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

Patricia Tulloch considers herself to have two homes: her childhood home in Vista and Cal State San Marcos.   Growing up, Tulloch spent most of her summers and free time at Cal State San Marcos, either tagging along with her mom at work, running through the halls or volunteering.   Tulloch’s mom, Tricia Henlon, is an alumna of CSUSM’s class of 1995 and now works as the budget and operations manager for the Extended Learning Building. As such a longstanding member of the campus community, she got to see it grow exponentially while raising her daughter.   “My mom was here back when signups for the school were in the Jerome’s parking lot,” Tulloch said. “It’s been cool to kind of compare and contrast her experience to mine. When the time came to choose where to go for my bachelor's, I already had such a strong connection to the campus, it was an easy decision to follow in my mom’s footsteps.”   In 2019, 24 years after her mom graduated, Tulloch enrolled at Cal State San Marcos to study biology.   Tulloch had gained interest in the sciences at an early age. The world of medicine and healing sounded fascinating to her, and she was eager to learn more about the field alongside those who shared her passion.   Unfortunately, the first half of her college career was derailed due to the pandemic. Opportunities to connect with peers and join organizations were stilted, and Tulloch found herself feeling removed from a sense of community with everything moved to online.  “I didn’t really know anyone who was interested in medicine or similar things,” said Tulloch. “I also didn’t know how to put myself out there or have anyone to guide me, so it felt hard for me to get involved.”  As the pandemic progressed and Tulloch reached her sophomore year, she decided to take action and carve out her own path to meet other students on the medical track. She joined the Pre-Health Society as event coordinator, hosting beach clean-ups and setting up workshops to make baby blankets for sick children. With each event, Tulloch built connections with her peers and recognized how others felt similarly disconnected to the community after the pandemic. This inspired her to become a student liaison to mentor other members and raise camaraderie within the organization.   Thriving in her leadership roles, Tulloch felt ready to tackle her next challenge and became president of the Pre-Health Society for the 2022-23 school year. Handling communications and brainstorming ideas to expand the club’s reach, Tulloch put together the event she is most proud of, a panel of UC San Diego School of Medicine students who shared their experiences and advice with CSUSM students.   “Growing the pre-medical space on campus has been so important to me these past years,” Tulloch said. “We’re a small but mighty community, and I think it’s so important to create a space for students where they can come in and nurture their passions in an environment that feels safe and supportive.”   Tulloch helped students identify and guide their interests in other organizations, as well. Understanding the importance of mentorship and thinking about what she wished she knew early on in her education journey, Tulloch joined the leadership team for the Student Healthcare Readiness Program. This program works with high school students interested in studying medicine and offers them support to ensure they start college feeling confident and prepared.  “It’s such an awesome feeling to know that you can have a positive effect on somebody,” Tulloch said. “Seeing potential in someone that they haven’t quite yet seen in themselves and pulling it out of them and watching their confidence grow is something I can’t even put into words. I love it.”   As Tulloch expanded her community with each new mentee and peer, she also developed her research skills and real-world experience with medicine.   She conducted research studies alongside biology professors Julie Jameson and Elinne Becket and has presented at national conferences. She also became treasurer of the Flying Samaritans, a club on campus that hosts a free clinic in Mexico and offers checkups to residents who face barriers accessing health care.   “If you had asked me if I would be doing research or getting involved in such exciting things when I first started college, I would have laughed at you,” Tulloch said. “I think I’ve done more than I ever expected to, and that’s an amazing feeling to have.”   This spring, Tulloch, who was named the CSTEM Dean's Outstanding Graduate for her academic and service accomplishments, graduated with a bachelor’s in biology and minor in public health. She is looking forward to pursuing medical school, and currently she is working as a medical assistant at Scripps Medical Center and practicing pediatrics and adult medicine.   “As I watched Patty grow into a beautiful young lady who has always wanted to be a doctor, she has faced challenges with grace, embraced opportunities with courage and pursued her dreams with hard work, perseverance and dedication,” Henlon said. “I am so proud of her.”  Tulloch considers her experiences at CSUSM and the support of her mom to be what have shaped her into the person that she is today.   “Since I was little, my mom has told me I can be whatever I want to be, and I think her unwavering belief and confidence has always left me sure that I can do anything I set my mind to,” Tulloch said. “She is the blueprint for me. She is my best friend, my biggest supporter and the best person I know.  “Being raised by her and growing up around the Extended Learning staff and the deans over there, has truly been some of the best mentorship for me.”   Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

More than 4,000 Cal State San Marcos students walked across the commencement stage during six ceremonies over two days at Mangrum Track and Field on campus. Relive some of the highlights from the two days in the commencement photo slideshow. College of Business Administration College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences 2 College of Education, Health and Human Services College of Education, Health and Human Services 2 College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Cal State San Marcos, in partnership with Congressman Scott Peters, hosted a distinguished panel of experts in Washington, D.C., focused on the critical issue of social mobility in higher education. Social mobility is vital because it reflects the impact colleges and universities provide for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to change their trajectory and achieve upward mobility -- professionally, economically and personally. The social mobility panel, attended by Capitol Hill leaders, California State University (CSU) Board Chair Wenda Fong, academia and local San Diego partners, focused on student success and empowering the next generation of changemakers. CSU Chancellor Mildred García shared a message of hope and the incredible impact of the CSU in serving America’s new majority: first-generation students, students of color and low-income students. CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt moderated the panel of esteemed thought-leaders and described a landscape of why social mobility discussions and actions matters and the direct connection to workforce development. The discussion emphasized the