During Cal State Fullerton’s 2025 Convocation and State of the University address, President Ronald Rochon celebrated achievements from the past year, recognized outstanding Titans and outlined goals for the upcoming year.
He recounted the inspiring story of Oseola McCarty, a washerwoman from Mississippi who donated a significant portion of her life’s savings to provide scholarships at The University of Southern Mississippi despite not having the opportunity to receive a college education herself.
“There are so many students worthy of coming to Cal State Fullerton, waiting for an opportunity to come through the door and pursue their dream,” Rochon reflected to faculty, staff and students gathered in Meng Concert Hall. “Open the door. Serve abundantly. Be hospitable in the most radical way possible. Make Cal State Fullerton the most distinctive institution the world has ever seen.”
Rochon noted that several significant projects are underway this year, including the construction of a new Engineering and Computer Science Innovation Hub, the Landmark Hall building for leadership studies and the Sequoia student housing complex.
Expressing deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve Cal State Fullerton, Rochon mapped out four priorities for the year that build on the Fullerton Forward strategic plan:
- Goal 1: Students at the center
- Goal 2: Expanding opportunity and driving strategic enrollment
- Goal 3: Building and growing a campus for the future
- Goal 4: Fostering a culture of care and belonging
Several campus leaders joined Rochon in welcoming the campus community to another academic year at Cal State Fullerton, with special performances by the University Singers and a land acknowledgment by Cecil Chik, assistant vice president for engagement and belonging/senior diversity officer.
Associated Students Inc. President Haneefah Syed shared her vision for a campus environment that supports wellness, belonging and opportunities for all.
“I want students to feel empowered to reach out to alumni, lean on their campus resources, collaborate with their classmates and see every opportunity that comes their way,” she said.
Syed reminded students: “Education is our biggest asset: It’s what sets us apart from everyone else. Our voices, our knowledge and our stories are so powerful. They allow us to become changemakers and leaders who aren’t afraid to carry empathy into an unempathetic world and build bridges in our communities when so many want to see them torn down.”
Amir Dabirian, provost and vice president for academic affairs, thanked faculty and staff for their dedication to supporting student success at Cal State Fullerton.
“Faculty, your tireless efforts are directly responsible for our students’ growth. Your innovative teaching, groundbreaking research and mentorship of our students inspire them to not only enroll here, but to thrive. You are the reason our CSU is a first-rate destination for so many,” he said. “To our fantastic staff, thank you. You are the foundation that supports our students, and you are the engine that keeps the university running.”
Academic Senate Chair Matt Jarvis acknowledged the challenging times universities across the nation are facing with a lesson from Greek mythology.
“Pandora opened a box, unleashing chaos in the world. But here’s the part that often gets forgotten,” he said. “At the bottom of Pandora’s box, there’s hope. That’s what we need to hold on to: Not naive hope that everything will magically fix itself, but the grounded hope that comes from working together — faculty, staff and students — to make this place better.”