Brick-and-mortar libraries were dying. So went the conventional wisdom around the turn of millennium, when the rise of the internet and all forms of digital technology threatened to make dusty tomes and the fortresses that housed them obsolete. Someone must have forgotten to pass that memo to the dozens of people who were eagerly waiting for Kellogg Library to open its doors for the first time on the morning of Jan. 20, 2004. The five-story structure, the largest in the California State University system at that stage, had been anticipated at Cal State San Marcos almost since its founding 15 years earlier, and here it was – finally a reality, a testament to the bold vision and ambition of a young university. Judith Downie, a former CSUSM student who by then was the first alumnus of the university to become tenure-track faculty (as a humanities librarian), was one of several library employees who were greeting visitors on that day. “We unlocked the doors,” Downie recalled, “and it was like a tidal wave of students who came in to explore this new space just for them.” The opening of Kellogg Library fundamentally shifted the focal point of the campus, which for more than a decade had been the area around University Commons and the Administrative Building (then Craven Hall). It also marked a significant departure from other university libraries and particularly those in the CSU system, many of which had been built in the early-to-mid 20^th century and thus felt like relics from bygone generations. “We have the enormous benefit of having entered the modern era of university libraries with Kellogg,” said Char Booth, the library’s interim co-dean for administration and advancement. “That was a really important time. It was a time of reckoning with what academic libraries were going to become, a lot of talk about e-books – are libraries necessary, are they even important anymore? And what you see is that absolutely they are, and we built a building that embodies how important this resource can be to a learning community, a student community.” At 200,000 square feet, Kellogg remains one of the biggest libraries in the 23-campus CSU system. But it’s no fortress. Unlike many of its peers, which can feel dark and forbidding, it’s veritably bathed in natural light and boasts impressive vistas of the surrounding landscape from its multiple balconies and patios. And unlike many of its peers, it largely eschews long, intimidating stacks of books in favor of open and dedicated spaces designed for student collaboration. Across its five floors, Kellogg features 1,443 seats that can be used for studying. To facilitate the numerous collective projects at CSUSM, the library has 43 group study rooms with a combined capacity of 289 seats, and that doesn’t include the intimate Reading Room, a fifth-floor events venue that doubles as a study nook. Kellogg has shown a capacity to evolve with the times. Two years ago, in response to student needs, library leadership undertook a construction job in which the original computer stations near the third-floor entrance were replaced by a new area called the Hybrid Learning Lab, a partnership with Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) that includes individual study pods, group study spaces, an upgraded computer lab, Zoom rooms and comfortable furniture. “There are nap pods, there are fold-out chairs,” Booth said. “You can plug in, or you can use group seating for collaborating. … If you’re tired, we want you to be able to take a nap. If you’re hungry, we want you to be able to get a snack from the satellite food pantry (on the second floor) that we’ve worked with the Cougar Pantry to create.” This spring marked the debut of The Makery, a makerspace that reimagined a second-floor area that formerly housed media services. That low-fi addition to the library – featuring sewing machines, a craft printer, a button maker and myriad other supplies for arts and crafts – joined an existing high-tech one in Inspiration Studios, with its video, photography and audio production services. “These are good, recent reflections of how we really want students to make this library their own and find ways to express themselves and consider this building a home,” Booth said. During the infancy of CSUSM, it was the library that was searching for a home, or at least one with some degree of permanence. Like the rest of the new institution, it originated as part of so-called Cal State Jerome’s, the university that was born next to a furniture store in a strip mall off Highway 78. There were only two library employees in that founding year of 1989: interim director, and future dean, Marion Reid (whose husband, Brooks, was a founding faculty member) and the first person she hired, Cathie Dorsett. They worked in concert with Bonnie Biggs, then the librarian of San Diego State’s North County campus and an eventual associate dean of CSUSM’s library. The library, such as it was, occupied two ends of a building – with public services, magazines and two CD-ROM stations on one side and the humble book collection and staff offices on the other. It was a different era, to be sure. “My first day, I remember Marion said, ‘This is your cubicle, and there’s a computer,’ ” Dorsett said. “I had never touched a computer. I was terrified. And she said, ‘And there’s already some email for you.’ I was like, ‘What’s email?’ ” By 1991, SDSU North County was gone and the CSUSM library had grown to 15 employees. One of them was Downie, who was hired as a student assistant on the first day of orientation. “They put me in charge of delivering media equipment, like TVs and VCRs, on a cart,” Downie said. “We did what we had to do to provide students and faculty with what they needed.” CSUSM shifted its operations from the strip mall location to the hillside campus gradually, as new edifices were completed. Among the final units to make the move was the library, in the spring of 1993. It took over parts of the third and fourth floors of the Administrative Building, with the entrance from the Tukwut Courtyard. The library’s new footprint was substantially larger, but the digs were far from ideal. Reid remembers that the space didn’t have lights at the beginning, so employees had to leave work as soon as it got dark outside. And even when the lighting came, it wasn’t suitable for a library because the room had been designed to contain a TV recording studio. “The walls were dark, and the ceiling was a black, acoustic-type ceiling,” Downie said. “The day we opened up, a student walked in, looked around and said, ‘What’s with the cocktail lightning?’ There were sections of the stacks where you basically felt like you had to have a flashlight to read.” The problems didn’t stop there. There weren’t enough computers or chairs to keep up with demand. There were only four study rooms initially, and all four had to be converted into faculty offices. There were, for some reason known only to 1990s design aesthetics, double-decker study carrels. By the middle of the decade, it was clear that the library had outgrown its two floors in the admin building. But where could it go? This was a period when no less an authority than Barry Munitz, then-chancellor of the CSU system, was saying CSUSM didn’t need a library because – does this sound familiar? – all books were going to be electronic. Into this uncertainty stepped the couple for whom the library would be named. W. Keith Kellogg II was the grandson of the cereal magnate, and he and his wife Jean eventually settled in Rancho Santa Fe and began directing some of their philanthropy toward CSUSM. In 1996, the Kelloggs donated $1 million to the university, then the largest gift in its history, to kick-start a project to construct a standalone library. They ultimately gave $1.5 million for the library, securing naming rights in the process, and also established an endowment that continues to fund library renovations to the present. The groundbreaking took place in 2001, and the final price tag for Kellogg Library was $48 million. About six weeks after the doors opened to students, a grand opening ceremony was held on March 5, 2004, attended by new CSUSM President Karen Haynes (in her first semester on the job), U.S. Rep. Randall “Duke” Cunningham (one year before he went to prison on bribery charges) and, of course, the Kelloggs. Reid spoke at the event while wearing clothes reminiscent of early-1900s England. “It was fun, a physical symbol of the importance of libraries,” Reid said of her outfit. “The message was: Look how far we’ve come and how advanced libraries always have tried to be. This isn’t a new thing.” Reid worked closely with the architecture firm Carrier Johnson on nearly aspect of the library’s design and construction, particularly the interior. “It was hours and hours and hours of time. But we had to do it,” she said. “Somebody had to speak for the people who were going to use the space.” Kellogg Library opened with 35 total employees, and though the structure was new, the staff had long since begun to think of themselves as family. In at least one case, the dynamic became literal. Dorsett had a son named Ryan in 1992, and he was 12 years old when Kellogg was born. Ryan doesn’t remember spending much time there – like many teenagers, he was a devotee of video games – but he valued his mother’s profession and, if nothing else, he gained an appreciation for the library through osmosis. He enrolled at CSUSM in 2010 and, with Cathie’s help, immediately started working for the library as a student assistant. He stayed on for his five years of undergraduate education, then returned as a full-time employee in 2018. Last year, two years after his mom’s retirement, he transitioned from working in media reserves to becoming coordinator of The Makery. “Some of the staff have known me since I was a baby. A lot of those relationships have carried on into the present, and it has made certain areas of the library feel really special to me,” Ryan Dorsett said. “I know that there are people here who I can go to and rely on now that my mom is retired. They are my other library moms. “For me, this place is like an extension of home. It’s been a huge part of my life, in more ways than I can express.” The Dorsett legacy in the library means just as much to Cathie. “Talk about full circle,” she said. “I worked here before he was even a twinkle in my eye, and to have him coming in, I was so excited. It felt so right, and I knew he would love it, and he did and he does. It was one of my proudest moments to have my son here and watch him grow and make his own way.” As Kellogg Library marks its 20^th anniversary – a celebration will take place Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Kellogg