It was back-to-school morning for about 30 anxious Rotarians who all hoped they didn’t have a test they neglected to study for.  We gathered in a classroom in the Ray Dezember Cener at CSUB. Thank you to our host Heath Niemeyer for arranging the off-site.  Thanks to Jennifer Henry for arranging the monster-sized breakfast burritos from the Vault, pastries, coffee and juice.

 

 

Heath bared the cold to greet us in the parking lot and send us in the right direction. Although Sandra Parnell was scheduled to greet alongside Heath, we suspect she was cuddled up somewhere warm signing that epic Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan classic “Baby It’s Cold Outside”. Therefore, no 50/50 tickets were sold.  MJ Pasek led us in prayer, Kay Pitts the flag salute.  The flag was a wonderful image on the projector screen.  Denise Haynes led the song, “If We All Get Together”. A fun children's song but perfect for us social Rotarians.

President Jackie, fresh back from her latest jaunt: a 4 day Ensenada cruise with her family, welcomed us all.  She brought up Heath who also welcomed us to campus and provided a bit of an overview of CSUB. 

 

 

 

 

 

Heath Niemeyer, VP of University Advancement and Executive Director, welcomed attendees to California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) and provided a warm introduction to the campus’s mission and context. CSUB is committed to serving as Kern County’s inclusive university, with an emphasis on educating students and elevating the community—even through ongoing challenges. Notably, 64% of graduates remain in Kern County, contributing directly to the local workforce. Attendees received the university Factbook and a brochure about the upcoming Energy Innovation Building, which will break ground in January. Parking logistics were mentioned with some lighthearted humor about tickets and exam season.

The meeting highlighted CSUB’s Care Services, established in 2022 within the Dean of Students Office as a proactive, wraparound support model targeting students of concern. This centralized referral hub coordinates resources to support student well-being, retention, and early intervention, and is staffed by an interdisciplinary team. Units overseen by the Associate VP/Dean of Students include case management, the Center for Accessibility and Essential Needs, the Counseling and Student Health Centers, and student advocacy services such as the Multicultural Alliance and Behavioral Assessment Team.

Care Services takes a case management approach: students are typically supported through multiple one-hour meetings after intake via online referrals (by faculty, staff, or self-referral). These services address navigation of campus systems, basic needs, mental health, and more; an interdisciplinary Care Team meets bi-weekly to review complex cases and ensure collaborative solutions. Recent program growth includes expanded advertising, a new MSW internship partnership to increase capacity, and a marketing campaign to raise awareness through campus flyers.

 

 

 

Queen Jackie was all set to dismiss us but we protested and wanted to do Happy Spots even though it was 7:57am.  Kay Pitts was happy for still another adventure with hubby Brian. She brought Pres some cool gifts.  Denise Haynes was $20 happy for CSUB being the place she and Jacque Alexander met in 1979.  They created CSUB’s first ever yearbook, The Treillage, and had a roller-skating class together.  William Gordan was $21 happy for daughter Kennedy’s upcoming first birthday!