October 2025 A&F Times
October Column
In 2021, we began construction on an ambitious project to replace our 70-year-old 12kV, PG&E campus electrical vault. However, as we began the process, what began as a single initiative to renew our utility infrastructure, quickly evolved into five complex interconnected projects.
First, in April 2021, we faced an emergency loss of one of our main electrical feeders, but were able to turn that obstacle into an opportunity to move forward with a campus Solar/Battery that would tie into our electrical system and make it more sustainable. Then, in September 2021, we experienced another unplanned electrical event that resulted in a transformer power loss to both Nichols & Carson Halls. We then used that experience to redefine our plans and integrate an electrical MicroGrid into our 12kV and solar battery design, allowing the campus to be more nimble in the face of future challenges.
All of this to say, the road to progress is rarely a straight line. But throughout all the twists and turns, our campus stayed focused on our mission, and I’m excited to share that on August 2, 2025 our new 12kV building was finally energized! This is a transformative upgrade for Sonoma State, and we are eager to continue to build off this progress as we built a more sustainable and resilient campus.
Over the past 25 years, our campus has experienced a tremendous amount of growth, with additions such as Tuscany and Beaujolais Villages, the Student Center, the Recreation Center, and the Green Music Center. Much of this campus expansion occurred without updates to our 1960s underground utility infrastructure, but with an energized commitment, we’re focused on renewing and modernizing the foundation of our campus to support the next era of growth.
I believe our future is bright, and I’m honored to be a part of this campus’ great legacy with all of you.
What's Happening on Campus
GeT-Mobile with Sonoma State
Sonoma State will bring new life to the stretch of Copeland Creek Community Trail that traverses campus, with help from a $50,000 Hometown Grant from T-Mobile. The project draws on diverse expertise from across the SSU academic community; the Department of Kinesiology led development of the successful proposal, in close collaboration with peers in the Center for Environmental Inquiry and ecopsychologist Dr. Mary Gomes. Planned enhancements, including interactive QR-coded trail markers and shaded picnic tables and seating in the SSU Kenneth Stocking Native Plant and Butterfly Garden, are designed to spark curiosity and encourage Rohnert Park residents of all ages to connect with the natural environment – and with one another. The project plan also envisions a Walking Buddy program, pairing older adults with SSU students – primarily kinesiology majors – for regular walking sessions. The evidence-supported program grew out of research on the long-term benefits of intergenerational exercise for participants’ physical and mental health.
Join the Sonoma State community in celebrating this exciting new intiative at the geT-Mobile with Sonoma State event on Thursday, October 9th from 12-1:30pm at the Green Music Center Trione Courtyard.
2025 Fall Economic Perspective
Join community leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders for an interactive and vibrant discussion on how entrepreneurship is shaping Sonoma County’s economy. This event is hosted by the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative and takes place in Sonoma State University's Student Center Ballrooms.
This year’s program spotlights generational perspectives in business – meant to inspire and activate current and future entrepreneurs. Plus hear from our keynote speaker, Jeff Bellisario, Executive Director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, about current business trends and an economic outlook for Sonoma County. Find more information and purchase tickets on the Sonoma EDC website.
Furry Friends Help Clear Campus Brush
Did you see the herd of goats and sheep making their way around campus last month? These animals were brought in to support Facilities Management efforts to reduce available fire fuel and control vegetation in difficult-to-access areas. The animals support the University’s continued commitment to sustainable practices by clearing dry, dead weeds, and eliminating both invasive and noxious species like thistle and blackberry, without the need for chemicals. The goats and sheep were deployed in a phased approach around the campus over a two week period to target areas throughout the campus and made a tremendous impact over that time period.
Sonoma State University Peace Ceremony
Join us on Tuesday, October 28th from 12-1:30pm in the Main Quad for a special gathering to commemorate the installation of two profound symbols of peace at Sonoma State University: a Rotary Peace Pole and the Hiroshima Peace Trees. The Peace Pole stands as a symbol of bringing people together to inspire, awaken, and uplift the human consciousness about the world around us. The Hiroshima Peace Trees have grown from seeds descended from a ginko tree that survived the Hiroshima bombing in 1945 and serve as symbols of resilience and peace.
We invite you to be part of this moment of reflection and dedication as our campus community affirms its commitment to peace, healing, and a more just world.
Shoutouts!
The Landscaping team has been busy prepping for the rainy season! This work includes pruning and lifting trees in Chenin Blanc and Meritage, working alongside the maintenance team to build storm drain channels to keep the flow of stormwater away from Housing infrastructure, and teaming up on fixing deferred irrigation infrastructure with the Boiler Plant. Thank you to the following individuals for helping keep our Facilities safe and running smoothly: Alonso Gonzalez-Yanez, LJ Radar, Bryan Carter, David Hudkins, and Gabriel Fowler (Landscape Shop) and Kenneth Russum, Jose Aceves and Robert Grant (Maintenance Shop).
Kudos to our team members from Culinary Services and Student Center Operations who supported the events from Big Blue Weekend! It was an all-hands-on-deck weekend with events running around the clock, and these teams made sure guests were fed and event operations ran smoothly, helping to make a memorable weekend for all who attended!
Anniversaries!
Celebrated Anniversaries in September
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Lucy Reyes | Student Financial Services |
| Alder Jakovac | Kitchens |
| Bernardo Herrera Arguelles | Housekeeping |
| Kenneth Njonge | Housekeeping |
| Chelsea Cox | Housekeeping |
| Victoria Chavez | IT Project Management Office |
| Michael Kinton | Kitchens |
| Douangdeaune Phongphouvanh | Housekeeping |
| Scott Derum | Operations & Engineering |
| Bryan Carter | Landscaping |
| William Fulton | Operations & Engineering |
| Nicole Hill | Accounting & Financial Reporting |
| Corey Chattey | Campus Prints |
| Ruth Salazar | Kitchens |
| David Alves | Housekeeping |
| Kurt Parks | Operations & Engineering |
| Louis Wurz-Wilfong | Enterprise Infrastructure Services |
| Juan Bernabe | Kitchens |
| Lori Palmer | Housekeeping |
| Dustin Mollo | Workstation Security & Services |
| Shawn Potts | Operations & Engineering |
| Patricia Couret | Capital Planning, Design & Construction |