the lessons we’ve learned, And the memories we keep.

We came here uncertain, And full of wonder Now we leave proud, And more put together.

We are here now After all these yearsThinking we had more time, And now graduation is here.

Time to chase our dreams, And leave the hallways behind.

Time to hear our voice, For the very first time.

The world is now waiting, This is where it begins.

We need to be brave, And find our courage within.

Time for our courage to win, And our brave face to set in.

We can no longer wait, For our new life to begin.

We are grateful for our time, And the memories that we made.

But now, we must wave goodbye, And say hello to the new road paved.

08 Sports

Runner Sports Rewind Spring 2026

By Steven Kertis, Sports Editor While Cal State Bakersfield’s athletics 2026 spring semester was full of ups and downs, some athletes made history at CSUB’s athletics program. Here is a recap of some of the amazing moments this semester.

Taken Down: The wrestling team struggled this season, winning only against Bloomsburg and Westcliff. Richard Castro-Sandoval dropped his opening match at the Pac 12 Championships but battled back to nearly gain himself another trip to the NCAA Championships. RJ Jones had a great season at 133 lbs as he went 1-1 finishing in third place at the Pac 12 Championships.

The biggest upset of the season was Guillermo Escobedo who upset, No. 8 ranked MJ Gaitlan from the Iowa State Cyclones at the Cliff Keen Invitational. Three wrestlers, Castro-Sandoval, Chris Neal, and Santino Sanchez were selected for NWCA Scholar Honors. Santino Sanchez is being honored for the third time and Chris Neal is being honored for the second time.

Rattled at the Rim: The men’s basketball team struggled in the Big West conference play this season going 2-18 with a 15-game losing streak. Most of the games this season, CSUB was playing from behind early in the season. Their last win was on Jan. 8 against UC Riverside where they won 67-66, hitting crucial shots late in the game.

Despite the losses, there were some bright spots on the team with Dailin Smith as the lead scorer with a total of 495 points, averaging 16.5 points per game. Followed by Ronald Jessamy with 417 points and averaged 13.5 points per game. Jessamy also led the team in rebounds with 206. Despite missing nine games due to injury, CJ Hardy had a big impact on CSUB averaging 12.4 points per game. The `Runners averaged 73.1 points per game but gave up 82.2 points per game. Interim head coach Mike Scott led the team this season, but Todd Lee, the new coach will lead in the 2026-27 season.

Trust the Process: The court was not the `Runners best friend on the women’s basketball team either. They ended the season on a 10-game losing streak and 2-18 in the Big West conference play. Some of the key players were Chrishawn Coleman, who led the team scoring 475 points this season, Tena Ikidi who racked up 42 blocks and 251 rebounds, and Marley Langi who had the most accurate three pointer making 53 as part of her 324 points scored. Their last win of the season was against Cal Poly on Jan. 29. On March 5, head coach Ari Wideman was placed on administrative leave and resigned from her position a month later. The women’s basketball team will now be under the direction of interim head coach Ray Alvarado.

A Driving Force: The women’s golf team took some big strides this spring. Sarah Mutai was the key leader for the `Runners, her lowest round was three under par with an average of 73.93 after a total of 28 rounds and had the two lowest scores by an individual this season for CSUB. Iris Han, went three under par in her lowest round, her average was 75.36 on the season after a total of 29 rounds of golf. CSUB had its best event

of the season at the MSU SoCal Invitational where they finished fourth as a team. That was their highest finish in a tournament in program history. CSUB finished eighth in the Big West Championship this season.

Running Rampant: The Track and Field team had much success on the men’s and women’s team. The women’s team, Makiah Parker dominated the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes with blistering times running an 11.62 and 23.56. She’s also in the 4x100 meter relay team which currently holds the second fastest time in the program’s history with a 45.44. The `Runners had success in the hurdles department led by Emilia Mandela who has the top time of 13.87 in the 100-meter hurdles, fourth all time in the program.

