OUTSTANDING GRADUATE
Carlsbad resident Megan Wilson, who recently completed her Master of Science in geology at Western Washington University, was recognized by the Geology Department as an outstanding graduate. She previously earned her bachelor’s degree in geology at Occidental College.
DOCTORAL GRADUATE
Avery Hanan of Carlsbad earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in the spring.
DEAN’S LIST
Zoey Ronco of San Diego made the summer dean’s list at Missouri State University.
SCHOOL LEADERS
The Solana Beach School Board recently agreed to promote Tiffany Farnsworth as principal of Solana Ranch Elementary School, where she previously served as assistant principal. The board also hired Ashley Campos as assistant principal at both Solana Ranch and Skyline Elementary Schools and Casey Doose as director of Institutional Services and Educational Technology.
RESEARCH AWARD
Scripps Research assistant professor Tiantian Liu received a five-year NIAID DP2 award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, to advance basic understanding of immune processes that could aid in the design of next-generation immunotherapies. Scripps received $552,000 in the first-year funding and is expected to receive up to $2.76 million over five years.
SERVICE DOGS
Shelter to Soldier, an Oceanside-based nonprofit that rescues shelter dogs and trains them as psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans, raised $448,000 during its 14th Annual ‘Be the Light’ Gala on Aug. 14 at the USS Midway Museum. The money will help the organization’s program throughout the year.
CAL STATE FOUNDATION
The Cal State San Marcos Foundation Board has welcomed seven new directors for the 2026-27 academic year. The board’s newly elected directors are Barbara Fischer, Kevin Harkenrider and Greg Hunter; and its newly appointed directors are Rebeca Perren, the faculty representative, and student representatives Rae Lynch, Ashley Ortiz and Julianna Hunt.
ART GUILD
The San Dieguito Art Guild swore in its new Board of Directors for 2026-2027 on Aug. 24. The 61-year-old nonprofit consists of over 200 local artists, and owns and operates the Off Track Gallery at 937 S. Coast Highway 101, Suite C-103, in Encinitas.
