Francisca Beer, a CSUSB professor of accounting and finance, was named a recipient of the California State University’s (CSU) Faculty Innovation & Leadership Award for her work in promoting and facilitating student scholarly research and creative activities. Beer, who joined CSUSB in 1990, was one of 26 academics in the CSU recognized by the system for their crucial work in improving student achievement, and their leadership toward reaching the system’s collective Graduation Initiative 2025 goals. The award was created to recognize the important role that faculty play in providing high-quality instruction and their commitment to student success. “It is truly an honor to be recognized with such an incredible group of academics in receiving this award,” Beer said. “Looking back, I am proud of CSUSB and what we have to offer our students. I am appreciative of all my colleagues who have supported my efforts, of the staff support, and most importantly, the enthusiasm of the involved students.”  Beer served as the founding co-director of the CSUSB Office of Student Research (OSR). Under her direction, the OSR established the “Meeting of the Minds” in 2012, a daylong campus-wide symposium that highlights student research across disciplines. The event has grown every year.  In October, the winners, who represent each of the CSU campuses, were honored at a special reception during the 2018 CSU Graduation Initiative Symposium hosted by Chancellor Timothy White.