7 Things About Todd Summer

Todd Summer is the director of Aztec Shops for San Diego State University.

He is responsible for operations of the SDSU Bookstore on the main and Imperial Valley Campus, and the Shop Aztecs website. He is also in charge of managing the SDSU licensing program and the lease for Blick Art Materials on the main campus.

1. What inspired you to do this kind of work?

I love being a part of the education environment and supporting students and the mission of the university.  I also love to shop and to write and college retail has elements of both.

2. How long have you worked at SDSU?

I started here in June, 2004.  I wish it would have been sooner, though. SDSU rocks.

3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Assume good intent from a worker or colleague even if an outcome on a project or task is less than desired. We all make mistakes and, hopefully, we all learn from them.

4. What is your favorite thing about your job?

Promoting a part-time student worker to a full-time position when she/he graduates or seeing she/he move on to another job or career.

5. What about your field or position do you think would surprise people the most?

There is a vast sorority/fraternity of college store professionals across the country that support and teach each other and care, deeply, about education.

6. What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?

Not sure anyone has noticed, but I’m bald.  Also, I have written two books but nobody is allowed to read them (they are unpublished).

7. If you could only rescue one thing from your burning office, what would it be?

Pictures of my nieces.

Bonus Questions

1. What is your favorite kind of music/what are your favorite bands?

Classic Rock — Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, The Doors, The Who, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Roy Orbison, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Elton John and Eric Clapton.  I also have a soft spot for all the Rat Pack guys (Frank, Sammy and Dean are cool times infinity). In my youth I had a big crush on Olivia Newton-John.

2. What is your favorite sports team or who is your favorite individual athlete?

The Aztecs!  In second place is the NY Mets.  A close third is the Bad News Bears.

3. What is your favorite movie?

"It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." It's my dad’s favorite movie and mine, too.