When Jonathan Berman came to Cal State San Marcos as a film professor in 2004, he was close to finishing a documentary about a Northern California commune during the counterculture era. The documentary was released the following year. Now, 20 years later, Berman is marking the anniversary of the film with a new digital restoration and a national tour of screenings and interviews. “Commune” is about an intentional community called Black Bear Ranch formed in 1968 in remote Siskiyou County just south of the Oregon border. A dozen people were expected to live there, but the number eventually swelled to 100 in what was a utopian experiment that attracted anarchists, hippies and activists seeking to get away from America and create something new. The documentary includes prominent actor Peter Coyote, who once lived at Black Bear. At the time of its release, “Commune” received positive reviews from such outlets as the New York Times, Variety, the Village Voice and the San Francisco Chronicle. It boasts a rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. Berman says he decided to restore the film so that it would be suitable to appear on streaming services and that he chose to embark on a nationwide tour to give fans “the communal experience of theatrical.” The tour began in May in upstate New York and will end this month back in New York. In September, it made four stops in California, including Los Angeles and the Bay Area town of San Rafael, where some former Black Bear denizens reside. “Twenty years later, it is a warm feeling to reunite with those folks,” Berman said. “They have almost all gone on to do work that helps people; some of this can be gleaned in the film. It was almost like reuniting with relatives after a long time. I felt a little guilty for not really being in touch more, but then happy to see them again.” In addition to the 16 theaters that have screened “Commune,” Berman has been interviewed on nearly 20 podcasts. He’s hoping to add a few more showings in Southern California, including at least one in the San Diego area. After making “Commune,” Berman focused on teaching and consulting on other films before the release in 2018 of “Calling All Earthlings,” which examines California’s UFO counterculture cult and the Integratron, a mysterious structure in the desert north of Joshua Tree National Park. He’s now working on the third documentary in what he calls his California trilogy; titled “Gondola,” it’s about the controversial plan to build an aerial tram from Union Station to Dodger Stadium in L.A. Berman says his film work over the years has benefited greatly from the contributions of CSUSM students and fellow faculty members, from serving internships to watching and giving feedback on test edits. “That’s part of our mission as a university, for students to work intimately with teachers who are active in their field,” he said. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

A giant oak tree as old as Cal State San Marcos itself was saved this month as part of a large-scale relocation project. The tree, which was planted around the time of CSUSM’s founding in 1989 and weighs 27 tons, was moved in early September from a plot outside the Arts Building to the area between Kellogg Library and Campus View Drive, near the main circle. “It’s not every day that you move a tree that size,” said Michelle Alves, a campus planner in Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) who helped supervise the project. The fate of the tree was thrown into question over the summer when Facilities Development and Management (FDM) began the construction of a new glass elevator on the perimeter of the Arts Building. Because the tree sat right next to the construction zone, the determination was that it would need to be uprooted to give it the best chance of survival. “That kind of oak tree, you could never buy one. It’s irreplaceable,” Alves said. The relocation occurred on Sept. 6 – a Saturday, to take advantage of minimal car and foot traffic on campus. Alves arrived at 5 a.m., planning to be on site for six hours; it turned out to be more than nine. In all, the project involved about 20 workers, including several from FDM and several more from an Escondido company called Big Trees Nursery. After landscapers boxed and harnessed the tree, a crane lifted it out of the ground and laid it on its side on a flatbed truck (a smaller truck after the first one proved too big to navigate the service road, causing an hour delay). On the drive northeast out of campus, the oak’s branches were so wide that they were brushing the overhang of the Arts Building and the trees outside Science Hall 2. “It looked like it was high-fiving other trees all the way down, like it was saying, ‘See you later,’ ” Alves joked. At a very deliberate, almost walking pace, the truck descended the service road to La Moree Road, re-entered campus near the Sprinter station and drove southwest on Campus View Drive to the tree’s new resting spot behind the library. Along the way, the precious cargo had a front and back escort from University Police Department vehicles. Now situated on the ground next to the main circle, the crane lifted the tree from the truck and deposited it in a pre-dug hole. Workers attached three braces to the trunk to provide support in case of wind or rain. The tree, which is about 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide, will be given vitamins and extra water in the coming weeks. “We’re setting it up for success and a long, happy life,” said Alves, adding that oak trees can live up to 300 years, making this one a relative baby. Alves said the project reflects CSUSM’s dedication to sustainability and its achievement last year of Level 1 arboretum accreditation and Tree Campus USA recognition. She also spotlighted the efforts of the university’s landscaping team, namely Raul Vaca and Ricardo Jacobo, with after-care by Isidro (Sid) Alvarez. “It was a team effort, and it took a team to pull it off,” she said. “Often, FDM is behind the scenes, like we’re the engine running the campus. But I want people to know that we do some really cool stuff.” Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Cal State San Marcos is 79th in the nation in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2026 Best Colleges in the U.S.” rankings, climbing nearly 20 spots since last year. The Wall Street Journal determined the rankings based on data collected in three main categories: student outcomes, learning environments and diversity. The WSJ examines how much a university improves students’ chances of graduating and their future earnings, balancing those outcomes with feedback from students on college life. Over 500 of the top universities were considered and ranked in collaboration with College Pulse and Statista. CSUSM also placed highly in the following categories: 16th in social mobility 55th in best value 71st in student experience 79th in best salaries The rankings are another example of CSUSM's longstanding commitment to student success. As part of that commitment, the university recently announced the launch of a $200 million fundraising campaign. Dubbed “Blueprint for the Future,” it is designed to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students.  