Scholarships and Giving

It Otter Happen — With You

A nine-foot bronze otter now stands at the heart of Cal State Monterey Bay — a symbol of pride, community and possibility.

The Otter Statue is more than a landmark. It’s a place where new traditions begin: snapping a first-day selfie, touching the bronze paw for good luck before finals, celebrating Commencement and gathering as an Otter Raft.

Now, you can become part of that legacy.

Leave Your Mark

At the base of the statue, a limited number of engraved bricks are available. Each brick represents a lasting investment in Cal State Monterey Bay and the students who will shape our future.

Your personalized brick will:

• Celebrate your time at Cal State Monterey Bay

• Honor a family member, mentor or graduate

• Recognize your business or organization

• Demonstrate your belief in accessible, transformative higher education

Four giving levels are available, each corresponding to a different brick size. Gifts may be made as a one-time contribution or fulfilled through a pledge over one or two years, depending on the level.

Join the Otter Raft

Be part of a tradition that will welcome generations of students to campus. Secure your engraved brick and cement your place in Cal State Monterey Bay history.

Reserve Your Brick

Cal State Monterey Bay alumni believe in investing in student success. Through scholarships and capstone grants, the Alumni Association helps Otters stay focused on their goals and graduate prepared to make a difference.

Alumni Scholarships

Each year, the Alumni Association awards $5,000 in scholarships to support current students. These awards help reduce financial barriers and expand access to a transformative education.

Students can apply through the Financial Aid Office.

View current scholarship opportunities.

Capstone Grants

To support seniors completing their culminating experience, the Alumni Association awards capstone grants of up to $500 each semester. These grants help offset project expenses so students can fully bring their ideas to life.

Robert Darwin was a writer, businessman, actor, filmmaker, photographer, pilot and longtime resident of Carmel Valley. A dedicated supporter of Cal State Monterey Bay, Darwin made generous contributions that expanded opportunities for students throughout Monterey County and beyond.

With Robert Darwin as its lead funder, the Robert Darwin Black Box Cabaret will transform an existing performance space into a high-quality, acoustically distinctive venue for live performance. Designed to support artistic vision, student learning and community connection, the renovated space will provide new opportunities for performances, gatherings and academic programs.

The project also honors the history of the Black Box Cabaret and the generations of students, faculty, alumni and community members who have filled the space with music, performances and memorable experiences.

Add your story to the record

Supporters can help preserve that history while building what comes next. Giving opportunities include recognition on the donor wall and the opportunity to add your name to a permanent tribute to the people who have shaped the Black Box Cabaret.

Learn more about the Robert Darwin Black Box Cabaret