The far-reaching grant will supply UC Berkeley and its partner institutions’ advanced quantum research hub with $37.5 million in funding over the next five years to address three priority research challenges: discovering and realizing the power of quantum computation, understanding nature through the lens of quantum information science, and developing quantum technologies and their applications.

“For more than four decades, NSF has been laying the foundational groundwork of research and discovery that is powering today’s modern quantum computing, sensing and communication,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. “It’s time for focused activities to leverage that base of knowledge to drive us even farther forward to the benefit of all Americans. The NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes are a next step for us in understanding the quantum world we live in.”

The renewal of the NSF CIQC will feature several new initiatives. Cal State San Marcos and Cal State East Bay will anchor plans to establish systemwide degree programs in quantum information science, and the Computer History Museum and Berkeley Oral History Center will document the history of quantum computing in real time as it unfolds.

“We pride ourselves on creating exceptional opportunities for our students and connecting them with cutting-edge work that is shaping the future.” said Charles De Leone, dean of graduate studies and research at CSUSM. “Being part of the CIQC is a great example of that commitment. This partnership gives our students access to a field that is rapidly advancing and creates opportunities they might not find at many other universities. We’re proud to be part of this effort and to help prepare the next generation of California’s quantum workforce.”

“By uniting world-renowned research institutions and partnering with the California State University system, the CIQC will not only address long-term challenges in quantum computing, it will also expand access to education and career pathways,” said Justin Perron, a physics professor at CSUSM. “This effort builds on CSUSM’s leadership in quantum education and workforce development, and we are excited to work with our CIQC partners to build California’s quantum future at such a pivotal time.”

The NSF CIQC was founded in 2020, as one of the five original NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes motivated by the National Quantum Initiative Act’s call to strengthen America’s scientific leadership in foundational quantum information research.

True to the nature of quantum information science, the institute is multidisciplinary, combining expertise in chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics and physics. Researchers explore how to harness quantum systems to create next-generation technologies for sensors, computing and communications.

Through collaborative efforts over the past six years, the institute’s researchers have stress-tested claims of quantum computers that outperform classical ones, stimulating aggressive development by the quantum industry. By asking how quantum information evolves within physical systems, they discovered new kinds of phase transitions and established rigorous insights on the structure of quantum matter. They also advanced frontier research on neutral-atom platforms for quantum computing, setting the stage for the current explosion of activity and investment in such systems.

“The renewal and expansion of the NSF CIQC is a momentous event for the field of quantum science and for the quantum ecosystem in the state of California,” said Shimon Kolkowitz, the Herst Chair in Physics at UC Berkeley. “This center enables and enhances large-scale academic collaboration on basic quantum research at a pivotal moment for the field.”

By linking leading quantum research teams and educational initiatives across the state of California, the NSF CIQC serves as the backbone of an integrated, statewide ecosystem. UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Stanford University and the California Institute of Technology are core research partners.

The renewal of the institute recognizes the growing energy around quantum and builds on the long history of exceptional quantum research in California. Notably, the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to UC Berkeley Professor Emeritus John Clarke, together with his former postdoctoral fellow Michel Devoret and graduate student John Martinis (both now on the UC Santa Barbara faculty), for quantum tunneling experiments that lay the groundwork for today’s superconducting quantum computers.

Under the leadership of Chair Simon Kuo, retired vice president of corporate quality at Viasat, and Vice Chair Kristin Crellin, senior vice president at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the Foundation Board advances philanthropic investments that support student success and academic excellence. 

The new directors join the board at a time of significant progress at CSUSM. The university is ranked No. 1 in the nation on the CollegeNET Social Mobility Index and is expecting a record 17,500 students this year. This momentum extends to Blueprint for the Future, CSUSM’s comprehensive campaign to advance student success, research and the university’s impact across the region. To date, the campaign has reached 86% of its $200 million goal in philanthropic and research funding. 

“I am pleased to welcome this new cohort of directors to the CSUSM Foundation Board,” Kuo said. “As CSUSM continues to evolve, their experience and leadership will help us harness the power of philanthropy to change the trajectory of students’ lives. I look forward to working with our new directors as we build on this progress and continue advancing the goals of Blueprint for the Future.” 

The Foundation Board’s newly elected directors are: 

Barbara Fischer  

Fischer is an attorney at Fischer & Ritchey LLP, a law firm that focuses on estate planning, business formation and planning, nonprofit formation, operations and compliance, and charitable and gift planning. She earned a master’s degree in legislative affairs at George Washington University and worked for two U.S. senators and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives as a legislative assistant. She then obtained a law degree from California Western School of Law and is a partner with her daughter in their law practice. 

Kevin Harkenrider  

Harkenrider retired from Viasat in August after a 19-year career with the company, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief corporate officer. Previous roles with Viasat included chief operating officer, president of commercial networks and president of satellite services. His background spans more than 40 years in diverse industries such as shipbuilding, information technology, electronics manufacturing and telecommunications. He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Greg Hunter 

Hunter is the CEO of Hunter Industries, an irrigation manufacturing company founded in San Marcos in 1982. A mechanical engineering graduate of Cornell University, he has spent his career helping advance innovative irrigation and outdoor solutions while continuing his family’s legacy of leadership at Hunter Industries. He also has a strong commitment to community service, having served for more than a decade on the Board of Managers of the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA in San Diego, including four years as chairman. A lifelong learner, he enjoys challenging himself academically and has been taking advanced mathematics courses at CSUSM. 

The Foundation Board’s newly appointed directors are: 

Rebeca Perren 

The new faculty representative, Perren is a CSUSM marketing professor whose work focuses on business education, emerging technology, consumer behavior and marketplace equity. An award-winning educator and researcher, she has led community-engaged student initiatives, including an internship program and a student-run digital marketing agency serving regional nonprofits. Nationally, she serves on the American Marketing Association Foundation Board of Advisors, which she will chair in 2027-28, and is an inaugural member of the PhD Project Advisory Council, advancing diversity and representation in business education. 

Rae Lynch (’27) 

A student representative, Lynch is a CSUSM senior majoring in communication with a minor in biological sciences. Passionate about science and healthcare, she plans to pursue a career in sales or marketing within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries. As an intern with CSUSM University Communications, she supports social media management and contributes stories to the CSUSM NewsCenter. She is also a member of the Student Philanthropy Council. 

Ashley Ortiz (’27) 

A student representative, Ortiz is a CSUSM senior studying global supply chain management. She hopes to pursue a career in procurement, production, logistics or demand planning, where she can leverage data, collaboration and strategic decision-making to improve business operations. She also serves as the director of student outreach for the Global Supply Chain Management Society and is a member of the Student Philanthropy Council.  

Julianna Hunt (’28) 

A student representative and shadow director, Hunt is a CSUSM junior pursuing studies in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHABSS). Following graduation, she plans to attend law school, with the goal of building a career in corporate law. She serves as a community adviser with CSUSM Housing and as a student assistant for the CSUSM Innovation Hub. She is also a member of the Student Philanthropy Council and the Delta Zeta sorority. 

About the California State University San Marcos Foundation Board 

The California State University San Marcos Foundation Board is composed of community leaders and philanthropists who cultivate and encourage charitable investment in the university, build meaningful regional relationships and encourage a culture of philanthropy. All gifts to the university are accepted and administered by the California State University San Marcos Foundation, an official 501(c)(3) auxiliary organization of CSUSM.  

A total of 4,352 students graduated as part of this year’s class. Spring commencement, with 3,312 graduates, follows on the heels of CSUSM holding its annual fall commencement in December. Those ceremonies drew 1,040 graduates.

CSUSM’s spring commencement took place on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at Mangrum Track & Field on campus, with five different ceremonies stretched across the two days.  

“Class of 2026, today you join a distinguished group of more than 75,000 CSUSM alumni,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “You are the leaders of tomorrow. Leaders who will bring to our communities and our world the ability to listen and understand multiple perspectives, to find creative solutions to the most pressing problems, and to help make our society a more just and equitable place for all. Something I say often is that our students are the change we so desperately need to see in the world. And now more than ever we need your passion, your intellect, your spirit of resilience.”

CSUSM’s commencement featured a notable guest this year as Adam Schiff, one of the two U.S. senators from California, addressed graduates and the assembled crowd Friday afternoon at the first of two ceremonies for the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences.

In the Class of 2026, 52% of the graduates are the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. More than 43% come from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Here are some other facts:

• 87% are graduating from bachelor’s degree programs, while 13% are completing master's degree programs.
• 61% of graduates are women and 39% are male.
• The ages of those graduating with a bachelor's degree range from 20 to 68.

For the Class of 2026, the top 10 bachelor’s degree majors are:

• business administration (664)
• psychology (344)
• kinesiology (311)
• nursing (242)
• criminology and justice studies (227)
• sociology (211)
• computer science (201)
• biology (160)
• liberal studies (150)
• fine and creative arts (134)

CSUSM awarded one honorary degree during commencement, with Theresa Mendoza Rios accepting a Doctor of Fine Arts degree on behalf of her late husband, Dan Rios, who died in 2023 at age 84.

Rios was a photographer who worked for the Escondido Times-Advocate and North County Times newspapers from 1968 to 2001. By the time he retired, he had amassed a collection of about one million photo negatives that he stashed in more than 40,000 envelopes and almost 200 boxes.

Nearly two decades later, Rios was connected with the CSUSM library, and in 2018 he donated his life’s work to the library’s Special Collections department. The Dan Rios Papers, as the collection is called, consists of not only the vast cache of images, but also large- and medium-format prints, contact sheets and hundreds of letters that Rios received over the years from readers who were affected by his photos.

Before his death, the library hosted a ceremony to honor his legacy as a photographer who chronicled people and events in San Diego's North County for decades. Rios said of his collection: “I can’t even express my feelings because it’s so overwhelming that they’re going to find a use for my photos and help students and researchers and people who are interested in history.”

Visit the commencement live website to rewatch the 2025 commencement ceremonies.

Following a highly competitive process, CSUSM selected Barnes & Noble College to help elevate its campus retail, enhance customer experience and improve access and affordability.

“As a leader in social mobility and as one of the top universities for students in our region, it’s important for our community to have a store that reflects campus goals,” said Leon Wyden Jr., CSUSM's vice president of Finance and Administrative Services. “The campus bookstore is a hub of activity, and we want all of our customers there to have the best experience possible.”

The partnership will begin this summer, ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.

“At CSUSM, we are deeply committed to student success” said Carl Kemnitz, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Through this new partnership, we hope to address barriers of access and affordability for students while making course materials adoptions easier for faculty.”

Some notable highlights of the newly formed partnership include:

• a transformed retail experience with a modern layout, improved flow and a more customer-friendly environment that reflects the university’s culture and values;
• an elevated merchandising assortment featuring brands such as Nike, Under Armour, Champion and '47, and curated collections from Fanatics and Lids;
• an enhanced technology assortment, including computers, tablets, accessories and support services.

In spring 2027, the bookstore will relocate from its current location on campus to CSUSM's Extended Learning Building located at the corner of Barham Drive and Campus Way to provide premium access for students and the campus community with free, short-term parking.

Barnes & Noble College brings decades of higher education expertise, operating more than 11,000 physical and virtual stores nationwide.

For more information about Barnes & Noble College, visit bncollege.com.

About Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) is a leading solutions provider for the education industry, driving affordability, access and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide and ensuring that millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Through its family of brands, BNED offers campus retail services, academic solutions, wholesale capabilities and more. BNED is a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, supporting student success, affordability and engagement across the campus community.

The installation will be an interactive space drawing on inspiration from a Tibetan Buddhist mandala, a teaching aid used in traditional practices. Participants are guided through the five afflictions of pride, attachment, envy, anger and ignorance. The pop-up is open to students, faculty, staff and the community, and 90-minute facilitated sessions will be offered throughout the week. During these sessions, participants will learn how to cultivate clarity and equanimity through touch, sound and synchronized breathing.  

“​​The big difference between presenting the Mandala Lab as an installation and conducting a workshop is that the participants get to experience the teachings inherent in the practice as a group,” said Mandala Lab curator Tim McHenry.  

The sessions focus on one of the many teachings associated with the mandala and provide emotional transformation to help promote a better understanding of oneself and others. Sessions will be held in the Extended Learning Building, Suite 101, 288 Campus Way, San Marcos. 

