For Lorin Keehr, Cal State San Marcos is more than the university where she earned her master's degree in speech-language pathology. It's a community where she continues to find support nearly a decade later.  Keehr, who graduated in 2016, now works as a speech-language pathologist in the San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD). She has remained closely connected to CSUSM, regularly supervising SLP graduate students working as interns in the district.  In somewhat of a full circle moment for Keehr, she now sends her daughter to the CSUSM SLP clinic where she once trained as a graduate student.  Keehr’s daughter Lyra was born with Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects how a child grows and develops. It can cause learning difficulties, seizures, delayed speech, and unique physical features like coarse facial features or small hands and feet.  Though Lyra will turn 3 years old in September, she weighs just 15 pounds and is still learning to walk independently. When Lyra's physical therapist recommended a walking device to improve her mobility, the SLP clinic was there to help. Lyra’s tiny frame meant a standard walking device wouldn’t work, and a custom-made one came with an exorbitant price tag.  One of Keehr’s SMUSD coworkers suggested she talk to CSUSM about the possibility of developing something.  Laura Coca, CSUSM’s director of clinical education for the SLP department and one of Keehr’s mentors while she was a student, reached out to engineering professor Reza Kamali, who is the faculty adviser for the university’s chapter of Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM), an assistive technology organization that matches students with people living with neglected disabilities.   “It was such a wonderful opportunity for students to collaborate,” Coca said. “I cannot thank Reza and TOM enough. They were just so fast and so comprehensive.”  Kamali and the TOM team had several meetings with Keehr and Lyra’s physical therapist. Less than four months later, they had created a lightweight walking device tailored for Lyra.  “These experiences offered a unique opportunity for students to engage in community-based projects where they could see firsthand how their knowledge and skills could be applied to create meaningful change,” Kamali said. “Watching their product go from an idea to a tangible device used by a child in need was an emotional and inspiring moment for everyone involved.”  Keehr said the additional support has helped Lyra in many ways, including socially, with play skills that she’s learning from the SLP clinic and in her general mobility.  “I didn’t know what to expect, and that’s why I was pleasantly surprised,” Keehr said.“Since getting the trainer, she has been able to stand by herself for a few seconds. It’s definitely been helping with her development.  "I'm just very grateful for both of those programs and what they're doing for the community. Trying to navigate the insurance world and all the paperwork and everything that comes with it, it's programs like the SLP clinic and TOM that make it just a little bit easier for families like ours. They’re people who have good hearts and just want to help their community. So I'm very grateful for making those connections and also being able to promote them to other families that I work with so that they can benefit from these services.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

More than 4,000 Cal State San Marcos students walked across the commencement stage during six ceremonies over two days at Mangrum Track and Field on campus. Relive some of the highlights from the two days in the commencement photo slideshow. College of Business Administration College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences 1 College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences 2 College of Education, Health and Human Services 1 College of Education, Health and Human Services 2 College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Southwestern College (SWC) and Cal State San Marcos will host a ceremonial signing to celebrate a groundbreaking partnership that brings new bachelor’s degree programs directly to South County San Diego. This marks the first time CSUSM will offer degree pathways in the region, through a collaboration based at the newly established CSUSM @ SWC University Center. WHEN: Thursday, May 29, noon WHERE: Southwestern College – Chula Vista Campus Instructional & Discovery Complex – In front of the University Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910 WHO: Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President, Southwestern College (confirmed) Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President, CSUSM (confirmed) Assemblymember David Alvarez, California State Assembly (confirmed) Southwestern College and CSUSM faculty, deans and students WHY: This partnership brings accessible, high-demand bachelor’s degree programs to the heart of South County, enabling local students to complete their four-year degrees close to home. CSUSM @ SWC will launch programs in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems and Cyber Security in Fall 2026, followed by Human Development with emphasis on Wellness Coaching and Bilingual Speech Language Pathology in Fall 2027. These fields were selected based on findings from the 2023 Workforce and Education Needs Assessment conducted by the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center, Southwestern College and the City of Chula Vista. The report identified business, healthcare and technology – including cybersecurity and information systems – as among the highest-priority fields for new bachelor’s degree programs in South County. Additionally, the future-adjusted list of 147 priority occupations includes many roles that require bachelor’s degrees in healthcare and wellness-related fields, such as bilingual speech-language pathology and wellness coaching. The report notes that 73% of the region’s priority occupations are projected to require a bachelor’s degree at entry, yet the region remains underserved in terms of degree-granting institutions. With more than 600,000 residents, South County San Diego, anchored by Chula Vista, the largest city of its size in California without a public university offering bachelor’s degrees, faces a critical gap in higher education access. This absence limits the region’s ability to produce the skilled, degreed workforce required to meet projected demand across key sectors such as technology, healthcare and education. Expanding place-based access to four-year degree programs is essential not only for educational equity but also for strengthening regional economic competitiveness. The launch of CSUSM @ SWC is a strategic response that directly addresses this need, equipping South County residents to fill high-priority, high-wage occupations that drive long-term growth. QUOTES: “This partnership marks a turning point for South County,” said Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President of Southwestern College. “Together, we are not only expanding access to high-quality, affordable bachelor’s degrees, we are preparing our students to step directly into high-demand careers that power our regional economy. We are proud to welcome CSU San Marcos to South County.” “At Cal State San Marcos, our mission has always been centered on access and student success – and this partnership with Southwestern College is a powerful extension of that commitment,” said Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President of CSUSM. “By creating seamless pathways to higher education, we are not only expanding economic opportunity in South County, we are advancing social mobility for generations of students, families and communities.” VISUALS: Ceremonial signing, college leadership, local officials, students and the University Center backdrop. CONTACTS: Southwestern College: Armando Lamadrid, alamadrid@swccd.edu, 619-421-6700, ext. 5945 CSUSM: Jerry McCormick, jmccormick@csusm.edu, 619-549-9438   ABOUT SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE: Southwestern College, the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego, serves a diverse community of students through a wide range of high-quality academic programs, comprehensive student services, and visionary partnerships, including between Arizona State University and Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior (CETYS). With enrollment now exceeding pre-pandemic levels and Southwestern College’s championing of AB 91, thousands more local students are now reimagining what’s possible every day. Southwestern College also stimulates the development and growth of the region through partnerships, services and educational programs that meet the region’s economic and workforce demands. For more information, visit swccd.edu.

