Class of 2010 Outstanding Graduates
Nearly 10,500 degree candidates will graduate this year, including these outstanding students.
Below are several of San Diego State University's outstanding graduates from the class of 2010, which includes nearly 10,500 degree candidates.
College of Arts and Letters
College of Business Administration
College of Education
College of Engineering
College of Health and Human Services
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
College of Sciences
Division of Undergraduate Studies
First Graduating Class of Compact Scholars
Associated Students Executive Board
Bryan Fischbein, 22, B.A., political science and history
Fischbein started at SDSU as a commuter and wanted to find a way to connect to the campus. He joined the SDSU Ambassadors his first semester, and from there, he was inspired to get more involved on campus. Fischbein eventually joined Scholars for Success, Rotaract, Associated Students and Senior Class Gift. He also lived in the residence halls as a resident advisor, worked on campus with Aztec Shops, Compact for Success, Residential Education and Student Life & Leadership. Fischbein plans on taking a year off before attending graduate school to earn a master’s degree in student affairs. (Hometown: Chula Vista, Calif.)
Yolanda Inchauregui, 27, B.A., international business
Inchauregui started learning English at age 12, when she and her family moved from Mexico. She graduated from high school after only three years at the age of 16. After serving in the U.S. Army, she transferred to SDSU in 2007, becoming the first member of her extended family to attend college.
At SDSU, she served as the first Student Veteran Organization treasurer, joined Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity and studied in Japan for a year and learned Japanese. Inchauregui received many scholarships and worked multiple jobs to help pay for her tuition since her family was not able to help financially. Upon graduation, she plans to look for a job in the international market and eventually apply to law school. (Hometown: Mexico City)
Deborah Romo, 22, B.A., political science and international securities & conflict resolution, minor in religious studies
Romo supported herself through college by working 20–25 hours a week at a law firm, while still making time to be a member of the Political Science Honor Society, Phi Alpha Delta Pre Law Fraternity and Professional Development Committee.
She also took advantage of her time at SDSU to explore several international opportunities, studying abroad twice in Oxford, England, and Paris, France. She credits her educational path for giving her an appreciation for global issues and reinforcing her desire to go to a law school that offers opportunities abroad. Romo plans to apply for law school to practice either immigration or international law. (Hometown: San Diego, Calif.)
Tristany Wagner, 22, B.S., geography (emphasis: environmental analysis), minor in biology
As a prestigious McNair Scholar, Wagner has conducted environmental research on native plant communities. She was involved with the Society for the Advancement of Chicano and Native American Scientists and was a founding member/president of the Student African American Sisterhood, all while working one or two jobs to help pay for her education.
Wagner is a Quest for the Best award recipient and National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek Woman of the Year. During her free time she serves as a mentor, coaches teams for people with developmental disabilities and works with Project Wildlife to help rehabilitate local animal species. Upon graduation she will move to Bozeman, Mont., to work for the U.S. Geological Survey researching aquatic invasive species and attend graduate school at Montana State University. (Hometown: Palmdale, Calif.)
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Rex Brown, Jr., 22, B.S., business management
After his freshman year, Brown’s high school friend was murdered, prompting him to found Baskets 4 Hope, a nonprofit organization that empowers inner-city youth through athletic events and educational programs. The organization was the inaugural recipient of the Nike 'Back Your Block' award.
Last year Brown was selected to represent SDSU in Harvard Law School's inaugural TRIALS residential scholarship program. He was the 2009 SDSU Homecoming King, and a recipient of many scholarships and the Quest for the Best Student Leadership Award, as well as a member of various honor societies on campus.
This fall, Brown will join Teach for America to begin teaching at a low-income community in San Francisco. He has also been accepted to several top law schools and plans to matriculate following Teach for America in hopes of attaining a joint J.D./M.B.A. degree. (Hometown: San Francisco)
Amanda Cheyney, 31, B.S., business management
When her family came back to the United States after having been in Mexico for 10 years, Cheyney did not attend college right away. Instead, she worked full-time to help support her ailing mother and younger brother. After years of hard work, she eventually enrolled at SDSU as a first-generation student in the EOP program, while still supporting her family financially.
