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The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
Alyssa Branum

Alyssa Branum, Visuals Editor

(she/her)

Alyssa Branum, now serving as visuals editor, is in her third semester working for The State Hornet and fourth semester on a publication. Branum has won awards from the Associated Collegiate Press for her previous work on the paper and has photos published in the Sac Observer. As a senior journalism major at Sac State, Branum looks forward to utilizing creative outlets, working towards her photojournalism career, and connecting with others on her journey.

 

All content by Alyssa Branum
New Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Aniesha Mitchell in her office at Lassen Hall, Tuesday, Sep. 12, 2023. Her appointment to the role was announced via SacSend on Sep. 8.

[Photo] Aniesha Mitchell appointed interim vice president of Student Affairs

September 20, 2023

New Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Aniesha Mitchell in her office at Lassen Hall, Tuesday, Sep. 12, 2023. Her appointment to the role was announced via SacSend on Sep. 8.

Jenkins Hall, a co-ed student residence on campus, Thursday, Sep. 7, 2023. A sexual assault was reported there on Aug. 31.

[Photo] BREAKING: Sexual assault at Jenkins Hall

September 7, 2023

Jenkins Hall, a co-ed student residence on campus, Thursday, Sep. 7, 2023. A sexual assault was reported there on Aug. 31.

While swarms of students are back on campus, Sacramento State’s campus community saw significant news over the summer. Join The State Hornet in recapping some of the most important stories of the summer. (Graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum, Photos by Jacob Peterson, Alyssa Branum and Cristian Gonzalez.)

[Photo] Summer Recap: An armed robbery and more news

August 29, 2023

While swarms of students are back on campus, Sacramento State’s campus community saw significant news over the summer. Join The State Hornet in recapping some of the most important stories of the summer....

Two Sacramento State football players battle it out in a blocking drill at practice on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Both the offensive and defensive lines will be critical in the continued success of the Hornets.

[Photo] Sac State looks to answer questions down south

August 29, 2023

Two Sacramento State football players battle it out in a blocking drill at practice on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Both the offensive and defensive lines will be critical in the continued success of the...

A state audit of the CSU found multiple concerning issues with the way the system handled harassment complaints Tuesday, July 18, 2023. This report follows an independent assessment from law firm Cozen OConnor, who also identified issues with system wide guidelines. (Graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum)

[Photo] Back-to-back reports paint a troubling picture of Title IX programs

August 29, 2023

A state audit of the CSU found multiple concerning issues with the way the system handled harassment complaints Tuesday, July 18, 2023. This report follows an independent assessment from law firm Cozen...

Nida Muhummad Niazy speaks with his attorney while at his sentencing Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Niazy was arrested in connection with two sexual assaults on and around Sac State, but was only sentenced to two years for assault after making a deal for a no-contest plea.

[Photo] Sexual assault suspect sentenced to two years in state prison

August 29, 2023

Nida Muhummad Niazy speaks with his attorney while at his sentencing Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Niazy was arrested in connection with two sexual assaults on and around Sac State, but was only sentenced to...

Robert Gonzalez delivers his testimony to the Associated Students Inc. Elections Complaint Committee in the University Union Wednesday, May 10, 2023. The complaints led to Nikita Akhumov, director-elect of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, disqualification from his position.

[Photo] An ASI complaint leads to disqualification

August 29, 2023

Robert Gonzalez delivers his testimony to the Associated Students Inc. Elections Complaint Committee in the University Union Wednesday, May 10, 2023. The complaints led to Nikita Akhumov, director-elect...

Nida Niazy appears in court for sentencing at the Sacramento County Superior Court Friday Aug. 25, 2023. Niazy faces time in state prison for sexual assaults committed in 2022 before fleeing to Europe.

[Photo] BREAKING: Sac State sexual assault suspect sentenced to two-year prison sentence

August 25, 2023

Nida Niazy appears in court for sentencing at the Sacramento County Superior Court Friday Aug. 25, 2023. Niazy faces time in state prison for sexual assaults committed in 2022 before fleeing to Europe.

Sacramento State President Luke Wood sits on the University Union Ballroom stage with wife, Idara Essien-Wood Thursday, Aug. 24, during his first fall address. This address is an opportunity for Wood to answer questions and set his expectations going into the new semester.

[Photo] Sac State President Luke Wood delivers first fall address

August 24, 2023

Sacramento State President Luke Wood sits on the University Union Ballroom stage with wife, Idara Essien-Wood Thursday, Aug. 24, during his first fall address. This address is an opportunity for Wood to...

Junior quarterback Kaiden Bennett takes a snap during redzone drills in Sacramento on Aug. 23, 2023. Bennett is competing with junior quarterback Carson Camp for the starting job this season.

