CSUN University News Clippings

Public Eye: CSUS chief’s son picked to promote dad’s key project

(October 8, 2009)

By Laurel Rosenhall

Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez has found the perfect person to promote his signature project to remake the university: his son.

California State University, Sacramento, recently moved Alexander Gonzalez Jr., from a fundraising position he’d held since 2005 to the Office of Public Affairs. His new job is to market Sacramento State’s “Destination 2010″ campaign.

Destination 2010 is his father’s plan to transform Sacramento State from a commuter school to a traditional college campus, unveiled after his dad became president in 2003. Plans included building an arena, a recreation center and new student housing.

The arena never got off the ground, but the new dorm opened last month and the rec center is almost complete. With 2010 approaching, CSUS wants to publicize its transformation.

Enter Alex Gonzalez Jr.

For the last four years, he’s written about and raised money for various CSUS programs, including a scholarship that helps former foster youths get through college, an honors program for advanced students and the “One Book” reading promotion.

“These are things we want to promote as part of Destination 2010,” said John Kepley, special assistant to President Gonzalez.

Gonzalez Jr.’s familiarity with the programs and writing skills make him perfect for the marketing job, said Gloria Moraga, public affairs chief. He’s also seeking a master’s degree in communications from CSUS.

Nepotism is not a concern, Moraga said, because Gonzalez Sr. is not supervising his son and played no role in him landing the new job.

Father and son are on a family vacation and could not be reached for comment.

Gonzalez Jr., 32, who started the marketing position in July, earns $83,940 a year. He was transferred from the fundraising office with no change in pay.

Moraga said the job wasn’t an advertised position and no one else interviewed for it.

Publication: Sacramento Bee