As Cal State Fullerton students head into a new academic year, I’m delighted as an alumna of the university to have the opportunity to give back to the institution that has given so much to me. Thank you, too, for your dedication and commitment to the university, particularly in this time
of financial hardship. Because of the dedication of my professors, the caring of our staff members and the
support of the alumni community, I believe that my years at Cal State Fullerton prepared me for success in the marketplace. I know that you also share that feeling of loyalty to our university.
Today, as chair of the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation, I’m pleased to note that the foundation is involved in strategic planning aimed at helping guide the university’s fundraising efforts and managing its donated funds.
The foundation’s vision for the future is far-reaching. We believe that there is a great need to raise private capital in support of the premier university in Orange County and Southern California. Our planning will help the foundation recruit new leadership and align its efforts with future projects and needs.
We kicked off the foundation’s planning work at a February 12 event, and since then have adopted a road map of eight themes, each of them outlining a strategic area for development. The themes address acquisition of land and facilities; ongoing efforts in infrastructure improvements; leveraging government funding opportunities; community engagement; student and alumni participation; building degree and brand equity; growth in the next 50 years; and the possible development of a university district – a distinctive neighborhood of retail shops, dining establishments and residential areas – in Fullerton.
With your help and the continued generosity and commitment from individuals, corporations and foundations, we were able to attain a groundbreaking achievement in fundraising this year: Well over $14 million in cash gifts and pledge payments were made to the university, reaching an all-time high. We are concerned, though, about our ability to continue to achieve these kinds of results in light of the challenging economic environment and the uncertain future of higher education in California.
I urge you to continue to contribute to the university – through your generous financial donations, volunteer efforts on behalf of various colleges, departments or programs, or participation in universitywide events – so that Cal State Fullerton remains successful in the years to come.
Thank you for all you do to make Cal State Fullerton a global leader,
Annette Feliciani ’80
President, AEF Systems Consulting / Chair, Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation