Dear Toros,

I write to you with excitement, deep gratitude, and optimism for CSUDH. Since my interim presidency began in January, I have had the privilege of getting to know this remarkable university. What has struck me the most, from my very first day until the present moment, is the profound sense of community here. Whether I’m speaking with students about their passions, celebrating at Commencement, or working shoulder to shoulder with our stellar faculty and staff, it is abundantly clear that Toros care deeply about what we do and about each other.

That shared sense of responsibility is very personal to me. Like many of our students, I was the first in my family to attend college. My grandparents raised me in a small town in Texas and worked hard to give me the opportunities they never had. My experiences, made possible by their sacrifice, shaped my belief that education must be where curiosity, belonging, and opportunity come together to create purpose.

CSUDH brings that purpose to life. An education here is transformational — not just for our students, but for their families and communities in which they live, work, and serve. We are proud to be in Carson, the “Jewel of the South Bay,” where so many civic leaders are Toros and staunch supporters of the university. That connection and service extends throughout Southern California and beyond, with Toros leading the way in groundbreaking research, public office, community partnerships, artistic achievement, innovative entrepreneurship, and countless other endeavors. Their achievements are a testament to our mission, and they remind us why we do this work.

Even in this moment, as higher education undergoes rapid change and challenges, I am confident about CSUDH’s future. As you’ll see within this magazine, there are incredible opportunities on the horizon. We recently welcomed the largest philanthropic grant in university history to help address the shortage of mental and behavioral health professionals in South Los Angeles (pg. 30). We are opening state-of-the-art housing, dining, and wellness buildings that will transform campus life and holistically support our students (pg. 4). We are also preparing to welcome the world to our campus during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, building uponthe legacy that began when CSUDH hosted events during the 1984 Olympics (pg. 20).

As interim president, it is my honor to ready CSUDH for its next chapter. Thank you for your continued advocacy and engagement on behalf of this university. With your support, we can keep creating possibility for our students, our communities, and the generations to follow.

Go Toros!

Mary Ann Villarreal, Ph.D.
Interim President

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