Cal State San Marcos will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon on Friday, March 20 to celebrate the grand opening of the university’s Viasat Engineering Pavilion.
The pavilion is named in honor of the Carlsbad-based company that provided a $1.5 million gift to become the founding partner of CSUSM’s electrical and software engineering programs. Viasat’s gift helped the university renovate classroom and lab space, purchase new equipment and instrumentation, and support the work of students and faculty.
“Building engineering at CSUSM has been, from the start, about creating the very best program possible to help foster a diverse talent pipeline,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said.
Neufeldt, Viasat CEO Mark Dankberg and CSUSM College of Science and Mathematics Dean Katherine Kantardjieff are among the scheduled speakers for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Viasat Engineering Pavilion is located in the former Foundation Classroom Building, which was home to CSUSM’s Extended Learning program before the opening of the new Extended Learning Building last fall. The first phase of the Viasat Engineering Pavilion renovation – creating software and electrical engineering labs and a collaborative space – was completed in August. The second phase, which created offices, the Hunter Design Lab and the Nordson Innovation Lab, was completed last month.
Viasat has been a longtime supporter of numerous programs across CSUSM, and the company has been an especially strong supporter of the university’s College of Science and Mathematics.
“Viasat is engaged with CSUSM and our community for the common good, moving forward together to enhance the intellectual and economic life of our region and the state,” Kantardjieff said. “Viasat believes in the university’s importance in our region’s success. It has recognized CSUSM as the four-year university in North County, and it has helped the College of Science and Mathematics build our brand and identity as a hub and a catalyst for workforce development and technical innovation.”
Software engineering launched at CSUSM in fall 2018, and electrical engineering followed in fall 2019. The engineering program already has enrolled more than 125 students.
What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate grand opening of Viasat Engineering Pavilion, home to CSUSM’s electrical and software engineering programs
When: Noon, Friday, March 20
Where: Viasat Engineering Pavilion on the campus of Cal State San Marcos
Parking: For driving directions, campus map and parking fees, visit the CSUSM Parking Guide
About California State University San Marcos
Building on an innovative 30-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 306-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange counties.
The university enrolls more than 16,000 students. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the annual HEED Award since 2014 — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — CSUSM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
