Michelle Rippy
Meet the President of the CSUEB Alumni Association
Forensic Science '02
Michelle Rippy ('02) first stepped onto the Hayward campus as a first-generation student. She was the first in her family to graduate from college and went on to spend 10 years of her career as an investigator, supervisor, and administrator. Fifteen years ago, she was hired as a faculty member at CSUEB in the Department of Criminal Justice. It has been one of her proudest accomplishments to teach the next generation of criminal justice professionals. Now, she is giving back to her alma mater even more by taking the helm as the new CSUEB Alumni Association Board President.
Q&A with Michelle
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Hayward and, as a first-generation student, did not apply to anywhere besides CSU East Bay (Hayward then). I was very interested in medicine and the criminal justice system and created a special major in Forensic Science during my sophomore year. While at CSUEB, I also took courses at community colleges to earn my Emergency Medical Technician certificate and complete law enforcement academy coursework. I worked as an EMT while I attended graduate school and was hired as a medicolegal investigator shortly after. I have been fortunate to spend over 10 years of my career as an investigator, supervisor, and administrator, as well as work in the tech field and education. Fifteen years ago, I was hired as a lecturer at CSUEB in the Department of Criminal Justice, and five years ago was hired in a tenure-track position. One of my proudest accomplishments has been my return to EB as a faculty member and teaching the next generation of criminal justice professionals. I owe my career experience to the education and guidance I received at EB and gaining the foundational knowledge to earn my master's degree and doctorate.
Why did you decide to join the CSUEB Alumni Association Board?
I was a commuter student while at CSUEB and, unfortunately, did not join many campus clubs or participate in many events. I was fortunate to have friends in both the sciences and social sciences with a mixed discipline major but did not feel truly connected to the campus. After returning to EB to teach, I felt much more of a bond with the campus and wanted to get to know more of our amazing alumni. I was very excited to be selected to join the Alumni Association Board of Directors and meet so many incredible people! Our Pioneers have incredible success stories, and it has been an honor to work with alumni from all majors and dozens of graduation years! When I saw an email seeking Alumni Association Board of Director applications, I knew it was my opportunity to meet and network with fellow Pioneers and give back to the university that gave me so much.
As CSUEB AA President, what do you hope to accomplish during your term?
During my term as the CSUEB AA President, I hope to reconnect alumni with EB and fellow Pioneers. Being able to return to campus and have the option to attend events virtually can help to create and reestablish relations with EB and our amazing alumni. I plan to create more pathways for alumni to connect with current students (future alumni) in mentorship, internship, and informal settings to be able to show current students the limitless possibilities of their education. I want to continue our Alumni Day of Service, where alumni can come together in their local area to give back to the community and bring together different affinity groups for events, networking, and service.
What is your fondest memory of Cal State East Bay?
My fondest memory at CSUEB was graduation day. As the first person in my family to earn a college degree, it was an extraordinary and powerful day. Knowing my parents were present in the crowd, especially after all of their encouragement and support to attend college, was a momentous occasion. Graduation day continues to be my favorite day of the year as a faculty member to celebrate all of the accomplishments, long nights, schedule juggling, and successes of our phenomenal students as they transition to alumni. Walking by the Cave in the Science Building always brings a smile to my face when I think about the exam cram sessions and between class naps that occurred.
What is something you are looking forward to this next year?
I am looking forward to a safe return to society and the repopulation of the CSUEB campus. I have appreciated the opportunity to learn from our incredible alumni through webinars and other online events, though I am looking forward to in-person events like Forever Pioneer Week. I also look forward to meeting and learning about fellow Pioneers, showcasing their amazing accomplishments, and showing future alumni that anything is possible.