There are many examples of the blueprint in action, including a recent $2 million National Science Foundation grant to fund annual scholarships for chemistry and biochemistry students. Also, the CSUSM Master of Social Work program has secured more than $3.5 million in funding to cover tuition, fees and training stipends for more than 100 students. In August, CSUSM ranked among the top schools in the Washington Monthly Rankings. And over the summer, CSUSM received 4.5 out of 5 stars on Money magazine’s list of “Best Colleges in America.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cassiopeia Guthrie has worn many hats in her career – educator, journalist, curriculum designer and arts advocate. But at the heart of it all is a deep commitment to equity, creativity and student success. A proud alumna of Cal State San Marcos and its School of Education, Guthrie serves as a Distinguished Teacher in Residence (DTiR) – a unique program that brings experienced educators into the university to teach, mentor and lead. DTiRs play a vital role in preparing the next generation of teachers by bridging theory and practice, offering students real-world insights and guidance rooted in classroom experience. In her role, Guthrie designs and teaches a wide range of undergraduate, credential and graduate-level courses. Her leadership extends beyond instruction, as she co-chairs the school’s Community Governance and DTiR committees and serves on the Education Recruitment Committee. “It has been an honor to come full circle by returning to teach in the School of Education," Guthrie said. “The faculty at CSUSM do an incredible job of preparing and inspiring future educators to create meaningful learning environments across our region. The opportunity to bring my classroom and real-world experience back to support our TK–12 candidates fills me with both joy and a deep sense of purpose.” Last year, Guthrie was honored with the College of Education, Health and Human Services Outstanding Alumni Award, a recognition of her impact on education and her continued dedication to CSUSM’s mission. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge as the faculty fellow for Project R.I.S.E. (Recruiting Inclusive, Supportive Educators), leading strategic programming and planning to support sustained outreach across partner school districts. Her work will lay the foundation for a future Project R.I.S.E. Center, envisioned as a regional hub to strengthen recruitment and pipeline development for aspiring educators. “Cassiopeia brings a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking and heart to everything she does,” said Moses Ochanji, director of the School of Education. “Her leadership in Project R.I.S.E. will help us build lasting partnerships and expand opportunities for future teachers.” Guthrie’s journey began with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Diego State, followed by a teaching credential at CSUSM and an MBA from a private university. She is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership through the joint doctoral program between CSUSM and UC San Diego, with a research focus on how political rhetoric affects teachers’ emotional responses in polarized times. Her resume includes roles such as a curriculum and educational technology specialist, marketing communications officer, and arts integration fellow with CSUSM’s Center ARTES. She also has served as a journalist and theater critic, earning multiple San Diego Press Club awards and contributing to outlets such as San Diego Magazine and San Diego Story. Whether she’s leading professional development, designing equity-focused curriculum or mentoring future educators, Guthrie’s work reflects CSUSM’s commitment to innovation and developing creative solutions in partnership with the community. Support leaders like Cassiopeia Guthrie and programs like DTiR, Project R.I.S.E. and Center ARTES by contributing to CSUSM’s “Blueprint for the Future” fundraising campaign. Your gift helps us innovate in education, accelerate student success and cultivate lasting impact across our region. Learn more and give today. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Cal State San Marcos’ Blue Light Student Theatre Club is presenting a performance of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.” The play will be Oct. 2-4 at 7 p.m. in Arts Building 111. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for the community. The play follows two men leading double lives under the alias “Ernest,” hoping to escape societal responsibility and captivate women. However, their lies only entangle them further as the women they attract begin to believe they are engaged to the same man. One of Wilde’s most famous works, the play directed by Em Schweim, president of the theatre club, takes a comedic tone and uses witty dialogue to humorously critique the British upper class. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos placed highly in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, including a tie for 23rd in the overall ranking for best universities in the West.   The university also placed in a tie for 13th in top public schools in the West and 40th for best value schools in the West.   The rankings are another example of CSUSM's longstanding commitment to student success. As part of that commitment, the university recently announced the launch of a $200 million fundraising campaign. Dubbed “Blueprint for the Future,” it is designed to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students.  There are many examples of the blueprint in action, including a recent $2 million National Science Foundation grant to fund annual scholarships for chemistry and biochemistry students. Also, the CSUSM Master of Social Work program has secured more than $3.5 million in funding to cover tuition, fees and training stipends for more than 100 students. “Blueprint for the Future” will ensure that students have the tools they need to thrive, connections to local business and industry partners, and a supportive community to propel their higher education.   Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

