AT A GLANCE
ALUMNI
Approximately 260,000 Cal State LA alumni contribute to the growth and vitality of our region.
DONORS
More than 16,000 donors have funded programs and services that support student success.
THE CAMPAIGN
More than $101 million was raised for University initiatives, academic and athletic programs, the arts, and co-curricular activities.
Division of University Advancement
University Advancement at Cal State LA plays a central role in advancing the University’s mission to support students and transform lives. Through philanthropy, community partnerships, and strategic communications, the division collaborates with alumni, friends, faculty, staff, parents, and students to secure vital financial resources for scholarships, research, innovative programs, and modern learning environments.
As part of the division, the Cal State LA Foundation—separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—works in close partnership with the university to provide philanthropic resources that supplement state funding. The Foundation helps strengthen programs that directly benefit students and enhance the university’s academic mission.
Our dynamic team—comprised of Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, Development, Strategic Communications, University Events, and the Luckman Theatre—strives to build connections, facilitate engagement, enhance communications, and promote a culture of philanthropy, We work thoughtfully and collaboratively to understand the university’s needs and strategic priorities, speak passionately about the power and promise of a Cal State LA education, cultivate meaningful engagement, and advance philanthropic impact.
Together, the University Advancement team helps expand Cal State LA’s impact and its commitment to access, excellence, and a transformative education. We are proud to be part of a vibrant campus community that strives to empower dreams and transform lives.
The Office of the Vice President for University Advancement is led by the Vice President, who serves as Cal State LA’s chief advancement officer and principal advisor to the President on all matters related to university development, alumni engagement, and community and donor relations. Supported by a dedicated professional staff, the office oversees initiatives that strengthen the University’s philanthropic partnerships and external relations.
The office also includes the Cal State LA Foundation, which provides and enhances funding beyond what is available through the California State University system, supporting scholarships, programs, and initiatives that advance the University’s mission.
Alumni Relations fosters meaningful engagement opportunities that advance the University’s mission, strengthen connections among alumni, faculty, staff, and students, and encourage alumni involvement and contributions to the campus community. Alumni Relations encompasses both the Alumni Association and the Annual Giving program.
The Alumni Association serves as a vital link between the University, its alumni, and the greater Los Angeles community. Its primary purpose is to advance the University’s interests, strengthen relationships among alumni, faculty, staff, and students, and enhance alumni contributions to campus life. These goals are achieved through a wide range of ongoing programs and activities. Membership in the Association is open and free to all former Cal State LA students.
Through the Annual Giving program, Alumni Relations raises funds to support academic excellence at Cal State LA while inspiring alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends to maintain a lasting connection and active involvement with the University.
University Development secures vital financial support for Cal State LA, benefiting all seven colleges, Athletics, and the University Library.
Within this unit, Foundation and Corporate Relations cultivates partnerships with organizations and funders whose interests align with the University’s priorities and assists in the preparation and submission of grant proposals.
Planned Giving offers opportunities for philanthropic individuals to make meaningful contributions through gifts of cash, securities, or property as part of their financial or estate planning, ensuring a lasting impact on future generations of Cal State LA students.
Advancement Services provides essential administrative, reporting, and technology support to University Advancement. Its responsibilities include gift processing, data management, donor stewardship, and oversight of the University’s donor database to ensure accurate and timely information for all stakeholders. The unit also encompasses Prospect Research, which equips development staff with insights into the interests and affiliations of donors and prospective donors, enabling meaningful philanthropic engagement and stronger connections to the University.
The Office of Strategic Communications manages internal and external communications, including marketing, media relations, and public information. Its efforts center on building awareness and recognition of the achievements of those in the Cal State LA community and furthering positive relations with the campus community and its many audiences.
The Office oversees print and digital forms of communication, including website design and content, graphics and editorial standards, university publications (including California State University, Los Angeles Magazine, Connections, The Insider, and University Reports), along with other responsibilities on behalf of the University.
University Events and Protocol oversees the planning and execution of key initiatives that strengthen relationships within the Cal State LA community and beyond. The team organizes cultivation events for the Division of University Advancement, as well as major university-wide celebrations, special events, and high-profile ceremonies that showcase the University’s excellence and spirit.
This unit also includes the Commencement Office, which produces and manages Cal State LA’s Commencement Ceremonies and related activities, honoring the achievements of graduates and creating memorable experiences that celebrate their academic success and connection to the University.
The Luckman Fine Arts Complex is the first major multipurpose professional arts center constructed in the California State University system. The Luckman presents professional music, dance, theatre, and visual arts from around the world, and has played a pivotal role in enriching the cultural fabric of Los Angeles.
OUR STORY
Cal State LA is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles, dedicated to empowering dreams and transforming lives. The University proudly holds federal designations as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
UPWARD MOBILITY
Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of our graduates. That means we're the best University in the nation at helping our students earn their degrees, and propel them up the economic ladder.