[Photo] PREVIEW: A new era dawns on Sac State football before 2023 season

August 23, 2023

Junior quarterback Kaiden Bennett takes a snap during redzone drills in Sacramento on Aug. 23, 2023. Bennett is competing with junior quarterback Carson Camp for the starting job this season.

The California State Auditor releases a report on the California State University’s handling of sexual harassment allegations Tuesday, July 18, 2023. The report found the CSU had mishandled several investigations, including closing cases without formal investigations that warranted them. (Graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum)

[Photo] State audit finds CSU mishandled sexual harassment investigations

July 18, 2023

The California State Auditor releases a report on the California State University’s handling of sexual harassment allegations Tuesday, July 18, 2023. The report found the CSU had mishandled several investigations,...

The hearing for complaints filed against Nikita Akhumov by Isabella Jimenez for the 2023 ASI elections in the University Union, Wednesday, May 10, 2023. The Committee released its decision regarding that hearing on Wednesday, May 24, recommending Akhumov be disqualified for campaign interference.

[Photo] Elections complaints committee recommends disqualification for ASI student candidate

May 25, 2023

The hearing for complaints filed against Nikita Akhumov by Isabella Jimenez for the 2023 ASI elections in the University Union, Wednesday, May 10, 2023. The Committee released its decision regarding that...

Psychology major Evin Mueller and other participants create signs in the Library Quad in protest to religious demonstrator Daniel John Lee Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Many signs were against Lee’s beliefs and Sac State student Shaun Harris said they wanted to “spread positivity on campus.”

[Photo] Students engage in heated debates with self-proclaimed religious preacher

May 12, 2023

Psychology major Evin Mueller and other participants create signs in the Library Quad in protest to religious demonstrator Daniel John Lee Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Many signs were against Lee’s beliefs...

Photo by Alyssa Branum. Graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum and Julie Blunt

TIMELINE: Sexual assault at Sac State

Following multiple sexual assaults on and off campus, safety has become a concern for many students.
Teamsters protest for contract negotiation awareness on Skilled Trades Day

Teamsters protest for contract negotiation awareness on Skilled Trades Day

Marchers prioritize steps for pay increase and keeping CSU contract work in-house
Alyssa Branum and Alesha Blaauw
May 3, 2023
Sacramento State teamsters protest for better pay from the CSU.
Ari Uzzle, a Student Health and Counseling Service staff member, joins participants in making posters for the Sacramento State campus march for sexual assault survivors in the Library Quad Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Uzzle’s sign displayed an encouraging “thank you” throughout campus, being passed between staff during Take Back the Night.

[Photo] ‘We have to take back Sac State’: Survivors march across campus

April 27, 2023

Ari Uzzle, a Student Health and Counseling Service staff member, joins participants in making posters for the Sacramento State campus march for sexual assault survivors in the Library Quad Wednesday, April...

(L-R) Associated Students, Inc. presidential candidates Adoreil Ayoubgoulan, Emilie Jocson Nataly Andrade-Dominguez  in The State Hornet studio March 31, 2023. The candidates have been campaigning since March 28 and Sacramento State students can vote in the University Union or the ASI website April 12-13. (Photos and graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum)

[Photo] State Hornet Series: Q&A with ASI presidential candidates

April 12, 2023

(L-R) Associated Students, Inc. presidential candidates Adoreil Ayoubgoulan, Emilie Jocson Nataly Andrade-Dominguez in The State Hornet studio March 31, 2023. The candidates have been campaigning since...

Presidential candidates in The State Hornet Broadcast Studio Friday, March 31, 2023 voicing their priorities before the ASI elections begin on April 12. Candidates discussed who they are, their backgrounds, majors along with their priorities if they were to be elected during their interviews with The State Hornet. (Graphic by Alyssa Branum)

[Photo] ASI presidential candidates voice their priorities ahead of election

April 10, 2023

Presidential candidates in The State Hornet Broadcast Studio Friday, March 31, 2023 voicing their priorities before the ASI elections begin on April 12. Candidates discussed who they are, their backgrounds,...

The Out of the Darkness Campus Walk commences through the pathways at Sacramento State Thursday, April 6, 2023. Staff from Student Health Counseling Services in The WELL and Vice President of University Affairs, Alexandra Estrella lead the group.

GALLERY: Walk raises mental health awareness, remember victims of suicide

Sacramento State urges students to use mental health resources.
Alyssa Branum
April 9, 2023
Hornets swarmed to participate in the event.
Klamath Hall, located on Sacramento State’s campus Thursday, March 20, 2023. Klamath Hall houses over 200 first-year students and acts as a co-ed resident hall.

[Photo] Klamath Hall residents’ concerns for safety following sexual assaults

April 10, 2023

Klamath Hall, located on Sacramento State’s campus Thursday, March 20, 2023. Klamath Hall houses over 200 first-year students and acts as a co-ed resident hall.