On the men’s side, Francisco Felix crushed the distance scene, now holding the school record in the 3,000-meter race with a time of 8:23.95, and 14:23.61 for the 5,000 meters race. Jacob Yagers right behind him with a time of 3:44.24 in the 1,500-meter race. The hammer throwers have taken center stage for the `Runners. Javier Toro led with a throw of 64.88 meters and in the shot-put event his best distance was 17.31 meters. Another hammer thrower who has been taking strides is Adam Torres with a distance of 59.58 meters. The `Runners are running strong into the finish.

Splish, Splash Success CSUB swim and dive had a rollercoaster of a season, that led to lots of success especially for one swimmer who qualified for the NCAA Championships in Atlanta. Before the season, Head Coach Eric Bugby left CSUB on Oct. 30, three months after being hired. Ryan Brimer took over for the season. Despite the changes, some athletes did really well this season. On the women’s side, Amanda Cerny was a force in the backstroke this season. She finished 9th in the conference in the 100-backstroke with a time of 55.11, 5th and in the 200-backstroke getting under the two-minute barrier with a time of 1:59.26. Mayu Yager had a major impact on the women’s swim team swimming the three longest events at the Big West Championships the 500 freestyle, 400 individual medley and 1650 freestyle which add up to 102 laps.

She capped off the 1650 freestyle with a sixthplace finish with a time of 17:09.43.

On the men’s side, Vili Sivec dominated the Big West championships sweeping both the 100-butterfly and 200-butterfly. He won the 100 with a time of 45.91 qualifying him for the NCAA championships, being the first CSUB athlete to qualify for the event since 2015. He kept the momentum rolling with a dominant performance in the 200-butterfly with a time of 1:42.37 finishing three seconds ahead of the second-place athlete.

Another top performer on the team was Karsten Eichler who made a splash immediately coming in eighth at the conference championships in the 500-freestyle with a time of 4:27.92. He finished the meet with a runner up finish in the 1650 freestyle with a 15:22.76 time. Entering next season, the `Runners will be under the new direction of head coach Shane Pelton.

Diving in the Sand: The Beach Volleyball team entered the Big West Tournament with an 11-23 record, many of those losses being a 3-2 scoreline. CSUB went 2-2 at the Islander Classic with wins over the Louisiana Monrow Warhawks and the Tarleton State Texans. Kendall Kaelin and Vili Kaelin were the most successful pairing this season with a record of 22-13. Ella Ensign and Vianna Garcia have an 18-11 record. The `Runners had a successful finale of the regular season beating the Pacific Tigers 5-0. CSUB lost their opening match in the Big West Championships to #10 Long Beach St 5-0, and faced Sacramento State in a must win game to advance to the Big West bracket play. They tied 2-2 and came down to the final set where Havi Montano and Greta Davis keeping CSUB’s season alive. As of April 23, the `Runners are still alive in the Big West championship.

Scoring Abroad but Striking Out CSUB baseball team has been one of the top scoring teams in the Big West but has yet to win. CSUB was two outs away from taking down No. 11 ranked USC until they hit a walkoff homerun in the 9th inning. They played against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the final game of the series, setting a program record of 6 home runs in their win, 15-8. Bakersfield scored 17 runs against the UNLV Rebels and won, 17-14. CSUB has been scoring an average of six runs per game but have been conceding 7.5 runs per game. Despite the losses, there

have been some bright spots on the team.

Evan Cloyd has been the lead batter with 48 hits, 39 runs batted in, and six home runs on the season. Elgin Bennett also has six home runs on the season along with 33 hits and 32 RBIs. Jacob Gutierrez has been dealing on the mound for the with an earned run average of 3.99 as the closer bringing in 4 saves on the season for CSUB. The `Runners look to finish the season strong and find their way to get into the Big West tournament.

A Young Resurgence: The softball team has endured many ups and downs this season. The team record is 8-36 having played some top-level competition like the Duke Blue Devils, Arizona State Sun Devils and the Grand Canyon Antelopes. Under interim head coach Alyssa Graham, this team has taken many strides. For the first time in program history, they were able to take down the CSUN Matadors and win two games out of three to take the series. The young guns have taken center stage for the softball team.

