Departing University Advancement VP Leaves Enduring Impact

Departing University Advancement VP Leaves Enduring Impact

By Eric Breier

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As a child growing up in Ohio, Jessica Berger's parents always instilled in her the power of education. They never had the opportunity to attend college, but they knew that it could serve as a key to open any door for their daughter.

That upbringing made it especially meaningful to Berger when she was hired to be Cal State San Marcos' vice president of University Advancement in 2021. Berger brought extensive higher education experience from Harvey Mudd College, a private liberal arts school about 90 miles north of San Marcos. But as a first-generation college graduate herself, it resonated deeply with Berger seeing CSUSM's commitment to social mobility and knowing that more than half of its graduates are, like her, the first in their families to earn a college degree.

"I have so much gratitude to my parents," Berger said. "They gave me the opportunity to do something that they didn't have the chance to do. My dad passed away last year, and I was able to establish a scholarship in their name that supports first-generation students. My parents' support is really embedded in me, and to be able to give back in that way to students who were like me, it means the world.

"It's so special to be a part of a place where you get to see the dreams of our students and how those dreams are able to come to life because of the work of all the people here."

Those moments are what make this such a bittersweet time for Berger. She will start a new chapter in her life later this month as the executive vice president and chief advancement officer at Chapman University in Orange County. Berger's last day at CSUSM will be July 24. An interim vice president of University Advancement is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

"It is bittersweet, because I love this place," Berger said. "I love the people and it's been such a privilege and honor to be a part of this university."

Berger credits success and achievements during her tenure to the meaningful collaboration with the CSUSM community and partners to dream big and create transformational pathways for the future.

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At CSUSM, Berger's leadership has been defined by vision, integrity and a strong belief in the power of philanthropy to change lives.

Over the last four years, University Advancement surpassed goals every year, raised the highest amount of funds in a single evening at the Blue & Silver fundraising dinner, broke CSUSM Giving Day records, and headed efforts to raise private support through philanthropy and government agencies toward the first state-funded academic building at CSUSM in over a decade-the Integrated Science & Engineering Building that will break ground this summer.

In 2023-24, CSUSM raised more than $26 million - a university record that more than doubled the previous high. Two landmark commitments, the university's first eight-figure gifts totaling $20 million, reflected the trust Berger helped build between the university and its supporters. They were also testaments to CSUSM's commitment to student success.

"Jessica has been an extraordinary partner and leader, and we are so grateful for the passion and expertise she brought to the university," CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. "Her commitment to building meaningful relationships, elevating our philanthropy efforts and guiding a strong, collaborative team will have a lasting legacy. I am grateful to Jessica for her transformational leadership - and the impact she and the entire advancement team have had and will continue to have on advancing our mission as we move forward."

Under Berger's guidance, University Advancement grew not just in dollars, but in depth by engaging more alumni, connecting more with regional leaders, and laying the foundation for the largest fundraising campaign in the university's history - a $200 million campaign that is nearly 70% toward its goal.

Berger also worked closely with the CSUSM Foundation Board to ensure that philanthropic goals aligned with the university's strategic priorities, including development of the nation's first case statement of support for social mobility upon CSUSM ranking No. 1 in CollegeNet's Social Mobility Index in 2022. The results have included more scholarships, more support for faculty research, and a deeper sense of shared purpose across campus.

"I'm so grateful to everyone at Cal State San Marcos," Berger said. "President Neufeldt really touched my life professionally and personally. She's been incredibly influential in shaping the leader that I am today.

"And I've been so fortunate to work alongside the President's Administrative Team, the Advancement team - I call them the 'A Team' because they are really such a strong team - and the Foundation Board, a group of volunteers who truly give their time, talent and treasure in numerous ways. And then our campus partners, all of the success and achievements that we've seen have been in collaboration with so many people. I know the strong momentum will continue, and I look forward to cheering on CSUSM's continued success as a friend and supporter."

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314