California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) has a proud legacy of producing notable alumni from California State University, Fullerton who have made significant impacts across entertainment, sports, politics, and business. Located in Fullerton, California, this vibrant campus in the heart of Orange County has nurtured talent that resonates globally, demonstrating the power of its diverse programs in business, communications, and performing arts. For students and job seekers eyeing CSUF, these success stories highlight the university's role in launching careers that shape industries.
In entertainment figures, CSUF alumni like Craig Robinson (BA in accounting, 1994), famous for his role as Darryl on NBC's The Office and films like Pineapple Express, exemplify comedic brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit. Tisha Campbell, known from Martin and My Wife and Kids, and Jon Huertas from This Is Us (BA, 1989), showcase the performing arts department's influence on Hollywood. These graduates underscore CSUF's unique aspects, such as its strong theater and music programs, which provide hands-on experience through Titan Productions.
The athletics program shines through sports figures like Mark McGwire, who attended CSUF from 1981-1982 before becoming MLB's single-season home run leader with 70 in 1998, inspiring generations of Titan athletes. Tim Wallach, a three-time All-Star third baseman, also honed his skills here. These achievements reflect CSUF's Division I Big West Conference success, with over 20 national championships.
In politics, alumni like former U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (BA, 1981), the first Latina from Orange County elected to Congress, and current Rep. Young Kim have influenced policy on education and immigration. Their trajectories illustrate how CSUF's public administration and political science degrees prepare leaders for public service.
While CSUF lacks Nobel laureates or billionaires in its roster, its alumni network of over 240,000 strong drives implications for career success, with many in influential leadership roles. Check the official CSUF Alumni Association for events and networking. For job seekers, explore higher ed jobs near Fullerton, rate professors on Rate My Professor, or find advice at higher ed career advice. CSUF's alumni prove its value in fostering real-world impact.
Discovering the notable alumni from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is like uncovering hidden gems that showcase the university's impact on entertainment, sports, and beyond. These famous graduates of California State University, Fullerton have not only achieved stardom but also credit their Titan spirit for their success, inspiring current students and job seekers eyeing careers in dynamic fields. For instance, Craig Robinson, best known for his hilarious role as Darryl on The Office, earned his BA in music from CSUF in 1994. His journey from teaching music to stand-up comedy and acting in films like Pineapple Express highlights how CSUF's arts programs foster creativity and resilience.
In sports, Mark McGwire, the legendary MLB slugger who hit 70 home runs in 1998, honed his skills at CSUF, becoming a Titan baseball icon. His records and coaching career exemplify the athletic excellence at CSUF, where athletes like MLB pitchers Dan Haren and Kurt Suzuki also launched their pro careers. These California State University, Fullerton notable alumni demonstrate breakthroughs in professional sports, motivating aspiring athletes to check out academic jobs in Fullerton.
Entertainment shines with Sabrina Bryan, star of the Cheetah Girls films and Dancing with the Stars, who graduated in 2002 with a degree in dance. Her transition to Broadway and TV hosting shows the versatility CSUF instills. Meanwhile, actor Jon Huertas ('This Is Us', 'Castle') credits his communications degree for building his on-screen presence. These stories of influential leaders from CSUF entertain while proving the value of its programs—perfect for those exploring Rate My Professor reviews for CSUF faculty or higher ed jobs.
Learn more via CSUF's official alumni page or dive into specifics like entertainment figures and sports figures. Whether you're a student, parent, or job seeker, these entertaining insights reveal why CSUF alumni thrive globally. Pair this inspiration with career tips on higher ed career advice or local opportunities in California academic jobs.
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) notable alumni have made significant impacts across industries, inspiring current students and job seekers. These star ratings evaluate alumni achievements in key categories based on verified contributions from sources like the university's featured alumni pages and Wikipedia lists. Ratings reflect the number, prominence, and influence of famous graduates of California State University, Fullerton, drawing from athletics Hall of Fame inductees, entertainment figures, and more. Use these insights to gauge potential career paths and network with successful Titans.
CSUF boasts strong representation in arts and media. Featured alumni include acclaimed screenwriters who penned Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, a two-time Grammy-nominated opera singer and actor, and contemporary painter Fred Tomaselli known for innovative collaged works. Advice: Aspiring creatives should join the College of the Arts clubs and build portfolios early—many leveraged CSUF's programs for Hollywood breakthroughs. Explore entertainment figures for details or check Rate My Professor for CSUF to find top instructors in film and theater.
CSUF's athletics shine brightest, with numerous MLB players from its storied baseball program and NFL alumni. The Hall of Fame honors standouts like those who reached professional leagues. Titans compete in NCAA Division I, fostering elite talent. Advice: Student-athletes, prioritize strength training and internships with pro scouts via the athletics department. Job seekers in sports management can target higher ed jobs at CSUF. See sports figures and the official Hall of Fame.