Plaza – it’s preparing to begin its next chapter with a new leader, as a permanent dean could be announced by the end of the year. Whoever is hired will inherit a strategic plan that will guide the library for the proceeding five years. A big part of the plan involves further rethinking of the building’s space. The Makery breathed fresh life into the second floor this spring, as the Hybrid Learning Lab had done for the third floor in 2022. The library has been raising money for its next signature project, a planned 8,200-square-foot renovation on the fifth floor that would expand and enliven the area dedicated to the Special Collections Department, currently located on the first floor, well beyond public view. The library, however, wants to solicit feedback from the campus community about other ways that the upper two floors could be made over. Booth envisions, for instance, a family study room that would allow student parents to do their classwork while their children play with toys or games. And Booth would like to devote more space to highlighting student art and complement the existing art in Kellogg such as the twice-annual Context Exhibit Series and the striking mural by Jessica Sabogal that greets students in the stairwell. “One thing we hear is that we likely don’t need to devote quite as much of our floor plan to storing books,” Booth said. “As our electronic resources grow, we can imagine different possibilities for those floors that could be larger areas for collaboration, more technology-rich spaces.” From its humble origins in a strip mall, the CSUSM library has long been and remains the beating heart of campus. There’s a reason why Kellogg averages a million visitors per year, and it goes far beyond students cramming for their finals. Reid recalls giving a tour of the library to a former CSUSM provost who had been involved in the planning but left the university before construction was complete. “What he said afterward was that this building makes his heart sing,” said Reid, who retired in 2009. “I think about that a lot. My husband and I live in San Marcos, and it’s nice for us still to be able to look up on the hill and see it. I can’t imagine it being any other way than it is —the building, the community, the family.” Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Most people give up when they’re faced with rejection.   Andrew Minjares stayed persistent toward his goals after many setbacks, and that has earned him a gold medal.   Minjares’ barbershop quartet, Rest Assured, placed in the top 20 in the nation last summer. In addition, the a cappella group he’s a member of – internationally renowned The Westminster Chorus in La Mirada – captured first in the nation and scored a perfect 100 in the 2024 BHS International Chorus Championships.   Minjares is a fifth-year communication major on track to graduate this year.  “Never in barbershop conventions has a score of 100 been achieved,” Minjares said. “It was a very surreal experience.”   Minjares describes his high school singing experience as always being the one to win “the most improved” award in his chorus. Although this hurt his confidence, it never destroyed it. His many setbacks have led to an incredible comeback as a Cal State San Marcos student.   A barbershop quartet is four people singing a cappella and each adding certain elements to the song. A chorus is essentially a larger version of a barbershop quartet in that it can be 90 people singing the different positions.   Minjares' position in both is the melody, which he describes as “the lead and the storyteller.”  Since Minjares joined his high school chorus, he dreamed of being a part of the Westminster Chorus.   “I never thought I'd ever be good enough to be in that chorus because they won Choir of the World in 2009, which is the most prestigious choir World Award that can be achieved,” he said. “So, I thought, 'There's no way that I could ever be in that chorus. I'm not good enough to be in that chorus.' ”   In his first audition for Westminster Chorus, he felt that familiar pang of rejection. He didn’t earn a spot but instead received some much-needed criticism on what to work on for the next time he’d audition.  “They were testing my ability to be coached, to be persistent and to apply the concepts that they're telling me to,” Minjares said. “The next week I came back and I auditioned, and I got in. It only took me two attempts.”   Minjares’ resilience and openness to being coached allowed him to get into the prestigious choir of his dreams.   Juggling school and his singing responsibilities have been a bit challenging at times.   Minjares stresses the importance of fitting the choir and quartet into his schedule, despite these challenges.  “I do homework in the car on the way there, and then I do homework on the way back,” he said. “I've even taken some exams in the car. I've tried to fit this choir into my schedule because it's what I need for my self-fulfillment needs and my psychological needs. There are 90 guys up there, and we really have to battle the topic of toxic masculinity because we're all trying to be the best brothers we can be, the best fathers.   “How can I be the best version of myself?”   Despite the challenge of balancing his choir/quartet and his schoolwork, Minjares was on the Dean’s List last spring and is on track to graduate this year. He is looking forward to finding a job in the communications field, while also prioritizing his barbershop quartet and chorus.   Minjares credits communication professor Robert Gutierrez with making him excited to show up to class.  “He made the subject matter interesting,” Minjares said. “I could relate it to my life. Everything he said stayed in my memory, which is rare for me in my classes. I think this was due to the fact that it was very interactive.”   Gutierrez not only worked with Minjares in class, he attended his performances.   It seems Minjares made an impact on his professor in more ways than one.   “I remember watching him perform on stage and being so proud of him,” Gutierrez said. “As a student, Andrew always asked great questions and contributed to class conversations with meaningful personal narratives and impressive insights on the assigned readings. I always felt like Andrew and I shared a love for our Latino cultures and a love for the power of performance to transform lives.  “I am proud of his accomplishments, and I know that this is just the beginning for this bright star.”  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Having the first name Symphony, a career in music might seem predestined. You might expect them to be participating in an orchestra or entertaining large crowds when learning of their name.  However, for Symphony Rutkowski, a junior biological sciences major at Cal State San Marcos, the name was more of a spontaneous decision. “My mom always tells me she was just driving and thought, ‘What about the name Symphony?’ ” Rutkowski said. Despite her name's connection to the arts,  Rutkowski is fully invested in her scientific strengths. She was accepted to Cal State San Marcos’ BEARS program, which stands for Building Early Awareness and Research in Science, during her freshman year and participated for the two-year duration offered. BEARS, the school’s first bioengineering training program, is in its second year and co-directed by biology professors Tracey Brown and Carlos Luna Lopez. It is a scholarship-based program that is federally funded by the ESTEEMED (Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Educations Diversity) program at the National Institutes of Health. The program selects a cohort of first-year undergraduate students who are interested in bioengineering and biomedical research. Each cohort of students completes a two-year paid program that has activities and research at CSUSM and UCSD. Students participate in the program from the summer before starting at CSUSM through the summer after their second academic year. The goal of the program is to enhance the diversity of the biomedical research workforce. During their first academic year, students are connected with faculty and advanced students to learn about campus research projects. During that summer, they will do an extended group research project with their cohort to help introduce them to bioengineering research. The summer after their second academic year, they join a professor at CSUSM or UCSD for an individual research opportunity. During the final summer, students are paid $2,000 to conduct their own research projects with faculty from CSUSM or UCSD and present in the CSUSM Summer Poster Showcase. “We did a lot in the program,” Rutkowski said. “Usually every week, we dedicated a certain amount of time to learn some kind of practical techniques and applications in the lab that you might see. “We did fluorescent imaging of breast cells and we gained familiarity with techniques such as pipetting. We also did welding, which was something I'd never experienced before.” Students also attended the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists. While attending the conference, students get to hear presentations from a variety of other students and professionals in the field.  “The conference essentially gave me a lot of exposure to what you should be seeing as a scientist,” Rutkowski said. “Overall, I would say it was a very good experience to see what a scientist can become and the introduction to it.” Exposure and opening opportunities are top priorities for the BEARS program. “It definitely gears you toward getting into another program, especially if you have ambitions of a master's or a Ph.D.” said Rutkowski, who plans to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. “It sets you up for that trajectory, just getting to know the people in the CTREE (Center for Training, Research, and Educational Excellence) community that was like my gateway.” Following her involvement in the BEARS program, Rutkowski is a part of the U-RISE, which is intended to prepare talented and motivated minority undergraduate students majoring in the sciences to enter and succeed in doctoral studies.  “I'm very grateful for the opportunity and the community itself,” Rutkowski said, "Everyone is extremely supportive. All of the coordinators, Dr. Luna and Dr. Brown, are very open to talk to you and get you the help and support you need as are the people I met there. So you start to develop friendships with these people and you see them in your classes. There's people I still talk to from that cohort.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos has earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment and more intentionally serve Latinx students.  