Cheyney is a Quest for the Best Student Leadership Award and Target Diversity Leadership Award recipient. She is also part of the SDSU Scholars Without Borders International Honors Society and the Hispanic Business Student Association. Cheyney plans to study abroad with Semester at Sea this summer to study global studies and intercultural communications. Upon return, she will start working at Target as an executive team leader with the goal to work in human resources and help the company implement their diversity initiatives. (Hometown: Del Mar, Calif./Guadalajara, Jalisco)
Wesley Martin, 32, B.S., accounting, minor in statistics
After his father was hit by a train and paralyzed when Martin was just a child, his mother worked long hours as a nurse to support the family. They were told several times that his father wouldn’t make it through the night—he’s now 53. The sense of determination and perseverance that Martin learned during that time stuck with him throughout his life.
After working in sales for years, he knew it wasn't right for him. He enrolled at SDSU, where he was president of Beta Alpha Psi and a recipient of the SDSU Future Rising Business Leader Award and Financial Executives International Scholarship. Martin has accepted a consulting engagement with a local construction company until the fall, when he will start as an assurance associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He plans on pursuing an M.B.A. and J.D. in the next five years. (Hometown: Sycamore, Ill.)
Julianna Barnes, 43, Ed.D., educational leadership (specialization in community colleges)
Barnes "squeezed in" a doctoral program while working full-time as dean of student development and matriculation at San Diego City College and caring for her family. The late nights of studying and daily balancing act were worth it for her as she feels transformed as a professional, an educator and overall as a human being after participating in SDSU’s new Ed.D. program.
Barnes was the first in her family to attend college, a personal accomplishment and one that she is proud to share with her family. With her new degree, she feels that she has the tools to approach her work as a practitioner more strategically and intentionally. Barnes will continue working as a leader in community colleges with the hopes of helping people transform their lives. (Hometown: San Diego)
Angela Muñiz, 33, Bilingual Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) teaching credential
Muñiz graduated summa cum laude from SDSU in 2009 and decided to continue her education by enrolling in SDSU’s bilingual teaching credential program. Despite the challenge of having a husband in the U.S. Navy and three children to care for, plus learning Spanish as an adult, she still excelled as a student and advocate for underprivileged youth and bilingual education.
Muñiz has won numerous scholarships, including the Jim Sinegal Award, SDSU Women’s Association Scholarship and the Lipinsky Family Scholarship. After graduation, she plans on teaching at an elementary school in a low socio-economic area of San Diego in a bilingual setting. She also plans on pursuing a master’s degree through SDSU’s Department of Policy Studies in Language and Cross-Cultural Education. (Hometown: Santa Cruz, Calif.)
Irina A. Weisblat, 49, Ed.D., educational leadership
Weisblat came a long way from a communal apartment in Saint Petersburg, Russia, to obtaining a doctorate at San Diego State University. Along the way, she graduated from the University of Saint Petersburg with a degree in philology while working for the Ministry of Foreign Trade in Soviet Russia and raising a daughter as a single mother.
In America, Weisblat took on the tasks of a wife, mother and a full-time employee while earning an M.B.A. at National University. In addition to business experience, Weisblat has been teaching at San Diego community colleges as a part-time instructor. Upon graduating with an Ed.D., her goal is to teach at a major university and write books in the hopes of improving the educational system in California. (Hometown: St. Petersburg/San Diego)
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Johan A. Gallay, 29, M.S., civil and environmental engineering (emphasis in geotechnical engineering)
Originally from French Guiana, Gallay arrived in California in 2000 and learned English in just one year. Being from a developing country, not speaking English and missing home, Gallay faced many challenges. Nevertheless, he made his college experience a positive one. After obtaining an associate's degree in architecture at Mesa College, he enrolled at SDSU and obtained a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering.
