Cal State San Marcos Breaks Ground On Science And Engineering Building

SAN DIEGO, CA — Cal State San Marcos leaders Thursday broke ground on its future Integrated Science and Engineering Building, intended to allow the university to bolster its STEM programs and boost enrollment.

"It wasn't too long ago when the idea of the Integrated Science and Engineering Building was but a hope and a dream," said CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt. "So it seems a little surreal that we have finally come to this day, about to break ground on the first state-supported academic building at CSUSM in more than a decade."

"I am filled with so much gratitude," Newfeldt continued. This milestone reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and partners who work tirelessly to support CSUSM's mission of student success and social mobility.

The $110 million building is being funded by California State University and private sources. When completed, it will be 70,000 square feet and three stories. It is expected to open in fall 2027.

"It's an incredible honor to stand here with you today as we break ground on a building that represents not just bricks and mortar, but also a beacon of opportunity, innovation and the future of engineering and technology in our region," said Jackie Trischman, dean of CSUSM's College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. "As dean, I've had the privilege of working closely with our remarkable faculty and staff, many of whom met tight deadlines with determination and tremendous creativity. Your dedication to this vision has been nothing short of inspiring."

The building -- which will be situated between Markstein Hall and the Arts Building -- will feature teaching and research labs, classrooms, offices, a café and outdoor gathering spaces.

CSUSM established its engineering program in 2018 with software and electrical engineering. Computer engineering curriculum was added five years later, a university statement read. The ISE building will house those programs as well as computer science, computer information systems and cybersecurity, while also supporting the addition of industrial and systems engineering.

According to the university, the facility will allow CSUSM to increase the number of students in engineering fields from 500 to nearly 2,000.

"This groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction -- it marks the beginning of a new era for CSUSM," said Elaine Pollard, president of Associated Students, Inc. "It's an era where student potential is maximized, social mobility is accelerated and the future of science and engineering becomes more diverse, innovative and impactful than ever before."

The university believes the facility will keep engineering graduates close to San Diego County and bolster the number of Latinos in the field, owing to CSUSM's student demographic.

— City News Service