importance of collaborating with leaders on Capitol Hill and agencies in Washington to drive policy change and implement effective models for universities to increase accessibility and promote equitable outcomes in higher education. President Neufeldt acknowledged Peters’ invaluable support, stating, “We are so grateful for the collaboration of Congressman Peters to invest his efforts into facilitating a powerful conversation to unlock barriers faced by our students and propel them into lifelong success.” Peters praised CSUSM’s unwavering commitment to advancing social mobility, citing that the university ranks in the top 1% in the nation in CollegeNET's Social Mobility Index. Unlike traditional rankings that prioritize exclusivity, the Social Mobility Index's rankings show that CSUSM remains focused on student outcomes and prioritizes student success and community impact. This remains a high priority for CSU campuses among other nationally ranked universities that are committed to advancing social and economic equity. The panel brought together experts from national organizations to illuminate actionable strategies to advance social mobility for students from all backgrounds. It highlighted the importance of tangible outcomes that show the value of education and its contribution to our economy and society. Dr. Dietra Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) provided compelling statistics that illustrate how impactful HBCUs have been in advancing the social mobility of their students. Dr. Trent stressed the need to meet students where they are to provide genuine value for their investment in education and their future. From the American Association of State Colleges & Universities (AASCU), Vice President of Government Relations and Policy Analysis Luis Maldonado described how AASCU institutions overwhelmingly serve the “new majority” student population and deliver on America’s promise of opportunities for all. He agreed with Neufeldt on the importance of collaboration to advance educational equity, noting that social mobility initiatives require multifaceted efforts involving policy agendas and community advocacy. Frank Ballman, the Director of Federal Relations at the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs, discussed the responsibility of universities to proactively advocate for financial aid. Ballman echoed sentiments to prioritize collaboration, especially between state and federal agencies to develop more effective strategies aimed at ensuring accessible and equitable education for students across all income levels. As CSUSM continues to champion social mobility and student success, events like the social mobility panel are intended to invite diverse perspectives into the conversation and create solutions for a more equitable and inclusive society. Through collaboration and innovation, CSUSM is paving the way for a brighter future for every student. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Craftsmanship runs in the Arceo family.  While her father has been an exceptional woodcarver for decades, Tania Arceo focuses on painting. But not in the way one would expect. A child and adolescent development major at Cal State San Marcos, Arceo has spent the last year and a half working with Voices for Children, a nonprofit organization where volunteers are trained to become court-appointed special advocates (CASAs). Volunteers like Arceo represent juvenile dependency cases in San Diego County. “I'm basically their companion and their voice,” Arceo said. “I have the honor of getting to understand their stories and represent them in front of the judge during the various court cases and meetings that we have.”  Arceo is making a strong impact on the foster youth that she represents. She focuses on displaying a unique visual element of the children, allowing the judges to understand them better.   “They're typically this black-and-white file,” Arceo said. “The judge really wants to know who the child is at their core, what is in their best interest, so I paint their picture. And it's important to paint that part of the picture for everybody so that they can understand these children and their behaviors. Sometimes they act in a certain way, and we label that as negative or we label the child as struggling. But all that child really needs is somebody to invest in them a little bit of attention.”  As someone who deals with imposter syndrome, Areceo had an eye-opening experience when she realized how much of an impact she makes on the children.  “I try to highlight them in court. I talk to them about all their strengths, their differing abilities, and I give recommendations on what the best placement for them is,” Arceo said. “To my surprise, every single time that I've gone to court, my suggestions are the ones chosen.”  Arceo had to go through a month of training to be part of Voices for Children. That period helped her understand the different situations she might face. She also was trained in court report writing.  Areceo feels such a connection for these kids because of her past experiences. Born in Tijuana, Areceo and her family moved to San Diego when she was just 6 months old. Her father was offered a job at a factory, which prompted the family’s move.  Arceo’s father was offered the job due his work as a woodcarver. He was orphaned by the time he was 14 and, being the oldest of six siblings, he took on the responsibility to care for the family.  With this new burden, her father looked toward the art of woodcarving to make ends meet.  “He would stop by these wood shops and he would hang out for a while before they would shoo him away,” Arceo said. “Eventually they told them, ‘If you're gonna hang out here, then might as well put you to use,’ and they started teaching him carpentry. He really fell in love with it and started engaging with the art of woodcarving.” Arceo’s father is attracted to woodcarving in large part because of the magic he finds in the wood and the story it tells.  For Arceo’s upcoming graduation, her father used his skills to show admiration for his daughter being the first in the family to graduate from college. The wooden gift points out important characteristics of her journey at CSUSM. While his woodcarving talent brought the Arceo family to the United States, it continues to forge a connection between Arceo and her father.  “I do woodworking as a kind of side hobby, more so to spend time with my dad,” Arceo said.  “I want to spend time with him and listen to his stories.”  Arceo’s father is interested in mythology and Mexican culture, and Arceo loves to listen to him share his knowledge on the subjects. Since he did not have access to education or amenities such as a library, Arceo believes she owes it to him to pursue higher education.  “The fact that they were able to bring me here and allow me to open up these doors for myself, I know that it means so much to my parents," she said. "I could do something that they didn't have the opportunity to do.”  Arceo will wrap up this chapter at commencement this weekend. But she’ll be back on campus in the fall as part of the Master of Social Work program as she looks toward a career with Child Protective Services.  Her family will be cheering her on in the crowd while she gets her diploma, and they will continue to cheer her on no matter what she does next. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314