Cal State Notable Alumni

Notable Alumni Overview from California State University, Los Angeles

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA or CSULA) has a proud legacy of producing influential leaders who have shaped industries and communities worldwide. Known for its commitment to social mobility and serving first-generation college students, particularly from diverse backgrounds in the heart of Los Angeles, the university's alumni network exemplifies the transformative power of accessible higher education. With over 400,000 living alumni across the California State University system, Cal State LA graduates stand out for their real-world impacts in public service, science, sports, and beyond, inspiring current students and job seekers eyeing careers in dynamic fields.

The university's notable alumni from California State University, Los Angeles span several key categories, highlighting the breadth of opportunities available. In science, F. Sherwood Rowland (B.S. Chemistry, 1948) earned the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering the threat to the Earth's ozone layer from chlorofluorocarbons (view Nobel laureates). His breakthrough underscored the importance of environmental research, influencing global policy like the Montreal Protocol. In politics, alumni like Richard Alatorre, the first Latino elected to the Los Angeles City Council (serving 1985-1999), and Mervyn Dymally, California's first Black and South Asian Lieutenant Governor (1975-1979), advanced representation and equity (see politics alumni). Sports figures include Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Davis, a Dodgers legend with 18 All-Star appearances and three World Series rings, and NFL All-Pro Carnell Lake, a Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers (check sports figures).

These famous graduates of California State University, Los Angeles demonstrate the institution's unique role in fostering breakthroughs and leadership, especially among underrepresented groups—over 70% of students are first-generation according to university data. For job seekers, this network offers mentorship and connections via the official alumni association (Cal State LA Alumni Association). Exploring Rate My Professor reviews for CSULA faculty can guide course choices, while higher ed jobs in Los Angeles abound. Parents and students considering Cal State LA will find these stories motivating, proving that Golden Eagles soar high. Discover academic jobs in Los Angeles or California to launch your path.

Famous Graduates by Category at California State University, Los Angeles

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) boasts a diverse array of notable alumni from California State University, Los Angeles who have made significant impacts in politics, sports, entertainment, and business. These famous graduates of California State University, Los Angeles showcase the university's role in shaping influential leaders and talents. While Cal State LA has no U.S. presidents, Nobel winners, or convicted criminals among its most prominent alumni, its standouts in other areas inspire students and job seekers eyeing careers in public service, athletics, film, and entrepreneurship. Discover entertaining facts about top achievers in key categories below, drawn from verified records. For detailed lists, explore politics, sports figures, entertainment figures, and millionaires and billionaires.

Politics 🎓

• Mervyn Dymally (Lt. Governor of California, 1975-1979): First non-white Lt. Governor in state history, of African, Indian, and Portuguese descent; he once charmed skeptics by winning over 1 million votes despite being told his name was too hard to pronounce.
• Janice Hahn (U.S. Congresswoman, LA City Council President): Known for her no-nonsense style, she famously pushed through LA's first solar incentive program, powering city buildings and saving millions.
• Richard Alatorre (LA City Council President): First Mexican-American to lead LA City Council; his dramatic 1999 exit amid scandal made headlines, but his trailblazing opened doors for Latinos in politics.
• John Liu (NYC Comptroller): First Asian-American elected citywide in NYC; he uncovered billions in city waste, earning a rep as the 'budget bloodhound'.
• Gil Cedillo (LA City Councilmember): Tireless labor advocate who survived multiple recalls, once quipping his opponents couldn't even organize a block party.

Sports Figures 🏈

• Carnell Lake (NFL All-Pro safety, Pittsburgh Steelers): Super Bowl XXX champ; nicknamed 'The Minister of Defense' for his bone-crushing hits, he intercepted 16 passes in his career.
• Eric Allen (3x Pro Bowl cornerback): Played for Eagles, Saints, Raiders; famous for a 102-yard interception return TD, one of NFL's longest ever.
• Charles Davis (NFL linebacker, Steelers): Hard-hitting tackler who later became an analyst, bringing insider stories from the field to TV screens.
• Derrick Martin (NFL safety): Special teams ace who blocked punts like clockwork, contributing to key wins across teams.
• Rashad Hollis (NFL player): Speedy return specialist whose electrifying kick returns kept fans on edge.

Entertainment Figures 🎬

• John A. Alonzo (Cinematographer, Oscar nominee for Chinatown): Shot iconic films like Vanishing Point; his gritty style defined 1970s cinema, once racing cars for authentic chase scenes.
• Leo Carrillo (Actor, Pancho in The Cisco Kid): California State Parks commissioner who named 24 parks; his sidekick role made him a TV legend in 200+ episodes.

Millionaires and Billionaires 💼

• David Bohnett (GeoCities founder): Sold his web pioneer company to Yahoo for $3.85 billion in 1999; now a philanthropist funding LGBTQ+ causes with over $100 million donated, turning virtual communities into real-world change.

These California State University, Los Angeles celebrities and influential leaders highlight the school's impact. Aspiring pros can find higher ed jobs nearby or rate faculty on Rate My Professor for Cal State LA. Check academic opportunities in Los Angeles. Learn more via the official Cal State LA alumni page or Wikipedia.

Engaging Details from California State University, Los Angeles Alumni

Discover the captivating stories behind some of the most famous graduates of California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), whose journeys from campus to stardom inspire students and job seekers alike. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Cal State LA has nurtured talents who have left indelible marks on entertainment, sports, and beyond, proving that this public university delivers real-world success.

Jimmy Smits, a standout among California State University, Los Angeles notable alumni, earned his BA in speech communication in 1978. His breakout role in L.A. Law earned him an Emmy, followed by iconic performances in NYP D Blue—where he won another Emmy—and The West Wing. Smits' path highlights how Cal State LA's programs in communication and theater prepare graduates for Hollywood's spotlight. Check out more entertainment figures from Cal State LA.

Richard Roundtree, known as the original Shaft, honed his craft at Cal State LA before becoming a trailblazing Black action star in the 1971 film that redefined blaxploitation cinema. His enduring career spans decades, showcasing resilience and charisma developed during his time on campus.

In music, Steven Lukather, guitarist and co-founder of Toto, credits his Cal State LA education for fueling his legendary riffs in hits like "Africa." Voice actor Carlos Alazraqui, famous for Ren Höek in The Ren & Stimpy Show and SpongeBob characters, graduated with a BA in theater arts, bringing laughter to millions.

These notable alumni from California State University, Los Angeles demonstrate breakthroughs in entertainment, motivating aspiring artists. For job seekers eyeing creative fields, explore higher ed jobs or rate my professor reviews at Cal State LA to connect with faculty like those who guided these stars. Parents and students considering Cal State LA will find these stories entertaining insights into its impact.

Learn more via the official Cal State LA alumni page or Wikipedia's list of notable alumni. Thinking of studying here? Check professor ratings on Rate My Professor for Cal State LA and nearby academic jobs in Los Angeles. With such influential leaders emerging, Cal State LA stands out for career advice seekers—visit higher ed career advice for tips on following their paths.