Welcoming New Students to Cougar Family

Welcoming New Students to Cougar Family

An error occurred while preparing your download

Cal State San Marcos welcomed first-year and transfer students to the Cougar family on Saturday during New Student and Family Convocation, an annual celebration held in the Sports Center.

The event included remarks from, among others, President Ellen Neufeldt, Provost Carl Kemnitz, Vice President of Student Affairs Viridiana Diaz and Tristan Bugnot, the president and CEO for Associated Students, Inc.

"At Cal State San Marcos, we understand that the student experience stretches far beyond the classroom," Diaz told attendees, which included family members of new students. "Students are the heartbeat of the Division of Student Affairs. Our professional staff is committed to offering intentional learning and development opportunities that stimulate self-discovery and personal growth, and I have no doubt that you'll find that CSUSM will play such an impactful role in your lives.

"This is truly a place that not only helps students change the trajectory of their own lives, but also has a positive ripple effect on their families, friends and communities."

As is tradition at New Student and Family Convocation, each student received a challenge coin from a family member or friend.

"We're excited and appreciative that our kids are coming into their own and finding their niche, and the challenge coin ceremony is symbolic of that," said Tony Reece, a family ambassador whose daughter Marisa transferred to CSUSM last year.

Relive some of the highlights from the two ceremonies in the New Student and Family Convocation photo slideshow.

• New Student and Family Convocation 2026. Photo by Miguel Mota
• New Student and Family Convocation 2026. Photo by Miguel Mota
• New Student and Family Convocation 2026. Photo by Miguel Mota
• New Student and Family Convocation 2026. Photo by Miguel Mota
• New Student and Family Convocation 2026. Photo by Miguel Mota
• New Student and Family Convocation 2026. Photo by Miguel Mota
• New Student and Family Convocation 2026. Photo by Miguel Mota
• New Student and Family Convocation 2026. Photo by Miguel Mota
• New Student and Family Convocation 2026. Photo by Miguel Mota

An error occurred while preparing your download

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

[email protected] | Office: 760-750-7314