Critical Conversations:
An Oral History of the Cross-Cultural Center at California State University San Marcos
California State University San Marcos’s Cross-Cultural Center is the oldest identity-focused student success center at the university. The CCC – or C3 as it is also affectionally known – was established in 2003 as the Multicultural Center with an initial focus on intercultural celebration and recognition of underrepresented identities. Initial programming focused on how these things interacted with student success and engagement. The CCC’s first Social Justice Summit began in 2009, and the summit in addition to the CCC’s Peer Mentoring Program assisted many first-generation students from underserved communities. The CCC later refocused on programmatic themes of activism and advocacy, development of multicultural competency, critical intersectional engagement, and retention and empowerment of underrepresented and underserved identities. As the Center evolved in name and space, the mission remained the same: to curate a safe space for students' intersectional identity exploration.
In 2003, CSUSM’s first Student Life Center was opened out of “Vision 2010,” a memo from the Division of Student Affairs & Student and Residential Life that called for student engagement and inclusivity, with the goal to empower students to take ownership of their identities. Then known as the Multicultural Center, the CCC’s original mission of establishing a safe space for traditionally marginalized and underserved communities has remained. In partnership with the University Library’s Special Collections department, and funded by a grant from Instructionally Related Activities, the Cross-Cultural Center has produced this digital exhibition in celebration of their twentieth anniversary.
Twelve oral histories are narrated by former Cross-Cultural directors, alumni peer mentors, and administrators who played instrumental roles in the center’s mission for intersectional social justice, student empowerment, and student success. Experiencing this exhibition will lend insight to the center’s history and its integral role in securing diversity and cross-cultural inclusivity at California State University San Marcos.
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Gezai Berhane
Gezai Berhane is a California State University San Marcos Alumnus who was among the first graduating class in 1992. He most recently worked as the Associate Director of Operations until his retirement in 2021 and was closely involved with student engagement.
Bridget Blanshan
Dr. Bridget Blanshan is Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator at California State University San Marcos. She was involved with early programs, such as the Multicultural Student Leadership Council, and focused on diversity, inclusivity, and synergy among student organizations on campus.
Chanel Bradley
Chanel Bradley is a California State University San Marcos alumna. She graduated with her degree in Women's and Gender Studies in 2012. Bradley worked at the Cross-Cultural Center from 2008-2012 and was involved in various social identity-related causes on campus.
Gerardo Cabral
Gerardo Cabral is a California State University San Marcos alumnus. He graduated with his Bachelors of Business degree worked at the Cross-Cultural Center from 2008-2011. In his interview, he recalls the transformative and inclusive experience cultivated by CCC staff and programs.
Daniela Carreon
Daniela Carreon is alumna of California State University San Marcos, class of 2021. She worked with the Cross-Cultural Center and other student organizations such as MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Xicanx de Aztlan).
Jay Franklin
Jay Franklin was a peer mentor at the Cross-Cultural Center at CSUSM during the early days of both the program and university. He worked in the Peer Mentor Program. As a mentor, Franklin provided intersectional support for LGBTQ+ students.
Floyd Lai
Floyd Lai served as Director of the Cross-Cultural Center at California State University from 2011 to 2023. He worked to expand programs and synergize missions and initiatives with other student centers and organizations on campus.
Dilcie Perez
Dr. Dilcie Perez was appointed deputy vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs in April 2023 and co-leads the division with Dr. Nathan S. Evans through June 2024. She had the opportunity to start Multicultural Programs at CSUSM.
Arely Ramos
Arely Ramos is a California State University San Marcos alumna. She worked at the Cross-Cultural Center with the Peer Mentoring Program and Civility Campaign. She shares various lessons from the CCC that she continues to utilize.
Jennie Ruiz
Jennie Ruiz is an administrator at California State University San Marcos who has worked with the Cross-Cultural Center in numerous capacities since 2006. Now in the Office of Success Coaching, she shares her experience facilitating student success and the dynamic role of the CCC.
Diana Saldivar
Diana Saldivar is a California State University San Marcos alumna. In addition to work with the Cross-Cultural Center, she was involved with the Asian Pacific Islander Student Society, Kamalayan Alliance, and Associated Students Incorporated.
Sara Sheikh-Arvizu
Sara Sheikh-Arvizu was Assistant Director of the Cross-Cultural Center at California State University San Marcos from 2008 to 2011. She facilitated several programs dedicated to inclusivity and diversity including the Social Justice Summit.