CSUSM Alumni Association

09/04/2026

Meet this week’s spotlight, Berit Sidler! She graduated from CSUSM in 2025.

Q: What have you been up to since graduation?

A: “Since graduating from CSU San Marcos with my B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Public Health, I’ve continued building a career around fitness, wellness, and helping people feel their best. I became a certified Lagree instructor and also took my passion for movement and entrepreneurship a step further by launching my own wellness brand, Slow Burn. I created Slow Burn around the idea that meaningful progress doesn’t have to happen overnight. My goal is to encourage people to build sustainable routines, move in ways that feel good, and embrace the process instead of rushing toward the end result. In August 2026, I officially launched Slow Burn’s first product, The OG Sock, a grip sock designed for Pilates, Lagree, barre, and everyday movement. Starting a business from the ground up has been one of my biggest accomplishments since graduating, and I’m excited to continue growing Slow Burn while building a career within the fitness and wellness industry.”

Q: What’s an experience or lesson from your time as a student that has impacted your life?

A: “One of the biggest lessons I took from my time as a student was learning that health and wellness are about so much more than just exercise. Through my time at CSUSM, I gained a deeper understanding of how movement, habits, prevention, and overall lifestyle all work together to impact someone’s well-being. That perspective has continued to shape the way I approach fitness and wellness today. It helped me develop a more sustainable mindset around movement and played a big role in the purpose behind Slow Burn, encouraging people to focus on consistency, intentional movement, and progress that lasts rather than feeling like everything has to happen all at once.”

09/01/2026

Our 5th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb was recently featured on Fox 5 San Diego! Will we see you there?

California State University San Marcos will host a 9/11 stair climb on Sunday, Sept. 13, in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project. Participants will climb 2,071 steps to honor first responde…

08/31/2026

This is what August days looked & sounded like on campus. 💙🐾

08/31/2026

We’re extending a huge shoutout to everyone who joined us at our 2026 Alumni Mixer & New Student Kickoff event on Friday! Thank you for helping us celebrate the start of the new academic year and welcoming the newest members of the CSUSM family to campus! We couldn’t have done it without you. 💙🐾
 
PS: Head to our link in bio or csusm.edu/alumni/events to join us at one of our many upcoming events!

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

Meet this week’s spotlight, Linda Thomas-Fuchs!

Q: What have you been up to since graduation?
A: “I graduated from CSUSM with a B.S. in Accounting in 2007. Since then, I’ve built a career in accounting and finance, including roles as a Senior Financial Analyst at Bank of America and a Senior Accountant at Time Warner Cable/Spectrum. I’ve also built a real estate portfolio in Southern California. Most recently, I was accepted into Howard University’s Master of Accountancy program. One of the things I appreciate most about CSUSM is the relationships I built there. Dr. Jim Hamerly was one of my professors and later became Dean of the College of Business Administration. We’ve stayed in touch over the years, and I was honored that he served as one of my references for my Howard application. It’s a reminder that the connections you make at CSUSM can last a lifetime. As a Black American and child of an immigrant from Morocco (I was born there too), I’m proud to represent CSUSM and hope my journey encourages other students to dream big. Representation matters, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that helped shape who I am today. One of my favorite memories is taking my last final while I was nine months pregnant. Nearly 20 years later, seeing that same son preparing to begin his own journey as a CSUSM freshman this fall feels like a true full-circle moment. I never imagined we’d both have the opportunity to call CSUSM our university.”
 
Q: What experience from your time at CSUSM has impacted your life the most?
A: “CSUSM humbled me. I was a soon-to-be mom trying to finish my degree, and money was tight. I remember thinking about what I could afford for breakfast and lunch, and there were plenty of days I took naps in my car in the dirt parking lot between classes because I was exhausted. During finals, I was nine months pregnant when I took my last exam. Those experiences taught me to keep going even when things weren’t easy. Looking back now, it’s hard to believe that nearly 20 years later, that same baby is getting ready to start at CSUSM as a freshman this fall. It’s a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.”

08/21/2026

Meet Stacy Jara, this week’s spotlight! Stacy graduated from CSUSM with her bachelor’s in Literature and Writing Studies.

Q: What have you been up to since graduation?
A: “After graduating from CSUSM, I moved to Arizona and began my career in the legal field, first as a law clerk and later as a paralegal specializing in commercial litigation and employment law. That experience sparked my appreciation for creating meaningful experiences for people and ultimately led me to discover UX/UI design. Today, I’m a Product Designer at American Express, where I help design digital experiences for administrators who manage their company’s card programs. Outside of work, I serve as the Phoenix Chapter Head for Out in Tech, the world’s largest nonprofit community for LGBTQ+ people in tech, where I help create opportunities for connection, career growth, and community impact.”

