Fiscal Year 2020-2021 SDSU Impact of Philanthropy

I M PA C T O F P H I L A N T H R O P Y | F I S C A L Y E A R 2 0 2 0 - 2 1

YOUR KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY

Shining Through

YOUR SUPPORT… THANK YOU

. . . BROUGHT HAPPINESS AND WELFARE

Philanthropy is such an impactful gift and something so beautiful for those driven and passionate students who are considering or are currently pursuing higher education beyond their bachelor’s degrees. Despite this year’s tragedies and grievances, this scholarship brings happiness and welfare.

ariel Cardenas, Joint Doctoral candidate, M Organic Chemistry

It is remarkable to see that we have the resilience — collectively — to conquer whatever lies ahead.

Your philanthropic support has been critical to this success. We are steadfast in our commitment to excellence. Excellence in research, in student success, in discovery — and the visionary partnership from kind donors like you.

The stories on these pages demonstrate the impact of your kindness and compassion. Your gifts to programs, research, scholarships, and other endeavors are transforming lives and will have a multigenerational effect on our students, faculty, staff, and community.

With your support, we are developing tomorrow’s leaders with the skills to innovate, contribute, and have a positive impact on the world around us.

On behalf of our entire San Diego State University family — thank you!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Adela de la Torre, Ph.D. President

. . . GAVE ME THE CONFIDENCE TO CONDUCT GREAT RESEARCH

SCHOLARSHIPS

Your game-changing generosity launched San Diego State University to a new level of research, exploration, and discovery this year, and is a big part of the reason why we remain strong. This past year marked our most successful fundraising year in the university’s history — with $133.2 million in gifts in 2020-21 — illustrating our donors’ commitment to SDSU’s mission.

Philanthropic support has not only given me the confidence to continue to conduct great research, but it has also aided my day-to-day stresses.

Knowing that I am financially secure gives me the great benefit of focusing on my research and sharing my results with my peers, scientific societies, and the community.

Roslynn King, PhD candidate, Geophysics

. . . GAVE ME HOPE

It’s people like you, those who believe in others, who give me hope in the world. Your financial support is needed and greatly appreciated.

My goal is to be like you one day: supporting those I believe in.

McKayla Shelton, Class of 2021, Guardian Scholar

. . . INSPIRED A DEEP DESIRE TO PAY IT FORWARD

I come from a disadvantaged background where I have experienced numerous obstacles along my journey that have inspired a deep desire to pay forward all the support I received along my SDSU journey. I hope to pay it forward by teaching and mentoring the next generation of young, disadvantaged scientists and engineers.

Christopher Oyuela, Class of 2021, BS in Mechanical Engineering

. . . HELPED ME FOCUS ON MY RESEARCH

Thanks to your generous support, I am able to proceed with my master’s program as a firstgeneration student.

Alma Rocha, MS candidate, Environmental Engineering

. . . TRULY CHANGED MY LIFE

The Fowler Scholars scholarship, and the program that accompanies it, have truly changed my life.

I cannot express the depths of my gratitude to you for helping me achieve my dreams. Because of it, I have been able to focus on my studies and networking; I used this experience to secure an internship and post-graduation positions.

Landon Delgadillo, Accounting Major, Fowler Scholar

. . . MEANS SO MUCH

Your assistance means so much to me and will help me to stay focused on my studies and my future career goals. I can’t wait to begin my career as a teacher and give back to my communities, working with students with disabilities.

Julia Lopez, Special Education Teaching Credential candidate

. . . MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

From the bottom of my heart, I want you to know that you make the world a better place.

I always remind people that it is important to spread kindness because there can never be enough. Donating to scholarships is definitely an act of kindness.

