Matador Memories Channel
“Matador Memories” explores the history of California State University, Northridge and its impact on the San Fernando Valley and Southern California. It features conversations with faculty, alumni, staff and members of the community sharing stories about the university.
Episode 31:
CSUN's DREAM Center Part 1
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Irvin Rendon, manager of CSUN's DREAM Center, which provides resources and services to undocumented students, mixed status families, staff, faculty, allies and future undocumented students while fostering a more inclusive campus community. DREAM stands for Dreamers, Resources, Empowerment, Advocacy and Mentorship.
Episode 30:
The History of the PRIDE Center Part 2
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Martel Okonji, manager of CSUN's PRIDE Center, which supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) students, faculty and staff through programming and educational outreach to improve the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals. It also advocates for the respect and safety of all members of the campus community. Okonji was one of the students who led the fight for the creation of the PRIDE Center in the early 2000s. He talks about that effort and what the PRIDE Center has evolved into.
Episode 29:
The History of the PRIDE Center Part 1
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Martel Okonji, manager of CSUN's PRIDE Center, which supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) students, faculty and staff through programming and educational outreach to improve the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals. It also advocates for the respect and safety of all members of the campus community. Okonji was one of the students who led the fight for the creation of the PRIDE Center in the early 2000s. He talks about that effort and what the PRIDE Center has evolved into.
Episode 28:
Sam Britten and the the Brown Center for Adaptive Aquatic Therapy Part 2
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with legendary kinesiology professor emeritus Sam Britten, who developed California State University, Northridge's Center of Achievement through Adapted Physical Activity, which has been providing internationally recognized adapted fitness programs for people with disabilities since 1971. The center includes the acclaimed Abbot and Linda Brown Western Center for Adaptive Aquatic Therapy. The Center of Achievement also trains students as professionals in health and rehabilitation-related fields.
Episode 27:
Sam Britten and the Brown Center for Adaptive Aquatic Therapy
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with legendary kinesiology professor emeritus Sam Britten, who developed California State University, Northridge's Center of Achievement through Adapted Physical Activity, which has been providing internationally recognized adapted fitness programs for people with disabilities since 1971. The center includes the acclaimed Abbot and Linda Brown Western Center for Adaptive Aquatic Therapy. The Center of Achievement also trains students as professionals in health and rehabilitation-related fields.
Episode 26:
CSUN's Black House Part 2
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Ryan Mason, senior coordinator of CSUN's Black House and Black Student Resource Center. Mason, an alumnus, talks about the evolution of the Black House and the crucial role it plays in student success and sense of belonging.
Episode 25:
CSUN's Black House Part 1
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Ryan Mason, senior coordinator of CSUN's Black House and Black Student Resource Center. Mason, an alumnus, talks about the evolution of the Black House and the crucial role it plays in student success and sense of belonging.
Episode 24:
A Conversation with Legendary Pop Music Writer and Matador Robert Hilburn Part 2
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with legendary pop music writer Robert Hilburn, who worked as a chief pop music critic and pop music editor of the Los Angeles Times from 1970 through 2005, about his time at what was then San Fernando Valley State College, now California State University, Northridge. He was part of the first class (1961) to graduate from the college after attending four years. Hilburn was an editor of the student newspaper, as well as one of the university's first student body presidents. He talks about what life was like on the brand new campus and recalls the faculty who influenced him and his career as a journalist.
Episode 23:
A Conversation with Legendary Pop Music Writer and Matador Robert Hilburn Part 1
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with legendary pop music writer Robert Hilburn, who worked as a chief pop music critic and pop music editor of the Los Angeles Times from 1970 through 2005, about his time at what was then San Fernando Valley State College, now California State University, Northridge. He was part of the first class (1961) to graduate from the college after attending four years. Hilburn was an editor of the student newspaper, as well as one of the university's first student body presidents. He talks about what life was like on the brand new campus and recalls the faculty who influenced him and his career as a journalist.
Episode 22:
CSUN's Annual Powwow
Host Matthew Bragulla talked with American Indian studies professor Scott Andrews about California State University, Northridge's longstanding tradition of celebrating the American Indian communities living in Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California.