Q: What’s an experience from your time at CSUSM that has impacted your life the most?
A: “One of the greatest lessons I took away from my time at CSUSM was the value of learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives. Those experiences taught me to approach challenges with empathy and collaboration. Whether I’m designing products or building community, I strive to create spaces where different voices are heard because I believe that’s where the best ideas and strongest connections are formed.”

08/17/2026

Your major as your aesthetic. ✨ Did we get yours right? 📝

08/14/2026

Meet this week’s , Claudia Ignacio, Esq.! She graduated from CSUSM in 2002 with her bachelor’s degree in History and a double minor in Literature & Writing Studies and Spanish.

Q: What have you been up to since graduation?
A: “I continued my education by studying tax at the community college and attending numerous IRS tax forums and educational workshops to build a strong foundation in U.S. taxation. My professional journey has been anything but conventional. My first position after graduation was as a legal assistant at an immigration law firm. I later became a loan officer, earned my real estate license, and continued operating a small tax preparation practice during evenings and weekends. Following the real estate market downturn, I transitioned into bankruptcy law and expanded my experience into family law. After more than twenty years of preparing tax returns and helping individuals and businesses navigate complex tax issues, I pursued my lifelong goal of becoming a tax attorney. I earned my Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of California. Today, I am the Founder and CEO of CI Tax Law, Inc., a boutique tax law firm serving clients throughout the United States and internationally. My practice focuses on strategic tax planning, tax controversy, and international tax matters, helping individuals and businesses navigate complex federal, state, and cross-border tax issues. Beyond my practice, I believe strongly in giving back to the legal profession and my community. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of Lawyers Club of San Diego and as Chair of the Tax Law Section of the San Diego County Bar Association. I am grateful to have been recognized for both my professional work and community service. In 2022, I received the Service by a New Lawyer Award from the San Diego County Bar Association. I have also been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star each year from 2024 through 2026. In 2025, California Western School of Law honored me with its Rising Star Alumni Award in recognition of my professional accomplishments, leadership, and service to the legal community.”

Q: What has impacted you most from your time at CSUSM?
A: "CSUSM gave me much more than an education; it gave me a community that believed in me and helped me grow as a leader. My experience as a student was unique because I was balancing school with working full-time and helping raise my younger siblings. Although it was a challenging time in my life, the faculty and staff at CSUSM were incredibly supportive and understanding. They recognized my dedication and helped create opportunities that allowed me to continue pursuing my education. One example that had a lasting impact was when CSUSM offered me a job that allowed me to work on campus instead of having to travel and risk missing classes. That support made a significant difference and showed me the importance of institutions investing in their students’ success. I developed strong relationships with faculty and staff. Those relationships taught me the value of collaboration, mentorship, and building connections with people who support one another’s growth. The lessons I learned at CSUSM continue to influence me today. The encouragement, mentorship, and community support, shaped the way I approach leadership and how I support others in my professional and personal life."

08/12/2026

Something exciting is coming to CSUSM! El Kafecito, a local coffee shop that already has locations in San Marcos, Vista, Escondido, Valley Center and San Diego, is taking coming to campus! Its sixth spot is scheduled for a soft opening on Aug. 24, with the full launch on Aug. 31, the first day of the new school year. El Kafecito will inherit the legacy of Campus Coffee. ☕️
 
“I remember stopping at Campus Coffee before a long lecture or between classes, so I understand how something as simple as a good cup of coffee can become part of students’ daily routine,” Rodriguez said. “Being able to return to CSUSM, this time as a local business owner, feels like a full-circle moment.”
 
El Kafecito specializes in Mexican and Hispanic-inspired flavors that, Rodriguez said, “bring something unique to the traditional coffee experience.” Its signature flavors include dulce de leche, horchata, mazapán, café de la olla, tres leches and Mexican mocha, though it also offers traditional favorites such as vanilla, caramel and mocha.
 
El Kafecito also serves pastries and other food items, with customer favorites including churro cupcakes, Mexican-inspired cinnamon rolls and stuffed conchas.
 
“Our goal is to create a place where everyone can find something they enjoy while introducing CSUSM to flavors that represent my culture and the community,” Rodriguez said.
 
The selection of El Kafecito to replace Campus Coffee stemmed from the work of the CSUSM Corporation in collaboration with the Student Culinary Council (SCC), a body created last spring to strengthen the connection between students and campus dining. 
 
“My goal is not simply to sell coffee on campus,” he said. “I want to build a connection with the CSUSM community and make El Kafecito feel like it belongs to the students, faculty, staff and Cougar family. As a former student and student-athlete, I’m excited about the opportunity to give back to a campus that was an important part of my own journey.”

Head to news.csusm.edu to read the full Cal State San Marcos story.