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

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

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

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

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

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

After three years of focusing on banned books, Cal State San Marcos’ Common Read will highlight stories that broaden perspectives and build empathy, according to CSUSM Academic Transitions Librarian Allison Carr. The theme for 2025-26, “Stories as Mirrors, Windows & Sliding Doors,” uses fiction and nonfiction books to provide insight into different lived experiences and encourages compassion and understanding. Students can pick up a free copy of a Common Read book from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, in front of Kellogg Library. “We loved the banned books theme and we heard from a lot of students that they loved it, too. But after three years, we wanted to move on to a broader theme that reflected the current climate,” Carr said. “Given what we’ve seen in the news lately about a decline in reading, along with what we know about how reading encourages empathy and compassion, it was important that students gain a deeper understanding of people from all backgrounds.” Carr explained that Common Read considers the diversity of authors and genres as well as the interests of topics to undergraduate students when selecting the books. “While I’m excited about all of our books, this is the first year we’ve offered a collection of poems, ‘Song I Sing’ by Bao Phi. His poems, which are about immigration, race and class, feel a lot more accessible because of his slam poetry background,” Carr said. The library’s Student Advisory Board selected “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas as one of the books to be included. The story features a trans boy proving himself to his Latinx family, while also featuring elements of a love story and a paranormal investigation. The complete list of books selected for this year’s campaign is: “Bird Songs Don't Lie,” Gordon Lee Johnson “Daytripper,” Fabio Moon “The Remember Balloons,” Jessie Oliveros “Song I Sing,” Bao Phi “The Cemetery Boys,” Aiden Thomas (students' choice) “The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman,” Lucy Webster “Stories can break stereotypes, increase awareness of systemic issues and encourage respectful interactions with people from different backgrounds,” Carr said. “At a time when empathy and compassion are seen as weaknesses, reading can help us build and sustain a community that's inclusive and addresses the inequities marginalized communities currently face.” Common Read is also offering a zine-making workshop in collaboration with the Context Exhibit Series, “Zine Dreams” from 1-2 p.m. on Oct. 9 at The Makery. At the event, students can create a page in a collective zine that highlights their identities and stories. An RSVP is required. “My hope for this year is that students gain a deeper understanding of people who are different from them, but also a great understanding of themselves,” Carr said. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos welcomed hundreds of students to the University Student Ballroom on Sept. 4 for the annual Student Organization Fair.  The event provides students an opportunity to learn about the many ways to get involved on campus. With more than 100 recognized student organizations in a variety of categories, there is something for everyone. Relive some of the event highlights in the Student Org Fair photo slideshow. To learn more about available student organizations, visit the student organization directory. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Oscar Loyola Torres never wanted to become a doctor until he saw a sheep's brain.   Growing up, Loyola Torres was interested in filmmaking and acting. But he found himself gravitating toward the medical field after taking anatomy and a biomedical elective course at San Marcos High School (it was in the latter class that he saw the sheep’s brain).   Loyola Torres, a molecular and cellular biology major at Cal State San Marcos, is the first person in his family to attend college. Elementary school teachers told him that there would be a spot for him at CSUSM when the time came, thanks to CSUSM's K-12 Alliance, which motivated him to work hard from an early age.  Loyola Torres’ efforts paid off, as he was honored recently as CSUSM’s recipient of the 2025 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, California State University’s highest recognition of student accomplishment.   The CSU recognizes 23 students every year – one from each campus – with the Trustees’ Award. 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.   “It's almost like imposter syndrome,” Loyola Torres said. “It was just an honor to receive the nomination.”  Loyola Torres’ decision to attend CSUSM over other universities, including UC Riverside, was based on community and affordability. It was a place where he could be close to home while affording school, and his parents supported his decision.   “My parents weren’t able to pursue higher education, so that motivated me,” Loyola Torres said. “I have the privilege of pursuing it, so I have always planned on it.”  As a Pathmaker intern at Palomar Medical Center Escondido, Loyola Torres saw the language barriers that Spanish-speaking patients often experience in health care.   “I have the privilege of speaking both English and Spanish,” he said. “A lot of the patients struggle with understanding what the doctors are saying. I'm going to be able to almost close that gap in the language barrier.”  