Gallay is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and president of Associated Student Engineering Council. He cofounded SDSU’s chapter of Engineers without Borders in 2007, and has been helping communities in need ever since. He plans to open a chapter in French Guiana when he moves back after graduation. He will also help run his family’s structural engineering business and hopes to start a company that will promote sustainable renewable energies. (Hometown: Cayenne, French Guiana)
Jason Turner, 26, B.S., mechanical engineering
While attending community college part-time and working full-time, Turner was able to realize his educational goal: a degree in mechanical engineering. He transferred to SDSU and found it to be a great fit. Turner was the 2009–2010 mechanical engineering outstanding student, awarded first prize in a design competition for Autosplice and was a member of several honor societies.
He will graduate summa cum laude, and in the fall, he will enter a joint-Ph.D. program between SDSU and UCSD while continuing work with his race team at San Diego BMW motorcycles. (Hometown: Portsmouth, Va.)
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Maria Bitanga, 24, B.S., public health and health sciences
Public health has always played an important role in the life of Bitanga, this year’s Outstanding Graduate in the School of Public Health. At SDSU she served as director of public relations for the College of Health and Human Services Council and conducted the first ever Health Care Access Workshop. She is a board member for the non-profit Community Housing Works and volunteers with several organizations.
Bitanga plans to build upon her experiences at SDSU to continue promoting unity through healthcare. Upon graduation, she hopes to obtain a master’s degree in public health and work for the government, a hospital or a university, either through research or program planning. (Hometown: San Diego, California)
Laura Calcagno, 23, B.S., nursing (minor in Spanish)
Calcagno began her education at UCSD but eventually transferred to SDSU once she decided to enter the nursing field. She found the program to be a difficult yet amazing experience that has changed her life, and is excited to begin her career as a nurse.
Calcagno is the nursing department’s undergraduate Outstanding Student and the School of Nursing’s class valedictorian. She has been working as a nurse extern at Kaiser Permanente Hospital since January 2009. Upon graduation, she hopes to obtain a position as a registered nurse at a local hospital. (Hometown: Los Banos, CA)
Jose Velascosoltero, 29, B.S., public health
After moving to the United States at the age of 18, Velascosoltero struggled to learn English and overcome economic hardship. Not only did he rise above that challenge and become the first member of his family to attend college, he also turned it into a way to help others by serving as an English tutor for indigenous people of Mexico through the community organization Familias Indigenas Unidas.
In addition to being a part of multiple honors societies, Velascosoltero was also chosen as the College of Health and Human Services’ Outstanding Undergraduate Student for the class of 2010. He will continue his studies at SDSU by pursuing a master’s of public health with a concentration in environmental health beginning this fall. He plans to enlist in the U.S. Public Health Service once he graduates in 2012. (Hometown: La Cienega, Mexico)
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COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES AND FINE ARTS
Jennifer Abundez, 22, B.A., theater arts (emphasis in performance) and criminal justice administration
Abundez is the first person in her family to attend college, something that was problematic at times as she did not know what to expect and had to work hard on her own to make sure she completed her studies. During her time at SDSU, Abundez was part of several theater productions, including El Tigre, a children’s show she co-wrote that toured throughout San Diego and Mexico City in elementary schools and orphanages.
While at SDSU, she participated in an acting study abroad program with the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England; served as president of Scholars for Success' secretary for A Liberated Theatre Organization; and was a member of Scholars Without Borders and the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. This summer, she will travel for three weeks to Moscow with SDSU’s criminal justice department to study Russia’s criminal justice system. She will also continue to act and perform improv comedy and hopes to secure a job working with juvenile delinquents and possibly attend law school. (Hometown: Chula Vista, Calif.)
Brianna N. Bennett, 22, B.A., journalism (emphasis in media studies)
While at SDSU, Bennett was exposed to many diverse viewpoints, and as a result, began to get more involved with the Office of Intercultural Relations and other cultural organizations to promote diversity on campus. She coordinated the Afrikan Student Union 35th annual High School Conference, which served as an outreach tool to increase African and African-American applicants to SDSU.