The honor was announced Tuesday by Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latinx student success in higher education. CSUSM is one of only 17 colleges and universities to earn the Seal of Excelencia in 2024. In 2018, Excelencia introduced the seal to certify colleges and universities for their efforts to become learning environments where Latinx, and all, students thrive. This year marks the organization’s 20th year of service to accelerate Latinx student success in higher education. The Seal of Excelencia framework represents a rigorous assessment of certified institutions’ intentionality and impact in improving outcomes such as retention, financial support and degree completion for Latinx students by aligning efforts across data, practice and leadership. Seal certification remains valid for three years, after which institutions can recertify progress. “I am incredibly proud that CSUSM earned the Seal of Excelencia, a testament to our commitment to Latinx success,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of over 40 campus partners, and I’m deeply grateful to our students, faculty and staff for their dedication in making CSUSM a truly Hispanic-serving institution. Neufeldt was set to join other higher education, business, philanthropy and government leaders in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to recognize CSUSM and the seven other institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia for the first time, as well as nine institutions that earned recertification. The announcement was part of Excelencia in Education’s National Policy Forum, focused on innovating policies to accelerate Latinx degree attainment and strengthen America’s civic leadership and workforce. “The colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia lead the charge in meeting our nation’s degree attainment goals,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia of Education. “They demonstrate commitment to Latino student success through impact and ongoing self-assessment.” CSUSM joins a collective of 46 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia. Together, they represent less than 1% of all institutions but enroll 17% and graduate 19% of all Latinx students nationwide.  Along with CSUSM, the seven other newly certified Seal of Excelencia institutions are Cal State East Bay, Cal State San Bernardino, Cerritos College, Hartnell College, Pima Community College (Tucson, Ariz.), San Francisco State and Sul Ross State (Alpine, Texas). The nine recertified Seal of Excelencia institutions are Cal State Fullerton, Fresno State, Miami Dade College, San Diego State, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, UC Merced, UC Riverside, University of Central Florida, Wilbur Wright College (Chicago). Before CSUSM earned the Seal of Excelencia, Neufeldt made the decision to join Excelencia’s national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS). The network comprises over 200 higher education leaders committed to making their institutions learning environments where Latinx students thrive. Institutions in the P4LSS network are eligible to apply for the seal.  CSUSM has made significant strides since achieving federal Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status in 2010 with 27% Latinx enrollment. Latinx students now comprise 52% of CSUSM's undergraduate population, with 54.5% of undergraduate students being the first in their families to pursue higher education and 46% being Pell Grant recipients. Among CSUSM's programs and practices that promote Latinx student success are:  College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which serves first-year students from migrant/seasonal farmworker backgrounds and enrolls nearly 50 Latinx students annually while recruiting hundreds more through outreach efforts. National Latino Research Center, which advances knowledge of Latinx populations through nationally recognized initiatives serving immigrant, migrant, farmworker and bilingual communities. It helps attract and retain Latinx faculty, administrators and staff while offering internship and research opportunities to students. Cougar Pantry, which provides free groceries weekly, including nonperishable goods, produce, dairy products and personal hygiene items. It supports thousands of Latinx students and their families each year. Latinx Center, which works to promote equity, a sense of belonging and cultural empowerment. Spanish-speaking family orientations, which welcome incoming Latinx students and their parents. CSUSM will celebrate its achievement of the Seal of Excelencia when it holds its annual HSI Summit on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Open to the campus community, the hybrid event will include a presentation on the university’s journey to earning the seal and a fireside chat with campus leadership. Learn more about CSUSM’s Seal of Excelencia application process and other campus efforts supporting Latinx students here. 

When Cal State San Marcos was founded 35 years ago, about 450 students were enrolled. This year, the university is at its highest enrollment in history, with nearly 17,000 students.  CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt opened her annual Report to the Community speech on Sept. 19 by recounting this impressive growth. She spoke alongside other notable community figures and Associated Students, Inc., president Octavio Martinez in front of nearly 400 guests at The Sports Center. Attendees included various business, education, government and nonprofit leaders, all of whom have helped support CSUSM in different ways.  Not only is this year the 35th anniversary of the university, but it’s also Neufeldt’s fifth anniversary as president.  Neufeldt discussed how much the CSUSM community has grown – not just in enrollment numbers, but also physically. North City, located a short walk from campus, has expanded over the years. The development is home to student housing, restaurants and other businesses for students and others to visit and enjoy. Also close to campus are Palomar Health, Scripps and Kaiser Permanente. North City sponsored and helped host Report to the Community.  As Neufeldt shared, CSUSM ranks among the top 1% of universities nationally in the social mobility of its graduates, according to the Social Mobility Index by CollegeNET. It also ranked as a Tier 1 school for social mobility in the Economic Mobility Index by the think tank Third Way earlier this month.  “Our shared vision of CSUSM has been clear from the very beginning: ensuring that any student who dreams of earning a college degree has that opportunity,” Neufeldt said. Added Martinez, the ASI president: “Social mobility is the empowerment to overcome historical obstacles, which then enables lifelong success.”  Neufeldt highlighted a few alumni who have stood out by doing amazing things recently. Among them are Alec Frank, Yuri Rodea, and Jeremy and Tracy Ford, a married couple who founded a virtual reality company called Lightning Tours.   Neufeldt talked about the positive effects of the $10 million gift that CSUSM received from the Price Philanthropies Foundation this spring. Using this donation, the university launched a new accelerated bachelor’s degree program to address the region's behavioral health needs. Earlier this month, Neufeldt was welcomed by Rancho Buena Vista High School, which is piloting the dual enrollment program. Next month, CSUSM will host a summit with local school districts to discuss other potential in-demand career pathways for the dual-enrollment, three-year degree format. Neufeldt also shared the news that CSUSM is a finalist for the Seal of Excelencia, a designation awarded to institutions that meet rigorous standards in supporting Latinx student success. Neufeldt will travel to Washington, D.C., next week to learn if the university has been awarded the seal.  CSUSM is coming off a record-breaking fundraising performance, totaling $26.6 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Included in that amount are the two largest philanthropic gifts in university history, adding up to $20 million. The gifts are having a direct, positive impact on the university and community, with plans for CSUSM’s biggest fundraising campaign in progress.  “The deep-rooted belief that we are stronger together is a call to action, a challenge for all of us to push further and reach higher,” Neufeldt said. “I am excited to see what this year and the next years will bring as we continue to break boundaries and uphold our promise of transforming lives through education.” Other highlights from Neufeldt’s Report to the Community speech included: Thanks to a recent partnership between CSUSM and Palomar College, nursing students can enroll in a fast-track program in which they receive both an associate and bachelor’s degree in nursing during one seamless three-year period.  This fall, CSUSM launched its first cohort of computer engineers and received the news of being accredited by ABET, a worldwide agency. CSUSM is in the process of creating an industrial and systems engineering degree, which will be the first bachelor's degree of its kind in San Diego County.  CSUSM is working to raise private and government support for its future Integrated Science and Engineering building. U.S. Rep. Scott Peters donated $1.8 million to help equip the facility.  Ranjeeta Basu, a CSUSM economics professor and the faculty director for the Center for Contemplative Practices, is examining how cultivating compassion through mindfulness can address the global care crisis.  Richard Armenta, an associate professor of kinesiology, is leading a $1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to encourage American Indian youth to become thoughtful science scholars. The emcee of Report to the Community was Shelia Brown, an executive for Palomar Health and chair of CSUSM’s University Council. Chris Devers of the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians led the land acknowledgement. Darren Levitt, vice president of Sea Breeze Properties, the developer of North City, presented the CSUSM Community Partner of the Year Award to Devers and TrueCare. The award honors community partners who have engaged with CSUSM over many years in ways that have supported student success, community growth and development, with a focus on justice and inclusion. Bret Schanzenbach, the 2023 recipient of the Fran Aleshire Leadership Award, presented this year's award to Cathy Baur, the recently retired president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos and CSUSM’s former vice president of University Advancement. This award is presented to those who stand out in their leadership skills, focusing on results-oriented action and showing selfless community service.

