The Cal State San Marcos Foundation Board is pleased to welcome two directors into new leadership roles and three new directors for the new academic year.
Simon Kuo, vice president of corporate quality at Viasat, is the board’s new chairperson. Kristin Crellin, senior vice president of community and membership development at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, is the vice chair. 
A longtime supporter of CSUSM, Kuo played a pivotal role in establishing the university’s electrical and software engineering programs and was instrumental in securing funds for the new Integrated Science and Engineering Building. Before joining the Foundation Board, he served on the advisory board of CSUSM’s College of Science and Mathematics (now College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In 2023, CSUSM recognized Kuo for his contributions to campus and the local community by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Science degree.
Crellin is a respected leader in education advocacy and community engagement across California. With more than 35 years at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, she has forged deep partnerships with school districts, universities and community organizations. She serves as chairperson of the CSU Foundation Board of Governors, representing all 22 campuses.
“Simon and Kristin have been tremendous supporters of CSUSM over the years, and we’re thrilled to have them leading the Foundation Board,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “With Simon’s unwavering commitment to STEM innovation and Kristin’s deep roots in education advocacy, their leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of CSUSM and ensuring that our students and region thrive for generations to come.”
In addition, the Foundation Board’s three new directors are:
Carol Lazier
Lazier is philanthropist who’s a longtime champion of CSUSM and advocate for social mobility. Besides participating on CSUSM’s Campaign Committee as an ad hoc director, she has served on numerous nonprofit boards. She is best known for leading the effort to rebuild the San Diego Opera, which was on the brink of closure in 2014. Lazier was named San Diego Philanthropist of the Year in 2016. In recognition of her community impact, CSUSM awarded her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2022.
Richard Armenta, Ph.D.
The faculty representative, Armenta is a social epidemiologist and associate professor of kinesiology. He also serves as associate director of CSUSM’s Center for Training, Research and Educational Excellence (CTREE), supporting STEM education and student success.
Mitch Kuvinka (’24, ’26)
The student representative, Kuvinka is a Navy veteran and graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in history. He serves as a teaching assistant and works at the Epstein Family Veterans Center on campus. He is also a member of the President’s Inclusive Excellence Advisory Council and the History Club.
“I’m pleased to welcome Carol, Richard and Mitch,” Neufeldt said. “The combination of a philanthropist, faculty member and graduate student brings a powerful mix of perspectives that will enrich the work of the Foundation Board.”
About the CSUSM Foundation Board
The CSUSM Foundation Board is composed of community leaders and philanthropists who cultivate and encourage charitable investment in the university, build meaningful regional relationships and encourage a culture of philanthropy.
All gifts to the university are accepted and administered by the Cal State San Marcos Foundation, an official 501(c)(3) auxiliary organization of CSUSM.
Latest News Release
- David T. and Dorris E. Staples Foundation Supports Art InternshipsA paintbrush, a stage, a story — the arts inspire innovation, evoke empathy and spark thoughtful conversations. Now, thanks to a generous three-year investment from the David T. and Dorris E. Staples Foundation, Cal State San Marcos students are turning creative passions into career pathways through paid academic internships. In partnership with CCAE Theatricals, CSUSM’s College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHABSS) launched Pathways to Purpose, a career readiness program that provides structured, paid internships for students in arts education and theater arts. Future educators gain experience designing curriculum and teaching in Escondido elementary schools, while theater students gain an introduction to administration, performance opportunities, and invaluable production experience through set design, prop creation and behind-the-scenes work on live performances. “While there are clear career paths in fields like nursing or business, the pathway for liberal arts students may not seem as obvious at first glance,” CHABSS Dean Liora Gubkin said. “For our students, especially those who are first-generation, paid internships open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.” More than half of CSUSM students are the first in their families to attend college, often balancing academics with multiple jobs. For liberal arts students, especially those drawn to nonprofit and public-sector work, most internships are unpaid. Pathways to Purpose helps level the playing field by reducing financial barriers and offering real-world experience. Research shows that students who complete internships are more likely to graduate on time, secure employment and earn higher wages. And with eight out of 10 CSUSM graduates staying local, the program also strengthens the region’s cultural and educational landscape. “We’re proud to support CSUSM’s Pathways to Purpose program, which reflects the university’s commitment to student success,” said Joe Bowe, president of the David T. & Dorris E. Staples Foundation. “By combining paid internships, mentorship and career skills training, the program prepares students for meaningful careers in the arts and education while strengthening the local workforce.” The Staples Foundation’s support builds on a longstanding relationship with CSUSM. Over the years, the foundation has contributed nearly $500,000 to programs such as the Alliance to Accelerate Excellence in Education, the ASI Cougar Pantry, the School of Education and the university’s All-Steinway School designation — a tribute to co-founder Dorris Staples’ love of music. “We’re immensely grateful to the Staples Foundation and thrilled to collaborate with CSUSM,” said Julianna Crespo, executive director at CCAE Theatricals. “The arts are essential to building vibrant communities. Partnering with CSUSM to provide students with real-world experience ensures the next generation of artists and educators can thrive and make a lasting impact.” With Pathways to Purpose, the Staples Foundation is helping shape the future of the arts at CSUSM, providing students with the resources they need to transform their passions into purpose-driven careers that will benefit our region for years to come. “Our vision is to expand this program across all liberal arts disciplines, giving every student a chance to apply their education in real-world settings,” Gubkin said. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Career Twist: Alumna's Path from Kinesiology to Hospitality SuccessWhen Rachel Debber toured Cal State San Marcos as a high school student from Fresno, she wasn’t sure what her college experience would hold. What she found was a close-knit campus community, opportunities to grow as a leader and the unexpected start of a career she hadn’t planned. Debber graduated from CSUSM in 2016 with a degree in kinesiology. Today, she leads the team at Lilo, a 22-seat fine-dining restaurant known for its immersive tasting experience and coastal cuisine. Just 10 weeks after opening, the restaurant earned a prestigious Michelin star. “I didn’t even know hospitality could be a real career when I started,” Debber said. “But I quickly fell in love with it. That passion and the people I’ve met through this industry have made all the difference.” Debber planned to major in nursing at CSUSM, but after not being admitted into the highly competitive program, she shifted to kinesiology and fully embraced the opportunities the university offered. She spent four years on CSUSM’s women’s club lacrosse team, a sport she’d never played before college, and served on the campus orientation team. She said those experiences shaped her into the leader she is today. “I didn’t like not being good at something, so I worked hard at lacrosse,” Debber said. “That same hunger carried into management. I wanted to be better, and I was willing to put in the work.” Orientation team training helped her connect with people from all walks of life, a skill that now serves her well in the hospitality industry. “We spent a lot of time learning about different communities on campus and how to support them,” Debber said. “That still sticks with me. Now I manage a diverse team, and that kind of awareness is essential. I received good training from being on the orientation team. They would bring in a lot of different leaders on campus to teach you about their area, and that was beneficial.” After graduation, Debber faced a decision: return home to Fresno to save up for grad school or stay in San Diego and work. She chose to stay and unknowingly launched a career in hospitality. “My initial entry into hospitality was with the intention of going back to school for kinesiology or for health science,” Debber said. “But I decided that I really had a knack for hospitality. I didn't even know that that was a career option.” Her first role was as a host at Campfire in Carlsbad, where she helped open the restaurant in 2016. She worked her way up through various roles, eventually helping to open Jeune et Jolie as a bartender and rising to general manager. “I think a lot of people really struggled when I first started working in hospitality,” Debber said. “I had a lot of people telling me it's not really a sustainable career. I felt like I had a lot of societal pressure to move into a different direction.” However, Debber found a sense of purpose and community working in the restaurant industry. Now as general manager of a Michelin-starred restaurant at Lilo, she’s focused less on accolades and more on people. “I think the Michelin star is just a byproduct of all the hard work we put in,” Debber said. “What’s most important to me is that we’re providing a unique experience for people, that our books are full every night, and that our team is genuinely happy with what they do. “As a company, we really believe in making sure everyone’s time is well spent. That’s something I care deeply about in my role. So, for me, it’s less about the Michelin star and more about creating something meaningful.” Debber never could have predicted becoming the general manager of one of the most talked about restaurants in Southern California. But she credits every twist and turn along the way for helping her grow into the leader she is today. “I think the best things in my life have come from saying yes to something that scared me a little,” Debber said. “You don’t always have to know exactly where you’re going. Just be open, work hard and trust that it’ll lead somewhere great.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
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- CSUSM Breaks Ground on Integrated Science and Engineering BuildingCal State San Marcos on Thursday broke ground on its future Integrated Science and Engineering (ISE) Building, which will allow the university to respond to the critical need for STEM programs, including new engineering majors and enrollment growth. Among the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony were CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt; San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones; Assemblymember Darshana Patel, who represents the district that includes CSUSM; Jackie Trischman, dean of CSUSM’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and representatives from C.W. Driver Companies and HGA, the general contractor and designer of the building, respectively. The emcee was Leon Wyden, CSUSM's vice president of Finance and Administrative Services and chief financial officer. “It wasn’t too long ago when the idea of the Integrated Science and Engineering Building was but a hope and a dream,” Neufeldt said. “So it seems a little surreal that we have finally come to this day, about to break ground on the first state-supported academic building at CSUSM in more than a decade. I am filled with so much gratitude – this milestone reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and partners who work tirelessly to support CSUSM’s mission of student success and social mobility.” The