In a recent kinesiology lab at Cal State San Marcos, students traded textbooks for chicken legs and vinegar in a series of interactive experiments designed to deepen their understanding of anatomy and physiology. Led by kinesiology instructor Megan Paterson, the lab sessions gave students the opportunity to explore osmosis and biomechanics through real-world applications. In one experiment, students soaked eggs in vinegar to dissolve the shells, then placed them in various saltwater solutions and beverages of their choice – with most opting for sodas or sports drinks. By weighing the eggs before and after, they estimated how much water was absorbed, offering insight into osmosis and the salt content of everyday drinks. “This kind of hands-on learning helps students connect theory to practice,” Paterson said. “It’s one thing to read about osmosis; it’s another to see it happen right in front of you.” In the afternoon sessions taught by Joseph Lawrence, students dissected chicken legs to compare the large muscles of the thigh with the smaller ones in the calf. They then conducted a bone-breaking experiment, measuring the length and diameter of chicken femurs and tibias and calculating the force required to break them. The lab also incorporated CSUSM’s Anatomage Tables, allowing students to explore human anatomy in 3D and reinforce their understanding through digital dissection. Inside kinesiology health labs like this, students combine classic techniques with cutting-edge tools, gaining real-world skills that go far beyond textbooks. The experience helps them build a strong foundation for careers in health and human movement. And they’re doing it with purpose. “These labs weren’t just about science,” Lawrence said. “They were about reinforcing confidence, curiosity and community.” These immersive experiences reflect CSUSM’s “Blueprint for the Future,” the name of its recently launched $200 million fundraising campaign. You can support the campaign and fuel more hands-on learning experiences like this. Learn more and give today. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

The STEM field is a continuously growing community with many job opportunities available for science students. Cal State San Marcos is committed to providing the resources and support these students need to pursue higher education and integrate themselves into the workforce. That commitment received a boost recently, as CSUSM was awarded a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to create a learning community for chemistry and biochemistry majors and award scholarships to qualified students. The program will incorporate a Vertical Mentoring Learning Community (VMLC) for up to 30 chemistry and biochemistry students each year, with eight first-year students receiving a renewable $15,000 scholarship based on financial need. The program is led by chemistry and biochemistry professor Robert Iafe, the principal investigator, and co-principal investigators Afra Panahi, a chemistry and biochemistry professor, and Aswad Allen, CSUSM’s chief diversity officer. Together, they plan to create a community of high-achieving, motivated students recruited from introductory chemistry classes. Students who prove proficient and committed to their studies will be invited to join the learning community, and those who qualify financially will be able to apply for the additional scholarship to help with tuition and housing. “The community aspect of it gives it a supportive place to really go for your goals, but also a safe and secure place to experiment,” Iafe said. Students selected for the VMLC also will receive priority enrollment for chemistry classes and labs required for their major. The vertical mentoring learning experience highlights a discipline-specific learning community of students supported by each other, faculty members and professionals. This offers students a comfortable learning environment filled with like-minded individuals guiding them toward their futures in STEM, whether that be graduate school or pursuing a career. “We make sure they participate in professional development activities so they can build a strong science identity and become more competitive for graduate school and the job market,” Panahi said. “The supportive environment from their peer mentors, academic advisers and professional mentors can really help them build a stronger network.” The smaller, more intimate setting of the vertical mentoring program provides a comfortable space for students to ask questions freely and create a closer relationship with faculty. This environment creates a rewarding experience for all and promotes a sense of happiness and job satisfaction among the faculty involved. “There are concrete benchmarks along the way for students to actually see themselves progressing,” Allen said. "Vertical learning allows students to visualize their futures and see themselves where they want to be. “We're going to create the right atmosphere, the right environment and all the right ingredients for them to thrive.”   Learn more on the Vertical Mentoring Learning Community website. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

It’s fitting that the title of the new art exhibit on the third floor of Kellogg Library is “Zine Dreams.” April Ibarra Siqueiros, the curator of the exhibit and a user experience librarian at Cal State San Marcos, does indeed dream of zines – short for “magazine,” the term refers to handmade publications in booklet form about any topic, presented as an alternative to mainstream media. Siqueiros dreams about the zines she wants to make. She dreams about the zines she wants to add to her growing collection. And she dreams about the zine community that she wants to cultivate at CSUSM. Her current exhibit in the library – part of the biannual Context Exhibit Series, it’s on display in person or online through Dec. 15 – is a big step in that direction. Subtitled “publishing in your hands,” the exhibit is essentially a love letter to zine culture told through Siqueiros’ creative eye and curious mind. It features about 60 zines from her personal collection – covering such topics as borders, immigration, art, gender and sexuality – and a dozen more that she has made, either by herself or with a group. It also includes information about the process of zine-making, the history of zines and the local zine community. “Zines can be a way for marginalized and oppressed voices to use a format to share their stories, make calls to action, teach something and build community,” Siqueiros said. “They can also be random, silly and made to bring joy. It's a format that is open to all, regardless of skill level. “Sometimes I hear someone say they aren't an artist or ‘creative’ when it comes to zine making, but in my experience teaching zine workshops, that doesn't matter. If someone intentionally explores zine making, it is likely a cool