Cal State San Marcos’ new University Village Housing and Dining Project, which is expected to be ready in time for the fall 2026 semester, has been formally named Black Oak Hall and Kwilla Dining. The names were determined following thoughtful input from a campus naming committee and student representatives. Kwilla is the Luiseño word for “acorn” and was chosen to honor the local tribal heritage and the land on which CSUSM resides. The naming committee included Travis Douglas, executive director of Housing & Residential Education; Deanne Ellison, executive director/associate vice president of business development for CSUSM Corporation; Mejaumi Franco-Rosales, tribal liaison; Elaine Pollard, president of Associated Students, Inc.; Kaira Schafer, student building assistant for CSUSM Corporation; Jason Schreiber, dean of students; and Rayanne Weber, director of Planning, Design and Construction. The committee also consulted with Noah Lozano on proper Luiseño pronunciation and spelling. The committee sought names that reflected CSUSM’s natural surroundings, honored its history and, if appropriate, incorporated Luiseño language. The committee consulted with ASI, the Residence Hall Council and the resident community to survey their top choices. After gathering input, the committee presented the top two naming choices to the President’s Administrative Team before Black Oak Hall and Kwilla Dining were selected. Construction on the 2.5-acre site began in January 2024. The 137,000-square-foot project is being built on what was formerly Parking Lot O. It features a three-wing configuration to create gathering spaces and student life areas.   The seven-story residence hall – which includes a 10,000-square-foot dining facility – will have 555 beds, providing affordable housing for underserved, low-income students.  The project is being funded in part by $91 million received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature. Once completed, the project will expand access to affordable, on-campus housing while reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to student success. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

A ceremony celebrating academic achievement was the backdrop for a transformational moment in Native education.  During a deeply moving celebration last week honoring American Indian and Alaska Native graduates at Cal State San Marcos, leaders from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation stepped forward to make history. In an act that will reverberate through generations, they formally presented a $3 million endowment gift to the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC), the largest single gift in the university's history dedicated to Indigenous education and research.  The moment transcended a simple transaction. In a reciprocal gesture steeped in tradition and meaning, the CICSC presented the tribe with a one-of-a-kind painting entitled "The Gift," created by Eric Tippeconnic (Comanche), a CSUSM American Indian studies professor and celebrated artist whose work bridges Native culture through contemporary expression. The exchange served as a heartfelt tribute to an enduring relationship rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to Native student success.  “This gift represents more than financial support; it embodies the strength of our partnerships and our collective belief in the transformative power of Indigenous education,” said Joely Proudfit (Payómkawichum, Tongva), director of the CICSC and chair of American Indian studies. “When tribal nations invest in higher education, they are not just supporting individual students; they are affirming tribal sovereignty, cultural continuity and the inherent right of our people to define our own futures. This endowment will create pathways for Native students who might otherwise never see the possibility of higher education, ensuring that our voices, our knowledge systems and our ways of knowing continue to flourish in academic spaces."    A Partnership Forged in Vision and Reciprocity  “We are deeply honored by this generous investment from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This historic gift affirms the work we’ve accomplished and progress we’ve made, while underscoring the power of tribal-university partnerships to build a more inclusive future – one that uplifts Native voices, values Indigenous knowledge systems and reflects our shared commitment to meaningful collaboration and student success.”  The relationship between Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and CSUSM began more than a decade ago as a seed of possibility. When the tribe contributed nearly $1 million to help launch the university's CICSC, they weren't just funding a program – they were investing in a vision of what Indigenous education could become. Since then, the CICSC has evolved into a nationally recognized beacon for Native student success, groundbreaking research and transformative community engagement, serving as both a vital resource for California tribal communities and a blueprint for Indigenous-led initiatives in higher education nationwide.    Building Legacy, Transforming Lives  “Moments like this reflect the legacy we're building together – not just for today, but for the generations of Native leaders yet to come,” said Johnny Hernandez, vice chairman of the Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel. “We thank CSUSM for creating a space that truly amplifies Native voices and honors tribal perspectives with the respect they deserve. This investment will be transformational for generations to come – providing the resources needed to continue championing education, cultural preservation and the sovereignty of Native nations.”  