Visit the website for more information or to register. 

Workshop schedule: 

Monday, April 13-Friday, April 17 

• 10 a.m.-noon
• 1-3 p.m.
• 3-5 p.m.
• 5-7 p.m. 

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 3,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey.

“I am very proud of what Cal State San Marcos is doing for our military community," said Josh Loop, director of CSUSM's Veterans Services. “The results of the MFS survey reinforce that this is a campuswide effort and that the entire university is dedicated to serving and supporting our active-duty service members, our veterans and their families.”

Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses.

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships for Military Friendly®. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.”

CSUSM will be showcased in the 2026-27 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of Military Friendly G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

For more information about CSUSM's student veteran programs, visit the Veterans Services website.

About Military Friendly® Schools

Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,900 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found online.

The role requires empathy and openness. As Tastad explains, it’s about being able to “swing into a patient’s space” and meet people wherever they are in their spiritual beliefs.  

That approach has earned him the 2025 Doris A. Howell Award for Advancing Palliative Care from the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care. 

As chaplain and coordinator of the Advance Care Planning program at Sharp HealthCare, Tastad helps patients and families navigate complex medical decisions with attention to their values, beliefs and goals. His work places him at the intersection of spiritual care, ethics and medicine, both at the bedside and within healthcare systems across San Diego County. 

The award includes a $25,000 gift — funded by The Shiley Foundation and its president Darlene Marcos Shiley — to an organization chosen by the awardee. This year, the gift will support the bereavement department at Sharp HospiceCare.  

Beyond his work with patients and their families, Tastad has been a steady presence in the region’s palliative care community. He has served on hospital bioethics committees and has been active with local and statewide organizations working to expand access to palliative care and advance care planning through public policy, national speaking engagements and community education.  

Tastad was nominated by three leaders in the palliative care field who cited his decades of service, mentorship and leadership. One nominator, Jennifer Moore Ballentine, CEO of the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California, said his philosophy of care reflects a rare blend of humility and presence.

“I can think of no one I would rather have ‘swing into my space’ to offer company, comfort and care in any grief or trouble or, indeed, at the end of my life,” Ballentine said. 

Tastad will receive the award during the welcome reception for the 2026 National Symposium for Academic Palliative Care Education and Research on June 4 at the University Student Union on the Cal State San Marcos campus. 

The Howell award is named after the late Dr. Doris Howell, a legendary physician and pioneer in pediatric hematology, oncology and community medicine who in 1977 founded San Diego Hospice and the Institute for Palliative Medicine.  

These are just a few of the more than 130 hands-on, interactive activities and demonstrations that will engage thousands of attendees at Super STEM Saturday on March 14 at Cal State San Marcos. This rain-or-shine science festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Children of all ages are invited to attend.  

“What we take away from our childhood is really meaningful to what we decide to do as adults,” said Simon Kuo, vice president of corporate quality for Viasat, one of the lead sponsors of Super STEM Saturday. “That’s why we believe it’s really important to expose kids to science and technology so that it can help them better appreciate it and perhaps even choose a career in STEM.”  

“Super STEM Saturday is a powerful event,” said Jackie Trischman, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at CSUSM. “I want our community to see someone who looks like them having fun doing science. It’s also an opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate what science does for us on a daily basis.”  

“Super STEM Saturday is more than a day of discovery; it’s about sparking a lifelong passion for innovation,” said Kurtis Indorf, CEO of The Classical Academies. “We are proud to partner with our community to show students that their curiosity today is the foundation for the breakthroughs of tomorrow.”

The sponsors of Super STEM Saturday include ASML; Bristol Myers Squibb; Hunter Industries; North City; Viasat; Columbia Bank; Cox Communications; General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation; Grifols; Burns & McDonnell; Calsense; C.W. Driver; Dimensions Collaborative School; Hologic; Sign Post Studio; Young, Minney & Corr, LLP; Hilbers, Inc.; Mission Fed Credit Union; and San Diego Foundation.

What: Super STEM Saturday, a free interactive science festival for all ages 

When: Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Where: Cal State San Marcos, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos  

Parking: Free in lots E, F and H

More information: www.csusm.edu/superstem 

About The Classical Academies  

The Classical Academies is an organization of award-winning, tuition-free public charter schools serving grades TK-12 since 1999. The Classical Academies partners with parents to provide a flexible educational environment that combines the best of hybrid, virtual and independent study. Beyond rigorous academics and small class sizes, the schools prioritize a character-driven environment that develops thoughtful thinkers and effective communicators to achieve success. With locations in Escondido, Vista and Oceanside, the program welcomes students from San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties.

The announcement was made Friday, Feb. 6, following the 2026 National Social Mobility Symposium, hosted at CSUSM and livestreamed to audiences across the United States. The symposium annually convenes thought leaders and policymakers focused on how higher education can continue to be a driving force for students’ upward social mobility.

Social mobility refers to the improvement of an individual’s socioeconomic status compared to previous generations. More than half of CSUSM students are first-generation college graduates. Late last fall, CSUSM was ranked No. 1 in CollegeNET’s Social Mobility Index for the second time in four years. Eight CSU campuses rank in the top 20 of the index.

“Cal State San Marcos is honored to serve as the home of the CSU National Center for Social Mobility,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This recognition reflects years of intentional work by our faculty, staff and students – and a deep commitment to being a university of place, with social mobility at the center of our mission.”

CSUSM has secured $3 million in philanthropic donations to establish the center, including from the Stone Brewing Fund for Social Mobility, the Epstein Family Foundation and an anonymous donor – with each donating $1 million to the project. CSUSM Foundation Board Chair Simon Kuo presented a ceremonial check to CSU and CSUSM leadership Friday.

The center is seeking additional philanthropic partners to ensure its sustained impact. Contact Jocelyn Wyndham, associate vice president of development, at jwyndham@csusm.edu for more information on partnership opportunities.

About the Center

The CSU National Center for Social Mobility at CSUSM, which is scheduled to launch in the 2026-27 academic year, is designed as a collaborative effort to advance student success and economic mobility practices in higher education at a national scale.

“At its core, the center addresses one of the most urgent questions facing higher education today: How do we move from promising practices to proven systems that deliver results at scale?” CSU Chancellor Mildred García said.

The social mobility center will serve as a national leader and convener in redefining student success beyond college access to include persistence, completion and career outcomes.

The center will be based on three core pillars:

• Leading with best practices, including the identification, testing and scaling of strategies that remove barriers to graduation.
• Shaping the national dialogue, such as championing comprehensive student support as the foundation of upward mobility.
• Serving as a national hub for collaboration, which involves building partnerships with policymakers, educators, community organizations and industry.

This center will provide avenues to participate in faculty-led research, innovation grants and fellowships; access to shared tools, data and best practices; and new paid internships and career-building opportunities for students.

“At a time when higher education is being asked to demonstrate its value, the CSU is responding with action – by measuring outcomes, closing equity gaps and preparing the graduates who power our economy and enrich communities,” said Wenda Fong, trustee and past chair of the CSU Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are proud to support this center and the leadership of Cal State San Marcos in advancing this work nationwide. It’s a dream come true.”

The announcement of the social mobility center was the culmination of the 2026 National Social Mobility Symposium, which this year took the format of a joint in-person event and webinar. With a theme of “Workforce and Economic Mobility: Higher Education’s Role in Driving Opportunity,” the program featured dynamic experts from across the country, addressing employer expectations, talent pipelines, systemic barriers to career readiness, and national policy and innovation driving mobility.

As part of the biannual Arts & Lectures series and in concert with community partner Veteran Lore, CSUSM will hold Veterans History Project II: The Journey Continues on Wednesday, April 8. The event builds on the success of the inaugural edition that took place last year; it’s co-hosted by Jason Beyer, a CSUSM double alumnus and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Marilyn Huerta, a CSUSM communications professional, double alumna and military-affiliated advocate.

The program will share more of the work that’s included in the San Diego Veterans History Initiative, a project through the CSUSM library’s Special Collections department that reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, veteran support and experiential learning.

“The San Diego Veterans History Initiative is deeply personal for me as a Marine, an alumnus and now as a professional committed to serving our veteran community,” Beyer said. “These stories deserve to be heard, preserved and honored. By continuing this project and expanding it to include career connections, we’re not only reflecting on service, but actively supporting veterans as they transition and thrive beyond the military.”

The evening will begin with a reception, resource fair and expanded career fair from 5-6 p.m., offering veterans and military-affiliated guests the opportunity to connect with campus departments, community organizations and employers interested in hiring veterans. The formal program will follow from 6-8 in the University Student Union ballroom on the CSUSM campus.

The formal program will feature keynote speaker Jim Gruny, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired colonel, followed by a film screening showcasing professionally recorded oral histories of veterans representing diverse backgrounds and service experiences. The recorded interviews will be archived in the CSUSM library’s Voices of North County collection and the U.S. Library of Congress, contributing to the national Veterans History Project and preserving veterans’ legacies for future generations.

“This event is about creating space for stories, for connection and for opportunity,” Huerta said. “Veterans History Project II allows us to honor the lived experiences of veterans while building meaningful bridges to resources, careers and community. Preserving these stories through the CSUSM library Special Collections department and the Library of Congress ensures that their impact will extend far beyond one evening.”

The oral histories this year will feature veteran stories from:

• Virginia F. Burke, U.S. Army (1968-70), first lieutenant (O-2)
• William D. Felty (CSUSM alumnus), U.S. Marine Corps (2003-07), corporal (E-4)
• Edmund Joseph Labrado Jr., U.S. Army (1969-70), captain (O-3)
• Joshua K. Loop (CSUSM alumnus), U. S. Coast Guard (2008-17), lieutenant (O-3)
• Dora L. Luevano, U.S. Marine Corps (1965-67), corporal (E-4)
• Thomas J. Moore (CSUSM alumnus), U.S. Marine Corps (1993-2019), master sergeant (E-8) ret.
• David B. Shaffer, U.S. Air Force (1963-67), captain (O-3)

The event is open to the public, with free tickets available for CSUSM students and military-affiliated guests. Advance ticket reservations are encouraged. Organizations interested in hiring veterans are encouraged to reserve space in the career fair.

For tickets and additional event information, visit the Arts & Lectures website. 

A total of 1,040 graduates crossed the commencement stage as the event moved from the Sports Center on campus to Frontwave Arena in Oceanside. Fall commencement has doubled in size since it debuted in 2023, as CSUSM remains the only public university in San Diego County to hold graduation at the midpoint of the academic year.

The event Monday was divided into two ceremonies. The afternoon ceremony featured 604 graduates from the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The evening ceremony included 436 graduates from the College of Education, Health and Human Services, and the College of Business Administration.

“I always say that I learn from our students more than I could ever teach them,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt told the graduates. “I know without a doubt that our world needs your perspectives, your ideas, your passion and intellect, and your spirit of resilience. As you move forward, know that you are equipped and destined for greatness. Hold on to the feeling of this moment and take it with you wherever you go next.”

CSUSM holds fall commencement to offer students who are graduating in December the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with their families without having to wait until spring. Commencement is an especially important milestone for the more than half of graduates at CSUSM who are the very first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.

The new graduates join a distinguished group of more than 72,000 CSUSM alumni and more than 4 million California State University alumni. Nearly half of all bachelor’s degrees in California are awarded by the CSU. At CSUSM, students are prepared for in-demand careers in health care, education, business, biotechnology and public service – fields that power the region and state. Learn more about CSUSM’s economic impact.

The funding is half of a $900,000 grant that the county was awarded from Health Career Connection (HCC), a national nonprofit working to expand opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and inspire a new generation of health leaders. The grant is designed to facilitate collaboration between the county’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and partner organizations including CSUSM and San Diego State, which received the other $450,000.

The new HCC grant funds will support the Live Well Center for Innovation and Leadership, a county academic-practice partnership with SDSU and its expansion to include CSUSM. It also complements existing HHSA initiatives to drive meaningful progress in workforce development across the region. 

CSUSM and the College of Education, Health and Human Services (CEHHS) will utilize the money to achieve three primary outcomes:

• the creation of the CSUSM Center for Health Workforce Solutions;
• under that center, the creation of a Live Well San Diego/CSUSM Academic Health Department;
• continued collaborations in North County around the behavioral and mental health workforce, including an annual symposium and associated strategic action groups.