zine will come out of it.” Growing up in the South Bay, Siqueiros says she was always a crafty child. She remembers first hearing about zines from a Nickelodeon cartoon in the early 2000s, and she bought her first one in 2008 – a Mexican cookzine called “Vegan de Guadalupe” (a play on veganism and the Virgin Mary), it’s included in the exhibit. Siqueiros crossed over from simply collecting zines to making them about a decade ago when she was pursuing a master’s degree in library and information science at the Pratt Institute in New York. Inspired by attending the Brooklyn Zine Fest, she created her initial zine as part of an art collective with some friends. A year later, she displayed her first solo zine at the same festival. “Having been an artist and crafter, I’ve always gravitated to making things,” she said. “Zines opened up another realm of creating for me, which stuck 10 years later.” Most of zines Siqueiros has made fall under the general theme she conjured up called “Valley of Paradox.” Of those, she’s proudest of one named “Celestial Hearts: deep connections with deep space,” which is about her love of astronomy. It represented a leap forward for her in ambition, creativity and research, and about half of it is contributed content from fellow zinesters who responded to a call for submission. She’s working on a second and third part of the series, which will focus alternately on her personal astronomical adventures and stories, and research about astronomers and space explorers. Siqueiros has worked for the CSUSM library since 2019, and during that time she gradually has become exposed to an interest in zines by the campus community – whether it’s professors incorporating zines into their assignments or colleagues who make them or are just intrigued by them. She began thinking about curating the exhibit two years ago, and her desire to pursue it was reinforced as she taught zine workshops for a few instructors, including Dominque Harrison, who works for the Office of Institutional Planning & Analysis but also teaches a seminar for first-year students. Three zines created during Harrison’s class last summer are on display in the exhibit. “While zines are not mainstream, it just takes a zine point person to open up this format to someone’s world,” Siqueiros said. She would like to be that person for any number of students who stroll by her exhibit this semester. But she doesn’t want “Zine Dreams” to be only a passive experience. The goal is to unlock others’ zine-making potential. On Oct. 9 from 1-2 p.m., Siqueiros will collaborate with the Common Read program on a workshop in The Makery where students can create a page in a collective zine that highlights their identities and stories. “It might take someone years later to make one like it did for me,” she said. “Minimally, my hope is that anyone who sees the exhibit reflects on the power of DIY publishing and how zines provide a way for us to learn about things that we may never be exposed to otherwise.” Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Cal State San Marcos is proud to announce a transformational $10 million philanthropic investment from Hunter Industries, one of the largest gifts in university history. The donation will support the construction of CSUSM’s new Integrated Science and Engineering (ISE) Building, a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists. Pending approval by the California State University Board of Trustees, the ISE Building will be named in honor of Hunter Industries, a San Marcos-based leading global manufacturer of products for landscape irrigation and lighting, dispensing technologies, and custom manufacturing since 1981. Construction began with a groundbreaking in July, and the building is scheduled to open to students by fall 2027. It will be funded through a combination of CSU systemwide funding and external contributions. The ISE Building is critical to meet the growing demand for STEM education in San Diego County and Southern California, where regional industry needs have outpaced the production of qualified engineers and scientists. The building will allow the university to expand its enrollment of students in engineering disciplines from 500 to nearly 2,000. CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt revealed the donation on Friday, the same day that the university publicly announced its $200 million “Blueprint for the Future” campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in its history. “This gift represents an extraordinary investment in the future of our region,” Neufeldt said. “Hunter Industries has been part of CSUSM’s story since our very beginning, growing as we grew, believing in our mission and sharing a vision for the future. I truly cannot imagine a better partner to walk alongside us in this next chapter. This will have such a great impact for our campus and region – opening doors to higher education and preparing the next generation of highly skilled engineers and scientists.” “An educated workforce is the foundation of a thriving economy,” said Greg Hunter, CEO of Hunter Industries. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with CSUSM and invest in a facility that will empower students, strengthen our community and drive innovation for decades to come.” Long a visionary philanthropic partner of CSUSM, Hunter Industries is included on the campus founder's seal listing original donors from the school’s early years. The company has supported CSUSM through pivotal growth projects, including capital and programmatic contributions toward areas such as the College of Business Administration, University Student Union and the Clarke Field House. Hunter Industries has championed CSUSM’s STEM programs, contributing to the creation of the Hunter Design Lab in the Viasat Engineering Pavilion, funding state-of-the-art physics laboratories and providing internships, mentorship and faculty support through its software development division. Today, Hunter is a model of corporate partnership in higher education and the largest private employer in San Marcos, employing many CSUSM alumni and interns. With Hunter Industries’ gift, CSUSM’s “Blueprint for the Future” campaign is more than 70% of the way toward the $200 million goal. The campaign’s theme reflects both the physical growth on campus and the forward momentum building at CSUSM as one of the CSU system’s fastest-growing campuses. Founded in 1989, CSUSM serves 17,000 students and is proud to be ranked in the top 1% nationally for advancing social mobility. To learn more about “Blueprint for the Future,” visit the campaign website.   About Hunter Industries Headquartered in San Marcos, Hunter Industries is a leading global manufacturer of products for landscape irrigation and lighting, dispensing technologies, and custom manufacturing. Founded in 1981, the family-owned company offers thousands of products, including a full range of water- and energy-efficient solutions for residential, commercial, municipal, agricultural and golf course applications. Hunter’s core mission remains unchanged: to deliver valued products and services backed by unwavering customer support. Learn more at hunter.global.

