In order to strengthen the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation’s role in helping to generate critical private financial support for the university, the foundation began important planning work last year. Since then, the board has adopted a road map of eight themes, each outlining a strategic area for development. The themes address acquisition of land and facilities; ongoing efforts in infrastructure improvements; leveraging government funding opportunities; community
engagement; student and alumni participation; building degree and brand equity; growth in the next 50 years; and the potential development of a university district in Fullerton.
Several specific projects have now been identified within these themes, which will receive priority attention over the next three to five years. You’ll read more about them in upcoming issues of Titan Magazine. The initiatives include: expanding the university’s nursing program within the new School of Nursing in order to better meet future demand in the state; strengthening the Center for Oral and Public History’s programs that help preserve our region’s history; supporting the archaeological and paleontological project, including both initial curation activities and long-term goals; developing laboratories and programs in support of STEM studies (science, technology, engineering and math); renovating our athletic fields, Titan Gymnasium, and university signage to enhance the student experience; creating educational, testing, and technology-development programs involving assistive technology to help the senior population age-in-place safely and independently; and acquiring and renovating additional campus facilities, both on the Fullerton campus and the Irvine branch campus.
Even as we tackle these initiatives, I remain amazed that so few of our alumni and friends know about the university’s many accomplishments. I’m pleased to share these points of pride:
- U.S. News & World Report lists Cal State Fullerton as No. 10 among the nation’s top public universities in the West.
- We are fifth in the nation in terms of bachelor’s degrees awarded to minority students, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education and based on data from the U.S. Department of Education.
- More than 80 percent of our health professions students recommended by our advising committee are accepted to medical, dental, veterinary and optometry schools. This exceeds the average for most universities.
As CSUF students head into a new academic year, I want to thank you for your dedication and commitment to your alma mater, particularly in this time of economic uncertainty.
Annette Feliciani ’80
President, AEF Systems Consulting / Chair, Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation