President’s Circle is comprised of some of the strongest educational advocates in the region. Business and community leaders, alumni, friends, and California State University San Marcos employees are among those who make up this vital group of supporters. Gifts received through President’s Circle enable the President to respond to the highest academic needs of the campus which further the mission of CSUSM. These gifts enrich the lives of many San Marcos students by enhancing the university’s educational and extracurricular programs. President’s Circle memberships assist us in promoting research, scholarships, and raising academic standards to create greater opportunities for our students, faculty, and community.
Funds raised through President’s Circle membership have been used for:
- Scholarships
Scholarships are provided to those with high financial need that are in good academic standing helping to ensure these students are able to complete their education. - Student Activities, Clubs and Organizations
These funds are used to support activities or projects that enhance student life on campus; support activities, conferences, or events that benefit CSUSM students; and allow individual students the ability to participate in educational conferences or. - Faculty Professional Development Grants
Grants are awarded to support professional activities related to teaching and learning, research and creative activities, and/or community or disciplinary service. - Community Engagement
CSUSM and its community partners collaborate to enhance the quality of life for all who work, live and study in North County San Diego and beyond. For its record of successful university-community partnerships, CSUSM received the Carnegie Foundation designation as a community engaged campus. - Post-season Travel and Funds for Student Athletes
Post-season competition is not covered by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) of which CSUSM is a member. President’s Circle memberships helped fund provided monies for travel expenses incurred while the students were in post-season competition.
Learn more about President's Circle membership levels and privileges...
Member Spotlight
Meet CSUSM Alumnus & President's Circle Member
Wayne Fields!
Wayne Fields was among the earliest transfer classes when he entered CSUSM in 1996. He was awarded the first CoBA Dean's Award when he graduated with his BSBA in 1999. After graduation, Wayne volunteered as a board member for the fledgling CSUSM Alumni Association. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed to the CSUSM Foundation Board as the alumni representative and acted as a liaison between the Foundation and the Alumni Association. During his two terms as the alumni member on the Foundation Board, Wayne returned to CSUSM to complete his MBA in 2002. Wayne continued his service with the Foundation Board serving as a community member on the Executive Committee as Vice Chair. For over 15 years, Wayne has been an active and involved member of the CSUSM family including the President's Circle. He holds a lifetime membership in the Alumni Association and has freely donated his time and money whenever asked.
Meet John and Charlene Smylie
John and Charlene Smylie have been loyal President's Circle members since 2004. Beginning in 2007, John and Charlene felt a commitment to see that one additional scholarship could be awarded through President's Circle and their generosity has really made a difference. John has been in practice for more than 40 years in San Marcos and his primary areas of expertise are estate planning and business law. His firm also does substantial litigation work in the areas of real estate, business, probate and elder law. John holds four college degrees, including the Juris Doctor from Loyola University Law School. He has taken advanced course work at Loyola University Law School, UCLA School of Law and Georgetown Law School in Washington, D.C.
