Steps Magazine: CSUSM's Building Blocks for Success

Steps Magazine 2026

Steps Magazine Digital Edition

In our annual magazine, we share the stories of alumni who have used their CSUSM experiences to build thriving careers. Be sure to check out the new and improved Steps digital experience, which includes videos. Just click on the play buttons to view videos and click the highlighted yellow text to explore linked webpages.

Stories include:

‘CSUSM Is My Heart’: CSU Leader Harbors Deep Affection for the School That Shaped Her

Water Wise: As Head of Smart Irrigation Company, Alumnus Doing His Part to Save Earth's Most Precious Resource

Going Off Script: Alumna Shows How Unexpected Opportunity Can Lead to Great Success in TV News Industry

Code Game: Lessons Learned at CSUSM Helps Computer Science Grad Earn Spot on Prestigious Forbes List

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

A League of Her Own: Softball Star Makes History on Baseball Diamond

October

2026

| 08:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

The Cal State San Marcos softball team was in the middle of one of the most successful seasons in program history in 2024 when a walk-off grand slam set off a historic day for team member Jillian Albayati.

CSUSM was …

College Experience Bolsters Desire to Serve Community

October

2026

| 08:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

As part of "Voices of CSUSM," a feature in Steps magazine, recent graduate Itsarely Palma Castillo shares their story of overcoming challenges.

Water Wise: Alumnus Doing His Part to Save Earth's Most Precious Resource

October

2026

| 08:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

A.J. van de Ven imagines that he practically sprang from the womb as a coder.

Born in Cupertino, the very heart of Silicon Valley, to a father who worked for a global electronics giant, he was a software wizard by his …