Kennedy Champayne, Nursing Major

. . . HELPED PREPARE ME FOR MY FUTURE

. . . MADE MY EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS POSSIBLE

Faith Goh, Accounting Major, Fowler Scholar

Lawson Hardrick III, Psychology/Public Administration Major, SDSU Imperial Valley

. . . IS APPRECIATED

. . . INVESTED IN ME, MY SCHOOLING, AND MY FUTURE

Thank you so much for this opportunity and your continuous generosity. You truly impact SDSU’s students and your gift has helped me prepare with full confidence and assurance for my future and building my career. I hope to have a positive impact through my career, my actions, and how I interact with those around me.

I decided to go back to college to pursue a degree in fine art — my goal since I was ten years old. I am an older student with one more year of tuition. Your scholarship is a huge help. As the first person in my family to attend college, I am beyond excited to finally earn a degree. After all the years of giving to others, I appreciate you for supporting and giving to me.

Lisa Catlin, Art Major

. . . IALLOWED ME TO PURSUE MY EDUCATION

I wouldn’t have been able to pursue higher education without this type of assistance; it’s an honor to be a recipient.

Mary Ainsworth, Communication Major

Scholarships Awarded $5.2M | Number of Scholarships 2,207 Academic Year 2020-21

Thanks to your generous support, I will be the first out of my four siblings to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges but has also helped me realize the value of a college education.

I feel extremely honored to be able to use this scholarship to advance in my master’s of social work program. Thank you for investing in me, my schooling, and my future!

Jazmyn Horton, MSW candidate, SDSU Imperial Valley

. . . GAVE ME AN OPPORTUNITY

Thank you for believing in my leadership skills and for giving me an opportunity to further develop them. I intend on using this scholarship towards graduate school applications within the next year.

Katrina Celine Hizon, International Business Major

S A N D I E G O S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y – FY20-21 YEAR IN REVIEW

H I G H L I G H T S O F I M PAC T “The importance of these transformational gifts, particularly at this time, cannot be overstated. There is a tremendous sense of gratitude from the whole campus community for the generosity of our donors.”

- Adrienne Vargas, President and CEO, The Campanile Foundation

1 SDSU ANNUAL GIVING CIRCLE DONORS

2,087 gave between $1,000-$49,999 for a total of $9.2M

THANKS TO YOUR GENEROSITY, ANOTHER RECORD-SETTING FUNDRAISING YEAR

SDSU FIRST-TIME DONORS

3,527 SDSU Imperial Valley

$133.2M* total raised SDSU DAY OF GIVING DONORS

SDSU LOYAL DONORS

6,136

1,954

gave in each of the last two years

Donors established a community care fund for SDSU Imperial Valley students impacted by a crisis that prohibited them from continuing their academic journey, providing them services and support: food, housing, clothing, and transportation — allowing them to continue their education.

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PSFA/CAL

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING A $3.1M gift from SDSU Loyal donors to name and endow the fred harris Chair in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) will fund a worldwide search and hiring of a prominent DSP expert. It is the largest cash gift in the College of Engineering’s history and one of five endowed faculty positions in the College.

SDSU LIBRARY COLLEGE OF SCIENCES LARGEST GIFT TO A SINGLE DEPARTMENT IN SDSU HISTORY

A $14M bequest created the Theodore William and Nhung Lu Booth Endowment to provide support for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students in the astronomy program — launching the department to a new level of research, exploration, and discovery.

Thanks to the SDSU Annual Giving Circle and Library donors, the SDSU Library quickly and creatively solved students’ and faculty’s challenges related to the remote-learning environment created by the pandemic, providing laptops, wifi and online access to resources and course materials.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCES A generous donor provided support for multi-disciplinary research on COVID-19.

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FOWLER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

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The Dennis and Elaine G. Szeto Endowed Professorship in Finance and the Robert and Amy Abramson Endowed Professorship in Finance will support the recruitment and retention of world-class faculty in the Finance Department.

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14 Student Services Building Donor gifts established the Harold K. Brown Knowledge, Education and Empowerment Program (HB KEEP), designed to further the success of SDSU’s Black/ African American students in becoming the next generation of community and business leaders. This program is open to all SDSU students.

