Chief Executive Officer's Message

When we first began planning for the CSULB 49er Foundation nearly a decade ago, we envisioned an entity that would help the university achieve its ambitious fundraising goals and provide skillful management of our growing endowment. Expectations were high for what would become the new philanthropic arm of the university, but our dedicated board, composed of philanthropy-minded community and alumni leaders, as well as staff, student, and faculty representatives, proved that it was more than up to the task.  Today, seven years after its official launch, the 49er Foundation is proud to be the university’s partner in providing CSULB students with access to high-caliber educational opportunities and experiences.

There is no individual who has contributed more to the foundation’s success than its convening chair — and longest-serving volunteer member — the Honorable Beverly Lewis O’Neill. Giving generously and consistently of her time, knowledge, and enthusiasm, Chair O’Neill has expertly helmed an energetic board that has provided this new nonprofit organization and its many stakeholders with the highest levels of support, leadership, and oversight.  Their combined efforts have translated into many important gains, including one of our most recent success stories — the inaugural LB Giving Day, held on March 15, 2018.  

Not only did CSULB raise more than $1.1 million from 1,660 gifts during this fun-spirited 27-hour event, but LB Giving Day also increased the university’s visibility, strengthened alumni and student engagement, and highlighted the crucial role of philanthropy on our campus. These are remarkable results, especially for a first attempt at this type of fundraiser, and we are very grateful to Chair O’Neill, to our entire board of directors, and to every student, alumna/us, parent, friend, faculty member, and staff member who participated in this historic fundraiser.

As Chair O’Neill prepares to retire from her chairmanship, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for her many years of extraordinary service and dedication to the CSULB 49er Foundation Board of Directors. I think it is safe to say that the foundation — like Long Beach itself — would not be in the excellent position it is today without her thoughtful, steadfast, principled leadership. On behalf of our entire campus community … thank you, Beverly!   

Sincerely,

Andrea Taylor ’83
Chief Executive Officer
(2012-2018)