June 3, 2024 - In late April, students from Cal State Monterey Bay’s Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management program visited the Bernadus Lodge and Spa in Carmel Valley for a hands-on learning experience. The visit included tours of the resort, discussions with key staff, and networking opportunities, which led to a student securing a job there. The experience highlighted the importance of practical exposure in shaping well-rounded professionals in the hospitality industry.

September 6, 2024 - On a sunny September afternoon, CSUMB alumni and friends gathered to dedicate a classroom to Professor Jeff Froshman, honoring his lasting impact as a mentor who helped launch countless successful careers in accounting. The "Friends of Froshman" also raised over $30,000 to support outreach efforts, celebrating both the growth of the accounting program and Froshman’s legacy of generosity and student success.

September 19, 2024 - Cal State Monterey Bay hosted its annual Accounting Networking Event, drawing representatives from 28 organizations to share career opportunities with students. The event featured creative activities, such as building Lego avatars and using fresh berries to explain finance, making it engaging and insightful for attendees. Students received valuable career advice, participated in workshops to refine their professional skills, and had the chance to network with industry professionals about internship and job prospects.

September 26, 2024 - Cal State Monterey Bay’s Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management Program, in partnership with MCHA, hosted a career fair on Thursday, September 26, at the Otter Student Union. The event featured professional development workshops, including resume building and networking tips, followed by a business tabling session for students to connect with industry representatives. MCHA members participated for $150, while non-members paid $300, with all proceeds supporting the program’s students.

October 7, 2024 - The 2024 Greater Vision Event, held at California State University, Monterey Bay, brought together 335 students and agriculture professionals to explore the future of sustainable agriculture. The event featured discussions on topics like sustainability, climate, and innovation, with expert panels emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and the integration of diverse skills in the industry. Attendees also had the opportunity to network and connect with industry professionals about career and internship opportunities, showcasing the growing role of innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

October 18, 2024 - A sustainability training led by Dr. Paige P. Viren, sponsored by Classic Vacations, provided travel advisors and hotel partners in Hawaii the opportunity to earn their Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, strengthening their expertise in responsible tourism practices. 

November 22, 2024 - The College of Business submitted its final Initial Self-Evaluation Report (iSER) to the AACSB in November 2024 and received approval in March 2025. This marks a major milestone in our accreditation journey. 

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December 9, 2024 - The 2024 International Responsible Business Social Impact (IRBSI) Symposium, held virtually on December 3, explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, renewable energy, and ESG initiatives under the theme "Tech for Good." Over 300 participants engaged with expert presentations on AI’s potential to drive positive social and environmental change, and two CSUMB MBA students, Perla Zuniga and Odile Lomas, won awards in the inaugural Innovation for Social Impact Competition. The event was organized by CSUMB’s Institute for Innovation and Economic Development and National Cheng-Chi University, fostering global collaboration on responsible technology use.

January 24, 2025 - Paige Viren, executive director of Cal State Monterey Bay’s Sustainable Hospitality Management program, has been appointed to a two-year term on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which advises the Secretary of Commerce on policies affecting the travel industry. This appointment follows several high-profile roles Viren has recently taken on, including serving on the California Travel Association Board of Directors and working with organizations like the CSU Hospitality Alliance and See Monterey. As the only university representative among 32 advisors, Viren aims to bring an academic perspective to discussions, emphasizing the importance of tourism careers as fulfilling and well-compensated. She plans to advocate for stronger ties between education and the industry and is already working to expose students to professional opportunities, including taking students to industry events. 

February 27, 2025 - CSUMB accounting alums Nicole Velichko (Class of 2016) and Anthony Ukestad (Class of 2017) joined Professional Development Specialist Omar Perez-Sandoval and Senior Financial Analyst Chris Kage welcomed two groups of CSUMB accounting students in tours of Joby Aviation’s Marina manufacturing and research facility. Joby Aviation is based in Santa Cruz, California, and it designs and manufactures electric aircraft.

March 25, 2025 - Cal State Monterey Bay’s Women in Venture Capital Initiative hosted an empowering evening on March 18, 2025, featuring panel discussions and networking that brought together women leaders, startup founders, and investors to explore challenges and opportunities in venture capital. Led by Executive Champions Hilary Bryant and May Roen, the event featured insights from industry professionals like Margaret Rosas, Tianyue Yu, and Karen Sheffield, who shared their personal journeys and called for reimagining traditional VC models. Aimed at expanding access and financial empowerment, the initiative continues with future events, including a September panel and an October Venture Capital 101 series for women.

April 2025 - Stephanie Calica founder of HERO Event Services, is an alum of the iiED’s Startup Challenge Monterey Bay. She played a key role in the success of the 2025 LIFT Summit, coordinating high-impact panels, live demos, and interactive discussions. Her skill in event logistics and passion for regional innovation made her essential to this convergence of industry leaders and visionaries.

Launched in 2023, HERO creates memorable experiences that showcase the best of Monterey County. With 20+ years in events, hospitality, and tourism, Stephanie brings both expertise and heart. She holds a degree in Hospitality Management, is a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), and has IATAN accreditation.