Inspiring Innovation: The Zahn Family's Impact at SDSU
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, joined William "Billy" Carter (‘26), the award's latest recipient at a July luncheon celebrating the program and the family whose generosity made it possible.
Also gathered around the table were members of the Zahn family, back on campus to celebrate an impact that has grown well beyond an annual award.
For more than a decade, the Zahn family's support of SDSU has created opportunities for students to experiment, take risks and turn ideas into action. The Zahn Spirit of Innovation Award is one part of a relationship with the university rooted in innovation, experiential learning and a belief in the potential of SDSU students.
The relationship began through entrepreneurship itself.
Irwin Zahn founded an electronics company in New York City in the 1950s and later moved the business to San Diego. As the company grew, so did the family's connection to SDSU. A relationship with the College of Engineering brought interns into the company and created opportunities for students to participate in competitions focused on developing new products.
When the company was eventually sold, the family's philanthropy provided an opportunity to build on that relationship and give back.
"We had the chance to give something back," said his son, Peter Zahn, who leads Futures Unbound, the family's philanthropy. "This is just a great opportunity for us to sort of take our background, extend it to the students."
That commitment has helped support a range of innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives at SDSU, including the Zahn Spirit of Innovation Award, Zahn Innovation Platform (ZIP) Launchpad and the endowed Zahn Professorship of Creativity and Innovation.
For Zahn, those investments reflect a philosophy he learned from his father.
Irwin Zahn, who died in 2021, was a "classic entrepreneur" and risk-taker who often talked about getting your "fingernails dirty," his son said. It was his way of emphasizing experiential learning and the value of gaining knowledge by doing.
That philosophy continues with SDSU students.
Since 2016, the Zahn Spirit of Innovation Award has recognized one graduating senior each year for exceptional entrepreneurial achievement. Its 11 recipients have represented an array of disciplines and ambitions, demonstrating that innovation at SDSU is not confined to a particular college or field.
"It isn't just about technology, and it isn't just about coming up with the next killer app," said Zahn.
For him, innovation can begin with recognizing an unmet need – whether on campus or in the broader community - and relentlessly pursuing a solution that has financial or social value.
The award complements programs such as ZIP Launchpad by casting an even wider net across the university. Zahn describes it as a way of recognizing the "unsuspecting entrepreneur," including students who may act entrepreneurially without seeing themselves as traditional entrepreneurs.
"It really is a more inclusive way of getting creativity and innovation on campus," he said. "It brings up ideas and solutions that wouldn't otherwise be seen."
More than a decade after Owens became the inaugural recipient, Carter represents the newest chapter in the award's story.
A mechanical engineering graduate, Owens received the first Zahn Spirit of Innovation Award after founding SDSU's Mechatronics Club and competing in international RoboSub competitions. Today, he works in robotics at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Carter's path looks very different. After stepping away from SDSU for several years, he built Celebrity Concierge, a travel business serving high-profile clients. When he returned to complete his degree, he joined ZIP Launchpad to further develop his business before being named the 2026 Zahn Spirit of Innovation Award recipient.
The paths of other recipients offer another look at the award’s often life-changing impact.
Juan Rojas (‘22) is now a manufacturing engineer at Solar Turbines in San Diego, where he serves as a subject matter expert supporting furnace operations across domestic and global facilities.
Chase Whitaker (‘18) went on to law school and is now a deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice. Gabe Igtanloc (‘20) completed his master's degree and pursued a career in theater in New York.
Kekoa Brehm (‘23), who received the award for his entrepreneurial work building a sustainable clothing brand, is now serving on active duty in the U.S. Air Force.
For Rojas, the Zahn family's support continues to influence his career and his desire to give back. He remains connected to Aztec Electric Racing club, returning when he can to offer students industry perspective and guidance on design and manufacturing challenges.
"I am incredibly grateful to the Zahn family for their generosity and belief in students like me," said Rojas. "Their support not only helped me complete my education, but also provided opportunities that continue to shape my career and allow me to give back to the next generation of engineers."
From Owens and Carter sitting together at the luncheon to recipients building careers in engineering, public service, the arts and beyond, the paths look very different.
And that is part of the point.
For the Zahn family, fostering innovation at SDSU has never been limited to one discipline or one definition of success. It is about giving students opportunities to pursue ideas, take risks and learn through experience.
As Zahn sees it, this kind of exposure can stay with students long after they leave SDSU.
"It's not about whether you succeed or fail," he said. "All of those are great learning experiences that will carry you on beyond your graduation."