The Roar Report - March 2026

Febraury STAR Award Recipient

Giulia Martelli

ASI Cougar Pantry Specialist, Associated Students, Inc.

The STAR Award honors staff and faculty whose exceptional contributions exemplify our division’s mission to transform lives, one student at a time, whether through direct student engagement or vital behind-the-scenes support.

Giulia is being recognized for her outstanding work with the ASI Cougar Pantry. Giulia plays a vital role in overseeing pantry operations, ensuring a clean, organized, and welcoming space that serves more than 1,000 student visits each week. She also mentors and develops student employees, fostering a supportive and student-centered environment, and brings her background in nutrition to enhance learning and service for both staff and students.

Over the past year, Giulia has led impactful initiatives such as the return of Fresh Market Mondays, coordinated biweekly produce distributions, and developed a structured volunteer program to expand the pantry’s reach and effectiveness. Her leadership, initiative, and genuine care for students make her an invaluable member of the CSUSM community.

Who will be next?

We invite you to submit nominations for the March STAR Award. Help us continue to celebrate and recognize the amazing work happening across Student Affairs. Submit by April 3 at 11:59 p.m.

Note: Nominations will remain active for one year from the month of submission. This ensures that outstanding contributions are given thoughtful consideration over time and that the process is not solely driven by the number of nominations received each month.

Click here to learn more about our Division Recognition Program and view past award recipients.

Submit your nomination

Happy Women’s History Month!

As Women's History Month comes to a close, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible women across the Division of Student Affairs. Our campus thrives because of your leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student success.

From the front lines of student services to the strategic planning behind our most impactful programs, your work creates the foundation upon which our students build their futures. This month, we've honored not only the historical figures who paved the way but also the “history-makers” we have the privilege of working alongside every day.

Thank you for your expertise and the diverse perspectives you bring to our community!

Department Highlights

Women's Herstory Month hosted by Women & Gender Equity Center

Throughout March, the Women & Gender Equity Center (WGEC) brought our campus community together to connect and engage in meaningful conversations in honor of Women's History Month. Students, staff, and faculty participated in a range of programs that explored identity, leadership, and well-being, while also recognizing the history and contributions of women.

The month began with powerful discussions on women’s voting rights and the legacy of women of color activists, reaffirming participants in the ongoing fight for equity and representation. Community-centered events like the Feminist Festival and the Women’s Leadership Summit created spaces for connection, empowerment, and collective action across campus.

Thank you to the Women & Gender Equity Center and all campus partners for creating spaces that honor, uplift, and celebrate women across CSUSM.

CSUSM Dance Team Makes History with First National Title!

The CSUSM Dance Team won a national title at the United Spirit Association (USA) Collegiate Championships in Anaheim.

They placed first in the 4 Year College Pom Div. II/III finals, with 91.83 points out of 100, winning over second-place Chico State with 86.17. They also earned second in the 4 Year College Jazz Div. II/III finals, scoring 88.67 points, just behind Chapman University (92.17).

The Pom Championship is the first national title in program history, as previously, the team’s best finishes were third place in both pom and jazz.

The team is now preparing for their biggest competition of the season: the National Dance Alliance College Nationals from April 8-11 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The campus community can support and send off the dance team when they host their Nationals Showcase on April 4at 12:30 pm in the Sports Center.

Congratulations to the CSUSM Dance Team and Head Coach Nguyen Bui, along with assistant coaches Casey Bui (fourth year at CSUSM) and Olivia Bradford (CSUSM Alumna).

Campus Recreation Expands Opportunities for Project Rebound Students Through Outdoor Adventures

Campus Recreation has received Co-Curricular Funding to offer a unique outdoor experience for students in Project Rebound, an all-inclusive surf trip at no cost.

Student will travel to a local beach to learn the basics of surfing alongside members if the CSUSM Surf Team. Through hands-on, one-on-one instruction, the experience is designed to help students feel comfortable in the ocean and, for many, stand up on a surfboard for the first time.

Beyond learning a new skill, the trip creates a space for students to build community, try something new, and experience the mental and health benefits of being outdoors in a supportive environment.

Career Center Hosts Spring 2026 Job & Internship Fair

This spring, the Career Center hosted its signature Job & Internship Fair, bringing students and employers together for a day of connection, explorations, and opportunity. The event welcome over 50 employers and over 530 students, with opportunities ranging from part-time roles to internships and full-time positions. The fair gave students a chance to build confidence, practice networking, and have real conversations about their career paths.

For some, the impact was immediate. One employer, Treobytes, began scheduling interviews on the spot, with students continuing the process later that same day at the Career Center.

The event also reflected the ling-tern value of these connections. Alumni returned as recruiters, including 2024 graduate Luke Kajy of LendSure, who first found his role through Handshake and is now helping open doors for current students.

Miiyu: Where Story Lives - Open House & Mural Unveiling

The American Indian Student Center, also known as The Nest, hosted a mural unveiling and open house to celebrate a space grounded in culture, identity, and belonging.

The mural, created by Dr. Eric Tippeconnic and CSUSM student Lanise Luna, grew our of conversations with students, staff, and faculty about representation and inclusion. What began as an idea evolved into a vibrant visual story, one shaped by community voices and lived experiences.

