CSUB commemorates 50th anniversary with guest speaker, Sir Richard Branson

University’s golden anniversary campaign includes virtual celebrations

By California State University, Bakersfield

September 15^th, 2020

California State University, Bakersfield is celebrating its golden anniversary of 50 years in the community, beginning Oct. 1— the anniversary of the first day of classes in 1970.

The yearlong campaign will kick off with a virtual celebration on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The celebration will include guest remarks, local musicians and featured speaker Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group.

Virgin includes many diverse sectors, from travel to telecommunications, health to banking and music to leisure. The brand has expanded to more than 40 Virgin companies worldwide, employing approximately 71,000 people in over 35 countries.

“Sir Richard Branson represents the infinite possibilities for our world, our future and our people when imagination and science work together to conquer new frontiers,” said CSUB President Lynnette Zelezny. “As a visionary, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Richard is an example to CSUB’s students of excellence and ingenuity. His maverick spirit has written a new chapter in the proud aerospace history of the Mojave Desert, here in our own region. Sir Richard is a model to our community and students that no idea is too big, no dream out of reach if we devote ourselves to their pursuit.”

Congressman and CSUB alumnus Kevin McCarthy will moderate the discussion and Q&A with Sir Richard Branson. The campus community and other attendees will be able to submit questions by filling out the form on the 50th anniversary website.

The event, to be emceed by CSUB Foundation chair John Nilon, will feature musicians Gregory Porter and Monty Byrom, remarks from key alumni and leaders, and a reminiscent slideshow and looking at CSUB’s legacy.

Giving Day

In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary Virtual Celebration, CSUB will celebrate its first-ever Giving Day on Oct. 1, from midnight to midnight – a full 24 hours for campus and community members alike to donate to the university in commemoration of the first day of classes in 1970. Anyone can donate to this digital fundraising marathon at givingday.csub.edu on Oct. 1.

The goal of Giving Day is to highlight the Roadrunner spirit in a fresh way, share student stories and increase funds for student success. Over 70% of CSUB students are Pell grant eligible, indicating financial need. Gifts both large and small have a direct impact on their success.

CSUB commemorates 50th anniversary with guest speaker, Sir Richard Branson

About the 50th Anniversary

Fifty years ago, students attended their first day of classes at CSUB — then called California State College Bakersfield. These first Roadrunners are now part of an esteemed group of over 56,000 alumni who have transformed their lives at CSUB.

Since then, CSUB has risen in national rankings for its economic value and commitment to student success. It enrolls over 11,000 diverse students, and the majority of graduates remain in the Kern County and Antelope Valley regions to live and work.

This year, we celebrate 50 years at CSUB. It is a time to commemorate the institution, honor our past and build excitement for the future. Join us in this momentous occasion by attending the university’s special events, exploring our history and spreading CSUB pride.

Other 50th anniversary events throughout the month of October will include the President’s Student Leadership Academy, a Virtual Book Launch and conversation with the authors of “Rising: The First Fifty Years at California State University, Bakersfield,” as well as the Fall Lecture Series kickoff for the Kegley Institute of Ethics.

We applaud the CSUB community — its changemakers, trailblazers, and leaders — who have made it clear in these past decades that `Runners are on the rise!