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>> Ellen and Stan Weisser are long-time supporters of Cal State, San Bernardino.
Their relationship with CSUSB began shortly after their 1966 marriage,
when Ellen made the decision to transfer from the University of California,
Riverside to a little start-up at the feet
of the San Bernardino Mountains to complete her degree.
CSUSB consisted of only three buildings at the time.
Ellen fell in love with the campus and its people.
And what Ellen fell in love with, Stan did too.
She graduated in 1968.
>> Ellen had a wonderful experience as a student, and I had a wonderful experience
as the husband of a student at Cal State.
We were both very young, starting our lives together, and Cal State,
San Bernardino was very important to us at the beginning of our lives together.
And our connection to it remains and remains strong today.
It is absolutely thrilling to see what has become of those three buildings in 1966.
It's a source of great pride to be part of it
and it's an honor to be allowed to be part of it.
>> I've always been treated so well there is the thing that makes --
that is the difference between this campus and many, many others.
And they always went out of their way to make me feel very, very welcome
and included in all the decision-making.
>> Their 50th anniversary celebration was held on campus,
and included surprises for Ellen from Stan.
A gift in her name to create the Ellen Weisser Endowed Theater Showcase, a special performance
of how to succeed in business without really trying,
and a reception at the Obershaw Dining Room, which was dressed up to look
like San Bernardino's Indigo Room, where they had their first dinner date.
>> On the menu, there was liver and onions, and I love liver and onions.
>> And I love liver and onions.
>> So I ordered liver and onions, Ellen ordered the liver and onions.
>> And romance began.
>> Why have they come to support CSUSB so strongly?
Ultimately, it is about student success.
>> We've had a connection with most of the presidents since one has been there.
We have a very, very strong relationship with Tomás
the president of Cal State, San Bernardino.
And we are thrilled for the job that he is doing and for what he continues to do
to mold the university to the benefit of the community and the benefit of those in need.
>> What Cal State has done for me, it's opened my eyes to the plight
of students that don't have means.
If you walk around that campus and you see the students, what you see is gratitude.
They are grateful students who are so pleased to be able
to have the opportunity to go school there.
>> Cal State is committed to these students and committed to their success.
And that is one of the main reasons that we are happy to support Cal State, San Bernardino.
>> It's the faculty.
They understand that their mission is to graduate students and to educate them.
>> Today's groundbreaking brings us back
to the March 2022 Philanthropic Foundation board retreat, where Stan watched Ellen being honored,
and learned about the new performing arts center with its planned jewel: A 500 seat theater.
He knew at that moment that they needed to become supporters
of this capital initiative early on.
>> I was at the meeting, it was Ellen's last meeting as the chair of the philanthropic board.
And it was when they came out with the announcement of this new building.
I was really impressed with the new building.
Everybody was being so warm towards the Weissers, and the building looked so good,
it just seemed -- you know, it wasn't just the moment, but it was the moment that made me feel
that this is a project that we should be involved in.
When we get involved in a project early, it's my hope that we can set an example to others
in the community to support this organization,
support this program, you know, as the Weissers are.
>> As we are entering this campaign, everybody who is approached or is even thinking
about giving has to understand, it's an investment,
it is an investment in your community to give.
This performing arts program will do so much for this area in terms
of bringing the entertainment industry to us and our students to the entertainment industry.
Giving them opportunity for jobs and performances and all aspects
of theater, not just the acting part of it.
So whatever you want to give, consider it not just a gift,
consider it an investment in your community.
You don't realize it when you're younger, you know, what you can do, what you can give,
you don't realize what your contribution means.
But it means a lot.
So thank you, Cal State, San Bernardino.
We love you.
Cal State, San Bernardino, we love you.
[ Music ] We Define the Future CSUSB
$200 million
Our Defining Moment The campaign for CSUSB