Bringing History to Life: SDSU Alumna Shares the Untold Stories of WWII

During her time at San Diego State University, alumna Jonnie Wilson (‘76) fell in love with the campus and the opportunities it had to offer. As a journalism major, Jonnie credits her professors for helping prepare her for life beyond the classroom, teaching her skills and giving her the confidence to become a storyteller. 

After graduating in 1976, her love for SDSU and desire to be connected to the university didn’t stop there. As a Lifetime Member of SDSU Alumni, Jonnie is also a part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at SDSU, which is a program in Global Campus designed for adult learners aged 50 and better. 

Her latest project, “Dear Doc,” began with a simple coincidence. After meeting the author who first compiled the letters, she was inspired to transform those words into living voices. Her idea was to bring thousands of World War II letters to life through a stage production. These letters were written by SDSU students to beloved SDSU Professor Dr. Lauren Post, most containing their last words to loved ones and the SDSU community.

With the help of Kit and Karen Sickels Endowed Chair in University Heritage and Community Engagement, University History Curator, and Professor Seth Malios and others at SDSU, they saw an opportunity to honor history and pay tribute to those lost. The “Dear Doc” event took a few years to be put together, due to setbacks from the pandemic, but the event officially took place on September 16, 2025, at the USS Midway. 

The night was sold out, with the audience walking away with a deeper appreciation for those who have served overseas. Jonnie believes that as long as these stories continue to be shared, these students’ legacies will live on and inspire generations to come.