- CSUSM to Name Baseball Field in Honor of Founding CoachCal State San Marcos will honor Dennis and Marilyn Pugh by naming its baseball field the “Dennis A. Pugh Baseball Field” during a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12. As the founding coach of CSUSM’s baseball program, Pugh built more than a winning program – he built a culture that shaped generations of student-athletes. Pugh, who died in 2020 at age 73, launched CSUSM’s baseball program in 2007 and quickly built it into a competitive force. Under his leadership, the Cougars achieved eight winning seasons in 10 years, earned 282 victories and made three NAIA tournament appearances. His 2015 team set a program record with 36 wins, securing CSUSM’s third Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) conference championship in five seasons. “Coach Pugh’s dedication to excellence, both on and off the field, has left an indelible mark on our university and the community,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “By naming this field in his honor, we ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Cougars.” Beyond wins and championships, Pugh helped develop talent that rose to the professional ranks. Three of his student-athletes were drafted by Major League Baseball teams, while four others signed as free agents – a testament to his ability to cultivate top-tier talent. Pugh also oversaw the construction of CSUSM’s baseball field, which opened in 2011. Marilyn and Dennis further supported the program with a philanthropic gift to upgrade the batting cages, create a modular training facility and establish an endowed fund to maintain the baseball facilities. Thanks to their generous support, combined with community members who recognized his profound impact, CSUSM is able to name the field in his honor. “It was a genuine honor to coach alongside Dennis for nine years,” said Art Warren, former assistant baseball coach at CSUSM. “He was an icon in San Diego as both a baseball and football coach and was well-known for how much he cared about his students.” Before his time at CSUSM, Pugh was already a legend in the San Diego baseball scene. As the head coach at Mission Bay High School from 1979 to 2006, he led the team to 10 San Diego Section finals appearances and secured eight section championships. Additionally, he coached football at Mission Bay for 13 seasons, accumulating 86 wins and two San Diego Section titles. Even after retiring from CSUSM in 2016, Pugh returned to Mission Bay High in 2017 and remained active in the program until his death. “I am forever grateful for the lasting impact that Coach Pugh left on my life,” said Brandon Bentson, a former student-athlete. “Having the field named after him is a tremendous honor and testament to his legacy at Cal State San Marcos.” The naming of the field serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose impact on the game and the lives of his players will be felt for generations. CSUSM invites the community, alumni and former players to attend the ceremony and celebrate Pugh’s enduring legacy. Visit the RSVP webpage to join this event. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Arts & Lectures Presents Hip-Hop Step Aerobics ExperienceThe next event in the spring Arts & Lectures series features the Oside Steppers and guest instructors. Attendees have the opportunity to experience modernized step aerobics set to hip-hop music, offering a fun, intense workout that burns calories, boosts cardiovascular health and relieves stress. The event is at 6 p.m. on April 14 in the USU Ballroom. Reserve tickets online via the Arts & Lectures website. The event includes showcases, instructional sessions and practice for all skill levels. In a bonus panel discussion, get to know your instructors and discover how they use movement to enhance their well-being. The panel will be moderated by Daja Marks, a CSUSM alumna, artist/activist and experimental documentarian. CSUSM’s Arts & Lectures series offers a diverse lineup of artistic, cultural and scholarly events every semester based on input and proposals from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. What: Art & Lectures event, “Xtreme Wellness: Keep It Moving” When: 6 p.m. Monday, April 14 Where: USU Ballroom Who: Daja Marks, a CSUSM alumna, artist/activist and experimental documentarian Tickets: Visit the Arts & Lectures ticket webpage Cost: Free for CSUSM students; $5 for faculty, staff and alumni; $7 for community members Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- CSUSM to Name Baseball Field in Honor of Founding CoachCal State San Marcos will honor Dennis and Marilyn Pugh by naming its baseball field the “Dennis A. Pugh Baseball Field” during a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12. As the founding coach of CSUSM’s baseball program, Pugh built more than a winning program – he built a culture that shaped generations of student-athletes. Pugh, who died in 2020 at age 73, launched CSUSM’s baseball program in 2007 and quickly built it into a competitive force. Under his leadership, the Cougars achieved eight winning seasons in 10 years, earned 282 victories and made three NAIA tournament appearances. His 2015 team set a program record with 36 wins, securing CSUSM’s third Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) conference championship in five seasons. “Coach Pugh’s dedication to excellence, both on and off the field, has left an indelible mark on our university and the community,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “By naming this field in his honor, we ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Cougars.” Beyond wins and championships, Pugh helped develop talent that rose to the professional ranks. Three of his student-athletes