CSUSM hosts second record-breaking fundraising dinner




Cal State San Marcos’ second annual Blue & Silver fundraising dinner in June marked another historic night, raising a record-breaking $1,070,100 for social mobility and student success initiatives. A one-toone match made possible by philanthropist Daniel J. Epstein and his wife, Phyllis, 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 alumni, community leaders, campus partners, tribal leaders and elected officials. Jessica Berger, CSUSM’s vice president of University Advancement, 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.

Such support extended to the evening’s entertainment, with a Steinway & Sons grand piano featured in student performances by Daniel Cruz as well as a quartet from the CSUSM Jazz Ensemble: Troy Amos, Andrew Kelly, Andrew Marin and Michael Kuszajewski. Emilie Hersh and Simon Kuo – the Foundation Board’s chair and vice chair, respectively – 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.” CSUSM’s mission of social mobility is dedicated to creating pathways to success for every student.



More than 50% of the university’s students are the first in their families to attend college, and many of these students work part-time or full-time jobs 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.”

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.

The Blue & Silver dinner capped a fiscal year in which CSUSM raised the most money in its 35-year history. Boosted by historic gifts by the Epstein family and Price Philanthropies Foundation this spring, the university brought it more than $26 million in 2023-24.