In 2009, Minh Tran’s family moved to Escondido from Vietnam, the only home that he, his parents and his two older siblings had ever known. Tran was only 7 years old, and while his father and mother were busy navigating their new lives in a foreign land and his brother and sister were busy with teenage pursuits, he was often left alone to entertain himself.  Tran did have a companion, however: a small laptop that his dad gave to him. He would spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of the device, and eventually many corners of the internet as well. With the help of his siblings, he began to use the computer to learn the bedeviling language of English. It probably wasn’t a coincidence that, when Tran enrolled at Cal State San Marcos in 2021, he chose computer science as his major. Now he’s being recognized for excellence in the discipline. Tran, a fourth-year student who’s on track to graduate in May 2025, was honored Tuesday as CSUSM’s recipient of the 2024 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, the California State University’s highest recognition of student accomplishment. Students are selected based on academic achievements, financial need, excellence in community service and personal hardship. Awardees have all demonstrated inspirational resolve along the path to college success, and many are the first in their families to attend college.  The CSU recognizes 23 students every year – one from each campus – with the Trustees’ Award. Tran received his award in person during a ceremony as part of the CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach on Sept. 24 “I’m very surprised I won,” Tran said. “Maybe it’s my imposter syndrome that made me think perhaps I don’t deserve it. But I try to ignore that because I’ve worked very hard, put in a lot of hours and effort, to get to where I am.” Tran has started his final year at CSUSM after a summer in which he participated in CSUSM’s venerable Summer Scholars Program. Under the guidance of software engineering professor Yongjie Zheng, he worked on an artificial intelligence-themed project titled “Empowering AI-Based Source Code Plagiarism Checking With Prompt Engineering.” Zheng, who has served as Tran’s faculty mentor since January, was one of multiple CSUSM representatives to write a letter recommending him for the Trustees’ Award. “From my interactions with Minh, I can tell that he is innovative, independent and open-minded,” Zheng said. “He has the potential to be a great student researcher. I’m particularly impressed by his strong and broad interest in many computer science topics, such as AI, cybersecurity and software reliability.” The previous summer, in 2023, Tran was accepted into the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, which helps students gain research experience in any of the areas funded by the National Science Foundation. Spending nine weeks at the University of Nebraska Omaha, he completed a project that addressed the security of Internet of Things devices, then presented his results a few months later at a computer science conference in Washington. Those trips marked the first and second times he had left California since settling here as an immigrant boy. “I definitely enjoyed it,” Tran said of his time in Omaha with 10 other students from across the nation. “It was a new experience, making new friends, meeting new mentors and having fun memories.” Besides professors like Zheng, Tran attributes much of his success at CSUSM to the TRIO Student Support Services program, and specifically to its director, Heather Northway. Tran began regular visits with Northway as a freshman, and he says she has helped him in numerous ways, from referring him to Student Health & Counseling Services when he was struggling mentally and emotionally, to recommending him for the REU program, to informing him of campus resources like Summer Scholars and the Faculty Mentoring Program. “She’s one of the most wonderful people I’ve met,” he said. “She’s a big part of the reason why I’ve been able to make it to my senior year. I would have had a lot more trouble otherwise.” Tran would like to apply his computer science degree to a career in AI or cybersecurity, though he’s not sure whether he first wants to pursue an advanced degree. “I find these cutting-edge fields to be very intriguing,” Tran said, “and I’m excited to see what’s next.” Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Cal State San Marcos placed highly in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, including 22nd in the overall ranking for best universities in the West. The university also ranks 12th in top public schools in the West and No. 8 in top performers in social mobility for the West. CSUSM improved its ranking in all three categories compared to last year, moving up six spots overall in the West, one spot in top public schools and three spots in social mobility.  Data from hundreds of schools was used to determine rankings.  The university has placed highly in other recent rankings: 97th out of 500 in the Wall Street Journal 27th out of 200 in Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for the Buck: West” 38th out of 589 in Washington Monthy’s list of schools that award a significant number of master’s degrees Tier 1 school in Third Way’s Economic Mobility Index Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The university library kicked off this year's Common Read in front of Kellogg Library on Thursday, Aug. 29, by giving students free books that are a part of this year's selected material.  For the third straight year, Cal State San Marcos is bringing attention to banned books. Common Read annually gives students an opportunity to connect with and grow understanding of other communities.  This year's selected books focus on African American, Latinx, Asian American, American Indian, LGBTQ and other characters, or challenge the status quo. These books are some of the thousands that have been banned across schools and libraries in America. Many of the books banned center around marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQIA persons and people of color.   Banned Books Week takes place at the end of the month, and CSUSM’s library will be hosting several events that coincide with the week.  This year's five Common Read books that the committee selected include: “Baddawi” by Leila Abdelrazaq “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison “An Indigenous People's History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi “V for Vendetta” by Alan Moore “It’s important for students to know that books are being banned here in California, not just in faraway places, and what that means for them,” said Allison Carr, CSUSM’s academic transitions librarian. “Reading books written by diverse authors opens up our perspectives to different lived experiences, which build empathy. Books written by authors from historically marginalized groups are disproportionately targeted for censorship to keep people from building that empathy, which keeps us divided.” This year's Banned Books Week will take place Sept. 23-27, and the library will have another book giveaway on Sept. 24. There will also be a Graphic Book Novel Club meeting on Sept. 26 where students can attend a discussion about the history of censorship of comic books and graphic novels. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Cal State San Marcos’ Latinx Center is partnering with campus organizations to present an exciting lineup of events. The month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and diverse backgrounds of Hispanic-identifying people. Everyone is invited to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month events.   Latinx Heritage Month Reception Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5-8:30 p.m., Forum Plaza Kick off Latinx Heritage Month with cultural music, a speaker, games, student org tabling, food and performances.   Chingona Fest Tuesday, Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. brunch event, 5-8 p.m. festival event, USU Ballroom Join the Latinx Center and Women and Gender Equity Center for Chingona Fest to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month.   My Culture is not a Trend  Tuesday, Sept. 24, noon-1 p.m., USU 3300 (Latinx Center) Learn about problematic stigmas that society creates and the inappropriate portrayal of members in the Latinx community.    Shared Roots (in collaboration with APIDA) Wednesday, Oct. 2, noon-1 p.m., USU 3300 (Latinx Center) APIDA and Latinx communities will explore shared roots.   Cafecito Con Pan Tuesday, Oct. 8, noon-1 p.m., USU 3300 (Latinx Center) Students will hear from success coaches Samantha Bosch and Elizabeth Hernandez.   Joteria Night (in collaboration with PRIDE) Thursday, Oct. 10, noon- 1 p.m., USU 3100 (Pride Center)   Feminism in Latin America (in collaboration with WGEC) Tuesday, Oct. 15, noon-1 p.m., USU 3200 (WGEC)  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos welcomed nearly 17,000 new and returning students, the most in school history, to kick off the fall semester Monday. President Ellen Neufeldt expressed excitement and optimism during her annual convocation address to faculty and staff last Thursday. “Our collective achievements continue to grow, and what I cherish most is how all our efforts are deeply tied to student success and social mobility,” Neufeldt said. Neufeldt also highlighted the importance of the university’s fundraising efforts, which brought in $26.6 million in the last fiscal year, more than double the previous year’s record. “As a university, we are always committed to opening doors and creating new opportunities for our students,” she said. “Our record-breaking fundraising activity this year is a testament to that commitment. … “This just shows the strength of our community and commitment to supporting our important mission of student success and advancing economic and social mobility in our region.”   A year of generosity The university celebrated a milestone in its fundraising efforts with a record $26 million raised for fiscal year 2023-24 – more than double the previous record of $12.5 million set a year earlier.  Generous donors contributed a total of 5,290 gifts, highlighting the community’s commitment to programs that promote social and economic mobility and ensuring student success across the university’s diverse student population.    CSUSM named to best colleges list  CSUSM was named to the “Best Colleges in America 2024” list by Money magazine. CSUSM received a rating of 4 stars out of 5 in the new system developed this year by Money.   Weeks of Welcome The annual Weeks of Welcome, which started Aug. 23, includes dozens of events for students to meet new people and kick off the academic year. Visit the Weeks of Welcome calendar for a complete schedule.   Arts & Lectures for fall The university’s longstanding Arts & Lectures series recently released its fall lineup. This season boasts a diverse selection of five events. Attendees can reserve tickets online via the Arts & Lectures website.   Summer highlights   CSUSM hosted its first REP4 summit, a two-day event to gather fresh ideas from young students to improve equity and remove some of the barriers to college.   CSUSM, together with the Cyber Center of Excellence, National University and San Diego State University, was selected to receive $1 million in grant funding and wraparound support from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund to establish a San Diego Cyber Clinic.  On July 1, CSUSM was awarded a new grant from the Office of Naval Research for 5 years and up to $12.5 million dollars to broaden the scope of the program and further grow partnerships with the Navy bases and personnel.  The Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving team won two Global CASE Awards, just the second time in campus history that Cal State San Marcos has been bestowed the honor.   Business student Tanner Vodraska became the first surfer in university history to win an individual national title.  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