Loyola Torres also serves in CSUSM's COMPASS research internship, which recruits local high school students and trains them in stem cell science. Expanding hands-on learning opportunities through internships like this is one of the goals of CSUSM’s recently launched “Blueprint for the Future” fundraising campaign. Research and industry partnerships are a key part of how the university prepares students such as Loyola Torres to thrive in the workforce.  Loyola Torres works in biology professor Carlos Luna Lopez’s lab, studying breast cancer cells. Along with a master’s student, Loyola Torres investigates cell culture and how breast cancer cells grow.   This fall, Loyola Torres will serve as president of the campus’ MedLife club, which aims to combat health care shortages and help increase essential health care services to low-income communities in Latin America and Africa. He calls it one of his biggest accomplishments.   Reflecting on his journey, Loyola Torres is proud of his growth. From entering his first year as a quiet student to working internships, serving as a club president and being nominated for an award, he is thankful for these opportunities.   “My GEL professor freshman year told me I have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable,” Loyola Torres said. “I'm proud of myself, because I don't know what I would have been doing right now if I didn't open up or didn't receive that advice."  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Teaching in a student population environment of around 2,500 and then moving to one with 17,000-plus is one of the many challenges that Roni Kay O’Dell, a new assistant professor of political science and global affairs, has signed up for this semester. “I’m really impressed with high student participation in my classes,” said O’Dell, who is particularly moved by the contributions of her global governance class, which is essentially an introduction to international relations. “I’m really excited that the students are so interested in the subject matter. We’ve also already had some really good conversations about current events that are happening in my environmental politics class, which is called Green Planet Politics.” O’Dell is one of four newly hired tenure-track faculty in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. She is spending this week at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom at the Human Development and Capability Association Conference, where she will present her research on how humans can agree on sustainable use and management of Earth’s resources. O’Dell is also a board member (director at large) for the organization. O’Dell comes to CSUSM from Seton Hill University, a Catholic liberal arts university in Greensburg, Pa. There, she was program coordinator (essentially the chair) of the political science and global studies program, led the Model United Nations program and was the adviser for the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society chapter. In addition to the larger student population here, another adjustment she has enjoyed is the change in lifestyle. Along with her husband and dog, O’Dell already has basked in beach days and local hikes, including traversing Torrey Pines recently. “There are a lot of wonderful things about where I’ve lived before, but there’s nothing like being able to go for a walk by the ocean so easily, or be on the beach or even do some of the hikes around here and enjoy the beautiful views,” said O’Dell, who grew up in Montana and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, a master’s from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver. O’Dell is not unlike many CSUSM students. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, beginning that journey at the community college level. Social mobility was a crucial part of her path, so she’s excited to help guide students here by utilizing the same tools of hard work and a caring support system. “I know that CSUSM has that amazing opportunity for students, and so many people who come here are the first people in their family who have gone to a college or are thinking about a university degree or thinking about expanding what they want to do with their lives,” she said. “That was one of the things that definitely drew me.” O’Dell wants to support students to learn and practice how to protect the environment. Essentially, how to make sure humans can thrive while also utilizing our resources sustainably. Putting the theoretical into practice. “There are so many ways CSUSM focuses on sustainability, on the concern for the environment,” she said. “That’s deeply connected to my study of public policy, my study of international relations – my academic interests and research interests, but also practical interests. So that’s really exciting.”   Hyunjin Koo Hyunjin Koo is an assistant professor in the department of psychological science. She earned a Ph.D. in social psychology from UC Irvine and worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of British Columbia before joining CSUSM. As a social psychologist, Koo has two main research programs. First, her work examines how experiences and beliefs about socioeconomic mobility shape everyday thoughts and behaviors, including attitudes toward work and leisure, views of the rich and poor, perceptions of inequality, morality, and social class. Second, in an emerging line of research, she studies a novel psychological construct that she and her team have introduced – leisure guilt — which refers to the guilt people feel when taking leisure time instead of being productive. Her research explores the antecedents and consequences of leisure guilt, as well as the cultural and social factors that influence it.   What drew you to CSUSM? Koo: I was drawn to CSUSM for its strong commitment to student success and social mobility. My main research interest is social mobility, so I was excited to find that my work aligns perfectly with the university’s mission and goals.   