In this issue:

Alumni Center Work Set to Begin
March 4 Groundbreaking Ceremony Kicks Off Construction

After years in the planning stages, construction of the SDSU Alumni Association’s new $11 million Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center is set to begin next month. More than 200 Aztec alumni, university administrators, and local dignitaries are expected to attend a March 4 groundbreaking ceremony at the 55th Street location.

Artist's rendering of the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center.

Construction of the new facility is expected to take between 14 and 18 months. The 30,000-square-feet, two-story structure will rise on the site of the former SDSU Alumni Association offices on the northwest corner of 55th Street and Hardy Avenue between the Aztrack and the Aztec Athletics Hall of Fame.

The new alumni center is named for Aztec alumni Leon Parma (’51), Bob Payne (’55), and Jack Goodall (’60). The three are longtime friends who together donated nearly $3 million for construction of the facility, which will serve as a permanent campus gathering place for the university’s approximately 200,000 alumni.

Before serving as home to the Alumni Association in recent years, the red tile and stucco structure to be demolished was originally built in 1987 as the Football Operations Center. In December, the SDSU Alumni Association moved its offices across campus to Manchester Hall to make way for the demolition and new construction.

Funds for construction of the new facility were raised through donations from more than 500 groups and individuals. Grand opening of the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center is projected for the fall of 2009.

For information on the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, visit alumnicenter.sdsu.edu.

“They Believe in Me”
Three Students Receive Alumni Scholarships

Scholarship recipient Vilma Martinez.

Growing up in South Lake Tahoe, Vilma Martinez says she felt she needed more support than she received grappling with the many challenges of childhood, school, and life. So when it came time to choose a college, Martinez says San Diego State appealed to her because it was far from Lake Tahoe and it offered her the best chance to realize a dream born from personal experience.

“I heard about the social work program – that it was really good here,” says the 21-year-old senior of her decision to attend SDSU. “I had a hard time growing up because I didn’t have people who really helped me, so that’s how I feel I can contribute, that I can help other people who need it. I want to be a social worker to work with domestic violence victims or children who have had bad homes.”

Martinez soon discovered that achieving her goals would not be easy. “When I first got here I had a hard time adjusting and I wanted to go,” she remembers. “It’s competitive.” But she persevered enough to maintain a 3.28 grade point average while working as a dean’s assistant and a baby sitter to make ends meet. She also serves as president of the SDSU Shotokan Karate Club and volunteers several hours each week at the Salvation Army.

When she learned she was chosen as one of three students to receive a $4,300 scholarship from the SDSU Alumni Association, Martinez says she experienced much more than a sense of financial relief. She also felt her career choice had been validated. “It’s not just about having the money,” she explains. “It’s like somebody else believes in me now.”

LESS WORRY

For 26-year-old Estela Blanco, the scholarship represents greater peace of mind. “It means a lot less worry, a lot less anxiety at night,” says the master’s student from Tracy, near Stockton, who is in her second year of a joint program in public health and Latin American studies. “It will totally cover tuition this semester and books that I need.”

Scholarship recipient Estela Blanco.

Blanco works full time for a UCSD professor and volunteers for a number of community organizations. She hopes to use her research experience and education to serve the Latino population in some way. “Maybe that would mean working in Latin America,” she surmises, “or at least working consulting from the U.S., but working with agencies or governments even in Latin America doing health programs.”

Why the health field? “I just feel like health is fundamental,” she says, “and I think there’s a lot of potential for great, interesting work.”

AN ENIGMA

As a child, Justin Livengood Petrie always thought he would become a doctor. Upon graduation from San Diego High School, however, he came to SDSU to study business.

Scholarship recipient Justin Livengood Petrie.

“But when I got to about two classes away from graduation in business management, I took a summer course in EMT (emergency medical technician) for a fun summer job,” he recalls. “I had been at the top of the class in both of those classes and I just rediscovered my desire to be a doctor.”

So he switched his major to pre-biology and started the course work all over again.

“I’m kind of an enigma for San Diego State because I guess they don’t have a category for double majors, which I would consider myself to be because I fulfilled all the upper and lower division requirements for both majors,” Livengood Petrie explains. “Basically I’ve done two tours of college.”

