2015 Student Standouts

The San Diego State University graduating class of 2015 includes future scientists, researchers, communicators and academics.

With nearly 9,600 degree candidates, these are just some of the students whose transformational time at SDSU has put them on the road to successful career paths.

ATHLETES

Jeff Overbaugh, 21, B.A., psychology

Psychology major Jeff Overbaugh is the starting long snapper for SDSU’s football team, as well as the football team's representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He has seen action in all 26 games since 2012 and has been perfect over his career in snap attempts, going 97-for-97 in point-after touchdowns, 30-for-30 in field goal attempts and 105-for-105 in punts. Additionally, he has two career tackles.

“I chose SDSU because of the opportunity to both pursue my interests in psychology and to play Division I college football in such a beautiful place was too good to pass up,” he said.

“The experience that changed my life the most hasn't been a singular moment but rather the compounded interactions with incredible faculty who have had a wonderful impact on my academic career,” he said.

Overbaugh has a lot to be proud of, between an impressive academic career and a winning football career.

“My proudest achievement is winning a Mountain West title in 2012. As an individual, I am most proud of graduating in three years and being awarded SDSU's Male Student-Athlete of the Year,” he said. 

Sarah Haydock, 21, B.A., psychology

Sarah Haydock has been named a three-time Mountain West Scholar Athlete and a two-time Mountain West Spring All-Academic Team athlete. Haydock has enjoyed pursuing both a psychology degree and an impressive track record. 

“I was fortunate enough to walk on to the track-and-field team here at SDSU when I was a freshman. Being a part of this team for the past four years has changed my life in countless ways. SDSU Athletics made me feel deeply connected to the school and proud to be an Aztec. There is something about putting on that uniform that made me truly feel as if I was a part of something that was larger than myself and that is the most rewarding experience that I have received here,” she said.

Haydock said her proudest achievement at SDSU was having the opportunity to be a part of Professor Allison Vaughn’s health and social relationships psychology lab.

“Being a part of this lab has given me several opportunities such as publishing papers and presenting research at three different conferences and symposiums. I am very proud of this because it will help me on my journey toward my professional career,” she said.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

Karen Calderon, 24, M.A., political science

The daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, Karen Calderon grew up in an immigrant enclave in Los Angeles. She entered SDSU’s M.A. program in Fall 2013, and has been excelling ever since. 

In the summer of 2014, she was selected to do an occupational health internship, in which she conducted interviews with immigrant mobile food vendors in City Heights, San Diego. She surveyed the vendors about the health hazards of their work and about the challenges they face trying to make a living. Calderon researches the issue of mobile food vending in terms of cultural discrimination and the right to public space. In this regard, she has been charting a path for herself as both a scholar and an activist for immigrant rights.

She chose SDSU in part for its strong Political Science Department.

“I found that the professors' focus on social justice creates an environment of equal opportunity, critical analysis and debate which pushes students to become involved in such issues — attributes not found in many other schools,” she said. 

“My proudest achievement while at SDSU was being selected to present parts of my master's thesis at the Western Political Science Association Conference and American Public Health Association Conference,” she said.

Jackson Faber, 24, M.A., history

Growing up in suburban Los Angeles, Jackson Faber became curious about using the past as a way to shine light on the present. Faber began his academic career as a U.S. history student at the University of California, Riverside. SDSU was his first choice among the master's programs he applied for.

The border region was an area Faber had developed a curiosity toward during his Latin American studies, and he came to realize that it is crucial for a historian to personally experience the region in which one wants to do research.

At SDSU he has cultivated his skills not only as a researcher, but also as an instructor. After starting as a grader, Faber moved to the position of teacher’s associate at the beginning of his second year. He hopes to teach community college after graduation and continue to pursue his own research interests as a local historian.

“As an SDSU graduate student I learned how history is crafted through research and the historian's own arguments and biases. All of the professors are very much into the construction of history and it helped me better understand my field,” he said.

“My favorite thing about being an Aztec is being a part of an institution with a long commitment to quality public education with faculty and staff who truly care about the students.”

Anne Li Situ, 23, B.A., international business

Anne Li Situ has more international experience than almost any other student at SDSU. She is an international student from Mexico of Chinese heritage and is currently studying at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, Korea, to complete her semester abroad requirement.

Situ received the Global Korea Scholarship from the Korean government to study in their country, and is one of seven students from around the world to receive the scholarship, one of only two from the United States.

“Experiencing the diverse student body at SDSU has allowed me to meet people from a variety of backgrounds broadening my perspectives about the world. In addition, participating in a range of student organizations has helped me grow both professionally and personally,” she said.

Mayra Lopez, 25, M.A., history

Mayra Lopez Mayra Lopez is an exceptional student, not only because she does outstanding work in the history department, but also because she has persevered in pursuing her education despite serious instability within her family and a lack of financial resources.

According to Lopez, “Work and income in my household were never stable and the idea that my parents would help me with any of my college expenses was never even considered.”

Afraid of incurring more debt to fund her graduate education, Lopez successfully applied for a number of academic scholarships and worked diligently each summer doing paid internships as a union organizer in order to save money. Additionally, she was a section instructor for a history class.

“Being given the opportunity to teach a section at SDSU has greatly impacted my life. When I started graduate school, I was very nervous. I was not sure if I had the necessary skills in research and writing to acquire a master's. However, my department has some of the most supportive and encouraging faculty I have ever met. Not only did they believe in my skills as a historian, but went as far as to grant me the opportunity to teach a section to undergraduates at SDSU. Their support and motivation gave me the confidence I needed,” she said. 

