A Year of Generosity: CSUSM Celebrates Record-Breaking Fundraising Year

A Year of Generosity: CSUSM Celebrates Record-Breaking Fundraising Year

By Kris Vasquez

As the new academic year begins, CSUSM is committed to maintaining this momentum and solidifying its position as a national leader in social and economic mobility. Photo by Alicia Lores

Cal State San Marcos is celebrating a milestone in its fundraising efforts, with a record $26 million raised for fiscal year 2023-24 - more than double the previous record of $12.5 million set a year earlier.

Generous donors contributed a total of 5,290 gifts, highlighting the community's commitment to programs that promote social and economic mobility and ensuring student success across the university's diverse student population. For perspective, the total amount raised this past fiscal year is more than half the amount raised during CSUSM's first comprehensive fundraising campaign, "Forward Together," which took seven years to complete.

During the second annual Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinnerin June, CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt highlighted the critical role of philanthropy

"The success of our university and our students is built on the power of community," Neufeldt said. "Together, we are transforming lives and creating a brighter future for all."

CSUSM's fundraising efforts are crucial in maintaining and expanding initiatives that empower students from all backgrounds, providing them with the tools and support necessary to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

Two largest gifts in CSUSM history

In March, CSUSM announced two philanthropic gifts totaling $20 million. Price Philanthropies Foundation awarded a $10 million grant to create an innovative three-year accelerated bachelor's degree and establish a workforce pipeline for behavioral and mental health professionals, and Foundation Board Director Dan Epstein and his wife, Phyllis, committed $10 million to serve as a unique dollar-for-dollar matching gift opportunity that will support areas across campus.

"We are eternally grateful for the extraordinary investments in our students and community made possible by Dan and Phyllis Epstein and the Price Philanthropies Foundation," Neufeldt said.

These substantial gifts will have a lasting impact on the campus and its students, driving innovation and excellence across all areas of study.

Foundation giving and community partnerships

Foundation giving continues to play a significant role in CSUSM's fundraising success. The College Futures Foundation provided a $650,000 grant to the CCC-CSU Transfer Collaborative, with $470,000 awarded to CSUSM. This collaborative, which includes seven California State University campuses (CSUSM among them) and 10 California Community Colleges schools, aims to develop a national model for transfer success and accessibility for all California students.

CSUSM received $250,000 from the Conrad Prebys Foundationto advance mental health services for its diverse student population, and $300,000 to establish a partnership with TrueCareto address the escalating mental health needs and bolster the university's community of care.

Other gifts include the Hewlett Foundation donating $308,260 to support a teacher career pathway program, Henry Luce Foundation supporting CSUSM's California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, and additional foundation support for the Innovation Huband Tikkun Olam Makers Club.

Foundation giving and community partnerships are vital in helping CSUSM expand educational opportunities and foster socioeconomic growth in the region.

The individual power of you

Individual giving saw substantial growth this year, with alumni, faculty, staff and friends of CSUSM contributing significantly to make an impact in the region. This collective effort highlights the power of community and the impact of individual contributions in advancing the university's mission.

CSUSM Athleticssecured nearly $1 million in support from both longtime and new donors, while colleges across campus experienced increases in their annual totals. In the College of Business Administration, alumna and CSUSM Foundation Board Director Annie Norviel continued her generous contributions toward student scholarships in accounting. In addition, CSUSM founding administrators Drs. Ernie and Leslie Zomalt expanded their endowment for study abroad programsand maintained their support for the Outstanding Service Award, which is presented annually to a CSUSM staff member or administrator. New scholarships were established throughout the year to support student veterans, nursing and several areas of studies within the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences, among others.

Significant contributions also included planned and legacy gifts. Legacy donors play an important role in securing CSUSM's long-term financial health and empowering future generations of Cougars.

"This past year is truly a celebration of the power of Cal State San Marcos, driven by the individual power of you- our strongest friends, advocates and supporters," said Jessica Berger, vice president of University Advancement.

The generosity of dedicated supporters ensures that CSUSM can continue to provide the best support system for its students to reach graduation and their career goals.

Nearly $460,000 from 2,410 donors was raised on CSUSM Giving Day in 2023. Photo by Noelle Reed

Annual events shine bright

Giving Day, held last November, was a tremendous success, raising nearly $460,000 from 2,410 donors in just 24 hours. The enthusiastic participation of so many individuals highlights the community's deep commitment and showcases the true spirit of generosity. One of the funds supported through Giving Day is the library's Affordable Textbook Campaign, which provides students with low- or no-cost access to textbooks and course materials. This example and the collective effort shown on Giving Day continues to highlight the #HeartofaCougar.

In June, CSUSM hosted its second consecutive record-breaking Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinnerwith over $1 million raised, marking a significant milestone in its fundraising efforts. This event, which exceeded the previous year's fundraising record, brought together dedicated alumni, community leaders, campus partners, tribal leaders and elected officials. The evening's highlight was the celebration of students recognized as champions of social mobility, with their inspiring stories featured in the video "I Am Social Mobility."

CSUSM aims to break ground on its new Integrated Science and Engineering Building in fall 2026.

A step closer: Integrated Science and Engineering Building

CSUSM continues to make significant strides toward making the future Integrated Science and Engineering Buildinga reality. This building is not only critical for the university's rapidly growing CSTEM program and needs of the region, but it also will serve as a hub for community engagement, providing a space for partnerships with local industries and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Looking ahead: onward and upward

As the new academic year begins, CSUSM is committed to maintaining this momentum and solidifying its position as a national leader in social and economic mobility.

"A CSUSM education helps students transcend barriers faced by earlier generations and unlock their potential for lifelong success. This isn't only a key for individuals and families but for organizations, industries and society," said Emilie Hersh, CSUSM Foundation Board chair.

CSUSM's record-breaking fundraising year is a celebration of the collective power of the community and a testament to the transformative power of education. With the continued support of donors, the university is poised to achieve even greater heights as it prepares for its next and largest philanthropic campaign.

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