The budget has been cut. Enrollment has been capped. Faculty hiring has been halted. But none of that has stopped the momentum of development at California State University, Channel Islands, President Richard Rush said Thursday.

"Your university is alive and well and is prospering," Rush told a crowd of more than 100 people attending a State of the University luncheon hosted by the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce at Sterling Hills Golf Club.

The luncheon, attended by community and education leaders as well as students and staff from CSUCI, gave Rush an opportunity to talk about the challenges facing the campus and the work that is proceeding despite California's budget crisis.

"Rumor has it, the momentum has stopped," he said. "I'm here to tell you the fundamental message is different."

Though the budget has been cut over the last couple of years, and enrollment for the coming year has been capped, CSUCI has been "held harmless" from additional budget cuts and enrollment reductions that other CSU campuses face, he said.

"We are fortunate that by being the newest four-year university in the state, we have some champions at the state level," he said. "They understand that we don't have bench strength" to sustain additional cuts.

That protection may not continue, however, if Proposition 57 doesn't pass, Rush said. The governor's $15 billion ballot measure would pay down the state's debt; if it doesn't pass, the debt would need to be addressed in the coming budget year.

Another measure on the ballot, Proposition 55, would provide $1 million in redevelopment funds for the campus if it passed, Rush said. The $12 billion school facilities bond would also include money to build charter schools. University Preparation School, a charter school affiliated with the university, could be eligible for about $20 million to build a permanent school on the CSUCI campus, he said.

"There are possibilities before us," he said. "They are positive and give us some glimmers of hope."

University officials also are proceeding with development of the campus. The student housing project is under construction, a portion of the north quad is being remodeled into administrative offices, and the university will open bids next month for the new John S. Broome Library.

"What you have worked for so long is happening," Rush said. "There is reason for optimism. There is no reason for gloom."

Chamber President Tom Kelley commended Rush for his leadership and his involvement with the community.

"A grand vision overcomes great difficulty," Kelley said during his introduction of Rush. "I think our speaker today has that really grand vision. Dr. Rush has sought input and partnerships to ensure the university is meeting the needs of the community."