Leaders of Diversity

The San Diego State University Diversity Awards serve as an opportunity for the campus community to celebrate the university's long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice.

Awards are given to student organizations, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners.

The following Aztecs will be honored during the annual Diversity Awards ceremony on April 30. 

Faculty Diversity Award — Charles Toombs

Charles Toombs is the chair of the SDSU Africana Studies Department and president of the SDSU chapters of the California Faculty Association and the American Association of University Professors.

He is an advocate for disadvantaged and marginalized communities and brings his commitment to every area of his professional life at SDSU, from research to teaching to service.

His publication record demonstrates dedication to raising consciousness and generating new knowledge about issues of diversity and social justice.

The many courses he teaches at SDSU reflect a similar commitment to an inclusive curriculum that enables students to think critically about issues of identity and diversity as these arise in various social and intellectual contexts.

Staff Diversity Award — Bobbie Gray

Bobbie Gray is a career counselor and liaison to the College of Business Administration for SDSU Career Services.

In 2011 she spearheaded a mentor program for SDSU’s College of Business and has been managing the program ever since. The program was expanded in spring 2013 to include other colleges at SDSU and was officially named the Aztec Mentor Program.

Through her efforts, numerous students continue to gain valuable guidance on a variety of career-related topics including one-on-one advice, networking, interviewing and job shadowing.

Gray is a proud SDSU alumna with a master’s degree in counseling education. Her dedication to creating valuable pathways to mentors has been the catalyst for establishing important relationships across cultures and generations.

Student Organization Diversity Award — Asian Pacific Student Alliance

The Asian Pacific Student Alliance was established at SDSU in 1972.

The organization's main goal is to unite the Asian and Pacific Islander students on campus, and to share and learn about one another's cultural identities.

In addition to their commitment to addressing issues that affect their community, the students share their knowledge of Asian Pacific culture with all ethnicities. The organization is open to anyone interested in learning about the diversity of Asian culture, traditions and community.

The alliance continuously demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity inclusion and social justice through their volunteer work on campus and in the San Diego community.

Their members are active participants in various boards and committees for Associated Students.

Throughout the year, the organization dedicates time to host social, cultural and community events that serve a purpose.

Alumni Diversity Award — Perette Godwin

Perette Godwin is a proud SDSU alumna who is often recognized for her experience as a news anchor/reporter for local and national television and radio networks.

In addition to being a voice artist, she is a producer, editor and scriptwriter. Her expertise in public relations and media relations has opened many doors for diversity and cultural understanding.

Godwin's commitment to community engagement through media builds important bridges, linking San Diego’s diverse cultures and identities.

She lends her voice and understanding of diversity to numerous companies and community organizations.

More information

The ceremony will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Montezuma Hall.

Immediately preceding the Diversity Awards will be an event honoring the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech at SDSU. At 3:30 p.m. in the Open Air Theatre, a ceremony including local community leaders, civil rights advocates, historians and students will take place and a permanent plaque commemorating the historic event will be unveiled. 

Both events are free and open to the public.

Complimentary parking is available in Parking Structure 1, Levels 1-3 only. Guests may park in spaces marked “Faculty/Staff (FS).”