A is for Art

Lorena Nava Ruggero — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 -0700

The SDSU Children's Center showcases artwork by its students as part of its annual fundraiser.

In many homes, children’s artwork is placed on the fridge.

But, that’s not the case at the SDSU Children’s Center, home to children of San Diego State students, faculty, staff and alumni, and local community members. There, artwork by the students, who range in age from 6 months to 5 years, is placed on gallery walls as part of A is for Art.

“Research and experience clearly show that children’s earliest years are crucial learning years,” said Robin Judd, director of the SDSU Children’s Center. “One way that children learn critical communicative and expressive skills is through art. Children have an immense capacity for creativity and fostering artistic expression can make a difference in the life of a young child.”

Local artists volunteer to work in the classroom with students and their teachers, creating multimedia works of art that stretch the limits of what many consider “child’s play.” The artists visit the classrooms to discuss their own art, demonstrate artistic techniques and mentor the children in their artwork.

As part of A is for Art, the 20 pieces created in the classrooms are then auctioned off in a fundraiser that supports the SDSU Children’s Center, a service made available by the Associated Students of SDSU.

Enjoy an evening of art

Now in its eighth year, A is for Art encompasses two events: a sneak peek from 5 – 7 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library 1008 Wall Street in La Jolla, and the exhibition and gala from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 6, at the KPBS Copley Telecommunications Center on the SDSU campus. Both events are free and open to the public.

The La Jolla event will feature 10 paintings sold in a live auction that will benefit the SDSU Children’s Center, and guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, an opportunity drawing, wine and live music. While children are welcome, the Athenaeum is not a child-friendly setting and parents are asked to stay with their children at all times.

Organizers will also auction a special “PINK” painting created by all the children at the center. The proceeds from this painting will be donated to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in honor of Sara Sanders, a supervising teacher at the center.

The family-friendly gala event at KPBS will feature a live auction of the 10 remaining art pieces created by the SDSU Children’s Center, and guests can enjoy refreshments, opportunity drawings and children’s entertainment provided by Hullabaloo.

A is for Art is generously supported by:

About the SDSU Children’s Center

The SDSU Children's Center features a relaxed and loving atmosphere in which children are free to explore, learn and create through play. To foster the development of the whole child, activities are planned to provide maximum physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth — and continuous exposure to the tools for learning.

About Associated Students of SDSU

Associated Students is an independent, student-directed corporation and is one of the largest student governance organizations in the California State University system. As an affiliate of SDSU, the programs and facilities Associated Students manages are enjoyed by students, faculty, staff and the SDSU and San Diego community.

To learn more about Associated Students, visit as.sdsu.edu.

Exclusive Deals for Aztecs During SDSU Month

Hallie Jacobs — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Westfield Mission Valley offers SDSU community discounts through April 17.

Being an Aztec comes with some serious perks.

In honor of SDSU Month, Westfield Mission Valley is offering exclusive discounts for SDSU students, faculty and alumni. The offers are valid March 17-April 17.

Participants with an SDSU ID or proof of alumni status can receive exclusive deals at stores, such as:

•   Charlotte Russe
•   Kay Jewelers
•   Loehmann’s
•   Robeks Juice

SDSU specials at Westfield Mission Valley

24 Hour Fitness
No enrollment fee for new members

Bennigan's
20% off entire purchase

Best Buy Mobile
25% off mobile accessories

Charley's Grilled Subs
10% off regularly priced menu items

Charlotte Russe
The BFF Hook Up: $5 off a $25 or more purchase

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
10% off beverages and food items

Dairy Queen/Orange Julius
Buy one Blizzard and get one for 99 cents

Daniel's
10% off entire purchase

Dear Alice
10% off entire purchase

Fast-Fix Jewelry & Watch Repairs
10% off Zippos; 20% off watches and batteries
(Minimum $24.95 purchase)

Fragrance Bay
20% off selected items

Frederick's of Hollywood
20% off any purchase over $50

Fuddruckers
10% off entire purchase

Kay Jewelers
20% of regular priced merchandise

King's Fish House
$10 off a $40-or-more purchase

Loehmann's
10% off entire purchase

Michael's
15% off entire purchase
(Ask an associate for coupon prior to purchase)

