SDSU Alumni News

Megan Varra Larson ('19) and Olivia Stevens (’19) met during their first year at San Diego State University and have been best friends ever since. From late nights in UT Kitchen to celebrating graduations and standing beside each other as maid of honor and matron of honor, their Aztec friendship has continued long after college. Megan Varra Larson (‘19) and Olivia Stevens (’19)Q: How did you two m

SDSU alumna Marla Diann (‘83) has been a mentor in the Aztec Mentor Program for over 10 years now. Meet San Diego State University alumna Marla Diann (‘83). Marla graduated from SDSU in 1983 with a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Journalism, Public Relations with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. After graduating, Marla went on to work in entertainment before starting her own mentoring compan

SDSU alumnus and Wall Street veteran Terry Atkinson’s transformational planned gift will create permanent support for men’s basketball while also expanding his investment in students and faculty across the university.By Gema DeleonTerry L. Atkinson has spent much of his life thinking about investments.After graduating from what was then San Diego State College in 1970, he built a successful career

From the first recipient to the latest, Zahn Spirit of Innovation Award honorees show how innovation at SDSU can shape careers and lives long after graduation.By Gema Deleon Around a table at San Diego State University, two alumni representing opposite ends of an 11-year tradition had the chance to meet.Austin Owens (‘16), the inaugural recipient of the Zahn Spirit of Innovation Award in 2016, joi

Mark Krasner (‘74) currently serves on the advisory board of the SDSU Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy, as well as the SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors.By Suzanne FinchMark Krasner (‘74) knew what career he wanted to pursue by the time he was 13-years-old. “When I was in eighth grade, a California Superior Court judge told me that San Diego needed a tax attorney,” he says. “He told me to major

As the American Cancer Society event returns with a new 5K run, SDSU breast cancer survivor Janelle Temnick shares why every step matters.By Peggy Pico | SDSU NewsCenter For Janelle Temnick, the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at SDSU Mission Valley is deeply personal. “I couldn't have gotten through cancer without my support system,” said Temnick, director of contracts, and ris

Rosa Arriaga (center) with mentors, SDSU emeritus professors of psychology Terry Cronan (left) and Larry Fenson, at an April 2026 beam-signing ceremony for SDSU's new sciences building. (Photo: Bryana Quintana/SDSU)The support of her mother and faculty mentors paved the way for Rosa Arriaga’s success as a non-traditional student. Now she’s paying it forward with a naming gift for SDSU’s newest aca

We’re excited to introduce the new home for SDSU Alumni: alumni.sdsu.edu/page/aztecnetwork. Our new and improved Aztec Network makes it easier than ever to stay connected to San Diego State University and to fellow Aztecs. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with classmates, discover upcoming events, join a chapter/group, or stay up to date with the latest SDSU news and stories, you’ll now find it

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