Santana’s lead vocalist Andy Vargas and his All-Star Band performed an exclusive concert at Celebración de CSUF: ¡Somos Titans! — and energized guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor in support of the university’s Latino students.
President Ronald S. Rochon welcomed donors, students, alums and Latino community leaders to the third annual fiesta-inspired event Oct. 13 at the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton.
¡Somos Titans! featured food from Latin regions and performances by student groups Mariachi Titans and Ballet Folklorico de CSUF.
Rochon announced that ¡Somos Titans! raised more than $215,000 to fund scholarships, programs and opportunities for Latino students and thanked the university’s supporters for their commitment to student success.
The president reflected on the recertification of the Seal of Excelencia by the nonprofit Excelencia in Education for the university’s efforts to advance Latino college completion. The university is also celebrating its 20th year as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with more than half of the campus’s 43,000 students identifying as Hispanic/Latino.
The accolades, Rochon said, describe the efforts the university is putting forward “to serve students with promise, vision and intentionality.”
“What I have learned through my career is there are institutions around the nation with Hispanic enrollment, and then you have institutions that are Hispanic-serving,” he said. “That’s what Cal State Fullerton is.”
Student speakers Joe Morales, Associated Students Inc. president, and Suzette Morales, ASI vice president, relayed how donor support is life-changing for students.
“The Latinx community is integral to Cal State Fullerton’s identity. Understanding this, it becomes clear why events like today are so meaningful,” said Suzette Morales, a business administration-economics major, who shared that she has benefited from donor-supported programs.
“ASI and our campus — and each of you — are working hard not only to serve Latinx communities but to create a community for generations to come, especially for those who may not see college in their future because of the challenges they’re facing.”
Joe Morales, a political science major, said that scholarships and programs help underrepresented students rise above roadblocks to earn a college degree — and give them the opportunity to change their lives.
“What Cal State Fullerton is known for, in my opinion, is upward mobility and giving students the chance to do something that their parents before them did not get to do,” he said.
Alums Alexis Flores ’20 (B.A. communications-public relations) and Jonathan Morales ’06 (B.A. business administration-marketing) delivered remarks about the importance of uplifting students and giving back to the community.
Flores, senior social media and influence relations manager at Casanova//McCANN, worked three jobs while pursuing his college degree. Through savings and scholarships, Flores graduated debt-free. He lauded the university’s commitment to ensure first-generation students like himself succeed in higher education.
Jonathan Morales, California head of community banking at JPMorgan Chase, leads the firm’s financial health strategy among underserved and underrepresented communities.
“Think about what we are celebrating today: ¡Somos Titans!, meaning “We Are Titans.” It’s more than just an exclamation point,” said Morales, who serves on the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation Board of Governors. “It’s an invitation to be a part of someone else’s journey, to impact someone’s future.”
Morales added that giving back is not about “making yourself feel good.”
“It’s about liberating someone from their present circumstances so they are empowered to change the world.”
The more than 175 supporters and guests enjoyed music by Andy Vargas and his All-Star Band, who performed songs from “Tell It Like It Is,” the cumbia version of “La Bamba” to Santana classics like “Oye Coma Va” and “Smooth.”
Vargas, the lead singer of the Grammy-winning Santana since 2000, has dedicated his career to empowering underserved youth and helping them follow their passion for music. The Andy Vargas Foundation provides music scholarships and programs to underserved high school youth in Southern California.
“Performing at Cal State Fullerton’s ¡Somos Titans! event was an incredible honor. It was inspiring to see the passion and drive of the students, and to be part of an event that raised significant funds for Latinx student scholarships and programs is something that deeply resonates with me,” Vargas said.
“Events like this one are key in giving the next generation the opportunities they need to succeed, and I’m grateful to contribute in any way I can.”
Titans Rosalina Davis ’77 and Teresa Saldivar ’12, both community leaders and business owners, served as advisers for the event. Patrón presenting sponsors were Casanova//McCANN, JPMorgan Chase and Honda.