A family of 10,000 joins a class of 3 million
By Marya Jones Barlow
The CI family keeps getting bigger. In addition to hitting the milestone of 10,000 alumni this year, CI joined the CSU Class of 3 Million, making its graduates exclusive members of the nation鈥檚 largest, most diverse and well-known public university system.
As CI鈥檚 accomplished alumni grow in number, they are also making a big impact on their alma mater and in their communities. More than 86 percent of CI graduates stay in the area, filling important roles from educators and entrepreneurs to police officers and politicians.
They鈥檙e a generous bunch, too. Last year, donations from CI alumni rose 1,000 percent鈥攁nd alumni participation on campus as mentors, speakers and volunteers also increased significantly.
鈥淭he power of that network of 10,000 alumni is strong and continually growing,鈥� said Tania Garcia, CI鈥檚 Director of Development, Alumni Relations. 鈥淓verywhere I go, I encounter CI alumni carrying our mission pillars forward and making our community a better place.鈥�
Garcia is quick to point out CI鈥檚 high level of Dolphin pride. In surveys, more than 91 percent of alumni say they鈥檇 choose CI again. And, even though it鈥檚 the newest and smallest CSU, Garcia says CI commands attendance rates at alumni events 鈥渢hat make other CSUs envious.鈥� Last year鈥檚 Dodger Day attracted a record of more than 1,000 alumni and friends. The University鈥檚 Mentorship & Networking Night has grown exponentially. Half of all attendees leave the event with a job opportunity.
The perks of being a CI grad continue to grow. CI consistently wins national awards for sustainability, community service, work culture and embracing diversity. Alumni can look forward to expanded enrollment and new programs in the coming years, as CI adds degrees like a doctorate in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in Computer Engineering. New attractions like a Conference & Events Center and intercollegiate athletics will bring even more to cheer about.
A class above: notable alums speak out
JEVON WILKES - 鈥�12 Communication
Program Director for Echoes of Hope, Executive Board member for California Coalition for Youth鈥淏eing a CI alumnus improves my life鈥檚 opportunities through a large external family network. I am able to turn to fellow alumni to give and receive support. Reaching 10,000 alumni means CI has a big and growing family. Those relationships will flourish to make this world a better place.鈥�CHRISTY WEIR - 鈥�05 Liberal Studies
Former Mayor of Ventura; City Council member since 2003
鈥淐I provided a good balance and a strong foundation for my new political career. The opportunity for Ventura County residents to take advantage of an excellent institution so close to home has enriched our entire community. I鈥檓 excited to be a part of CI鈥檚 continuing growth as a highly-regarded center for education and culture.鈥�
ROBERT LESTAK - 鈥�14 Political Science
Founder of Wholly Hemp; social business entrepreneur
鈥淚鈥檓 proud to be in on the ground floor of the new wave of education and to see CI growing right before my eyes. Any opportunity I have to involve myself in CI, I鈥檓 there. I love the close connection I have with the University; I still text my professors all the time.鈥�
Join the CSU Class of 3 Million online yearbook. Stay connected by joining CI鈥檚 Alumni & Friends Association, making a gift, becoming a mentor, or by attending and volunteering at CI events. Learn more at www.csuci.edu/alumni/.
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漏 Spring 2015 / Volume 19 / Number 1 / Bi-annual