Cal State San Marcos' University Advancement division earned international recognition from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) with two honors in the 2025 Circle of Excellence Awards:  A silver award for the Inaugural Social Mobility Donor Impact Report in the “Donor Relations & Stewardship Initiatives” category — led by Kris Vasquez, director of donor relations and stewardship, and Shaymaa Abusalih, donor relations and stewardship coordinator. A bronze award in Student Org Crowdfunding Month 2024 in the “Fundraising: Student-led Initiatives category” — led by Sean Briner, director of annual giving, and Alejandra Perkins, digital giving specialist. Judges commended the report’s “compelling storytelling, placing the voices and experiences of recipients at the center of the narrative. Achieved by a small, resourceful team, it’s a testament to how authentic, student-led stories can deeply connect with alumni and elevate impact reporting.”  For the crowdfunding honor, judges said, “the results are impressive” and it is “a great way to get various organizations on campus involved.”  The Circle of Excellence Awards drew 4,460 entries from 640 institutions across 33 countries. CASE selected 477 entries for recognition, honoring work that exemplifies the best in advancement across marketing, alumni relations, fundraising, publications and leadership.    Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

As a child growing up in Ohio, Jessica Berger’s parents always instilled in her the power of education. They never had the opportunity to attend college, but they knew that it could serve as a key to open any door for their daughter.  That upbringing made it especially meaningful to Berger when she was hired to be Cal State San Marcos’ vice president of University Advancement in 2021. Berger brought extensive higher education experience from Harvey Mudd College, a private liberal arts school about 90 miles north of San Marcos. But as a first-generation college graduate herself, it resonated deeply with Berger seeing CSUSM’s commitment to social mobility and knowing that more than half of its graduates are, like her, the first in their families to earn a college degree.  “I have so much gratitude to my parents,” Berger said. “They gave me the opportunity to do something that they didn't have the chance to do. My dad passed away last year, and I was able to establish a scholarship in their name that supports first-generation students. My parents’ support is really embedded in me, and to be able to give back in that way to students who were like me, it means the world.  “It’s so special to be a part of a place where you get to see the dreams of our students and how those dreams are able to come to life because of the work of all the people here.”  Those moments are what make this such a bittersweet time for Berger. She will start a new chapter in her life later this month as the executive vice president and chief advancement officer at Chapman University in Orange County. Berger’s last day at CSUSM will be July 24. An interim vice president of University Advancement is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.  “It is bittersweet, because I love this place,” Berger said. “I love the people and it's been such a privilege and honor to be a part of this university.”  Berger credits success and achievements during her tenure to the meaningful collaboration with the CSUSM community and partners to dream big and create transformational pathways for the future.   At CSUSM, Berger’s leadership has been defined by vision, integrity and a strong belief in the power of philanthropy to change lives.  Over the last four years, University Advancement surpassed goals every year, raised the highest amount of funds in a single evening at the Blue & Silver fundraising dinner, broke CSUSM Giving Day records, and headed efforts to raise private support through philanthropy and government agencies toward the first state-funded academic building at CSUSM in over a decade—the Integrated Science & Engineering Building that will break ground this summer.   In 2023-24, CSUSM raised more than $26 million — a university record that more than doubled the previous high. Two landmark commitments, the university's first eight-figure gifts totaling $20 million, reflected the trust Berger helped build between the university and its supporters. They were also testaments to CSUSM’s commitment to student success.  “Jessica has been an extraordinary partner and leader, and we are so grateful for the passion and expertise she brought to the university,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “Her commitment to building meaningful relationships, elevating our philanthropy efforts and guiding a strong, collaborative team will have a lasting legacy. I am grateful to Jessica for her transformational leadership — and the impact she and the entire advancement team have had and will continue to have on advancing our mission as we move forward.”  Under Berger’s guidance, University Advancement grew not just in dollars, but in depth by engaging more alumni, connecting more with regional leaders, and laying the foundation for the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s history — a $200 million campaign that is nearly 70% toward its goal.   Berger also worked closely with the CSUSM Foundation Board to ensure that philanthropic goals aligned with the university’s strategic priorities, including development of the nation’s first case statement of support for social mobility upon CSUSM ranking No. 1 in CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index in 2022. The results have included more scholarships, more support for faculty research, and a deeper sense of shared purpose across campus.  “I’m so grateful to everyone at Cal State San Marcos,” Berger said. “President Neufeldt really touched my life professionally and personally. She’s been incredibly influential in shaping the leader that I am today.  “And I’ve been so fortunate to work alongside the President's Administrative Team, the Advancement team – I call them the ‘A Team’ because they are really such a strong team – and the Foundation Board, a group of volunteers who truly give their time, talent and treasure in numerous ways. And then our campus partners, all of the success and achievements that we've seen have been in collaboration with so many people. I know the strong momentum will continue, and I look forward to cheering on CSUSM’s continued success as a friend and supporter.”  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos officially has a new dean for the University Library. Cinthya Ippoliti started in her position on July 1. Her hire was announced by CSUSM late last year. "I'm thrilled to join inspiring colleagues within the University Library and CSUSM and contribute to the incredible work already underway to support students, strengthen community and encourage creativity as we continue to build a promising future together,” Ippoliti said. Ippoliti has been a librarian for more than 24 years and has held roles at various academic institutions. Most recently, she served as director of the Auraria Library, where she provided administrative leadership for library services, spaces, partnerships and programming on the tri-institutional Auraria Campus, which includes the University of Colorado, Denver; Metropolitan State University of Denver; and Community College of Denver, serving approximately 35,000 highly diverse students in an urban setting. Before joining the Auraria Library, she was the associate dean for Research and Learning Services at Oklahoma State University and head of Teaching and Learning at the University of Maryland Libraries. Ippoliti takes over for Char Booth, who was the library’s interim co-dean for administration and advancement, and Toni Olivas, who was interim co-dean for faculty and systems affairs. "We are thrilled to welcome Dean Ippoliti to the University Library – she brings impressive experience to the table as well as aligned values and a strong focus on inclusion and equity,” Booth said. “Already in her first days, she has established herself as an excellent communicator and enthusiastic leader, and we look forward to working with Cinthya to continue to grow our support for students and the CSUSM campus community through robust and responsive library services, spaces and programming." Ippoliti holds a Master of Library & Information Science degree from UCLA and bachelor’s in English from UC Santa Barbara.

Three Cal State San Marcos projects have been selected as winners of the California State University’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence Educational Innovations Challenge (AIEIC). The trio of CSUSM faculty-led projects are among 63 from across the system that were chosen for their potential to enable transformative teaching methods, foster groundbreaking research and address key concerns about AI adoption within the academic environment. The three proposals from CSUSM faculty are: “AI-Ready: Preparing First-Year Students for Sustained (& Sustainable) Ethical & Critical GenAI Engagement at CSUSM & Beyond” by Marnie Eldridge, faculty director of first-year and university programs in the Office of Undergraduate Studies. “Innovative Teaching with GenAI: Designing Curriculum for the Future” by Rebecca Lush, a literature and writing studies professor and director of the Faculty Center. “Critical Futures: Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation to Transform Teaching and Student Learning with AI in American Indian Studies” by Joely Proudfit, chair of American Indian studies and director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center. Launched in April, the AIEIC invited faculty from all CSU campuses to develop innovative instructional strategies that leverage AI tools. The response was overwhelming, as CSU faculty submitted more than 400 proposals representing over 750 faculty members systemwide. The Chancellor’s Office will award a total of $3 million to fund the winning proposals. A full list of funded projects is available on the CSU AI Commons website. Projects launched last month and will continue through June 2026. The AI Educational Innovations Challenge is a key component of the university’s broader AI Strategy, launched in February to establish the CSU as the first AI-empowered university system in the nation. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Cal State San Marcos was selected for the third straight year as an Angeles Higher Education Impact Award honoree. Recipients were lauded for representing the best in higher education institutions, driving impact through leadership, innovation and support of entrepreneurs. Award recipients will be honored at the 2025 Q3 Summit & Awards Event on Aug. 22. Angeles Investors is dedicated to finding, funding and growing Hispanic and Latinx ventures. With a mission to elevate Latinx business leaders and innovators, the organization provides investment opportunities, mentorship, and resources to drive long-term economic success. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Tara Jones was only 17 years old when she enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 2001, driven by a strong sense of duty and a desire to help others. Just months later, the world changed on Sept. 11, and Jones found herself serving during wartime, first stateside and then around the world. “I became a hospital corpsman and was embedded in the Marines,” Jones said. “I worked in trauma bays and in field environments. I saw the best and worst of humanity. And through it all, I knew I was doing what I was meant to do – take care of people.” Jones served for two decades, earning accolades, earning the respect of her peers and gaining the kind of experience that most civilians could only imagine. But when she retired from active duty, a different question emerged: What comes next? “I wasn’t done serving,” she said. “I just needed to find a new way to do it.” That calling led her to Cal State San Marcos, where she is part of the inaugural cohort of the university’s new Veterans Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VBSN) program. The program is designed specifically for veterans who, like Jones, bring a wealth of medical experience and leadership into a second career as a registered nurse. “This is just a different kind of uniform,” Jones said. “The mission is still the same: serve with compassion, leadership and integrity.”   