Cal State San Marcos’ Master of Social Work program is celebrating a milestone year, with students benefiting from unprecedented financial support and expanded opportunities to serve the community. For the 2025-26 academic year, the MSW program has secured or is finalizing six major grants totaling more than $3.5 million. The funding will provide 125 full tuition and fee scholarships or training stipends, covering 60% of the program’s 210 students. Many recipients will receive additional financial support for living expenses, making graduate education more accessible than ever. “This support is about more than just lowering financial barriers – it’s about assisting students to graduate without the heavy burden of debt, so they can build their lives and careers in the very communities they’re dedicated to serving,” said Blake Beecher, chair of the social work department. In addition to the grant-funded scholarships and stipends, the MSW program also entered a new partnership with the San Diego Pay It Forward Loan Program this fall. This program offers zero-interest, no-fee loans to CSUSM MSW students, with loan forgiveness after five years of service in public behavioral health settings. Graduates who remain in these roles also earn retention-based loan credits, further incentivizing long-term community impact. Another area in which the MSW program is supporting students is through employment-based internships. Due to a change in the most recent social work accreditation standards, the MSW program has developed a process in which select students can complete their required internships in qualifying employment settings. This year, 33 MSW students have been approved to participate in the employment-based internship program. "This is a game-changer for social mobility," said Jennifer Ostergren, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services. "Our MSW students are not only gaining access to graduate education, but they’re also being positioned to thrive in the workforce and make lasting contributions to the health and well-being of our region." The MSW program also continues to deepen its community engagement. Students complete 16 to 20 hours per week in field internships across San Diego and Riverside counties, with expansion underway in Orange, San Bernardino and Imperial counties. These placements allow students to work with diverse populations and provide essential services in real-world settings. During the 2024-25 academic year, MSW students contributed more than 70,000 hours of pro bono social work services to local organizations and agencies serving at-risk populations. "Our students are embedded in the community in meaningful ways," Beecher said. "They’re not just learning - they’re leading, advocating, and making a difference in people’s lives." Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

Lola Ferguson was a regular at the hospital as a child. She was used to taking 50 pills a day, undergoing hours of treatments and numerous doctors’ appointments. It was just part of her normal daily life. “I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis before I was even born,” Ferguson said. Also known as CF, cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the body's mucus-producing glands, causing damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs. Ferguson still takes medication and has treatments, but medical advances allow her to live a relatively normal life as a college student in her second year at Cal State San Marcos. In fact, Ferguson is doing so well that she is among the candidates for the AbbVie CF Scholarship, which honors students who are thriving with cystic fibrosis. Public voting accounts for about 30% of the evaluation. Supporters can vote online for Ferguson or by texting "VOTE23" to 35309 through Sept. 18. Winners will be announced Oct. 23. Other evaluation factors are based on academic record and extracurricular activities, an essay and a creative presentation. Ferguson received a $3,000 AbbVie scholarship last year and is hoping this year to win the top award, a $22,000 “Thriving Student Scholarship.” “AbbVie is a pharmaceutical company, and I have taken their meds in the past, so it was just sort of a household name for me,” Ferguson said. “To have a scholarship like that and be involved with a company like that is really nice.” In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the predicted survival age for people with cystic fibrosis was about 28 years old. Ferguson represents a new generation of young adults with CF who, thanks to medical advances, are living significantly longer. Life expectancy has improved to about 68, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Ferguson has seen firsthand the improvements. The more than four dozen daily pills she took as a child is down to 20. She said CF primarily affects her lungs and digestive system, and she also has a mild case of diabetes related to it. In addition to the medication, she does an hour of daily treatment and closely watches her diet. “I don’t even drink caffeine,” she said. “I can’t miss out on my health because it’ll plummet really fast.” Ferguson has found a supportive environment at CSUSM. Disability Student Services ensured that she received a single room in campus housing, which was vital because of the daily treatment she requires. A literature and writing studies major, Ferguson was thrilled to land an on-campus job in Kellogg Library during her first year and she also started writing this fall for CSUSM’s student newspaper, “The Cougar Chronicle.” “I’ve learned to manage things and understand what I can and can’t do,” Ferguson said. “And I haven’t really had a problem in a long time because of all my treatments and medications.” Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Cal State San Marcos’ Latinx Center is partnering with campus organizations to present an exciting lineup of events. The month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15, is an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and diverse backgrounds of Hispanic-identifying people.  Everyone is invited to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month events.    Chingona Fest   Tuesday, Sept. 9  This two-part event celebrated and uplifted CSUSM's Latina-identifying students and their experiences. This year’s theme was Chingona Sin Frontiers, facing barriers in pursuit of education.    Cafecito con Pan  Monday, Sept. 15, noon, USU 3200  Kicking off the month, this series is hosted monthly in the Latinx Center, connecting students with professionals across campus and offering opportunities for conversations over coffee and pan dulce.    Latinx Center’s 10th Birthday Party  Wednesday, Sept. 17, noon, USU 3200  To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the center, a birthday party will be hosted with games, cake and community.     Raices de Barro: Talavera Workshop  Tuesday, Sept. 23, noon, USU 3200  The Latinx Center will explore the roots of Mexican Talavera artwork and ceramics, with opportunities for students to create their own vase.    Shared Roots: Tattoos in our Cultures with APIDA  Thursday, Sept. 25, USU 3200  An ongoing series in collaboration with the APIDA Student Center explores the cultural significance of tattoos in both APIDA and Latine communities.    Chisme Club: Sin Fronteras  Thursday, Oct. 2, noon, USU 3200  Students are invited to reflect on the impact of current events on our communities, with a self-care activity to end the session.    Latine Heritage Month Celebration  Thursday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m., USU Ballroom   Join us as we close out Latine Heritage Month with music, food and games at a celebration open to all.  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