The 25-year-old San Diegan hopes to become a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). “It’s kind of a combination of helping people, seeing them gradually getting better, along with solving the puzzle of what’s going on with them,” Livengood Petrie says of his commitment to medicine. “I love solving puzzles. I’ve always done that since I was a kid.”

To make ends meet, Livengood Petrie has a job at a burger joint in addition to his work as an EMT. “My dream during school was to be one of the privileged kids who didn’t have to work and had all the financial support in the world to only just do school,” he says. The Alumni Association scholarship will allow him to work a little less and focus more on maintaining his 3.29 grade point average.

“I CAN’T SAY THANKS ENOUGH”

His message to alumni who made his scholarship possible? “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you,” he says, echoing the thoughts of his fellow scholarship recipients.

Blanco shares the sentiment. “I can’t say thanks enough to the Association for their commitment,” she says. “I really hope that I will make them proud and that they will be pleased with me as a recipient.”

All three scholarship winners say they are grateful to alumni who made their awards possible and to the alumni panel that conducted their interviews and selected them as recipients.

“It’s an honor to meet people like them who care and who are so devoted to the school,” says Martinez. “I’m really appreciative of what they’ve done for me, the scholarship they’ve given me, and that they believe in me.”

To donate to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, call (619) 594-2586.

SDSU Month
Activities, Events Abound During Campus Celebration

With SDSU Month right around the corner you may now log on to the SDSU Month Web site to see all of the events, activities and special offers that will be a part of the month long celebration. Throughout March, dozens of arts, academic and athletics events will highlight SDSU and its contributions to the San Diego community.

The celebration tips off with the men's basketball team hosting its final home game of the year at 7 p.m. on March 1 at Cox Arena.

On March 15, SDSU opens its doors for Explore SDSU: Open House 2008. Enjoy free exhibits, tours, a fun family zone, live entertainment and more. See everything SDSU has to offer and get a chance to hang out with fellow alumni, faculty, and students.

Uncover our past at the unveiling of the recently discovered WPA-era murals painted by SDSU students in the 1930s at 6:30 p.m. on March 7 in Hardy Tower.

Get all the details at www.sdsumonth.com.

SDSU MONTH ON TELEVISION

The cutting-edge research of San Diego State University's faculty and students is celebrated in a new television spot set to air throughout San Diego as part of SDSU Month in March.

See the TV spot at www.sdsumonth.com.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Don't forget to take advantage of the many special offers for SDSU Month from local businesses and organizations.

Special offers benefit the SDSU Month Scholarship Challenge and include the Aztec Meal Deal at Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill. During March, for every Aztec Meal Deal sold at San Diego-area locations, Rubio's will donate $1 to the SDSU Month Scholarship Challenge.

ENTER TO WIN

Interested in exploring New Zealand? During SDSU Month in March, STA Travel is giving away a trip for two to New Zealand, where the winner will search the native Kauri forest, the Tribal Lands of the Nga Puhi Maori, the mighty Huku falls and the volcanic landscape made famous by "The Lord of the Rings."

Entries should be submitted by March 31. See rules for complete details.

360 Tour
Location: SDSU Campus
Time: 7:45 a.m.
For information, contact Ashleigh Yturralde at agibson@mail.sdsu.edu.
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Relax and Enjoy
Former SDSUAA President Provides Unique Membership Incentive

This month only, alumni who become lifetime members of the SDSU Alumni Association will experience a little south seas pampering as a benefit of membership. Thanks to a fellow alum, those who sign on for life in February receive an Aloha Manicure, including a tension-relieving massage of hands and arms, at San Diego's fabulous Spa Tiki.

It’s all made possible by spa owner Jerry Dressel (’76), who is a former president of the SDSU Alumni Association and an active supporter of the organization. “Jerry approached me with this fantastic offer,” says SDSU Alumni Association Associate Director Tammy Blackburn. “It was an offer we couldn’t refuse and wanted to pass on to our lifetime members.”

Blackburn says new lifetime members still receive their choice of a lifetime member fleece or SDSU hooded sweatshirt when they join, along with such perks as a complimentary one-year subscription to San Diego Magazine, lifetime member note cards, customized return-address labels, and all the regular gifts and discounts that apply to lifetime memberships. “This is over and above all that,” she points out. “It’s a bonus.”

“We’re grateful to Jerry for his generosity on our behalf,” Blackburn continues. “He’s an Aztec through and through and this is a wonderful way to support our membership efforts. We hope his example will help convince a lot of people who have been considering lifetime membership to take the plunge and sign up this month.”