Episode 21:
Chicano House Part 2
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Everto Ruiz, an alumnus and former Chicana/o studies professor at California State University, Northridge about the founding of CSUN's Chicano House, which was created by students in effort to find a place where they could organize and call their own.
Episode 20:
Chicano House Part 1
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Everto Ruiz, an alumnus and former Chicana/o studies professor at California State University, Northridge about the founding of CSUN's Chicano House, which was created by students in effort to find a place where they could organize and call their own.
Episode 19:
The History of Music Therapy Part 2
Host Matthew Bragulla continues his conversation with Professor Emeritus of Music Ron Borczon about California State University, Northridge's Music Therapy Program. Borczon established the program in 1984; since then it's become one of the most highly acclaimed and respected Music Therapy Programs in the world. He speaks about how the program came to be, it's pivotal role in helping people heal after disasters like the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and the September 11th attacks, the kind of teaching that the curriculum provides, and the places its students go after graduation. He also discusses the ways Music Therapy is utilized and the new scientific recognition it is gaining in recent years.
Episode 18:
Music Therapy Part 1
Host Matthew Bragulla speaks to Professor Emeritus of Music Ron Borczon about California State University, Northridge's Music Therapy Program. Borczon established the program in 1984; since then it's become one of the most highly acclaimed and respected Music Therapy Programs in the world. He speaks about how the program came to be, it's pivotal role in helping people heal after disasters like the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and the September 11th attacks, the kind of teaching that the curriculum provides, and the places its students go after graduation. He also discusses the ways Music Therapy is utilized and the new scientific recognition it is gaining in recent years.
Episode 17:
The New Journal for Student Abstracts
Host Matthew Bragulla speaks to Professor Emeritus of Biology Steven Oppenheimer about The New Journal of Student Research Abstracts, an annually published journal containing research projects and abstracts from K-12 students across America. The journal has been published since 1995 and is on its 28th volume. Oppenheimer speaks about the inception of the journal, the best student projects from the recent volume, and importance of STEM experiences in K-12 education.
Episode 16:
CSUN's Hollywood History
From "The Karate Kid" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to "Star Trek" (the one starring Chris Pine at Capt. Kirk), "The Good Place" and Hulu's "Paradise, California State University, Northridge has the site of a lot of Hollywood magic. Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Heather Cairns, associate executive director of administrative services and university licensing for The University Corporation, about the movies and TV shows that filmed on campus.
Episode 15:
Bob Rawitch: Part 2
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler continues her conversation with California State University, Northridge alumnus Robert Rawitch, class of '67. Rawitch talks about his time as a student at what was then know as San Fernando Valley State College, campus, his role as editor of the student newspaper, the Daily Sundial, as well as well has his time as a reporter and editor with the Los Angeles Times.
Episode 14:
Bob Rawitch: Part 1
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler walks down memory road with California State University, Northridge alumnus Robert Rawitch, class of '67. Rawitch talks about his time as a student at what was then known as San Fernando Valley State College, campus, his role as editor of the student newspaper, the Daily Sundial, as well as well has his time as a reporter and editor with the Los Angeles Times.
Episode 13:
A Conversation with Debra Hammond: Part 3
The conclusion of the conversation between host Carmen Ramos Chandler and California State University, Northridge leader, role model and mentor Debra Hammond, who. after spending 31 years as director of CSUN's University Student Union, is retiring. They talk about her time at the university, its evolution and the evolution of its students.
Episode 12:
A Conversation with Debra Hammond: Part 2
A continuation of the conversation between host Carmen Ramos Chandler and California State University, Northridge leader, role model and mentor Debra Hammond, who. after spending 31 years as director of CSUN's University Student Union, is retiring. They talk about her time at the university, its evolution and the evolution of its students.
Episode 11:
A Conversation with Debra Hammond: Part 1
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with California State University, Northridge leader, role model and mentor Debra Hammond, who. after spending 31 years as director of CSUN's University Student Union, is retiring. They talk about her time at the university, its evolution and the evolution of its students.
Episode 10:
A Conversation with CSUN Legend, William Watkins: Part 3
The final episode of a conversation with California State University, Northridge legend William Watkins, who stepped on the campus of then San Fernando Valley State College as one of just a handful of Black students. By the time he graduated, he was the university's first Black student body president. This year marks his 50th year as an employee of California State University, Northridge. He started in HR and is now Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks to Watkins about his time at CSUN, both as a student, and as an advocate for students over the decades.
