A ceremony celebrating academic achievement was the backdrop for a transformational moment in Native education.  During a deeply moving celebration last week honoring American Indian and Alaska Native graduates at Cal State San Marcos, leaders from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation stepped forward to make history. In an act that will reverberate through generations, they formally presented a $3 million endowment gift to the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC), the largest single gift in the university's history dedicated to Indigenous education and research.  The moment transcended a simple transaction. In a reciprocal gesture steeped in tradition and meaning, the CICSC presented the tribe with a one-of-a-kind painting entitled "The Gift," created by Eric Tippeconnic (Comanche), a CSUSM American Indian studies professor and celebrated artist whose work bridges Native culture through contemporary expression. The exchange served as a heartfelt tribute to an enduring relationship rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to Native student success.  “This gift represents more than financial support; it embodies the strength of our partnerships and our collective belief in the transformative power of Indigenous education,” said Joely Proudfit (Payómkawichum, Tongva), director of the CICSC and chair of American Indian studies. “When tribal nations invest in higher education, they are not just supporting individual students; they are affirming tribal sovereignty, cultural continuity and the inherent right of our people to define our own futures. This endowment will create pathways for Native students who might otherwise never see the possibility of higher education, ensuring that our voices, our knowledge systems and our ways of knowing continue to flourish in academic spaces."    A Partnership Forged in Vision and Reciprocity  “We are deeply honored by this generous investment from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This historic gift affirms the work we’ve accomplished and progress we’ve made, while underscoring the power of tribal-university partnerships to build a more inclusive future – one that uplifts Native voices, values Indigenous knowledge systems and reflects our shared commitment to meaningful collaboration and student success.”  The relationship between Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and CSUSM began more than a decade ago as a seed of possibility. When the tribe contributed nearly $1 million to help launch the university's CICSC, they weren't just funding a program – they were investing in a vision of what Indigenous education could become. Since then, the CICSC has evolved into a nationally recognized beacon for Native student success, groundbreaking research and transformative community engagement, serving as both a vital resource for California tribal communities and a blueprint for Indigenous-led initiatives in higher education nationwide.    Building Legacy, Transforming Lives  “Moments like this reflect the legacy we're building together – not just for today, but for the generations of Native leaders yet to come,” said Johnny Hernandez, vice chairman of the Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel. “We thank CSUSM for creating a space that truly amplifies Native voices and honors tribal perspectives with the respect they deserve. This investment will be transformational for generations to come – providing the resources needed to continue championing education, cultural preservation and the sovereignty of Native nations.”  As students, faculty, tribal leaders and community members gathered to honor Native American graduates, the ceremony underscored the profound influence of the CICSC, the only center of its kind in the California State University system. The timing was no coincidence; this gift was presented during a celebration of achievement, surrounded by the living embodiment of what such investments make possible.    When You Build It, They Will Come  With one of the highest per capita populations of American Indian and Alaska Native students in California, CSUSM has established itself as more than an educational institution – it has become a thriving intellectual home where Indigenous excellence flourishes. The university's commitment goes beyond enrollment numbers; it encompasses a holistic approach to Native student success that honors both academic achievement and cultural identity, creating an environment where students can pursue rigorous scholarship while remaining deeply connected to Indigenous knowledge and community values.  CICSC alumni serve as living testaments to this approach. They have gone on to hold leadership positions in tribal government, shape public policy at state and federal levels, and make meaningful contributions as educators who carry both Western knowledge and traditional teachings, artists who preserve and evolve cultural expression, health professionals who serve their communities with cultural competency, and cultural preservationists who ensure that Indigenous knowledge flows to future generations.    An Enduring Investment in Tomorrow  This $3 million endowment, amplified by a $1 million match contribution from the Epstein Family Foundation, represents more than monetary value. It is an investment in sovereignty, cultural continuity and the radical act of ensuring that Native students see themselves reflected in the halls of higher education. It will support scholarships, fund innovative research that centers Indigenous knowledge, expand community outreach programs and create new pathways for Native students to pursue their dreams while staying connected to their cultural roots.  In a world where Indigenous peoples continue to fight for recognition, respect and resources, this partnership between Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and CSUSM stands as a powerful example of what becomes possible when mutual respect meets genuine commitment to change. It demonstrates that when tribal nations and institutions of higher education work together as true partners, they can create ripple effects that extend far beyond campus boundaries, touching communities across Indian Country and beyond.  As the ceremony concluded and graduates prepared to take their next steps into the world, they carried with them not only their degrees but also the knowledge that their success is part of a larger story, one of resilience, partnership and the firm belief that Indigenous voices and knowledge have always belonged in every space, especially those where the future is being shaped.   Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Navigating Southern California traffic on a two-hour commute from Temescal Valley to Cal State San Marcos, Saide Gallegos is already well into her day while most students grumble about an early-morning class. Gallegos is on track to graduate this fall as a child and adolescent development major. Her academic path hasn’t been a straight line. “I graduated from high school in 2020 during COVID,” Gallegos said. “I started at my local community college that same summer and stayed at that college for three years, finishing my general education in 2023.” After earning an associate degree, Gallegos took an eight-month break not to relax or go on vacation, but to work. “I told myself that the only reason why I was taking those eight months off was to save up to come here and not have to work as much for my first semester because I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “I really struggled a lot in the community college, so I wanted to make sure that school was my priority.” By spring 2024, Gallegos was enrolled full-time at CSUSM. Her so-called “break” didn’t last long. Within weeks, she was back to juggling two jobs: cleaning homes and working at a local gym, all while maintaining a full-time course load. She started working at the gym out of necessity after losing her restaurant position during the pandemic, and the cleaning opportunity came by chance from the person who cleaned her family’s home. Despite her grueling schedule, Gallegos made the dean’s list last fall, an achievement that took her by surprise. “At first, I thought it was a scam email,” Gallegos said, laughing. “I knew I had done well, but I never thought I’d be recognized for it. It felt empowering. Like all the sacrifices had paid off.” As she reflects on her journey to get here, the word “sacrifice” frequently comes up. From the long commute to the long workdays, not to mention staying up late to study, Gallegos sees her hard-earned progress as not just a personal success but a tribute to resilience. “Passing isn’t always easy,” she said. Gallegos lives at home with her mom and is part of a tight-knit CSUSM legacy. Both her parents are alumni, and her younger sister is a student as well. Her family connections add more profound meaning to her academic milestones. Looking ahead, she plans to take another eight-month break after graduation. But again, calling it a break is probably not accurate. She’ll continue working two jobs to save for graduate school, prepare for the GRE and study for the Spanish proficiency exam required to enter the university’s credential program. Her goal is to become a dual immersion teacher and make an impact in bilingual classrooms. For now, Gallegos is focused on finishing strong. “Every day, I remind myself why I started,” she said. “It is about the sacrifices we make that are temporary for long-term success.” In a world where instant gratification often dominates, Gallegos is living proof that dedication, purpose and perseverance never go out of style.    Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314