CI Foundation Annual Report 2014-2015

F O U N D AT I O N California State University

C H A N N E L I S L A N D S

Annual

REPORT 2014-2015

CI

Dear Alumni, Donors and Friends,

As I reflect on the past academic year – and each year since CSU Channel Islands (CI) was founded – I’m extremely proud and gratified by all we have accomplished.

Thanks to your support, CI emerged from a handful of crumbling buildings to become a vibrant public university with 6,000 students and more than 10,000 graduates. Today, we have a beautiful campus and a growing number of new facilities, programs and amenities that enhance what we offer and enlarge our ability to serve the community. Very little of what we’ve accomplished would have been possible without your support. I’m inspired by your dedication and humbled by your generosity.

Our records for the 2014-2015 fiscal year show that 1,152 individuals contributed a total of 2,308 charitable gifts to the University.

I’m especially pleased to report that we will increase the number of scholarships awarded by a phenomenal 72 percent this year due to increased philanthropic support. With nearly three-quarters of our students receiving financial aid, scholarships are critical to meeting the needs of those we serve.

As I prepare to retire this coming June, I’m filled with gratitude for what each of you has done to make CI what it is, and I’m filled with hope for the University’s bright future. When I think about what we do and how we do it, I realize how much CI has in common with the agricultural activity that borders our property. The fields – our campus and its offerings – must be enriched to support each new crop. The seedlings are our students. It takes many hands and perpetual nurturing to maintain growth and achieve potential. With proper care, we yield a bountiful harvest that nourishes all within our reach.

On behalf of the CSU Channel Islands Foundation Board and Chair George Leis, thank you for all you have done and will do to nurture CI in the years to come.

Sincerely yours,

Richard R. Rush President CSU Channel Islands

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover photo: President Richard Rush with students at the groundbreaking ceremony for Sierra Hall

“I’m a first-generation immigrant from Russia. I came here with my mother, and she was a single mom. I started doing undergraduate research as a freshman and loved it. Participating in research projects makes such a difference and really shows what CI students can achieve. So much has been given to me here at CI. I hope I can return one day and give it all back.” – Alina Matina, graduated in 2015 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry

WWW.MATTGRASHAW.COM

View this video: go.csuci.edu/ugradresearch

DONORS

4 SAGE Publications

8 Joan and Dennis Gaiser

11 Cindy Wyels

5 Undergraduate Research 6-7 Faculty Project Updates 9 Scholarships 10 Business & Technology Partnership 12 Events 13 Donor Constituencies 14 Campus Update 15 A Look at Students

16 Lauren and Kevin Cruz 17 Distinguished Alumnus Award: Gary Cushing

18 Alumni & Friends Association

19 Endowment Report

20 Planned Giving Advisory Council

21 CI Impact

22-23 CI Foundation Board

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 3

DONORS

SAGE Expands Student Horizons S

AGE, a leading global publisher of academic and professional

materials, began supporting CSU Channel Islands (CI) before the University admitted its first student. In the years since, SAGE has sponsored CI’s SAGE Student Research Conference (2009-present), supported the President’s Dinner and provided internship opportunities for 275 CI students. The company, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary and several recent industry accolades, also pledged $100,000 this year to fund the University’s highest priority needs.

“We are extremely grateful for our partnership with SAGE and the ways it helps us enhance learning experiences for our students, many of whom would not have CURRENTLY such opportunities otherwise,” said CI President EMPLOYS Richard R. Rush. “SAGE plays a key role in helping our students expand understanding, build confidence, achieve success after graduation and solidify the desire to keep learning.”

CI GRADS The relationship between the two organizations is a natural one. Blaise Simqu, CEO of SAGE and a member of the CI Foundation Board, says that education is the common denominator, the thing both care about the most.

“My favorite statistic about CI is that 56 percent of the students

11

“MY FAVORITE STATISTIC ABOUT CI IS THAT 56 PERCENT OF THE STUDENTS ARE THE FIRST IN THEIR FAMILIES TO ATTEND COLLEGE. THIS DEMONSTRATES WHAT THE UNIVERSITY IS DOING FOR THE AREA.” – BLAISE SIMQU

are the first in their families to attend college,” said Simqu. “This demonstrates what the University is doing for this area. It has given access to the world of education to a large group of people not born into that privilege.”

