In 2018, California Southern University is proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1978 founding of the university. The year will be celebrated with events and honors that will conclude with the university’s Homecoming Weekend including the 40th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, August 4, 2018.
California Southern University was founded in 1978—as Southern California University for Professional Studies (SCUPS)—by Dr. Donald Hecht, who wanted to provide working adults with a more effective and efficient way to better their lives through higher education.
An engineer who decided mid-career to devote his professional life to higher education, Dr. Hecht knew first-hand the challenges facing the adult learner. He had earned his master’s and doctoral degrees by commuting more than 40 miles to a traditional university while working to support a growing family.
Forty years after Dr. Hecht’s founding, the university now offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, law, criminal justice, nursing, education and psychology to a nationwide and international student body. With an active student body from over 78 countries, the university continues to expand on its academic and community excellence.
“We are honored to celebrate this 40th anniversary which highlights the university’s academic excellence and dedication to our students, alumni, faculty, and staff,” says University President Dr. Gwen Finestone. “Dr. Hecht’s vision of providing online education for working professionals continues to excel more than ever. It has been a remarkable journey in which CalSouthern has helped the education and careers of thousands of individuals across the globe. We look forward to evolving in our academics, research, and technology—and dedicating another 40 years to our learners.”
40th Anniversary – Homecoming Weekend
Friday, August 3, 2018
40th Anniversary Open House (All students, alumni, and faculty welcome)
Saturday, August 4, 2018
California Southern University Commencement
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Alumni Association
About California Southern:
Founded in 1978, California Southern University offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels in business, law, criminal justice, nursing, education and psychology to a nationwide and international student body, utilizing a proprietary learning system. CalSouthern is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001. To learn more about CalSouthern, please visit www.calsouthern.edu.
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Media Contact:
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