7 Things About Aaron Bruce

Aaron Bruce serves as the chief diversity officer at San Diego State University, where he focuses on campus-wide multicultural understanding, social justice and strategies related to diversity and inclusion.

In addition to developing ways to improve campus climate, Bruce helps strengthen the university’s connections to San Diego’s diverse local and global communities. His experience in the advertising and marketing affords him with the creative energy to promote diversity in a variety of ways. 

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

I have a passion for education and helping others see the world through a different lens. I began this journey as a summer camp counselor, swim instructor, lifeguard, resident assistant, educator, and it just continued.

2. How long have you worked at SDSU? 

A bit over 5 years

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

“The tide comes in and the tide goes out”. I learned this from a spiritual guide man while visiting the island of Lamu off the coast of Kenya. Not every day is going to be turbulent. If you are patient and observant, you can sometimes see how to address circumstances. Swimming against the current doesn’t always get you to where you want to be.
 
4. What is your favorite thing about your job?

Seeing students graduate. As well as helping people overcome their obstacles and be successful.

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

Diversity and inclusion work is a lifestyle and a position. It doesn’t shut off once you go home.

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

I’m part Irish, British, Congolese and  my parents are named Rosetta and Ricardo.

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

My caballero jaguar handmade sisal tapestry I purchased while working Mexico City. Woven by indigenous community members from Southern Mexico, the tapestry was rescued from a truck set on fire by government soldiers. It survived one fire and deserved to escape another. 

Bonus Questions:

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

My taste in music is as diverse as my lifestyle. It changes depending on the occasion or time of day. In the morning I like to listen to Philly Soul, Jill Scott, Roots, any kind of jazz, Coltrane, Crusaders and Miles Davis.
On road trips I prefer Afrobeat, Fela Kuti and Femi Kuti from Nigeria, Angelique Kidjo from Benin, Nameless, Wahu and Ogopa. I always listen to New York Salsa. I'll listen to Eddie Palmeiri, Willie Colon, Oscar D’Leon, Willie Colon, Celia Cruz, VanVan, KRS-1, Common and Mos Def at all hours of the day.

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

Pele. He changed the sport of soccer forever.