What are you hoping your students will take away from your classes? Koo: I hope that through my classes, students come to see how psychology connects to many aspects of their daily lives and experiences, and that they discover the joy of engaging with psychological topics.    What is one of your professional goals you hope to accomplish while you’re here? Koo: I want to embody the teacher–scholar model. My goal is to be both a strong researcher and a dedicated teacher who helps students achieve their own success.   What is your favorite activity during your downtime? Koo: In my free time, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops and restaurants and finding new favorites. I’m especially excited that San Diego has so many places to discover!   Kiana Maillet Kiana Maillet is an assistant professor in the American Indian studies department and is a member of the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe. She is a double CSUSM alumna and a licensed clinical social worker with multiple certifications, and she has extensive volunteer and job experience working with youth, families and communities. Her research interests include American Indian experiences within systems such as foster care, schools and mental health, as well as traditional teachings and experiences with language, foods, plants, places and ceremony.   What drew you to CSUSM?   Maillet: I went through the Master of Social Work and the joint doctoral programs at CSUSM and have been a lecturer here for several years in the AIS department.    What are you hoping your students will take away from your classes?   Maillet: I hope that students will learn about the beauty and complexity of Native ways of being – our side of history, science, mental health, ecology, language, the real impacts of colonization and the strength and resilience of our people.   What is one of your professional goals you hope to accomplish while you’re here?   Maillet: I hope to not only share my knowledge, but also to continue to grow and learn myself. I want to be able to make a positive impact on our students, our campus and in our communities.   What is your favorite activity during your down time? Maillet: I enjoy hiking, gardening, playing with my grandsons and attending our Nüümü Yadoha (Paiute language) classes.   Carlos Rosas Carlos Rosas is a new assistant professor in the psychological science department. He’s also no stranger to campus. Rosas earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from CSUSM and a Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in community and prevention research from the University of Illinois Chicago. Rosas completed epidemiology-focused postdoctoral fellowships at UC San Diego and San Diego State. For the past two years, he also has taught various classes as a lecturer at CSUSM. His research program integrates social and health psychology theories, epidemiological methods, and community-based participatory research approaches to examine the social, cultural and psychological drivers/determinants of mental and physical health (particularly in the context of chronic disease prevention and management), and to develop, implement and evaluate culturally informed and tailored, community-based interventions to promote healthy behaviors and mitigate risk factors. His research places special emphasis on communities of color and other historically understudied populations. Rosas regularly teaches multicultural perspectives in psychology, social psychology and statistics in psychology.    What drew you to CSUSM? Rosas: CSUSM is my alma mater. As an undergraduate, I found CSUSM to be an incredibly supportive and intellectually nurturing academic home. The encouragement and guidance I received from the psychology faculty were quite literally life-changing. I would not have pursued a doctoral degree without their unwavering support and mentorship. Hence, returning to CSUSM was the natural choice for me, and I'm really excited for the opportunity to provide my own students with the same support, motivation and inspiration that I once received from my own professors.     What are you hoping your students will take away from your classes? Rosas: I want my students to leave my classes inspired. In particular, I hope students from low-income and historically underrepresented backgrounds see that it is possible for people like us – the first in our families to attend college, from working-class families, etc. – to move up the socioeconomic ladder and pursue careers that often seem inaccessible. I also want to instill in my students a passion for psychology and psychological research. I still remember walking out of my first social psychology class in awe of the studies we had learned about, and I hope my students leave my classes with that same sense of wonder and curiosity.    What is one of your professional goals you hope to accomplish while you’re here? Rosas: I'm looking forward to establishing partnerships with local community organizations and clinics to collaborate on research projects that improve the health and well-being of underserved communities.    What is your favorite activity during your down time? Rosas: I enjoy working out, primarily lifting weights, though I also like to add a cardio session from time to time.  