College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, As I reflect on the past year, I am continually inspired by the creativity, resilience, and purpose of our students, faculty, and staff across the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA). This year, we launched a new strategic plan focused on student success, career readiness, innovation, and community impact, and we are already seeing that vision come to life through expanded internships, interdisciplinary partnerships, modernized learning spaces, and hands-on experiences across every school. What I find most rewarding is watching students grow into confident leaders and creators. Whether through nationally recognized research, performances, journalism, hospitality experiences, or public service projects, our students are applying their talents in ways that make a real difference. Your generosity makes these opportunities possible. Thank you for supporting scholarships, research, creative work, and transformative experiences that empower PSFA students to thrive and lead in their communities and professions.
Janis L. McKay, D.M.A. Dean, College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Year in Giving By the Numbers | Fiscal Year 2025-26
$9.34M PSFA Total Raised
$730,114
PSFA Scholarship Awards
331 PSFA Scholarships Awarded
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Capt. Brian A. Avera Scholarship for Leadership Excellence in Law Enforcement Endowed Scholarship The School of Public Affairs has a long history of training public servants in San Diego, including SDSU alumnus and current City of San Diego Chief of Police Scott Wahl, who earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1995. The school prides itself on training those who seek careers in public service, as well as providing elected officials with the knowledge and skills needed to address the region’s most critical challenges. Students are able to attend workshops on the fundamentals of government and meet with local policy experts who have extensive knowledge of the region’s most pressing issues. In support of past achievements and the next generation of public leaders, the Capt. Brian A. Avera Scholarship for Leadership Excellence in Law Enforcement Endowed Scholarship was created as a tribute to the double alumnus and public affairs lecturer.
Capt. Brian Avera, SDSU double-alumnus and lecturer
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Aiden Adamson, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Air Force Leadership Studies
Aiden Adamson’s journey in Air Force leadership studies reflects resilience, confidence, and a strong commitment to leadership and service. A political science major and outstanding student in Air Force leadership studies, Adamson said that learning to trust his own abilities and ask for help were among the most important lessons he gained during his time at SDSU. As president of the Aztec Aviation Organization, Adamson taught cadets through aviation ground school and flight simulator courses, helping prepare future Air Force pilots. He was also active in the Arnold Air Society John Burdette Binkley Squadron, a leadership and community service organization. Adamson was selected to attend Air Force pilot training at Sheppard Air Force Base and aspires to become a fighter pilot after graduation. He credits his political science studies with helping him better understand geopolitics and leadership decision-making. Adamson also credits Lt. Col. Donovan Matteson as a mentor who demonstrated the importance of leadership, mentorship, and service.
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Adamson said that learning to trust his own abilities and ask for help were among the most important lessons he gained during his time at SDSU.
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Student Spotlight
Aliyah Blasband, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Communication
Aliyah Blasband’s time at SDSU reflects leadership, service, and a passion for communication that creates meaningful human connection. As the outstanding undergraduate in communication, Blasband explored interests ranging from event planning and hospitality to entertainment and public health advocacy, all grounded in her belief that communication has the power to positively impact people’s lives. Blasband served as director of ritual and director of social events for Alpha Gamma Delta and was selected as a Rho Gamma for the College Panhellenic Association’s Fall 2024 recruitment. She was also involved in the waterski and wakesports team, Lambda Pi Eta, and the Western States Communication Association Conference host team. Through the Research Apprenticeship Program with Dr. Katrina Pariera, Blasband became a co-author of a research manuscript while further developing her communication and research skills. She credits her experiences and mentorship from Dr. Kathleen Czech with reinforcing the importance of audiencecentered communication, empathy, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected.
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Aliyah Blasband’s time at SDSU was defined by leadership, service, and a passion for communication that fosters meaningful human connection and positively impacts people’s lives.
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Student Spotlight
Kelan Yang, Class of 2026 Class Level: Graduate Student College: Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Design and Technology
Kelan Yang’s time at SDSU reflects creativity, collaboration, and a strong commitment to costume design and theatrical storytelling. As the outstanding graduate student in design and technology with an emphasis in costume design, Yang participated in numerous theater productions both on and off campus, gaining hands-on experience as a designer, assistant, and craftsperson. Yang’s final project was Tomorrow, the Island Dies, a musical theatre premiere created by Ryan Scott Oliver and directed by Stephen Brotebeck. The production explored themes of climate change and humanity, allowing Yang to further develop her artistic and technical skills in costume design. Throughout her time at SDSU, Yang collaborated with studio artists, illustrators, animators, and fellow designers, experiences that strengthened her goal of becoming a versatile costume designer. She credits mentor Denitsa Blizanokova with providing guidance, sharing professional expertise, and encouraging her to push her creative limits and grow as an artist.
