Rising in the East

Under sparkling lights and a setting sun, more than 400 Cal State East Bay  faculty and staff, students, alumni and supporters of the university mingled and listened to inspirational speeches to  celebrate the public announcement of Cal State East Bay’s $60 million comprehensive Rising in the East capital campaign. 

As the university approaches its 60th anniversary, it is rising to the challenge of educating the most diverse student population in the 23-campus state university system, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college.

“Each of us has a journey that led to Cal State East Bay, where the journey continues, fueled by a fresh infusion of energy, ideas and inspiration,” said President Leroy Morishita at the event.

To date, Cal State East Bay has raised more than half of its goal, which will continue the  university’s prominence as a leader in K-12 STEM education and has extended the reach of programs like Hayward Promise Neighborhood.

The Sept. 24 gala featured prominent speakers such as Golden State Warrior’s co-owner and entertainment executive Peter Guber and California State University Chancellor Timothy White (MS ’72 Physical Education). Eight-time Emmy award-winning comedy writer J.R. Havlan (BS ’87, Business Administration) emceed the evening and regularly had the massive tent of supporters laughing at his antics and video clips of his own humorous fundraising attempts on campus.  

Speakers and campaign materials from the night highlighted the university’s ability to fulfill its promise to the communities and region it serves through the three key initiatives: people, place and purpose.

“We are rising to meet the challenges of educating our motivated students,” said Tanya Hauck, vice president for University Advancement. “More than 80 percent of Cal State East Bay graduates will enter the Bay Area workforce as skilled employees dedicated to succeeding in their chosen fields.”