Diversity Leaders Recognized

Diversity doesn’t just happen.  It takes leadership, vision and hard work.  On May 2, students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered to recognize those who contributed to advancing diversity at SDSU.

The 8th SDSU Annual Diversity Awards Celebration, held at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, acknowledges exemplary accomplishments across the university.  A highlight of the event is the presentation of the SDSU Diversity Award.  This year’s honorees included:

• Janet Rodgers, Student Services Operations Manager, Graduate and Research Affairs
• Anne Donadey, Professor of European Studies and Women’s Studies and Chair – Department of European Studies
• Frank Urtasun, ’79, Director of Community Partnerships at Sempra Energy.  

In addition to the individual awardees, Tyler Sasaki accepted the Student Organization Diversity Award on behalf of the Asian Pacific Student Alliance.  

Diversity Starts Here

The 2012 event was the first for SDSU President Hirshman – who reaffirmed the importance of diversity to SDSU’s continued progress.

 “As a major public research university, San Diego State University is committed to academic excellence and broad diversity,” Hirshman said.  “The people we honor today are dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture in which academic excellence and the unique perspectives of our community are recognized and appreciated. In this way, our diversity enhances the quality of our educational program.”

Other Acknowledgments

In addition to celebrating diversity, the event also recognized SDSU Presidential Scholars and those who have completed the cultural competency certification program.

2012 event sponsors included:  Alliance Healthcare Foundation, Associated Students, Aztec Shops, Geico, Jack in the Box, PepsiCo, Inc., Reprographics and the SDSU Alumni Association.