He describes the CI students he has observed as eager, appreciative and inspirational. Speaking specifically about student representation in the board room, he adds, “I’m struck by how bright and enthusiastic they are and how they feel about education. Seeing them gives me hope for the future. If this is the next generation, I feel good about the future of the world.”

In September 2015, Simqu and SAGE Founder and Chairman of the Board Sara Miller McCune spoke on campus about publishing in the digital age. McCune founded SAGE in 1965 and grew it into a global company. With main offices in five countries, SAGE publishes nearly 1,000 journals and over 800 books a year as well as a growing range of digital products. During the talk, she spoke candidly about her experiences and stressed the importance of staying relevant and accessible, even during periods of great change. Later, while discussing how the SAGE Undergraduate Research Conference benefits students in both academic and personal ways, McCune smiled and said, “That’s why we do what we do.”

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 4

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Undergraduate Research Enhances Learning, Personal Development

A

“UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH STRUCTURES YOU AND ALLOWS YOU TO MOVE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. TO THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THIS OPPORTUNITY POSSIBLE, THANK YOU ISN’T EVEN ENOUGH. YOU’VE GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND GROW.”

T CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CHANNEL ISLANDS

(CI), research opportunities aren’t limited to certain majors or graduate students. They’re available to everyone and integral to advancing CI’s mission. More than half of the University’s students will participate in research at some point during their time at CI. “Faculty at CI aim to make undergraduate research an experience available to any student,” said Jason Miller, Senior Research Officer. “Participating in a research project gives individuals the opportunity to hone untapped skills and realize the value of their contributions. In the process, it has the power to turn an average or at-risk student into an honors student.”

– CORDELL TARRANT, STUDYING POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS

View this video: go.csuci.edu/ugradresearch

300 +CI STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE SAGE STUDENT RESEARCH CONFERENCE CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 5

FACULTY PROJECT UPDATES

NURSING

PHOTO COURTESY OF VENTURA COUNTY STAR

$100,000 AWARDED TOWARD FACULTY PROJECTS

In 2014, the CI Foundation awarded $100,000 to fund faculty projects that demonstrate a high degree of alignment with CI’s mission pillars and the greatest potential to enhance learning opportunities. This spread features updates on several projects funded during the academic year.

The Photovoice project, led by LaSonya Davis-Smith, D.N.P., A.P.R.N., F.N.P., not only achieved its mission, it spurred a second project involving more than 50 CI students.

Photovoice is a community partnership effort that allows individuals with limited socio-economic power (due to poverty, language or other barriers) to express their concerns via photography and spur social change. CI students interviewed participants about their photos, translated the content into English and created a video to communicate the findings.

During the course of the project, Davis heard about a dilapidated trailer destined for a junk yard. She immediately thought about creating a mobile clinic to address health concerns raised by the participants.

CI Nursing students not only raised funds for supplies and handled repairs, they recruited their peers in the Art department to paint murals on the trailer’s exterior. Davis secured a grant for medical equipment. The clinic held its debut event in March 2015.

ENGLISH (2 PROJECTS)

EARLY START PROGRAM: Stacey Anderson, Ph.D., led an effort to renovate the website that helps firstyear students assess their writing skills and select courses based on level of competency. The new site, which also functions on mobile devices, has received high marks for improved clarity and increased functionality. Users particularly like the ability to submit questions.

UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER: Foundation funds allowed eight students who are tutors at CI’s University Writing Center to attend the 2015 Southern California Writing Centers Association Tutors Conference. The students gave two presentations at the event and learned new techniques to assist better the students they work with every day. Faculty attendees included project leader Kathleen Klompien, Ph.D.

MARKETING

Devised by Susan Andrzejewski, Ph.D., the inaugural CI Innovation Challenge provided an opportunity for students to collaborate across academic disciplines and work together to solve a real-life problem. The event was a rally-style contest in which teams of students competed to assemble prototypes of the “house of the future.” Each team received the same set of materials,

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 6

FACULTY PROJECT UPDATES and efforts were assessed on process, diversity of participants and project outcome. Designs focused on maximizing use of living space and increasing sustainable practices.

ART

Professor Aldo Figueroa, M.A., established a 3D printing design studio within CI’s Art department. Foundation funds provided equipment, including the best 3D printer available. The studio, or “FabLab,” allows students from disciplines, such as ceramics, graphic design, sculpture and animation, to enhance innovation.

