In his weekly video message, President Ortiz announces that the university is moving forward with 32 faculty searches and expects to welcome new faces to campus next fall. The CSU and Cal Poly Pomona are in a better financial situation than a year ago at this time, Ortiz says.

On Sunday, Dec. 19, the university and other civic-minded organizations are hosting a special holiday performance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale at Pomona First Baptist Church. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Bronco Student Center, Pomona City Hall and the Palomares Senior Center.

The president congratulates the women's cross country team, which is heading to the NCAA championships in Louisville, Ky., this weekend. He also recognizes biological sciences Professor Sep Eskandari, who will receive the 2011 Faculty Research Award from CSUPERB. The CSU-wide award recognizes a faculty researcher who demonstrates outstanding scientific achievement in life sciences and biotechnology.

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To read the entire message, a PDF of the transcript is available online.