An event featuring a dance project that addresses mass incarceration highlights the fall lineup of the longstanding Arts & Lectures series at Cal State San Marcos.   This season boasts a diverse selection of five events as the university hosts renowned guest speakers and performances.   Attendees can reserve tickets online via the Arts & Lectures website beginning Aug. 26.     Mexicans: Hispanic, Chicanos or Native? A Journey of Self-Identification and Cultural Reclamation Sept. 18, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom This lecture by cultural practitioner Grace Sesma dives into the complex identities of Mexicans, exploring the terms Hispanic, Latino, Chicano and Native. Sesma will reflect on the profound impacts of colonization, including the loss of culture, tribal identity, land and community. Through historical narratives and personal stories, she will examine how these identities have evolved and the struggles faced in maintaining cultural heritage. Sesma will highlight the resilience of the communities in reclaiming traditions, language and land, and discuss the significance of self-identification and the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate the culture. CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: Free Community: $5   Intersections: Opera and Musical Theater Sept. 27, 7 p.m., Arts 111 Collaborating with esteemed pianist and CSUSM music professor Ching-Ming Cheng, Caroline Nelms will lead a captivating exploration of the parallels between the beloved art forms of opera and musical theater. The concert will highlight pieces that share common characters or storylines, offering a fresh perspective on familiar narratives. The audience can expect an evening of rich vocal performance, along with Nelms’ personal anecdotes, adding a touch of comedy and warmth to the experience. CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: $5 Community: $10   Dancing Through Prison Walls Oct. 8, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom Dancing Through Prison Walls is a California-based dance and performance project whose mission is to amplify voices of incarcerated individuals and address mass incarceration. The event features a screening of the 2021 documentary “Undanced Dances Through Prison Walls During a Pandemic,” which highlights six choreographies written by incarcerated dancers from their bunks inside prison. The dances are performed by members of the Dancing Through Prison Walls community, with deep knowledge in a diversity of styles including hip-hop, breaking, tap, performance art, quebradita, spoken word, butoh and contemporary dance. After the film, artistic director Suchi Branfman will host a community discussion with the Dancing Through Prison Walls team of artists. CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: $5 Community: $10   Musica Latina: Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month With Camarada  Oct. 15, noon, Arts 111 Since 1994, Camarada has been creating connections between its San Diego audience, its renowned guest artists and its diverse range of musical programming. Camarada will present Musica Latina, a program for flute, violin, double bass and piano in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and including the music of Miguel del Aguila, Manuel Ponce, Astor Piazzolla and Andres Martin. An Argentinian, Martin is a world-renowned composer and bass player whose arrangements and commissions for Camarada reflect the flavor and fervor of contemporary tango as well as the pulse of Latin America. Other performers include Beth Ross Buckley, flute; David Buckley, violin; and CSUSM lecturer Dana Burnett, piano. CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: Free Community: $5   Cities and Cultural Production in the Developing World: Insights From Pune, India Oct. 28, 6 p.m., Arts 111 Kiran Shinde will offer insights on public spaces and public art in Pune – a bustling metro in India – to illustrate how artists, designers, architects and built-environment professionals can contribute to the production of visual culture in a city. Shinde will present several public projects that his team has implemented in Pune to inspire students and staff from different disciplines to take active roles in promoting better visual culture in their cities. He’s the founder of Pune Biennale – a festival of art, design and architecture – and has organized three successful editions of the event in partnership with Pune Municipal Corporation CSUSM students: Free Faculty/staff/alumni: Free Community: $5 Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Austin Ott had never watched an episode of “The Bachelorette” when he received a DM on Instagram from the show encouraging him to apply.  Ott immediately sent it to his mom, who is a huge fan of the show, and she quickly became his No. 1 supporter to try out.  Ott later received news that he would travel to Los Angeles and begin filming for the 21^st season of the hit ABC series, a reality TV dating show where a single woman meets a group of 25 romantic interests in hopes of finding her future husband.  The contestants were introduced in the first episode, which premiered July 8. Each participant made a grand entrance where they met this season's bachelorette, Jenn Tran, for the first time.  “The limo entrance was crazy,” Ott said. “You can always have it in your head of how it’ll look, but until it smacks you in the face, you have no idea what that feeling is like. No one can prepare you for that.” However, Ott felt prepared when it came to having an audience. His communication and media studies degree from Cal State San Marcos gave him a foundation to build on. Ott’s first speech in COMM 100 gave him an idea of what being in the public eye might look like.  “I think that after you can do that as a freshman, an 18-year-old in college, you're prepared for anything,” Ott said. “It helped me block out the negative and be myself.”  Ott owes his experience at Cal State San Marcos to the late Dennis Pugh, the university’s first baseball coach, who recruited him for the team in 2014.  “My time at Cal State San Marcos was probably the best years of my life,” said Ott, who graduated in 2019. “There’s nothing better than playing the game you love and being around your best friends.” Even though Ott’s time on the field ended, he never left his baseball roots. His mullet haircut and love for wearing hats is still part of his everyday life.   “I don't know if it's the baseball player in me, but ever since I was a little kid, I have always worn a hat everywhere I go, other than when I'm working,” he said. “I probably have 60 to 70 hats in my closet. It's ridiculous.”  Ott’s love for his mullet only grew once he flew to Melbourne, Australia, with the cast to film “The Bachelorette’s” third episode.  “I kind of fit in a little bit because that's the big haircut in Australia,” Ott said.   Once in Melbourne, Ott and three other contestants went on a group date in a high-speed race-car competition. The winner of the race had the chance to spend some time alone with Tran.  “Despite the combination of trying to drive stick, which I don’t know how to, and being on the right side, I somehow won it,” Ott said. “That was such a crazy experience. Getting to ride in that car and win the race ended up with me having some extra time with Jenn.” Ott wasn’t sure what would be shown once the episodes began airing, and watching it for the first time with his family and friends was a memorable experience.  A scene of “Truth or Dare” was a rather hard watch for Ott.  “I had to run around the mansion in my underwear,” Ott said. “When that happened, I had to look away.”  While it was awkward for him to watch, Ott shared laughs among family and friends.  Ott even made new friendships during filming.  “I went there for romance and I left with bromance,” he said.   Ott voluntarily left the show in episode five, saying his connection with Tran was not at the same level as the other participants.  Ott returned to his job as an account executive with FAIRWAYiQ, a golf course operation technology company in San Diego. He plans to continue his sales career but would love to expand his social media presence.  “If there is a little side quest in social media, if I get that opportunity, I would love to do that,” Ott said. “I think I would flourish in it.”  Returning home from the show, he was shocked at the love he had received on social media. While he made connections on the show, he made even more through various social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.  Before the show, Ott had a small following on TikTok where he shared lifestyle videos showing his life in San Diego. Since being on the show, his TikTok account has grown to more than 100,000 followers. Being noticed in public was never an everyday occurrence until now.  “I think that’s the craziest switch,” Ott said. “Sometimes when I go to the grocery store or the gym, someone will come up and be like, ‘Hey Austin!’ ” Being on reality television has changed Ott’s life.  “It was something I never envisioned for myself, never pictured,” Ott said. “I'm so thankful that I got the opportunity.”  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

For Cal State San Marcos alumni like Nicole Belanger, this summer marked an ideal time to give back. Belanger is a 2020 master’s graduate of CSUSM’s speech-language pathology (SLP) program, and she recently returned to campus as part of the university’s SLP summer clinic. A regional implementation lead for the state-funded Open Access project, she made a significant impact by mentoring students and introducing pediatric clients to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. “CSUSM’s SLP program provided me with a solid foundation for a successful career,” Belanger said. “Returning to supervise this summer was my chance to give back to a program that helped shape me as a clinician. I was thrilled to enrich my supervisees’ experience and inspire their passion for the field.” At the summer clinic, which operated for four hours each weekday morning through Aug. 9, Belanger and other supervisors helped 120 pediatric clients and 24 adults receive vital speech and language services at no cost. The program not only provided crucial support to the community, but it also served as a hands-on training opportunity for graduate students in the SLP program. Adrienne Shah, a lecturer and supervisor at the clinic, highlighted the dual benefits of the program. “Our students provided over 3,000 hours of free speech therapy this summer,” Shah said. “It was an incredible opportunity for them to build clinical skills while serving our community.” Shah, who had a positive experience as a CSUSM student, was driven by a desire to support current students. “I wanted them to recognize the value of their hard work and the difference they were making in people’s lives,” she said. Sarah Alapizco, another clinical supervisor, emphasized the importance of building confidence among students. “I aimed to build their confidence and show them that they had the skill set to implement successful therapy,” she said. “The summer clinic also fostered collaboration, helping students support each other and enhance their learning experience.” The clinic’s impact extended beyond the academic and professional spheres. A mother of a young adult client shared her appreciation for the services. “I was so happy that we found this clinic,” she said. “We had never been a part of a program like this, and my son had needed these services for a very long time. This was a special place, and I was excited to continue coming.” Karen Delfau, visiting from France, brought her 10-year-old daughter, Augustine, to the clinic. “I sought a range of speech and communication resources unavailable in my region,” Delfau said. “While visiting family this summer, I was pleased that Augustine could benefit from the program, and I hope to return next year.” For more information about career opportunities in speech-language pathology or to learn about clinic services, visit CSUSM’s SLP department website. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