A New Path Built for Veterans Jones already had earned a master’s degree in forensic science and worked for the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office in her post-military career. But something was missing. “I missed the connection with the patients,” she said. “There’s something sacred about caring for someone when they’re vulnerable. I needed to get back to that.” She learned about the VBSN program at CSUSM after seeing a flyer. The program immediately piqued her interest, especially its focus on supporting veterans’ transition into health care. “When I saw the VBSN flyer, I felt like it was calling me,” Jones said. “I realized I could bring everything I’d learned in the military – trauma care, leadership, the ability to stay calm in chaos – and use it to keep helping people.” She applied and was accepted into the spring 2025 cohort. Now, in her second semester, she’s thriving. For U.S. Army veteran Anthony Caesar Sapinoso, the journey to the VBSN program began in high school, when he enlisted through the Army's Future Soldiers program in 2016. He served as a 68 – an Army licensed vocational nurse – and always knew he wanted to build a career in health care. “I saw that the Army would become my foothold and way to get not only a glimpse but actual experience in the field,” Sapinoso said. While exploring nursing schools across California, Sapinoso found CSUSM’s VBSN program somewhat serendipitously. “I started my search from the Bay Area, where I’m originally from, and branched out. After being rejected from several programs, I was elated when I got the acceptance letter from San Marcos,” he said. “The shorter timeline to licensure and graduation also made CSUSM’s program stand out.” Purpose-Driven Support Designed with veterans in mind, the VBSN program offers tailored advising, peer support and a clinical curriculum that values the lived experience of those who have served. Students complete rigorous hands-on training at hospitals and health care facilities throughout the region, preparing them to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. “Veterans possess qualities that make them exceptional nurses: leadership under pressure, teamwork and a deep understanding of trauma-informed care,” said Wendy Hansbrough, director of the School of Nursing. “The VBSN program honors their service and supports their transition into one of the most critical professions in our health care system.” Jones says the support from faculty and peers has been key to her success. “The transition from a corpsman to a student nurse is not always easy,” she said. “But this program was built for us. They know where we’re coming from and what we bring to the table.” Sapinoso agrees. Now in his second semester, he admits that he felt some initial hesitation. “I was unaware initially that most of my cohort already had a bachelor’s degree in another field, and I didn’t,” he said. “I felt some slight imposter syndrome, but that quickly disappeared once we started clinicals and skill tests. That’s where my military experience kicked in, and my confidence showed up.” He credits the Army for shaping his holistic approach to patient care and cultural competency. “Being in the Army was both a fun and hectic time where, despite everyone’s different backgrounds, we came together to make the best of any situation,” Sapinoso said. “That spirit of teamwork and care carries into everything I do now.” Faculty like Matt Mincey, who teaches Fundamentals of Nursing, see the difference that veterans carry into the classroom and clinical rotations. “Tara and her fellow veteran students bring a depth of life experience. The ability to remain calm under pressure is incredibly valuable in clinical settings,” Mincey said. “Our role as faculty is to honor that experience while challenging them to grow as professional nurses.”   A University Committed to Veterans The VBSN program reflects CSUSM’s long-standing commitment to military-connected students. “At CSUSM, we believe in the transformative power of education, especially when it supports students who have already given so much in service to others,” said Jennifer Ostergren, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services. “The VBSN program is a powerful example of what happens when we create purpose-driven pathways that honor lived experience and open doors to meaningful careers.” Jones hopes to specialize in critical care nursing and eventually work in a VA or military-affiliated hospital. Sapinoso, too, remains open to the possibilities. “Whether in the Army or as a nurse, I’ve always wanted to be of service to others,” he said.   Looking Ahead With an ever-growing demand for nurses, particularly those with crisis leadership and cultural competency, CSUSM’s VBSN program addresses workforce needs while cultivating the next generation of health care leaders. Interest in the program continues to grow through veteran word-of-mouth and university outreach. The School of Nursing is actively recruiting future cohorts and remains committed to expanding access to this unique and impactful academic pathway. For students like Jones and Sapinoso, it’s more than just a degree – it’s a calling fulfilled.   To learn more about CSUSM’s Veterans BSN program, visit www.csusm.edu/nursing or email cehhs-ss@csusm.edu. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306