As one of the nation’s top universities for advancing social mobility, Cal State San Marcos has transformed lives and strengthened communities for more than three decades. Now, through the largest fundraising campaign in university history, CSUSM aims to raise $200 million to support student success and power the region’s future.  CSUSM officially launched its “Blueprint for the Future” campaign on Sept. 19. It’s an effort that combines philanthropy with grants and research funding. The campaign’s theme reflects both the physical growth on campus and the forward momentum building at CSUSM.  To underscore this momentum, CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt launched the campaign with the announcement of a transformational $10 million philanthropic investment from Hunter Industries to support the construction of CSUSM’s new Integrated Science and Engineering (ISE) Building. This ranks among the largest philanthropic gifts in CSUSM’s history – joining landmark contributions from Price Philanthropies and the Epstein Family Foundation at the same level. “The ‘Blueprint for the Future’ campaign is our commitment to reimagining what’s possible in higher education,” Neufeldt said. “We are a university that is different by design, which means we are truly intentional about how we meet our mission of student success. This campaign is more than a call to give – it’s a call to transform lives, uplift families and power the future of our region.”   Building on a strong foundation of student success, career readiness and community impact, “Blueprint for the Future” is guided by three pillars:   Innovate – driving bold ideas and solutions that expand opportunity.   Accelerate – advancing student success and creating lasting impact.  Cultivate – strengthening community connections and pathways from education into careers.   “What excites me most about CSUSM is how innovation here directly translates into workforce opportunity,” said Simon Kuo, chair of the CSUSM Foundation Board and vice president of corporate quality at Viasat. “The ‘Blueprint for the Future’ campaign is about fueling new ideas and building the pipeline of talent our region needs to thrive – from health care and technology to education and the arts.”   With more than 70% of the goal raised at the time of the public launch in September, “Blueprint for the Future” is off to a strong start. Thanks to philanthropic gifts and research funding, CSUSM has been able to:   Launch the Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track (SWIFT) Health Programs, a unique accelerated three-year degree with dual enrollment starting in high school.   Break ground on the new ISE Building, expanding STEM programs and increasing enrollment capacity.   Significantly grow the endowment to support the work of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC).   Advance research in areas such as quantum information science and technology, further develop undergraduate STEM education and expand workforce development through the Veterans to Naval Careers program.   Strengthen the work of the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care by expanding to other CSU campuses.  Discover how you can be part of CSUSM’s historic “Blueprint for the Future” campaign.  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos President Ellen Neufeldt has won an award that celebrates leaders driving innovation and positive change in the San Diego region. Neufeldt on Wednesday received the Innovation & Economic Opportunity Award from LEAD San Diego, the leadership development arm of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. She was one of six individuals honored at the 23^rd annual Visionary Awards in San Diego. “Thank you to LEAD San Diego for this honor," Neufeldt said. "This award is really the campus' award. It's the work we do together for the success and social mobility of our students. I'm so grateful to work alongside so many scholars, innovators and partners to advance what higher education should and must become.” Neufeldt was nominated for the award for her visionary leadership in a time of rapid change across higher education and for implementing initiatives that expand access, accelerate economic opportunities and redefine how universities prepare students to succeed and lead. Among other accomplishments, she was specifically recognized for launching multiple buildings and programs at CSUSM: the Integrated Science and Engineering Building (ground broken this summer), the University Village Student Success Housing and Dining Project (set to open next fall), the Innovation Hub, and the Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track (SWIFT) Health Programs. LEAD San Diego is dedicated to cultivating and empowering civic and business leaders in the San Diego region. Through comprehensive leadership development programs, LEAD San Diego provides participants with the tools, insights and connections needed to address the region’s most pressing issues. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Anahi Martinez Mendez has known since she was a teenager that she wanted to pursue a career helping children with mental health challenges. Martinez Mendez contended with social anxiety herself as a teen, and she was eager to ensure that her younger siblings knew there were resources and support systems to help if they faced similar challenges. “I was like their second mother, especially with my sister,” Martinez Mendez said. “It made me think, ‘How can I implement and help with mental health and related issues?’ Because growing up, I never really had the support system.” Martinez Mendez arrived at Cal State San Marcos initially planning to major in psychology and work toward becoming a clinical psychologist or family therapist. But working at Student Health & Counseling Services (SHCS) inspired her to pursue a slightly different path. Martinez Mendez spent two years during her undergraduate studies working in CSUSM’s HOPE & Wellness Center as a peer educator. The experience was life-changing, inspiring Martinez Mendez to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at CSUSM after she graduated last May as a double major in child and adolescent development and Spanish. “I realized that I love doing more community outreach than working one on one,” she said. The HOPE & Wellness Center is among several groups on campus devoted to providing mental health services for CSUSM students. Last year, the university received a $250,000 grant from the Conrad Prebys Foundation to advance those services, part of a larger $6 million investment by the Prebys Foundation in grants to 23 local organizations.  