As summer comes to a close and we kick off a new academic year, I would like to welcome all our students back to The Beach. I also want to extend our warmest greetings to our new students from throughout California and many out-of-state locations, including Florida, Michigan, China and France.
These students are among the most academically talented, diverse, and socially engaged in the 59-year history of our great university. They will be joining a very accomplished and talented student body that truly understands what it means to live, learn and grow together.
For most of our returning students, the campus may look a bit different from when you departed for summer break. As you walk around the university, you will undoubtedly notice a great deal of construction, renovation and maintenance activity.
In fact, during the next two years, our university will experience approximately $250 million in facility improvements, including a new parking structure, dining facility, science complex, and our first student recreation and wellness center. Your patience will be greatly appreciated as we work to enhance the quality of learning and life for all on campus.
I also would like to thank all returning students, faculty and staff for your commitment to making sure that graduating from CSULB is the primary objective of each and every student. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our faculty and staff, as well as our returning students who also play a vital role in helping friends and fellow students succeed, this past year CSULB experienced the largest, most diverse and most successful graduating class in our history.
Congratulations to our entire campus family for achieving what many thought a decade ago was an impossible goal.
As the new academic year begins, please remember that “Graduation Begins Today” and make sure that you do not lose sight of this essential objective. Always remember that you would not be on our campus if you did not have the ability to succeed in the classroom and graduate from Cal State Long Beach.
Also, keep in mind that our nationally recognized faculty and very experienced staff are here to help you achieve this important milestone. Today, unlike any other time in our nation’s history, graduation has become an economic necessity.
Take advantage of this great university and the time that you spend here. Be engaged in the classroom and throughout the campus. Most of all have a wonderful year and GO BEACH!
– F. King Alexander
CSULB president