CONTACT US

Student Services building South facade
California State University, Los Angeles
University Advancement
5151 State University Drive, SSB 8381
Los Angeles, CA 90032

Office of the Vice President
Tel: (323) 343-3060

University Advancement Front Desk
Tel: (323) 343-3075
 

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday | Closed

University Advancement Units

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.
 

Jeff Poltorak

Jeff Poltorak
Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Cal State LA Foundation
Tel: (323) 343-3063
Email: [email protected]
 

Luisa Acosta

Luisa Acosta
Interim Assistant Vice President and Special Advisor for University Advancement
Tel: (323) 343-3073
Email: [email protected]

 

Susana Moreno

Susana Moreno '01
Director of Finance Operations for University Advancement and the Cal State LA Foundation
Tel: (323) 343-3065
Email: [email protected]
 

Jane Rhee

Jane Rhee
Administrative Assistant and Office Manager
Tel: (323) 343-3068
Email: [email protected]

 

Rose Savare

Rose Savare
Administrative Assistant
Tel: (323) 343-3075
Email: [email protected]

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.
 

Cal State LA logo for profile

Pamela Jones-Tintle
Associate Vice President for Development
Tel: (323) 343-3074
Email: [email protected]

 

Danese Bardot

Danese Bardot
Senior Director for Planned Giving
Tel: (323) 343-3045
Email: [email protected]

 

Byron Chamberlain

Byron Chamberlain
Major Gift Officer for Intercollegiate Athletics
Tel: (323) 343-6869
Email: [email protected] 

 

Jonathan De Leon

Jonathan De Leon '13
Major Gift Officer for the College of Natural and Social Sciences | College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology | University Library
Tel: (323) 343-3043
Email: [email protected]
 

Harkmore Lee

Harkmore Lee
Director of Development for the College of Arts and Letters | College of Ethnic Studies
Tel: (323) 343-3055
Email: [email protected]

Alumni Relations fosters meaningful engagement opportunities that advance the University’s mission, strengthen connections among alumni, faculty, staff, and students, and encourage alumni contributions to the campus community. 

Through its Annual Giving program, the office 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.
 

Maria Ubago

Maria Ubago '98, '06
Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
Tel: (323) 343-4945
Email: [email protected]

 

Marisol Cruz

Marisol Cruz
Assistant Director, Alumni and Student Programs
Tel: (323) 343-4980
Email: [email protected]

 

Priscilla Parks

Priscilla Parks '20
Associate Director for Alumni Relations
Tel: (323) 343-6059
Email: [email protected]

 

Sarina Frontino Sanchez

Sarina Frontino Sanchez
Administrative Support Coordinator
Tel: (323) 343-4978
Email: [email protected]

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.

Eddie Padilla

Eddie Padilla '18
Director of Advancement Services
Tel: (323) 343-6561
Email: [email protected]

 

Tess Denham

Tess Denham
Prospect Research and Data Analyst
Tel: (323) 343-3066
Email: [email protected]

 

Adriana Lara

Adriana Lara
Advancement Services Coordinator 
Tel: (323) 343-6562
Email: [email protected]

 

Katia Tyra

Katia Tyra
Program Manager
Tel: (323) 343-3067
Email: [email protected]

 

Marlene Vasquez

Marlene Vazquez '20
Administration and Gift Processing Assistant
Tel: (323) 343-6560
Email: [email protected]

Engagement and Events 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.
 

James Cuaresma

James Cuaresma
Senior Director for University Events and Protocol
Tel: (323) 343-3056
Email: [email protected]

 

Cal State LA logo for profile

Will Baker '23
Events Manager
Tel: (323) 343-3061
Email: [email protected]

The Luckman Fine Arts Complex was 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. 

Nicholas Mestas

Nicholas A. Mestas
Executive Director
Tel: (323) 343-6620
Email: [email protected]

 

Justin Cone

Justin Cone
Marketing Manager
Tel: (323) 343-6656
Email: [email protected]

 

Rico Garcia

Rico Garcia
Production Manager
Tel: (323) 343-6618
Email: [email protected]

 

Aaron Gomez

Aaron Gomez
Gallery Manager
Tel: (323) 343-6640
Email: [email protected]

 

Henry Harris

Henry Harris
Business Manager
Tel: (323) 343-6615
Email: [email protected] 

 

Rogelio Ramirez

Rogelio Ramirez
Patron Services Manager
Tel: (323) 343-6602
Email: [email protected] 

 

Kenny To

Kenny To
Communications Manager
Tel: (323) 343-6622
Email: [email protected]

 

Teresa Uscanga

Teresa D. Uscanga
Operations Manager
Tel: (323) 343-6665
Email: [email protected]

 

Judy Wynne

Judy M. Wynne
Executive Offices Manager
Tel: (323) 343-6613
Email: [email protected]