To become a lifetime member of the SDSU Alumni Association and to take advantage of this special promotion, please contact Ashleigh Yturralde at (619) 594-0946. This offer is not valid by joining online.

To see a list of new lifetime members, visit alumni.sdsu.edu/lifetime_members.

“Directly Speaking”
Blog Provides Inside Look at Alums and Campus Developments

As executive director of the SDSU Alumni Association, Jim Herrick encounters San Diego State University alumni from all eras and all walks of life. Through his position, he crosses paths with a variety of interesting people he might otherwise never have an opportunity to meet.

“Since I moved into this job in 1999 and even before during my time in the athletics department, I’ve met literally thousands of people who have attended SDSU,” Herrick says, “and the thing that always strikes me is the number of truly amazing thinkers, doers, innovators, performers, and leaders who have come through this campus. It’s just astounding.”

Like the society they reflect, SDSU alumni come with all attitudes and perspectives, but there is one trait Herrick says he finds is common to many. “Quite often,” he observes, “I’ll meet an alum who is a person of significant standing yet who possesses a genuine humility. I like to think that’s the SDSU way.”

That “way” and those who follow it are the subjects of a new blog Herrick has started on the SDSU Alumni Association’s Web site. The blog, called “Directly Speaking,” is his take on campus developments and the SDSU alumni and others he encounters through his work with the Alumni Association.

GREAT PEOPLE DOING GREAT THINGS

“There are so many great people doing so many great things on behalf of this university and I thought there should be a way to share some of that,” Herrick says of his idea to begin blogging. “Although we have a monthly electronic newsletter and a campus magazine, it seemed there was no appropriate forum for just a few thoughts here and there, so I started writing things down.”

“It’s really more of a cross between a diary and an essay,” he continues. “I just felt like there is more going on here that people might like to know about, so I’m offering my take based on my perspective after 22 years on campus.”

Herrick welcomes feedback from anyone caring to post a reply to his blog. He says he has no set schedule for posting blogs or any specific subjects he feels compelled to cover. “I just share my thoughts and observations as the spirit moves me,” he says.

Find Jim Herrick’s latest blog at sdsualumni.blogspot.com.

Young Alumni Plan Basketball Event
20/30s First Gathering of ‘08

The 20/30s Alumni encourage all young alumni to join them in cheering the Aztecs men’s basketball team on to a conference championship. They have reserved a group of tickets to the San Diego State vs. BYU game on Saturday, February 23rd at 8:00 p.m. Prior to the game, the young alumni will gather for fun and fellowship at the SDSU Chipotle at 6:30 p.m.

SDSU Athletics Photo

A group ticket window has been set up through Athletics for 20/30s Alumni to purchase tickets at a special $7 discounted price. The seats are located in the general admission sections. A $1 per ticket internet service fee will be added.

To purchase tickets, visit the Group Ticket Window Link:
https://www.groupticketwindow.com/groupticket/college/aztecs/group

Sign-In ID: sdsu
Password: alumni

Please note that the Sign-In ID and Password are lowercase. The group ticket window login is case sensitive. To ensure that you receive the discounted price please complete your purchase by Friday, February 15th at 5:00 p.m. All tickets will be mailed.

The $7 group ticket offer is only good via the Group Ticket Window and is not valid by phone or in person.

For information on upcoming 20/30s events, visit www.sdsualumni.org/2030s.

Notre Dame Ticket Deadline Approaches
Tour Packages Available

February 15 is the deadline for SDSU Alumni Association lifetime members to assure themselves of tickets for the September 6 Aztecs football game against the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend, Indiana.

SDSU Athletics Photo

SDSU Alumni Association lifetime members and Aztec Athletic Foundation members receive priority reservation status for the tickets allocated to SDSU by Notre Dame. The expected cost is between $60 and $80.

Tour packages from Chicago to South Bend are available. Costs of the packages range from $1429 for a single four-day tour to a $339-per-person game day tour in which tickets are included.

As a benefit of membership, SDSU Alumni Association lifetime members may also order individual tickets. Each paid-in-full lifetime member may order two tickets. Tickets must be ordered by February 15. For more details or to order game tickets, call the SDSU Alumni Association office at (619) 594-ALUM (2586). For more information on travel packages, visit www.doddsathletictours.com/sdsu/notredame/ or call (877) 373-5059.