The mural is meant to be experienced, not defined. That became especially clear during a visit from a group of fourth graders from a nearby tribal school. As they entered, they immediately saw themselves in the artwork. One students shared, "My uncle signs like that." Another said, "My mom has a ribbon skirt." In those moments, the mural became more that art, it became reflection, recognition, and a sense of home.

Welcome to the Student Affairs Family!

Maria Venegas Escobedo

mescobedo@csusm.edu

Interim Director of Prevention & Education,

Office of Title IX/DHR

Maria Venegas Escobedo joins the Office of Title IX/DHR as the Interim Director of Prevention & Education while concurrently serving as the Director of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), a role she has held since 2020.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development from CSUSM and a master’s degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a specialization in Student Affairs from San Diego State University. Maria’s passion for student success is rooted in her experiences as a proud Latina, first-generation student, and her commitment to leaving a legacy where students feel empowered and are equipped with the knowledge for whatever their next step may be.

Joshua Foronada

jforonda@csusm.edu

Assistant Director of Student Organizations, Student Leadership & Involvement Center

Joshua Foronda joins the Student Leadership & Involvement Center (SLIC) team as Assistant Director of Student Organizations through a temporary reassignment. Josh was previously at the Office of Success Coaching, where he has served as a Success Coach since the office’s inception.

He holds a Master of Education in Counseling from San Diego State University, with certifications in restorative justice practice and trauma-informed care, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminology & Justice Studies from CSUSM.

In his new role, Josh will oversee and support student organizations, bringing with him a strong student-centered approach and deep institutional knowledge. While transitioning into this position, he will continue to support students within the APIDA Wayfinders cohort for the remainder of the academic year, ensuring continuity of care and advising for those students.

Jemefer Cruz

jacruz@csusm.edu

Community Director, Housing

Jemefer Angela Cruz is an alumna of California State University San Marcos, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. During her undergraduate years, she worked with CSUSM Housing as a Residential Peer Mentor and Resident Advisor. These experiences inspired her to pursue a career in higher education. Jemefer went on to earn her Master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership at the University of San Diego. Most recently, she worked in the University of San Diego’s Residential Life, supporting transfer and upper-division students, with a focus on second-year residents’ housing experience and development.

Dr. Claudia Miranda

cmiranda@csusm.edu

Counselor, Student Health & Counseling Services

Dr. Claudia Miranda is a bilingual (Spanish/English) psychologist who specializes in working with ADHD and first-generation related concerns, Latinx mental health, and intergenerational trauma. She was born and raised in the Bay Area, and her passion for psychology is rooted in her experiences as a daughter of immigrants and a first-gen transfer student. She earned her undergraduate degree from UC Davis and her doctorate in clinical psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California.

Throughout her clinical experiences, Dr. Miranda has learned to draw strength from her community's cultural wealth and strives to empower others to do the same. She is passionate about amplifying the voices of historically silenced communities in both her clinical and professional work, for instance, through creating resources and supportive services for underrepresented students and advocating for a decolonized approach to clinical training. Dr. Miranda has been recognized by the California Psychological Association (CPA) for her advocacy efforts and accomplishments in the advancement of education and training in Clinical Psychology, including co-founding a nationwide Students of Color Council for BIPOC students attending graduate programs of professional psychology.

Dr. Scott Salvatore

Director of Counseling and Psychological Sciences (CAPS), Student Health & Counseling Services

Dr. Salvatore joins us from Montana State University, where he serves as a board-certified psychologist in Student Wellness Counseling and Psychological Services, providing clinical care, training, and outreach to students, including veterans and student-athletes. In addition to his work in higher education, he consults as an operational psychologist for U.S. Naval Special Warfare and U.S. Navy Surface Forces, specializing in leadership assessment and development. A veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Public Health Service, he has led large-scale psychological health initiatives and directed multiple military mental health clinics. He has also served as an EMT with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team and is a certified mindfulness coach trained at UCLA and UC San Diego.

Dr. Salvatore will begin his tenure at CSUSM on May 18, 2026, and shared his excitement about joining a community that has personally impacted his family. Please join us in welcoming him as we look forward to the leadership, expertise, and compassion he will bring to CAPS and student wellness efforts.

Walking Group Reminder

Friendly reminder that the Student Affairs Weekly Walking Group takes place every Wednesday!

Weekly Walking Group Details:

Day/Time: Wednesdays at 12 p.m.
Meeting Location: In front of Kellogg Library
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at studentaffairs@csusm.edu. We look forward to walking with you!

Upcoming Events

March 27, 2026

Weekly Dose of Mindfulness - Cross Campus Collaboration

8 am - 8:30 am | Zoom

April 1, 2026

Lunch & Learn: Budgeting 101

11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Mark 214

April 3, 2026

Dealing with Triggers - Cross Campus Collaboration

11 am - 12 pm | Zoom

April 7, 2026

Breath & Health - Cross Campus Collaboration

12:30 pm - 1 pm | Zoom

Submit your story for the April newsletter!

Help us make this newsletter a reflection of the great things happening in Student Affairs by submitting your stories and shout-outs (like a thank you or team recognition) using the form below. Submissions are due by the 30th of the month preceding publication.

Please note: The Student Affairs Newsletter is not a student-facing publication. Content should be intended for staff and faculty audiences.

Submission Form

Missed a Communication?

Click below to catch up on any divisional emails or announcements you may have missed. We keep everything in one place so you can easily stay informed and connected.

Divisional Communication

Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time