The number 15 holds great significance for the LGBTQA Pride Center at Cal State San Marcos as Pride Month begins across the country.
The Pride Center is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Next month, Pride Center members invite the campus community to walk with them in the San Diego Pride Parade for the 15th year. And that parade will take place on July 15.
Robert Aiello-Hauser, director of the Pride Center, said they are trying to attract the biggest CSUSM contingent ever for the Pride Parade this year. The theme for the parade is “Thrive,” and the university adaptation is “LGBTQ+ people thrive at CSUSM.”
“Support for Pride Month is incredibly important at CSUSM,” Aiello-Hauser said. “By acknowledging and celebrating Pride Month, CSUSM sends a clear message that we value diversity and are committed to promoting equality for all members of our community. This can help to foster a sense of belonging and community, which can be especially important for LGBTQ+ students who may face discrimination or feel isolated on campus.”
Aiello-Hauser said such support is especially critical in light of a national climate in which many states are passing legislation targeting LGBTQ individuals.
“LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff are facing unprecedented levels of discrimination, harassment and violence, which can negatively impact their mental health and academic performance,” he said. “By showing support for Pride Month, CSUSM sends a message of solidarity and support to these individuals.”
CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt saluted the Pride Center when she spoke at the Rainbow Recognition graduation ceremony on April 28.
“For 15 years, the Pride Center has been a thriving place for students to gather and build community,” Neufeldt said. “Over the years, it has gained a reputation not only in our region, but across the CSU for how we lead in supporting students of all backgrounds and identities.”
Neufeldt also spoke at the second annual raising of the Pride flag in Chavez Circle in early April.
Members of the campus community can register for the Pride Parade here.
Latest News Release
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- Periodic Review of Vice President for University Advancement Jessica BergerDear CSUSM community, As many of you know, our vice president for University Advancement, Jessica Berger, joined CSUSM in July 2021. Given that our campus policy requires that I conduct a periodic review of vice presidents in the third year of their initial appointment (and at intervals no greater than five years thereafter), I write to inform you that this process has begun and to invite your participation and feedback. Not only is it California State University policy to inform our university community of this review and to allow members to submit comments that respond to the specific criteria, but your participation is also important to me. Your feedback will support CSUSM’s forward progress, particularly as it relates to the leadership of University Advancement. The Periodic Review of the Provost and Vice Presidents policy provides details of the process and criteria. Your feedback and letters are invited on Vice President Berger’s approach to: Leadership and management Strategic planning University and community partnerships, and Functional oversight and management Please note that I am unable to accept petitions and unsigned letters. Please submit an email or letter no later than Tuesday, May 7, addressed as follows: Email: Periodicreview@csusm.edu Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President California State University San Marcos Administration Building 5302 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road San Marcos, CA 92096-0001 Following the deadline, the written responses will be summarized into a report that will be discussed with Vice President Berger. None of the commentators will be identified by name, and responses will be treated in confidence to the extent permitted by the law. Please keep in mind that this is intended to be a constructive process that should benefit both our vice president and university. Thank you again for your participation in this important review process. Sincerely, Ellen J. Neufeldt, Ed.D. President
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