Fewer high-profile politicians, but alumni like former assemblyman Chris Norby contribute locally. Advice: Engage in CSUF's political science clubs and volunteer for campaigns to build networks like influential leaders from California State University, Fullerton. Link to higher ed career advice for leadership roles.
Entrepreneurs thrive post-CSUF, with business admin grads launching startups like Santana Snacks. Advice: Use the alumni network on CSUF Alumni Facebook for mentorship. Target faculty jobs or entrepreneurship programs. View millionaires and billionaires.
Overall, CSUF excels in sports and arts, motivating job seekers to pursue passions while checking Rate My Professor CSUF for course quality. No verified Nobel laureates or U.S. presidents, but steady growth in alumni success (e.g., Niche recognizes CSUF as a best value college for earnings). Parents, encourage majors aligning with these strengths for ROI. Explore Fullerton academic jobs nearby.
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) alumni have excelled in acting, music, comedy, and related fields, contributing to television, film, and recording industries with memorable performances and chart-topping hits that entertain global audiences.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corbin Bernsen | Actor | Theater Arts | unknown | Best known for his role as Arnold Becker on L.A. Law and appearances in films like Major League. |
| Andrea Barber | Actress | Communications | 1998 | Portrayed Kimmy Gibbler on the sitcom Full House and its sequel Fuller House. |
| Craig Robinson | Actor and Comedian | Music | 1994 | Recognized for Darryl Philbin on The Office and roles in Pineapple Express and Hot Tub Time Machine. |
| James Hetfield | Musician | 1981 | Co-founder, lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the heavy metal band Metallica. | |
| Kerry Bishé | Actress | unknown | Starred in films like Argo and Good Night, and Good Luck, and TV series such as Halt and Catch Fire. | |
| Jon Huertas | Actor | Theater | unknown | Known for playing Miguel on This Is Us and roles in Castle and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. |
| Gretchen Mol | Actress | unknown | Featured in Rounders, The Fun-Loving Family of Edgar, and TV series like Boardwalk Empire. | |
| David Hasselhoff | Actor and Singer | Performing Arts | 1971-1972 | Famous for starring in Baywatch and Knight Rider, and as a musician with hits like 'Looking Out My Back Door'. |
Athletes; California State University, Fullerton has a storied athletic tradition, particularly in baseball and other sports, with alumni achieving professional success in Major League Baseball, international soccer, gymnastics, water polo, and coaching, demonstrating the impact of its Titan athletic programs on sports excellence.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ike Davis | Former MLB first baseman | 2006 | Professional baseball player who played for teams like the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics, batting .234 with 108 home runs in MLB. | |
| Trevor Reckling | Olympic water polo player | unknown | Member of the U.S. Olympic water polo team, contributing to international competition success. | |
| Jessica Savona | Olympic gymnast | unknown | Member of the United States women's national gymnastics team, competing at elite levels. | |
| Breana R. Dallape | Professional soccer player | unknown | First American woman to play professional soccer in Iceland, highlighting CSUF's soccer program. | |
| Jessica Allister | Stanford softball head coach | unknown | Former standout softball pitcher at CSUF and current head coach of Stanford Cardinal softball, leading them to multiple NCAA appearances. | |
| Mark Kotsay | Former MLB outfielder and coach | 1993-1996 | MLB player for 17 seasons with 1,354 hits and later served as bench coach for the Atlanta Braves. | |
| Aubrey Huff | Former MLB infielder | 1995-1998 | Played 13 MLB seasons, won two World Series with the San Francisco Giants, and hit .278 with 242 home runs. | |
| Dan Haren | Former MLB pitcher | 1999-2001 | MLB pitcher with 166 wins and a 3.75 ERA over 13 seasons, playing for six teams including the Oakland Athletics. | |
| Kurt Suzuki | MLB catcher | 2001-2004 | Longtime MLB catcher who played over 1,800 games across multiple teams including the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins. | |
| Jayson Werth | Former MLB outfielder | 1995-1997 | Played 15 MLB seasons, won a World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008, and hit .272 with 318 home runs. | |
| Mark McGwire | Former MLB first baseman | 1982-1984 | Professional baseball player known for hitting 583 career home runs and the single-season record of 70 in 1998 while with the St. Louis Cardinals. |
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) alumni have made significant contributions to U.S. politics at local, state, and federal levels, demonstrating leadership in governance, policy-making, and public service. Their impacts include advancing representation for diverse communities and influencing key legislative committees without international or royalty figures noted.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young Kim | U.S. Representative | Economics | 1982 | First Korean American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, representing California's 40th congressional district since 2021. |
| Ed Royce | Former U.S. Representative | Zoology | 1972 | Served as U.S. Representative for California's 39th and 40th districts from 1993 to 2019, including as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. |
| Van Tran | Former California State Assemblymember | Political Science | 1988 | First Vietnamese American elected to the California State Legislature, representing the 68th Assembly District from 2004 to 2010. |
