In delivering his 2025 Convocation and State of the University address, Cal State Fullerton President Ronald Rochon applauded the university’s recent achievements and provided an optimistic view of the future.
Rochon, who was giving his second convocation since becoming president at CSUF prior to the 2024 fall semester, went into specifics on how CSUF’s past, present and future are in alignment with the university’s Fullerton Forward Strategic Plan.
Speaking to administrators, faculty and students from the stage of the Meng Concert Hall on Sept. 16, the president discussed projects that are underway, praised the faculty and administration and celebrated the university’s diverse student body, numbering close to 45,000.
But before going into detail, Rochon said it was necessary to pause and reflect on issues facing the nation and the world and their impact on the university.
The president expressed concern regarding the divisiveness and violence that he fears are becoming the new normal.
“Instead of us finding ways to engage with one another, we’re finding ways to be even more divisive, more hateful,” the president said.
He referenced a recent school shooting in Colorado, the fatal shooting of Christian nationalist activist Charlie Kirk and ongoing conflicts around the world.
“I am in a space right now that all I want to talk about, really, is humanity,” he said. “Ways in which we can reexamine what we’re doing, reexamine how we are working with our students, reexamine the kinds of examples that we’re providing for our candidates to replicate.”
Rochon challenged the faculty and administrators to prioritize “compassion over convenience,” and serve students with “radical hospitality,” emphasizing that every student is a “story, not just a seat.”
Rochon also stressed the importance of knowing one’s rights and being prepared for situations where individuals might be stopped or detained.
In reaffirming CSUF’s commitment to the Fullerton Forward plan – expanding opportunities, attracting and retaining students, investing in innovation and infrastructure – Rochon said every decision must be made with the goal of elevating student success and well-being.
“What are we doing for human beings?” he asked. “Across all of our divisions, across all of our colleges, (how do we) make sure that our students are safe? Make sure that our faculty and staff are in good spaces to do their job, deliver their expertise?”
Rochon cited the success of Project Rebound, the Cal State initiative providing educational opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Project Rebound has served 830 individuals since its inception in 2016 and boasts a recidivism rate of just 3%, compared with California’s average of 40% to 45%, Rochon said.
“I want to tell you, I really believe this in my heart, that the majority of us, in this beautiful facility, beginning with me, are one mistake away from being incarcerated.”
Rochon talked about major construction projects currently underway on campus.
The 42,000-square-foot Engineering and Computer Science Innovation Hub, a high-tech facility that will support STEM excellence, is scheduled for completion in fall 2027.
The College of Business and Economics will soon be the home of Landmark Hall, a 20,000-square-foot tri-level building featuring a television studio, auditorium, executive boardroom and training room.
The Sequoia Student Housing Complex, a 510-bed apartment-style student housing complex, will offer affordable options for students facing housing insecurity and is scheduled to open in fall 2026.
Rochon closed his address by defining his role as president.
“Presidents of universities should be servants, should be working with campuses, making sure that we are serving the folks that we’ve been honored to be with,” he said. “I am president because you allow me to be president. I’m not a permanent fixture. I am a temporary steward. I’m here to serve this institution because of the faculty and the staff, the student body, the alums, our trustees, and the faculty. I get to serve.”