When the time came for a leadership change atop Cal State San Marcos’ School of Education this summer, there wasn’t exactly a mad rush of candidates. Teachers, after all, love teaching aspiring teachers how to teach, and the notion of sacrificing that for a largely administrative post can be a hard sell for many. But with the teaching industry still struggling to claw back lost numbers from the pandemic, the job is more essential than ever, and the School of Education thinks it has found the perfect person to lead the way. Moses Ochanji, who’s entering his 21^st year as a professor at CSUSM, was officially appointed to a two-year term as the school’s director on Aug. 1. Ochanji has served as associate director for four years under two different directors, and he also has been the chair of the human development department. “I have been looking in at this job for some years,” Ochanji said. “I know a little bit about what the job entails, and I thought it was time for me to raise my hand and do it.” Ochanji has replaced Laurie Stowell, who became School of Education director in January 2021. Stowell, a professor at CSUSM since 1992, is entering the Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP), which allows tenured faculty to continue teaching after retiring from service. Stowell also will continue to run the San Marcos Writing Project, which is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year. “I think it’s fabulous,” Stowell said of the leadership change. “I talked to him about the job. All of us in the school have thought Moses would be a great leader for a long time, and he’s also a wonderful science educator.” As a professor of science education, Ochanji teaches science methods classes for prospective teachers. He also is the co-principal investigator on two grants in the science education arena: the Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI), a California State University-funded program to help recruit math and science teachers; and the Noyce Teacher Scholars program, a National Science Foundation grant that encourages talented STEM students and professionals to pursue teaching careers. Ochanji and Stowell agree that recruitment is the biggest hurdle facing the School of Education and the teaching profession as a whole. Teachers left the field en masse during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the population has yet to recover. At CSUSM this fall, there is the usual distribution of student teacher cohorts – three for the multiple-subject credential, two for single subject and one each for middle school and special education – but the numbers in each cohort are smaller. “When people are leaving the profession, the word goes around,” Ochanji said. “So there are spillover effects. People hear about it and think, ‘Teaching is hard. I don’t want to go into teaching.’ And that discourages more. “Then there’s this national narrative that teachers are not paid well. So it’s, ‘Why would I do something so difficult and not get paid well?’ Those are some of the challenges that we face with many young people.” Both the state and CSUSM are taking action to stem, and even reverse, the tide. The state, for example, has removed the requirement that teachers must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test, allowing the undergraduate degree to substitute as a measure of competency. California also offers residencies as a way to pay students while they are engaged in student teaching so they don’t need to hold down jobs on the side.   At CSUSM, the School of Education is considering bringing back a part-time program or adding the option of a January start so that student teachers have more flexibility. The school has a recruitment committee and faculty recruitment fellow who is studying the challenges that the university is facing and how it can better reach prospective teachers. Despite the enrollment decline, the School of Education has enjoyed some clear successes. Perhaps the best recent example is Project SUPPORT, a five-year, $2.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education that ended last fall. The program greatly increased the number of bilingual teacher candidates to enter the School of Education, to the extent that in the last two years there was almost a full cohort of them (roughly 30 teachers). “One thing that the CSU has pushed is to make teacher recruitment a university-wide event, not just a School of Education activity,” Ochanji said. “We’re all parents, and we want the people who leave our program to be good enough to teach our children. So we all have an interest in making sure that we have good teachers in the classroom helping our students.” Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

As a student affairs professional, Erik Ramirez has attended many meetings in which the primary topic is concerns about enrollment in higher education. What if the best way to address such worries isn’t to brainstorm solutions among administrators in a conference room, but rather to go out and ask the targets of any enrollment push: high school students? That’s the concept behind a national organization called REP4 (of which Cal State San Marcos is a founding partner), and it was main thrust of a REP4 regional summit hosted by CSUSM on June 11-12. “I don’t think it happens often that young people are asked to share their ideas or to tell us what it is that we’re doing wrong or what it is that we could be doing better to serve them,” said Ramirez, director of initiatives and partnerships for CSUSM’s Division of Student Affairs, and the organizer of the summit. REP stands for “Rapid Education Prototyping,” and it aims to engage young students to solve problems in higher education. Earlier this month, for the first time, CSUSM held a two-day summit that brought together 37 high school students along with eight CSUSM student mentors, three CSUSM professors and some staff members. The high school students were 10^th through 12^th graders from Los Angeles County who have migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds. They were already on campus as participants in the second annual Migrant Scholars Summer Institute, a 10-day program through which students live at CSUSM and get a head start on experiencing what college is like. The summit took place in the Innovation Hub and the University Library Reading Room. The students were split into seven groups, and each group started with a team-building activity that involved building a tower out of raw spaghetti. With a CSUSM undergraduate mentor embedded in each team, the students then were introduced to the notion of design thinking by the trio of CSUSM faculty: sociology professor Matthew Atherton, social work professor Jimmy Young and Sajith Jayasinghe, chair of the chemistry and biochemistry department. The faculty teach different disciplines in different colleges, but all are experts in design thinking, a framework for grappling with real-world problems by trying to empathize with the community that the problem affects. It’s an iterative process with multiple stages: understanding the problem, devising various possible solutions, creating a prototype of the solution you decide on, then testing and evaluating it. Once they had settled into their teams, the high school students were presented with a prompt: How do we make college more attractive, inclusive and accessible? Guided by the professors and using the principles of design thinking, the teams went through a series of activities to determine how to tackle the prompt. Some focused on the difficulty of picking a college, others on the financial aspect or a sense of belonging. “Then based on what particular issue they wanted to address or they identified, they proposed a solution,” Ramirez said. The proposals were made in the manner of a business-style quick-pitch competition – think the TV show “Shark Tank” – and, in the end, two top pitches were selected. The first was for a peer mentor program called Adopt a Buddy that would pair new students with upperclassmen who would serve as their mentor during their first year at a university. Participation would be incentivized by things like academic credit for the mentors and free swag for the mentees. The second pitch was for a phone app titled Uni-verse through which college students would create youth-oriented content to help high school students learn about universities in California and ameliorate the issue that many feel of overwhelming choices. The app could be scaled to include virtual reality tours of individual campuses. “The most rewarding part was seeing their confidence build throughout the process,” Atherton said. “As the students were able to start creating and refining their innovations, you could see them getting excited about their proposals. Seeing the students gain confidence each time they presented their idea to a new audience during the final event shows the power of active, experiential learning opportunities.” Each member of the winning teams received a $200 credit for the CSUSM bookstore. More significantly, from a university perspective, the two winning pitches will be submitted this fall to the REP4 national conference, where the best two pitches from all the regional summits across the country will be chosen to receive funding as a prototype. