Remarks by Dr. Timothy P. White
Chancellor, California State University
CSU San Marcos Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting
Sacramento, CA
September 23, 2014
Thank you, President Haynes, for the kind introduction, and for inviting me to be here today.
I join with Karen in expressing appreciation for the students and faculty of the Stevens Institute of Technology. What a tremendous gift – the gift of a home.
You know, the thing that struck me about the donation of this center is that it was built as a home.
What is a home?
We often think of a home as a place with four exterior walls and at least one bedroom. That is a house. But a home is so much more than that.
A home is a safe place. A home is a welcoming place. A home is a place where you can find people who care.
This Veterans Center is a home.
It is a home for all those who know what it is to serve and sacrifice. It is a home for those husbands and wives, sons and daughters who waited for the safe return of their beloved service member. And it is a home for those who know profound loss and bear the scars of war.
In fact, this center is an extension of the California State University, San Marcos community – a physical manifestation of a campus that welcomes, cares and supports.
Indeed, the entire 23 campus California State University community welcomes veterans and their dependents to take their next bold step in their lives through education.
More than 13,000 veterans and their dependents are carrying out the mission of earning a California State University degree.
We are a better university because your bravery, your service and your honor are part of our campus character.
You have served us. Now it is our turn to serve you with an opportunity to obtain a world-class education.
We are better because you are part of the California State University family.
And because Cal State San Marcos is your home.