The student news site of Sacramento State University

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, visual reporter

(she/her)

Alyssa Branum is in her second semester working for The State Hornet and her third semester working for a publication. As a senior journalism major at Sac State, Branum looks forward to utilizing creative outlets, working towards her photojournalism career in visuals and connecting with others.
All content by Alyssa Branum
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...

A Sacramento resident and friend of Tyre Nichols kneels down in front of a heart made of candles during a vigil in North Natomas Monday, Jan 30, 2023. Nichols’ death has resulted in protests regarding police brutality nationwide.

Mourning family, friends hold candlelight vigil for late Tyre Nichols

A remembrance of life and a look to the future
Justine Chahal and Alyssa Branum
January 31, 2023
A candlelight vigil was held for Tyre Nichols at Regency Parkway. Nichols’s family and friends spoke about his life and their desire for change.
Alexis Jiménez, una estudiante de antropología, se dirige al panel de administradores en relación a las recientes agresiones sexuales en el campus y áreas cercanas en el cuarto Redwood del edificio ‘The Unión’ el jueves 17 de noviembre del 2022. Jiménez expresó sus críticas sobre cómo se han manejado las agresiones sexuales durante un foro comunitario organizado por líderes estudiantiles.

[Photo] ‘Realmente se está empezando a sentir que nadie está seguro aquí’: Los estudiantes de Sac State demandan acción en ayuntamiento

January 31, 2023

Alexis Jiménez, una estudiante de antropología, se dirige al panel de administradores en relación a las recientes agresiones sexuales en el campus y áreas cercanas en el cuarto Redwood del edificio...

Stevante Clark speaking to a crowd of protesters as they march through the streets of downtown Sacramento Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. The protest was prompted following the release of body camera footage showing 29-year-old Tyre Nichols being beaten by Memphis police officers. Nichols died days later. (Photo by Alyssa Branum)

[Photo] ‘I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired’: Sacramento community mourns death of Tyre Nichols

January 27, 2023

Stevante Clark speaking to a crowd of protesters as they march through the streets of downtown Sacramento Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. The protest was prompted following the release of body camera footage showing...

President Robert Nelsen sits upon his throne at his roast Jan. 20, 2023, in the Union Ballroom. The roast was hosted by his fellow administrators and was set in place of a spring address.

[Photo] Sac State celebrates President Robert Nelsen with departing roast

January 20, 2023

President Robert Nelsen sits upon his throne at his roast Jan. 20, 2023, in the Union Ballroom. The roast was hosted by his fellow administrators and was set in place of a spring address.

What a wonderful time it is as the holidays are right around the corner. The Ultimate Winter Guide has movies, music, and more to get into the spirit during winter break.

[Photo]
Ultimate Winter Guide 2022

December 14, 2022

What a wonderful time it is as the holidays are right around the corner. The Ultimate Winter Guide has movies, music, and more to get into the spirit during winter break.

Content creator John Rusanov and his cameraman, second-year business major Eric Shambra, interact with fourth-year biological science student Audrey Dakis while filming a TikTok video outside the Bookstore on Nov. 18. Rusanov has been filming his videos at Sacramento State for about six months.

[Photo] Sac State students and campus spotlighted in successful TikTok account

December 10, 2022

Content creator John Rusanov and his cameraman, second-year business major Eric Shambra, interact with fourth-year biological science student Audrey Dakis while filming a TikTok video outside the Bookstore...

Tyler Miles performed, “Isn’t she lovely,” by Stevie Wonder as a bass solo in Capistrano Hall on Monday, Nov. 12, 2022. Using the pedals, Tyler was able to recreate the entire track which he then soloed over.

[Photo] ‘I just felt the call’: From walking a bassline to walking the stage

December 4, 2022

Tyler Miles performed, “Isn’t she lovely,” by Stevie Wonder as a bass solo in Capistrano Hall on Monday, Nov. 12, 2022. Using the pedals, Tyler was able to recreate the entire track which he then...

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