Today I'm joined by someone I'm genuinely honored to call a thought partner — Jim Langley. Jim is President of Langley Innovations, and he spent 30 years in higher education advancement before founding it. He led external affairs and advancement at three major institutions — Georgia Tech, UC San Diego, and Georgetown — and at each one, he didn't just hit fundraising numbers, he changed how those institutions thought about philanthropy altogether.

Building a Culture of Philanthropy

My guest today is Simon Richmond, PE, PMP — Regional Executive at EwingCole, where he leads the firm's Western Region, including the San Diego and Irvine offices.

From the Beach to the Engineering Workforce

Andrew Jones serves as Acting President of California State University, Long Beach, one of the largest and most diverse universities in the nation, with more than 42,500 enrolled students and 4,000 faculty and staff. A proud CSULB alumnus, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Long Beach before completing his J.D. at the UC Davis School of Law in 1985.

Jones began his legal career in private practice, serving as an associate and partner at Adams, Duque & Hazeltine (1985–1994) and as a partner at Myers & Jones LLP (1995–2000) in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. In 2000, he joined the California State University System as Associate Vice Chancellor and Deputy General Counsel, a role he held for 25 years. He was later appointed Executive Vice Chancellor, General Counsel, and Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the CSU — a position he held from 2018 until September 2025.

In August 2025, Jones assumed the role of Acting President at Cal State Long Beach, bringing decades of institutional knowledge, legal expertise, and a deep commitment to the university’s mission of access, student success, and community impact.

Full Circle — Leadership and Legacy with Andy Jones

Today's conversation focuses on supply chain systems, how they function, why they matter, and how they connect education, global trade, and emerging industries here in Long Beach. I'm so excited to be joined by Dr Jessica Robinson from the College of Business, who teaches and researches supply chain management and Frank Thompson, a Long Beach State alumnus and retired Aerospace supply chain executive.

From Classroom to Global Commerce: CSULB Leads in Supply Chain

Deborah Ludke, a national healthcare care administrator with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, is a champion for improving the experience of our nation's veterans. She spent more than 25 years serving in roles that touch research, clinical education, professional development, and veteran-centered engagement, and she's one of our own. A double alumni of Cal State Long Beach and  a longtime executive faculty member of the Department of Health Care Management.

Answering the Call to Serve: Deborah Ludke on Leadership and Veterans

Anna Ortiz, dean of CSULB’s College of Education, shares her experience leading one of the largest producers of educators in California. Dean Ortiz reflects on the strengths of our student population, her own trajectory into college and how a gift from Ballmer Group helped launch the PK-3 Education Specialist Instruction Credential Program.

Leading with Heart: Dr. Anna Ortiz on Education, Equity, and Legacy @ The Beach

Today I’m joined by Clorinda Donato, Director of the Center for Global Romance Languages and Translation Studies at CSULB. Founded in 2017 through a gift from Mario Giannini, the Center prepares students for careers where language and translation bridge cultures and create opportunity.

Language, Culture, and Opportunity: A Conversation with Clorinda Donato

In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lauren Pretty, a proud CSULB alumna and co-owner of Long Beach's renowned Michelin-starred Heritage Restaurant. Lauren [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-pretty-244a5416b/] shared her remarkable journey from The Beach to national acclaim, highlighting the dedication and passion driving the success of Heritage. Discover the story behind bringing top-tier dining experiences to our local community.

Michelin-Rated Restaurant in Long Beach - Heritage Restaurant

Dr. Kimberly Fodran, chief of Medical Staff at CSULB Student Health Services discusses how the Center’s staff helps to keep the campus community healthy.

Keeping the campus  community healthy

Dan speaks with Mike Getscher '92, the Battleship IOWA’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Battleship!

@The Beach is a podcast showcasing the campus community, programs, accomplishments, events, and history of California State University, Long Beach. It is hosted by CSULB's Vice President for University Relations & Development, Dan Montoya, and produced by URD.

@The Beach: The CSULB Podcast