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The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

Karen Ambrocio

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor

All content by Karen Ambrocio

CSUSM’s largest class to graduate this year

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor May 8, 2019

The class of 2019 with approximately 3,800 students will be the largest class in CSUSM history to graduate this May. Last year nearly 3,500 students graduated.   Due to the size of the class,...

Graduating senior reminisces about her college experience

Graduating senior reminisces about her college experience

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor December 7, 2018

  Stephany Mejia began her first year on a rocky start, but through the participation in an extracurricular activity and the guidance of her professors she discovered a few of her passions.   When...

One of the many posters spread by the White Supremacist organization found in the X, Y, Z parking lot.

UPD takes down white nationalist posters, prompts investigation

Layda Galvan and Karen Ambrocio November 7, 2018

“Identity Evropa, European Roots American Greatness.”   This message was found in several locations of the CSUSM campus on Monday, Oct. 29 and taken down by University Police Department....

As the midterm election approaches, voting becomes more important.

Go out and vote this midterm election

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor October 13, 2018

Have you registered to vote for this upcoming midterm election? If yes, good job! If not, go register, you have until Oct. 22. Now, just because you registered to vote, doesn’t mean you’re done....

Job Fair gives students various employment possibilities

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor October 12, 2018

About 40 employers offered aid to students seeking employment and volunteer opportunities at the Fall Job Fair. The Career Center hosted their semestral Job Fair in the USU Ballroom on Oct. 4 at 11...

Crystal Galindo’s art displays
during the Xingona Fest on Feb. 8 at Kellogg Plaza.

Students reclaim the word ‘chingona’ in a festival

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor February 21, 2018

Art, women empowerment and música (music) are all descriptors of the Xingona Festival. In Spanish, the word ‘chingona’ is used as a derogatory term toward women. The Xingona Festival uses this...

Breaking news: Body found in parking structure

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor November 13, 2017

On early Monday Nov. 13, a male’s body was found near the CSUSM parking structure. The Office of Communications confirm that it was an apparent suicide. A 911 call was made to the authorities...

All People’s Luncheon promotes campus diversity, presents student award

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor November 10, 2017

With the hostile political climate these past few months, the need for dialogue and action intensifies. The Office of Inclusive Excellence presented their third annual All People’s Luncheon to the...

Erick Felipe and Liany Mendez from the dance group, Grupo Folklorico Huaxyacac perform on Oct. 15.

Guelaguetza celebrates the diverse Oaxacan culture

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor October 28, 2017

Ka’a tu’un su’un (kaa·tuun·soon) The phrase above is in the Mixtec language which translates to “speak your language.” This phrase was written out on the Guelaguetza 2017 festival tickets....

American Indian film festival on tap

Layda Galvan and Karen Ambrocio October 26, 2017

The California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center and American Indian Student Alliance will host their Fifth Annual California’s American Indian and Indigenous Film Festival in Pechanga Resort and...

Breaking News: Female student report an indecent exposure caused by a male suspect

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor October 24, 2017

On Oct. 24, a female student reported to the CSUSM University Police Department, an indecent exposure caused by a male suspect. The suspect was seated in the driver’s seat as he exposed his genitals...

ASI finalizes Board of Directors election results

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor May 15, 2017

The Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Elections Committee verified the final election results for the Board of Directors and completed their investigation regarding complaints on the April 21 meeting. ASI...

Students celebrate César Chávez Day through volunteering

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor April 27, 2017

César Chávez was an American civil rights activist who formed the United Farm Workers Union and helped farm workers gain fair working conditions and wages.   The university celebrates Chávez’s...

ASI will hold BOD reelection

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor April 27, 2017

Because Associated Students Inc. (ASI), received complaints about the Board of Directors election, the student organization has decided to re-do its election.   The ASI Elections Committee investigated...

Border Patrol presence causes student protest

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor April 27, 2017

More than a dozen students protested the appearance of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the annual CSUSM Job Fair on April 6.   Student organizations including Movimiento Estudiantil...

Latina leaders empower students with their success

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor March 31, 2017

Four successful Latinas- Alessandra Lezama, Mara Elliott, Catherine Garcia and Ana De Santiago- spoke about their career paths and what they had to overcome working as women in nontraditional fields.   The...

Students get a scope of Black History Month and Black culture

Students get a scope of Black History Month and Black culture

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor February 24, 2017

In celebration of Black History Month, the 4th annual Black History Festival aspired to teach students the value of the culture through historical figures and performances.   Eight tables featured...

Students stand in solidarity against anti-abortion display

Students stand in solidarity against anti-abortion display

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor February 24, 2017

More than a dozen students peacefully protested the presence of an anti-abortion display by the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform (CBR) on Feb. 14 at the Kellogg Library Plaza.   A few of them also...

President Haynes presents Report to the Community speech

President Haynes presents Report to the Community speech

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor February 12, 2017

President Karen Haynes delivered her 13th annual report to address the growth, success and future of CSUSM to the community.   Her speech, “Imagine the Possibilities,” discussed the growth...

CSUSM responds to sexual assault case, asks for dismissal

CSUSM responds to sexual assault case, asks for dismissal

Karen Ambrocio, Managing Editor February 12, 2017

CSUSM has filed an answer in a lawsuit by a suspended student, following a sexual assault case.   The student named “Student Doe” in the complaint, filed the case against the university...

CSUSM programs help homeless students

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor December 9, 2016

Student homelessness is prominent in the majority of colleges and universities, especially in California State Universities (CSU) and here at CSUSM. A 2015 study authorized by the CSU Chancellor, Timothy...

ASI will hold fee referendum vote

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor November 28, 2016

From Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 students can vote on a proposed $25 fee increase by Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) that will go towards student programs. If passed, this fee will go in effect Fall 2017....

