California Coast Credit Union empowers financial futures

Financial decisions have the power to shape one's future, for better or worse. Equipping students with the tools and knowledge to make sound financial choices is not just beneficial, it's essential. 

In 2023, California Coast Credit Union pledged $3 million to establish a financial center that would help students gain financial literacy and wellness skills. The Cal Coast Student Financial Center, as it is now known, is a testament to San Diego State University’s commitment to empowering students with the financial literacy skills they need to navigate their futures successfully. 

The center, located on the second floor of SDSU’s Student Services West, has undergone renovations and expansions over the past year while remaining open to students. It serves as a hub for financial education, offering resources for financial aid, bill paying, budgeting, and more.

With construction coming to a close, SDSU will host a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Cal Coast Student Financial Center on August 21 to celebrate its grand opening. 

Visionary gift

Todd Lane (‘86), SDSU alumnus and California Coast Credit Union president & CEO, knows the importance of financial literacy for students. As a finance major at SDSU, he lacked access to personal finance advice.

“I didn’t want students to experience that today,” said Lane. “That is why it’s been a passion of mine to help develop a variety of free resources on campus to assist students with their personal finances, and make sure students are aware of them.”

Staff provide personalized coaching on various topics, including budgeting, debt management, credit repair, and car purchasing. The center also conducts group training sessions and webinars and has initiated training for SDSU peer counselors.

“I’m proud to know that through these efforts, we’ve helped students by setting them on a path to thrive financially in the long term,” said Lane. 

The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorates the center's progress toward becoming a well-established, accessible, free resource for students and the entire SDSU community. 

“The main goal is that with time, students will begin to see the center as a central part of their SDSU experience, providing benefits that extend beyond college into every stage of their lives,” said Lane.  

SDSU’s Vice President of University Development and Relations, Adrienne Vargas, understands the significant impact a gift like this will have on students.   

“We are grateful for this generous donation, which has made the establishment of the Cal Coast Student Financial Center possible,” said Vargas. “With this support, we can ensure that every student has access to the resources and guidance necessary to achieve financial stability and academic success.”

Student perspective

Recent graduate Kimberly Alcaraz (‘24) has firsthand experience using the new financial center. As a first-generation student, Alcaraz had to learn how to navigate everything on her own, but the financial center was there to help. 

“Once I tackled the emotional roller coaster of getting accepted into universities, the burden of paying for my degree was at the forefront of my worries,” said Alcaraz. “The Cal Coast Student Financial Center here at SDSU prepped me with the financial education and resources to make this a seamless process.”

Post graduation, Alcaraz recognized the skills she learned at the financial center were vital in setting her up for success in the future. 

“Student success has a direct correlation with the future triumph of our working society,” said Alcaraz. “San Diego State University is filled with an intellectual and diverse student body who will transform our world with every degree earned.” 

Knowing the impact that the financial center had on her future, Alcaraz is incredibly thankful to have donors that are willing to invest. “With the help of donors, it is my hope that every SDSU student will achieve success and prosperity in their lifetime.”

SDSU’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, Christopher Manning, values the center's ability to offer transformational experiences for students that include preparing them to make important financial decisions. 

“SDSU’s Cal Coast Student Financial Center will help students build a strong financial foundation and help them prepare for life transitions," said Manning. “SDSU students will have the tools they need to contribute to the overall economic stability of society by making sound financial decisions.”  

The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony is open to the public and will be held August 21. For more information and to RSVP by August 9, visit the Cal Coast Student Financial Center event page.