CSUN USU a “Home Away from Home”
By Analisa Venolia
The college experience can be so much more than going to class and going home. It can be a time of building friendships, connecting with new communities, and growing both personally and professionally.
CSUN’s University Student Union (USU) provides Matadors with opportunities to do all of that and more. The USU is a student-centered non-profit that uplifts students through various programs and resources, while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
“The USU’s mission is to empower students here on campus,” said Vice Chair of the USU’s Board of Directors and CSUN graduate student Marilyn Orantes. “We want to help them have positive career, personal and educational growth.”
“We also serve as the heart of campus,” Board of Directors Chair Daniel Lopez added. “We provide a safe space for students where they can build community.”
Senior biology student Karl Fortaleza and his friends enjoyed going to USU events so much that they scheduled their classes to be able to attend as many as they could together.
“Going to USU events has honestly strengthened our friendship,” Fortaleza said. “We’re able to easily spend time with each other outside of class, rather than just being in a lab.”
In addition to providing community-building events, the USU is one of the largest student employers on campus, providing Matadors with valuable opportunities for professional development.
John Pangan, a student employee who works in the USU’s programs department to put on exciting events for fellow students, shared how working at the USU has equipped him with important skills for his future career.
“As an employee, the USU has really helped me,” he said. “Working here, I learned how to properly manage time and balance school, work and life.”
Donations to the USU will provide support for numerous services, programs and scholarships, that assist students through graduation. These scholarships include the Debra L. Hammond Servant Leadership Scholarship Endowment, the DREAM Center Scholarship Endowment, the Undocumented Student Emergency Fund, the Pride Center Scholarship Endowment, the Veterans Resource Center Scholarship Endowment, and the Tanni Block Memorial LGBTQIA+ Scholarship.
“The USU has positively impacted my entire CSUN experience and donations will provide more opportunities for us to reach more students,” said Lopez. “The USU has helped me find a home away from home.”
CSUN’s annual Giving Day event on March 5-6 provides an opportunity to support the University Student Union. Gifts can be made online through the Giving Day website once the campaign begins.