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teve Mihaylo listens intently as S. Allen Broyes, associate professor of marketing, discusses the establishment of a sales center and development of a sales curriculum at Cal State Fullerton – something unknown on most university campuses. The 1969 business alumnus, who gave the College of Business and Economics $30 million in January, nods in understanding and agreement. “One of the most important things in business is to have good, qualified salespeople,” says Mihaylo, who founded his own telecommunications business after graduation. “The question, however, is always – ‘how do you find good salespeople?’ “That’s why this center – and the study of what it takes to become a good salesperson – is very important and a good thing for Cal State Fullerton.”
The sales center, slated to open in August along with the opening of the new Steven G. Mihaylo Hall, will be a part of the college’s Marketing Department. As part of the new focus, the department will offer a sales-specific curriculum, a certificate program and hands-on training. Course work will include such topics as professional sales, sales technology applications, relationship management, business negotiations, conflict management, and poise and presence. “Most CEOs are salespeople,” says the business entrepreneur. “I think we’ve hit on something that will make Cal State Fullerton unique.”
The presentation is just one example of many meetings that Mihaylo will be taking part in as an involved alumnus and donor. It is what he pledged in January when he gave Cal State Fullerton the largest donation in the university’s history.
“Steve Mihaylo has presented this school with a pivotal opportunity,” said business Dean Anil Puri. “His transformational gift will underwrite expanded faculty recruitment and retention efforts, and the innovative programs required to deliver a world-class business education for the young people of Southern California.”
Because of the $30-million gift, the College of Business and Economics now bears Mihaylo’s name. Puri believes that being a named college within Cal State Fullerton will help distinguish it from other California State University business schools and create a memorable brand with the general and business public, current and potential students, and employers seeking work-ready graduates. “I am committed to the idea of helping shape the business program,” Mihaylo says, adding that he is focused on helping the college in developing and refining business programs that are “value-added.”
“The only way you make yourself valuable is to add value to your work, your service. I want to add value to the curriculum here.”
With Mihaylo’s gift, the college seeks to create endowed chairs to be filled with national leaders in several fields currently offered in the college. It’s just one of the efforts to make Cal State Fullerton a leader among business colleges.
Funds also will go toward supporting students and faculty. “It’s important to offer scholarships to students to help them reach their dreams,” says Puri. “The cost of education continues to increase and many of our students come from families that need assistance.
“Similarly, Cal State Fullerton is situated in a county where the cost of living is high. We’ve only with other universities, but also with industry,” Puri says. “We need to be able to offer incentives, in addition to the state salary, to attract renowned faculty members to our campus. We also need to support the outstanding faculty who are already here. These funds will go toward supporting their endeavors.”
Puri says Mihaylo’s contributions will help further development of the college’s honors program. “We want to offer our high-achieving students an opportunity to get the most from their undergraduate education through internships and international travel. An emphasis on small, specialized courses and other features could attract more such students to the business program,” Puri notes. Also being expanded is the college’s MBA program – another area of interest for Mihaylo. Puri says the college is developing a program with opportunities for full-time and weekend-only studies, as well as sessions offered in different locations, like those offered in Irvine since 1998. Mihaylo also is interested in further development of internships and their value to make students “work ready” – an emphasis that already exists in the business college. “No matter how well you do in school, you still need experience. Regardless of your degree, there is no substitute for experience,” adds the entrepreneur.
“Steve is a self-made entrepreneur in the best tradition of American business,” Puri says. “He guided and led a company in an intensely competitive industry and made it a national leader. His support and his name have put this college in a special league – one whose members have the endorsement and support of those who know what makes a strong business program.
“With his continued support and that of our
alums and business friends, we will continue to offer
a high-quality education that meets the needs of our
students and the business community.” 
