SDSU Magazine

As generative AI rapidly transforms the creative landscape, students and faculty at SDSU’s School of Art and Design are navigating its promise and pitfalls. Some artists embrace AI as a powerful tool for expression, while others raise concerns about its impact on creativity and originality.

Tracking mountain lions, researching climate change and preserving sacred sites. At SDSU’s Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve, science and tradition converge to protect and conserve endangered species and Indigenous lands.

At midnight, people start lining up for the Día del Campesino, aka the Day of the Farmworker. The annual celebration and health fair offers workers access to essential screenings, and SDSU is there to offer hearing exams and study hearing hazards for the farmworkers.

From wildfire recovery to earthquake-safe bridges, SDSU researchers are tackling urgent issues close to home. See the work that’s being done to find solutions for San Diego and the surrounding region.

From Antarctica to Tajikistan—and beyond—SDSU researchers are tackling critical challenges around the world. Here’s a sampling of projects that are making an impact.

Think you’re an Aztec superfan? Let Carla Kriss (’97, ’02) and Tim Kriss (’03, ’18) be the litmus test. These elementary school teachers have decked out their classrooms with every kind of SDSU memorabilia. See the photos here!

Former Aztec quarterback. Back-up QB for Tom Brady. And now head coach for the Minnesota Vikings. In his own words, Kevin O’Connell (’07) reflects on his early days in the NFL and what it takes to be a franchise leader.

An idea for a beach towel with a built-in pillow launched a multimillion-dollar business for friends Brandon Liebel (’12) and Steven Ford (’12). More than a decade later, their company, Sand Cloud, continues to grow with a new location in Pacific Beach—and a plan for many more to come.

For more than 50 years, Terry O’Donnell (’68)—a carillonneur, educator and generous donor—has created the soundtrack for Montezuma Mesa with the chimes of Hardy Memorial Tower.

President John F. Kennedy received the first doctoral degree—an honorary degree—from San Diego State College in 1963. Since then, more than 60,000 alumni have earned master’s and doctoral degrees. Meet three Aztecs who are making a difference in the world of research today.

From humble beginnings to career success, Jeff Partrick (’73) and Trulette Clayes are paying it forward with a $2.5 million gift to SDSU’s Fowler College of Business. Their donation will expand career readiness programs, helping students gain the skills and confidence to thrive in today’s workforce.

Most everyone loves the concept of where are they now? To lean into that, we caught up with three past Associated Students presidents: Cody Barbo, Cesar Padilla (’95) and Ronald Williams II (’03). Here's what they've been up to since their time at SDSU.