Best of CASE District VII Award
 

Institution: California State University San Marcos

Title of entry: Professor Elevates Samoan Language, Culture as Consultant for "Moana 2"

About this entry: This long-form profile was written for a broad institutional audience, including students, alumni, donors, faculty and community partners, with a strategic goal of highlighting Cal State San Marcos faculty impact at the intersection of scholarship, culture and global relevance. The story centers on professor Grant Muāgututiʻa, whose expertise helped shape the cultural and linguistic authenticity of Disney’s “Moana 2.”

The article was reported and written as a narrative profile, blending personal history, academic scholarship and contemporary cultural relevance. Through in-depth interviews and contextual storytelling, the piece traces Muāgututiʻa’s journey from a Samoan community in Southern California to international academic training, and ultimately to advising one of the world’s most influential film franchises. Care was taken to explain linguistics in accessible terms while covering the broader themes of cultural preservation, representation and responsibility.

The story was published on the university’s digital platform and timed to coincide with the film’s release on Disney+, increasing its relevance and shareability. The result was a compelling example of how CSUSM faculty expertise extends beyond the classroom and into global conversations, reinforcing the university’s role as a hub for culturally responsive scholarship and community-engaged impact.