The 3D items inspire many viewers to experience the designs through touch. One of the 18 items Figueroa’s students submitted to this year’s CI art show was so enticing that the artist, fearing damage, felt the need to remove it!

BIOLOGY

Foundation support allowed students to conduct original research on the respiratory capacity of Baleen whales. In addition to presenting their findings at CI, students submitted three abstracts for the 2015 Society of Marine Mammalogy Conference. This is an international event attended by more than 2,000 of the field’s top scientists. The CI research project was led by Rachel Cartwright, Ph.D., and Cori Newton, Ph.D.

COMMUNICATION

Nancy Chen, Ph.D., and Christina Smith, Ph.D., created a virtual learning community through the newly developed CI Dolphin Radio station. Foundation funds enabled them to pay two former journalists to train students in storytelling and radio production. Students then created podcasts designed to benefit and engage their peers and the greater community. Podcast topics included financial literacy, health services available to CI students, and the CI 2025 growth plan.

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 7

DONORS

Sharing Our Success D

scholarship recipients. “We feel such pride and appreciation when ENNIS AND JOAN GAISER got involved with CSU Channel we read the letters, and it feels good to know you’re a part of others’

Islands (CI) in 1999 through friends who were founding success,” says Dennis. “When you understand the power of your gift – members of the President’s Circle. Inspired to support the cause, the both in terms of the individual and the impact on a young and growing Gaisers made a financial contribution and have one of the original university – your desire to continue giving is strong.” dedication bricks placed on campus. They have supported the University Higher education is important to Joan and Dennis not only for ever since, and Dennis served on the Foundation Board from 2005 to its academic merit. “We know how 2011. important it is for most people to obtain Over time, the Gaisers became more “BY CONTINUING TO SHARE OUR SUCCESS THROUGH a degree,” says Dennis. “Education allows and more dedicated to scholarships, and SCHOLARSHIPS, WE EXTEND THAT OPPORTUNITY AND MAKE A the individual to move ahead so much initiated their own five-year scholarship faster because many of life’s surrounding in 2006.

DIFFERENCE FOR THESE STUDENTS.” – DENNIS GAISER issues have been presented during the “Joan and I are college graduates and course of the college experience.” know how challenging it can be,” says While the Gaisers focus most of their attention on scholarships and Dennis. “My own degree in Electronics Engineering from Cal Poly San providing opportunities for individual students, they think broadly about Luis Obispo helped me immensely in our past family-owned business. the University’s overall impact. “CI enhances opportunities for everyone Both of our sons have college degrees, and one of them graduated here,” says Dennis. “Its graduates support existing businesses and create from CI. We feel extremely fortunate to have had the chance to get an new ones. Activities like the speaker series enhance understanding and education. By continuing to share our success through scholarships, we enlarge our perspective. As CI matures and grows, its influence will extend that opportunity and make a difference for these students.” continue to expand. Its value is immeasurable.”

The Gaisers find great inspiration in the letters they receive from

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 8

SCHOLARSHIPS

$2,774,480

IN GIFT COMMITMENTS TO SUPPORT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS WERE MADE IN 2014-2015

More than 200 scholarship recipients met their donors at a reception on campus.

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 9

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP

S

INCE 2005, the Business & Technology Partnership (B&TP) has provided over $162,500 in scholarships to 58 students transferring to CSU Channel Islands (CI) from community colleges or who are CI juniors or seniors studying business, math or science.

The B&TP unites the University and local companies to promote technological excellence at CI that benefits both the campus community and the region’s economy.

B&TP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • • • • • •

Keith Gunther, Chair Paul Chancellor William Cordeiro Wayne Davey Carrick DeHart Tom Froelich

• • • • •

Greg Hayward Paul Meyer Mel Sheeler Michael Soltys Peter Wollons

A LOOK BACK AT THE PAST TEN YEARS OF B&TP LEADERSHIP AWARDEES BUSINESS & COMMUNITY LEADER OF THE YEAR

TECHNOLOGIST LEADER OF THE YEAR

FACULTY LEADER OF THE YEAR

2005 John Philpott, Kreido Biofuels 2006 T. Michael Murray, St. John’s Regional Medical Center/ St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital 2007 Tim Gallagher, Ventura County Star 2008 Ruby Oertle, Capistrano’s Restaurant & Catering, Matisse Restaurant & Catering 2009 Harold Edwards, Limoneira Company 2010 Carl F. Wesely, Wesely Thomas Enterprises Inc. 2011 George S. Leis, Pacific Capital Bancorp 2012 Ronald C. Werft, Cottage Health Sytem 2013 Ann Deal, Fashion Forms 2014 Christine Garvey, Retired Banker & Lawyer 2015 Christopher Meissner, Meissner Filtration Products Inc.