After three years of focusing on banned books, Cal State San Marcos’ Common Read will highlight stories that broaden perspectives and build empathy, according to CSUSM Academic Transitions Librarian Allison Carr. The theme for 2025-26, “Stories as Mirrors, Windows & Sliding Doors,” uses fiction and nonfiction books to provide insight into different lived experiences and encourages compassion and understanding. Students can pick up a free copy of a Common Read book from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, in front of Kellogg Library. “We loved the banned books theme and we heard from a lot of students that they loved it, too. But after three years, we wanted to move on to a broader theme that reflected the current climate,” Carr said. “Given what we’ve seen in the news lately about a decline in reading, along with what we know about how reading encourages empathy and compassion, it was important that students gain a deeper understanding of people from all backgrounds.” Carr explained that Common Read considers the diversity of authors and genres as well as the interests of topics to undergraduate students when selecting the books. “While I’m excited about all of our books, this is the first year we’ve offered a collection of poems, ‘Song I Sing’ by Bao Phi. His poems, which are about immigration, race and class, feel a lot more accessible because of his slam poetry background,” Carr said. The library’s Student Advisory Board selected “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas as one of the books to be included. The story features a trans boy proving himself to his Latinx family, while also featuring elements of a love story and a paranormal investigation. The complete list of books selected for this year’s campaign is: “Bird Songs Don't Lie,” Gordon Lee Johnson “Daytripper,” Fabio Moon “The Remember Balloons,” Jessie Oliveros “Song I Sing,” Bao Phi “The Cemetery Boys,” Aiden Thomas (students' choice) “The View From Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman,” Lucy Webster “Stories can break stereotypes, increase awareness of systemic issues and encourage respectful interactions with people from different backgrounds,” Carr said. “At a time when empathy and compassion are seen as weaknesses, reading can help us build and sustain a community that's inclusive and addresses the inequities marginalized communities currently face.” Common Read is also offering a zine-making workshop in collaboration with the Context Exhibit Series, “Zine Dreams” from 1-2 p.m. on Oct. 9 at The Makery. At the event, students can create a page in a collective zine that highlights their identities and stories. An RSVP is required. “My hope for this year is that students gain a deeper understanding of people who are different from them, but also a great understanding of themselves,” Carr said. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos welcomed hundreds of students to the University Student Ballroom on Sept. 4 for the annual Student Organization Fair.  The event provides students an opportunity to learn about the many ways to get involved on campus. With more than 100 recognized student organizations in a variety of categories, there is something for everyone. Relive some of the event highlights in the Student Org Fair photo slideshow. To learn more about available student organizations, visit the student organization directory. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cal State San Marcos’ School of Education has received a $40,000 grant from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union to launch Project R.I.S.E. (Recruiting Inclusive, Supportive Educators), an initiative aimed at strengthening and broadening Southern California’s educator pipeline. Project R.I.S.E. will focus on multiple priorities, from building pathways into teaching through future educator summits to hosting workshops that will connect high school, community college and university students interested in education. The project also will support the Emerging Leaders Academy, which will prepare teachers for equity-based leadership roles in partnership with local districts and remove financial barriers by expanding a  fund that helps credential candidates cover essential costs like testing and certification fees. Cassiopeia Guthrie, a member of the Distinguished Teachers in Residence program in the School of Education, is leading the project activities as the Project R.I.S.E. faculty fellow. She will coordinate programming and planning, helping to create sustained outreach and support across partner districts. That role also will lay the groundwork for a future Project R.I.S.E. center, envisioned as a hub to strengthen regional recruitment and pipeline development for aspiring educators. Moses Ochanji, director of the School of Education, said the initiative is rooted in opportunity and equity. “By opening doors early, supporting students along the way and removing financial barriers, we are ensuring that students in as early as high school grades see teaching as a viable and welcoming profession and also that our schools will be led by educators who reflect and understand the communities they serve,” Ochanji said. “The School of Education is grateful for the partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in working to remove barriers before they become roadblocks.” Jennifer Ostergren, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services, called the partnership with SchoolsFirst a timely investment. “This is more than a grant,” Ostergren said. “It is a commitment to building pathways for the next generation of teachers and leaders.” The announcement comes at a critical time as California continues to face teacher shortages, particularly in high-need communities. With Project R.I.S.E., CSUSM is positioning itself at the forefront of solutions by engaging students early, supporting them through credentialing and preparing them for impactful careers in education. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306