The Prebys Foundation’s funding helped CSUSM launch a mental health intervention program called the Community of Care that brings together the Cougar Care Network, SHCS and the Crisis Response Team. The grant also served as a catalyst for additional philanthropic support, including funding from the San Diego Foundation’s mental health program for MSW interns and a matching contribution from the Epstein Family Foundation.  The Community of Care’s efforts to decrease mental health challenges and crises for students include the following strategies:  Providing counseling through SHCS for students seeking mental health support.  Providing basic needs resources and expanding mental health referral support through Cougar Care Network and its mobile Care Cart.  Providing response to time-sensitive mental health crises on campus.  Martinez Mendez is part of those efforts as a MSW graduate assistant this year for the HOPE & Wellness Center. She works closely with Cathy Nguyen, the coordinator of health promotion and a senior health educator, and Rosa Hunt, a health educator. Martinez Mendez became more interested in social work through her undergraduate work with psychology professor Aleksandria Grabow. It was Grabow who taught her about the many different areas that social work touches. A self-described introvert, Martinez Mendez also credits psychology professor Kimberly Vanderbilt for helping her grow and become more comfortable working with families. As a MSW student, Martinez Mendez attends classes two days a week while working 20 hours a week at schools in San Marcos Unified School District to earn her pupil personnel services credential, which authorizes individuals to work as school counselors, school psychologists or school social workers. It’s all part of her goal of becoming a school social worker or therapist to continue advocating for mental health for school-aged children.   Visit the Student Health & Counseling Services website to learn about free mental health first aid trainings. SHCS will host the “Suicide Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil”  on Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. Learn more about other upcoming events to support mental health on the SHCS events calendar. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Four people with Cal State San Marcos connections have been selected to screen their films at the inaugural Hidden City Film Festival (HCFF) in Escondido. A part of the programming at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, the festival has partnered with CSUSM's College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences to provide opportunities for students to participate in the wider arts community.  “Through the partnership with CHABSS, Hidden City Film Festival has provided students with the opportunity to share their work on a large scale to the greater North County community, gain professional experience and make valuable connections within the art and film communities in San Diego County,” said Leslie Foster, a CSUSM art, media and design faculty member who has been involved in the planning of HCFF. “We're so grateful for the work of art, media and design alumnus Kelly Dexter, who played a significant role in forging this relationship; and we are excited to see the festival feature work by several students and former students. We're also delighted that alumni like Joshua Kim, who now works at the Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego, were able to serve as members of the film festival's jury. We look forward to growing this relationship, especially in connection with the annual Festival of Arts, hosted by the university's art, media and design department each May.”  Through volunteer opportunities and festival events, students can connect with industry professionals to expand the opportunities already provided on campus. HCFF runs Sept. 26-28 at the Regal Cinema in Escondido, where CSUSM alumni Kate Clark, Adriana Carmen Alfaro and Paul Bacaj and current student Amara Abaquin-Brown will be screening their films. The festival's mission is to unite the community through the power of film by giving both local and global filmmakers the chance to highlight their creative talent. “We have a great selection of films to kick off the inaugural year, including lots of local and international selections,” said Nicole Mendez, department coordinator and filmmaker, who is serving on the jury for the festival.  Carmen Alfaro said her intention in directing her film “Behind the Scenes” was “to tell the kinds of stories that often go untold; the real, everyday experiences of people whose voices aren’t always heard.” The festival will include curated short film showcases, feature film spotlights and live Q&As as well as a closing awards ceremony. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos has received the 2025 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award from Insight Into Academia magazine.   As a recipient of the annual HEED Award – a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to academic excellence, belonging and community-building across all levels of campus life – CSUSM will be featured along with 61 other recipients in the October issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.   This marks the 12th consecutive year that CSUSM has received the HEED Award, placing the university among those with the longest-running streaks of recognition nationwide. “I am deeply honored that Cal State San Marcos has received the HEED Award for the 12th consecutive year,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This recognition affirms our steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence – where access to a high-quality education and opportunity for talented students from all backgrounds are central to our mission.” CSUSM is one of just four CSU schools to win the HEED Award this year.  "CSUSM is proud to be recognized as a leader in inclusive higher education,” said Aswad Allen, CSUSM’s chief diversity officer. “I want to congratulate our faculty, front-line staff, our deans, directors and department heads. Their dedication is what makes this award of excellence and distinction possible.” For more information about the 2025 HEED Award, visit insightintoacademia.com. For more information about diversity and inclusion at CSUSM, visit the Office of Inclusive Excellence at www.csusm.edu/equity or email diversity@csusm.edu. 