“This grant will be transformative for our students and the region in addressing behavioral and mental health workforce shortages,” said Jennifer Ostergren, dean of CEHHS. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to collaborate with community partners to support the needs of the region.”

The grant-funded initiative will work in tandem with CSUSM’s new Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track (SWIFT) Health Programs, an accelerated, three-year bachelor’s program for students interested in preparing for mental and behavioral health professional opportunities. SWIFT was created from a historic $10 million grant to CSUSM from Price Philanthropies Foundation last year.

San Diego County faces a worsening health and human services workforce shortage due to workers getting older and retiring or leaving for other jobs. According to a 2022 San Diego Workforce Partnership report, the region needs to double its behavioral health workforce by 2027. Beyond behavioral health, there is a persistent demand for other licensed professionals, including nurses, therapists and social workers. 

A national model in academic-practice partnership, the Live Well Center for Innovation and Leadership was the first of its kind in California when it launched in 2022.  

The Special Collections department of the CSUSM University Library recently received the archive of Joel Rafael, a singer-songwriter from San Diego County who has been making music with the Joel Rafael Band and as a solo artist for over 50 years. 

Rafael began performing in showcases and small clubs around Southern California in the early 1970s. He opened shows throughout the southwestern United States for artists including Crosby, Stills and Nash, Sheryl Crow, Laura Nyro, Taj Mahal, Iris DeMent, Emmylou Harris and John Lee Hooker.

The legendary Jackson Browne wrote of Rafael: “Joel Rafael’s songs are filled with passion and compassion; passion for social justice and compassion for those among us who have to struggle for a place at the table of American prosperity.  His voice is unmistakably his own – big, warm and strong – and a conductor for the human emotions that connect us all.”

No influence is more obvious in Rafael’s work than that of Guthrie. Rafael has been a featured performer at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Oklahoma for all but one of its 28 years, and he has five “co-writes” with Guthrie using lyrics given to him by Guthrie’s daughter, Nora.

Rafael and his wife, Lauren (a CSUSM alumna), were referred to Special Collections to discuss the disposition of his archive last spring by CSUSM music professor Merryl Goldberg. After an assessment of the collection, Rafael made the commitment to donate his archive to the CSUSM Library; about one-third of the physical materials have been moved to the library to date.

“For a few years now, I’ve thought about and wondered what will become of my life’s work spanning 60 years," Rafael said. "I am honored to have found a permanent home for my archives in the Kellogg Library Special Collections at Cal State San Marcos. North San Diego County has been my home for more than half a century. I have watched the evolution of the campus since its founding in 1989. I am heartened that the CSUSM core values of inclusion, culture and stewardship align with my own. Knowing that my work will be protected and available to the public gives me a feeling of peace, resolution and gratitude.”

The collection includes master recordings in various formats; documentation of all of Rafael’s (and collaborators’) performances and contracts; scrapbooks and news articles of his life and musical history; flyers, posters and photographs for/of performances and festivals; and fan interactions including letters, email messages and social media posts.

“I feel fortunate to know Joel and Lauren and to have the opportunity to steward Joel’s collection," said Jen Fabbi, a Special Collections librarian who has been working with the Rafaels to acquire the collection. “Joel has dedicated his life to social justice and activism through music, and that commitment, along with his talent and persistence, shines throughout this collection. I am excited for students and scholars to have access to it.”

Special Collections recently recorded the first part of an oral history interview with Rafael, in which he discusses his early musical influences, his participation in the 1960s counterculture movement and the beginnings of his success in the music industry.

A treasure trove of information about Rafael and his music can be found at https://joelrafael.com.

For more info, contact Fabbi at jfabbi@csusm.edu.

The University Archives and Special Collections staff work closely with donors to identify materials of research interest to be preserved. Although not all papers and records fall within the collecting scope of the unit, please send us an email to discuss a potential donation at archives@csusm.edu. In addition, you can support the mission of Special Collections to preserve North County history by making a donation.

Signed into law on June 27, Assembly Bill 121 (AB 121) established the Student Teacher Stipend Program, which provides $10,000 stipends to eligible student teachers who complete at least 500 hours of student teaching. The program, which will go into effect for student teachers in the 2026-27 academic year, is designed to support future educators and strengthen the state’s teacher pipeline.

The initiative is funded through the California General Fund, with $300 million allocated for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Beginning in 2026-27, up to $100 million annually may be made available, depending on future state budget appropriations.

The stipends will be available to local educational agencies (LEAs) – including school districts, charter schools and county offices of education – that host student teachers, teacher residents or apprentices. Intern credential holders are not eligible.

The program is non-competitive, meaning all eligible LEAs that apply will receive funding, subject to availability. LEAs apply through a streamlined online process managed by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). In addition to supporting student teachers, LEAs may use stipend awards to offset wages for apprentices or support residents not funded through other residency programs.

LEAs can apply through the CTC’s online portal. Each eligible student teacher receives a stipend of $10,000, paid during the year they complete 500 hours of student teaching. For more information, the commission has established a specific email box for questions: STSP@ctc.ca.gov. You also can contact Moses Ochanji, director of Cal State San Marcos' School of Education, at mochanji@csusm.edu.

This stipend program represents a significant investment in California’s future educators and aligns with CSUSM's commitment to supporting students pursuing careers in education.

Launched in summer 2024 by the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), CSUSM, National University and San Diego State with support from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, the clinic has quickly become a vital resource for the region – working to grow a skilled cyber workforce, increase digital security for all and serve as a model for regional collaboratives around the world.

“Our students are protecting small businesses, nonprofits and critical infrastructure,” said CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt, who spoke at the event. "They’re gaining real-world experience while making a real-world difference and contributing to our region's economic vitality." 

In its first year, the San Diego Cyber Clinic has supported more than 30 local businesses, 18 faculty members and 170 students by providing free cybersecurity services to the community while offering invaluable hands-on training to the next generation of cyber professionals.

“The San Diego Cyber Clinic is thrilled to celebrate one year of advancing the cyber workforce while safeguarding small businesses and under-resourced organizations across our region,” said Lisa Easterly, president and CEO of CCOE. “CCOE is proud to partner with CSUSM, National University and SDSU to deliver a wide range of free cybersecurity services to the community – all made possible through support and mentorship from Google.org and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics. Together, we’re training more students, bolstering more organizations and forging new partnerships to seed the talent pipeline and strengthen regional resiliency.”

Joining Neufeldt as a CSUSM representative at the event Wednesday was Teresa Macklin, one of three directors of the San Diego Cyber Clinic and also director of the Cybersecurity Education Hub at CSUSM. The university offers two online cybersecurity-focused degrees: a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and a Master of Science in cybersecurity, both housed in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The latter degree is the first cybersecurity master's program in the region. There also are many cybersecurity-related courses within individual academic programs.

Cybersecurity clinics at higher education institutions provide free digital security services to under-resourced organizations, similar to how law or medical schools offer free community clinics. The San Diego Cyber Clinic provides CSUSM, National University and SDSU students the opportunity to learn cybersecurity and AI skills in an effective, hands-on manner while simultaneously helping to protect vulnerable organizations and critical infrastructure – such as local small businesses, hospitals, schools and energy grids – from cyberattacks.

According to the World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Risks Report, cyber insecurity remains one of the top 10 global risks over the next decade. There are nearly 514,000 open cybersecurity jobs available in the U.S, including 44,000 in California and 5,500 in the San Diego region, and demand for cyber professionals is projected to grow 32% by 2033. To ensure that communities, critical infrastructure and businesses across the U.S. are secure, there is a distinct need for a skilled, diverse and AI savvy cybersecurity workforce.

The San Diego Cyber Clinic is the only multi-institution clinic in the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics with a nonprofit industry partner leading the charge, training students to service clients across the public and private sectors in the San Diego region. Through engagement of key industry, academic and government stakeholders, including the city-led San Diego Regional Cyber Lab, the San Diego Cyber Clinic aims to grow an inclusive cyber workforce, increase digital security for all and serve as a model for regional collaboratives.

The San Diego Cyber Clinic is one of 15 new clinics that launched in 2024 at higher education institutions across the country, thanks to a collaboration from Google and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics. 

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.

As a recipient of the annual HEED Award – a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to academic excellence, belonging and community-building across all levels of campus life – CSUSM will be featured along with 61 other recipients in the October issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.  

This marks the 12th consecutive year that CSUSM has received the HEED Award, placing the university among those with the longest-running streaks of recognition nationwide.

“I am deeply honored that Cal State San Marcos has received the HEED Award for the 12th consecutive year,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This recognition affirms our steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence – where access to a high-quality education and opportunity for talented students from all backgrounds are central to our mission.”

CSUSM is one of just four CSU schools to win the HEED Award this year. 

"CSUSM is proud to be recognized as a leader in inclusive higher education,” said Aswad Allen, CSUSM’s chief diversity officer. “I want to congratulate our faculty, front-line staff, our deans, directors and department heads. Their dedication is what makes this award of excellence and distinction possible.”

For more information about the 2025 HEED Award, visit insightintoacademia.com. For more information about diversity and inclusion at CSUSM, visit the Office of Inclusive Excellence at www.csusm.edu/equity or email diversity@csusm.edu. 

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. 

The CSU recognizes 23 students every year – one from each campus – with the Trustees’ Award. Loyola Torres was named a CSU Trustee Emeritus Kenneth Fong Scholar.

Loyola Torres and the other awardees will recognized during a ceremony as part of the CSU Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

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. A molecular and cellular biology major, he’s the first person in his family to attend college.

Loyola Torres is a Pathmaker intern at Palomar Medical Center Escondido, working alongside health care professionals to provide patient support under the guidance of staff. He also serves in CSUSM's COMPASS research internship, which recruits local high school students and trains them in stem cell science.

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 is acting 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.

Almost 500 students have been honored with the Trustees' Award since the scholarship program was established in 1984 by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. In 1999, the Hearst Foundation partnered with the CSU Board of Trustees to supplement the endowment with contributions from CSU Trustees, CSU Foundation board members and private donors. Each student scholarship bears the name of a donor. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to CSUSM,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “Her depth of experience and collaborative leadership style will be instrumental as we launch the biggest fundraising campaign in the university’s history and continue to build on the strong foundation.”

Clark brings more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy advising, nonprofit management and fundraising strategy. She has led development programs at institutions including Caltech, UC San Francisco, Emory University, USC and The Music Center.

During her career, Clark has contributed to more than $500 million in philanthropic gifts supporting higher education, scientific research, health equity and the arts. She has served in executive roles, advised presidents and provosts, and built high-performing teams. Her expertise includes planning and executing multibillion-dollar campaigns, navigating public-private partnerships, and shaping academic and community programs.

“I’m honored to join CSUSM at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” Clark said. “The campaign represents a bold vision for the university, and I’m delighted to partner with President Neufeldt, the advancement team, the Foundation Board and the entire campus community to help bring that vision to life." 

Clark also has a strong track record of working with fiduciary and fundraising boards, supporting governance, development and marketing committees. As a consultant and interim leader, she partners with universities, nonprofits and philanthropic advisory organizations to elevate strategy, optimize operations and drive results.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in art history and a certificate in management effectiveness from USC.

Clark will serve in an interim capacity while CSUSM continues to advance its fundraising and engagement efforts. A national search for a permanent vice president of advancement will begin this fall.

Simon Kuo, vice president of corporate quality at Viasat, is the board’s new chairperson. Kristin Crellin, senior vice president of community and membership development at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, is the vice chair.

A longtime supporter of CSUSM, Kuo played a pivotal role in establishing the university’s electrical and software engineering programs and was instrumental in securing funds for the new Integrated Science and Engineering Building. Before joining the Foundation Board, he served on the advisory board of CSUSM’s College of Science and Mathematics (now College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In 2023, CSUSM recognized Kuo for his contributions to campus and the local community by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Science degree. 

Crellin is a respected leader in education advocacy and community engagement across California. With more than 35 years at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, she has forged deep partnerships with school districts, universities and community organizations. She serves as chairperson of the CSU Foundation Board of Governors, representing all 22 campuses. 

“Simon and Kristin have been tremendous supporters of CSUSM over the years, and we’re thrilled to have them leading the Foundation Board,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “With Simon’s unwavering commitment to STEM innovation and Kristin’s deep roots in education advocacy, their leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of CSUSM and ensuring that our students and region thrive for generations to come.” 

