Live music filled the air at Celebración de CSUF: ¡Somos Titans! as the university community came together to raise $177,000 for student programs and scholarships.
The celebration featured performances by student groups Mariachi Titans and Ballet Folklorico de CSUF as well as an exclusive concert by Grammy Award-winning band La Santa Cecilia.
CSUF President Ronald Rochon welcomed university leaders, donors, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to the fourth annual event, which was held in the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton.
Last year, CSUF was one of nine institutions to earn recertification of the Seal of Excelencia by Excelencia in Education, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing Latino student success. Rochon also noted CSUF’s history as a Hispanic-Serving Institution for more than 20 years, with over half of the campus’s 45,000 students identifying as Hispanic/Latino.
“At Cal State Fullerton, we want to ensure that all of our students are graduating, pursuing their dreams, and doing more to serve not just their families, but this nation and the globe,” said Rochon. “That’s what this institution is about. That’s what our mission is about.”
Political science student and Associated Students Inc. Vice President Juan Salguero spoke about the importance of donor-supported programs and scholarships and how they are transforming education for students.
Since ¡Somos Titans! launched in 2022, the event has raised more than $750,000 for such programs as Abrego Future Scholars, Latino Communications Institute, ASI Food Pantry and the Educational Opportunity Program.
“It’s clear that Cal State Fullerton is building a foundation for future generations, for the Titans of tomorrow,” said Salguero. “Your support fuels dreams. It opens doors, and it reminds students that they’re seen, valued and that they are never alone in this journey. Together, we’re shaping a future where every student, no matter their background, can thrive, lead and leave a legacy of their own.”
As a student leader, Salguero has had the opportunity to participate in several events and campus initiatives that exemplify ASI’s dedication to helping students celebrate their identities, including the Beyond the Conversation series, which has invited such speakers as Danny Trejo, Stephanie Beatriz and Diane Guerrero to campus to spark dialogue about identity and culture.
He also highlighted the significance of campus spaces like the Latinx Community Resource Center, where students can build connections that will positively impact their college experience.
CSUF alum Jonathan Morales ’06 (B.A. business administration-marketing), who serves on the university’s Philanthropic Foundation board of governors, shared his experience as a first-generation college student who launched his career as a California community banking executive for JPMorgan Chase.
“Serving students on their journey takes a village, and your support is exactly what the university needs to provide students with the tools and resources they need to go into the world and achieve their dreams,” said Morales.
Titans Rosalina Davis ’77 (B.A. Spanish), Henry Mendoza ’81 (B.A. business administration-accounting), Teresa Saldivar ’12 (B.A. ethnic studies-Chicano studies) and Gaddi Vasquez served as advisers for the event. The presenting sponsor was Ingrid Otero-Smart, president/CEO of Casanova//McCANN.
To learn more about giving opportunities to support student programs and scholarships, visit the ¡Somos Titans! website.