Student Turned Queen

Jan. 4 was a big day for San Diego State University student Cassandra Kunze – she was crowned as Miss California USA 2014.

Formerly Miss Beverly Hills USA, Kunze competed alongside more than 100 contestants in Long Beach and ultimately ended up winning the state title.

Kunze has been competing in pageants since her sophomore year in high school.  Some of her previous titles include Miss Teenage California 2012 and Miss Beverly Hills USA 2013. 

“I could have been considered a tomboy growing up due to my clothing style and goofy personality,” Kunze said. “The Mother Goose pageant was the first time I ever put on a gown and heels and I still remember walking onto that stage and feeling beautiful. I feel that I acquired a newfound confidence that helped me transition from a teenager into an adult.”

Kunze is a junior, double majoring in international security and conflict resolution (ISCOR) and television/film media. She aspires to pursue a career in film production.

“I enjoy the creative process of interpreting a story and putting it on display for an audience and I have put my focus toward what I believe to be the most influential form of storytelling, the medium of film,” Kunze said.

Kunze will represent California in the Miss USA 2014 competition later this year. As a student, she learned some valuable skills and lessons at SDSU that will help her compete in the national pageant.

“College has helped to prepare me to organize and manage what is important. This will be especially important when I compete at Miss USA 2014,” Kunze said. “I feel that my experience in college has helped me develop a stamina which will allow me to succeed in the rigorous competition at Miss USA.”

Other SDSU winners

SDSU alumnus Sierra Billock who majored in business marketing, was a top 20 finalist in the Miss California competition. Susanna Wiggins, a freshman majoring in hospitality and tourism management, also finished in the top 20 in the Miss Teen California category.