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Dear Friends,
As we move further into the spring semester at Cuesta College, we have just launched this year’s Cuesta Fund grant application, an exciting moment that reflects the partnership between our campus community and the donors who make this work possible.
Each year, employees thoughtfully identify areas where additional resources could significantly enhance student learning and success. Through The Cuesta Fund — our Area of Greatest Need — our Board of Directors reviews these proposals and strategically invests in the areas that matter most. This annual process allows us to respond intentionally to emerging priorities and ensure that students, programs, and facilities have the support they need to thrive.
In past years, these grants have strengthened nursing and allied health training, expanded student success initiatives like Studythons and ESL support, upgraded instructional and performing arts equipment, enhanced athletics and wellness resources, and provided direct assistance to students navigating financial barriers. The impact spans disciplines and departments, touching nearly every corner of campus.
As we begin reviewing this year’s applications, we look forward to directing flexible funding to the areas that need it most. Your generosity is what makes this responsiveness possible. Because of you, we are able to fill critical gaps, elevate innovation, and ensure that every investment strengthens opportunity for our students.
Thank you for being part of the Cuesta College Foundation community and for helping us meet the college’s greatest needs—year after year.
With gratitude,
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Katie Osman
Executive Director, Cuesta College Foundation
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The Cuesta Fund in Action
One recent example of The Cuesta Fund at work is a Foundation grant that was awarded to the Student Success and Learning Resource Center to strengthen student engagement and academic outcomes.
This Foundation grant supports Studythons and Study Jam events, extended evening study sessions where campuses remain open late to provide tutoring, faculty support, study supplies, and meals during the most critical weeks of the semester. These events create welcoming spaces where students can focus, build confidence, and feel supported during high-stress academic periods.
The impact is clear. Participation in Studython continues to grow, with 705 students attending in Fall 2025 alone, a powerful reflection of both student commitment and the importance of accessible academic support.
Because of your generosity, students have the resources, encouragement, and sense of belonging that help them persist and succeed. This is the power of The Cuesta Fund: meeting real needs and strengthening student success across campus.
"Support from the Foundation allows us to create spaces where students feel supported, nourished, and academically prepared during the most challenging weeks of the semester."
-Gladis Villalpando, Supervisor, Student Success and Learning Resources Center
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Our 2025 Honored Alumni
Debbie Arnold, 1982 | Retired SLO County Supervisor
Melissa Perozzi, 2014 | Park Maintenance Supervisor, Oceano Dunes
Matthew O'Leary, Esq., 2004 | Founding Partner, O'Leary Wallace LLP
Community leaders, alumni, and supporters gathered Feb. 2 for a reception at Hotel Cerro in San Luis Obispo to recognize our latest class of Honored Alumni. Each spring, we announce the recipients chosen in honor of their professional achievements and volunteer service in the community.
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Know An Outstanding Alumnus?
We're accepting nominations now for our 2026 class of Honored Alumni. Nominations are open through Monday, May 4, 2026.
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Celebrating a Successful Financial Aid Day
Financial Aid Day on Feb. 11 brought students together with campus resources designed to remove financial barriers and support persistence. The Foundation team tabled alongside Financial Aid to promote scholarships and emergency grants, while Financial Aid staff provided hands-on support with FAFSA and CADAA applications.
The event highlighted the power of partnership across campus, connecting students to both immediate assistance and long-term funding opportunities. With strong student engagement and meaningful conversations throughout the day, Financial Aid Day reinforced our shared commitment to access, opportunity, and student success.
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You're Invited:
Annual Music Faculty Concert
A Fundraiser for Student Scholarships
Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 3 p.m. | CPAC Mainstage
Enjoy an inspiring afternoon of jazz and classical music as Cuesta’s Music Faculty take the stage for this beloved annual tradition.
Even more meaningful — 100% of ticket proceeds support music student scholarships, helping talented students pursue their educational and artistic goals.
Thank you to our 2025–2026 CPAC Sponsors, to Warren and Linda Balfour for sponsoring this Season of Inspiration, and to the private donor whose generosity helps make this concert possible.
| | BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | | |
Hayward Lumber
In January, Hayward Lumber once again demonstrated their commitment to student learning by supporting Cuesta College’s CTCH 226 Roof Construction class.
A Hayward team member volunteered his time in the lab, working directly alongside students as they built trusses for their shed projects. In addition to donating expertise, Hayward Lumber also provided building materials and the use of a highly specialized tool essential to the construction process.
“This kind of partnership gives our students invaluable, hands-on experience with the tools and techniques they’ll encounter in the field,” shared Mike Pereira, Instructor of Construction Technology at Cuesta. “Having industry professionals in the classroom not only strengthens technical skills, but also builds confidence and real-world readiness.”
This marks at least the third year Hayward has partnered with the program, generously contributing both time and resources to ensure students gain meaningful, industry-relevant experience.
We are deeply grateful for Hayward Lumber’s continued investment in our students. Partnerships like this bridge classroom learning with workforce preparation and strengthen the connection between Cuesta College and our local business community.
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Share Your Alumni News
Have news to share? Whether it’s a new job, degree, milestone, or personal achievement, we’d love to celebrate you. Submit your update through the form below and stay connected with the Cuesta College community.
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Behind the Impact
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to to see student successes, scholarship highlights, and the difference your support makes. Get updates on programs, events, and opportunities to engage with our community.
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