California State University--Northridge

Hallmarks and Quirks

Things I'm Good At:

  • Business. I'm the best. Just ask the Senior VP of Paramount Pictures, Christine Essel, who graduated with a degree in business administration. Personally, I like to take the credit every now and then. It's a great ice-breaker at parties.
      
  • Having pride in my diversity. I've got people from all walks of life and every background imaginable. I've created a mini melting pot within LA, which is one of the biggest melting pots in the world.
      
  • Parties. With my countless frats and sororities, there's always somewhere to go and something to do on any given night.
      
  • Palm trees, green grass, and blue skies. Since I'm in beautiful California (yes, I will continue to brag about that), the sun shines often here. Whether you want a comfortable tree to read under, a soft patch of lawn to take a nap on, or just an open field where you can play some Frisbee, you're never going to run out of space. Or those happy-go-lucky vibes.
      
  • Living on a budget. I'm in the center of college-town Northridge. Discounts for days.

My Top 5 Must-Haves:

  1. Sunglasses. The sun takes no prisoners in the Valley. Plus, you'll want to look extra cool and collected when you roll into class with your iced mocha.
      
  2. A free membership to my newly renovated Student Recreation Center. It's got rock climbing, basketball courts, an indoor track, enormous locker rooms, and numerous fitness classes. Did I mention that it's free, and just got built in 2012? Righteous.
      
  3. A stamp card for the on-campus coffee shop, Freudian Sip. For every ten drinks, you get one free. Stack those up for finals season.
      
  4. Involvement in clubs. If you've got a hobby, favorite sport, or just like connecting with people of the same ethnic background as you, I've got countless clubs to join.
      
  5. Fabulous and fierce friendships with fellow Matadors. (Try saying that five times fast.) My schedule means you're all going to be getting out of class at the same time.

Why You Might Have Heard of Me:

  • How many of you out there are Star Trek fans? What about that hilarious mockumentary, The Office? Brace yourselves, because your mind is about to be blown…my Oviatt Library has been the backdrop to both. What.
      
  • Model UN is my specialty. Everyone else can step aside, because our Poli Sci Department has won the annual United Nations competition in New York six times in the past ten years. We were also first place in the 2008 China competition and the 2010 Ecuador competition.
      
  • Big Show. Every spring, I host a one-of-a-kind concert on campus for my Matadors. A special performer comes by to rock the entire place for one night. Ever heard of Afrojack? Diplo? Ludacris? Lupe Fiasco? I could go on here, but I don't like to brag. (Excessively, at least.)

On a regular Saturday night, you can find me...

  • I'm probably watching the Lakers pummel the Celtics in The Pub on campus, or enjoying some freshly made quesadillas from Arbor Grill.
      
  • When I'm in the mood for exploring a little, Northridge has loads of options for me. Sushi joints, coffee shops, lounges, and mouth-watering Middle Eastern cuisine…you name it, and it's around.

Favorite Hangouts:

  • Are you twenty-one (or over) and craving some brews? Head on over to The Pub Sports Grill. People gather there in hordes to watch whatever major game is on the big screen TV. Having delicious food and plenty of beers on tap provides the perfect atmosphere for that much-needed late-night relief…or middle-of-the-day relief.
      
  • Need some relaxation? I've got an amazing botanical garden right in the center of campus, perfect for relieving stress. Take a stroll by the pond or feed a few ducks—it's my own little sanctuary.
      
  • For those that need a caffeine drip directly into their bloodstream, I've got several little coffee shops scattered around campus. They all go by the punderful name, "Freudian Sip."
      
  • Don't even get me started on the Northridge Fashion Center. Newly renovated and gorgeous, you can get lost in this mini metropolis for hours. Grab a slice of pizza and get some retail therapy.

Quirks:

  • I've got a Cinematheque at Armer Theatre. There are free movie screenings on Thursday nights, and it plays both classic films and the contemporary new releases.
      
  • I've got amazing recipes for relaxation on campus. My USU (University Student Union) offers plenty of opportunities to relieve stress. You can even get free breakfast and massages during finals week. Yeah, man. I'll treat you right.
      
  • Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and I try to live up to those standards. I provide entertainment for my students, right here on campus. I have my legendary Matador Nights, which are carnival-themed evenings filled with live music and entertainment.
      
  • Let's face it. Even as college students, you all enjoy feeling like a kid again. Luckily for you, I've got a Games and Recreation Room, where you can pick up that controller and relive your Mario Kart glory days. If joysticks aren't quite your thing, class it up with some billiards or a friendly game of Texas Hold 'Em.

Famous Alumni:

  • Don Hahn, world-famous movie producer of The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast
      
  • Stephen F. Bollenbach, director of Harrah's Entertainment, Macy's, and former Chief Executive of Hilton Hotels
      
  • Andy Summers, lead guitarist of The Police
      
  • Christine Essel, senior vice president of Paramount Pictures
      
  • Helen Hunt, Academy Award-winning actress
      
  • Charles Noski, CFO of Bank of America
      
  • Actress Eva Mendes, also known as the lucky lady that got to marry that guy from The Notebook