ISE building is estimated to cost $110 million and will be funded through commitments from California State University and private support. It will cover more than 70,000 square feet over three stories. The first publicly funded academic structure on campus since 2014, it’s expected to open in fall 2027. The ISE building will be constructed at the top of CSUSM’s campus, between Markstein Hall (which houses the business college) and the Arts Building. It will feature teaching and research labs, additional classrooms, student support areas, staff offices, a café and outdoor gathering spaces. “It’s an incredible honor to stand here with you today as we break ground on a building that represents not just bricks and mortar, but also a beacon of opportunity, innovation and the future of engineering and technology in our region,” Trischman said. “As dean, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our remarkable faculty and staff, many of whom met tight deadlines with determination and tremendous creativity. Your dedication to this vision has been nothing short of inspiring.” CSUSM established its engineering program in 2018 with software and electrical engineering; computer engineering followed five years later. The ISE building will house those programs as well as computer science, computer information systems and cybersecurity, while also supporting the addition of industrial and systems engineering. The industrial and systems engineering program will be the only one at a public institution in San Diego County. The new facility will enable CSUSM to expand its enrollment of students in engineering disciplines from 500 to nearly 2,000. It also will advance diversity in a field where fewer than 10% of workers nationally are of Latino descent. By contrast, more than half of CSUSM’s engineering students are Latino. “This groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction – it marks the beginning of a new era for CSUSM,” said Elaine Pollard, president of Associated Students, Inc. “It's an era where student potential is maximized, social mobility is accelerated and the future of science and engineering becomes more diverse, innovative and impactful than ever before.” With eight out of 10 of CSUSM alumni staying in the region, the influx of more engineering graduates will help fill workforce needs in an area that boasts the nation’s largest cluster of technology, life science, defense and communications companies. Data shows that, in San Diego County, there are four software engineering jobs for every one graduate and three industrial/systems engineering jobs per graduate. While state-funded plans call for a one-wing building, CSUSM is seeking private philanthropic donations that will be critical for long-term growth and sustainability, as well as expanding the square footage with a second wing. Learn more about the ISE building at https://www.csusm.edu/iseb/index.html.
- CSUSM Adds New Master's in Clinical Counseling PsychologyCal State San Marcos has a new master’s degree program in clinical counseling psychology that has been approved by the CSU Chancellor’s Office to accept applications this fall. The first cohort is set to start in fall 2026 with 25-30 students, said Aleksandria Perez Grabow, an assistant professor of psychological science. The clinical counseling psychology program becomes the sixth master’s degree offered by the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences, though at the outset it will be housed in Extended Learning. The program was approved by the Chancellor’s Office and CSUSM’s Academic Senate this summer based on curriculum developed by a steering committee composed of Grabow and fellow assistant psychology professors Alli Jobin and Lisa Graves. The initial work toward establishing the program began more than a decade ago under the guidance of psychology professor Gerardo Gonzalez. Jobin will serve as program director, and Grabow will be the practicum coordinator. The clinical counseling degree is designed to address a significant shortage of qualified and diverse workers in the behavioral and mental health fields in San Diego and the surrounding regions. According to the San Diego Behavioral Health Workforce Report, the region needs almost 20,000 more professionals in the field over the next five years. “This program will address critical needs in several areas, including for our students interested in becoming therapists and counselors, for our campus in offering a program that directly leads to a specific career, and for our community in supporting the shortage of mental health practitioners and training therapists in areas specific to our unique population here in San Diego and bordering counties.” Grabow said. “CSUSM has a wonderful social work program, and I think our students will welcome the option of attending another local, affordable graduate program and working in an applied field related to psychology.” Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306
- CSUSM to Host Summer Scholars Showcase on Aug. 8Students in Cal State San Marcos’ Summer Scholars Program will present their work during the Summer Scholars Showcase from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 8 in the USU Ballroom, followed by an awards ceremony from noon to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public and free parking is available on the sixth floor of Parking Structure 1. The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics hosts the Summer Scholars Program each year to actively engage undergraduates in STEM research. Working closely with faculty mentors, students gain hands-on experience in highly interdisciplinary projects and learn to apply new instrumental techniques and analytical methods. The 10-week program concludes each year with the Summer Scholars Showcase in which participants share the methods, results and interpretation of the work they have done over the summer. Students will present research conducted across a wide range of disciplines, including biological sciences, biotechnology, biochemistry/chemistry, mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering and electrical and computer engineering. What: Summer Scholars Poster Showcase, hosted by CSUSM’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8 Where: USU Ballroom Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
