CSUN was among six California State University campuses recognized with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation Strategic Engagement Award at the 30th Annual Eddy Awards on Nov. 5. Presented at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, the honor celebrates the collective leadership of Cal States Northridge, Dominguez Hills, Fullerton, Long Beach, Los Angeles and Pomona in strengthening the region’s workforce and economy.
The award highlights how the campuses, including CSUN, partner with industry and community to develop talent, build regional partnerships and support economic transformation across Los Angeles County.
“On behalf of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, we’re so excited to honor the six CSUs of Southern California for the Strategic Engagement Partner of the Year Award,” said Stephen Cheung, LAEDC CEO and president. “This is an amazing opportunity for us to thank and celebrate the CSU system for all they’re doing for the community and for our entire economy.”
CSU Chancellor Mildred García accepted the award on behalf of the six campuses and was joined on stage by CSUN President Erika D. Beck and fellow CSU leaders. “Together, we are committed to supporting every student to and through graduation and into a meaningful career or graduate school,” García said. “We are focused on bolstering the diverse and highly educated workforce that drives innovation and powers our Golden State in every field. And, we are proud to partner with like-minded organizations like LAEDC, connecting education, industry and community to shape the next 30 years of growth, opportunity and economic mobility for Los Angeles County and beyond.”
Adding a special CSUN connection to the celebration, former NBA player Metta Sandiford-Artest, whose son Ron Artest III attended CSUN and played three season with the men’s basketball team, announced the award.
“The Strategic Engagement Award recognizes an institution that plays a critical role in strengthening Southern California’s economy by supporting the industries that drive it,” Sandiford-Artest said. “The California State University system prepares the workforce of tomorrow, equipping students with the skills and knowledge that power our healthcare, bioscience, aerospace, digital media, entertainment, trade and logistics and clean energy industries. With their strategic partnerships with businesses, hands-on training and innovative programs, the CSU ensures that these sectors have the talent and leadership they need to grow, compete and thrive.”
With nearly 125,000 students graduating each year across the CSU, the recognition affirms the system’s role as one of California’s leading engines of economic mobility. For CSUN, it highlights how Matadors turn classroom learning into careers that power key industries, strengthen Los Angeles and open doors for their families and communities.
Learn more in this video about why LAEDC honored the CSU with its Strategic Engagement Award.
Comments are closed.