Episode 9:
A Conversation with CSUN Legend, William Watkins: Part 2
A continuation of a conversation with California State University, Northridge legend William Watkins, who stepped on the campus of then San Fernando Valley State College as one of just a handful of Black students. By the time he graduated, he was the university's first Black student body president. This year marks his 50th year as an employee of California State University, Northridge. He started in HR and is now Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks to Watkins about his time at CSUN, both as a student, and as an advocate for students over the decades.
Episode 8:
A Conversation with CSUN Legend, William Watkins: Part 1
When CSUN legend William Watkins first stepped on the campus of what was then San Fernando Valley State College, he was one of just a handful of Black students. By the time he graduated, he was the university's first Black student body president. This year marks his 50th year as an employee of California State University, Northridge. He started in HR and is now Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks to Watkins about his time at CSUN, both as a student, and as an advocate for students over the decades.
Episode 7:
Evolution of CSUN’s CHIME Institute with educator Annie Cox
Hosts Analisa Venolia and Carmen Ramos Chandler talk with Annie Cox, Dir. of the Early Childhood Programs for California State University, Northridge’s CHIME Institute, about the founding of the institute, which is a national leader in the development and implementation of a unique model of inclusive education. It started with an early childhood program based at CSUN and grew to include LAUSD-affiliated charter elementary and middle schools.
Episode 6:
Teenage Drama Workshop
Hosts Analisa Venolia and Carmen Ramos Chandler talk with CSUN alum Candy Sherwin, a former student, dance instructor and choreographer with California State University, Northridge’s award-winning Teenage Drama Workshop. As one of the nation’s oldest programs, TADW immerses the teenagers in the day-to-day reality of a professional theatrical troupe, from designing lighting, costumes and sets to learning lines and choreography during an intense six weeks. The afternoons are spent in rehearsal, building sets or putting together costumes and props for productions presented to the community. Click here to learn more about CSUN’s Teenage Drama Workshop.
Episode 5:
The 1994 Northridge Earthquake, a Conversation with Nate Thomas: Part 2
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler continues her conversation with film professor Nate Thomas as he shares his memories of what happened on Jan. 17, 1994 during the Northridge Earthquake and the days that followed, and how that shaped the campus and its community. Click here to learn more about the earthquake’s impact on the CSUN campus.
Episode 4:
The 1994 Northridge Earthquake, a Conversation with Nate Thomas: Part 1
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks to film professor about his memories of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Thomas was a lecturer at the university when a 6.7-magniture earthquake struck, destroying classrooms, laboratories and offices. Thomas still marvels that, despite all the damage, the campus opened four weeks after the earthquake hit, with the 1994 spring semester starting only two weeks late. Click here to learn more about the earthquake’s impact on the CSUN campus.
Episode 3:
The 1994 Northridge Earthquake, a Conversation with George Salas
Host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks to computer science alum George Salas about his memories of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Salas was a senior looking forward to his last semester at the university when a 6.7-magniture earthquake struck, destroying the university as he knew it. Click here to learn more about the earthquake’s impact on the CSUN campus.
Episode 2:
The 1994 Northridge Earthquake, a Conversation with Cynthia Rawitch: Part 2
In the inaugural episode of Matador Memories, host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Cynthia Rawitch, former CSUN Vice Provost, journalism professor, publisher of the Daily Sundial and interim dean for the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication. Rawitch shares her memories of what happened on Jan. 17, 1994 during the Northridge Earthquake and its impact on the university. Click here to learn more about the earthquake’s impact on the CSUN campus.
Episode 1:
The 1994 Northridge Earthquake, a Conversation with Cynthia Rawitch: Part 1
In the inaugural episode of Matador Memories, host Carmen Ramos Chandler talks with Cynthia Rawitch, former CSUN Vice Provost, journalism professor, publisher of the Daily Sundial and interim dean for the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication. Rawitch shares her memories of what happened on Jan. 17, 1994 during the Northridge Earthquake and its impact on the university. Click here to learn more about the earthquake’s impact on the CSUN campus.
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