Camarillo, Calif., Sept. 18, 2014 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the public to “Twist and Shout,” to support their growing public university, and honor a community leader at the 15th Annual President’s Dinner. The 1960s-themed gala, the University’s premier fundraiser, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 5:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza.

George Leis

The event brings together more than 400 community members, local dignitaries, faculty, students and special friends of CI for an evening of fun and fundraising with a ‘60s spirit. Proceeds support the University’s highest-priority needs, including student scholarships, critical programs, and new technology, facilities and equipment. This year’s President’s Dinner features a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, silent auction, award presentation, valet parking, and music and dancing with Ticket to Ride, Tribute to the Beatles. Guests are invited to dress formal or funky – in black tie (optional) or their best Beatles and ‘60s attire.

Regional bank executive and philanthropist George Leis is this year’s honored guest. Leis will receive the Robert J. Lagomarsino Award, presented each year to an eminent CI supporter and named for the longtime U.S. congressman and state senator who was an early, key proponent of the University.

As chair of CI’s Foundation Board since 2012, Leis has been a positive and productive force in CI’s ongoing development. Currently the national sales manager for Union Bank’s Private Bank, he previously held roles as president of Union Bank’s Central Coast region and president and CEO of Pacific Capital Bancorp (PCBC), a $7 billion in assets community bank holding company with over 1,000 employees and 47 branches that included Santa Barbara Bank & Trust.

A graduate of Cal State University Northridge, Leis’ community involvement extends to charities and universities throughout Southern California. He is a board member of the Union Bank Foundation, the United Way of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County, and past chair for the Channel Islands YMCA. In addition to his role as chair of the CI Foundation Board of Directors, he is a member and committee chair for the CSUN Foundation Board of Directors.

Leis’ successful career and passionate involvements in community-focused organizations have earned him awards such as the CI Business & Technology Partnership Business & Community Leader of the Year in 2011 and the CSUN Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013.

CI wishes to thank the event’s title sponsor, Rabobank, along with sponsors SAGE Publications, Karen and Peter Wollons, Union Bank, Wells Fargo, Aera Energy LLC, Harrison Industries, Gene Haas Foundation, Canteen of Coastal California, Community Memorial Health System, Dignity Health – St. John’s Hospitals, Leah and Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo, Elise and Bill Kearney, Valdez Wealth Management Group at UBS, Heritage Oaks Bank, Pacific Western Bank, Justi, PCL Construction Services, Inc., Bank of America, Edward Birch, Morton Capital Management, Montecito Bank & Trust, Simi Valley Ford, C.A. Rasmussen, Inc., Pacific Coast Business Times, Ventura County Star, and V3 Corporation.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.csuci.edu/impact/fundraising-events/presidents-dinner.htm, or call 805-437-8916. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Alissa Larreta, Assistant Director of Advancement Events, at 805-437-8916 or alissa.larreta@csuci.edu for more information.

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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands
(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.

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