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Monika Consunji transforms into her alter ego for one week every summer. She takes time off from her job at Cal State San Marcos, turns off her phone and becomes Mushu, the pint-sized Chinese dragon from the Disney movie “Mulan.” Developing an alias is standard for all counselors at Resident Oncology Camp. It offers privacy while counselors work with children who have had their lives upended by cancer. Consunji picked Mushu as a nod to her Asian heritage, but the choice carries deeper significance. “He is so bold, fierce and just really supportive,” Consunji said. “He knows when to come in and help Mulan out and is just an underdog. I chose the name because of all of that, but it really has taught me so much more. Each year, I'm able to set my personal life aside and just be there for the kids. Mushu has provided me so much grit, motivation, protection and strength.” Resident Oncology Camp, part of the nonprofit Oncology and Kids, was developed for children affected by cancer to create memories, forge friendships and build the resiliency needed to heal. It’s a mission that resonates with Consunji. Not only is she a cancer survivor herself, she attended Resident Oncology Camp from the time she was 7 until she turned 18. Giving back to the camp that did so much for her is why Consunji takes a week off every summer from her job as a marketing specialist in the University Communications office. “It’s really special,” she said. “Many of the counselors were once campers, and they truly want to bring back the magic that they felt as campers.” Consunji was diagnosed with cancer when she was just 2 years old. She wasn’t able to articulate the pain she was experiencing, but she was constantly crying and her stomach was hard as a rock. Doctors initially couldn’t find anything wrong, but when the pain persisted, her parents took her back to the hospital and doctors discovered a tumor on one of her ovaries. Although Consunji’s cancer has a high survival rate, having one of her ovaries removed took an emotional toll on her family, and the repercussions are still felt more than two decades later. “At a young age, the doctors were like, ‘Hey, she's not going to be able to have kids, she's going to have complications,’ ” Consunji said. “Now that I'm in my 30s, as I'm thinking about family and the future, it's not the normal options.” Consunji had another cancer scare as an undergraduate student studying business administration at CSUSM (she’ll become a double alumna in December when she completes her MBA). When she was 21, Consunji started experiencing severe stomach pain. Doctors thought it might be a virus, but the pain persisted and her stomach started hardening, exactly what she had experienced as a toddler. A trip to the emergency room uncovered a large cyst on Consunji’s remaining ovary. Though it was benign, it required removal of the ovary and caused Consunji to miss most of the semester. “I kept my cancer and the cyst such a secret before I finally started to tell my close friends,” she said. “I had so many low moments during that time of just anxiety and depression going through another major surgery.” Consunji confided in a friend she knew from Resident Oncology Camp about the emotional difficulties she was experiencing after having her second ovary removed. The friend told Consunji how she returned to the camp as a counselor and how helpful it had been, inspiring Consunji to give it a try. Nearly 10 years after that conversation, Consunji continues to return to the camp each summer. It’s free for campers thanks to donor support and grants, and Consunji is grateful that it continues to give children affected by cancer the same joy that it brought her. “Camp helped me navigate all of those feelings,” she said. “It helped me to feel OK in my own skin and celebrate that I have another chance at life. It also provided me a lot of humility and acceptance because you realize it’s not just you and that there are people who have it worse than you. It helps you appreciate life a little bit more.”   Oncology and Kids has provided free, year-round programs for people ages 4 to 25 affected by cancer since 1983. Visit the Oncology and Kids website to learn more about its programs and support of children and families affected by cancer. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos welcomed 27 students to campus this summer for the inaugural SWIFT Summer Start, a five-week residential bridge program designed to smooth the transition to university life and set participants on a path toward accelerated bachelor’s degrees in health-related fields. SWIFT, short for Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track, is backed by a $10 million grant from Price Philanthropies Foundation. The initiative enables eligible students, including those who earned college credits in high school, to complete a bachelor’s degree in three years while gaining the skills and experience needed to address the region’s growing demand for behavioral health and social service professionals. “This program is about more than speed – it’s about support, belonging and ensuring that students have the tools to succeed from day one,” said Martha Garcia, senior director of SWIFT. “SWIFT Summer Start creates a community of scholars who are ready to thrive academically, socially and personally.” During the summer, students enrolled in First-Year Seminar with professor Russ Neuhart, with some also taking credit-bearing math and English courses. Outside the classroom, the program partnered with CSUSM’s Office of First-Year & University Programs to offer activities and workshops designed to build community, strengthen academic skills and familiarize students with campus resources. Students said they appreciated that the program enabled them to acclimate to the campus, connect with their success coaches and create friendships with peers.  