CSUSM Hosts Second Record-Breaking Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner

CSUSM Hosts Second Record-Breaking Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner

By Shaymaa Abusalih

President Ellen Neufeldt addresses attendees at the second annual Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner on June 15. Photo by Frank Villalpando

The second annual CSUSM Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner marked another historical night on June 15, raising a record-breaking $1,070,100 for social mobility and student success initiatives. A one-to-one match made possible by the Epstein family doubled the impact of every dollar raised during the evening.

The event, co-hosted by President Ellen Neufeldt and the CSUSM Foundation Board, welcomed nearly 300 dedicated alumni, community leaders, campus partners, tribal leaders and elected officials. University Advancement Vice President Jessica Berger opened the event as a celebration of Cal State San Marcos, taking a moment to recognize the sponsors and partners who made it possible.

"This evening is truly a celebration of the power of Cal State San Marcos, driven by the individual power of all of you - our strongest friends, advocates and supporters," Berger said during her opening remarks.

Such support extended to the evening's entertainment with a Steinway & Sons Spirio |r provided courtesy of Steinway Piano Gallery San Diego. The grand piano was featured in student performances by Daniel Cruz as well as the CSUSM Jazz Ensemble's Troy Amos, Andrew Kelly, Andrew Marin and Michael Kuszajewski.

Student Daniel Cruz performs at the second annual Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner on June 15. Photo by Frank Villalpando

CSUSM Foundation Board Chair Emilie Hersh and Vice Chair Simon Kuo set the tone for the evening with their remarks.

"All of these students are committed to succeeding and bringing about change in the community," Hersh said."This is one of the many reasons I have been inspired and honored to be part of the CSUSM community."

The mission of social mobility at CSUSM is dedicated to creating pathways to success for every student. More than 50% of CSUSM students are the first in their families to attend college, and a large number of these students work part-time or full-time jobs in order to fund their education. By fostering partnerships with local industries, nonprofit organizations and community leaders, CSUSM builds a powerful network of support that propels student success.

"Over the years, I've heard from numerous students about how their education at CSUSM has transformed their lives and moved them up the economic ladder," Kuo said. "This is a place that helps students overcome barriers and forge a better future."

Foundation Board Chair Emilie Hersh addresses attendees at the second annual Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner on June 15. Photo by Frank Villalpando

President Neufeldt took to the stage with a compelling speech highlighting CSUSM's transformative impact in higher education.

"Together, we will continue to rise, to thrive, to be that beacon of where the future of higher ed is going," Neufeldt said.

She reaffirmed CSUSM's commitment to expanding access and education for all as a national leader in social mobility.

Through philanthropic support, student success programs and resources make their impact across campus to a diverse cohort of students each year. During the dinner, five members of the Class of 2024 were invited to the stage to be recognized as champions of social mobility:

• Noah Bills, an electrical engineering student who transferred to CSUSM with a focus and determination to earn a bachelor's degree and was a recipient of the inaugural Harvey and Anne Neufeldt Scholarship (established by Neufeldt as a tribute to her parents).
• Jasmin Casas, who holds a bachelor's in literature and writing studies with a minor in political studies. She served as a student representative for the Foundation Board and is working toward a career as a criminal prosecution lawyer at the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.
• Dakota Freaner, a member of ACE Scholars Services, a program that supports CSUSM's former foster youth. This year, he received the 2024 Tom & Kim Zarro Family award and graduated with a bachelor's in social sciences. He will pursue a master's in social work at CSUSM this fall.
• Siaje Gideon, a student highlighted during Neufeldt's remarks, received her bachelor's in biological sciences and founded the Black in STEM club. She will begin her doctoral studies in immunology at UC Irvine this fall.
• Lawrence Morris, is a sociological practice masters graduate and support recipient for Project Rebound, a program for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to pursue a degree.Morris, who also earned his bachelor's from CSUSM in 2022,has been embedded within CSUSM's Project Rebound office since its inception.

Casas, Freaner and Morris were highlighted in the video "I Am Social Mobility," which premiered during the event.

The 2024 Blue & Silver Fundraising Dinner concluded the highest annual fundraising total in CSUSM's 35-year history. The impact of the evening, as well as the two historic commitments from the Epstein Family and Price Philanthropies Foundation made in the spring, contributed to over $26 million raised for the university in fiscal year 2023-24. With the momentum of success showing no signs of slowing down, the upcoming year holds promise for CSUSM and its ongoing mission in student success.