SDSU Alumni News

Longtime SDSU supporters Dennis and Elaine Szeto are inspiring the Aztec community to invest in the future of education.Since opening its doors in 1897, San Diego State University has been committed to preparing exceptional educators. Longtime supporters Dennis Szeto (’75) and Elaine G. Szeto are carrying that legacy forward through a $250,000 matching gift challenge supporting current and future

With a desire to inspire people to make more art, SDSU alumna Jennifer Ly (‘22) opened The Hangout Pottery Lounge in August 2026. After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in integrated marketing communications and management, alumna Jennifer Ly (‘22) faced an unexpected career challenge that led her to reevaluate her path and pursue something she had dreamed of since childhoo

Johnathan Parker discusses how he remained committed to his passion project, the novel “Them That Are Called,” while working at Meta.By Athena MillmanJohnathan Parker graduated from San Diego State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and religion. He currently works as a senior recruiting partner at well-known technology company, Meta. Parker is also the founder and ma

Congratulations to San Diego State University alumnus Cody Barbo on being named this year’s Honorary Homecoming Chair! On Saturday, October 17, Barbo was honored on the field of Snapdragon Stadium during the game against Fresno State. Barbo was joined by SDSU Alumni Board members Mark Emch and Brianna Peters, along with SDSU Alumni Board of Advisors President Yolanda Apalategui Lugo, Executive Dir

San Diego State University alumnus and longtime supporter of the university, Brad Shuman (‘79), has found ways to stay connected to his alma mater over the years. From cheering on the Aztecs with his family to seeing all three of his children graduate from SDSU, the university has remained an important part of not only Brad’s story, but his entire family’s.The Shuman family’s most recent philanthr

By Taylor Harris For San Diego State University alumni Andrew Monarch (’05) and Tracy Stevens (’92), staying connected to their alma mater has remained an important part of their lives. Whether it is through mentorship, volunteering, or attending athletics events, Monarch and Stevens have been loyal Aztecs for life. Now, through the SDSU San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC), they are enhancing their

Hear from SDSU alumni and former SDSU faculty who call Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill home as we celebrate their stories and look ahead to the exciting new Merrill Gardens community coming to SDSU Mission Valley.Coming to Mission Valley in 2030! Merrill Gardens and San Diego State University have partnered to create a new senior living community in SDSU Mission Valley. Connected to the energy of

Owner of Tahona Bar in Old Town, Zach Herr (‘13) shares how his SDSU experiences helped him take the leap of faith to pursue his passion.After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, Zach Herr (‘13) soon realized that the career path he had originally envisioned wasn’t the right fit for him.Drawing on the experiences he gained at SDSU, Herr fe

With over a decade of Marketing experience, SDSU alumnus Danny (‘15) acts as a mentor for current students through the Aztec Network.Meet San Diego State University alumnus Danny Sweis (‘15). After moving to the U.S, Danny attended SDSU to pursue his bachelor's degree. While there, he studied business marketing, which gave him the necessary foundation to eventually found DJS Marketing Services. Wi

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 (