Written by: Cuesta College Staff

SAN LUIS OBISPO – The Cuesta College Foundation celebrates 50 years and invites the community to its 50th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, May 4, at Oyster Ridge in Santa Margarita. The event will raise funds to establish an endowment for the Cuesta Assistance for Student Emergencies (CASE) Fund, which provides critical financial support to students facing emergencies. 

“Our students are facing unprecedented challenges, particularly during the pandemic when we saw an increase in requests for emergency funds,” said Shannon Hill, Executive Director of the Cuesta College Foundation. “It’s more important than ever for the community to come together and support our students to ensure they have access to a high-quality education.” 

The program will also recognize the 2023 Honored Alumni recipients: Adam Watkins ’91, Caren Ray Russom ’88, Evan Norton, Psy.D. ’12, and Karl Wittstrom ’75. The Honored Alumni Awards were established in 1989 to recognize former Cuesta College students’ outstanding professional achievements and volunteer service. “It’s fitting to recognize our alumni, who are a significant part of the college’s history, at this celebration,” said Hill. 

The event will include a cocktail hour with live music, a silent and live auction, plated dinner prepared by Trumpet Vine Catering, and a premier selection of local wine and beer. Tickets cost $150/pp—tables of 8 cost $1,200. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please visit the event website at auctria.events/ccfoundation50 or contact Katie Osman, Director of Philanthropy, at (805) 546-3915 or kathryn_osman@cuesta.edu.