Topping-out ceremonies are a long-standing construction tradition, typically marked by the signing of the final structural beam before it is lifted into place. At CSUSM, the moment carried deeper meaning, as it honored the university’s commitment to building new and accessible pathways for students in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CSTEM).

“I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the momentum that brought us to this point,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This facility is social mobility in action. It’s about providing access for students, many of whom are the first in their families to go to college, stepping into fields that are shaping the future.”

Built for Growth

Opening in fall 2027, Hunter Hall represents a significant investment in CSUSM’s trajectory as one of the fastest-growing campuses in the California State University system. Once complete, the approximately 70,000-square-foot, three-story facility will feature state-of-the-art laboratories, a robotics suite and collaborative learning spaces designed to meet the region's increasing demand for engineering talent.

Hunter Hall will allow CSUSM to expand engineering enrollment from 500 to nearly 2,000 students and launch a new program in industrial and systems engineering, building on existing offerings in electrical, software and computer engineering.

The expansion comes at a critical time for San Diego, one of the nation's fastest-growing technology and innovation hubs, where the need for skilled engineers continues to outpace supply. With eight in 10 CSUSM graduates remaining in the region after graduation, Hunter Hall is positioned to directly strengthen the local workforce pipeline.

A Transformational Gift

The project has been made possible in part by a transformational $10 million gift from Hunter Industries, one of the largest contributions in university history.

“It’s an exciting moment to see this building coming to fruition,” said Greg Hunter, CEO of Hunter Industries. “We’re proud to support a project that will have both a lasting impact on students and be a source of talent in our community.”

The gift has helped propel CSUSM's Blueprint for the Future fundraising campaign to 82% of its $200 million goal, underscoring broad support for a university dedicated to student success, social mobility and community engagement.

“Hunter Hall creates the conditions for the kind of collaboration our students will experience in their careers,” said Jackie Trischman, dean of CSTEM. “We’re grateful to Hunter Industries and other partners for making this possible and for helping us prepare our students to contribute to innovation across our region.”

For more information on funding and naming opportunities for Hunter Hall, contact Mike Helé, director of philanthropy, at 760-750-8401 or mhele@csusm.edu.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

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

Pending approval by the California State University Board of Trustees, the ISE Building will be named in honor of Hunter Industries, a San Marcos-based leading global manufacturer of products for landscape irrigation and lighting, dispensing technologies, and custom manufacturing since 1981. Construction began with a groundbreaking in July, and the building is scheduled to open to students by fall 2027. It will be funded through a combination of CSU systemwide funding and external contributions.

The ISE Building is critical to meet the growing demand for STEM education in San Diego County and Southern California, where regional industry needs have outpaced the production of qualified engineers and scientists. The building will allow the university to expand its enrollment of students in engineering disciplines from 500 to nearly 2,000.

CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt revealed the donation on Friday, the same day that the university publicly announced its $200 million “Blueprint for the Future” campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in its history.

“This gift represents an extraordinary investment in the future of our region,” Neufeldt said. “Hunter Industries has been part of CSUSM’s story since our very beginning, growing as we grew, believing in our mission and sharing a vision for the future. I truly cannot imagine a better partner to walk alongside us in this next chapter. This will have such a great impact for our campus and region – opening doors to higher education and preparing the next generation of highly skilled engineers and scientists.”

“An educated workforce is the foundation of a thriving economy,” said Greg Hunter, CEO of Hunter Industries. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with CSUSM and invest in a facility that will empower students, strengthen our community and drive innovation for decades to come.”

Long a visionary philanthropic partner of CSUSM, Hunter Industries is included on the campus founder's seal listing original donors from the school’s early years. The company has supported CSUSM through pivotal growth projects, including capital and programmatic contributions toward areas such as the College of Business Administration, University Student Union and the Clarke Field House.

Hunter Industries has championed CSUSM’s STEM programs, contributing to the creation of the Hunter Design Lab in the Viasat Engineering Pavilion, funding state-of-the-art physics laboratories and providing internships, mentorship and faculty support through its software development division. Today, Hunter is a model of corporate partnership in higher education and the largest private employer in San Marcos, employing many CSUSM alumni and interns.

With Hunter Industries’ gift, CSUSM’s “Blueprint for the Future” campaign is more than 70% of the way toward the $200 million goal. The campaign’s theme reflects both the physical growth on campus and the forward momentum building at CSUSM as one of the CSU system’s fastest-growing campuses. Founded in 1989, CSUSM serves 17,000 students and is proud to be ranked in the top 1% nationally for advancing social mobility. To learn more about “Blueprint for the Future,” visit the campaign website.

About Hunter Industries

Headquartered in San Marcos, Hunter Industries is a leading global manufacturer of products for landscape irrigation and lighting, dispensing technologies, and custom manufacturing. Founded in 1981, the family-owned company offers thousands of products, including a full range of water- and energy-efficient solutions for residential, commercial, municipal, agricultural and golf course applications. Hunter’s core mission remains unchanged: to deliver valued products and services backed by unwavering customer support. Learn more at hunter.global.