Cedes Saldana has taken control as the lead pitcher for the `Runners with an ERA of 6.77 that includes getting seven wins on the season and a total of 43 strikeouts. The bats have been led by Hannah Garcia who has 21 hits and 18 RBIs with two home runs on the season. CSUB is currently in eighth place in the Big West standings as of April 23 and looking to make a run at potentially getting a spot into the Big West tournament.

Staff 09 Brittany Oceguera

Lily Wyatt Staff “soli Deo gloria”

Gustavo Jimenez Staff “Be yourself, there’s no one else quite like you.”

Zachary Trevino Opinion/Blog Editor “The Runner? I hardly know her!”

Julian Caro Staff “I took the road less travelled, now I’m a runner.”

Christina Hurst Staff “The tassel was worth the hassle—now lets talk law.­”

Jonathon Cortes Podcast Director “I better not be here next semester.”

Ashley Vallejo Staff

Micah Stover Staff

Managing Editor

“Can’t wait to finally delete Canvas.”

Angelica Haro Chief Copy Editor “Take it one day at a time.”

Linda Gonzalez Staff “It’s never too late to become who you were meant to be.”

Angela Torres Magazine Editor “Pushed through everything for the bragging rights.”

Ryan Petitt Staff “Asking for help isn’t giving up, it’s refusing to give up.”

Vanessa Figueroa Staff “Whatever the next guy said.”

Jessica Mil Staff “To my babies, this one’s for you.”

Runner Staff PR Director Jacquelin Garcia Garcia Broadcast Director Andrew Gonzalez Social Media Manager Josue Rosas News Editor Ivanna Verastegui

“Degree in communicatons, minor in leaving people on read.”

Features Editor Jacqueline Villatoro Sports Editor Steven Kertis Staff Raul Rico Idallas Gomez Megan Zelinka CJ Hardy

Staff Yssamari Valencia Penny Lanae Gaylord Estefani Perez Mariana Abad Sofia Nava Jayleene Castro Kassie Herrera Shaila Rubio

California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099 COPYRIGHT Copyright belongs to the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield ABOUT US The Runner is a labratory newspaper published daily online with monthy printed edition and PDF e-edition, in conjunction with the Department of Communications at CSU Bakersfield.

“Everyone has the strength to push forward. It may just take a little longer for some to find it.”

CONTACT US Send correction requests, letters to the editor, op-ed submissions and press releases to runner@csub.edu/ Send ad inquires to jgarcia415@csub.edu or bmoreno1@csub.edu DISCLAIMERS Views and opinions in The Runner are not necessarily those of the editors, staff, or the Department of Communications. The staff of The Runner reserve the right to refuse or omit any advertising or material which advocates illegal activity, or which may be considered libelous, irresponsible, or tasteless.

10 Photo Gallery Our last BYE-line at CSUB Photos By Raul Rico and Lily Wyatt

Gustavo Jimenez is graduating with a Bachelors of Communications with an emphasis in Digital Media.

Angelica Haro is graduating with a Bachelors of English with a credential emphasis.

Jessica Mil is graduating with a Bachelors of Public Relations and a minor in Marketing.

Ashley Vallejo is graduating with a Bachelors of Communications and a minor in Public Relations.

Linda Gonzalez is graduating with a Bachelors of Communications with an emphasis in Journalism.

Micah Stover is graduating with a Bachelors of Histoy and a minor in Communications.

Christina Hurst is graduating with a Bachelors of Philosophy and two minors in Sociology and Criminal Justice.

Photo Gallery 11

Angela Torres is graduating with a Bachelors of Communications with an emphasis in Journalism.

Julian Caro is graduating with a Bachelors of English and a minor on Communications.

Vanessa Figueroa is graduating with a Bachelors of Commmunications with an emphasis in Journalism.

Ryan Petitt is graduating with a Bachelors of Communications with an emphasis in Digital Media.

Lily Wyatt is graduating with a Bachelors of Communications with an emphasis in Digital Media.

Brittany Oceguera is graduating with a Bachelors of Communication with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in Spanish.

Zach Trevino is graduating with a Bachelors of Communications with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in English.

Jay Cortes is graduating with a Bachelors of Communications with an emphasis in Digital Media and a minor in General Music.