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Cal State San Marcos is expanding its reach beyond the classroom thanks to a new partnership with Interfaith Community Services, made possible by an incentive grant for engaged scholarship. The initiative – led by Laura Coca, director of clinical education – is designed to give students hands-on experience while providing much-needed speech-language pathology (SLP) services to the local community. “This project is a win-win,” Coca said. “Our students get to apply what they’re learning in a real-world setting, and Interfaith gains access to services that support families and caregivers in meaningful ways.” Through the partnership, students will collaborate with community members and allied health professionals, offering screenings, support and educational resources. The goal is to strengthen student learning while promoting community well-being. Alison Scheer-Cohen, chair of the SLP department, said the initiative reflects the department’s commitment to community-engaged scholarship. “We’re proud to be part of a university that values service and connection,” Scheer-Cohen said. “This partnership bridges academic knowledge with practical service, and it’s a great example of how our students are making a difference even before they graduate.” The collaboration with Interfaith is expected to enhance access to care for underserved populations while giving students a deeper understanding of the social and cultural factors that shape health outcomes. “This is about more than clinical skills,” Coca said. “It’s about empathy, communication and building trust with the people we serve.” The department plans to share outcomes from the project with the campus community, highlighting how engaged scholarship can create lasting impact. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Cal State San Marcos professor and award-winning pianist Ching-Ming Cheng will take the stage on campus as part of her fall concert series. The concert will be held Oct. 23 at noon in Arts 111. Cheng will perform with cellist Paul Tseng, music director of the San Diego Music Society. The performance unites two internationally acclaimed musicians and will feature pieces from Mendelssohn and Schumann. “These are the two representative romantic composers,” Cheng said. “I would like to point out that, especially in the Mendelssohn piece, even though it's called ‘Cello Sonata,’ the piano part has maybe 50 times more notes than the cello. It's very lively and fun yet challenging.” Cheng joined CSUSM as an assistant professor of music in 2011; she is now the chair of the music department. Her work at CSUSM has helped her achieve the Top Music Teacher Award from Steinway & Sons every year since 2016. In 2021, she received the CSUSM President’s Outstanding Faculty Award in Service and Leadership. In 2023, Cheng was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. The concert is a preview of Cheng’s upcoming concert at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, on Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. “It’s a chamber concert with piano, cello and harp. The theme of the concert is ‘284 Strings,’ the total number of strings of the three instruments combined,” Cheng said. The full list of Cheng’s performances includes: Oct. 9, 1 p.m., Palomar College, Howard Brubeck Theatre Oct. 23, noon, Cal State San Marcos, Arts 111 Oct. 28, 2 p.m., Grossmont College, Performing and Visual Arts Center Nov. 2, 4 p.m., California Center for the Arts, Escondido Nov. 9, 2 p.m., Point Loma Community Center Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos’ Master of Social Work program is celebrating a milestone year, with students benefiting from unprecedented financial support and expanded opportunities to serve the community. For the 2025-26 academic year, the MSW program has secured or is finalizing six major grants totaling more than $3.5 million. The funding will provide 125 full tuition and fee scholarships or training stipends, covering 60% of the program’s 210 students. Many recipients will receive additional financial support for living expenses, making graduate education more accessible than ever. “This support is about more than just lowering financial barriers – it’s about assisting students to graduate without the heavy burden of debt, so they can build their lives and careers in the very communities they’re dedicated to serving,” said Blake Beecher, chair of the social work department. In addition to the grant-funded scholarships and stipends, the MSW program also entered a new partnership with the San Diego Pay It Forward Loan Program this fall. This program offers zero-interest, no-fee loans to CSUSM MSW students, with loan forgiveness after five years of service in public behavioral health settings. Graduates who remain in these roles also earn retention-based loan credits, further incentivizing long-term community impact. Another area in which the MSW program is supporting students is through employment-based internships. Due to a change in the most recent social work accreditation standards, the MSW program has developed a process in which select students can complete their required internships in qualifying employment settings. This year, 33 MSW students have been approved to participate in the employment-based internship program. "This is a game-changer for social mobility," said Jennifer Ostergren, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services. "Our