Monsoon Express
20% off entire purchase

Pishon
15% off regular priced merchandise

Rebel Heart
20% off body jewelry

Robeks Juice
Buy one Berry or Tropical smoothie and get one free
(Free smoothies must be of equal or lesser value. Excludes exotic, power and superfruit smoothies)

Ruby's Diner
15% off entire purchase
(Excludes alcohol and retail items)

Sports Fan
10% off entire purchase; 20% off SDSU merchandise
(Excludes sale items)

Sweet Factory
15% off bulk candy

Tilted Kilt
15% off entire purchase
(Excludes alcohol)

TORA Seafood Buffet & Sake Lounge
10% off entire purchase
(Excludes alcohol and beverages; Mon-Fri only)

Westfield Mission Valley is an official sponsor of SDSU Month.

Leadership Focus of Interactive Town Hall

Gina Jacobs — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:00:00 -0800

March 14 event will broadcast live on KOGO.

From the family home to corporate America to the nation's capital, there is a need for strong leaders. That will be the topic of an interactive town hall meeting hosted by KOGO Wednesday, March 14.

KOGO will broadcast live from San Diego State University’s Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center beginning at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Building leaders

“Families, businesses, schools and government need leaders who can face these challenges and help guide people and organizations toward success,” said Cliff Albert, KOGO program director and town hall moderator. “In this election year, we are reminded every day of how important strong leadership can be in all areas our society today. Our town hall will discuss where we find good leaders and what kind of leaders we need.”

A panel of experts and community leaders will take questionsand identify what it takes to be a successful leader.

Panelists include:

Ron King, chair, SDSU Department of Political Science
Cody Barbo, president, SDSU Associated Students
John Lynch, CEO, U-T San Diego
George Chamberlin, executive editor of San Diego Daily Transcript and KOGO business editor

Live radio and web broadcast

The town hall meeting will broadcast live on FM 95.7 & AM 600 KOGO and online at kogo.com.

Clear Channel Radio is an SDSU Month media partner.

Entrepreneur Day Connects Students, Alumni

Adrienne White — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:00 -0800

The third annual event will include business leaders from prominent companies started by SDSU alumni.

To celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit at San Diego State University, an entire day is dedicated to showcasing alumni and students' business success.

It's all part of the third annual Entrepreneur Day, March 13, sponsored by the Entrepreneur Society and Entrepreneurial Management Center.

'Meet the Entrepreneur'

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Campanile Walkway.

Four all-star entrepreneurs will share business insights from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the “Meet the Entrepreneur” booth.

Stories of success

This year's event will feature:

Craig Stevens, Founder, Mar West Real Estate, 11 am
Jenny Amaraneni, Co-Founder, SOLO Eyewear and Gary Hughes, Founder, Deuce, 11:30 am
Thom McElroy, Founder, Volcom, 12 pm

Last year's event attracted business leaders from top companies, including Costco, Rubio’s and Volcom, as well as students who founded emerging companies, such as Deuce and ShakeSmart.

Find out more about Entrepreneur Day.

Aztec Leadership Network

SDSU has a rich history of entrepreneurism, which is showcased by the recently launched Aztec Leadership Network.

The network identifies businesses led by SDSU alumni, including founders, owners, CEOs and presidents.

Student Research Symposium Comes to Love Library

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:00 -0800

The two-day event will showcase student accomplishments across a number of disciplines.

More than 400 San Diego State University students across 80 majors and disciplines will showcase their original research at the fifth annual Student Research Symposium March 9-10 in the SDSU Library.

Purpose of the Symposium

The two-day symposium recognizes the outstanding scholarly accomplishments of SDSU students and provides a public forum where SDSU students from every major and program can present their research, scholarship or creative activities. The Student Research Symposium is one of the signature events of SDSU Month and is free and open to the public.

“The symposium represents a chance for the community to see the kind of fascinating and high-level work that SDSU students and faculty are collaborating on,” said Emilio Ulloa, a professor of psychology and chair of the symposium.

Symposium Features

Among the creative and original research to be highlighted include presentations like “The Better to Eat You With: The Comparative Anatomy and Evolution of Feeding in Seals (Carnivora, Phocidae)” and “The Promotion of Societal Injustice in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter.”

Attendees can also attend 10 minute presentations on a variety of topics, including "Earthquakes and Tsunamis," "Culture, Ethnicity, and Discrimination," "Ecology and Conservation,” "Indigenous Population Issues - Past and Present," "Research in Violence," "Health Behaviors and Mental Health in Latinos,” and “Fire on Earth and Space,” among a host of others.

