Building Community Beyond San Diego

Kelly Dole (’85), a proud San Diego State University alumnus and owner of Growler Guys in Seattle, exemplifies the lasting impact of the SDSU network well beyond campus.

Since graduating, Dole has carried forward the sense of community and connection he first experienced at SDSU, weaving those values into both his professional path and personal endeavors. As a business owner outside of California, he has remained committed to fostering meaningful relationships, especially among fellow Aztecs who now call Seattle home. 

This past March, Dole brought that commitment to life by hosting an SDSU alumni mixer at Growler Guys. The event created a welcoming space for alumni and Aztec families to reconnect, share stories, and build new relationships. For many attendees, it was a reminder that the SDSU community extends far beyond Southern California, offering a sense of belonging no matter where life takes them.

Dole credits much of his professional journey to the connections and support he found through SDSU. He believes that the alumni network is a powerful resource, one that can open doors, spark collaborations, and provide a strong foundation for success. By hosting events like the Seattle mixer, he aims to give back to that network, ensuring that other alumni can tap into the same sense of camaraderie and opportunity that shaped his own career.