October 2025 A&F Times

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. 

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! 

Celebrated Anniversaries in September