Ten presidential awards of $500 will be handed out to recognize outstanding achievement in original scholarship. These graduate and undergraduate students will represent the university at the California State University Student Research Competition in May. Student presenters also have the opportunity to win other cash awards for recognition of excellence in a variety of categories.

Who makes it happen?

Faculty members serve as volunteer judges to decide the winners, Ulloa said. The Symposium is still in need of judges, and faculty members are encouraged to judge presentations even outside their field of experience.

The Student Research Symposium is made possible through the support of the President’s Leadership Fund, Aztec Parents Fund, Academic Deans, Aztec Shops, Division of Undergraduate Studies, Graduate and Research Affairs, Office of the Provost, Honors Council, SDSU Research Foundation and University Advancement.

For questions or more information please contact Dr. Emilio Ulloa, chair of the SDSU Student Research Symposium (619)594-3110, eulloa@sciences.sdsu.edu.

Leadership Starts Here

Greg Block — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:00:00 -0800

The grand prize for the SDSU Month Video Contest is a trip for two to the University of Washington football game.

San Diego State has long been an institution from which leaders have emerged. From entrepreneurs to CEOs, from scientists to volunteers who make the world a better place, SDSU is a university that teaches, encourages and inspires leadership.

And this year, SDSU Month celebrates that fact, starting with two highlights: the debut of the Aztec Leadership Network, and the "I Believe" Video Contest.

Aztec Leadership Network

So many of the 260,000 living SDSU alumni are leaders of businesses and organizations. They are CEOs, presidents, founders and partners. Aztecs run biotech companies, accounting firms, restaurant chains and hospitals.

SDSU has begun putting all those organizations in one place — the Aztec Leadership Network. This map demonstrates the reach and impact SDSU alumni have in all walks of life. And it is a way to encourage people to support and patronize Aztec-led businesses.

“SDSU has an incredible network of people who run businesses in virtually every industry you can think of,” said Jim Herrick, director of the SDSU Alumni Association. “The more we, as Aztecs, can support our fellow alumni, the more it strengthens our own network and the value of the education we received at SDSU. We want to encourage Aztecs to hire fellow Aztecs, and to use SDSU alumni-owned businesses. The Aztec Leadership Network will be the foundation for that.”

The Aztec Leadership Network is a continual work in progress that will grow as new leaders emerge from SDSU and as others identify themselves. Business leaders who wish to be included on the map, can fill out an online form at the Leadership Starts Here website at sdsu.edu/leadershipstartshere.

I Believe video contest

SDSU’s current television commercial features several prominent Aztecs doing the now famous “I Believe” chant. The idea behind the spot is to show the passion of SDSU’s students and alumni, while at the same time, bringing to life the Aztec Leadership Network.

For SDSU Month, the university is challenging students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to create their own unique version of this video to express why they “believe” leadership starts at SDSU.

The grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to the SDSU football game at the University of Washington on Sept. 1, courtesy of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. AztecSportsReport.com, the top source for SDSU athletics recruiting news and information, will give five complimentary six-month subscriptions to winners. Other prizes will be given to select video entries courtesy of the SDSU Bookstore and SDSU Dining Services.

The submission and public comment period for the video contest is from 10 a.m., Feb. 15, to 10 a.m., March 15.

The judging period is March 15 to March 19. Videos will be judged by a panel of students and staff from SDSU who will look for the “I Believe” theme and connection to university, originality and vision, and a depiction of the “Leadership Starts Here” theme. Entrants will be encouraged to promote their own videos, as comments and the number of “likes” will be considered in the judging process. Winners will be announced on March 20.

Read the official rules and learn how to enter a video here.

SDSU Month

SDSU Month is an annual celebration of San Diego State’s outstanding people and programs and features 31 days of artistic, academic and athletic events, and a partner-supported media campaign.

Other events and activities during SDSU Month include:

Explore SDSU, March 17: a free all-campus event featuring an information fair, academic program workshops, tours and open houses
Student Research Symposium, March 9-10: a showcase of students’ original research, scholarship, or creative activities
Venture Challenge, March 15-17: an international MBA business plan competition
Albert W. Johnson Lecture, March 16: a public lecture by biologist Sandy Bernstein

Visit the Leadership Starts Here website to learn more and stay informed.

