Deborah Paulsen was a 25-year-old student killed on July 12, 1976, during the mass shooting at California State University, Fullerton. The gunman, Edward Charles Allaway, a university custodian, opened fire in the library and killed nine people, Deborah among them. The attack is one of the deadliest mass shootings in Orange County history.

Deborah was remembered for her kind heart, love of literature, and passion for the Beatles; her brother Paul Paulsen has spoken about learning by radio that his sister was among the victims. Allaway was arrested shortly after the shooting, later found not guilty by reason of insanity, and confined to a state hospital. Families of the victims have opposed his periodic petitions for release, and Assistant District Attorney Dan Wagner has been involved in those legal proceedings.

The attack prompted vigils, memorials and the creation of Memorial Grove on campus, and families have continued to advocate for stronger gun control and improved mental health support.