SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Using the theme “Transforming Lives and Communities Through Higher Education,” Tomás D. Morales was formally invested as president of California State University, San Bernardino during a ceremony held on campus on Friday, June 14.
The Presidential Investiture ceremony, held at the university’s Coussoulis Arena, was part of Cal State San Bernardino’s commencement weekend celebration with five graduation ceremonies for the university’s five colleges ahead on Saturday and Sunday. The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus began the celebration when it held its ceremony on Thursday, June 13.
But this day belonged to Morales, who is the university’s fourth president in its 48-year history. Along with CSUSB faculty, students and staff, the procession included academics dressed in full regalia from the California State University system, the University of California and from around the country to honor Morales, who has served as CSUSB president since August 2012.
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A number of speakers representing CSUSB students, faculty, staff, alumni, the CSU Board of Trustees, the CSU presidents, and academics from around the country all praised Morales.
“Tomás is a man of integrity and beliefs, and will be a tireless advocate of this university,” said Michael Ortiz, president of Cal Poly Pomona, where Morales served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs before serving as president of the College of Staten Island from 2007-2012. Morales “will spend his days and nights to expand student access and student success.”
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James R. Watson, the chairman of the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation, called Morales “one of the most passionate advocates for students I have ever met. He’d give you the shirt off his back. He brings a level of positive energy in every space he enters.”
“This university has a bright future under Dr. Morales,” said Jimmy Walker, the president of the CSUSB Associated Students, Inc.
The last of the many speakers to pay tribute to Morales was CSU Chancellor Timothy White.
Morales “has dedicated his professional life to improving access and quality in public higher education,” White said before formally investing Morales as CSUSB president. “He is also a strategic thinker and innovator who has the skills to help this university navigate the path ahead – a path of significant change, great opportunity, and profound importance to our state.”
Read the complete story at http://news.csusb.edu/?p=26931.