Blue emergency phones near Eureka Hall, Del Norte Hall, Mariposa Hall and American River Courtyard. These lights are located across campus where several reported sexual assaults have taken place from last fall to this spring. (Photos by Lucas Monteros. Graphic by Alyssa Branum)

[Photo] Blue emergency towers: Students call for awareness and accessibility

April 11, 2023

Blue emergency phones near Eureka Hall, Del Norte Hall, Mariposa Hall and American River Courtyard. These lights are located across campus where several reported sexual assaults have taken place from last...

(L-R) Deputy Chief Christine Lofthouse, Police Chief Chet Madison and the President Office’s Chief of Staff Sarah Billingsley listening to students share their experience with sexual assault. Madison said Sac State is a “safe campus” adding that he’s dedicated to making students safe.

‘This campus is safe’: ASI holds town hall on multiple sexual assaults

Frustrations from students continue
Attendance was low as administrators went over the campus’s Sexual Violence Prevention, Safety and Support action Plan.
Committee members focus on the personal story of a survivor at the ASI Wellness, Safety and Sexual Assault Awareness Committee in the Union’s Summit Room Thursday, March 30, 2023. The meeting allowed for presenters to discuss sexual assault awareness and highlighted campus resources along with the process of reporting assault.

[Photo] Navigating the aftermath of a sexual assault, how to report

April 1, 2023

Committee members focus on the personal story of a survivor at the ASI Wellness, Safety and Sexual Assault Awareness Committee in the Union’s Summit Room Thursday, March 30, 2023. The meeting allowed...

Campus Victory Project, a third-party Republican organization, has attempted to contact potential candidates for the upcoming ASI elections, according to Michael Lee-Chang. Candidate announcements and campaigning begins after spring break on March 27, 2023, followed by a two-day election in April. (Photo and Graphic created in Canva by Alyssa Branum)

[Photo] Student representatives say conservative organization attempting to influence Sac State ASI elections

March 28, 2023

Campus Victory Project, a third-party Republican organization, has attempted to contact potential candidates for the upcoming ASI elections, according to Michael Lee-Chang. Candidate announcements and...

The police announced on Saturday, March 25, 2023 they are looking for a suspect in an attempted burglary. A suspect was caught on surveillance cameras pulling on a door in Amador Hall. (Photo from campus-wide email) (Graphic made in Canva): Alyssa Branum

[Photo] BREAKING: Reported burglary at Sac State’s Amador Hall

March 25, 2023

The police announced on Saturday, March 25, 2023 they are looking for a suspect in an attempted burglary. A suspect was caught on surveillance cameras pulling on a door in Amador Hall. (Photo from campus-wide...

Grace Freeman, a third-year recreation, parks & tourism administration major, scales the rock climbing wall for the first time during the Mocktails and Open Climb event Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Freeman jokingly said they felt like mountain goats during the climb to the top.

PHOTO GALLERY: Mocktails and climbing

Open climb event encourages alcohol harm reduction
Alyssa Branum
March 19, 2023
Event allows students to engage with Peak Adventures Challenge Course and learn about campus mental health resources.
FILE: Sacramento State softball celebrates after a win against Southern Utah March 3, 2023 at Shea Stadium. The Hornets swept the University of Maine in a doubleheader Wednesday to move their record to 14-9 on the season.

[Photo] Sac State softball takes first season sweep over University of Maine

March 17, 2023

FILE: Sacramento State softball celebrates after a win against Southern Utah March 3, 2023 at Shea Stadium. The Hornets swept the University of Maine in a doubleheader Wednesday to move their record to...

Senior guard Kahlaijah Dean drives past a defender on senior night Monday Feb. 27, 2023, over the Portland State Vikings 80-54. The Hornets beat Portland State again Tuesday 60-42 to advance to the Big Sky Championship game on Wednesday.

[Photo] Sac State women’s basketball crushes Portland State in Big Sky semifinals

March 7, 2023

Senior guard Kahlaijah Dean drives past a defender on senior night Monday Feb. 27, 2023, over the Portland State Vikings 80-54. The Hornets beat Portland State again Tuesday 60-42 to advance to the Big...

Sophomore Nikki Barboza gets a hit on the pitch against the Thunderbirds on Friday, March 3, 2023.  Barboza has hit a .346 on base percentage so far in the 2023 season.

[Photo] Sac State softball brings heat at Capital Classic

March 7, 2023

Sophomore Nikki Barboza gets a hit on the pitch against the Thunderbirds on Friday, March 3, 2023. Barboza has hit a .346 on base percentage so far in the 2023 season.

Junior center Isnelle Natabou stares down her opponents after drawing a foul in the post on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 in The Nest. Natabou racked up 23 points and 6 rebounds in the Hornets’ rout of the Vikings.

