During Cal State Fullerton’s 2024 Convocation and State of the University address, President Ronald S. Rochon encouraged faculty and staff to renew their commitment to delivering an exceptional education to each of the university’s 43,000 students and to practice intentional kindness.
“When a student receives our letter of acceptance, understand this right here: We are partnering with that family. The onus is on our shoulders,” said Rochon. Approximately 700 Titans attended the Sept. 19 event at CSUF’s Meng Concert Hall, which was also livestreamed.
“How fortunate we are that they have chosen Cal State Fullerton as their academic home,” he continued. “Let’s meet our students where they are and bring them where they need to be. Let’s open the door wider so more students who are worthy can be here.
“Every student matters.”
While outlining the university’s goals for the year and celebrating achievements across campus, Rochon shared several personal stories as well as his excitement and honor to serve as Cal State Fullerton’s 10th president.
“We are stewards of the state,” he reflected. “We have the most honorable opportunity, regardless of our titles across campus, to serve. That’s something special to wake up to every day.
“As you walk across campus, admire what you have already created and understand that what you have done is just an excerpt of the important work here at Cal State Fullerton.”
Rochon, who joined CSUF July 22, thanked the campus community for its kindness in welcoming him and his family. He called on Titans to boldly extend their kindness throughout the university.
“The way I’ve been treated, the way you have received my family, I know that we have in us the ability to receive all people walking on this campus, regardless of race, ethnic background, ZIP code,” he emphasized. “Let’s engage each other with intentionality. Let’s provide respect and kindness to one another.
“Kindness goes a long way.”
Moving Fullerton Forward
Aligned with the Fullerton Forward strategic plan and the California State University Office of the Chancellor’s goals, Rochon shared four campus goals for the 2024-25 academic year:
- Create a holistic, equity-focused student success plan, from admission to post-graduation, emphasizing support for historically underserved groups through an engaged campus community.
- Foster trust and engagement internally with faculty and staff and externally with alumni and communities; promote a culture of philanthropy; and enhance strategic communications to amplify the CSUF story.
- Increase fiscal efficiency, accountability and budget effectiveness supporting the campus educational mission while navigating budget challenges.
- Advance the 2024-29 Fullerton Forward plan by setting annual priorities and developing action plans including resource allocation to achieve its goals.
“Advancing this Fullerton Forward plan is my goal,” he said, thanking the 52 members of the Strategic Plan Development Committee co-led by Su Swarat, senior vice president for institutional effectiveness and planning, and Eileen Walsh, associate vice president for academic programs. “This plan is unique. This plan is bold. This plan is complete.”
Rochon emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication and evolution in working toward CSUF’s goals.
“Are we the campus that continuously tells students, ‘This is the only way we’ve ever done it’? Or are we a campus that will listen to new ideas because we are bold and because we understand that there’s a new need across our country and across our globe?
“We have work to do, everybody. Let’s be excited about our work.”
Celebrating Titan Successes
Amir Dabirian, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Matt Jarvis, chair of the Academic Senate, joined Rochon in celebrating the accomplishments of the past year and sharing their hopes for the year ahead.
The provost recognized 2024 outstanding faculty members Paul Stapp, Julia Schneiderman, Matthew E. Kirby, Parvin Shahrestani and Stephen Stambough, and Titan of the Year Elizabeth “Liz” Morales. He also welcomed 35 new faculty members and applauded the tenure and promotion of 69 faculty members.
Dabirian highlighted such university achievements as graduating 11,000 students during the 2023-24 academic year, doubling the number of academic advisers and launching the Black Student Academic Success initiative.
“As we start this year with renewed energy and optimism, let us tackle our challenges together, achieving our strategic plan goals, upholding our commitment to social justice, and serving as a beacon for social mobility in Orange County and beyond,” said Dabirian.
“Let us fulfill our promise to impact society positively through programs, research and creative activities, and community engagement,” he said, “Let us continue to be the first-choice destination for both undergraduate and graduate students.”
Two student leaders participated in this year’s convocation. Kenya Perezgil, president of the Inter-Tribal Student Council, delivered a land acknowledgment to affirm tribal sovereignty and commitment to the tribes who historically called the land upon which Cal State Fullerton was built home.
Joe Morales, Associated Students Inc. president, shared the student government’s vision of advocating for students, boosting engagement and creating more inclusive opportunities on campus. “No matter where you work or what part of campus you represent, we’re all here because we care about our students so deeply,” he said. “With the right support, care and direction, there’s no limit to what we can do.”