The inaugural SWIFT Summer Start cohort has been joined this fall by additional students admitted directly to the three-year degree pathway. Forty students in total will pursue degrees in either public health or human development (with a concentration in counseling), each receiving a $4,500 annual scholarship. “SWIFT reflects CSUSM’s deep commitment to meeting the workforce needs of our region while expanding access and opportunity for our students,” said Jennifer Ostergren, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services. “Through its accelerated format, hands-on learning and strong support network, SWIFT prepares graduates to make an immediate and meaningful impact in their communities.” During the program, students will participate in three summers of experiential learning and internships, earning professional certifications and gaining paid work experience that positions them to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. CSUSM’s innovative approach to launching SWIFT earned recognition at the recent “Devvies” awards, which honor standout higher education marketing and communication initiatives. “This is just the beginning,” Garcia said. “We’re building a model for how higher education can respond quickly and effectively to both student needs and workforce demands.” Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Cal State San Marcos welcomed the largest freshman class in university history as the fall semester began this week.  First-year and transfer students got a head start on the semester last Saturday during New Student and Family Convocation, an annual event to welcome new students into the Cougar family. The event included remarks from, among others, President Ellen Neufeldt, Provost Carl Kemnitz and Illeana Carmona Chavez, the chair and chief of staff for Associated Students, Inc. Relive some of the highlights from the two ceremonies in the New Student and Family Convocation photo slideshow. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos welcomed more than 17,000 students, including the largest freshman class in university history of more than 2,700, to kick off the fall semester Monday. Official enrollment numbers will be available following the 2025 fall census in October. President Ellen Neufeldt expressed excitement and optimism about the new academic year during her annual convocation address to faculty and staff last Thursday. “As we think about the start of school, in this moment in time – now more than ever – it is important that we remember why we are here,” Neufeldt said. “Why we show up. Why we keep going. We believe in the power and the promise of higher education. And we believe in the mission of this university.”  Neufeldt highlighted many of the university’s achievements over the past year, while also looking ahead to what is in store. That includes CSUSM’s fundraising campaign, the largest capital campaign in university history.   The campaign aims to raise $200 million through philanthropic support and sponsored research to expand programs, fund scholarships, advance faculty work and strengthen the infrastructure that drives social mobility and lifts the entire region.   “This is not just about dollars,” Neufeldt said. “It’s about lasting impact.”    New science building On July 31, CSUSM broke ground on its future Integrated Science and Engineering (ISE) Building, which will allow the university to respond to the critical need for STEM programs, including new engineering majors and enrollment growth. The ISE building is estimated to cost $110 million and will be funded through commitments from California State University and private support. It will cover more than 70,000 square feet over three stories. The first publicly funded academic structure on campus in more than a decade, it’s expected to open in fall 2027.   Name for new housing project The new University Village Housing and Dining Project, which is expected to be ready in time for the fall 2026 semester, has been formally named Black Oak Hall and Kwíila Dining. The names were determined following thoughtful input from a campus naming committee and student representatives. Kwíila is the Luiseño word for “acorn” and was chosen to honor the local tribal heritage and the land on which CSUSM resides.   CSUSM named to best colleges list  CSUSM was named to the “Best Colleges in America 2025” list by Money magazine. CSUSM received a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. The list, which includes 732 colleges, showcases the country’s top values, based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.   Weeks of Welcome The annual Weeks of Welcome, which started Aug. 22, 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 was selected for the third straight year as an Angeles Higher Education Impact Award honoree. A new master’s degree program in clinical counseling psychology was approved by the CSU Chancellor’s Office to accept applications this fall. Edward Mills was appointed as interim chief enrollment officer, beginning his tenure on July 28. Cinthya Ippoliti started in her position as the new dean for the University Library on July 1. Two alumni were selected for the CSU Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program, also known as CDIP, for the incoming 2025-26 cohort.  Surfer and business student Tanner Vodraska captured his second consecutive national title at the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Interscholastic Championships. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Soudeh Khoubrouy came to Cal State San Marcos two years ago with an unorthodox mix of expertise: a background in electrical engineering (in which she holds a Ph.D.) combined with a research interest in neuroscience (in which she has a master’s degree). Entering her third fall as an assistant professor of electrical engineering, Khoubrouy runs the Neural Signal Processing and Artificial Intelligence Research (NSPAIR) Lab, a small room in Academic Hall where she and a group of students work on projects fusing her two academic fields – using engineering skills to advance neuroscience applications. This summer, the NSPAIR team began a project that they hope could someday contribute to helping people with paralysis use brain signals to accomplish everyday tasks. As part of the long-running Summer Scholars Program on campus, the three students in Khoubrouy’s lab – Aleks Gonzalez, Moises Nelson and Manuel Villa-Hernandez – started modestly. They learned about the electroencephalogram (EEG) cap that Khoubrouy purchased through a Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM grant during her first year at CSUSM. The EEG cap is worn over the head, where 32 electrodes connect to the scalp (non-invasively), measure brain signals and send them wirelessly to a computer. The students then learned how to interpret EEG signals and the type of software employed to process them. They discovered how eye blinking by the person wearing the cap can disrupt the signal and how to remove that interference. They also reviewed methods used for EEG-based brain-computer interfaces that will assist them in designing their human data collection and decoding the collected EEG signals. When the fall semester commences, the students will split into teams and continue the project as part of their capstones (all three are senior electrical engineering majors who are on track to graduate next May). Gonzalez and Nelson, joined by a third student, will work with the EEG cap – designing experiments for human subjects (mainly student volunteers), collecting data and applying machine learning and deep learning methods to decode the EEG signals. Villa-Hernandez, joined by two other students, will focus on the robotic arm – collaborating on the experiments for human subjects and designing an interface to allow the team to take brain signals from the cap and use them to control the robotic arm. Khoubrouy said the Summer Scholars students built on the efforts of previous students, who accelerated the training process by sharing their work and resources. But she also saluted the current students for diving headlong into a mostly unfamiliar discipline this summer. “They had to go outside their comfort zone, because the project was an interdisciplinary topic,” she said. “Before this, they were only focusing on electrical engineering, and this was more related to neuroscience. The literature that they studied is high-level papers written by scientists, Ph.D. students. I know it was really difficult for them to understand, and I was impressed by the progress they made.” Gonzalez is a two-time Summer Scholar in the NSPAIR Lab who has been mentored by Khoubrouy since his sophomore year. The first project he worked on involved training AI software to interpret brain waves and predict if the subject was responding to an audio or visual stimulus. The team next increased the complexity, presenting the subject only with a visual stimulus and trying to determine if it was a food or non-food image. “I've been able to see how the projects have grown from their simplest form to now moving to controlling a robotic arm, which has been cool,” Gonzalez said.   The robotic arm features four joints and a gripper. This school year, the objective is to exert basic control – which joint to move and in what direction. In future years, Khoubrouy hopes to reduce the processing time to make it as close to instantaneous as possible. The ultimate goal of the multiyear project is to help people with paralysis to move prosthetic limbs or other devices using only their thoughts. “I know some labs have been working on it,” Khoubrouy said. “They have been very successful, but the goal is to make it more natural and faster and easier.” All three of the lab students are from the local area (though Villa-Hernandez was born in Ithaca, N.Y., where his father worked for Cornell University), and all three have caught the research bug to the extent that they intend to pursue a master’s or even doctorate in engineering. “It’s really nice to be given the opportunity to partake in undergrad research,” Gonzalez said. “That pushed me to want to go to graduate school.” For now, however, there are experiments to design, subjects to recruit – and a robotic arm to move. “It’s fun, it’s interesting,” Villa-Hernandez said of the project. “It’s learning new things that you’ve never seen before.” Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

A paintbrush, a stage, a story — the arts inspire innovation, evoke empathy and spark thoughtful conversations. Now, thanks to a generous three-year investment from the David T. and Dorris E. Staples Foundation, Cal State San Marcos students are turning creative passions into career pathways through paid academic internships.  In partnership with CCAE Theatricals, CSUSM’s College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHABSS) launched Pathways to Purpose, a career readiness program that provides structured, paid internships for students in arts education and theater arts. Future educators gain experience designing curriculum and teaching in Escondido elementary schools, while theater students gain an introduction to administration, performance opportunities and invaluable production experience through set design, prop creation and behind-the-scenes work on live performances.  “While there are clear career paths in fields like nursing or business, the pathway for liberal arts students may not seem as obvious at first glance,” CHABSS Dean Liora Gubkin said. “For our students, especially those who are first-generation, paid internships open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.”  More than half of CSUSM students are the first in their families to attend college, often balancing academics with multiple jobs. For liberal arts students, especially those drawn to nonprofit and public-sector work, most internships are unpaid. Pathways to Purpose helps level the playing field by reducing financial barriers and offering real-world experience. Research shows that students who complete internships are more likely to graduate on time, secure employment and earn higher wages. And with eight out of 10 CSUSM graduates staying local, the program also strengthens the region’s cultural and educational landscape.  “We’re proud to support CSUSM’s Pathways to Purpose program, which reflects the university’s commitment to student success,” said Joe Bowe, president of the David T. and Dorris E. Staples Foundation. “By combining paid internships, mentorship and career skills training, the program prepares students for meaningful careers in the arts and education while strengthening the local workforce.” The Staples Foundation’s support builds on a longstanding relationship with CSUSM. Over the years, the foundation has contributed nearly $500,000 to programs such as the Alliance to Accelerate Excellence in Education, the ASI Cougar Pantry, the School of Education and the university’s All-Steinway School designation – a tribute to co-founder Dorris Staples’ love of music.  “We’re immensely grateful to the Staples Foundation and thrilled to collaborate with CSUSM,” said Julianna Crespo, executive director of CCAE Theatricals. “The arts are essential to building vibrant communities. Partnering with CSUSM to provide students with real-world experience ensures that the next generation of artists and educators can thrive and make a lasting impact.”  With Pathways to Purpose, the Staples Foundation is helping shape the future of the arts at CSUSM, providing students with the resources they need to transform their passions into purpose-driven careers that will benefit our region for years to come.  “Our vision is to expand this program across all liberal arts disciplines, giving every student a chance to apply their education in real-world settings,” Gubkin said.  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

When Rachel Debber toured Cal State San Marcos as a high school student from Fresno, she wasn’t sure what her college experience would hold.  What she found was a close-knit campus community, opportunities to grow as a leader and the unexpected start of a career she hadn’t planned.  Debber graduated from CSUSM in 2016 with a degree in kinesiology. Today, she leads the team at Lilo, a 22-seat fine-dining restaurant known for its immersive tasting experience and coastal cuisine. Just 10 weeks after opening, the restaurant earned a prestigious Michelin star.  “I didn’t even know hospitality could be a real career when I started,” Debber said. “But I quickly fell in love with it. That passion and the people I’ve met through this industry have made all the difference.”  Debber planned to major in nursing at CSUSM, but after not being admitted into the highly competitive program, she shifted to kinesiology and fully embraced the opportunities the university offered.  She spent four years on CSUSM’s women’s club lacrosse team, a sport she’d never played before college, and served on the campus orientation team. She said those experiences shaped her into the leader she is today.  “I didn’t like not being good at something, so I worked hard at lacrosse,” Debber said. “That same hunger carried into management. I wanted to be better, and I was willing to put in the work.”  Orientation team training helped her connect with people from all walks of life, a skill that now serves her well in the hospitality industry.   “We spent a lot of time learning about different communities on campus and how to support them,” Debber said. “That still sticks with me. Now I manage a diverse team, and that kind of awareness is essential. I received good training from being on the orientation team. They would bring in a lot of different leaders on campus to teach you about their area, and that was beneficial.”  After graduation, Debber faced a decision: return home to Fresno to save up for grad school or stay in San Diego and work. She chose to stay and unknowingly launched a career in hospitality.   “My initial entry into hospitality was with the intention of going back to school for kinesiology or for health science,” Debber said. “But I decided that I really had a knack for hospitality. I didn't even know that that was a career option.”  Her first role was as a host at Campfire in Carlsbad, where she helped open the restaurant in 2016. She worked her way up through various roles, eventually helping to open Jeune et Jolie as a bartender and rising to general manager.  “I think a lot of people really struggled when I first started working in hospitality,” Debber said. “I had a lot of people telling me it's not really a sustainable career. I felt like I had a lot of societal pressure to move into a different direction.”   However, Debber found a sense of purpose and community working in the restaurant industry. Now as general manager of a Michelin-starred restaurant at Lilo, she’s focused less on accolades and more on people.  “I think the Michelin star is just a byproduct of all the hard work we put in,” Debber said. “What’s most important to me is that we’re providing a unique experience for people, that our books are full every night, and that our team is genuinely happy with what they do.  “As a company, we really believe in making sure everyone’s time is well spent. That’s something I care deeply about in my role. So, for me, it’s less about the Michelin star and more about creating something meaningful.”  Debber never could have predicted becoming the general manager of one of the most talked about restaurants in Southern California. But she credits every twist and turn along the way for helping her grow into the leader she is today.  “I think the best things in my life have come from saying yes to something that scared me a little,” Debber said. “You don’t always have to know exactly where you’re going. Just be open, work hard and trust that it’ll lead somewhere great.”  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314