Among the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony were CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt; San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones; Assemblymember Darshana Patel, who represents the district that includes CSUSM; Jackie Trischman, dean of CSUSM’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and representatives from C.W. Driver Companies and HGA, the general contractor and designer of the building, respectively. The emcee was Leon Wyden, CSUSM's vice president of Finance and Administrative Services and chief financial officer.

“It wasn’t too long ago when the idea of the Integrated Science and Engineering Building was but a hope and a dream,” Neufeldt said. “So it seems a little surreal that we have finally come to this day, about to break ground on the first state-supported academic building at CSUSM in more than a decade. I am filled with so much gratitude – this milestone reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and partners who work tirelessly to support CSUSM’s mission of student success and social mobility.” 

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 since 2014, it’s expected to open in fall 2027.

The ISE building will be constructed at the top of CSUSM’s campus, between Markstein Hall (which houses the business college) and the Arts Building. It will feature teaching and research labs, additional classrooms, student support areas, staff offices, a café and outdoor gathering spaces.  

“It’s an incredible honor to stand here with you today as we break ground on a building that represents not just bricks and mortar, but also a beacon of opportunity, innovation and the future of engineering and technology in our region,” Trischman said. “As dean, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our remarkable faculty and staff, many of whom met tight deadlines with determination and tremendous creativity. Your dedication to this vision has been nothing short of inspiring.”

CSUSM established its engineering program in 2018 with software and electrical engineering; computer engineering followed five years later. The ISE building will house those programs as well as computer science, computer information systems and cybersecurity, while also supporting the addition of industrial and systems engineering. The industrial and systems engineering program will be the only one at a public institution in San Diego County.

The new facility will enable CSUSM to expand its enrollment of students in engineering disciplines from 500 to nearly 2,000. It also will advance diversity in a field where fewer than 10% of workers nationally are of Latino descent. By contrast, more than half of CSUSM’s engineering students are Latino.

“This groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction – it marks the beginning of a new era for CSUSM,” said Elaine Pollard, president of Associated Students, Inc. “It's an era where student potential is maximized, social mobility is accelerated and the future of science and engineering becomes more diverse, innovative and impactful than ever before.”

With eight out of 10 of CSUSM alumni staying in the region, the influx of more engineering graduates will help fill workforce needs in an area that boasts the nation’s largest cluster of technology, life science, defense and communications companies. Data shows that, in San Diego County, there are four software engineering jobs for every one graduate and three industrial/systems engineering jobs per graduate.  

While state-funded plans call for a one-wing building, CSUSM is seeking private philanthropic donations that will be critical for long-term growth and sustainability, as well as expanding the square footage with a second wing.

Learn more about the ISE building at https://www.csusm.edu/iseb/index.html.

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.

The naming committee included Travis Douglas, executive director of Housing & Residential Education; Deanne Ellison, executive director/associate vice president of business development for CSUSM Corporation; Mejaumi Franco-Rosales, tribal liaison; Elaine Pollard, president of Associated Students, Inc.; Kaira Schafer, student building assistant for CSUSM Corporation; Jason Schreiber, dean of students; and Rayanne Weber, director of Planning, Design and Construction. The committee also consulted with Noah Lozano on proper Luiseño pronunciation and spelling.

The committee sought names that reflected CSUSM’s natural surroundings, honored its history and, if appropriate, incorporated Luiseño language.

The committee consulted with ASI, the Residence Hall Council and the resident community to survey their top choices. After gathering input, the committee presented the top two naming choices to the President’s Administrative Team before Black Oak Hall and Kwíila Dining were selected.

Construction on the 2.5-acre site began in January 2024. The 137,000-square-foot project is being built on what was formerly Parking Lot O. It features a three-wing configuration to create gathering spaces and student life areas.  

The seven-story residence hall – which includes a 10,000-square-foot dining facility – will have 555 beds, providing affordable housing for underserved, low-income students. 

The project is being funded in part by $91 million received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature.

Once completed, the project will expand access to affordable, on-campus housing while reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to student success.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

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

• built-in charging ports so you can power your phone or other devices while you sit;
• lighted outdoor seating in the evenings – perfect for studying, relaxing or meeting with friends after dark.
   

These benches are part of FDM's ongoing efforts to create sustainable, student-friendly spaces that support comfort, safety and convenience.

Keep an eye out as you walk around campus – you might just find your new favorite spot to charge and chill.

A topping-out ceremony typically marks the placement of the last or highest steel beam.  

Construction on the 2.5-acre site began in January 2024 and is expected to be complete in fall 2026. The 137,000-square-foot UVHD is being built on what was formerly Parking Lot O. It features a three-wing configuration to create gathering spaces and student life areas.  