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The second annual CSUSM Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner marked another historical night on June 15, raising a record-breaking $1,070,100 for social mobility and student success initiatives. A one-to-one match made possible by the Epstein family doubled the impact of every dollar raised during the evening. The event, co-hosted by President Ellen Neufeldt and the CSUSM Foundation Board, welcomed nearly 300 dedicated alumni, community leaders, campus partners, tribal leaders and elected officials. University Advancement Vice President Jessica Berger opened the event as a celebration of Cal State San Marcos, taking a moment to recognize the sponsors and partners who made it possible. "This evening is truly a celebration of the power of Cal State San Marcos, driven by the individual power of all of you – our strongest friends, advocates and supporters," Berger said during her opening remarks. Such support extended to the evening's entertainment with a Steinway & Sons Spirio |r provided courtesy of Steinway Piano Gallery San Diego. The grand piano was featured in student performances by Daniel Cruz as well as the CSUSM Jazz Ensemble’s Troy Amos, Andrew Kelly, Andrew Marin and Michael Kuszajewski. CSUSM Foundation Board Chair Emilie Hersh and Vice Chair Simon Kuo set the tone for the evening with their remarks. “All of these students are committed to succeeding and bringing about change in the community," Hersh said. "This is one of the many reasons I have been inspired and honored to be part of the CSUSM community.” The mission of social mobility at CSUSM is dedicated to creating pathways to success for every student. More than 50% of CSUSM students are the first in their families to attend college, and a large number of these students work part-time or full-time jobs in order to fund their education. By fostering partnerships with local industries, nonprofit organizations and community leaders, CSUSM builds a powerful network of support that propels student success. “Over the years, I’ve heard from numerous students about how their education at CSUSM has transformed their lives and moved them up the economic ladder,” Kuo said. “This is a place that helps students overcome barriers and forge a better future.” President Neufeldt took to the stage with a compelling speech highlighting CSUSM’s transformative impact in higher education. “Together, we will continue to rise, to thrive, to be that beacon of where the future of higher ed is going,” Neufeldt said. She reaffirmed CSUSM’s commitment to expanding access and education for all as a national leader in social mobility. Through philanthropic support, student success programs and resources make their impact across campus to a diverse cohort of students each year. During the dinner, five members of the Class of 2024 were invited to the stage to be recognized as champions of social mobility: Noah Bills, an electrical engineering student who transferred to CSUSM with a focus and determination to earn a bachelor’s degree and was a recipient of the inaugural Harvey and Anne Neufeldt Scholarship (established by Neufeldt as a tribute to her parents). Jasmin Casas, who holds a bachelor’s in literature and writing studies with a minor in political studies. She served as a student representative for the Foundation Board and is  working toward a career as a criminal prosecution lawyer at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Dakota Freaner, a member of ACE Scholars Services, a program that supports CSUSM’s former foster youth.  This year, he received the 2024 Tom & Kim Zarro Family award and graduated with a bachelor’s in social sciences. He will pursue a master’s in social work at CSUSM this fall. Siaje Gideon, a student highlighted during Neufeldt’s remarks, received her bachelor’s in biological sciences and founded the Black in STEM club. She will begin her doctoral studies in immunology at UC Irvine this fall. Lawrence Morris, is a sociological practice masters graduate and support recipient for Project Rebound, a program for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to pursue a degree. Morris, who also earned his bachelor's from CSUSM in 2022, has been embedded within CSUSM’s Project Rebound office since its inception. Casas, Freaner and Morris were highlighted in the video “I Am Social Mobility,” which premiered during the event.   The 2024 Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner concluded the highest annual fundraising total in CSUSM’s 35-year history. The impact of the evening, as well as the two historic commitments from the Epstein Family and Price Philanthropies Foundation made in the spring, contributed to over $26 million raised for the university in fiscal year 2023-24. With the momentum of success showing no signs of slowing down, the upcoming year holds promise for CSUSM and its ongoing mission in student success.

Cal State San Marcos is celebrating a milestone in its fundraising efforts, with a record $26 million raised for fiscal year 2023-24 – more than double the previous record of $12.5 million set a year earlier.  Generous donors contributed a total of 5,290 gifts, highlighting the community’s commitment to programs that promote social and economic mobility and ensuring student success across the university’s diverse student population. For perspective, the total amount raised this past fiscal year is more than half the amount raised during CSUSM’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, “Forward Together,” which took seven years to complete.   During the second annual Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner in June, CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt highlighted the critical role of philanthropy  “The success of our university and our students is built on the power of community,” Neufeldt said. “Together, we are transforming lives and creating a brighter future for all.”  CSUSM’s fundraising efforts are crucial in maintaining and expanding initiatives that empower students from all backgrounds, providing them with the tools and support necessary to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.    Two largest gifts in CSUSM history  In March, CSUSM announced two philanthropic gifts totaling $20 million. Price Philanthropies Foundation awarded a $10 million grant to create an innovative three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree and establish a workforce pipeline for behavioral and mental health professionals, and Foundation Board Director Dan Epstein and his wife, Phyllis, committed $10 million to serve as a unique dollar-for-dollar matching gift opportunity that will support areas across campus.   “We are eternally grateful for the extraordinary investments in our students and community made possible by Dan and Phyllis Epstein and the Price Philanthropies Foundation,” Neufeldt said.  These substantial gifts will have a lasting impact on the campus and its students, driving innovation and excellence across all areas of study.    Foundation giving and community partnerships  Foundation giving continues to play a significant role in CSUSM’s fundraising success. The College Futures Foundation provided a $650,000 grant to the CCC-CSU Transfer Collaborative, with $470,000 awarded to CSUSM. This collaborative, which includes seven California State University campuses (CSUSM among them) and 10 California Community Colleges schools, aims to develop a national model for transfer success and accessibility for all California students.   CSUSM received $250,000 from the Conrad Prebys Foundation to advance mental health services for its diverse student population, and $300,000 to establish a partnership with TrueCare to address the escalating mental health needs and bolster the university’s community of care.  Other gifts include the Hewlett Foundation donating $308,260 to support a teacher career pathway program, Henry Luce Foundation supporting CSUSM's California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, and additional foundation support for the Innovation Hub and Tikkun Olam Makers Club.  Foundation giving and community partnerships are vital in helping CSUSM expand educational opportunities and foster socioeconomic growth in the region.    The individual power of you  Individual giving saw substantial growth this year, with alumni, faculty, staff and friends of CSUSM contributing significantly to make an impact in the region. This collective effort highlights the power of community and the impact of individual contributions in advancing the university’s mission.  CSUSM Athletics secured nearly $1 million in support from both longtime and new donors, while colleges across campus experienced increases in their annual totals. In the College of Business Administration, alumna and CSUSM Foundation Board Director Annie Norviel continued her generous contributions toward student scholarships in accounting. In addition, CSUSM founding administrators Drs. Ernie and Leslie Zomalt expanded their endowment for study abroad programs and maintained their support for the Outstanding Service Award, which is presented annually to a CSUSM staff member or administrator. New scholarships were established throughout the year to support student veterans, nursing and several areas of studies within the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences, among others.  Significant contributions also included planned and legacy gifts. Legacy donors play an important role in securing CSUSM's long-term financial health and empowering future generations of Cougars.   “This past year is truly a celebration of the power of Cal State San Marcos, driven by the individual power of you – our strongest friends, advocates and supporters,” said Jessica Berger, vice president of University Advancement.   The generosity of dedicated supporters ensures that CSUSM can continue to provide the best support system for its students to reach graduation and their career goals.    Annual events shine bright  Giving Day, held last November, was a tremendous success, raising nearly $460,000 from 2,410 donors in just 24 hours. The enthusiastic participation of so many individuals highlights the community’s deep commitment and showcases the true spirit of generosity. One of the funds supported through Giving Day is the library's Affordable Textbook Campaign, which provides students with low- or no-cost access to textbooks and course materials. This example and the collective effort shown on Giving Day continues to highlight the #HeartofaCougar.  In June, CSUSM hosted its second consecutive record-breaking Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner with over $1 million raised, marking a significant milestone in its fundraising efforts. This event, which exceeded the previous year’s fundraising record, brought together dedicated alumni, community leaders, campus partners, tribal leaders and elected officials. The evening's highlight was the celebration of students recognized as champions of social mobility, with their inspiring stories featured in the video “I Am Social Mobility.”    A step closer: Integrated Science and Engineering Building CSUSM continues to make significant strides toward making the future Integrated Science and Engineering Building a reality. This building is not only critical for the university’s rapidly growing CSTEM program and needs of the region, but it also will serve as a hub for community engagement, providing a space for partnerships with local industries and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.     Looking ahead: onward and upward  As the new academic year begins, CSUSM is committed to maintaining this momentum and solidifying its position as a national leader in social and economic mobility.   “A CSUSM education helps students transcend barriers faced by earlier generations and unlock their potential for lifelong success. This isn’t only a key for individuals and families but for organizations, industries and society,” said Emilie Hersh, CSUSM Foundation Board chair.  