CSUF Comm Week 2026

Recent graduate students of Cal State Fullerton’s Department of Human Communications will be on hand to speak about their experiences working in the industry. These alumni—having recently navigated the transition from student life to professional roles—will be present to describe the kinds of positions they have moved into, the industries and organizations they now work for, and the practical day-to-day responsibilities those jobs involve. During the session, they will answer your questions, share hard-earned insights, and offer practical, actionable tips on what it takes to succeed in the months and years following graduate school.

Katharina Stroup
Katharina earned her bachelor's degree from Cal State LA in Mass Communication and is graduating this semester from Cal State Fullerton with her master's in Communication Studies. Her research interests include rhetorical criticism, intersectional feminism, and the study of motherhood. After graduation, her plans are to continue pursuing research through a doctorate in communication and to become a professor.
Erik Sandoval
Erik "Little Cloud" Sandoval (He/Him) is a Diné and Mexican scholar, community builder, and graduate student in Human Communication Studies at Cal State Fullerton. Born into the Shiprock, NM Chapter of the Navajo Nation and raised in Southern California, he carries the teachings of both sides of his family with him. His work focuses on Indigenous representation, cultural programming, and storytelling. In 2025, he received the Top Paper 2025 at the Eastern Communication Association Conference in Buffalo, New York, for his research on Native American memorable messages in lacrosse. That same year, he was named CSUF Human Communications Studies 2025 Inaugural Undergraduate Researcher Student of the Year, a recognition of his dedication to uplifting Indigenous voices through academic work.Erik’s path is shaped by the strength and stories passed down from his parents and grandparents. Everything they survived and everything they taught him shows up in how he learns, how he leads, and how he understands communication. Whether he’s behind the powwow drum, dancing, or mentoring younger students with honesty and care, Erik tries to walk in hózhó—balance, beauty, and purpose. And even though he’s still early in his journey, he already knows where he’s headed. His long‑term goal is to earn his PhD and become a professor who serves marginalized communities and reservation schools, building classrooms where Indigenous and Latinx students feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Destrey Runyon
After earning his associate’s degree in digital art studies from Windward community college on the isle of Oahu Hawaii, Destrey traveled to the mainland to assist in taking care of his elderly grandparents. Carrying the spirit of aloha in his heart, he returned to higher academia here at CSUF to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and is graduating this semester with a Master’s degree in Communication Studies. His research interests include transformative pedagogy, digital communication, rhetorical criticism, and intercultural communication. After graduation, Destrey hopes to follow in the footsteps of all the kūpuna that guided him here, to continue teaching at local community colleges.

Hosted by Professor Zac Johnson and Christina Seiter

Jasmine Wood will share her journey into Government Public Relations and how she successfully got her foot in the door within the public sector. She will discuss the steps she took to break into the field, the challenges she faced, and the importance of building relationships, credibility, and trust in a government setting. Drawing from her experience in public safety communications, Jasmine will offer practical advice for students interested in pursuing careers in public service and strategic communications. Attendees will leave with real-world insight into how persistence, preparation, and passion can open doors in Government PR.

Hosted by Professor Ken Hagihara 

This event provides a unique opportunity for students to connect with the College of Communications deans and engage with the many clubs within the college who are eager to share their club goals as they plan for the new academic year.

In addition, Matt Prince, a nationally recognized public relations executive, will be speaking. With two decades of experience working with global brands such as Disney, Taco Bell, and KFC, Prince is a leading voice in professional development and the founder of The Path Project. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Chapman University and is the current author of Social Media Campaigns: Strategies for PR and Marketing.

Enjoy free pizza while meeting new people and discovering the diverse initiatives our clubs have to offer.

Hosted by The College of Communications Dean's Office

The business of delivering the news on TV and online has changed leaps and bounds over the past 30 years. But as much as the job has evolved, the basics are the same. A long-time reporter offers an insider's perspective.

Hosted by Professor Penchan Phoborisut

Great brands are built on great stories. In this session, Rio Phior shares how powerful writing and storytelling shape advertising, influence culture, and build brands that people remember. Drawing from decades of experience working with major global brands and entertainment properties, such as Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, she explores what separates ordinary marketing copy from writing that truly moves audiences. Students will gain insight into the craft of persuasive storytelling, the role writers play in creative teams, and the wide range of careers available in advertising, branding, and marketing.

Hosted by Professor Renee Tuzee

Rachel Green is the vice president of global PR and Events for Disney Experiences where she leads communications programs across public relations, social media and influencer marketing, content strategy, campaigns, and experiential events. 

Hear how Disney is scaling impact across PR by engaging creators. The approach requires an evolution of corporate mindset, responding to the speed of culture and creating with relevancy and authenticity in mind. 

Hosted by Professor Emily Erickson

John Hickok, CSUF Communications librarian, will discuss the urgency of accuracy in news today, as online news is littered with fake news, newsatorials, and AI-generated content. Come learn about his fascinating experience working at CNN as a news librarian. He will share how news stories require accurate facts, and his important role of assisting reporters by providing background information for stories.

