SDSU Alumni News

SDFoodies: SDSU marketing graduate, Chris Stone (‘18), turned a pandemic passion into SDFoodies, one of San Diego's most influential food brands.After graduating from San Diego State University’sFowler College of Business with a degree in marketing, Chris Stone ('18), founder of SDFoodies, began his journey during the pandemic. What started as a side project documenting his and his wife Ashley's e

From discovering sailing at a young age to helping shape the future of the San Diego State University Sailing Team, alumnus Erik Hallback (‘21) credits SDSU for giving him the foundation for lifelong friendships, professional success, and a commitment to giving back.By Taylor Harris After being introduced to sailing at a young age, Erik Hallback (‘21) knew that when it came time to apply to colleg

For Stephanie Dathe (‘95), the decision to include SDSU in her estate plan was inspired by the community that first made campus feel like home.By Taylor HarrisIt was a hot summer day in August 1990. The newest Aztecs had just arrived on campus and were getting settled as they moved into the residence halls. A day that remains all too familiar for San Diego State University alumna Stephanie Dathe (

Pat Pfiffner performs on mallet percussion during a concert. Throughout his career, Pfiffner has been recognized for his contributions to percussion performance, music education, and the performing arts. Photo courtesy of Pat Pfiffner. SDSU NewsCenter | By Frances KowalBefore he performed for Broadway productions and some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names, Pat Pfiffner was balancing gr

As a student-athlete, he helped San Diego State win a national baseball championship. Now, Flaming is donating over $1 million with the hope of SDSU proudly raising more title banners.SDSU Newscenter | By Tobin VaughnArt Flaming’s home office is filled with mementos reflecting the seven decades of his association with San Diego State University, including commemorative plaques, trophies, articles,

Lifelong Aztec Brandon Richards (‘03) shares how an unexpected career path led him to serve as President of AleSmith Brewing Company and why staying connected to SDSU remains an important part of his journey.By SDSU Alumni San Diego State University alumnus Brandon Richards (‘03) has been an Aztec practically his whole life. Moving to San Diego at just two years old, and with his father also an Az

Introducing The Power of the Aztec Network! A new podcast designed for SDSU alumni navigating careers, growth, and what comes next.Welcome to The Power of the Aztec Network, a new podcast from SDSU Alumni designed to help recent graduates and emerging professionals navigate careers in today's fast-paced job market.Hosted by SDSU alumna Channelle McNutt, this podcast features candid discussions wit

As the new President of the SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors, Yolanda Apalategui Lugo ('05, '15) is committed to honoring SDSU’s tradition of excellence while embracing thoughtful innovation to strengthen and better serve the evolving needs of our alumni community.By Taylor Harris For San Diego State University alumna Yolanda Apalategui Lugo ('05, '15), a commitment to public service is not just her

Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for design, SDSU alumnus Tom Claypool ('01) turned a lifelong love of skateboarding into a globally recognized footwear brand.By Taylor Harris Long before he co-founded Native Shoes, San Diego State University alumnus Tom Claypool ('01) was a skateboarder with big dreams and an entrepreneurial mindset.SDSU Alumnus, Tom Claypool (01).Growing up in t

As alumna Brianna Peters ('10)'s term as president of the SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors comes to an end, SDSU Alumni thanks her for fostering a community of inclusivity.After graduating from San Diego State University, alumna Brianna Peters (‘10) set a goal to create an inclusive community for her fellow Aztecs. After joining the SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors and becoming President this past year,

New rivalries and expanded visibility accompany the Aztecs' move to a historic — and reimagined — athletics conference. The Aztecs' first Pac-12 home conference game in football is Oct. 1 against Texas State.From SDSU NewsCenter | By John ChierSan Diego State University entered its Pac-12 Conference era July 1, the day it officially joined the athletic conference in one of the most significant mil

As a proud Aztec for life and former member of the men's lacrosse club team, SDSU alumnus Bob Lowe ('84) has remained deeply committed to the university and the club that helped shape his college experience for over 40 years.San Diego State University alumnus Bob Lowe ('84) exemplifies a lifelong commitment to connection, service, and philanthropy.A journalism graduate and former member of the SDS

Save the Date, Aztecs! The Aztecs will face off against Fresno State for the annual Homecoming Game on October 17 at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego State University’s 2026 Homecoming Week is set for October 11 to October 17. Additional details for all events and activities for alumni, family, and friends will be announced in the coming months.The 2026 San Diego State football schedule has been rele

Inspired by her passion for surfing, SDSU alumna Maricruz Carrillo (‘15, ‘18, ‘23) transformed an idea into SUNMUD, a growing brand dedicated to helping people enjoy the outdoors while protecting their skin.From her journey to San Diego State University to launching her own skincare brand, triple alumna Maricruz Carrillo’s (‘15, ‘18, ‘23) story is one of creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurshi

Former student and son of the Center’s assistant director, Sanders gives back to the childcare facility that helped foster his growth.From SDSU NewsCenter | By Raquel HerriottMore than two decades ago, Kobe Sanders of the Los Angeles Clippers sat inside the Pandas classroom at the SDSU Children’s Center, an Associated Students program that provides childcare for SDSU families.Viewing the familiar

The research at SDSU Imperial Valley, which begins this summer in Mexico City, focuses on the influence of grandparents in shaping lifelong attitudes.From SDSU NewsCenter | By Daniella RodilesChildren whose caregivers show traits of empathy are more likely to display generous behavior toward others themselves, past research by Rodolfo Cortes Barragan found.Now the SDSU Imperial Valley psychology p

Addison will be a 126-unit development of one- to three-bedroom apartments; eligible SDSU faculty and staff will have priority access.From SDSU NewsCenter | By Ryan BrothersWhat was once a parking lot is becoming a neighborhood. San Diego State University and Chelsea Investment Corporation (CIC) have broken ground on Addison, a 126-unit affordable housing development at SDSU Mission Valley, advanc

Meet the inspiring students behind the Aztec Proud Scholarship and discover how this support is shaping their journeys at San Diego State University.Aztec Proud was established in 2014 as a peer-to-peer student philanthropy program. Each year, incoming students support the Aztec Proud Legacy Scholarship in honor of their class year with donations of just $10, beginning a sustainable promise of sch

Beth (’03) and Jordan (’02) Kass took a leap of faith when they opened Mochichis, a gourmet donut shop in Encinitas, in 2024. But what started as an idea quickly became a local favorite, offering a fresh twist on traditional donuts with unique flavors and high-quality ingredients.After graduating from SDSU, Beth and Jordan used their SDSU degrees to navigate their careers, moving around the counrt

We are excited to announce the newly launched SDSU Alumni Wine Club in partnership with Aztec-Owned Winery, Artiste! Celebrating the places, friendships, and memories that connect us, shared in a growing wine collection created exclusively for SDSU Alumni. Now available online only at artiste.com/sdsu-alumni-wine-club.This inaugural collection represents campus journeys, with art reflecting histor