Signed by university leaders, donors and community partners, the final steel beam of the new Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering told a story before it ever left the ground. It is a story of what philanthropy makes possible: meeting regional workforce demands while opening doors for the students who need it most.
The beam was lifted into place during a topping out ceremony, a construction tradition that marks a building reaching its full height. At Cal State San Marcos, it also marked a milestone in the university’s commitment to expand opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the momentum that brought us to this point,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This facility is social mobility in action. It is about providing access for students, many of whom are the first in their families to go to college, stepping into fields that are shaping the future.”
Designed for Demand
Opening in fall 2027, Hunter Hall represents a significant investment in CSUSM’s trajectory as one of the fastest-growing campuses in the California State University system. The approximately 70,000-square-foot, three-story facility will feature state-of-the-art laboratories, a robotics suite and collaborative learning spaces.
Hunter Hall will allow CSUSM to increase engineering enrollment from 500 to nearly 2,000 students and launch a new program in industrial and systems engineering, building on existing offerings in electrical, software and computer engineering.
The expansion comes at a critical time for San Diego, one of the nation’s leading technology and innovation hubs, where the need for skilled engineers continues to outpace supply. With eight in 10 CSUSM graduates remaining in the region after graduation, Hunter Hall is positioned to directly strengthen the local workforce pipeline.
A Legacy of Partnership
The project has been made possible in part by a transformational $10 million gift from Hunter Industries, one of the largest contributions in university history.
“It is an exciting moment to see this building coming to fruition,” Greg Hunter, CEO of Hunter Industries shared with GB Magazine. “We are proud to support a project that will have both a lasting impact on students and be a source of talent in our community.”
Hunter Hall builds on years of industry partnership that have helped shape engineering education at CSUSM. Early investment from Viasat supported the Viasat Engineering Pavilion, establishing a hub for experiential learning. Additional support from Nordson Electronic Solutions and Hunter Industries helped create the Nordson Innovation Lab and Hunter Design Lab, expanding access to applied, collaborative engineering experiences.
The Epstein Family Foundation has also contributed matching gifts, amplifying support for engineering growth and student success.
To learn more about how you can support Hunter Hall and the Blueprint for the Future campaign, visit www.CSUSM.edu/blueprint.