SDSU Month sponsors and media partners include:

Associated Students
Clear Channel Radio
Cox Media
The Daily Aztec
KPBS
Pepsi
NBC San Diego
SDSU Bookstore
SDSU Dining Services
SDSU Research Foundation
Telemundo 33
Univision San Diego
Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians
Univision Radio

Biology Student Wins Aztec for Life Photo Contest

Jordan Bowditch — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:00 -0700

Nina Lee, who will receive a new iPad2 for winning the contest, shares her SDSU story.

Second-year biology student Nina Lee needed a break from studying for an upcoming physics exam.

She decided to check her e-mail and that’s when she discovered the photo she submitted to the SDSU Month Aztec for Life Photo Contest won her a new iPad2.

Winning Photo: Members of the Asian Pacific Student Alliance pose on the steps of Manchester Hall.

“I was in the library and I knew I needed to be quiet,” she said. “But I just couldn’t help myself and I squealed!”

Lee’s photo featured members of the Asian Pacific Student Alliance after they won the annual Homecoming competition for student organizations.

“It’s tradition for the guys to paint their chests for the Homecoming game, but this year was particularly special because we won,” explained Lee, who joined the organization as a freshman last year.

About the photo contest

The Aztec for Life Photo Contest took place in March. To enter the contest, participants submitted photos that demonstrated their connections to the university. Lee’s photo was randomly selected as the winner from a pool of nearly 100 submissions.

The photo contest was part of SDSU Month, an annual celebration in March that highlights the university’s substantial contributions and connections to the San Diego region.

Supporting relief efforts in Japan

The Asian Pacific Student Alliance will host a fashion talent show at 6:30 p.m. on April 15 in Montezuma Hall to raise funds for the Japanese earthquake/tsunami relief efforts.

Tickets for the event are free and can be found on the APSA website.

Decades Ago at San Diego State

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

A look back at the student newspaper's gossip column in 1936.

With the university celebrating its birthday in March with SDSU Month, it is a perfect time for this new series presented by the SDSU Library's Department of Special Collections and University Archives. "Decades Ago at San Diego State" will take a look back at news and topics of note from archived issues of The Daily Aztec, providing a glimpse of the university's past.

Ever feel like you're being watched on campus?

Seventy-five years ago students and faculty alike were being watched… by the Campus Ghost.

The March 1936 issues of the State College Aztec ran the "Campus Ghost" column on the society page of the paper. This "ghost" used witty and clever descriptions to report on the often silly and absurd activities of unsuspecting students, such as a student running into a fire hydrant, an egging at a theater performance and the general kafuffle of co-ed dating (click on any link to see a "Campus Ghost" column).

The "Campus Ghost" kept students on their toes and made sure that all the best gossip made it to the printed page, to the great entertainment — and sometimes dismay — of all Aztec readers!

More "Decades Ago at San Diego State" features

'Share Your Talent with the World'

Jordan Bowditch — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0700

The Peace Corps 50th anniversary celebration brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members.

For Colleen O’Conner, having a talent is more than a gift – there's an inherent social responsibility to share it with others.

“If you have a talent, don’t just sit on it,” she said during the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Celebration Wednesday night. “It is your social responsibility to share your talent with the world.”

O’Conner served as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1968-70 in Turkey. Her statement seemed to capture the theme of the evening event.

Celebrating a five-decade partnership

More than 100 students, alumni, faculty and staff gathered as SDSU honored 50 years of excellence and service to the Peace Corps at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center. The event, hosted by SDSU Career Services and Student Affairs, featured a panel of SDSU alumni who served as Peace Corps volunteers.

Five panelists shared their stories, including Refugio Rochin, one of the earliest participants in the Peace Corps. He served in Columbia from 1962-64, just two years after the program’s conception.

While many make a two-year commitment to the corps, there are others like Mark O’Donnell, who served the Peace Corps in various capacities for more than 10 years.

“I saw a Peace Corps commercial when I was in seventh or eighth grade, and I knew then that I wanted to join the Peace Corps when I was old enough,” O’Donnell said.

The SDSU-Peace Corps connection

Jeff Marston, president-elect of the SDSU Alumni Association and returned Peace Corps volunteer, served as the moderator. At the event’s start, panelists shared a brief personal biography including why they joined the Peace Corps and what they did in their respective countries. Each had a unique story to tell.