Hosted by Professor Marie Loggia-Kee

Justin Pardee launched The Raincross Gazette in 2021 with no journalism training and no newsroom — just a conviction that Riverside deserved better local coverage. Five years later, the Gazette reaches more than 15,000 subscribers with a 41% open rate and a full-time editorial team. In this session, Justin shares what he learned about digital reporting and writing by doing it from scratch: what the textbooks don't tell you, how he developed his editorial voice and standards outside the profession, and what it actually takes to build a trusted news product in a city that needs one.

Hosted by Professor Felicitas Baruch

Adam Chodzko serves as the senior director of Public Relations for the Los Angeles Angels, where he plays a key role in shaping the team’s public image and communications strategy. In his talk, he will share insights from his career, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to represent a Major League Baseball organization. Drawing from his experience, he will also discuss the fast-paced, dynamic nature of working in the sports industry and the unique challenges and rewards that come with it.

Hosted by Professor Ricardo Valencia

This session provides an introductory overview of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It defines the spectrum of communication tools ranging from no-tech and low-tech options to sophisticated high-tech speech-generating devices. It debunks common myths regarding AAC and emphasizes that these tools support, rather than hinder, natural speech development. Ultimately, this presentation highlights that successful AAC implementation requires consistent, customized support across all environments to ensure every individual finds their voice.

Hosted by Professor Stefan Henley

Hear about the amazing opportunities at the 2026 Newport Beach Film Festival, which gives students the unique opportunity to be a part of a major entertainment event in Orange County -- building your network and gaining relevant experience. There will be five different speakers sharing their experiences in the film and television industry. Students will get insights on internships, leadership opportunities, class options, and more!

The Newport Beach Film Festival is now the largest celebration of cinema in coastal Southern California. Be part of this very special evening. Discussions will cover: Entertainment PR, Brand Building, Event Planning, Hospitality (Hotels and Resorts), Marketing and Outreach, Celebrity Wrangling, and much more!

Hosted by Professor Greg Schwenk

Meg James is a senior entertainment industry writer for the Los Angeles Times. She will discuss her work covering television, corporate media, and investigative projects, offering insight into how she reports on the business side of the entertainment industry. She will share perspectives on major shifts in television, the strategies and decisions within corporate media organizations, and the role of investigative journalism in uncovering the forces shaping modern media.
Hosted by Professor Felicitas Baruch

Communication theory and research can combine to help solve real-world problems that we see around us every day. In this panel session, students from the Department of Communications Master of Arts program will present and discuss research proposals they developed in corporate communication, entertainment, and professional sports. Theory and research are often seen as ‘esoteric and boring.’ But our panelists will demonstrate just the opposite: Research offers a rewarding outlet for creative people who want to help the world become a better place. If you’re an undergraduate thinking about graduate school, this panel is for you!

Strategic Environmental PR For Generation Alpha: A Framework For Multinational Organizations by Mara Gaborro
This presentation introduces a research proposal on how multinational organizations can more authentically communicate environmental initiatives to Generation Alpha—the next wave of consumers, influencers, and decision-makers who will shape the future economy and society. Drawing from my experience working with global brands navigating cross-cultural communication challenges, my interest stems from a critical gap: many multinational organizations struggle to connect meaningfully with American audiences while meeting rising expectations for authenticity, transparency, and inclusion.

Identity, Image, and Influence: Celebrity Crisis Through Social Identity Theory by Jayde Chaelron
This presentation examines how Social Identity Theory shapes audience reactions to celebrity scandals and informs modern crisis communication strategies. Through case studies of Will Smith, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber, it highlights how fan identity influences whether audiences defend, disengage from, or rally behind public figures. The presentation ultimately argues that successful reputation management depends not only on messaging, but on maintaining and repairing shared identity with audiences.

From the Clubhouse to the Courtroom: The Skaggs Family vs. the Los Angeles Angels by John T. Rodriguez
This presentation will delve into the tragic case of Tyler Skaggs. After a fatal overdose on a team road trip, Skaggs' family filed a lawsuit in June 2021, where former Angels communications director Eric Kay was found guilty for distributing the pill that caused Skaggs' death.

Accommodating to Your Audience: Dua Lipa’s Audience Engagement by Luis Estrada. This presentation examines Dua Lipa’s audience engagement through an analysis of her Radical Optimism Tour, with a focus on the Latin and South American leg.

Faculty representatives will be available to answer questions about the M.A. program. Hosted by Professor Doug Swanson.

ETC's annual mixer is the biggest event of the year. There will be 20+ professionals from various areas of the entertainment and tourism industry. Students get to network with professionals during this event while enjoying food and entertainment.

This eventis for ETC members only.

This panel provides an opportunity to learn about people who were students at CSUF, giving a perspective on their story of how they got to graduate school and life afterwards. The panel will share their insights and recommendations, and answer any questions you may have as an undergraduate student.