CSUSB celebrates its Class of 2025

More than 3,000 graduates from both the Palm Desert and San Bernardino campuses marched across the stage at the Toyota Arena on May 16 and 17 to the cheers of family and friends.

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus outstanding student sets sights on transforming healthcare

Jason Davalos was recognized as this year's PDC Outstanding Student for his exceptional academic achievements and meaningful service to both the campus and the community.

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus hosts annual graduation reception honoring Class of 2025

The event serves as a special opportunity to highlight academic excellence, as well as recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of graduating students.

Groundbreaking ceremony held for new Student Success Center at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus

California State University, San Bernardino celebrated a major milestone with the official groundbreaking ceremony for its new Student Success Center at the Palm Desert Campus.

The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for student support services, helping to expand access to higher education and elevate student success across the Coachella Valley.

Stories from the Pack: New CSUSB Entrepreneurial Center Opens in Palm Desert

The May issue of Stories from the Pack highlights the new Palm Desert Entrepreneurial Resource Center, which supports regional innovation and opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and innovators looking to start or grow a small business in the Coachella Valley.

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus students return from transformative study abroad experience in Italy

The immersive program, which took place during their spring break in April, was designed to provide students with firsthand exposure to the vibrant hospitality industry of Italy and offered participants hands-on learning and professional development opportunities.

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus graduates first cohort of Master of Social Work students

This inaugural group of highly trained professionals is ready to serve and make a lasting impact in communities throughout the region.

CSUSB named an Opportunity College and University by Carnegie Classifications

The new Student Access and Earnings Classification, published this month by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education, recognizes institutions that foster opportunities for student success, highlighting the value of a college degree.

NBC Palm Springs

"CSUSB Palm Desert Hospitality Students Return Inspired from Immersive Italy Study Abroad Trip"

KESQ Palm Springs

"CSUSB Palm Desert nursing student hopes to transform healthcare"

Telemundo 15 Palm Springs

"Estudiante de enfermería de CSUSB Palm Desert espera transformar la atención médica"

KESQ Palm Springs

"Groundbreaking held for new Student Success Center at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus"

Telemundo 15 Palm Springs

"Se llevó a cabo la ceremonia de inicio de obras del nuevo Centro de Éxito Estudiantil en el Campus Palm Desert de la CSUSB"

Congratulations to Dr. Robert (Bob) Leo, Department of Communication and Media, for being named the 2024-25 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year at PDC!

For more than 25 years, Dr. Leo has been a pillar of the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus - a passionate educator, a compassionate mentor and a respected leader. From the early days of portable buildings at College of the Desert to the thriving campus we know today, Dr. Leo has played an instrumental role in shaping PDC’s growth and impact.

Beloved by students, admired by colleagues and respected by community and civic leaders, Dr. Leo’s legacy is one of dedication, excellence and heart.

Congratulations to Adriana Banda for being named the 2024-25 Outstanding Student Assistant of the Year at PDC!

Representing PDC's Student Engagement department with excellence, Adriana's hard work, passion and dedication truly shine!

The Coachella Valley’s Bitcoin & Crypto Summit and Town Hall

Hosted by ‘Crypto’ Jimi Fitz

Panel to include:

• Dr. Jay Bose - Bitcoin Ben Crypto Club CEO, Bitcoin/Crypto/Tech Expert and Educator
• Matthew Fetui - Financial Wealth Advisor
• G. Thomas Kerr - Author, "AI Unleashed"
• Olivia Sandusky, NBC Palm Springs News Anchor
• Robert J. Nava, J.D., CFRE, CSUSB Vice President for University Advancement

📅 Thursday, June 5, 2025

⏰ 5:30 p.m.

📍 Indian Wells Theater - CSUSB Palm Desert Campus

The event is free and open to the community. Guests are responsible for purchasing a parking permit - kiosks and parking signs with QR codes are located throughout the campus parking lot.

Communication Day at PDC

The CSUSB Department of Communication and Media hosted the annual Communication Day event at the Palm Desert Campus for PDC and College of the Desert students, featuring a PDC alumni panel on career paths, internships and networking.

The event also included a mixer with campus resources and a documentary film screening of "Foxtrot: Operation Reunification" in partnership with the CSUSB Veterans Success Center.

What an incredible opportunity for students to connect with PDC alumni and gain valuable insights that will help them in their future careers!

Professional Development Day at Agua Caliente

Students and faculty from the departments of accounting, cybersecurity, marketing and hospitality management enjoyed a day of hands-on learning, workshops, speakers, networking and professional development at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and their Resort Casino Spa.

These types of initiatives underscore the university's commitment to continuous growth and professional excellence.

PDC social work students use survey findings to help save lives

A group of six junior-level social work students from the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus had the opportunity to speak at an Indio city council meeting as part of their community assessment project for their Social Work Policy class.

They shared the results of their survey, which showed a concerning number of overdose incidents reported by Indio residents. In response, they asked the council for permission to set up a resource booth at the Asada Fest - and they got the green light!

They distributed free Naloxone (Narcan) nasal sprays, fentanyl test strips, and other harm reduction materials - all things that can possibly save a life!

Emmy and Oscar winner demonstrates his sound effects work at PDC

Zane Bruce has been called the greatest Foley sound effects creator for movies and television and delighted students at PDC with a live sound effects demonstration.

This entertaining presentation was brought to PDC by PAWS Radio, the xReal Lab and PAWS Media.

PAWS Radio is the student-run radio station at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus - be sure to tune in!

CSUSB students travel to Sacramento for NASW Legislative Lobby Days

20 social work students from our Palm Desert and San Bernardino campuses traveled to Sacramento for the National Association of Social Workers Legislative Lobby Days, where they met with legislators, including CSUSB alumnus Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson, to advocate for policies that will enhance greater social wellbeing and equity across local communities.

We are so proud of these future social work leaders who are already making an impact!

Alumni Hall of Fame Awards

Congratulations to Rod Hendry, '83, '85 B.A. English, M.A. English Composition, for receiving the "Coyote Spirit Award" at this year's CSUSB Alumni Hall of Fame Awards - an award that honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to help advance the mission of CSUSB as a dedicated volunteer.

Rod serves on the PDC Advancement Board and the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation Board and is an advocate for the university in the Coachella Valley community.

Rotary Club of Rancho Mirage supports PDC nursing students through generous donation

We are so thankful to the Rotary Club of Rancho Mirage Foundation for their donation of $4,000 to our nursing program at PDC!

The donation came at a crucial time for our senior graduating nursing students as they will be applying to take the board examination, which can be quite expensive. Many of our students have significant end-of-year expenses and these funds will be used toward paying for their NCLEX application fee.

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a standardized test that all nursing graduates must pass to obtain a nursing license in the United States. It assesses a candidate's knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice nursing safely and effectively.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

PDC Counseling and Psychological Services, in partnership with PDC Health Promotion, hosted a Healing Hub Mental Health Awareness Fair for students.

Animal Companion Therapy (ACT) dogs from Animal Samaritans were there to bring joy, comfort and tail wags.

Students also got creative with a variety of mental health-focused arts and crafts projects, providing a much-needed moment to relax and reconnect. With finals on their mind, it was more important than ever to take a break, de-stress and prioritize mental health and well-being.

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

The CSUSB College of Natural Sciences’ Department of Nursing held a special nursing pinning ceremony at the Palm Desert Campus to honor and recognize its graduating nursing students.

Students were presented with nursing pins by CSUSB nursing faculty and were joined by an audience of family, friends and various CSUSB faculty, staff and administrators.

A pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of newly graduated nurses into the nursing workforce as they prepare to serve the public.