In addition, the Foundation Board’s three new directors are:

Carol Lazier 

Lazier is philanthropist who’s a longtime champion of CSUSM and advocate for social mobility. Besides participating on CSUSM’s Campaign Committee as an ad hoc director, she has served on numerous nonprofit boards. She is best known for leading the effort to rebuild the San Diego Opera, which was on the brink of closure in 2014. Lazier was named San Diego Philanthropist of the Year in 2016. In recognition of her community impact, CSUSM awarded her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2022. 

Richard Armenta, Ph.D. 

The faculty representative, Armenta is a social epidemiologist and associate professor of kinesiology. He also serves as associate director of CSUSM’s Center for Training, Research and Educational Excellence (CTREE), supporting STEM education and student success. 

Mitch Kuvinka (’24, ’26) 

The student representative, Kuvinka is a Navy veteran and graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in history. He serves as a teaching assistant and works at the Epstein Family Veterans Center on campus. He is also a member of the President’s Inclusive Excellence Advisory Council and the History Club. 

“I’m pleased to welcome Carol, Richard and Mitch,” Neufeldt said. “The combination of a philanthropist, faculty member and graduate student brings a powerful mix of perspectives that will enrich the work of the Foundation Board.”

About the CSUSM Foundation Board 

The CSUSM Foundation Board is composed of community leaders and philanthropists who cultivate and encourage charitable investment in the university, build meaningful regional relationships and encourage a culture of philanthropy. 

All gifts to the university are accepted and administered by the Cal State San Marcos Foundation, an official 501(c)(3) auxiliary organization of CSUSM.  

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.

Mills’ first day on the job is July 28. He is replacing Kathryn McFarland, who in August will conclude her one-year term as CSUSM’s interim associate vice president of Enrollment Management Services.

The interim chief enrollment officer position will report to the office of President Ellen Neufeldt.

“I’m excited to join President Neufeldt and the team at CSUSM,” Mills said. “I’m honored for the opportunity to build upon the institution’s track record of success.”

Mills brings to CSUSM nearly 40 years of experience in enrollment management and student affairs. His career includes serving as vice president for student affairs and chief enrollment officer at Sacramento State, where he led transformative initiatives to enhance student success and institutional growth.

Most recently, he was brought on at Sonoma State on a special two-year assignment to support the university with its enrollment turnaround. Under his leadership, enrollment grew for the first time in a decade. Before his time at Sacramento State, he served as the vice provost for enrollment and student services at Cleveland State University. 

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Mills, a national expert in enrollment, to our team,” Neufeldt said. “As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Mills embodies a deep commitment to access and student achievement, values that resonate with our mission at CSUSM. His extensive experience and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to advance our enrollment objectives and support student success.”

Mills will serve in an interim role only. A national search will be conducted for any permanent enrollment leadership position at CSUSM.

Mills holds a bachelor’s degree in health science from Kansas State, a master’s in counselor education and student personnel from Penn State and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and human resources studies from Colorado State.

WHEN: Thursday, May 29, noon

WHERE:

Southwestern College – Chula Vista Campus

Instructional & Discovery Complex – In front of the University Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910

WHO:

• Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President, Southwestern College (confirmed)
• Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President, CSUSM (confirmed)
• Assemblymember David Alvarez, California State Assembly (confirmed)
• Southwestern College and CSUSM faculty, deans and students

WHY:

This partnership brings accessible, high-demand bachelor’s degree programs to the heart of South County, enabling local students to complete their four-year degrees close to home. CSUSM @ SWC will launch programs in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems and Cyber Security in Fall 2026, followed by Human Development with emphasis on Wellness Coaching and Bilingual Speech Language Pathology in Fall 2027.

These fields were selected based on findings from the 2023 Workforce and Education Needs Assessment conducted by the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center, Southwestern College and the City of Chula Vista. The report identified business, healthcare and technology – including cybersecurity and information systems – as among the highest-priority fields for new bachelor’s degree programs in South County. Additionally, the future-adjusted list of 147 priority occupations includes many roles that require bachelor’s degrees in healthcare and wellness-related fields, such as bilingual speech-language pathology and wellness coaching. The report notes that 73% of the region’s priority occupations are projected to require a bachelor’s degree at entry, yet the region remains underserved in terms of degree-granting institutions.

With more than 600,000 residents, South County San Diego, anchored by Chula Vista, the largest city of its size in California without a public university offering bachelor’s degrees, faces a critical gap in higher education access. This absence limits the region’s ability to produce the skilled, degreed workforce required to meet projected demand across key sectors such as technology, healthcare and education. Expanding place-based access to four-year degree programs is essential not only for educational equity but also for strengthening regional economic competitiveness. The launch of CSUSM @ SWC is a strategic response that directly addresses this need, equipping South County residents to fill high-priority, high-wage occupations that drive long-term growth.

QUOTES:

“This partnership marks a turning point for South County,” said Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President of Southwestern College. “Together, we are not only expanding access to high-quality, affordable bachelor’s degrees, we are preparing our students to step directly into high-demand careers that power our regional economy. We are proud to welcome CSU San Marcos to South County.”

“At Cal State San Marcos, our mission has always been centered on access and student success – and this partnership with Southwestern College is a powerful extension of that commitment,” said Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President of CSUSM. “By creating seamless pathways to higher education, we are not only expanding economic opportunity in South County, we are advancing social mobility for generations of students, families and communities.”

VISUALS:

Ceremonial signing, college leadership, local officials, students and the University Center backdrop.

CONTACTS:

Southwestern College: Armando Lamadrid, alamadrid@swccd.edu, 619-421-6700, ext. 5945

CSUSM: Jerry McCormick, jmccormick@csusm.edu, 619-549-9438

ABOUT SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE:

Southwestern College, the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego, serves a diverse community of students through a wide range of high-quality academic programs, comprehensive student services, and visionary partnerships, including between Arizona State University and Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior (CETYS). With enrollment now exceeding pre-pandemic levels and Southwestern College’s championing of AB 91, thousands more local students are now reimagining what’s possible every day. Southwestern College also stimulates the development and growth of the region through partnerships, services and educational programs that meet the region’s economic and workforce demands. For more information, visit swccd.edu.

A total of 4,041 students graduated as part of this year’s class. Spring commencement follows on the heels of CSUSM holding its second-ever fall commencement in December. Those ceremonies drew more than 700 graduates.

CSUSM’s spring commencement took place on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 at Mangrum Track & Field on campus, with six different ceremonies stretched across the two days.  

“When I think about our graduates' success, I also think about how many of them are first in their families to graduate college or earn a master’s degree,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. "The significance of what that means not only for their own lives and social mobility, but their families and their communities, should never be underestimated. Commencement is such a proud day, because it is the culmination of the efforts of our entire campus community: our students, their loved ones, our faculty and staff, and our partners, all working together toward this major milestone and achievement. Congratulations, Class of 2025!"

In the Class of 2025, 54% of the graduates are the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. More than 47% come from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Here are some other facts:

• 88% are graduating from bachelor’s degree programs, while 12% are completing master's degree programs.
• 62% of graduates are female and 37% are male.
• The ages of those graduating with a bachelor's degree range from 19 to 67.

For the Class of 2025, the top 10 bachelor’s degree majors are:

• business administration (642)
• psychology (321)
• nursing (273)
• kinesiology (244)
• sociology (214)
• criminology and justice studies (209) 
• liberal studies (168)
• computer science (169)
• biology (162)
• communication (156)
• child and adolescent development (106)

CSUSM awarded two honorary degrees during commencement, with Allison Price and Mark Cafferty receiving Doctor of Humane Letters degrees.

Price serves on the board of directors of the Allison and Robert Price Family Foundation and the Price Philanthropies Foundation. It’s through the latter organization that she played a pivotal role in supporting an innovative, accelerated three-year bachelor’s program in the field of behavioral health at CSUSM. Price, a San Diego native and San Diego State graduate, also is on the board of the Aaron Price Fellows Program, which positively impacts San Diego public high school students. It was established in 1989 after Allison and her husband, Robert, lost their oldest of four children, Aaron, to an illness at age 15.

Cafferty is president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. He has spent over 25 years designing systems to support career advancement and economic opportunity for American workers. He has served in numerous public-sector leadership positions and has been sought as a consultant on workforce development efforts throughout the country.

CSUSM also awarded a Presidential Medal of Honor to Maj. Gen. Anthony (Tony) Jackson. This recognition celebrates individuals who exemplify the highest standards of leadership, service and unwavering commitment to the values of the university. 

Jackson is a longtime Marine Corps officer whose military career ended in 2012, the same year he joined the CSUSM’s Foundation Board. He has served in a variety of capacities, including director, chair and adviser. A passionate advocate for veterans, he was the inaugural chair of President Ellen Neufeldt’s Military Advisory Council and established an endowed scholarship with his wife, Sue, to support veterans.

Visit the commencement live website to rewatch the 2025 commencement ceremonies.

Tribal leadership will join CSUSM leadership to celebrate this landmark investment while honoring graduating Native students. This momentous gift from the tribe to the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) strengthens a vital partnership dedicated to cultivating tomorrow's leaders, advancing transformative research, honoring tribal sovereignty and cultural heritage, and creating new educational opportunities for generations to come.

The partnership between Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and CSUSM began more than a decade ago when the tribe contributed nearly $1 million to help launch the university’s CICSC. Since then, the CICSC has become a nationally recognized hub for Native student success, research and community engagement – serving as a vital resource for California tribal communities and a model for indigenous-led initiatives in higher education.

By adding to the original endowment, the newly named California Indigenous Futures Fund will continue to grow, providing long-term sustainability for the CICSC and ensuring that the center’s work serves as a lasting cornerstone for tribal sovereignty and education.

All media are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jerry McCormick at JMcCormick@csusm.edu or 619-549-9438.

About Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation  

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. The Tribe, formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, proudly reclaims their ancestral name – Yuhaaviatam (pronounced "Yu-HAA-vee-ah-tahm") – honoring the deep-rooted heritage and enduring legacy of their people. Exercising their inherent sovereign right to self-governance, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is committed to providing essential services to their citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services and promoting social, economic and cultural development. As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains and high deserts, the Yuhaaviatam have called this region home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region. For more information, visit sanmanuel-nsn.gov 

About the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC)

The California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at California State University San Marcos fosters collaborative research and community service relationships between the university's faculty, staff and students and tribal communities. The Center's mission focuses on developing and conducting research projects that support the maintenance of sovereignty and culture within those communities. Founded on principles of respect and reciprocity, the CICSC serves as a vital bridge between academia and Native American communities in the state, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge and priorities are centered in all collaborative work. The Center's distinctive programs simultaneously strengthen tribal sovereignty and drive student success by creating unique opportunities for hands-on research experience through meaningful engagement with California's tribal nations. For more information: www.csusm.edu/cicsc

San Manuel is a longtime supporter of CSUSM, having contributed nearly $1 million when the CICSC opened its doors in 2011. Since then, the center has become a home away from home for American Indian students in their higher education pursuits. The CICSC also champions groundbreaking research, publications and events to empower Native voices and inform public policy.

This additional funding will enable the CICSC to expand cultural preservation programs, strengthen student success, foster community engagement and support operational excellence.

“This transformative gift from San Manuel, combined with the exceptional work of our American Indian Studies Department and the CICSC, positions CSUSM to better serve Native American students," CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. "We’re committed to building a comprehensive program that promotes both academic rigor and cultural empowerment. Together with our tribal partners, we aim to set new standards for Native American student achievement in higher education.”

San Manuel's gift builds on its partnership with CSUSM and demonstrates a commitment to strengthening tribal sovereignty through education. The investment will empower Native American students to become leaders, scholars and researchers shaping the future of California tribal communities.

“This endowment represents more than funding – it's an investment in the preservation and advancement of Indigenous knowledge, leadership and sovereignty," said Dr. Joely Proudfit, director of the CICSC. “With these resources, we can amplify Native voices, deepen our research initiatives and create even more powerful opportunities for our students to engage with tribal nations while pursuing academic excellence.”

"The CICSC helps to enhance the educational experience of students within the CICSC community,” said Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "Through advocacy, research, leadership and systemic change, the CICSC fosters an environment where Native culture, tribal sovereignty and progress can flourish."

San Manuel’s $3 million gift, amplified by a $1 million match contribution from the Epstein Family Foundation, reflects a shared commitment to empowering the Indigenous community at CSUSM and supporting the CICSC.

For more information about the CICSC, visit csusm.edu/cicsc, contact center director Joely Proudfit, Ph.D., at jproudfi@csusm.edu, or call 760-750-3535.

About the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. San Manuel exercises its inherent sovereign right of self-governance and provides essential services for its citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services and promoting social, economic and cultural development. As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains and high deserts, the Serrano people of San Manuel have called this area home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-2026 survey, with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard.

CSUSM is the only California State University school, and one of just two California four-year public universities, to receive the designation. UC Riverside is the other.

CSUSM earned a Silver Award designation in 2018.

“At Cal State San Marcos, we are deeply honored to serve those who have served our country,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “With one in 10 of our students identifying as military-connected, we’ve built a strong, supportive community centered at the Epstein Family Veterans Center, where students can access resources tailored to their unique journeys. Earning this designation reflects our continued commitment to ensuring that military-connected students and their families have the tools, support and opportunities they need to thrive in their academic and professional lives.”

The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community.

Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“I am very proud of what Cal State San Marcos is doing for our military community," said Josh Loop, director of CSUSM's Veterans to Naval Careers program. “The results of the MFS survey reinforce that this is a campuswide effort and that the entire university is dedicated to serving and supporting our active-duty service members, our veterans and their families.”

In addition to the Veterans to Naval Careers program, CSUSM supports the military community through Extended Learning, which offers bachelor's degree programs at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, including in cybersecurity and supply chain management.

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of  Military Friendly®. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the military community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools that achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.”

For more information about CSUSM's student veteran programs, go to the Veterans Services website. 

About Military Friendly® Schools

The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Cal State San Marcos is offering nearly 200 courses this summer in online, in-person and hybrid formats, open to CSUSM students, visiting students from other institutions and community members. With flexible scheduling and accelerated timelines, many courses can be completed in just five weeks.

Summer Session at CSUSM runs from June 2 to Aug. 9, providing students with varied course options to quickly advance their academic progress while accommodating busy summer schedules.

2025 Summer Class Sessions

• Full session: June 2-Aug. 9
• First block: June 2-July 3
• Second block: July 7-Aug. 9

Registration Information

Priority registration for current CSUSM students begins March 25. Community members and students from other institutions are also welcome to enroll without formal admission to CSUSM, beginning April 30. Credits earned during summer session are fully transferable to other colleges and universities.

Wide Range of Courses Available

This year's summer session schedule includes popular courses from more than 40 academic departments, such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, economics, history, communication and many more. Most classes follow an accelerated five-week or 10-week format designed to help you maximize your summer productivity.

Financial Aid Opportunities

CSUSM students enrolled in summer courses may be eligible for financial aid, including grants or tuition discounts, depending on the number of units taken. To make summer classes more accessible, a flexible payment plan is also available, allowing students to pay tuition in manageable installments.

Campus Housing Options

Students enrolled in summer classes may have the option to live on campus, providing a convenient and distraction-free environment to help you stay focused and succeed during the summer term. For specific housing dates, availability and details about potential discounts or promotions for summer residents, please contact CSUSM Housing directly.

 

Learn More and Get Started!

For detailed information about Summer Session – including course listings, registration instructions, financial aid eligibility and housing options – please visit csusm.edu/summer.

Have questions? Reach out to us at 760-750-4020 or summer@csusm.edu.

Make this summer count – enroll today!

The inaugural California Mobility Index (CMI) ranks 82 four-year institutions that collectively enroll almost 800,000 undergraduate students. But rather than the traditional approach of rewarding institutions based on the exclusivity and standardized test scores of their incoming class, the CMI evaluates institutions on the proportion of low- and moderate-income students they enroll and the return on investment they provide within the state of California.

The CMI is the product of a partnership between the College Futures Foundation and the HEA Group.

“This new state index is a step in the right direction to ensure that the work at CSUSM and other CSUs is acknowledged and highlighted,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “I am encouraged to see more rankings evolving to recognize the institutions that are making the greatest impact on students’ social and economic mobility. We’ve known all along that we are changing lives and the communities we serve. As the national conversation around the ROI of higher education continues, we can clearly see that college is indeed an investment that pays off.”

The index is based on the share of Pell Grant recipients that an institution enrolls, the average earnings of those students within 10 years after enrollment and the average out-of-pocket costs paid by those students for their degree.

Pell Grants are federal financial aid awards available to low- and moderate-income students. Researchers used U.S. Department of Education data to track the earnings of such students after graduating. 

The CMI is dominated by schools from California State University, with CSU campuses accounting for 13 of the top 15 spots.

CSUSM has become recognized as a national leader in social or economic mobility under the leadership of President Ellen Neufeldt. The university ranks No. 2 out of more than 1,200 schools nationally in the current Social Mobility Index by the online publication CollegeNET, and it topped that same list two years ago.

CSUSM also annually hosts the National Social Mobility Symposium, which draws hundreds of leaders from across the country to discuss ways to make higher education more accessible to all.

These are just a few of the more than 100 hands-on, interactive activities and demonstrations that will engage thousands of attendees at Super STEM Saturday on March 8 at Cal State San Marcos. This rain-or-shine science festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Children of all ages are invited to attend.  

“What we take away from our childhood is really meaningful to what we decide to do as adults,” said Simon Kuo, vice president of corporate quality for Viasat, one of the lead sponsors of Super STEM Saturday. “That’s why we believe it’s really important to expose kids to science and technology so that it can help them better appreciate it and perhaps even choose a career in STEM.”  

“Super STEM Saturday is a powerful event,” said Jackie Trischman, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at CSUSM. “I want our community to see someone who looks like them having fun doing science. It’s also an opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate what science does for us on a daily basis.”  

“We are proud to collaborate with the community to inspire the next generation of innovators at Super STEM Saturday,” said Kurtis Indorf, CEO of The Classical Academies. “We’re excited to see students and families come together to explore the endless possibilities of STEM.”

The sponsors of Super STEM Saturday include Viasat; the County of San Diego; ASML; Bristol Myers Squibb; General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation; Grifols; the Issa Family Foundation; Pacific Premier Bank; Qualcomm; Cox Communications; DigiKey; ESET; Hologic; RBC Capital Markets; Young, Minney & Corr, LLP; Calsense; Hilbers, Inc.; Keenan; North Island Credit Union; San Diego Foundation; San Marcos Community Foundation; and Stradling.

What: Super STEM Saturday, a free interactive science festival for all ages 

When: Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Where: Cal State San Marcos, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos  

Parking: Free in lots E, F and H

More information: www.csusm.edu/superstem 

About The Classical Academies  

The Classical Academies is an organization of award-winning, tuition-free, California Public Charter Schools serving North San Diego County since 1999. With seven campus locations and over 5,200 students in grades TK-12, the schools are making a tremendous impact as they reinvent public education.  

The new RCU category recognizes institutions that typically do not offer many or any doctoral degrees and spend at least $2.5 million on research on average in a single year. There are eight additional CSUs included in the R2 category, which is assigned to universities that spend at least $5 million on research and development and award at least 20 research doctorates on average in a single year.

The Carnegie Classifications are the nation’s leading framework for categorizing and describing colleges and universities in the United States. 

The new classifications created multi-dimensional groupings of institutions that now go beyond a single label and reflect significant changes to how research is recognized, including the methodology that determines whether an institution is classified.

“Congratulations to all of the CSU institutions recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education,” CSU Chancellor Mildred García said. “These classifications underscore the CSU’s commitment to engaging our undergraduate students in applied research that lifts communities and addresses our state's most pressing challenges across fields of study – and they wonderfully reflect the CSU’s mission and core values.”

This marks the second year that Insight Into Diversity magazine has presented the LEAD Award, which honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) across their campus. These include, but are not limited to, research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions and community outreach.  

The CSUSM library was honored for the second year in a row and will be featured, along with 33 other recipients, in the March 2025 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine. 

“The University Library is deeply honored to receive this recognition again because we believe that libraries are more than just places to access information – they are vital hubs where every member of our community feels seen, valued and empowered,” said Toni Olivas, the library’s interim co-dean for faculty and system affairs. “This acknowledgment reflects our ongoing efforts to celebrate diverse voices, foster inclusivity and create a welcoming space for everyone. Whether it’s through our multilingual collections, culturally rich programming or partnerships with community organizations, we are dedicated to breaking barriers and building connections.”

Insight Into Diversity magazine selected the CSUSM library because of its many diversity initiatives, including the infusion of DEI in its recently completed strategic plan; hiring a bilingual (Spanish and English) librarian to work with student families and the larger community; its support of underrepresented authors and researchers; art installations with DEI themes; and mandatory and valued DEI work in the librarian tenure process. 

“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion and access” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.” 

A call for nominations for this award was announced in October. 

Insight Into Diversity also annually hands out the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, which recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. CSUSM last fall received the HEED Award for the 11^th consecutive year.  

For more information about the 2025 LEAD Award, visit insightintodiversity.com. 

The event, titled “Veterans History Project: An Unveiling of the Journey,” will take place March 19 in the ballroom of the University Student Union on CSUSM’s campus. Directed by Jason Beyer (a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and CSUSM alumnus) and Marilyn Huerta (a CSUSM alumna and employee), the event will provide an intimate and poignant look into the personal experiences of veterans who served across multiple wars and branches of the U.S. military.

The Veterans History Project is a collaborative effort among CSUSM, the Library of Congress in Washington and the university’s Kellogg Library, with the veterans’ interviews being archived both at the Library of Congress and the CSUSM library’s special collections department. The project’s purpose is to ensure that the stories of U.S. veterans are preserved for future generations, honoring their sacrifices and contributions.

The March 19 program, which begins at 6 p.m., will feature powerful snippets from filmed interviews with six local veterans:

• Elmer Royce Williams, a 99-year-old who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War
• Dora Beachman, Marines (and CSUSM alumna)
• Michael Lacea, Navy (and CSUSM alumnus)
• Albert Toro, Army
• Thomas Galyean, Army
• James Forester, Air Force

The event also includes a keynote address by Amy Forsythe, a Marine veteran, Navy reservist and CSUSM alumna who will reflect on the importance of preserving veteran stories and the ongoing impact of military service on communities.

The formal program will be preceded at 5 p.m. by a veteran/military resource fair and reception, offering attendees an opportunity to learn more about veteran resources and services.

The Veterans History Project is the result of months of dedicated work by Beyer, who connected with and interviewed the veterans and also ensured that all interviews met the criteria for archiving with the Library of Congress. Huerta, who spearheaded the initiative on the CSUSM campus, helped bring the project to fruition and is leading the coordination of the March 19 event.

CSUSM student Adel Bautista also played a key role by filming the interviews, and history lecturer Shad Thielman will be helping to create video transcriptions for the project archives. The resulting footage will be shared with the Library of Congress and archived for future generations.

Additionally, Sean Visintainer and Jennifer Ho from the CSUSM library are responsible for archiving the filmed interviews, ensuring their preservation for future research and study. These interviews will be included in the Voices of North County collection, a digital archive hosted by the CSUSM Library.

“These veterans’ stories are not just part of history; they are part of our community's fabric,” Huerta said. “By archiving these oral histories, we are making sure future generations can connect with the courage, resilience and sacrifice of those who served our country.”

The event is open to the public. CSUSM students and the military-affiliated community can attend for free, while tickets cost $5 for CSUSM faculty, staff and alumni, and $10 for the general public.

The Veterans History Project is sponsored by multiple CSUSM organizations: Veterans Services; the College of Business Administration; the College of Education, Health and Human Services; the departments of history and social work; Student Health & Counseling Services; and Kappa Sigma Tau-Omicron.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partners and supporters,” Beyer said. “Together, we are ensuring that the voices of our veterans are not forgotten and that their legacies continue to inspire future generations.”

Event tickets can be reserved online. Anyone interested in participating in the resource fair can email Huerta at mhuerta@csusm.edu or Beyer at beyer005@csusm.edu.

Veterans History Project: An Unveiling of the Journey

Date: March 19

Time: 6 p.m. (resource fair and reception at 5)

Location: CSUSM’s University Student Union Ballroom

Tickets:

• CSUSM students: Free
• Military-affiliated community and resource fair guests: Free
• CSUSM faculty/staff/alumni: Free
• Community: $10

NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, is the leading association for student affairs professionals in higher education. NASPA presents the President’s Award annually to a leader who exemplifies extraordinary dedication to student life and engagement. Neufeldt’s selection highlights her remarkable contributions to student success initiatives, advocacy for equity in and access to higher education, and her unwavering commitment to advancing social mobility. 

“It is an incredible honor and truly humbling to receive the NASPA President’s Award,” Neufeldt said. “Throughout my entire career, I’ve been able to work alongside some amazing colleagues who tirelessly support student success and foster inclusive educational pathways. This work is deeply personal to me, and I feel so lucky to wake up each day in a profession that is driven by such purpose.” 

Since assuming the presidency of CSUSM in 2019, Neufeldt has positioned the university as a national leader in social mobility. CSUSM hosts the National Social Mobility Symposium each year and in 2022 was ranked the nation’s No. 1 institution for social mobility by CollegeNET. Under her leadership, CSUSM has launched innovative programs that integrate research and experiential learning, securing more than $20 million in grant awards and $26 million in donor funding to support initiatives that prepare students for career success. Her dedication to access and equity in education has reshaped student success strategies at CSUSM and beyond. 

“President Neufeldt has achieved something rare among university presidents: She has created a space where students can freely express their candid emotions and pursue their passions, no matter the situation,” student leaders from Associated Students, Inc., wrote in their support letter. “President Neufeldt’s commitment to meeting students where they are has redefined what it means to lead with empathy and intentionality.” 

Colleagues in student affairs and enrollment management who supported Neufeldt’s nomination emphasized her far-reaching impact in higher education leadership. In their letter of support, they wrote: “Beyond her student-centered approach, President Neufeldt has inspired and mentored hundreds of NASPA student affairs professionals who continue to follow her example. Her tireless leadership has had a profound impact on students, faculty and the broader community. She is a woman of action who engages stakeholders with thoughtful consideration and delivers real results.” 

Neufeldt has long been recognized as a national leader in student affairs, previously earning NASPA’s Pillar of the Profession Award (2017) and the Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Senior Student Affairs Officer (2014). Before leading CSUSM, she held key leadership roles at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Salisbury University in Maryland and Old Dominion University in Virginia, where she spearheaded transformative student success and social mobility initiatives. 

A pioneer in shaping palliative care across North San Diego County, Panzer is recognized for championing ethical decision-making and enhancing quality of care for patients navigating complex medical decisions. His background includes serving as the chief medical officer at The Elizabeth Hospice and playing a pivotal role in establishing the inpatient palliative care service at Palomar Health. 

The award includes a $25,000 gift in honor of Dr. Doris Howell, funded by The Shiley Foundation, Darlene Marcos Shiley, president. This year, on behalf of Panzer, the gift will benefit The Elizabeth Hospice's bereavement program. 

In addition to his work as a clinician, Panzer cofounded the San Diego Coalition for Compassionate Care, which advocates for advance care planning, palliative care access and caregiver support. He also chairs the San Diego Dementia Consortium, fostering education, professional collaboration and resources for families impacted by dementia. 

Panzer was nominated for the award by Michael McDuffie, associate professor of philosophy at Cal State San Marcos and faculty director of the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care at CSUSM. 

“The impact of Dr. Panzer’s work in palliative medicine is unparalleled,” McDuffie said. “He has touched countless lives, ensuring that patients and families receive compassionate, patient-centered care during their most vulnerable moments.” 

Panzer’s influence extends deeply into the professional community. A dedicated mentor, he continues to support countless palliative care professionals, offering guidance, expertise and encouragement. Many of his mentees attribute their career success to Panzer’s thoughtful and generous mentorship. 

Panzer will receive the award at a reception on April 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the McMahan House on CSUSM's campus. 

The Howell award is named after the late Dr. Doris Howell, a legendary physician and pioneer in pediatric hematology, oncology and community medicine who in 1977 founded San Diego Hospice and the Institute for Palliative Medicine (SDHIPM). 

For more information about the institute or the Howell award, visit csupalliativecare.org. 

The "State of American Indian and Alaska Native Education in California 2024" report, funded by CSUSM, shows that while AIAN high school graduation rates improved substantially from 70.54% in 2017-18 to 78.76% in 2021-2022, other critical metrics indicate ongoing disparities that require systematic change.

"While we celebrate the dramatic decrease in dropout rates from 53.53% to 13.53% over the past five years, we cannot ignore that our AIAN students continue to face significant barriers to academic success," said Joely Proudfit, director of the CICSC. "The pandemic has particularly impacted our communities, with absenteeism rates more than doubling from 21.3% to 43.6%."

Importantly, the report also highlights innovative and positive solutions and approaches.

“Our research highlights transformative programs that are moving the needle for AIAN student success,” Proudfit said. “By weaving together proven high-impact practices with culturally responsive approaches, we're creating stronger pathways to both higher education and career opportunities.”

The report, unveiled at Harrah's Resort Southern California on the Rincon reservation in Valley Center, brought together State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, tribal leaders, educators and parents to address these critical findings. The comprehensive study examines data across K-12 and higher education systems, revealing both promising trends and areas of concern.

"This report serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to action," Thurmond said. "The increased college-going rate from 47.4% to 55.9% shows that our efforts are bearing fruit, but the declining enrollment numbers in our community colleges and persistent achievement gaps in math and English language arts remind us that our work is far from complete."

Key findings include:

• a decrease in AIAN student population from 34,704 in 2015-2016 to 26,108 in 2022-2023.
• declining enrollment in California community colleges from 8,520 in 2018 to 6,575 in 2022.
• a reduction in undergraduate degrees awarded in both the UC and CSU systems.
• higher UC enrollment rates compared to CSU for AIAN students between 2018-2022.

The report spotlights successful programs driving AIAN student success, including California Indian Education for All, the Native Scholars Pathway program and strategic community college initiatives. These evidence-based approaches combine high-impact research practices with culturally responsive programming to strengthen both college access and workforce development, while highlighting the ongoing need for AIAN educators.

The report proposes transformative recommendations to advance AIAN student success, including sustainable funding for Native American curriculum development, reformed student identification protocols and expanded support systems. Key priorities include establishing American Indian student success centers across campuses, implementing comprehensive tuition and housing support for AIAN students, and developing dedicated Native American colleges within the CSU system – all critical steps toward educational equity and tribal sovereignty in higher education.

"We're at a crucial turning point," CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. "The data clearly shows that when we invest in culturally responsive support systems and maintain strong partnerships with tribal communities, our students thrive. It's time to scale these successful practices across our educational systems."

The CICSC report comes almost a decade after the previous study released in 2016.

For more information or to download the report online, visit www.csusm.edu/cicsc/projects/education-report.html.

About the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center

The California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) stands as a cornerstone of California Indigenous excellence at California State University San Marcos, where academic innovation meets tribal knowledge. As a premier research hub, CICSC advances Indigenous knowledge while cultivating the next generation of Native leaders. Our mission drives strategic partnerships with tribal nations to conduct groundbreaking research that strengthens Native communities and upholds tribal sovereignty. Through collaborative relationships between CSUSM faculty, staff, students and tribal communities, CICSC champions research initiatives that honor and preserve Indigenous ways of knowing, traditional lands, cultural practices and community values. The center's work reinforces tribal self-determination while fostering deeper connections between academia and Native nations. The CICSC mission is to foster collaborative research and community service relationships between the faculty, staff and students at CSUSM and members of tribal communities for the purpose of developing and conducting research projects that support the maintenance of sovereignty and culture within those communities.

CSUSM will host its second fall commencement on Sunday, Dec. 15 in the Sports Center on campus. More than 700 students are expected to cross the stage across four ceremonies, and more than 5,500 guests have registered to attend.  

Since the inaugural occasion last year, fall commencement has grown to the point that CSUSM expanded the number of ceremonies from three to four. There were more than 500 graduates in 2023.

CSUSM holds fall commencement to offer students who are graduating in December the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with their families without having to wait until spring.  Commencement is an especially important milestone for the more than half of graduates at CSUSM who are the very first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Each of the four ceremonies will be streamed live on the CSUSM commencement website and mobile app to allow viewing by family members and friends who can’t attend. 

More information on CSUSM’s commencement ceremonies is available online.  

What: CSUSM hosts its second annual fall commencement

When: Sunday, Dec. 15

9 a.m. – College of Business Administration

Noon – College of Education, Health and Human Services; College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics  

3 p.m. – College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (Session 1)

6 p.m. – College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (Session 2)

Where: The Sports Center, Cal State San Marcos, 333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos  

Media: Members of the media who wish to attend any of the commencement ceremonies are asked to contact Jerry McCormick, director of strategic communications, in advance at JMcCormick@csusm.edu or 619-549-9438. For easy access to the ceremony site, media are asked to park in Lot O or Parking Structure 2. 

As a recipient of the annual HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — CSUSM will be featured along with 113 other recipients in the November/December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.  

This marks the 11^th consecutive year that CSUSM has been named a HEED Award recipient. The university is one of only 21 schools that have won the award, which was instituted in 2012, at least 11 years in a row.

Insight Into Diversity magazine selected CSUSM based on the institution’s exemplary diversity and inclusion initiatives, and ability to support a broad definition of diversity on campus, including gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as all others.  

"I am deeply honored that Cal State San Marcos has received the HEED Award for the 11th consecutive year,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This recognition reaffirms our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive campus where every student, faculty member and staff member feels a true sense of belonging. At CSUSM, we believe that our diversity is at the core of this university’s excellence, and this award reflects the collective efforts of our entire campus community to create a learning environment that values and supports all individuals. We remain steadfast in our focus to advance diversity, educational equity and social mobility, and I am immensely proud of the progress we continue to make together."

CSUSM is one of just four CSU schools to win the HEED Award this year. The others are Cal State Los Angeles, Fresno State and San Diego State.  

“The California State University system continues to provide amazing access to a high-quality education and an opportunity to improve the quality of life for most deserving populations in our nation,” said Aswad Allen, CSUSM’s chief diversity officer. “This recognition continues to signal that CSUSM's staff and faculty play a significant role in accomplishing these goals. Congratulations to our entire community for moving us beyond ideas to actions.”

For more information about the 2024 HEED Award, visit insightintodiversity.com. For more information about diversity and inclusion at CSUSM, visit the Office of Inclusive Excellence at www.csusm.edu/equity or email diversity@csusm.edu. 

The event will feature keynote speaker and CSUSM alumna Carolina Valdivia, a UC Irvine professor who also serves as the investigator of the UndocuResearch project.  

Valdivia will share her research from 106 in-depth interviews with students nationwide. The event also will spotlight local institutional and community resources that seek to help address undocumented students’ needs.  

The event is in honor of Undocumented Student Action Week, from Oct. 14-18, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of undocumented college students.   

The event will feature findings from the UndocuBasic Needs Project, which examines the experiences of undocumented college students and those from mixed-status families. The discussion will include contributions from panelists Lissa Lim, Alondra Lopez and Gladys Guzman. 

Lim works as the orientation and didactic training coordinator in Student Health & Counseling Services. She is a bilingual counselor who specializes in Latinx mental health, sexual trauma, immigrant communities and first-generation college students.  

Lim also leads Flutter, a CSUSM support group for undocumented and mixed-status students. The group creates a safe and confidential space to give and receive support around the experiences of being undocumented or mixed status.  

Lopez manages the ASI Cougar Pantry. She is passionate about health equity and student well-being. Since joining ASI in 2016, Lopez has ensured that students have access to food and support services, fostering a welcoming environment for their academic and personal success. 

Guzman works as a resource coordinator for UURISE, a North County-based nonprofit that provides low-cost and free immigration-related legal and support services. 

To attend, register here: https://bit.ly/4euQ23W.  

 What: Addressing Undocumented College Students’ Basic Needs: An Evening Featuring Research and Resources Registration 

Who: Keynote speaker Carolina Valdivia and panelists Lissa Lim, Alondra Lopez and Gladys Guzman 

When: Oct. 14, 5:30- 8 p.m. 

Where: The McMahan House 

Tickets: https://bit.ly/4euQ23W 

The honor was announced Tuesday by Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latinx student success in higher education.

