By Robert S. Nelsen, President

March 15, 2021

The other day, I saw two people – strangers – wearing Sacramento State T-shirts pass each other on the street in midtown Sacramento. As they crossed paths, they greeted each other, not with a wave, not with a handshake (especially in light of current social distance protocols), but with a “Stingers Up!” and a smile.

I know Sacramentans are proud of their University, but I was blown away by two little fingers saluting each other, acknowledging our Hornet Family. They both know that they are part of something big, something important, part of a University that is on the rise and is lifting an entire region one graduate at a time. We really have learned how to redefine the possible.

We have been through so much in the past several months, and we are still facing uncertain times. I do not know what will happen in the coming months, and I am saddened that mostly virtual classes have been necessary. But I know we have a bright future ahead.

Our beautiful campus, normally crowded with students, faculty, and staff, is quiet. The turkeys, squirrels, and coyotes seem to be running the place lately, though I suspect they miss the Hornet Family as much as I do. This too shall pass. We will be back.

If you have not been on campus lately, I encourage you to visit our website and take a virtual tour, where you will see that Sacramento State truly is on the rise. You will see the breathtaking Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex, including the state-of-the-art planetarium. You will see the University Union that now has an additional 77,000 much-needed square feet.  You will see that we have opened a new parking structure (finally) that can eventually be converted into a residence hall.  And you will also see that we have a new Welcome Center poised near the J Street entrance, eagerly awaiting its grand opening.

This issue of the Sac State Magazine celebrates the tremendous success of On the Rise: The Campaign for Sacramento State. It is a thank-you to everyone who has given, who realizes that now, more than ever, our community needs us. Our community needs us to partner with area schools and community colleges to create and strengthen pathways to success for future Hornets. Our community needs us to deliver on our mission to transform students so that they can transform our region, our state, and our country. Our community needs us to partner with local employers and elected officials to create social justice solutions that can and will eliminate racism and improve lives. Our community needs Sac State, and our community needs you.

Your investment in the On the Rise campaign will shape the future of our students, our region, and our world.

Sac State is growing – we are on the rise. Thank you for your continued support, and if you see me on the street, I look forward to an enthusiastic Stingers Up!

Robert S. Nelsen
President, Sacramento State