The event concluded with a chance for attendees to network with volunteers, recruiters and local community leaders.

More than 1,100 SDSU alumni have served as Peace Corps volunteers and, currently, 40 graduates are doing so in countries around the world. SDSU is recognized as one of the top two California State University campuses for Peace Corps recruiting.

This featured event was part of SDSU Month, a monthlong celebration of San Diego State. SDSU Month features 31 days of artistic, academic and athletic events, special offers from local businesses and a partner-supported media campaign to raise awareness of SDSU’s outstanding people and programs. For more information, visit SDSUMonth.com.

Entrepreneurs, Assemble!

Jordan Bowditch — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0700

Current and past Aztecs gathered for the annual Entrepreneur Day event.

Student and alumni entrepreneurs assembled last Thursday afternoon to showcase their businesses on Centennial Walkway for Entrepreneur Day.

More than 50 companies were represented this year, including Deuce Brand Fashion Sport Watches, Volcom and Wahoo's Fish Tacos.

At your service

Students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to purchase products provided by the entrepreneurs throughout the afternoon, ranging from various apparel and memorabilia to tacos and desserts. Shakesmart, a student-run campus business, was at the event selling its premium fruit-infused protein shakes.

Shakesmart cofounders Kevin Gelfand and Martin Reiman said it was great to have the chance to ‘show their goods’ in the middle of campus. Shakesmart is located near the Aztec Recreation Center on the west side of campus.

Long-time supporters

Popular surf and skate apparel company Volcom attracted crowds all day by giving away free stickers. Volcom cofounder and alumnus Tom McElroy participated in a discussion on entrepreneurship and the skills needed to start your own business.

Volcom, a multimillion-dollar, alumni-run business, has attended the event for the past two years.

About Entrepreneur Day

Entrepreneur Day is an annual event and part of the Lavin Entrepreneur Program run by Bernhard Schroeder, programs director of the SDSU Entrepreneurial Management Center. The Lavin Entrepreneur Program gives SDSU students interested in starting their own businesses the opportunity to work with alumni who have done the same.

This event was part of SDSU Month, a monthlong celebration of San Diego State. SDSU Month features 31 days of artistic, academic and athletic events, special offers from local businesses and a partner-supported media campaign to raise awareness of SDSU’s outstanding people and programs. For more information, visit SDSUMonth.com.

Something for Everyone at Explore SDSU

Jordan Bowditch — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0700

The threat of rain and wind did nothing to dampen Aztecs' spirits during the annual open house.

While the weather on Saturday afternoon may not have been frightful, it was less than ideal. But that didn’t stop the Aztec community from coming together to Explore SDSU.

Thousands of prospective, admitted and current students, as well as alumni and community members, attended SDSU’s annual Open House on Saturday morning.

“This is the third Open House I’ve been too, and this one is particularly impressive,” said Jeff Plourd, vice president of external affairs for the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts College Council.

“You would think the weather would deter people, but crowds keep cycling through.”

Entertaining Aztecs of all ages

With a 9 a.m. start, crowds of eager participants were ready to partake in the festivities.

The Family Village was a huge hit, giving families an opportunity to enjoy live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Kids of all ages had their faces painted, made personalized hats at the Rad Hatter booth and wore themselves out in the bounce house while listening to live tunes from "kid-folk" group Hullabaloo.

Perfect for prospective students

Prospective and admitted students had the opportunity to explore more than 100 student organizations at the Information Fair, as well as tour various departments and facilities on the SDSU campus throughout the day. Prospective students also attended workshops for their potential majors to get a head start on their college careers at SDSU.

Even when the event officially ended at 1 p.m., several people remained, soaking up as much of campus as possible.

This event was part of SDSU Month, a monthlong celebration of San Diego State. SDSU Month features 31 days of artistic, academic and athletic events, special offers from local businesses and a partner-supported media campaign to raise awareness of SDSU’s outstanding people and programs. For more information, visit SDSUMonth.com.

Sweet 16 Here We Come!

Associated Press — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:00:00 -0700

The Aztecs win a double-overtime thriller, 71-64, over Temple to advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.

TUCSON, Ariz. -- One last burst of magnificent athleticism finally did it for San Diego State.

Billy White had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Kawhi Leonard sealed San Diego State's exhausting, 71-64 double-overtime victory against Temple with a steal and a slam dunk in a third-round NCAA tournament thriller on Saturday.

