50 Years of Transformation

Cal State East Bay’s College of Business and Economics is celebrating its 50th anniversary with yearlong programming and events. 

“We are celebrating transformation,” said CBE Dean George Low. “Not only the changes CBE has gone through but also highlighting our accomplishments and students’ success.” 

Starting out as a division when the university opened in 1957, CBE was designated as a college in 1970 and was originally housed in the Music Building on the Hayward campus. Today there are eight undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs, and numerous minors and certifications offered in areas including accounting, economics, finance, human resources, information technology, management, marketing, and operations and supply chain management. 

Many graduates have gone on to work at top accounting firms, tech companies, and started their own businesses, helping shape the business landscape in the Bay Area.

In the coming months, CBE will hold several events, including a virtual tribute on Oct. 17 from 1-2 p.m., during Cal State East Bay’s Forever Pioneer Week.

And as part of the celebrations, the college released its new tagline “Empowering Tomorrow-makers.” 

The new rallying cry (which was chosen via a popular vote by faculty and staff) will be featured in CBE communications, on the college website, and in promotional materials, as a way to reinforce and build awareness. The college hopes it serves as a reminder of what faculty and staff aspire to do everyday and their commitment to helping students transform themselves and the world. 

“This theme will continue as we build our brand and reputation for the next five years and beyond,” Low said. 

To commemorate the past 50 years, CBE will also feature 50 stories about its students and faculty, historical milestones, memorable events and programs that have supported social mobility for the college’s students. 

These stories include a feature about former Dean Jay Logan Tontz, whose legacy CBE is upholding with a challenge to the community to help endow a student award for international business experiences. The student award will cover costs related to studying abroad through an international program or undertaking an internship with a company outside the United States. 

To learn more about CBE’s anniversary celebration or to share your stories, photos and videos, visit the CBE website and watch for updates and announcements throughout the year.