New Chapters Approved
Psychology, LGBT Groups Gain Official Status

At its January 24 meeting, the SDSU Alumni Association Board of Directors approved two new alumni chapters: the Psychology Alumni Chapter and the SDSU Aztec LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) Alumni Chapter. The additions bring to 26 the total number of officially recognized SDSU Alumni Association chapters.

“I’m ecstatic. I think it’s wonderful,” said new Psychology Alumni Chapter president Lynn Gagne (’07) upon receiving news of the chapter approval. Gagne had led an eight-month organizing effort to secure official recognition for a psychology chapter.

“When I joined the Alumni Association last year when I graduated, I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t a psychology chapter,” said Gagne, who began rounding up volunteers and looking into the necessary steps for chapter approval. “Now that we’ve got it going and I have this wonderful crew behind me on my board, I’m over the moon.”

Working with Gagne on the board are vice president Sally Boisvert (’07), vice president Katherine Younger (’03), treasurer Samantha Betanzos (’06), and secretary Shayla Green (’04). Faculty members Claire Murphy, Ph.D., and Emilio Ulloa, Ph.D. (’97), will serve as advisory board members.

Gagne says the Psychology Alumni Chapter is already planning a meet-and-greet for new members Friday, March 7 at Costa Brava in Pacific Beach. “I think we’re going to concentrate on membership and get our chapter up and rolling,” she said.

SO EXCITED

Getting things rolling is also a priority for Pressley Rankin (’06), president of the new SDSU Aztec LGBT Alumni Chapter. “I was just blown away I was so excited,” he said when asked for his reaction to the new chapter’s recognition.

He credits chapter vice president Ben Cartwright (’06) with working for almost a year to organize the new chapter. “I really believe that with any group you need a leader to come forth and really want to get something done,” Rankin said, “and it was really Ben spearheading this.”

Rankin and Cartwright are joined on the chapter’s board by treasurer Jeffrey Redondo (’02) and secretary Josh San Julian (’04). Their task of finding new members will be more challenging than Gagne’s as the university keeps no lists of students who are gay, lesbian, transgendered, or bisexual. Still, Rankin remains undaunted.

“The LGBT community, because we have to be self-identified, is very good at networking and organizing,” he explained. “We are all members of different associations and that allows us to reach out to people whom we know and then they reach out to people they know.”

Rankin said a main focus of the new chapter will be to provide support for LGBT students on campus. “LGBT students sometimes feel left out,” he said, “so the idea that we have this chapter now will show them that the university is interested in them and does care about them.”

The SDSU Aztec LGBT Alumni Chapter will hold it’s first meeting as an official chapter on Wednesday, February 20 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Bamboo Lounge in Hillcrest. It will be a mixer and an information session designed to increase chapter registration.

For more information, email Rankin at sdsu.lgbt.alumni@gmail.com or visit chapters.sdsu.edu/lgbt.

For more information on the Psychology Alumni Chapter, visit chapters.sdsu.edu/psychology.

“Three-Tom Tuesday”
Business Alumni Network Event Set for February 19

Who are you? Do the people who make things happen in your company, industry, and throughout San Diego know?

They should if you want to:

• increase your income
• build your reputation
• keep on moving up

San Diego has its own unique ways of doing business. So on “Three Tom Tuesday,” February 19, three of San Diego’s top business insiders will give you the keys to the kingdom when it comes to “How to Sell Yourself in San Diego” and achieve those goals.

Tom Blair ('71) is editor-in-chief of San Diego Magazine. He will fill you in on the best ways local business people can appeal to their fellow San Diegans.

Tom Gable ('67), CEO of the highly influential firm Gable PR, is a recognized expert on positioning and creativity in public relations. He will tell you how to get someone to build an affordable public relations campaign for you that is designed for San Diego's distinctive business environment.

Tom Shess ('70) has successfully combined a career in magazine and newspaper journalism with being one of the West’s more prolific independent writers. He will tell you who to know and where to go in San Diego when you want to run your own freelance media narrative about yourself and what you do.

All this plus great networking, and delicious hors doeuvres for only $30.00!

Register at chapters.sdsu.edu/business or contact alumnichapters@sdsu.edu for additional information.