2005 Dr. Tim Osslund, Amgen 2006 Dr. James J. Harber, Central Coast Biotech Center 2007 Dr. David Banks, Naval Base Ventura County 2008 Fred Kavli, The Kavli Foundation 2009 Paul M. Glenney, AeroVironment Inc. 2010 Peter B. Wollons, Airborne Technologies Inc. 2011 Umrao Mayer, Zindagi Games 2012 Casey Houweling, Houweling’s Tomatoes 2013 Steven H. Gill, Gills Onions LLC 2014 Sieg Borck, Hi-Temp Insulation, Inc. 2015 Lynda Weinman, Lynda.com

2005 Ching-Hua Wang, Ph.D., M.D. Professor, Biology Ivona Grzegorczyk,Ph.D., Professor, Mathematics 2006 Philip D. Hampton, Ph.D., Professor, Chemistry 2007 William P. Cordeiro, Ph.D., Director, Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics; Professor, Management 2008 Geoff Dougherty, Ph.D., Professor, Physics 2009 Andrzej (A.J.) Bieszczad, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Computer Science 2010 Paul A. Rivera, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Economics 2011 Kathryn Leonard, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Mathematics 2012 Blake Gillespie, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Chemistry 2013 Cynthia Wyels, Ph.D., Professor, Mathematics 2014 Karen Jensen, R.N., Ph.D., Professor, Nursing 2015 Priscilla Liang, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Finance

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 10

DONORS

Professor Cindy Wyels Expands Commitment to CI C

witnessing the positive impact of student participation in things like INDY WYELS, Ph.D., Professor in CSU Channel Islands’ (CI) undergraduate research and conferences expanded Wyels’ understanding

Mathematics department, came to CI in 2005 eager to of the importance of philanthropy to CI and are among the factors that improve local access to higher education – particularly for historically compelled her to increase her contributions. Today, she views ongoing underrepresented populations. In addition to her teaching and research, support of CI as a natural extension of her priorities. she has collaborated to bring in more than $7 million in federal “The students are a huge source of inspiration, of course,” says Wyels. grants to CI and another $8 million to the CSU system, developed and “Seeing their intellectual and personal led programs to foster student success growth gives me great joy, as does hearing in science, technology, engineering and “... I STARTED GIVING TO SPECIFIC PROGRAMS AT CI WHEN about their lives post-graduation. I love math (STEM), taken on leadership roles I REALIZED HOW CRITICAL PRIVATE GIVING WAS TO SO MANY seeing students help one another, too. in faculty governance, and serves as the faculty representative on the Foundation THINGS I VALUE, INCLUDING SCHOLARSHIPS.” – CINDY WYELS That collaboration and mutual support sustain many during times of trial.”

Board in 2015-2016.

Wyels’ passion for assisting those from underserved populations Her dedication to teaching was evident from the start, but Wyels said grows with each passing year. “These students arrive at CI not knowing she didn’t make financial contributions to the University right away. about most career possibilities,” she says. “Frequently, they don’t “My upbringing and personal philosophy have led me to donate recognize their own talents or potential. Providing them with the to various organizations for decades, yet initially my attitude was, means to participate in things like extensive research projects allows ‘I donate tons of overwork to CI and our students; I don’t need to us to show them possibilities they couldn’t have imagined. Those of us contribute financially,’” says Wyels. “However, after a couple of years working with them become not just research advisors, but mentors and I started giving to specific programs at CI when I realized how critical advocates. I am privileged to carry out my role.” private giving was to so many things I value, including scholarships.”

Attending CI’s Business & Technology Partnership events, and CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 11

EVENTS

CI Hosts Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor “AS A STRONG SUPPORTER OF EDUCATION AND A LIFE- LONG LEARNER, I WAS HONORED TO BE INVOLVED WITH THIS EVENT, AND GIVE THE STUDENTS OF CSUCI THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR FROM THE JUSTICE. SEEING YOUNG PEOPLE ENGAGED IN THIS WAY IS EXACTLY WHAT THE ICIVICS MISSION STRIVES TO ACCOMPLISH.” – RALPH IANNELLI, CI FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER

O

N Oct. 30, 2014, retired U.S. Supreme

Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor spoke at CSU Channel Islands (CI) about civic engagement, democracy and her life experiences in a presentation entitled “Democracy in the Digital Age.” The first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, O’Connor engaged a capacity crowd with reflections on her career and the challenges she faced. She also discussed her passion for helping youth understand our system of government and how her nonprofit organization iCivics fosters civic engagement.

Among the challenges she described, O’Connor relayed her experience finding a job after graduating from Stanford with a law degree.

At least 40 law firms refused to interview her because she was a woman. She eventually found employment as a deputy county attorney after offering to work for no salary and share space with a secretary.

Having the opportunity to see a historical icon

and hear a firsthand account of her persistence had a profound impact on students, some of whom were able to meet her prior to the presentation.

“It was an honor to sit down with an individual who has been an inspiration for myself and many students,” says Sara Sanders, a Political Science and History double major. “Justice O’Connor showed us the importance of determination and that it is possible through perseverance to achieve anything you want.”

Another student, John Butzer, agrees. “I would be hard-pressed to think of a more incredible public servant that I and my fellow Political Science students admire more,” he says. “Her service and dedication to our country and its legal system serves as an inspiration to us, and hearing her speak has affirmed my decision to dedicate my life to public service.”

The event was made possible by Ralph Iannelli, Board Member for both CI Foundation and iCivics.

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 12

“IT WAS TERRIFIC TO BE PART OF JUSTICE O’CONNOR’S VISIT TO CI. SHE WAS CLEARLY ENERGIZED BY THE INTERACTION WITH AN ENGAGED AND WELLINFORMED AUDIENCE. IT’S A PLEASURE TO INTERVIEW HER, THOUGH I END UP BEING THE STRAIGHT MAN FOR HER WIT. ALONG WITH THE AUDIENCE, I ALWAYS LEARN ANOTHER SURPRISING FACT ABOUT HER HISTORIC CAREER. CI WAS AN OUTSTANDING HOST.” – KATHLEEN SMALLEY, EVENT MODERATOR AND FORMER LAW CLERK FOR JUSTICE O’CONNOR

DONOR CONSTITUENCIES

Donor Constituencies 2014-2015 TOTAL GIFT COMMITMENTS – $6,387,261

$890,787 13 FOUNDATIONS

$62,800 102 FACULTY

$63,599 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

& STAFF

$4,507,244 491 FRIENDS $822,499 105 CORPORATIONS

$40,332 559 ALUMNI

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 13

CAMPUS UPDATE

5

Sierra Hall & Santa Rosa Housing

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS HOUSED IN SIERRA HALL:

ANTHROPOLOGY COMPUTER SCIENCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PHYSICS PSYCHOLOGY

“These new facilities will greatly enhance CI’s evolution as the nation’s fastest-growing public university. It greatly increases CI’s capacity to serve students, provide a first-rate living/learning experience, and nurture the workers and leaders who will enrich our community for generations to come.”

– PRESIDENT RICHARD RUSH

600

FRESHMEN STUDENTS SLATED TO RESIDE IN SANTA ROSA HOUSING

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 14

5,786 ANNUALIZED HEADCOUNT 5,042 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT 96% UNDERGRADUATES 1% GRADUATES 3% OTHER/POST-BAC

56%

FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

73%

RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID

BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN 2.64%

TWO OR MORE RACES 4.6%

A LOOK AT STUDENTS AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE 0.45% NON-RESIDENT ALIEN 0.24% NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR OTHER PACIFIC 0.14%

ASIAN 5.38%

UNKNOWN 6.58%

WHITE 34.73%

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 15

HISPANIC/ LATINO(A) 45.25%

ALUMNI

EVIN CRUZ AND LAUREN (WEST) CRUZ (B.A. Business `08, both) met

at CSU Channel Islands (CI) and had several classes together before acting on their mutual attraction.

Lauren invited Kevin to a party after finals and he accepted. “He had a chance to see me outside the know-it-all from class, and I was able to see his less serious side,” says Lauren. The couple began dating after that and married in August 2014.

