2024 in Review: ɫ��ɫ’s top stories of the year

Published December 11, 2024

By Elizabeth Schmidt Campus Update

With the end of 2024 approaching, we reflect on the incredible achievements and unforgettable moments we’ve made at Cal State Long Beach. This year’s top stories bring to light the power of a Beach degree and highlight The Beach’s commitment to continuing its 75-year legacy of excellence.

Here are the top stories of 2024:

Group of ɫ��ɫ students in Catalina Semester

Ocean studies program offers ɫ��ɫ students chance to explore sea life off Catalina Island

Nineteen ɫ��ɫ students take part in the CSU Marine Biology Semester on Catalina Island. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows Beach students to dive into hands-on scientific research beyond the classroom.

Lauren Pretty and brother Philip Pretty, Heritage Restaurant

ɫ��ɫ alumna shares thrill of earning a Michelin star for Long Beach's Heritage restaurant

Lauren Pretty ‘17, co-owner of Heritage Restaurant, shares what earning the first and only Michelin star in Long Beach means to her. She credits ɫ��ɫ for her experience as a communication studies student, which still helps her to this day professionally.

ɫ��ɫ’s Pow Wow focuses on the next generation

The ɫ��ɫ Pow Wow - the largest university-based powwow west of the Mississippi River - returns for its 51st anniversary. This year’s focus is the younger generation and Beach students Eric Bohay, Eleanor Nelson and Cheweka Palowen Lawson share the importance of participating in powwow and embracing their cultures.

Shovels on grass used for La Playa groundbreaking

ɫ��ɫ breaks ground on new dorm as part of Long Beach Housing Promise

The Beach breaks ground on the five-story 108,000 square-foot La Playa residence hall - part of the Long Beach Housing Promise to help increase the availability of affordable housing for Beach students.

ɫ��ɫ graduates celebrating on social media

ɫ��ɫ Commencement 2024: See how grads are celebrating on social media

During Commencement, Beach graduates celebrate on social media. They share their personal experiences and what it means to celebrate this important milestone.

Cal State Long Beach elevated to 5 out of 5 stars in ‘Best Colleges in America’ ranking

In an online college ranking by Money, ɫ��ɫ receives 5 out of 5 stars as one of the “Best Colleges in America." Money’s analysis notes that ɫ��ɫ’s “six-year graduation rate (81%) is well above the average of all the schools we rated this year, so students who do enroll clearly find it a good fit.”

Long Beach State coaches, alumni to seek glory at Paris 2024 Olympics

Long Beach State’s legacy at the Olympics continues. During the Paris 2024 Olympics, seven Olympians with Beach ties take part as coaches or athletes in track and field, volleyball and water polo.

School of Nursing students conduct a mock examination of a patient

ɫ��ɫ School of Nursing ranked No. 1 in California

The School of Nursing at ɫ��ɫ receives the No. 1 spot! This recognition ranks the School of Nursing as the top nursing program in California, according to RNcareers.org’s 9th annual Nursing School Review.

Katrina Watson sits at a picnic table with her laptop in front of a brick building

Loss, grief inspire CSU Trustees’ Award winner to pursue hospice care

Katrina Watson, a health care administration major at The Beach, receives the prestigious 2024 CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement. Watson was inspired by her great-aunt and credits her as a significant influence on her path to hospice care.