[Photo] Sac State women’s basketball end regular season with a bang

February 28, 2023

Junior center Isnelle Natabou stares down her opponents after drawing a foul in the post on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 in The Nest. Natabou racked up 23 points and 6 rebounds in the Hornets’ rout of the Vikings....

(R-L) Senior closer Jack Zalasky and junior third baseman Jorge Bojorquez talk at the beginning of the ninth inning of the first game of a doubleheader at John Smith Field Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. Zalasky leads the team in saves with three.

[Photo] Sac State baseball gets first sweep of the year despite cancellations

February 27, 2023

(R-L) Senior closer Jack Zalasky and junior third baseman Jorge Bojorquez talk at the beginning of the ninth inning of the first game of a doubleheader at John Smith Field Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. Zalasky...

Mic in hand in the Sac State University Ballroom, one woman chokes back tears opening up about experiences with ongoing violence against people of color by police during the Ending the Epidemic of Racial Violence Forum Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Few attendees are seen in the crowd at the forum, set up to provide healing and discussion for those triggered by Tyre Nichols’ death at the hands of Memphis police.

[Photo] Sac State students mourn and react to loss of Tyre Nichols

February 27, 2023

Mic in hand in the Sac State University Ballroom, one woman chokes back tears opening up about experiences with ongoing violence against people of color by police during the Ending the Epidemic of Racial...

PRIDE Center Coordinator candidate Brittney Dinelli on the third floor of the University Union Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. Dinelli’s open forum was the first of three to highlight potential candidates to fill the space left by the previous coordinator, Tranh Pham.

PREVIEW: PRIDE Center in search of a new coordinator

Selection committee hosts candidate forum
Jourdan Jackson and Alyssa Branum
February 26, 2023
PRIDE Center candidate forum introduces potential coordinator to Sac State community.

[Video] State Hornet broadcast: Strife in campus life

February 22, 2023
This week’s broadcast covers the campus safety march on Thursday and last week’s abortion protest. We also spoke to political science major Michael Lee-Chang, a first-year student who helped arrange last semester’s sexual assault town hall.
Students marching across campus during the Student March Against Sexual Violence  Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.The march started in front of The WELL and  ended at Sacramento Hall, where the Office of the President is located.

[Photo] ‘I don’t want to be fearful’: Sac State students march against sexual violence

February 17, 2023

Students marching across campus during the Student March Against Sexual Violence Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.The march started in front of The WELL and ended at Sacramento Hall, where the Office of the President...

Redshirt freshman Griffin Harrison celebrates with teammates after hitting a homerun during an intersquad game Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Sacramento. Sac State’s baseball season starts Friday with a home series at John Smith Field.

[Photo] PREVIEW: Hornets look to continue winning-season streak

February 15, 2023

Redshirt freshman Griffin Harrison celebrates with teammates after hitting a homerun during an intersquad game Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Sacramento. Sac State’s baseball season starts Friday with a home...

Senior outfielder Samantha Parish bunts the ball before running the bases again at the softball game on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 in Sacramento. Parish started in all 55 games of the 2022 season. Eleven were at catcher, the other 44 were at center field.

[Photo] RECAP: Sac State softball drop 3 of 5 games in opening tournament

February 14, 2023

Senior outfielder Samantha Parish bunts the ball before running the bases again at the softball game on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 in Sacramento. Parish started in all 55 games of the 2022 season. Eleven were...

[Video] State Hornet Broadcast: Sac State celebrates Lunar New Year and mourners remember Tyre Nichols at candlelit vigil

February 6, 2023
Welcome back to campus Sac State. Catch up with the APIDA Center’s Lunar New Year paint night, the opening of the ‘Cloth as Community’ gallery in the library and Tyre Nichols’ candlelit vigil in North Sacramento.
Mannequins throughout the Library Gallery display colorful fabrics and intricate details at Cloth as Community on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. The items are said to hold the past, present and future as Hmong culture and clothes are passed down generation to generation.

[Photo] Diaspora, resilience and common ground: Library Gallery celebrates Hmong culture in latest exhibit

February 4, 2023

Mannequins throughout the Library Gallery display colorful fabrics and intricate details at Cloth as Community on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. The items are said to hold the past, present and future as Hmong...

El viernes 27 de enero de 2023 se publicaron imágenes de la cámara del cuerpo de la policía que muestran la muerte de Tyre Nichols siendo golpeado por cinco policías en Memphis, Tennessee. Stevante Clark marchó por las calles de Sacramento por Nichols cinco años después de la muerte de su hermano, Stephon Clark.

[Photo] ‘Estoy harto y cansado de estar harto y cansado’: La comunidad de Sacramento lamentan la muerte de Tyre Nichols

February 4, 2023

El viernes 27 de enero de 2023 se publicaron imágenes de la cámara del cuerpo de la policía que muestran la muerte de Tyre Nichols siendo golpeado por cinco policías en Memphis, Tennessee. Stevante...

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