White sank the go-ahead jumper and Leonard made two free throws as the second-seeded Aztecs (34-2) finally put away the pesky Owls (26-7).

Ramone Moore scored 17 for No. 7 seed Temple, which was coming off a 66-64 last-second victory over Penn State in the second round. San Diego State, never an NCAA tournament winner before this season, advanced to the West regional semifinals Thursday in Anaheim, Calif., against the winner of Saturday night's Cincinnati-Connecticut matchup.

Chase Tapley matched his career best with four 3-pointers -- in five attempts -- but it was the soaring ability of coach Steve Fisher's team that finally made the difference.

San Diego State blocked 13 shots, four by Malcolm Thomas, none bigger than his soaring rejection of Lavoy Allen's inside attempt in the final minute with the Aztecs clinging to a 67-64 lead.

Leonard's two free throws with 30.4 seconds to play put San Diego State ahead 69-64, then he stole the ball from Khalif Wyatt in Temple's backcourt, racing uncontested for the slam that sent the Aztecs' faithful into one last frenzy.

The Aztecs, held to a season-low 18 second-half points as the patient Owls clawed back into it, had not played a double-overtime game in seven years. When they had the last shot at the end of regulation and the first overtime and failed to score, the loud throng that made the trek east on Interstate 8 could see their dream season headed toward a possible inglorious, premature conclusion.

After a brief exhibition of its fast-break prowess gave San Diego State an 11-point first-half lead, the game slowed to the methodical pace so preferred by Temple. A series of missed shots at point-blank range -- by both teams -- and some untimely Aztecs turnovers transformed the game into one of those NCAA wild ones.

Juan Fernandez, the hero of the win over Penn State, scored 14 for the Owls but was just 5 of 16 shooting -- 1 of 10 INSIDE 3-point range. Wyatt also scored 14 and Lavoy Allen had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Thomas scored 14 for the Aztecs to help Fisher advance to a regional semifinal for the fifth time. The first four were with Michigan, the last in 1994.

San Diego shot just 43 percent, but Temple was worse at 38 percent.

Sweet 16: SDSU-Conneticut, 4:15 p.m., Thursday, March 24

San Diego State will face Connecticut in the first West Regional semifinal game at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 24.

At approximately 6:45 p.m. PT, Duke will face Arizona in the second regional semifinal game.

The winning teams will play on Saturday (time to be determined) for a trip to the Final Four. All three games will be played at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

Win an iPad 2!

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0700

Submit a photo to the SDSU Month Aztec for Life Photo Contest and you could win an iPad 2.

Are you an Aztec for Life? Share your favorite Aztec for Life photo and you can win an Apple iPad 2!

Throughout March, photo submissions have been displayed in the Aztec for Life Photo Gallery on the SDSU Month website homepage. Contest organizers will continue to accept submissions through March 31, so don’t miss out on the chance to show your Aztec pride and win a new iPad 2.

Photos should demonstrate one of the following in order to be considered:

Aztec pride
School spirit
Why you love SDSU

E-mail your photo to sdsumonth@sdsu.edu and please include the following information:

Name
Affiliation (i.e., student, faculty, staff, alumni, university friend, etc.)
Phone number
Photo caption (a brief sentence explaining your photo)

One grand prize winner will be randomly selected and notified on April 1. For details, visit sdsumonth.com.

This contest is part of SDSU Month, a monthlong celebration of San Diego State. SDSU Month features 31 days of artistic, academic and athletic events, special offers from local businesses and a partner-supported media campaign to raise awareness of SDSU’s outstanding people and programs. For more information, visit SDSUMonth.com.

Past, Present and Future Aztecs Invited to Explore SDSU

Jordan Bowditch — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The 2011 Explore SDSU Open House takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 19.

SDSU invites prospective, admitted and current students, as well as alumni and community members to attend the annual open house event from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, March 19.

Explore SDSU is a free, all-campus open house featuring an information fair, academic program workshops, tours and open houses. This is a great opportunity for prospective students to explore what life is like as an SDSU student.

The university also welcomes all SDSU alumni back to campus to reconnect with their favorite programs and departments, enjoy live entertainment, visit the new Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center and explore the campus to see what’s changed since their student days. There’s never been a better time to reconnect with the Aztec family!