After graduation, Bennett will attend California State University, Northridge, to obtain a master’s in public administration. In the future, she hopes to obtain a job working in the public sector in underserved communities. (Hometown: Oceanside, Calif.)
Kathy Graham, 43, B.S., kinesiology (emphasis in physical education)
Graham began college at the age of 19, but had to put her educational dreams on hold in order to raise her children. She took night classes whenever she could, and when four of her five children were in college, she decided to go back as well, 24 years after she began. Being a re-entry student was difficult at times, but Graham embraced the challenge. She remembers trying to do a cartwheel for a kinesiology movement class—something she hadn’t done in 35 years.
Though busy with school and running a household on her own, she still found time to serve as a volunteer coach and will graduate summa cum laude. Graham plans to continue coaching cross country/track at Cuyamaca College and will begin SDSU’s kinesiology master’s degree program in the fall. (Hometown: Bishop, Calif.)
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COLLEGE OF SCIENCES
Fiyinfoluwa (Folu) Ani, 22, B.S., biology (pre-med)
Ani was born and raised in Nigeria and moved to the United States when he was 14. Moving to a different country without his family proved to be a challenge for Ani, but he was fortunate enough to live with his relatives in Inglewood, who warmly welcomed him into their home as he adjusted to a new environment.
Ani was always interested in the sciences and the health-care field, so during his time at SDSU, he explored the sciences, cardiovascular research and the medical field until he finally settled on medicine. In order to have a well-rounded academic experience, he got involved in sports, numerous student organizations and community service. Ani is the 2010 Outstanding Graduating Senior in the College of Sciences, Quest for the Best Student Leadership Award recipient, Presidential Grant Scholar, Rees-Stealy Foundation Peabody Fellowship recipient and a member of various honor societies. Ani has been accepted to several medical schools and will begin attending in the fall. (Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria/Inglewood, Calif.)
Jessica Compton, 27, B.S., computer science
As a transgender student, Compton faced many physical and psychological challenges at home and at school. After starting her education at the University of Houston, she moved to San Diego and transferred to SDSU in 2007 to major in computer science. Since then, Compton has made the Dean’s List every year and is this year’s Outstanding Graduate for Computer Science. After graduation, Compton plans to explore various job and internship opportunities and may pursue a doctorate degree.
Marck Maroun, 30, B.S., geology
Maroun grew up in a small fundamentalist village in Lebanon, where he had limited access to media and education. The highlight of his day was the period of time when electricity was available and he could catch a show on the Discovery Channel. Maroun dealt with many hardships, so his need to learn more and lead a better life brought him to the United States in 1996 at age 16.
During the next 10 years, he gained financial stability and was able to enroll in San Diego State’s geology program. Upon graduation, he will begin SDSU’s graduate program in geology. (Hometown: Bouar, Lebanon)
Stephanie Renee Pena, 22, B.S., psychology
When she began her education at SDSU, Pena was an undeclared student, unsure of which field she wanted to pursue. It wasn’t until she saw a flier for a psychology research lab focusing on bullying that she found her calling. During her primary education, Pena was a victim of bullying and in high school, she began a mentoring awareness program about bullying. Soon after seeing the flier, she began working in the lab and discovered the different career paths that involved her passion.
Pena has won several scholarships, was on the Dean’s Honor’s list four years in a row and was the first female in her family to attend and graduate from college. Upon graduation she will work as a behavior interventionist/therapist at ACES, a company that specializes in working with autistic children and their families. (Hometown: Chula Vista, Calif.)
Kyla R. Power, 22, B.A., psychology, minor in political science
Power has been a member of the SDSU swimming/diving team, serving as team captain for two years; the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee; the College of Sciences Student Council, serving as an executive committee member; and a member of Associated Students Council, as a College of Sciences representative. She is a recipient of the Quest for the Best award and a 3-time Mountain West Conference Scholar-Athlete. Upon graduation, she hopes to get a job working for the government. (Hometown: San Jose, Calif.)
