Aztec for Life: Derek Wilton
Wilton, who works for the SDSU Research Foundation, has been employed at the university for 30 years.
Derek Wilton exemplifies "Aztec for Life" – he has been coming to SDSU since before he was born. His mother was pregnant with him when she finished her degree at SDSU.
Wilton began classes at SDSU in 1972 and eventually completed a degree in philosophy. He chose SDSU because he was in the marching band in El Cajon Valley High School and was allowed pre-registration for classes when he became a marching band member here.
"You go to state, that's the thing to do," he said. "I never considered going anywhere else."
Service-oriented mentality
Wilton began work at the SDSU Research Foundation in 1977. He started by doing odd jobs, such as painting and landscaping, and now works for Facilities Planning and Management. He's currently in charge of planning and organizing office changes for professors and staff.
Wilton prides himself on creating a more pleasant working environment for others by being pleasant himself.
"The whole foundation is service-oriented," Wilton said. "It's like a mantra we have."
Enjoying campus life
But Wilton doesn't just work on campus, he practically lives here. He is a member of the Aztec Recreation Center and uses the pool and gym every week. He also attends the Kyoto Prize Symposium every year, as well as the "nooner" concerts each Thursday in Aztec Center.
"I like hanging around students, it keeps me young," he said. "I was not the person who went to school here and then went back to his hometown and that was it."
Wilton plans to retire from SDSU, but is unsure of when that will be. "I love my job," he said. "And I work with a really great crew."
Life after SDSU
After retiring, Wilton wants to do more volunteer work at his church. His daughter is getting married next summer, and he hopes for grandkids soon.
Wilton lives less than two miles from campus, and he still plans to visit the campus frequently post-retirement.
"I saw an old professor last week and we listened to music together in Aztec Center," he said. "It's just a great community to be a part of."
