Cal State LA kicked off the 2025-26 academic year in style with its “We Are LA: Campus Day Celebration” on Wednesday, August 20, showcasing the university’s creative spirit and vibrant connection to Los Angeles.
The event, which followed the University Convocation and the Investiture of President Berenecea Johnson Eanes, featured an array of exciting activities, including food trucks, a Ferris wheel, live music from local DJs and bands, games, a student art competition, club tables, and a classic car show.
At the heart of the celebration, President Eanes warmly welcomed the crowd at the University-Student Union Plaza, sharing brief remarks before dancing and singing to will.i.am’s new hit, “East LA,” alongside students, faculty, and staff. The atmosphere was electric, radiating a sense of unity and excitement that resonated throughout the campus and beyond.
Despite the temperature soaring into the 90s by mid-afternoon, the enthusiasm of attendees was palpable. Many were determined to experience everything the celebration had to offer.
“There’s a lot of fun stuff,” said Jelene Villegas, a senior studying philosophy. “There are a lot of activities that make you want to stay and engage. Last year, it was easy to just walk past everything and just say, ‘Bye.’”
Sophomore Frances Perez echoed this sentiment, noting, “It’s a lot bigger event than we’ve had before. I don’t think I’ve seen a car show here before, and there’s also the Ferris wheel.”
Along with friends, Perez was attracted to the vibrant atmosphere as they exited the University Library and decided to stay on campus to explore the festivities. They sampled food truck delicacies, engaged with fraternity and sorority recruiters, played oversized Jenga, and admired the classic car show.
“My uncles, my godfathers had cars like these,” said Perez, a business major. “It made me think of them. Plus, I like the white (1971 Datsun 280Z). It reminds me of The Fast and the Furious.”
The classic car show was among the most popular highlights, drawing car enthusiasts who eagerly inspected the low riders, muscle cars, and custom-built vehicles lined up along the Main Walkway. The idea for the show was born from discussions between Cal State LA’s Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety, Larry Bohanon, and fellow car enthusiasts on staff.
“The car show was very well received,” Bohanon said, while displaying his own 1958 Chevy Impala and 1964 Lincoln Continental. “I’ve been talking to students all day. Our engagement has been astronomical—lots of interest, lots of questions. East LA has a strong car culture, and it only makes sense for Cal State LA to be part of that culture.”
Bohanon suggested that the car show could become a staple of future campus events, further integrating that cultural aspect into the university experience.
Additionally, the event saw groups of students eager to learn about social and academic clubs, as numerous informational tables were set up in front of the library.
“Everything is going really well,” said Christopher Ruiz, a senior and recruiting chair for the Sigma Nu fraternity. “It’s a little hot out, but we have people coming and showing interest. It’s the second day of school, and we’ve had a lot of students just out of high school asking what we’re all about, wanting to know about the full college experience.”
The Hispanic Business Society (HBS) also reported a positive reception at their table.
“This event has provided a good opportunity for us to communicate with others about who we are,” said HBS member and junior Penelope Marquez.
The event featured food trucks offering a variety of Los Angeles’s culinary delights, including popular spots like Habit Burger & Grill, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Hutch’s Jerk Chicken, and Cerda Vega, while free food vouchers were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at check-in.
Attendees could also enjoy sweet treats thanks to Churro Man and Fruta Brito fruit cart.
A Ferris wheel located in the University-Student Union parking lot offered attendees panoramic views of the campus, providing a relaxing escape from the bustling atmosphere below.
On the lawn in front of the Physical Education building, students engaged in outdoor games such as cornhole and an oversized Connect 4, while also taking aim at a target-shooting inflatable set up by the Los Angeles Kings. A photo booth added to the fun, capturing memories from the day.
In the Luckman Street of the Arts, student entries for an art competition explored the influence Cal State LA has had on their lives, with paintings judged for creativity, relevance, originality, emotional impact, and the strength of the artist’s statement.
“I’m an advocate for campus involvement and campus activities like this,” Villegas said, proudly representing her organization as president of the Filipino club Kalahi. “It’s dope that [the organizers] were able to find so many different vendors. They’ve hit on so many different aspects. I’m enjoying the live music, the car show is cool, and the food was yum.”
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