The seven-story residence hall – which includes a 10,000-square-foot, two-story dining facility – will have 555 beds, providing affordable housing for underserved, low-income students. 

“We are breaking down barriers to higher education and making it possible for more students to stay focused on their studies and thrive,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said at the event. “From pod-style communities that foster belonging to all-gender restrooms, study and social spaces, and secure, modern designs, this is more than just a place to live – it’s a place to grow, connect and succeed.” 

Leon Wyden, CSUSM’s vice president for Finance and Administrative Services and chief financial officer, served as the event emcee and welcomed San Marcos councilmembers Danielle LeBlang and Ed Musgrove, who presented a certificate of recognition from the City of San Marcos.  

The UVHD project is being funded in part by $91 million received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature.  

“Today, as we celebrate reaching the highest point of construction, we pause to recognize the incredible teamwork and dedication that got us here,” Wyden said.  

Partners on the project include McCarthy Building Companies and Gensler. Wyden also thanked the trades teams and contractors, including Nevell Group Inc. (framing), Critchfield Mechanical Inc. (mechanical), Bergelectric Corp. (electrical), A.O. Reed & Co. (plumbing), Kimble and Company (fire protection) and Sunset Glazing (glazing systems). 

Wyden also credited university partners, including Planning, Design and Construction, Student Affairs, Housing and CSUSM Corporation. 

“Today’s topping-out ceremony isn’t just about celebrating a structure that has reached its highest point,” Neufeldt said. “It’s about the heights we are helping our students reach because of this project.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

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

Chad Huggins, technical director, CHABSS School of Arts

Responsible for the Arts building, Huggins has been on campus numerous times during the pandemic to supervise upgrades and major repairs, including replacing the dance floor. The nominator noted that he also led and supported all on-campus efforts, including classes that met on campus during the fall and ones meeting on campus this spring.

“This has meant much work with health and safety to establish distancing guidelines, access to PPE, etc., in our classrooms and throughout the building,” the nominator wrote. “It has also meant planning and budgeting kits for students who pay lab fees for their classes. Chad has worked with shop technician Judy Ryan to budget, purchase and distribute these kits that include materials and supplies for students so they can benefit from their art studio classes. Chad has worked with technician Albert Rascon on the digital equipment, including check-out that gives access to photo and video equipment to our students.”

John Pili, library services specialist, Library User Services

Pili was lauded for continually seeking out new methods of connecting with students, including starting up Virtual Library Learn sessions and providing students with encouraging study spaces through Virtual Study Sessions.

“John has been so thoughtful and compassionate toward our students while we all attempt to navigate this virtual world,” the nominator wrote.

“John always puts our students first, and he has not let COVID-19 get in the way of that. He is using this unique opportunity to expand upon his skills in order to improve the experience of our users and ensure they are getting the most out of their experience at CSUSM.”

Blake Schilling, Inspiration Studios coordinator, IITS

Before the university moved to virtual learning last spring, Schilling contacted instructors to make arrangements for them to visit Inspiration Studios to record their lectures as quickly as possible. The nominator noted that when one instructor wanted to visit to record his lectures last fall, Schilling redesigned the learning glass technology so the instructor could record without needing Schilling’s assistance to ensure social distancing.

“Blake further revised the method of using the learning glass so the instructor could record the lectures to the cloud and have immediate access to post them for the class,” the nominator wrote. “The instructor was so pleased with the new functionality, he continued to come weekly and recorded lectures he had previously made because the quality had improved so much.”

Rosa Solorio, custodian, Facility Services

Solorio is assigned to Craven Hall, and her nominator noted her diligence in ensuring that all areas are clean and disinfected.

“I see her disinfecting all of the high-touch surfaces multiple times a day,” the nominator wrote. “There have been so many tasks and cleaning duties added to her already busy schedule, and she has taken them on with a smile and a great work ethic. I have never seen her sitting down or taking a break. I feel safe working in Craven Hall because I know Rosa is there doing her best to keep us safe.

“The work of our custodial team plays a key role in the university’s return-to-campus policies. Without their hard work and dedication, returning to campus would not have been possible. Rosa stands out in that essential department.”

Hugo Wong, library services specialist, Library User Services

Wong was nominated for his instrumental role in ensuring users continue to receive services from the library throughout the pandemic. The nominator noted that Wong’s impact extends beyond the library, as he also monitors the university’s CougarBot.

The nominator noted that during the transition to virtual hours, Wong has helped support numerous events, including the library’s virtual open house and other virtual services.

“With his constant drive to learn and help others learn, I am grateful to work with Hugo and have more opportunities to hear what new skills he has discovered and how we can use those skills to improve our services and workflows,” the nominator wrote. “Hugo has always gone above and beyond, and he continues to be an essential part of the University Library and of CSUSM.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

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