All Aboard the Aztec for Life Trolley

With more than 100,000 alumni living in the region, it’s difficult to go anywhere in San Diego without seeing someone who attended San Diego State University. The unveiling of SDSU’s new Aztec for Life trolley gives that statement a whole new meaning.

From SDSU to Qualcomm Stadium

The newly “wrapped” trolley started service Friday, Aug. 20, on Metropolitan Transit System’s Green Line, which includes stops at SDSU’s trolley station and the station at Qualcomm Stadium, where the Aztecs play their home football games. The trolley features famous SDSU alumni, along with long-time supporters, student leaders and prominent faculty members.

A limited number of Aztec fans can ride the Aztec for Life trolley to the SDSU football game against Nicholls State this Saturday, Sept. 4. The train will depart the SDSU trolley station at 2:30 p.m. (Additional non-wrapped trains will also be in service Saturday).

Connecting Aztecs for Life

SDSU football legend, Marshall Faulk coined the slogan “Aztec for Life.” Last year, Aztec for Life served as the theme of SDSU Month. Now, alumni regularly proclaim “I'm an Aztec for Life.” 

“Being an Aztec is not just about going to school at SDSU,” said Jim Herrick, SDSU Alumni Association executive director. “Being an Aztec is about connecting to San Diego. It’s about being a part of something much greater than yourself. SDSU alumni are the fabric of the San Diego region. Teachers, nurses, engineers, entrepreneurs, star athletes and actors. We’re all Aztecs for life.”

Ralph Rubio, founder of Rubio's Fish Tacos, agreed. "San Diego State is deeply engaged in the community, which makes the trolley wrap such a perfect vehicle for showcasing alumni pride. I'm proud to be an Aztec for Life!"

Featured Alumni

Prominent alumni featured on the trolley include:

• Athletes Faulk, Stephen Strasburg, Tony Gwynn, Kirk Morrison and Jene Morris
• Entrepreneurs Ralph Rubio and Suzy Spafford
• Actors Marion Ross and Raquel Welch
• Astronaut Ellen Ochoa
• Long-time supporters Leon Parma, Bob Payne and Jack Goodall
• MTS chairman Leon Williams
• ROTC student Shelley House
• Compact for Success students Michael Salas and Emmelie Finley
• SDSU Associated Students executives Grant Mack, Sean Kashanchi, Laura Schofield, Amanda Pascoe and Candice Luistro
• Faculty members Greg Talavera and Marian Liebowitz
• SDSU President Stephen L. Weber
• Aztec Warrior Mike Lopez

The wrap was produced with support from Associated Students, Aztec Shops and Aztec Athletics. No state funds were used. MTS donated the space on the trolley, which will be in service for at least six months. People who spot the trolley are encouraged to take pictures of it and share them with [email protected].

The Aztec For Life Trolley will also occasionally operate on the other Trolley Lines in addition to the Green Line.

There will be contests and prizes throughout the first month of school; they will be announced via Facebook at http://facebook.com/thesdsu and Twitter at http://twitter.com/SDSU_NewsTeam.