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NEW ENDOWMENTS ENDOWMENT TOTAL VALUE

$399.7M

72 Including support for 15 Academic Programs/ Centers, 4 new Chairs/ Professorships

FOWLER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS FIRST ENDOWED CHAIR ELIGIBLE FOR THE FOWLER MATCH

A $3M gift created the Ralph V. Whitworth Chair in Corporate Governance and supported the Corporate Governance Institute.

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CREATING A LEGACY OF SUPPORT

$36.8M Capital projects $63.9M Current operations $32.4M Endowments

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HEPNER HALL

New Record

*Numbers as of 6/30/2021 include outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts and $35.9M in KPBS fundraising. Due to limited state funding, the University strives to ensure resources are available for programs that benefit students, helping them to achieve their educational goals. Note: 98% of all gifts received were earmarked by the donor for specific purposes.

WHERE DONORS GAVE

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The Elynor F. McPeak Endowed Scholarship for Aztec Forensics Excellence allows SDSU’s competitive speech and debate team in the School of Communication to compete nationally, and the Elynor F. McPeak Endowed Scholarship for Economics Excellencee supports graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in the Department of Economics.

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7 FOWLER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

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NEW PLANNED GIFT COMMITMENTS

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COLLEGE OF EDUCATION An anonymous gift to the Healthy Early Years Clinic provided 174 hours of direct service to support the mental health needs of students and improve the capacity of mental health support among teachers and administrators at Joyner Elementary School in academic year 2020-21.

$20.8M

The Greg and Elisabeth Fowler Career Management Center Endowment was established to help provide career readiness and advising programs.

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PSFA

SDSU Mission Valley Donors provided transformational gifts to SDSU Mission Valley, supporting the future Aztec Stadium and River Park.

A $1M gift creating the Dr. Jack McGrory School of Public Affairs Excellence Endowment will support the greatest needs of the School.

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NEW ENDOWED CHAIRS/PROFESSORSHIPS

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS (CAL)

COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Through the newly-established City Heights MSW Scholarship, the School of Social Work welcomed four new MSW candidates into its direct practice program. These four students intend to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and to support the diverse needs of the City Heights community through their careers.

A generous gift to the Africana Studies Department in the College of Arts and Letters provided much-needed support and impact for ethnic studies.

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Ralph V. Whitworth Chair in Corporate Governance Dennis and Elaine G. Szeto Endowed Professorship in Finance Robert and Amy Abramson Endowed Professorship in Finance fred harris Endowed Chair in Digital Signal Processing

SLHS Building COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES AND FINE ARTS (PSFA)

NOT ON MAP

The Conrad Prebys Foundation has awarded a $6M grant to support a state-of-the-art performing arts district, including a second stage theatre named for Conrad Prebys. Prebys Stage will become part of a renovated performing arts district and a new creative hub at SDSU.

The first endowed professorship in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences will support the scholarship and research of Dr. JoAnn Silkes, awarded the inaugural Sadanand Singh Endowed Professorship in Speech and Language Sciences.

Generous donor support provided the Marching Aztecs with a new conducting and observation tower.

“You have NO idea how much 200 lbs of forged aluminum can make me smile. Our previous Marching Aztecs rehearsal tower was 10’; built in the 1960’s, and served the band for decades – well predating my arrival to SDSU. Needless to say, it was in rough shape. This new 12’ tower is amazing, funded by our alumni and other generous donors. Thank you all!

I am now safe, with my head in the clouds, figuratively and emotionally.”

- Bryan Ransom, Director of Athletic Bands

A P P R E C I AT I N G L O YA LT Y

Your steadfast support, whether large or small, encourages and inspires those who benefit from your generosity.

Thank you for believing in SDSU and in what we are doing for a bigger, bolder, and brighter tomorrow.

Donor Relations University Relations and Development San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8030 Phone: 619‑594‑8299 Email: DonorRelations@sdsu.edu

Photos by Sandy Huffaker/SDSU

For more stories of your impact visit: give.sdsu.edu