were drafted by Major League Baseball teams, while four others signed as free agents – a testament to his ability to cultivate top-tier talent. Pugh also oversaw the construction of CSUSM’s baseball field, which opened in 2011. Marilyn and Dennis further supported the program with a philanthropic gift to upgrade the batting cages, create a modular training facility and establish an endowed fund to maintain the baseball facilities. Thanks to their generous support, combined with community members who recognized his profound impact, CSUSM is able to name the field in his honor. “It was a genuine honor to coach alongside Dennis for nine years,” said Art Warren, former assistant baseball coach at CSUSM. “He was an icon in San Diego as both a baseball and football coach and was well-known for how much he cared about his students.” Before his time at CSUSM, Pugh was already a legend in the San Diego baseball scene. As the head coach at Mission Bay High School from 1979 to 2006, he led the team to 10 San Diego Section finals appearances and secured eight section championships. Additionally, he coached football at Mission Bay for 13 seasons, accumulating 86 wins and two San Diego Section titles. Even after retiring from CSUSM in 2016, Pugh returned to Mission Bay High in 2017 and remained active in the program until his death. “I am forever grateful for the lasting impact that Coach Pugh left on my life,” said Brandon Bentson, a former student-athlete. “Having the field named after him is a tremendous honor and testament to his legacy at Cal State San Marcos.” The naming of the field serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose impact on the game and the lives of his players will be felt for generations. CSUSM invites the community, alumni and former players to attend the ceremony and celebrate Pugh’s enduring legacy. Visit the RSVP webpage to join this event. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Arts & Lectures Presents Hip-Hop Step Aerobics ExperienceThe next event in the spring Arts & Lectures series features the Oside Steppers and guest instructors. Attendees have the opportunity to experience modernized step aerobics set to hip-hop music, offering a fun, intense workout that burns calories, boosts cardiovascular health and relieves stress. The event is at 6 p.m. on April 14 in the USU Ballroom. Reserve tickets online via the Arts & Lectures website. The event includes showcases, instructional sessions and practice for all skill levels. In a bonus panel discussion, get to know your instructors and discover how they use movement to enhance their well-being. The panel will be moderated by Daja Marks, a CSUSM alumna, artist/activist and experimental documentarian. CSUSM’s Arts & Lectures series offers a diverse lineup of artistic, cultural and scholarly events every semester based on input and proposals from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. What: Art & Lectures event, “Xtreme Wellness: Keep It Moving” When: 6 p.m. Monday, April 14 Where: USU Ballroom Who: Daja Marks, a CSUSM alumna, artist/activist and experimental documentarian Tickets: Visit the Arts & Lectures ticket webpage Cost: Free for CSUSM students; $5 for faculty, staff and alumni; $7 for community members Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
- Pride Center to Celebrate gAyPRIL With Series of EventsIn celebration of gAyPRIL, Cal State San Marcos’ Pride Center is partnering with campus organizations to present an exciting lineup of events. Everyone is invited to participate in the following events. gAyPRIL Kickoff and Flag-Raising April 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., USU 3100 Students, staff, faculty and administrators will gather in front of the USU and walk the campus to show support for CSUSM's LGBTQiA+ community members. After the flag-raising at Chavez Circle, guests are encouraged to return to the Pride Center for refreshments and community. Voices of Resilience April 10, 5-7 p.m., USU 3100 Join an inspiring evening of artistic expression at Voices of Resilience, an open-mic night dedicated to showcasing diverse forms of performance and creative media. This event invites poets, musicians, visual artists, fashion designers and performers of all backgrounds to share their work, unified by the themes of perseverance, recovery and resilience. Crystal Clarity: Spirituality & Identity April 15, U-hour, USU 3100 This event will feature meaningful discussions about spirituality and a hands-on crystal-making activity to empower your personal journey. Queering the Map April 17, 4-6 p.m., USU 3100 Come to the Pride Center for a discussion about queerness around the world and about how our own identities affect our lives with women’s gender and sexuality studies professor Mikee Inton-Campbell. This event focuses on stories – the stories of our own lives and learning from the stories of others. Chromatic Queerness April 23, 1-4 p.m., Forum Plaza Come to Forum Plaza to celebrate being queer and all things positive as participants tie-dye multiple types of clothing and connect with San Diego Pride. Cookies & Queers April 24, U-hour, USU 3100 Meet CSUSM’s Pride Faculty and Staff Association! Pride FSA will be holding a meet-and-greet with their members in the Pride Center. Trans Makeup Tips April 29, U-hour, USU 3100 Learn about makeup techniques to pass easier, feel more like yourself and gain confidence in your look. Makeup brushes will be available for you to take home, too. gAyPRIL Sendoff April 30, U-hour, USU 3100 As gAyPRIL comes to a close, we remind ourselves and the world that we don’t just exist for one month a year. We will talk about the significance of Pride Month and what we can do. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314