Students celebrate Love Your Body Day

Students celebrate Love Your Body Day

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor November 9, 2016

Students walked the runway to show pride in themselves during a Love Your Body Event at U-hour on Oct. 27 in USU plaza. The Gender Equity Center hosted an event held on USU plaza with the Student Health...

Student sues CSUSM for mishandling sexual assault investigation

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor November 9, 2016

A suspended Cal State San Marcos student seeking reinstatement and other remedies has sued the university for mishandling a sexual assault complaint lodged against him in 2015. The student, who is listed...

Students discuss inclusiveness of new term, “Latinx”

Students discuss inclusiveness of new term, “Latinx”

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor November 7, 2016

“Latinx” is a new word used to provide gender inclusion within the Latinx community. On Oct. 10, the LGBTQA Pride Center, the Gender Equity Center and the Latin@ Center collaborated on an event...

Students celebrate mujeres chingonas

Students celebrate mujeres chingonas

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor November 3, 2016

M.E.Ch.A hosted the Chingona Festival to celebrate the empowerment of Hispanic women through performances and culture on Oct. 18 during U-hour. The term “chingona” is Spanish for “badass” and...

To vote or not to vote

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor October 24, 2016

With this upcoming presidential election, many students are conflicted on whether or not they should vote, others are just apathetic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of 18 through...

CSUSM students participate in presidential debate discussion

CSUSM students participate in presidential debate discussion

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor September 28, 2016

CSUSM students packed the USU Ballroom on Sept. 26 to watch the first U.S. presidential debate of the year and to discuss important political issues.   “It’s really refreshing and surprising...

Border Angels de CSUSM help migrants

Border Angels de CSUSM help migrants

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor September 28, 2016

Border Angels de CSUSM held its first meeting on Sept. 27 during U-hour at Markstein Hall 344 to discuss general information and upcoming events.   The organization has been part of CSUSM since...

Latin@ Center celebrates Hispanic Heritage month

Latin@ Center celebrates Hispanic Heritage month

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor September 28, 2016

The Latin@ Center held a kickoff event, “Norteñas on the Terrace,” from Sept. 15 at the USU Greenroof to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month and the center’s one-year anniversary.   “[Our]...

President Haynes discusses budget, campus issues

President Haynes discusses budget, campus issues

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor September 13, 2016

CSUSM President Karen Haynes held a forum during U-hour on Sept. 9 in the Performance Arts Building, to discuss the university’s budget, graduation rates, diversity awards and free speech.   For...

New CSUSM app provides innovative way for students to connect

New CSUSM app provides innovative way for students to connect

Karen Ambrocio, News Editor September 13, 2016

The new CSUSM mobile app allows students to explore their university through their mobile device. The app will have newer functions next semester, making it accessible and functional for students.   The...

Coach Pugh poses during baseball practice on Thursday, April 21.

Coach Pugh retires, leaves legacy with his athletes

Karen Ambrocio, Student Life Reporter April 27, 2016

The legacy of Head Baseball Coach Dennis Pugh will remain long after he coaches his last game on May 8. Pugh has helped young men mature, find a love for teamwork and share a passion for America’s...

Professor Ibrahim Al-Marashi in his office.

History professor shares his journey, hopes students strive for excellence in their careers

Karen Ambrocio, Student Life Reporter April 27, 2016

Many students strive for careers that take them on a journey of understanding. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Marashi has found that career and advises students to do the same. He was born in Baltimore and raised...

Chris Morales speaks at the ASI town hall on April 21.

ASI holds town hall meeting to address student questions

Karen Ambrocio, Student Life Reporter April 27, 2016

Associated Students Inc. (ASI) representatives organized a student town hall meeting on April 21 where they discussed student issues and concerns including academic and parking permit fees. “My...

Director of PASO guides Latino students  to success regardless of adversities

Director of PASO guides Latino students to success regardless of adversities

Karen Ambrocio, Student Life Reporter April 3, 2016

  Coming from an immigrant, working family, Minerva Gonzalez overcame her social and financial challenges by conquering cultural barriers on her path to academic success. Gonzalez became...

Members of CSUSM's Feminists Unite group march on International Women's Day.

No olvides a las mujeres indocumentadas

Karen Ambrocio, Student Life Reporter March 30, 2016

  On International Women’s Day, which occurred March 8 this year, men and women came together to participate in a Feminists Unite march to advocate for immigrant working women saying, “Ya...

TLAN Nominations are open for all students

TLAN Nominations are open for all students

Karen Ambrocio, Student Life Reporter March 9, 2016

Tukwut Leadership Awards Night (TLAN) is held to acknowledge CSUSM leaders who are making a difference both on campus and the community. This year, the nominations are open until 4 p.m. on Friday,...

How to avoid stress as a college student

How to avoid stress as a college student

Cesia Cano and Karen Ambrocio March 9, 2016

  College can be overwhelming. Students are mostly aware that studying and doing homework are important when preparing for any test, but if every hour, minute and second is spent on studying, it...

Alpha Kappa Psi is a professional business fraternity that motivates its members to learn new skills.

Alpha Kappa Psi helps students strive for professionalism

Karen Ambrocio, Student Life Reporter February 9, 2016

The professional world after college can be intimidating, but Alpha Kappa Psi’s purpose is to give students these skill sets in order to be successful. Founded in 1904, Alpha Kappa Psi has over 200...

The Communication Society officers at the Communication Department Meet and Greet at the SBSB courtyard.

Communication Society helps students better their skills, community

Karen Ambrocio, Student Life Reporter February 9, 2016

  The Communication Society is an organization that helps students gain the professional skills needed to succeed and increase their involvement with their community. Enhancing one’s...

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