From the President - Spring 2014
International efforts are central to SDSU's academic programs.
The international character of our economic, political, and social systems is the dominant force of the 21st century. At San Diego State University, our international efforts, including study abroad, transnational research and the enrollment of international students, are central to our academic programs and to preparing our students for the global society they will inherit.
We are in the top 25 of national public universities for the number of students studying abroad, with more than 1,800 students studying in more than 70 countries, and we are recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Fellows. Our five-year goal—outlined in our new strategic plan “Building on Excellence”—is to send more than 3,000 students abroad each year.
To help ensure that all students can participate in an international experience, The Campaign for SDSU is raising funds for study abroad scholarships. Alumnus Jack McGrory created the Jack McGrory Study Abroad Scholarship, and alumnus Terry Atkinson has given a significant donation to support students studying abroad.
Our alumni and community supporters have joined our faculty, staff and students in supporting our efforts to integrate global perspectives into our academic programs. Alumni Keith Behner and Catherine Stiefel have provided generous support for our Latin American Studies program, and Ambassador Charles Hostler and Chinyeh Hostler support the Charles Hostler Institute on World Affairs.
The spring 2014 edition of 360:The Magazine of San Diego State University presents compelling profiles of Aztecs who are learning, teaching and conducting research around the globe—from engineering student Kensey Daly’s efforts to improve water supplies for indigenous communities in Panama and Honduras, to Professor Forest Rohwer’s research in the Arctic and alumnus Matt Schauer’s work with a nonprofit extending loans to small businesses in rural China.
These stories of our international efforts provide another example of why we say “Leadership Starts Here” at San Diego State University.