Today both are attorneys and strong supporters of CI. Kevin is Vice President/Legal Counsel, Securities & Financial Regulations, for PennyMac in Moorpark, and Lauren is Associate, Securities & Class Action Litigation, for Sullivan & Cromwell in Century City. Kevin joined CI’s President’s Circle in 2012 and Lauren in 2013.

The Cruzes grew up in Ventura County and say they feel very fortunate to have attended CI. In the years since graduation, they have retained strong ties to the community and an earnest desire to see their alma mater prosper.

“We take pride in our contributions to CI and the greater Ventura County area,” says Kevin. “We want to see the community succeed, which is directly related to the support of those with the potential to make the biggest impact. Ventura County needs a cornerstone like CI to foster relationships with local businesses, high schools and other professionals who can contribute to the advancement of our young people.”

The Cruzes attend as many CI events as possible, and Kevin mentors a recent graduate who shares a similar passion for business and the law.

Speaking of her husband’s commitment to the University, Lauren says, “Kevin is so dedicated to CI’s mission statement that he often dreams of being an adjunct professor one day.”

LAUREN & KEVIN Cruz

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 16

WWW.MATTGRASHAW.COM

Creating a Community Cornerstone K

ALUMNI

GIVING C

$13,525

2012-2013

AMARILLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO and local business owner Gary Cushing is the 2015 recipient of CSU Channel Islands’ (CI) Distinguished Alumnus Award. The annual award recognizes an alum who has had success in his or her career field, is active in the community and contributes time, talent and other resources back to CI. Cushing, who started his career as a teen busboy and worked his way up to ownership of four Marie Callender’s restaurants, didn’t attend CI until his early 50s. He graduated

$21,967 2013-2014

$40,322 2014-2015

in 2010 with a degree in political science and continued on to obtain a master’s degree in public policy from California Lutheran University.

“This award is very special to me,” says Cushing. “I always dreamed of going to college, but the distance from my options made it too difficult to balance work and family. When CI was built and President Rush – one of our frequent patrons – encouraged me to attend, it opened up new vistas of opportunity. I am humbled to be among those who have received this honor.”

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 17

ALUMNI & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

T

HE ALUMNI & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION exists to establish traditions, engender loyalty, and build relationships among University students, alumni and friends throughout the community.

The Alumni & Friends Endowed Student Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate both academic achievement and community involvement through civic engagement. The award is given to one undergraduate and one graduate student each year.

The A&FA believes in providing opportunities for future alumni to succeed now and in years to come.

2014 Awardees: Gabriela Garcia Alvarez and Christopher Walsh 2015 Awardees: Tammy Gilkey and Gabriel Guillen

1,075

A&FA MEMBERS

10,000 ALUMNI

ALUMNI & FRIENDS EXECUTIVE TEAM • • • • •

Gary Cushing – President Brandon Blake – Vice President Allison MacDonald – Treasurer Melody Kimball – Secretary Gary Wartik – Immediate Past President

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 18

DODGER DAY 2014

1,024 ATTENDEES

ENDOWMENT REPORT

Investing for Student Success ENDOWMENT VALUE 2015

A

T CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CHANNEL ISLANDS we are proud of our foundational efforts to build California State University’s newest campus, and of our ability to be responsive to our region in a challenging economic climate. As support from the state continues to decline, private support becomes more essential to providing an exceptional education to CI students.

The CI Foundation manages endowment funds for the purpose of generating income from gifts invested at CSU Channel Islands. As of June 30, 2015, the Foundation’s endowment had a value of $13.1 million. The Foundation’s total assets at that date were $22 million.

The CI Foundation Finance Committee, which is comprised of Foundation Board members, is responsible for the oversight of the endowment portfolio. This group sets investment objectives policies and selects advisors to direct these investments. Since 2005, the investments overseen by the Finance Committee have earned an annual rate of return of 6.40 percent.

$13.1 MILLION

MILLIONS 15 10 5 2008 to 2015

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 19

PLANNED GIVING ADVISORY COUNCIL

$3,309,000

TESTAMENTARY COMMITMENTS FOR 2014-2015

T

HE CI PLANNED GIVING ADVISORY COUNCIL (PGAC) is a volunteer

group of local, highly reputable financial planners, attorneys, and CPAs. The PGAC was established to create and direct CI’s Planned Giving Program. Council members also help establish beneficial partnerships and secure planned gifts that advance the University’s mission, enhance program offerings and encourage innovation.