CSUSM is one of only 17 colleges and universities to earn the Seal of Excelencia in 2024. In 2018, Excelencia introduced the seal to certify colleges and universities for their efforts to become learning environments where Latinx, and all, students thrive. This year marks the organization’s 20th year of service to accelerate Latinx student success in higher education.

The Seal of Excelencia framework represents a rigorous assessment of certified institutions’ intentionality and impact in improving outcomes such as retention, financial support and degree completion for Latinx students by aligning efforts across data, practice and leadership. Seal certification remains valid for three years, after which institutions can recertify progress.

“I am incredibly proud that CSUSM earned the Seal of Excelencia, a testament to our commitment to Latinx success,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of over 40 campus partners, and I’m deeply grateful to our students, faculty and staff for their dedication in making CSUSM a truly Hispanic-serving institution.

Neufeldt was set to join other higher education, business, philanthropy and government leaders in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to recognize CSUSM and the seven other institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia for the first time, as well as nine institutions that earned recertification. The announcement was part of Excelencia in Education’s National Policy Forum, focused on innovating policies to accelerate Latinx degree attainment and strengthen America’s civic leadership and workforce.

“The colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia lead the charge in meeting our nation’s degree attainment goals,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia of Education. “They demonstrate commitment to Latino student success through impact and ongoing self-assessment.”

CSUSM joins a collective of 46 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia. Together, they represent less than 1% of all institutions but enroll 17% and graduate 19% of all Latinx students nationwide. 

Along with CSUSM, the seven other newly certified Seal of Excelencia institutions are Cal State East Bay, Cal State San Bernardino, Cerritos College, Hartnell College, Pima Community College (Tucson, Ariz.), San Francisco State and Sul Ross State (Alpine, Texas).

The nine recertified Seal of Excelencia institutions are Cal State Fullerton, Fresno State, Miami Dade College, San Diego State, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, UC Merced, UC Riverside, University of Central Florida, Wilbur Wright College (Chicago).

Before CSUSM earned the Seal of Excelencia, Neufeldt made the decision to join Excelencia’s national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS). The network comprises over 200 higher education leaders committed to making their institutions learning environments where Latinx students thrive. Institutions in the P4LSS network are eligible to apply for the seal. 

CSUSM has made significant strides since achieving federal Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status in 2010 with 27% Latinx enrollment. Latinx students now comprise 52% of CSUSM's undergraduate population, with 54.5% of undergraduate students being the first in their families to pursue higher education and 46% being Pell Grant recipients.

Among CSUSM's programs and practices that promote Latinx student success are: 

• College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which serves first-year students from migrant/seasonal farmworker backgrounds and enrolls nearly 50 Latinx students annually while recruiting hundreds more through outreach efforts.
• National Latino Research Center, which advances knowledge of Latinx populations through nationally recognized initiatives serving immigrant, migrant, farmworker and bilingual communities. It helps attract and retain Latinx faculty, administrators and staff while offering internship and research opportunities to students.
• Cougar Pantry, which provides free groceries weekly, including nonperishable goods, produce, dairy products and personal hygiene items. It supports thousands of Latinx students and their families each year.
• Latinx Center, which works to promote equity, a sense of belonging and cultural empowerment.
• Spanish-speaking family orientations, which welcome incoming Latinx students and their parents.
• Kellogg Library's Barahona Collection, which houses thousands of books in Spanish for children and teens.

CSUSM will celebrate its achievement of the Seal of Excelencia when it holds its annual HSI Summit on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Open to the campus community, the hybrid event will include a presentation on the university’s journey to earning the seal and a fireside chat with campus leadership.

Learn more about CSUSM’s Seal of Excelencia application process and other campus efforts supporting Latinx students here. 

The program has been so successful that two more rounds of funding have been provided, and the latest award is not only one of the largest in university history, but it also broadens the scope of the project.

This summer, CSUSM received a five-year grant worth up to $12.5 million from the Office of Naval Research to continue the work of Veterans to Energy Careers (VTEC). But the program has been renamed Veterans to Naval Careers (VNC) in a reflection of the fact that it has expanded to include civilian jobs in all areas of Navy research and development, not just the energy sector.

The $12.5 million award is the largest current federal grant for CSUSM and the second-largest in university history. It also more than doubles the amount that CSUSM received from the Defense Department in 2021 ($6 million, though over three years instead of five) and quadruples the amount of the initial award in 2018 ($3 million, also three years).

“The Navy has been very direct that they like what this program does, that CSUSM is running it well and getting great outcomes, and they want to continue to grow and expand the program,” said Josh Loop, the program director of VNC. “The Navy sees this program as a long-term investment and initiative for our student veterans.”

Since the advent of the program, VNC has supported student veterans and partners in 27 states, spanning from Hawaii to Maryland. VNC participants have been placed into 313 internships with 31 partnering organizations, including 164 internships at eight Defense Department facilities. And boosted by those internships, 225 participants have secured employment with 143 companies and government entities, with more than 99% of them landing jobs before graduation.

Under the new grant, VNC plans to place at least 100 student veterans into year-round internships lasting one to two years with Navy personnel and ensure that all 100 receive job offers before graduation. That’s double the benchmark from the previous grant and more than three times that of the original grant.

The additional funding also will allow VNC to increase stipend amounts for students so that the program compensation stays competitive with similar internships and accounts for the elevated cost of living on the West Coast and other internship sites.

“Veterans to Naval Careers is a veterans transition program run by veterans, for veterans,” said Loop, a veteran of the Coast Guard. “As veterans, we understand the challenges of transitioning to civilian life because we've been in their shoes. We're committed to offering the mentorship, resources and paid internships to ensure that veterans gain the skills and experience they need to secure successful careers before they graduate, setting them up for long-term success in their civilian lives.”

As part of a unique program in the College of Education, Health and Human Services at CSUSM – Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track (SWIFT) Health Programs – students at Rancho Buena Vista High School can earn college credit, giving them an early start toward a bachelor’s degree. Courses completed count toward two specialized undergraduate degrees in health and wellness designed to allow students to obtain a degree in as little as three years. 

One is in public health and the other in human development with a concentration in counseling.

To kick off the program, CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt and campus leaders from Vista Unified School District held a welcoming ceremony Friday for 22 students from Rancho Buena Vista.

“I am thrilled to welcome these students to the Cougar family,” Neufeldt said. “With social mobility a part of everything we do, this program is our mission in action. We want students to know they have a path to college and into a career that can transform their lives, their families and their communities.”

The degrees are focused on careers and preparing students for the workforce in health and wellness. In addition to a degree, students will graduate with the requirements to obtain in-demand professional certification. Public health students will complete the requirements for a Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) certificate to work as community health educators in various settings. Human development students will complete the requirements to become a wellness coach, which qualifies them in California to provide mental health and wellness support for children and young adults. These certificates set graduates up for advanced work and higher salaries after graduation.

“I hope that these students have the opportunity to reach their potential and thrive to go into a career that not only pays them a living wage, but that they are able to live comfortably here in San Diego and that they have a job,” said Cipriano Vargas, a member of the Vista Unified Board of Education and a CSUSM alumnus. “The County of San Diego needs mental behavior health workers, and this program is helping to accomplish that.”

The degrees are also designed to be highly supportive of students. For example, students can receive funding in the summer to complete internships that prepare them for careers in health and wellness when they graduate. Students also progress through their courses with a cohort of fellow students, within a supportive community of expert faculty. As part of this program, CSUSM also offers specialized career advising, employer networking and guest speakers to help students find a position and start their careers upon graduation.  

According to a recent San Diego Workforce Partnership report, the San Diego region needs an additional 18,500 behavioral health professionals to meet industry demands. The dual enrollment program will provide a direct pipeline to support the much-needed workforce.

The program creates a database for federal and select private-sector employers nationwide to help college students and recent graduates with disabilities find a potential job.  As a partner campus, CSUSM conducts outreach to eligible students and encourages them to apply to participate in the WRP.

WRP candidates have been hired by many federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. More than 400 colleges and universities each year are invited to participate in the recruitment process. As a partner campus, CSUSM is opening up doors of opportunities for those with disabilities to gain helpful access to the workforce. 

"I am thrilled to bring the Workforce Recruitment Program to the CSUSM Career Center,” Career Center Director Yasmine Farley said. 

“This program is a powerful tool for connecting students with disabilities to meaningful career opportunities and internships. By participating, our students will gain invaluable exposure to a broad range of employers and showcase their skills on a national stage. It's crucial for fostering inclusivity and providing equal access to career development resources for all our students."

To be eligible to register, candidates must be current, full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students with a disability, or have graduated within two and a half years of the release of the database each December.

WRP is managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Support Services Center.

As part of a unique program in the College of Education, Health and Human Services at CSUSM – Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast-Track (SWIFT) Health Programs – students at Rancho Buena Vista High School can earn college credit, giving them an early start toward a bachelor’s degree. Courses completed count toward two specialized undergraduate degrees in health and wellness designed to allow students to obtain a degree in as little as three years. 

One is in public health and the other in human development with a concentration in counseling.

“This program allows students to accelerate their career journey in mental and behavioral health through an innovative three-year degree pathway. Starting in high school, students begin earning college credit and will finish with a bachelor’s degree and embedded professional certificates to give them a competitive advantage in the workplace,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “CSUSM is focused on social mobility and empowering students to transform their lives, their families and their communities through the power of higher education. This program is our newest effort to fulfill this mission.”

To kick off the program, Neufeldt and other campus leaders from CSUSM and the Vista Unified School District will participate in a welcoming ceremony for the students on Friday at noon.

"We are thrilled to partner with Cal State San Marcos in order to expand educational pathways for students so that they reach for our vision to become resilient, agile learners and creative problem-solvers who navigate the world with confidence and kindness and eagerly embrace local and global challenges,” said Dr. Matt Doyle, superintendent of Vista Unified.

The degrees are focused on careers and preparing students for the workforce in health and wellness. In addition to a degree, students will graduate with the requirements to obtain in-demand professional certification. Public health students will complete the requirements for a Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) certificate to work as community health educators in various settings. Human development students will complete the requirements to become a wellness coach, which qualifies them in California to provide mental health and wellness support for children and young adults. These certificates set graduates up for advanced work and higher salaries after graduation.

The degrees are also designed to be highly supportive of students. For example, students can receive funding in the summer to complete internships that prepare them for careers in health and wellness when they graduate. Students also progress through their courses with a cohort of fellow students, within a supportive community of expert faculty. As part of this program, CSUSM also offers specialized career advising, employer networking and guest speakers to help students find a position and start their careers upon graduation.  

According to a recent San Diego Workforce Partnership report, the San Diego region needs an additional 18,500 behavioral health professionals to meet industry demands. The dual enrollment program will provide a direct pipeline to support the much-needed workforce.

What: Student welcoming ceremony
When: Friday, Sept. 6, noon-12:30 p.m.
Where: Rancho Buena Vista High School, 1601 Longhorn Drive, Vista, CA 92081
Parking: Available at the school 
More information: All visitors should check in at the front desk.

Through College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a consortium designed by the presidents and convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, participating presidents are dedicated to preparing the next generation of well-informed, productively engaged and committed citizens; supporting free expression, civil discourse and critical inquiry as essential civic norms; and increasing thoughtful engagement and better understanding by students for the effective functioning of our democracy.

The consortium, first announced with 15 members in August 2023, has grown significantly, demonstrating momentum for this movement.

Participating presidents will take campus-specific and collective action, reflecting three shared civic commitments:

• Educating for democracy is central to our mission.
• We will prepare our students for a vibrant, diverse and contentious society.
• We will protect and defend free inquiry.

Taken together, these commitments embrace both free speech and diversity, two values often pitted against each other, by instead emphasizing meaningful engagement and inquiry with different voices and viewpoints. The commitments stress diversity as a strength of both American democracy and campus life and affirm the truth-seeking role of higher education through curiosity and inquiry. They also enable campus leaders to take substantive action to promote democratic engagement among students, with public accountability for progress through publication of an annual impact report.

“Civic preparedness is the bedrock of a thriving democracy,” Neufeldt said. “At Cal State San Marcos, we are dedicated to empowering our students by nurturing their knowledge and honing their skills, preparing them to become active, engaged citizens ready to address and overcome the challenges of tomorrow.”

Presidents are developing campus-specific programming to advance the civic commitments in 2024, including new courses, outside speakers, student orientations, presidential speeches, technology tools and voter education initiatives.

