FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2008
Media Contact: George Cagala (760) 750-4012

Million Dollar Gift Will Endow Scholarships to Help Transfer Students at CSUSM

California State University San Marcos announced that it will be the beneficiary of $1 million in scholarship endowment funds as the result of a generous gift to the California State University (CSU) system by the Bernard Osher Foundation. 

The endowment will be used by CSUSM to support scholarships for students who transfer from a California community college.  More than 88 percent of students transferring to Cal State San Marcos are from state community colleges.

Scholarships can be used for fees, books and will be available in 2009.

The Osher Foundation has pledged $70 million overall to support the state’s community college system, including $16 million for the CSU.  Fifteen of the 23 CSU campuses have been earmarked for the endowments.

Last January, the Osher Foundation also presented the Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Cal State San Marcos Extended Learning with a $1 million endowment that will help expand the program to more locations offering more courses. OLLI is for mature learners 50 years or older.

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