PGAC ADVISORY BOARD • • • • • •

Scott Hansen, Co-Chair Robert Kulle Jr., Co-Chair John Andersen Patrick Ariniello Libby Barrabee Ryan Bristol

• • • • •

Robert England John Jacobs Daniel Lorenzen David Shea Brad Stark

LEGACY SOCIETY LUNCHEON

T

HE CI LEGACY SOCIETY honors those who have decided

to contribute to CI by including the University in their estate plans. Members want to see CI succeed both now and in the future as a result of their legacy giving. Their support will help build a foundation for CI to build upon and impact students and the community for many years to come.

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 20

CI IMPACT

MORE THAN

$48.8

SERVING COMMUNITY, LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE

MILLION OF THE EARNINGS BY ALUMNI FROM CI ARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THEIR DEGREES, WHICH CREATES AN ADDITIONAL

Community has always been important to CI. That’s why we build strong partnerships with businesses and community members throughout our region. Students benefit by receiving real-world experience in the form of internships, undergraduate research projects and service-learning opportunities. Likewise, their talents and hard work improve the community.

$302.5

MILLION OF INDUSTRY ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

141

STUDENTS ENGAGED IN COMMUNITY INTERNSHIPS THROUGH THE HLI * SINCE 2012 Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies *

33,218

HOURS OF SERVICELEARNING WORK PERFORMED BY CI STUDENTS CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 21

60

COMMUNITY PARTNERS INVOLVED IN SERVICE LEARNING

CI FOUNDATION BOARD George Leis* Chair National Head of Private Banking, Union Bank

The mission of the CI Foundation is to support the University's strategic agenda and institutional mission.

The Foundation is the catalyst and conduit through which gifts and endowment income flow to provide immediate and long-term support of the University.

Board members give generously of their time, talents and finances to see the mission of CI become a reality in the lives of our students. During fiscal year 2014-2015, financial contributions made by the Board more than doubled those of the previous year. *CSU Channel Islands Robert J. Lagomarsino Award recipients

Janet Garufis Vice Chair President & CEO, Montecito Bank & Trust

Henry Dubroff Editor, Pacific Coast Business Times

Larry Hibbler Secretary Owner & President, Simi Valley Ford

Robert England Partner, Ferguson, Case, Orr, Patterson LLP

Edward Birch Ambassador, Union Bank

Christine Garvey Retired Banker and Lawyer

Hugh Cassar President & CEO, Kretek International

Mark Hartley* Co-Owner, Fitzgerald Hartley Company

Ann Deal CEO, Fashion Forms

Ralph Iannelli Jr. President & CEO, Essex Capital Corp.

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 22

CI FOUNDATION BOARD William Kearney* Sr. Vice President, Merrill Lynch

John Notter Proprietor, Westlake Village Inn

Hank Lacayo President, Congress of California Seniors

Diane Palumbo Corporate Vice President of Human Resources, MannKind Corporation

Zohar Ziv Retired COO, Deckers Outdoor Corporation

Douglas McRae Financial Consultant

Emilio Pozzi President, American Tooth Industries

Scott Zolke Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLC

Chris Meissner President, Meissner Filtration Products Inc.

Richard Rush President, CSU Channel Islands

Claudio Paiva Faculty Representative Professor, Economics CSU Channel Islands

Lon Morton CEO & Co-Chief Investment Officer, Morton Capital Management

Blaise Simqu President & CEO, SAGE Publications Inc.

Sara Sanders Student Representative Political Science and History major CSU Channel Islands

CSU CHANNEL ISLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 • PAGE 23

Peter Wollons President & CEO, Airborne Technologies Inc.

Mission Statement Placing students at the center of the educational experience, California State University Channel Islands provides undergraduate and graduate education that facilitates learning within and across disciplines through integrative approaches, emphasizes experiential and service learning, and graduates students with multicultural and international perspectives.

Division of University Advancement 805-437-3701 www.csuci.edu/giving

• The Chronicle of Higher Education names CI as the fastest-growing public university offering degrees up to a master’s in the U.S. • CI earns national recognition as a top “Best Bang for the Buck” university in Washington Monthly’s 2014 College Rankings.

• CI is named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth consecutive year.

• CI is ranked 19th among the top 50 colleges for Hispanic students by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).

• CI is ranked in the 2015 Military Advanced Education Guide to Colleges & Universities as a top school for student veterans for the fourth year in a row.

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