The Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton came alive with festive mariachi and Mexican folk music at the annual Celebración de CSUF: ¡Somos Titans!, as university supporters raised funds for student scholarships and programs.
Hosted during Latinx Heritage Month, the event featured performances by student groups Mariachi Titans and Ballet Folklorico de CSUF as well as an exclusive concert by La Marisoul y Son California.
Since Celebración de CSUF: ¡Somos Titans! was launched five years ago, the event has raised more than $1 million for programs and resources that elevate student success, including Abrego Future Scholars, Latinx Community Resource Center, Latino Communications Institute, Associated Students Inc. Food Pantry and the Educational Opportunity Program.
CSUF President Ronald Rochon spoke to the importance of this support and the impact it will have for current and future Titans. “We understand what selflessness looks like because of your generosity and because of your continued belief in our student body here at Cal State Fullerton.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for choosing this campus, for choosing our students to pour into, for maintaining your connection with this institution, and for making sure that all our students have what they need to reach their potential.”
Yahir Flores, who serves as vice chair of the ASI board of directors, recognized Cal State Fullerton’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving institution for more than 20 years.
In 2024, CSUF was 1 of 9 institutions to earn recertification of the Seal of Excelencia by Excelencia in Education, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing Latino student success. Flores noted that more than half of CSUF students identify as Hispanic/Latino, and one-third of them are the first in their families to attend college.
A graduate student pursuing his master’s degree in higher education, Flores said it’s important to remember that when students come to campus, “they do not leave who they are at the door. They bring the stories, struggles, and strengths of their homes, their neighborhoods, and their families.”
That’s why these scholarships and donor-supported programs are so critical, he said. They pave the way for students to achieve their goals and provide opportunities to celebrate who they are throughout their educational journey. He pointed to programs and resources such as the Latinx Community Resource Center and the Abrego Future Scholars Program as prime examples of this support.
“Your investment fuels dreams, opens doors, and proves to students that our culture, background, and identities are sources of strength and pride,” Flores said.
During his time with ASI, Flores has had several opportunities to participate in programs and campus initiatives that bolster students’ academic and personal growth, including ASI’s signature speaker series, “Beyond the Conversation”, which has hosted actors and singers such as Stephanie Beatriz and Diane Guerrero, as well as Mister Cartoon to speak to students about identity and belonging.
“As student leaders, we’re proud to contribute to a campus where students are not only encouraged to succeed, but given meaningful opportunities and resources to help them get there,” Flores said.
Titans Rosalina Davis ’77 (B.A. Spanish), Henry Mendoza ’81 (B.A. business administration-accounting), and Teresa Saldivar ’12 (B.A. ethnic studies-Chicano studies) served as advisers for the event. A California State University Board of Trustees member and former U.S. ambassador to Italy, Gaddi Vasquez, also advised and was the emcee. CSUF granted him an honorary doctorate in 2022. The presenting sponsor was Ingrid Otero-Smart, president/CEO of Casanova//McCANN.
“There’s no more important time than today to stand up for what we believe in and to give support to those students that need it the most,” said Otero-Smart. “We have the ability to give students the boost they need to reach the finish line.”
To learn more about giving opportunities to support student programs and scholarships, visit the ¡Somos Titans! website.