In addition to activities for prospective students and alumni, there are dozens of activities for attendees of all ages, including the SDSU Science & Engineering Sampler. The sampler is an exciting and interactive experience kicking off the San Diego Science Festival and includes more than 20 demonstrations, such as:

Liquid nitrogen ice cream
Show Me Geology
Planetarium shows
CSI Meets CSU
Electron microscopes
BioScience Center tours

For more information, visit the SDSU Science & Engineering Sampler website.

Many more family-oriented events will take place at the Explore SDSU Family Village, featuring live music, a bounce house, a special performance by "kid-folk" group Hullabaloo and appearances by popular PBS characters, including the Cat in the Hat and the lovable Curious George. Additional Family Village festivities include:

Face painting
Balloon twisting
Hat making with The Rad Hatter
And much, much more!

Campus parking for Explore SDSU Open House is free. Attendees can park in any SDSU-marked student or faculty/staff space. Event organizers suggest that attendees allow at least 45 minutes to park and find their first activity.

This event is part of SDSU Month, a monthlong celebration of San Diego State. SDSU Month features 31 days of artistic, academic and athletic events, special offers from local businesses and a partner-supported media campaign to raise awareness of SDSU’s outstanding people and programs. For more information, visit SDSUMonth.com.

New Admits Continue to Raise Bar

Gina Jacobs — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:00:00 -0700

Academics and diversity remain at all-time highs for incoming SDSU freshmen.

Thousands of students from throughout California received notices of admission to San Diego State University this past week.

SDSU received nearly 60,000 undergraduate applications for approximately 6,174 undergraduate enrollment slots for fall 2011. Individual admission decisions are now available on SDSU’s online WebPortal and letters will be mailed to all applicants in the coming weeks.

The newly admitted incoming freshmen have an average high school GPA of 3.78 and an average SAT score of 1148, the same record-setting academic credentials as last year’s incoming freshman class. (SAT score based on the verbal and math portions of the exam.)

Despite new budget cuts, enrollment targets remain the same

These students will begin their college careers at a time when the California State University budget is set to be reduced by at least $500 million in state funding, assuming passage of a special ballot initiative in June.

“Despite significant budget cuts anticipated for next year, San Diego State has not reduced the number of new undergraduates in fall 2011 compared to fall 2010,” said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber.

“These highly qualified students will be a tremendous asset to the university and the future of California, as they are more likely to complete their university education and obtain their degrees.”

SDSU expects to enroll a total of 3,657 freshmen and 2,517 undergraduate transfer students in the fall. An estimated 44 percent of new resident (in-state) freshmen are expected to be from SDSU’s local admission area, which extends south from State Route 56 and includes Imperial County. Local transfer students will still constitute the majority of new fall 2011 transfer enrollees despite SDSU enrolling a record number of new local transfer students this spring.

SDSU enrolled approximately 4,000 new undergraduate students in spring 2011, made possible by federal stimulus funds and a prior restoration of the California State University budget by the state legislature last year. The total enrollment for fall 2011 is expected to remain at approximately 30,000 students.

Ethnic diversity high

The ethnic diversity of SDSU’s student body will also remain high. Ranked as one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges 2011,” SDSU estimates 52 percent of the fall 2011 new resident freshmen will be from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.

“Our diverse student body enriches the university experience for all SDSU students,” said Weber.

Local students receive admission preference

Local CSU-eligible first-time freshman applicants receive an admission preference over non-local admission area applicants. Local applicants are ranked separately from non-local applicants and receive "preference" points added to their admission Eligibility Index to provide them preference over non-local applicants.

For fall 2011, the average number of preference points provided local applicants was 407 compared to 381 in fall 2010; the equivalent of adding 407 points to each local applicants' SAT score.

Several options for students who were not admitted

All CSU-eligible freshmen from the local admission area who were not admitted will have the option of placement on a waiting list.

Local CSU-eligible freshmen applicants who were not admitted also qualify for a “special transfer admission guarantee.” To guarantee admission to SDSU based on the requirements of the 2011 general catalog, these students must:

Enroll in a local community college this fall
Complete all of their required coursework within three years (or by fall 2014)
Meet the current requirements of their desired major

This means that should requirements for entry into a certain major change during the next three years, these applicants only need to meet the requirements for the current year.

Admitted students are encouraged to attend the Explore SDSU Open House to learn more about what life is like as an SDSU student.