Johanna R. Stinner-Sloan, 19, B.S., computer sciences
As the youngest graduate in the class of 2010, Stinner-Sloan already had college courses under her belt by the time she enrolled at SDSU at the age of 17. She is a two-time member of the San Diego Youth Honors Orchestra, a member of the National Scholars Honor Society, as well as the first member of her family to obtain a college degree. Upon graduation, Stinner-Sloan will enter SDSU’s master’s program for computer sciences and may explore her interests in robotics, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology. (Hometown: San Diego, Calif.)
DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
Stephanie Guarino, 22, B.A., interdisciplinary studies: counseling & school psychology, sociology and women’s studies
Guarino fell in love with SDSU at first sight and has been a proud Aztec since. She joined the SDSU Ambassadors in her freshman year in order to share that pride with prospective students through campus tours and with new students through summer orientation. Guarino was also part of a small team of people that started Aztec Dance Marathon at SDSU to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital.
She is the current president of ROTARACT, a service organization, and is a member of various honor societies, as well as a Quest for the Best Student Leadership Award recipient. Upon graduation, she will pursue a master's in higher educational leadership at the University of San Diego and hopes to one day become a college administrator to help students have a positive college experience and fight for educational equality. (Hometown: Hemet, Calif.)
First Graduating Class of Compact Scholars
SDSU’s Compact Scholars program was started in 1999 as the postsecondary component of the Compact for Success Partnership between the Sweetwater Union High School District and San Diego State University. Compact guarantees admission to SDSU for any student from the Sweetwater Union High School District who meets program benchmarks. It also aims to enhance students’ academic and social integration to ensure they maximize all SDSU opportunities, and to improve the graduation and retention rates of Sweetwater students on campus.
The first Compact Scholars enrolled at SDSU in 2006, and that class is graduating this year. Forty-two students will graduate, including Jennifer Abundez, Bryan Fischbein, Stephanie Pena and Deborah Romo.
ASSOCIATED STUDENTS EXECUTIVE BOARD
This year’s Associated Students Executive Board was comprised of five seniors dedicated to ensuring a quality experience for SDSU students. Their leadership will be felt on campus for years to come. During their tenure, they led the student body in advocating for more funding for higher education and successfully passed a referendum to build a new student union which will break ground next year.
• President: Tyler Boden, 21, B.A. English (single subject teaching) Boden was named to San Diego News Network’s “Top 35 Under 35 Future Leaders of San Diego” 2010 list. After graduating, he plans to move to Australia for a year to work in the public sector before returning to the U.S. to seek a master’s degree in either communication or business.
• Executive Vice President: Jeremy Katz, 22, B.S., business finance Katz served as President of the College of Business Student Council and was named to the Dean’s List as a graduating member of the University Honors Program. After graduating, he will begin a marketing internship with the SDSU athletics department before pursuing an MBA in the coming years.
• Vice President of External Affairs: Alyssa Bruni, 22, B.S. hospitality and tourism management Bruni served as Vice President of Finance for the California State Student Association and was named to the Dean’s List and recognized as a Greek Scholar. After graduating, she plans to become an event manager in the event or destination management industry in San Diego.
• Vice President of Finance: Ignacio Prado, 25, B.S. business management After transferring to SDSU, Prado got involved with countless student organizations and was inducted into the Beta Sigma Gamma honors society for business students. After graduating, he will enter the 2010 Teach for America Corps, teaching out of Las Vegas for the next two years before entering graduate school.
• Vice President of University Affairs: Natalie Colli, 23, B.A. German, minor in political science Before coming to SDSU, Natalie studied abroad in Germany for a year, where she gained interest in international affairs, culture and language. After graduating, she will return to Germany and finish her studies at the University of Mannheim before working for the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.
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