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Throughout her time at SDSU, Yang collaborated with studio artists, illustrators, animators, and fellow designers, experiences that strengthened her goal of becoming a versatile costume designer.
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Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Current Rankings Programs within the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts continue to receive national recognition across multiple disciplines. According to Niche 2026 rankings, SDSU ranked: No. 5 in California for Communications No. 81 Nationally for Music No. 108 Nationally for Performing Arts Additionally, College Factual ranked SDSU: No. 35 Nationally for Criminal Justice & Corrections No. 42 for Public Relations & Advertising No. 42 for Hospitality Management No. 65 for Communication & Media Studies Statistics of Interest The College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts serves more than 4,800 students across seven schools and departments focused on arts, communication, public affairs, hospitality, journalism, and professional studies. With approximately 435 faculty members, the College supports student success through hands-on learning, research, creative activity, internships, and community engagement.
Rankings
Nationally recognized programs span communication, music, performing arts, criminal justice, PR, hospitality, and media studies.
Students
4,800+ Students across seven schools build career-ready skills through creativity, public service, and hands-on learning.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Transforming Lives Jubliate Cox, BFA Title: Assistant Professor of Production Design College: Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Achievements: Assistant Professor Jubilate Cox brings professional production design experience into the classroom through her work with HBO, Disney, Warner Bros., and Fox, helping students connect creative storytelling with industry practice. Her portfolio productions include Insecure, Bel-Air, and Station 19. Her mentorship and professional insight continue to prepare students for careers in film, television, and live entertainment design.
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Jubilate brings real-world production design experience into the classroom, helping students connect creative storytelling with industry practice.
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Faculty and Staff Achievements
Brian Levy, Ph.D. Title: Director of Jazz Studies and Associate Professor College: Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Achievements: Dr. Brian Levy has rapidly grown the jazz program by recruiting nationally recognized faculty and guest artists. He also authored Oxford University Press’s Chasin’ the Sound and received NEC’s Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Brian Levy has brought extraordinary momentum and visibility to SDSU’s jazz program. Since arriving in 2023, he has transformed the program into one of the fastest-growing in the region by attracting exceptional students, recruiting nationally recognized faculty, and creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn directly from acclaimed jazz artists. His leadership has elevated both the academic and performance experience for aspiring musicians at SDSU. In addition to his impact as an educator, Dr. Levy is an accomplished tenor saxophonist, recording artist, and musicologist whose work bridges performance, scholarship, and mentorship. His textbook, Chasin’ the Sound: Learning Jazz Improvisation through Historical Voices, published by Oxford University Press, reflects his innovative and influential approach to jazz education. Colleagues and students alike recognize his deep commitment to preserving and advancing the legacy of modern jazz while inspiring the next generation of artists.
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[Dr. Levy's] leadership has elevated both the academic and performance experience for aspiring musicians at SDSU.
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Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations New Endowments Alexander Award in Communication Alexander Awards in Journalism Baldwin Family Endowment for Excellence in Journalism Bertha, Kenneth, and Keith Polk Twin Scholarships Capt. Brian A. Avera Scholarship for Leadership Excellence in Law Enforcement Endowment Dori Holladay Hospitality Scholarship Endowment
