Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
As California State University, San Bernardino begins its 60th year as an institution of higher learning, university President Tomás D. Morales reminded the campus community that the university’s past serves as a strong foundation for its future. Speaking at the annual Convocation on Aug. 21, he reaffirmed CSUSB’s role as the region’s anchor institution.
“We begin this academic year with the awareness that we are facing destabilizing times in higher education, both in California and nationally,” he said to faculty and staff gathered in Coussoulis Arena and watching via livestream. “Because, ultimately, the two are connected. That is part of our being citizens of not simply a state but of our democratic republic.
“So, today, I would like to provide us with an opportunity both to take a breath and take stock as the academic year commences,” Morales said. “We have a lot to be proud of, and that knowledge of our achievements provides us with not only a foundation from which we can move forward, but also a reminder of what we can accomplish.”
He reminded the assembled that their work has an impact in transforming the lives of students, their families and the community as a whole. “We are all together here in a very, very special place. We have a vital mission. And we punch well above our weight,” he said. “Each of you is making a real difference.”
Since Morales became president of CSUSB in 2012, the university has achieved much, from implementing its strategic plan (currently midway through its second iteration); launching two capital campaigns, with the second, “Our Defining Moment,” setting university records in fundraising; transitioning from a quarter schedule to semesters; successfully passing two university-wide reaccreditations; building assessment processes into university initiatives with an eye toward improvement; ramped up efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion; updated master plans for the main campus and the Palm Desert Campus; and worked through the COVID-19 pandemic that, for a time, required the university operate virtually.
In addition, capital improvements, large and small, have taken place, including the completion of the Center for Global Innovation, Santos Manuel Student Union North, Coyote Village and Coyote Commons, and the new Performing Arts Center, which is set to open this academic year. Also, the former Commons was renovated to include the CSUSB Alumni Center.
“Please note that we were not building new buildings just for the sake of building new buildings,” Morales said. “No, these buildings were the result of thoughtful, campus-led discussions on what was needed to keep CSUSB serving its students into the future.”
And serving students and being committed to their success also means CSUSB serves “our community because we are a part of our community,” he said.
That’s taken place through partnerships with the region’s K-12 public school districts; participating in “cradle-to-career” initiatives; building links with local governments; building and improving relationships with local, state and federal elected officials; working with area businesses and business groups; participating in the efforts of Growing Inland Achievement; and expanding programs, such as Coyote Cares Day and classroom-related programs.
All of CSUSB’s accomplishments were achieved by the university community working together, Morales said. And mentioning them was a reminder of CSUSB’s shared values and its vision.
“I believe in the promise of this campus,” he said. “I believe in the promise of those who come to this campus to receive a bachelor’s degree, a certification or a graduate degree. I believe in the excellence of our faculty, our staff and all those who occupy leadership positions on this campus.
“And that is what gives me optimism for this coming year. There is never a promise that it will be easy — in truth, there has never been a promise that it would be easy — but it is time to get to work. We have students to serve, research to be done, and a new academic year to begin.”
And as the university begins its work, Morales reminded faculty and staff of what it means to be a citizen of CSUSB.
“Regardless of our efforts on campus to be more intentional in diversity, equity and inclusion, the world outside our doors continues to double down on practices which do not necessarily accord with our university’s inclusive values,” he said. “We are watching college and university after college and university across the country removing the names, tools and goals of diversity, equity and inclusion from their programs, their courses and their responsibilities to their students, faculty and staff.
“Nevertheless, as members of the proudly diverse CSUSB community, we state that the singling out of any community or group for scapegoating is completely unacceptable. These are all acts of ignorance grounded in fear. This university rejects such behavior and remains committed to denouncing such actions, now and always, regardless of the source. We declare zero tolerance of any such acts or incidents no matter where or when they occur.
“We reject any consideration, including judicial, of women as second-class citizens in our nation. This goes against our basic values and has no place in a democratic republic in the 21st century. And we confirm that there is no road to a better future that does not follow the path of social justice, and it will suffer neither color barriers nor cultural, spiritual, gender or sexual identity restrictions. We truly are all in this together.”
The entirety of President Morales address, and the complete recording of Convocation, can be viewed at CSUSB Convocation 2025 Livestream on the Online CSUSB channel.