MSW students are not only gaining access to graduate education, but they’re also being positioned to thrive in the workforce and make lasting contributions to the health and well-being of our region." The MSW program also continues to deepen its community engagement. Students complete 16 to 20 hours per week in field internships across San Diego and Riverside counties, with expansion underway in Orange, San Bernardino and Imperial counties. These placements allow students to work with diverse populations and provide essential services in real-world settings. During the 2024-25 academic year, MSW students contributed more than 70,000 hours of pro bono social work services to local organizations and agencies serving at-risk populations. "Our students are embedded in the community in meaningful ways," Beecher said. "They’re not just learning - they’re leading, advocating, and making a difference in people’s lives." Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Lola Ferguson was a regular at the hospital as a child. She was used to taking 50 pills a day, undergoing hours of treatments and numerous doctors’ appointments. It was just part of her normal daily life. “I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis before I was even born,” Ferguson said. Also known as CF, cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the body's mucus-producing glands, causing damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs. Ferguson still takes medication and has treatments, but medical advances allow her to live a relatively normal life as a college student in her second year at Cal State San Marcos. In fact, Ferguson is doing so well that she is among the candidates for the AbbVie CF Scholarship, which honors students who are thriving with cystic fibrosis. Public voting accounts for about 30% of the evaluation. Supporters can vote for Ferguson online or by texting "VOTE23" to 35309 through Sept. 18. Winners will be announced Oct. 23. Other evaluation factors are based on academic record and extracurricular activities, an essay and a creative presentation. Ferguson received a $3,000 AbbVie scholarship last year and is hoping this year to win the top award, a $22,000 “Thriving Student Scholarship.” “AbbVie is a pharmaceutical company, and I have taken their meds in the past, so it was just sort of a household name for me,” Ferguson said. “To have a scholarship like that and be involved with a company like that is really nice.” In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the predicted survival age for people with cystic fibrosis was about 28 years old. Ferguson represents a new generation of young adults with CF who, thanks to medical advances, are living significantly longer. Life expectancy has improved to about 68, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Ferguson has seen the improvements firsthand. The more than four dozen daily pills she took as a child is down to 20. She said CF primarily affects her lungs and digestive system, and she also has a mild case of diabetes related to it. In addition to the medication, she does an hour of daily treatment and closely watches her diet. “I don’t even drink caffeine,” she said. “I can’t miss out on my health because it’ll plummet really fast.” Ferguson has found a supportive environment at CSUSM. Disability Student Services ensured that she received a single room in campus housing, which was vital because of the daily treatment she requires. A literature and writing studies major, Ferguson was thrilled to land an on-campus job in Kellogg Library during her first year and she also started writing this fall for CSUSM’s student newspaper, “The Cougar Chronicle.” “I’ve learned to manage things and understand what I can and can’t do,” Ferguson said. “And I haven’t really had a problem in a long time because of all my treatments and medications.” 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.    Chingona Fest   Tuesday, Sept. 9  This two-part event celebrated and uplifted CSUSM's Latina-identifying students and their experiences. This year’s theme was Chingona Sin Frontiers, facing barriers in pursuit of education.    Cafecito con Pan  Monday, Sept. 15, noon, USU 3200  This series, hosted monthly in the Latinx Center, connects students with professionals across campus and offers opportunities for conversations over coffee and pan dulce.    Latinx Center’s 10th Birthday Party  Wednesday, Sept. 17, noon, USU 3200  To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, the center will host birthday party with games, cake and community.     Raices de Barro: Talavera Workshop  Tuesday, Sept. 23, noon, USU 3200  The Latinx Center will explore the roots of Mexican Talavera artwork and ceramics, with opportunities for students to create their own vase.    Shared Roots: Tattoos in Our Cultures (With APIDA)  Thursday, Sept. 25, USU 3200  An ongoing series in collaboration with the APIDA Student Center explores the cultural significance of tattoos in both APIDA and Latine communities.    Chisme Club: Sin Fronteras  Thursday, Oct. 2, noon, USU 3200  Students are invited to reflect on the impact of current events on our communities, with a self-care activity to end the session.    Latine Heritage Month Celebration  Thursday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m., USU Ballroom   Join us as we close out the month with music, food and games at a celebration open to all.  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314