CSUSM’s record-breaking fundraising year is a celebration of the collective power of the community and a testament to the transformative power of education. With the continued support of donors, the university is poised to achieve even greater heights as it prepares for its next and largest philanthropic campaign.  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The academic year might be long over, but athletes at Cal State San Marcos aren’t done making major waves. The latest to do so is Tanner Vodraska, a rising junior who last weekend became the first surfer in university history to win an individual national title. Competing in the college men’s division of the 2024 National Scholastic Surfing Association interscholastic national championships at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, Vodraska dominated the field. He posted a two-wave score of 17.5 points in the final on Sunday, far outdistancing his closest competitor, Jordy Collins of Westcliff University (in Irvine) with 10.73. “I feel really proud of myself because I set a goal to win the national title before I graduate, and I accomplished it,” said Vodraska, a business student from Camarillo in Ventura County. “It’s one of the biggest accomplishments in my career, and it’s going to drive me to do better in other contests.” Making the feat even more satisfying, Vodraska surfed and hoisted the trophy with four CSUSM teammates in attendance, along with his father (as an added bonus, the final was on Father’s Day). The championship also marked sweet redemption for Vodraska, who qualified for the final of the same event last summer after his freshman year but finished last in the field, nine points behind Collins and 10 behind winner Noah Kawaguchi of Point Loma Nazarene (Kawaguchi was a distant fourth this year). “I am so excited for Tanner,” said Amber Puha, the faculty adviser of the surf club since its inception in 2002 and the chair of CSUSM’s math department. “There is nothing like surfing to your full potential in an important moment like a national championship final and when the waves are firing and when your teammates and family are there to cheer you on.   “He had a difficult outing in the 2023 final. To see his confidence shine through and allow him to perform to his best capabilities makes me feel very proud of him.” Three CSUSM surfers have finished second in the national championships, most recently Chris Smith in longboard in 2007, but Vodraska is the first to bring home a trophy. The Cougars have won a pair of team titles, in 2009 and 2019. The club was riding high after the latter championship, only to see the COVID-19 pandemic the next year halt its progress. “For CSUSM surf, this signifies a return from the pandemic,” Puha said. “Winning that team national title in 2019 and having all that excitement and momentum get brought to a grinding halt was tough.” Puha said Vodraska, and his “incredible sense of humor,” contributed greatly to the surf team’s strong chemistry this season, and she’s looking forward to even better things in 2024-25. The club welcomes all interested students, with a particular need for women shortboarders. Tryouts will take place in mid-September. Prospective members can email csusmsurf@gmail.com to be added to the club’s distribution list. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

With Pride Month underway, the Pride Center at Cal State San Marcos is focused on the importance of remembering the lives lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016, and ensuring the campus community is aware of the support available to LGBTQ+ individuals. “Support for Pride Month is incredibly important at CSUSM,” said Robert Aiello-Hauser, director of the Pride Center. “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 noted that the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting is significant for several reasons, including: It's a solemn occasion to honor and remember the lives lost in the tragic event. Reflecting on their stories and the impact of their loss helps keep their memories alive. The anniversary provides an opportunity to show support for the survivors and the families of the victims. It's a time to offer comfort, solidarity and resources for those who continue to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting. The anniversary often serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the community affected by the shooting. It's a time for unity, coming together to support one another, and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. It helps raise awareness about issues such as gun violence, LGBTQ+ rights, discrimination, and the importance of tolerance and acceptance. By remembering the Pulse nightclub shooting, people are reminded of the ongoing need for societal change to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The anniversary can serve as a call to action for policymakers, activists and communities to work toward creating safer environments for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic. “The anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting is a time for reflection, remembrance, solidarity and a renewed commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society,” Aiello-Hauser said. CSUSM provides various forms of support for LGBTQ+ students, creating an inclusive and welcoming campus environment. Some ways CSUSM supports LGBTQ+ students include: Pride Center: This is a space that serves all sexual orientations and gender identities. The center offers a safe space for students to gather, access resources, receive support, build community and engage in activism and advocacy efforts. SafeZone Program: This program is designed to educate faculty, staff and students about LGBTQ+ issues and create visible symbols of support throughout campus. SafeZone provides resources and training to create a network of allies/advocates who can offer support and understanding to LGBTQ+ individuals. Counseling and Psychological Services: CSUSM's counseling services provide support specifically tailored to the needs of Pride students, including counseling sessions with therapists who are knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues and experiences. They also provide therapy groups specifically for the community. Student Organizations: CSUSM has several student organizations specifically for Pride students and allies. These organizations provide opportunities for socializing, networking, activism and support within the campus community. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: These initiatives are aimed at creating a campus culture that celebrates and respects all identities, including those within the LGBTQ+ community.  Housing Options: The university offers several inclusive housing options, gender-inclusive and LGBTQ+-affirming housing communities, to accommodate the diverse needs of Pride students. Policy Support: CSUSM has policies and procedures in place to protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and harassment based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. These policies demonstrate the university's commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. These include various transgender inclusion and protection policies and a preferred name policy and procedure. CSUSM will be marching for the 16^th year in the San Diego Pride Parade on Saturday, July 20. Anyone interested in joining the CSUSM group can fill out the interest form online. “Representing the CSUSM campus by marching in the San Diego Pride parade is an opportunity to promote visibility, solidarity, advocacy and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities and rights, both within the college community and beyond,” Aiello-Hauser said. “It reinforces CSUSM’s commitment to diversity and inclusion while fostering connections with the broader LGBTQ+  community.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Sometimes, one’s host of passions could not be further apart from the other.   Criminology and justice studies student Ariadna Hernandez knows this well as she balances two vastly different interests: immigration law and theater.   Hernandez discovered her passion for theater during the pandemic. Film became a form of escapism during a time of uncertainty, and when she had the opportunity to take acting classes at Mesa College, she excitedly enrolled.   Hernandez enjoyed her brief experience with theater, but she had to put it on the backburner to focus on her classes for criminology. It wasn’t until she transferred to Cal State San Marcos and learned of the Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP), that Hernandez found herself faced with another opportunity to explore her love for theater while earning her bachelor’s degree.   LAEP offers students the opportunity to earn money that goes toward their educational costs while gaining education-aligned employment. Hernandez was offered the role of production assistant for a theatrical production of “Pásale Pásale,” which is playing through June 30 in National City. While working on this play, Hernandez is responsible for handling paperwork, keeping track of schedules and ensuring that actors have everything needed for the performance.   By handling important tasks for the show, Hernandez is gaining leadership skills and collaboration experience, while also working toward paying off her degree.   “It’s been so amazing being part of this production,” Hernandez said. “Getting to know everyone in this play and just being part of the community has been such a great experience. Not to mention, being surrounded by the beautiful storyline and music is just so inspiring.”   Hernandez felt drawn to the storyline’s themes centering around the importance of working together to overcome adversity in the Latinx community. She was inspired to pursue immigration law after seeing family members' poor experiences with lawyers during the naturalization process after moving to California from Tijuana. Such disheartening experiences with the system instilled in Hernandez strong values of family, community and social justice.   “That process really made me realize that we need more lawyers who are able to help directly and get more involved,” said Hernandez. “There’s a lot of issues with lawyers who do not personally know the struggle that people go through, and I want to be the kind that acknowledges the hardships and regularly checks in with clients.”   The play’s parallels to Hernandez’s real-life experiences make it the perfect medium to represent her two passions. As she continues learning more about the world of theater and the field of criminology separately, Hernandez is hoping to carry both forward with her after her time with LAEP and jointly incorporate them into her plans for the future.   “Exploring your interests helps you know which ones are worth keeping in your life,” said Hernandez. “You may think, ‘Oh, this has nothing to do with my major, so what’s the point?’ But through this experience, I was able to start building an idea of the future that I want, which I now know involves law school and volunteering for theater on the side. I am very grateful that I got the chance to be part of LAEP, and I will always remember my time working on this production.”   Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314