City of San Marcos, CA
09/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2024 10:05
SMILE Award presented to Cathy Baur by San Marcos City Council
Cathy Baur, a pillar of the San Marcos community, was celebrated with the San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) Award at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 24. Councilmember Mike Sannella took great pleasure in recognizing Cathy's enduring dedication to San Marcos. Cathy's professional contributions to San Marcos were made through her roles at the Boys and Girls Club San Marcos (BGCSM) and California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). These two long standing community partners play vital roles in San Marcos by offering education and enrichment programs, enabling the next generation to realize their full potential.
In 2022 - with the full support of the City of San Marcos and Club donors, Cathy championed the organization's biggest growth milestone with the opening of a second standalone Clubhouse in the Richmar neighborhood. Today, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos serves nearly 3,000 children and teens in after school programs and summer day camps.
Before her tenure at the Boys & Girls Club, Cathy held several roles at CSUSM, including Vice President for University Advancement and Associate Vice President for Communications. She led the university through its inaugural fundraising campaign, raising $55M and setting a record as the youngest institution in the US to accomplish such a feat. Cathy also boosted the university's reputation through award-winning publications, marketing campaigns, the organization's first Giving Day campaign, and the expansion of digital marketing.
Cathy's approach to leadership and ability to drive growth can be attributed to her roles in both public and private sectors. The root to her success comes from her passion for volunteerism and giving back to her community. She is an active member of both the San Marcos Rotary Club and the Lake San Marcos Kiwanis Club and serves as a mentor to local college students.
With such a remarkable career, Cathy is looking forward to retirement as her next chapter in November. She plans to remain involved with the community through volunteering with BGCSM and will continue serving as president-elect of the San Marcos Rotary. Personally, Cathy looks forward to spending time with her new grandchild, traveling, and continuing to create award winning wines with her husband, Scott.
"Cathy is truly one of a kind and she will truly be missed. She leads with passion and heart, leaving a positive mark on everyone she encounters" explains Councilmember Sannella.
About the San Marcos City Council's Civic SMILE Award
There are often community members who rise to the top - clearly reflecting this San Marcos 'Spirit of Service.' That's why San Marcos City Council members initiated the Civic SMILE Award recognition program in March 2021.
Five times each year, a community member is chosen by a specific City Council member to receive recognition and will be presented with a San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) Award during a City Council meeting.
For more information about the recognition program: San Marcos Civic SMILE Award.