An Unlikely Choice for a Woman

One day of shorthand homework was enough to convince Diane Denkler that a career as secretary or teacher would never make her happy. Bring on the advanced algebra and physics classes — those were the classes she relished.

Little did Denkler know that she would make history with her unconventional choices.

In 1961, she became the first woman to graduate with an engineering degree from San Diego State, choosing civil engineering/structural design as her major. It was an unlikely pick for a woman at the time.

Always realistic, Denkler expected resistance from professors and fellow students, but she hadn’t anticipated practical problems like conducting field surveys dressed in the skirts that all co-eds wore.

“I would trudge down the mountain behind campus with my tripod over my shoulder and walk through a tunnel under the four-lane freeway.  Well, that got old, and I soon found a better solution. I drove to the site and changed into slacks in my car."

An involved Aztec

Denkler developed a strong attachment to State, and the feeling was mutual. She became freshman class secretary, president of Alpha Phi and a member of the homecoming court. Engineering students voted her Miss Aztec Engineer and built a float built exclusively for her appearance in the 1961 Homecoming Parade.

As graduation approached, career placement staff—perhaps concerned that the world was not ready for a woman engineer—arranged interviews for Denkler with four major corporations. All four offered her positions, and she joined Pacific Telephone & Telegraph, now PacBell, as a chief engineer.

Again, she faced opposition from some, but many recognized her ability. In 24 years at PacBell, Denkler held 27 positions, and was the first women to occupy most of them. Subsequent careers in insurance and marketing deepened her experience in ways that have made her a valuable mentor for young women.

Opened doors

Now retired, Denkler lives with her husband, Neal, in Palm Desert, where she serves on the board of the College of the Desert Foundation and the McCallum Theatre auxiliary, and finds time for golf, Mah Jonng and travel.

Active in The Campaign for SDSU, the Denklers have made a planned gift and are members of the National Campaign Committee.

“I realize my education at SDSU opened doors to opportunities in both business and public affairs and now in retirement,” Denkler said. “During a recent tour of campus and the engineering facilities, I was awestruck by the sophisticated and far-reaching educational opportunities available to our students. I am grateful to be able to give back and say thank you.”