All hands are on deck to plan and implement College of San Mateo’s Centennial Celebration. Four committees have been working hard to plan and coordinate various components of the year-long series of events starting with the Centennial Gala on March 31, 2022, the day that CSM began operations 100 years ago.
The Gala will be held at the historic Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, one of the first CSM campus locations back when the mansion was in downtown San Mateo. The Centennial Gala Committee is leading the planning for the event that will include dinner, dancing, video presentations, student performances, and a variety of student, alumni, and dignitary speakers. Tickets for students, employees, and community members will go on sale in late January, with limited quantities available.
The Centennial Development Committee is in charge of developing sponsorship opportunities and attracting donors. Sponsorships are available at various financial levels throughout the year with a fundraising goal of $1 million to support CSM Promise Scholar students. It’s a great opportunity for the community to support students, build a stronger partnership with the College, and connect to events throughout the year.
The Centennial Activities Planning Committee is charged with planning and executing activities throughout the year to celebrate the institution’s history and the rich diversity of the campus and immediate community. The committee includes current and former College of San Mateo faculty and staff, and San Mateo County Community College District and Foundation employees. They are working throughout the campus to “centennialize” all annually-occurring events and inspire the college community to develop new ideas to pack the year with additional engaging events.
One notable event being planned by this committee is the return of Jazz on the Hill on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Last held in 2016, the day-long event draws thousands of jazz lovers to the campus to enjoy a day of fantastic music, fun, and food. Other signature events include a student-led social justice conference, Athletics Hall of Fame paired with a homecoming event, the Foundation’s annual golf tournament, and much more.
The President’s Centennial Committee is a network of dedicated community leaders who provide input, feedback, and support to the president throughout the Centennial Celebration Year. The Committee includes representatives from business, industry, government, nonprofits, and other organizations.
1954 name change from San Mateo Junior College to College of San Mateo reflected the college’s breadth of course offerings and community role.
In addition to the outstanding work these committees have been doing, Centennial Writer Barbara Wilcox has been researching and writing stories tied to the history of CSM and the District. With almost 40 stories published so far, there will be 100 posted before the Gala kickoff.
Planning this Centennial Celebration during a global pandemic has been a challenge, but as a campus community, we are determined to use this opportunity to reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and plan for the future. Stay tuned to the Centennial website to learn more and sign up on this interest form to get updates through the year.
