This past June, CSUN President Erika D. Beck welcomed alumni, supporters, faculty and students to an elegant evening celebrating the profound impact of philanthropy on our campus community. The Donor Appreciation Celebration recognized donors whose generosity continues to shape CSUN’s academic excellence and student success. Guests enjoyed a warm welcome and a moving program that highlighted the power of giving.
Sheila Steinberg, professor of Geography and Environmental Studies and director for the Institute of Sustainability, emphasized the role of donors in supporting CSUN students as they navigate their academic journeys. In her words, “students bring resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to their communities… your support, whether through scholarships or giving to a department encourages our students to thrive through challenge and transform adversity into opportunity.”
The evening’s most moving moment came from Daniela Muriel Robledo ’23 (B.S., Biology), who is currently enrolled in CSUN’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. With passionate sincerity, Daniela shared how CSUN offered her a “second chance to build the future” she had “always envisioned.” She expressed deep gratitude to the donors whose generosity helped turn her aspirations into reality. For Daniela, nursing is more than a career—it’s a calling. “Nursing is about being there for others during their most vulnerable moments,” she said. “It’s about connection, compassion, and trust.”
A recipient of the Roseanna Purzycki Memorial Scholarship, Daniela credited donor support with recognizing her hard work and passion—and with sending a powerful message: that she is seen and that her dreams matter. The scholarship eased her financial burden, allowing her to focus fully on her studies and clinical training. “It reminded me that I wasn’t alone on this journey—that a community of people, including many of you here tonight, believed in me and wanted to see me succeed.”
Daniela concluded with a heartfelt message of appreciation: “Tonight, I want to say thank you. Thank you to the donors, alumni, and friends of CSUN who believe in students like me. Your support creates more than opportunities—it creates futures. It creates nurses, teachers, scientists, artists, and leaders who will go out into the world and make it a better place.” Her remarks were met with enthusiastic applause, a reflection of the audience’s shared admiration and support. Daniela’s story stood as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of giving—the gift of opportunity, confidence, and a future full of promise.
Throughout the evening, donors connected with students and faculty, hearing firsthand how their contributions made a tangible difference. The event served as a powerful reminder that every gift—large or small—can transform lives.
As the night concluded, attendees left inspired by the stories shared and reaffirmed in their commitment to supporting CSUN’s mission. The Donor Appreciation Celebration was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the enduring legacy of generosity and the bright futures it creates.
Gifts to CSUN help students like Daniela thrive. Explore giving opportunities and donate at engage.csun.edu.
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