7 Things About Dion Akers

Dion Akers became an Aztec in the fall of 2003 and graduated in 2008.

As a student, Akers worked as a community service officer through the San Diego State University Police Department and as head lifeguard at the Aquaplex.

Akers was the first person in his family to attend college. "Coming to SDSU opened up a world of experiences and opportunities that I didn't even know existed," he said. "It's safe to say that I loved every single minute that I was at SDSU."

Recently, Akers returned to campus and is now the assistant director for alumni affinity groups and volunteerism at Alumni Engagement. "I am thrilled to be back and am excited for the next steps in my career as an Aztec," Akers said.

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

I love SDSU and I feel strongly about supporting and advancing public education. Alumni are the foundation on which we seek to build our future as an institution. Alumni are our past and our future. It's really pretty inspiring to think about.

To be afforded the opportunity to give your time, energy, skills and experiences to benefit the issues and organizations that your are passionate about is the greatest professional life anyone can hope for. I am proud to be an alumnus of SDSU and enjoy giving back to the university in a professional capacity.

2. How long have you worked at SDSU?

I am currently in my second week. However, when I was a student, I worked on campus as a Community Relations Officer, then as head lifeguard and lead instructor at the Aquaplex. All together, about three years.

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

It is not exactly a "piece of advice," but a passage from Stephen Graham's "The Gentle Art of Tramping" has always stuck with we.

"After we die we may be set to write an essay on our life story. Fifty years in an office will be found shriveled up to a dot, and a few days in the wilds will expand into the whole story."

4. What is your favorite thing about your job?

It's still a bit surreal that I get to be on campus every day. It's a lot like coming home. The campus, the facilities, the shared mission and goals and the people I get to work with are simply amazing.

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

There are more than 275,000 Aztec Alumni.

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

I have an incredible passion for cooking. I cook as much as I possibly can. It's my favorite thing to do. I love cooking for others. Cooking, baking, barbeque, multiple-course fine dining- I love it all.

I once won a cooking competition for smoked brisket, and can make a mean creme brulee from scratch.

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

Probably my diploma. I put a lot of time and money into getting that little piece of paper.

Bonus Questions

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

Bob Dylan, Incubus, John Mayer, Neil Young, Justin Timberlake and Jay Z.

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

San Diego Super Chargers!