Endowments (Active) Accenture Outstanding Student in Educational Technology Endowed Scholarship Ages of Drama - Live! Endowment Alana Nicastro Endowed Scholarship in Communication Allison Rossett Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre Amanda C. Hull Scholarship Endowment Ann Marie Haney Endowment for Music Anna Marie Fobes Endowed Scholarship Anthony and John Long Endowment Arline M. Fisch MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing Endowed Scholarship Art Council Endowed Scholarship Art Council Endowment Arthur & Mildred Wimer Endowed Scholarship Bartell Family Visiting Lectureship Endowment Bellinghiere Endowed Scholarship Ben and Nikki Clay Endowed Scholarship Bessie S. Purdy Endowment Betsy McCullough and James Hare Scholarship Endowment Blessing Combat Leadership Panel Endowment Blu Cava Endowed Scholarship Bob Wilson Public Affairs Endowment Bolles Family Musical Theater Endowed Scholarship Brinker Executive in Residence Endowment Brita C. Davis and Richard R. Davis Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Brown Family Hotel Executive-in-Residence Program Endowment
California Restaurant Association Endowed Fund Cameron Brown Average-Student Memorial Endowed Scholarship Carleton-Hunt Endowed Internship Carol Vassiliadis Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre Carole Robasciotti Endowed Scholarship Cathy Clark Excellence in Journalism Endowed Scholarship CCMS Diana Nadel Endowment Center Lectureship Endowment Chad Shelton Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Theatre Design and Technology Christine Springston Endowment Chuck and Robin Luby Endowment for Musical Theatre Clarence and Catherine Stephenson Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Clayton Brace Awards Endowment Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Distinguished Lectureship in HTM Endowment Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Volunteer and Mentor Endowment Dale and Betty Worm Endowment Dan Silberman Memorial Endowed Scholarship Darlene and Donald Shiley Endowment for Student Excellence in Musical Theatre Darryl Groover Memorial Endowed Scholarship Dean’s Art Endowment Dean’s Endowment DeAnn Cary School of Music and Dance Endowed Scholarship Deanna’s Dream 431 Endowed Scholarship for Music and Dance Deborah M. Dexter Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre Debra A. Greenfield Endowed Scholarship for Public Affairs Debra A. Greenfield School of Public Affairs Endowed Internship Scholarship Denis Sanders Memorial Endowment
To learn more, please contact Elise Moersch, EdD at emoersch@sdsu.edu
Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations Endowments (Active) Continued Denise Madruga Endowed Scholarship in Theatre Diane L. Borden Endowed Scholarship Don Powell Interface Program Endowment Donald B. Leiffer Endowment Dr. & Mrs. Stanley M. Thien, Glae, & Erin Thien Endowed Scholarship in Journalism Dr. Ed Reed Endowed Scholarship Dr. J.A. Mateja Endowment for Excellence in Art and Design Dr. J.A. Mateja Endowment for Excellence in Music and Dance Dr. J.A. Mateja Endowment for Excellence in Theatre, Television, and Film Dr. Jack McGrory School of Public Affairs Excellence Endowment Dr. Jaroslav J. S. Mracek Memorial Award Endowment Dr. Sanford I. Berman Institute for Effective Communication & General Semantics Foundation Endowment Drama Circle Endowment Ed Davis From Cancer to College Scholarship Endowment Edith Savage Endowment Edith Vogl Garrett Endowed Scholarship Ellamarie Woolly Endowment Elliott Family Endowment Elsie Hiland Fox Memorial Endowed Scholarship Elynor F. McPeak Endowed Scholarship for Aztec Forensics Excellence Eugene and Barbara Bowman Endowed Scholarship Everett G. Jackson Memorial Endowment F. Ellsworth Endowed Scholarship Forensics Endowment Frank Mannen Scholarship Endowment Frank McCarty Endowed Scholarship in Music Composition Frank Richard Brazda Endowed Scholarship Friends of Journalism I Endowment Friends of Journalism II Endowment George and Judy Sunga Endowed Scholarship Giavanna Kersulis Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations Endowment Glosser Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship Gordon J. Lusk Endowment Gracia Mae Ogden Memorial Endowed Scholarship Greg Block Scholarship Endowment Gregory J. Smith Master of Public Administration Endowed Scholarship Harold Keen Endowment Hayes Anderson Student Excellence Endowment Helen Pratt Kurz Endowment Henry Edward McAdams and Gail Johnson McAdams Memorial Endowed Scholarship Henry Stanton Endowment Hilda and Colonel Robert L. Dodge Endowed Scholarship for Air Force ROTC Hospitality & Tourism Management Internship Bureau Endowment Hospitality and Tourism Management Endowment Hunton D. Sellman Endowment Institute of Innovative Governance Endowment Irvin and Ruth Belenzon Endowed Scholarship Isabel Kraft Endowment J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Student Center for Professional Development Endowment Jack Gard Music Education Endowed Scholarship Jack White Excellence in Journalism Scholarship Endowment James Chris Nichols Memorial Endowment Jan Lowenbach Endowed Scholarship Jim and Barbara Hartung Scholarship Endowment Joanne Graham Mera Endowed Memorial Scholarship Johanna Fox Endowment John Fowler Memorial Endowed Scholarship John J. and Katherine F. Martin MFA in Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship John J. Cleary Endowed Scholarship for Study Abroad in Public Affair
To learn more, please contact Elise Moersch, EdD at emoersch@sdsu.edu
Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations Endowments (Active) Continued John J. Rogers Endowed Scholarship in Sculpture John L. Baldwin & Shawn A. Baldwin Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Journalism John L. Baldwin & Shawn A. Baldwin Scholarship for Excellence in Opinion Journalism John Paul Stone Memorial Endowment Joseph W. Johnson Endowed Scholarship Journalism & Media Studies Learning Support Endowment Judith and Jack White Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Julia R. Brown Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Julia Stewart Endowed Scholarship Kathy Drucquer Duff Experiential Endowment Keith Baim Excellence in Guitar Composition Endowment Ken Perry Endowed Scholarship Kerri Lane Scholarship Endowment Kevin M. Simmons Endowed Scholarship L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Endowment Lall Family Endowment Larry Thomas Endowment Les Dames d’Escoffier International Scholarship Endowment Lieber/Flower Endowment Lipin Family Endowed Fund for Excellence in Music M. Lorin Kemp Memorial Endowment M.H. Golden Endowed Scholarship Mack Owen Endowed Scholarship Major John A. Coveney Leadership Endowed Award Mangan/Christensen Endowed Scholarship for Musical Theatre Marco G. Walshok Graduate Endowed Scholarship in Public Affairs Marilyn E. Newhoff and William G. Tong Endowed Scholarship in Music & Dance Marion Ross Endowed Scholarship Mary Ellen Trainor Zemeckis Student Enrichment Program in Theatre, Television, Film, and Journalism Endowment
MFA Musical Theatre Endowed Professorship Michael and Anne-Charlotte “A.C.” Harvey Scholarship Endowment Michele Schlecht Endowment for the Jewelry and Metalwork Program Michele Schlecht MFA Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Minority Journalism Endowment Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Nancy D.W. Moure Scholarship in Art History Endowment Nella Feldman Gross Endowment Norman F. and Marydale M. Dessel Endowment Pack Foundation Endowed MFA Design Technology Scholarship Endowment Patti O. Fox Endowed Scholarship for Art Students Patti Roscoe Hospitality and Tourism Management Endowed Internship Scholarship Paul Clarke Stauffer Endowment Paul Gaske Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Forensics Paul J. Strand Endowed Scholarship Paul Lingren Memorial Endowed Scholarship Paulette Cannon Daily Aztec Scholarship Endowment Paulette Wilson Endowment for Musical Theatre Percie Belle Senn Endowed Scholarship Pitt and Virginia Warner Endowment for Jazz Studies Powell/SCE Design Endowed Chair Prebys Creative & Performing Arts Endowed Scholarship Public Relations Graduate Research Endowment Ralph Seewald, Jr. Endowment for the School of Journalism & Media Studies Randy Bernstein Forensics Endowment Reggie Smith Endowment Reint Reinders Endowment Richard Anthony Marks Gallery Program Fund Endowment RISE Endowment Fund Robert Benjamin Endowed Scholarship Robert D. Wallace History of Art Endowed Scholarship Robert Shields Memorial Endowment
To learn more, please contact Elise Moersch, EdD at emoersch@sdsu.edu
Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations Endowments (Active) Continued Robin and Chuck Luby Endowment for the Performing Arts District Ronald and Susan Heller Musical Theatre Scholarship Endowment Roscoe-Tiffany MFA Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship Ruocco Lecture and Colloquia Endowment Ruth Anna, Louis F., Dorothy Cable Endowed Scholarship San Diego Marriott Business Council Endowed Scholarship School of Communication Endowment Scott Allison Endowment Scott Guhin Endowed Scholarship SDSU MFA Musical Theatre Alumni Scholarship Endowment SDSU San Diego Symphony Music Education Endowed Scholarship Special Internships in the Arts Endowed Scholarship Srinivasan Praba Memorial Scholarship Endowment Summerfield Family Scholarship Endowment Sybil E. Jones Endowment Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming Endowment The Kilkenny Family Endowed Scholarship The McCabe Family Endowed Scholarship
The San Diego Creative Weaver’s Guild Endowed Scholarship The Winona Richards and Floyd Grant Music Educator Endowed Scholarship Theatre Endowment Thomas P. Newton Endowed Scholarship Tom and Donna Bergelis Golich Endowed Scholarship in Communication Tom P. Gable, Jr. Endowed Internship Scholarship in Public Relations US Bank Endowed Scholarship Val Ryser Memorial Endowed Scholarship Van Deerlin Endowed Chair Visual Performing Arts Endowed Scholarship Walt Ekard Scholarship Endowment Wendy Maruyama Endowment for the Furniture Design and Woodworking Program William Sample & Fern Sample Stanford Memorial Endowment William Snavely Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship Willis, Cusack, Robertson, Brown Endowed Scholarship for Dance and Music Windgate Charitable Foundation Graduate Fellowship
To learn more, please contact Elise Moersch, EdD at emoersch@sdsu.edu
Thank you for your generous support.
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