As students, faculty, tribal leaders and community members gathered to honor Native American graduates, the ceremony underscored the profound influence of the CICSC, the only center of its kind in the California State University system. The timing was no coincidence; this gift was presented during a celebration of achievement, surrounded by the living embodiment of what such investments make possible.    When You Build It, They Will Come  With one of the highest per capita populations of American Indian and Alaska Native students in California, CSUSM has established itself as more than an educational institution – it has become a thriving intellectual home where Indigenous excellence flourishes. The university's commitment goes beyond enrollment numbers; it encompasses a holistic approach to Native student success that honors both academic achievement and cultural identity, creating an environment where students can pursue rigorous scholarship while remaining deeply connected to Indigenous knowledge and community values.  CICSC alumni serve as living testaments to this approach. They have gone on to hold leadership positions in tribal government, shape public policy at state and federal levels, and make meaningful contributions as educators who carry both Western knowledge and traditional teachings, artists who preserve and evolve cultural expression, health professionals who serve their communities with cultural competency, and cultural preservationists who ensure that Indigenous knowledge flows to future generations.    An Enduring Investment in Tomorrow  This $3 million endowment, amplified by a $1 million match contribution from the Epstein Family Foundation, represents more than monetary value. It is an investment in sovereignty, cultural continuity and the radical act of ensuring that Native students see themselves reflected in the halls of higher education. It will support scholarships, fund innovative research that centers Indigenous knowledge, expand community outreach programs and create new pathways for Native students to pursue their dreams while staying connected to their cultural roots.  In a world where Indigenous peoples continue to fight for recognition, respect and resources, this partnership between Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and CSUSM stands as a powerful example of what becomes possible when mutual respect meets genuine commitment to change. It demonstrates that when tribal nations and institutions of higher education work together as true partners, they can create ripple effects that extend far beyond campus boundaries, touching communities across Indian Country and beyond.  As the ceremony concluded and graduates prepared to take their next steps into the world, they carried with them not only their degrees but also the knowledge that their success is part of a larger story, one of resilience, partnership and the firm belief that Indigenous voices and knowledge have always belonged in every space, especially those where the future is being shaped.   Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Navigating Southern California traffic on a two-hour commute from Temescal Valley to Cal State San Marcos, Saide Gallegos is already well into her day while most students grumble about an early-morning class. Gallegos is on track to graduate this fall as a child and adolescent development major. Her academic path hasn’t been a straight line. “I graduated from high school in 2020 during COVID,” Gallegos said. “I started at my local community college that same summer and stayed at that college for three years, finishing my general education in 2023.” After earning an associate degree, Gallegos took an eight-month break not to relax or go on vacation, but to work. “I told myself that the only reason why I was taking those eight months off was to save up to come here and not have to work as much for my first semester because I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “I really struggled a lot in the community college, so I wanted to make sure that school was my priority.” By spring 2024, Gallegos was enrolled full-time at CSUSM. Her so-called “break” didn’t last long. Within weeks, she was back to juggling two jobs: cleaning homes and working at a local gym, all while maintaining a full-time course load. She started working at the gym out of necessity after losing her restaurant position during the pandemic, and the cleaning opportunity came by chance from the person who cleaned her family’s home. Despite her grueling schedule, Gallegos made the dean’s list last fall, an achievement that took her by surprise. “At first, I thought it was a scam email,” Gallegos said, laughing. “I knew I had done well, but I never thought I’d be recognized for it. It felt empowering. Like all the sacrifices had paid off.” As she reflects on her journey to get here, the word “sacrifice” frequently comes up. From the long commute to the long workdays, not to mention staying up late to study, Gallegos sees her hard-earned progress as not just a personal success but a tribute to resilience. “Passing isn’t always easy,” she said. Gallegos lives at home with her mom and is part of a tight-knit CSUSM legacy. Both her parents are alumni, and her younger sister is a student as well. Her family connections add more profound meaning to her academic milestones. Looking ahead, she plans to take another eight-month break after graduation. But again, calling it a break is probably not accurate. She’ll continue working two jobs to save for graduate school, prepare for the GRE and study for the Spanish proficiency exam required to enter the university’s credential program. Her goal is to become a dual immersion teacher and make an impact in bilingual classrooms. For now, Gallegos is focused on finishing strong. “Every day, I remind myself why I started,” she said. “It is about the sacrifices we make that are temporary for long-term success.” In a world where instant gratification often dominates, Gallegos is living proof that dedication, purpose and perseverance never go out of style.    Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314