At CSUSM, planned programming includes:

• Co-hosting the César Chávez Day of Service and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, two signature programs dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, with community college partner MiraCosta College.
• Multiple voter registration events and days of action to encourage civic participation ahead of the general election in November.
• The All Peoples Luncheon, hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, which will feature a distinguished speaker who will discuss how to make government more transparent and accessible.

“Higher education has a responsibility to provide students with critical civic skills and knowledge to participate effectively in our constitutional democracy,” said Rajiv Vinnakota, president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, a nonprofit that cultivates talent, ideas and networks that develop young people as effective, lifelong citizens. “College campuses are among the most diverse spaces in our country, and college is an important time for students to develop the habits, practices and norms to live in a multicultural and interconnected democracy. Doing so can create a ripple effect, making young people more optimistic and increasingly committed about their future and our nation.”

CSUSM is among 32 recipients awarded funding totaling $220,000 to support institutions within California’s public higher education systems. This funding round focused on initiatives aimed at removing cost as a barrier to college through innovative practices that enhance affordability and access to higher ed.

NASH sought out programs and initiatives at institutions within the California State University, University of California and California Community Colleges systems that demonstrated innovative practices with potential for replication and scale. The Catalyst Fund focuses on discovering innovative ideas to share with NASH’s extensive network of systems nationwide, helping advance all students.

“As the nation’s largest and most diverse public four-year university system, providing equitable access to a high-quality education is central to the California State University’s mission. We are grateful to NASH for funding innovative programs at our universities that help remove financial barriers and increase academic and career opportunities for our diverse students,” said Mildred García, CSU chancellor. “Through our engagement with NASH and collaboration with our California public higher education partners, we are building scalable models to advance student success that exemplify our nation’s fundamental value of opportunity for all.”

CSUSM received funding for its Early Academic Intervention (EAI) initiative, which is a partnership among the Office of Undergraduate Studies, the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Success Coaching and other specialized programs on campus. The goal of EAI is to help students, particularly first-year students, succeed in their courses by providing support and resources for a variety of academic needs.

The resources include the Writing Center, STEM Success Center, Learning & Tutoring Services, Student Health & Counseling Services, and the Cougar Care Network.

“The EAI team is grateful to have this funding to try to remove as many financial barriers as possible for students, so they can focus on their academic success and start the semester off on the right foot,” said Katrina Hale, EAI coordinator in the Office of Undergraduate Studies.

The first round of the NASH Catalyst Fund included $275,000 to recognize interventions that are already underway and proving to be successful, with the potential to have a catalytic impact in meeting NASH’s goals.

Founded in 1979, NASH works to advance the role of multi-campus systems to create a more vibrant and sustainable higher education sector. NASH systems are composed of more than 700 campuses and serve more than 7.5 million students in nearly every state in America.

College Futures Foundation has provided $650,000 toward the CCC-CSU Transfer Collaborative. That amount increases to almost $1 million thanks to a portion matched from a fund created at CSUSM this spring by CSUSM Foundation Board Director Daniel J. Epstein and his wife, Phyllis.

The collaborative, which is composed of seven California State University campuses (including CSUSM) and 10 schools from California Community Colleges (CCC), was launched and is led by Dawn M. Formo, CSUSM’s dean of undergraduate studies.

“I am grateful to College Futures Foundation for its support,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “Our values align around students and their economic and social mobility; it is an honor to lead this important initiative. By partnering with other institutions, under the leadership of Dean Formo, we are transforming the transfer student experience. Together, we are advancing opportunities for all students.”

The collaborative was formed in January 2023 thanks to a $350,000 grant from College Futures Foundation, supplemented by $100,000 from the CSU Chancellor’s Office. At the outset, Formo led a working group made up of representatives from the 16 other campuses to reduce obstacles to transferring.

The program was designed to focus specifically on students who are underrepresented minorities, first-generation and eligible for Pell grants – the populations at the highest risk of not transferring and completing their four-year degrees. According to 2020 data from the Public Policy Institute of California, only 10% of California community college students who intend to transfer reach that goal within four years, and 19% do so within six years.

With the initial $450,000 in awards last year, the collaborative identified systemic barriers to transfer and generated solutions. Now, with the second set of awards totaling $900,000, Formo and her team will begin to implement solutions.

Those solutions come in the form of the Transfer Collaborative Framework, which was shared last month during a meeting attended by 121 stakeholders. The recommendations focus on four clear needs: improved communication, data sharing, degree completion support and statewide collaboration.

Besides CSUSM, the CSU schools involved in the collaborative are Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Los Angeles, Northridge and Pomona. The community college partners include Bakersfield, Chabot, Chaffey, East Los Angeles, L.A. Mission, L.A. Pierce, L.A. Valley, Palomar, Pasadena and Las Positas.

CSUSM will hold its inaugural regional summit this week for REP4, an alliance composed of nine colleges and universities from around the country. The event will take place July 11-12 on campus as a collaboration between the divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs.

REP stands for “Rapid Education Prototyping,” which aims to gather fresh ideas from young students to improve equity and remove some of the barriers to college.

The summit will bring together 40 high school students from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds as well as current CSUSM students. Participants will tackle the following prompt: “What would make college (and/or CSUSM) more attractive to high school students?”

The college students in attendance will facilitate group discussions and support idea development, while CSUSM faculty members will create and facilitate programming to guide participants through the design-thinking process.

“The summit aims to inspire and prepare high school students for college while generating ideas to address enrollment challenges facing higher education institutions,” said Dr. Erik Ramirez, director of divisional initiatives and partnerships for Student Affairs, who is organizing the summit.

REP4 was founded in 2021 in response to a growing number of issues confronting higher education, including low completion rates, lack of access and racial gaps. By employing an innovative approach of allowing students to design solutions, REP4 is focused on improving outcomes and reducing barriers to success.

Grand Valley State University in Michigan is the organizer and convener of the REP4 alliance. Besides CSUSM, the seven other founding partners are Amarillo College (a community college in Texas), Austin Community College District (a system of 11 institutions), Boise State University, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (a system of 17 public institutions), Fort Valley State University (a historically Black school in Georgia), Illinois Institute of Technology and Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.

Cybersecurity clinics at higher education institutions provide free digital security services to under-resourced organizations, similar to how law or medical schools offer free community clinics. The new San Diego Cyber Clinic will give CSUSM, National University and SDSU students the opportunity to learn cybersecurity and AI skills in an effective, hands-on manner while simultaneously helping to protect vulnerable organizations and critical infrastructure, such as local small businesses, hospitals, schools and energy grids, from cyberattacks.

“We have long wanted to start a cyber clinic but lacked resources,” said Teresa Macklin, founding director of the MS in cybersecurity at CSUSM. “The grant provided by Google is very important, not just for the students so that they gain real-world experience, but also for the community organizations. This will help with our mission of serving not just the students, but the region. We have a long-standing collaborative relationship with our cyber clinic partners, and this will help to provide structure for the clinic and other beneficial efforts.”

According to the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risks Report, cyber insecurity remains one of the top 10 global risks over the next 10 years. There are nearly 450,000 open cybersecurity jobs available in the United States , including 37,667 in California and 5,092 in the San Diego region, and demand for cyber professionals is projected to grow 32% by 2033. To ensure that communities, critical infrastructure and businesses, both big and small across the U.S. are secure, there is a distinct need for a skilled, diverse and AI-savvy cybersecurity workforce.

“The San Diego region is leading the charge with more than 1,000 cyber firms, top-ranked education and research institutes, and the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). This collaborative ‘Ecosystem in Action,’ as highlighted in the White House National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, is helping seed and diversify the talent pipeline, which is critical to advancing our country’s homeland security,” said Joseph Oregon, Chief of Cybersecurity, Region 9, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

The San Diego Cyber Clinic is a unique collaboration among CSUSM, CCOE, National University and SDSU. The only multi-institution clinic in the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics with a nonprofit industry partner leading the charge is training students to service clients across the public and private sectors in the San Diego region. Through engagement of key industry, academic and government stakeholders, including the San Diego Regional Cyber Lab, the San Diego Cyber Clinic aims to grow an inclusive cyber workforce, increase digital security for all and serve as a model for regional collaboratives.

“The world is in a moment where emerging technologies, like AI, are creating both new opportunities and threats in the world of cybersecurity,” said Heather Adkins, VP of security engineering at Google. “It’s essential that we invest in growing a strong, diverse and widespread cybersecurity workforce to help protect everyone - from critical infrastructure to small businesses and schools. The 15 clinics that we’re helping to establish serve a wide variety of students across all corners of the U.S., and we’re excited to see the impact they’ll have in their local communities.”

San Diego Cyber Clinic is one of 15 new clinics set to launch in 2024 at higher education institutions across the country, thanks to a collaboration from Google and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics. In addition to $1 million in Google.org funding, the tech company is offering the San Diego Cyber Clinic volunteer mentorship from Google employees, Google Titan Security Keys and scholarships for the Google Career Certificate in Cybersecurity.  

The announcement builds on Google’s 2023 support for 10 clinics, part of a combined commitment to launch 25 Google-supported cyber clinics nationwide by 2025. With the latest round of funding, Google.org has now committed more than $25 million toward creating the diverse and AI- and digital-security savvy workforce needed to protect critical U.S. infrastructure from cyberattacks. 

Approved by the district's Board of Education on Tuesday, the partnership is designed to provide students the access and resources they need to attend and thrive at CSUSM. 

“San Diego Unified is committed to giving every student a path to college, as well as the resources they need to prepare for a successful transition to higher education,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fabiola Bagula said. “We are so grateful to Cal State San Marcos for this partnership, which provides our students with access to a world-class university.”  

 Among the requirements for the district’s high school graduates:

• Students must be continually enrolled in the district from at least ninth grade, with exceptions for homeless, foster youth and military dependents.
• Completion of all A-G coursework required through California State University (CSU) system.
• Meet minimum CSU eligibility requirements.
• Graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

San Diego Unified will help prepare students for guaranteed enrollment under the compact with supports that include: 

• A Common Core State Standards-aligned mathematics curriculum for grades 6-12.
• Additional high school mathematics electives that prepare students with skills to pass college entrance exams or to meet college course requirements.
• Summer school opportunities for basic skills preparation.
• Increased opportunities for 11^th and 12^th graders to experience university-level academic work at all high schools.

Additionally, the district will offer expanded intervention and credit-recovery opportunities for students and submit the required Cal Grant GPA Verification by March 2 of their senior year.

Family and community engagement is an integral component of the guaranteed admission partnership, especially for families of first-generation college students.

Beginning in seventh grade, students, families and staff will receive notifications about the CSUSM partnership and how to meet eligibility criteria. The district also will lay out criteria for identifying and supporting incoming seventh graders who are at risk of not meeting the admission requirements.

For Blessyn Lavender Williams, a student Board of Education member and a senior at Lincoln High School, one of the benefits of this agreement is that it could eliminate some of the anxiety – and mystery – that comes with the college application process.  

“Getting into college often feels like a random lottery for so many students. This agreement gives students at every San Diego Unified high school the ability to plan for college without the stress and uncertainty of increasingly competitive college admissions,” Lavender Williams said.

In an effort to help students and their families familiarize themselves with CSUSM, tours and orientations – along with transportation – will be organized by the district.

“The admission pipeline to Cal State San Marcos provides an incredible opportunity to students at every San Diego Unified high school by providing them with a clear path to college,” Board of Education President Shana Hazan said. “This alliance shows the shared commitment of both institutions to enhance and expand educational opportunities that benefit our students, families and the entire community.”

For its part, CSUSM has pledged to assign an Office of Recruitment & Outreach officer to San Diego Unified schools who will, among other things, promote college awareness, preparation and access to CSUSM.

“This partnership with San Diego Unified School District will provide opportunities to transform the lives of more students, their families and their respective communities,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Viridiana Diaz. “We want students to envision themselves in college early on and to know that CSUSM is a great option given that many of our graduates stay in the area after college to give back to their community.”

The district will begin providing supports to students this summer. The Class of 2025 will be eligible to apply for admission to CSUM under the compact. 

More than 17,000 students are currently enrolled at CSUSM in 43 undergraduate programs, 24 master’s programs, 11 teaching credentials and one joint doctoral program.

Media contact: Communications Director Maureen Magee, mmagee@sandi.net