June 2020
Dean's Message
As we approach the end of this academic year, which has proven to be quite different from any in the past, we are proud that the Palm Desert Campus has continued to serve the Coachella Valley in so many ways, especially our students and their families, for more than 30 years. Nearly 4,000 graduates have benefited from the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus and are contributing to the local economy and community, and currently, we serve more than 1,600 students.  

Students at PDC are special. They are aware and appreciative of the high-quality education they are receiving and the value of that education. They take pride in attending PDC. The campus may be small in size, but the support we receive from the Cal State system, the San Bernardino campus and our community members is enormous. We are truly proud of our students.

Here are a few examples of some of our exemplary students who are graduating in June 2020 and what they have accomplished while attending PDC :

Nadia Fuentes
Major: Communication Studies
During her years at the PDC, some of Nadia's accomplishments have included: working as a student coordinator for the PDC Student Ambassadors Society, being on the Dean's List of Distinguished Students, assisting with the beginning stages of the Paws Radio station at PDC, interning and working with the Emerging Leaders program, being selected by AAUW (American Association of University Women) to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Conference for College Women and Student Leaders, and interning and working at Sunnylands Center and Gardens.

Abigail Lomeli
Major: Communication Studies
During her years at the PDC, some of Abigail's accomplishments have included: serving as an orientation leader and a writing tutor, being selected as the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the Year, and interning in the marketing and development department at The Joslyn Center.
Jonathan Lowell
Major: Business Administration
During his years at the PDC, some of Jonathan's accomplishments have included: advocating for students as the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) representative for the Palm Desert Campus, serving on the PDC Student Life Committee, being recognized publicly for a high GPA and scholastic achievements, and being a member of the first group of hospitality management students at PDC.
The Palm Desert Campus is a unique and extraordinary place. It is located in a world-class destination, it's safe and it's beautiful. The entire campus has been built by our generous community and our students have a culture of giving back to the community that has created so many special opportunities for them. 
 
As we strive for student and community success with the work we do at PDC, we will continue to build academic programs, enhance relevancy, elevate the student experience and increase our ability to serve.

I would like to congratulate our Class of 2020 for their achievements and a job well done!
Sincerely, 

Jake Zhu, Ph.D.
Dean, CSUSB Palm Desert Campus
Campus Highlights
PDC names Kameron Manshadi as its 2020 Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Kameron, who lives in Rancho Mirage, will receive a bachelor of science degree in nursing and will graduate summa cum laude.
 
Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Kameron immigrated to the United States 10 years ago in search of democracy, freedom and human rights. After being accepted into the BSN program at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, Kameron focused every aspect of his life on his education.

“It was gratifying to see the outcome of my hard work and dedication” he says. “Having a 4.0 GPA almost every quarter and being on the Dean’s List of Distinguished Students validated my efforts. Becoming a nurse is at the core of who I am and not just what I want to be."

Congratulations Kameron!
PDC nursing student featured in CalMatters article highlighting her good work during the COVID-19 pandemic
Michelle Rodriguez is using her talents and passion to help people in the Coachella Valley.
PDC students partner with Coachella Valley nonprofits
Students at PDC are partnering with Coachella Valley nonprofits to help them share the innovative ways they are helping their communities.
Connecting with Riverside County educators
Dr. Priscilla Porter, director of the Priscilla and Charles Porter History-Social Science Resource Room at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus , recently had her model lesson plans posted on The Riverside County Office of Education's website as a resource for elementary school teachers!

Great job Dr. Porter!
Tea with the Dean and Provost
PDC hosted "Tea with the Dean and Provost" on May 20, where PDC students had the opportunity to meet virtually with the PDC dean, Dr. Jake Zhu, and the CSUSB Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Shari McMahan, and ask them questions on a variety of topics that are of concern to them during these unprecedented times.
CSUSB's Palm Desert Campus guides students to educational excellence
As a four-year degree accredited university, the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus provides its students with the tools they need for professional success.

With high-quality programs like hospitality management , nursing , communication and psychology , the Palm Desert Campus has everything Coyotes need to become life and career-ready after graduation.