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Jennifer Dar, 25, B.S., business administration, emphasis in marketing, specialization in integrated marketing communications, minors in management and entrepreneurship

Dar is a very involved and active SDSU student. She is the president of the Society for Human Resource Management, a participant in the Faculty-Student Mentoring Program, and the student liaison for the San Diego Society for Human Resources Management.

Dar has also worked with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services. She coordinated community forum events to educate low-income families about immunizations and healthy lifestyles and served meals at the San Diego Rescue Mission. She also developed a university-wide program to prepare students for the job market by providing them with a career coach and professional headshots.

Dar’s future plans include founding a non-profit organization to help female entrepreneurs start their own endeavors.  She also plans to continue her education, earn a Ph.D. in organizational behavior and become a professor to continue her passion for helping students.

“My favorite thing about being an Aztec is knowing that a plethora of opportunities will still be available even after I graduate. With resources such as the alumni network, relationships you've built with professors, ties you have to professional associations from student organizations — the opportunities to connect with people are endless," Dar said.

"Being an Aztec for Life gives me a sense of security, which is more than I could ever ask for.”

Erika Union, 23, M.B.A., sports business

Erika Union was a scholar-athlete at California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo who joined the Sports M.B.A. program at SDSU shortly after graduation, with an aspiration of turning her passion for sports into a career.

To accomplish this goal, Union stayed connected to field hockey by serving as an assistant high school coach. While attending the intensive Sports M.B.A. program full-time and coaching, she managed to find time for four internships in the sports industry to gain experience and build her résumé, including one internship on campus promoting the Aztec sports teams on social media.

Her hard work paid off — she landed a full-time job in the industry three months prior to graduation. Union is now with International Speedway Corporation as an account executive at Auto Club Speedway, home of Southern California's NASCAR event, the Auto Club 400.

“As part of the Sports M.B.A. program, each class takes a trip to the Dominican Republic to study the relationship between Major League Baseball and Dominican society. The opportunity to travel there, get a feel of their way of life, and interact with the children there was amazing experience. It definitely altered my world view and gave me a new perspective on my life here in the States,” she said.

Karl Maes, 28, B.A., economics and B.S., business administration, emphasis in finance, management minor

Karl Maes has excelled academically while holding several leadership roles on campus and giving back to the community. 

Last summer, he was selected by Wells Fargo for an internship as a financial analyst for the commercial banking group. He has been hired for a full-time position into the same group following graduation. Maes arranged his own study abroad and intensive language program in France over winter 2014 and continued to explore the world with travel to Asia and Argentina and has another trip planned for Europe after graduation.

He knew SDSU was a good fit for him from the second he set foot on campus.

“I came to Explore SDSU and even though it was pouring rain, the people I met and what I learned about the campus and the finance program convinced me. I fell in love with SDSU. I knew this place would be more than a degree for me. It would be home,” he said.

“My proudest moment was winning Quest for the Best, which encompasses academics, leadership, involvement and service. Winning this award is validation that I have been the best Aztec I could be and I am on the right track heading into the business world after graduation. It is the culmination of my experience at SDSU," Maes said.

THE DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

Ian Brazill, 22, B.A., communication, honors in interdisciplinary studies minor

Ian Brazill wasn’t sure what to expect when he visited SDSU for new student orientation, but quickly realized he fit right in.

“As soon I came to the prospective student orientation, I knew I was home,” Brazill said. “There was a certain vibe that everyone here gave off that was missing at all of the other universities I visited. Everyone here was incredibly welcoming and helpful.”

During his time at SDSU, Brazill has been a member of several honors societies including Phi Eta Sigma, Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi, and Lambda Pi Eta. Brazill has also held multiple leadership positions in student organizations including serving as vice president of the Professional Studies and Fine Arts Civil Core and president of the SDSU Paintball Club.

Brazill’s proudest achievement at SDSU was in his ethnographic studies class. He was able to choose a culture or topic of interest and study it from within by taking part in its activities alongside regular participants. Brazill chose to join his classmate, Darron DeVillez in studying the therapeutic benefits of paintball for veterans with PTSD and active duty military personnel.

After completing their research, Professor Kurt Lindemann suggested they submit it to the Western States Communication Association Undergraduate Scholars Research Conference. It was accepted into the conference and the pair traveled to Spokane, WA, to present it to other communication scholars. Afterward, they submitted the research to SDSU’s Student Research Symposium and won the Dean’s Award.

After graduation Brazill wishes to continue his research, as well as maintain a career within San Diego. “My favorite part about being an Aztec is having a myriad of opportunities at my fingertips — I’ve been an honors student, club president, researcher, and even a world traveler. I wouldn’t have been any of these if I wasn’t an Aztec,” Brazill said.

Javon Ogbeide, 22, B.S., business administration, emphasis in management, specialization in entrepreneurship, honors in interdisciplinary studies minor

SDSU provided Javon Ogbeide with all the resources he needed to become the leader and scholar he is today.

“I chose SDSU because it had everything I needed to grow as a person including: my major, school spirit, great athletics and leadership opportunities,” Ogbeide said.

Ogbeide first took leadership as the secretary of the Student African American Brotherhood his sophomore year. He then became the president his junior year. In addition to the Honors Program, he is a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, and Scholars Without Borders honor societies.

Ogbeide’s proudest achievement at SDSU was studying abroad in Rome, Italy.

“I was able to step out of my comfort zone and fully immerse myself in a totally different culture,” Ogbeide said. “I came back to the U.S. with a new mindset, as a global ambassador with new friends.”

Ogbeide is also a founding member of the Black Business Society, an SDSU homecoming prince and received the Quest for Best award for his outstanding work in service, leadership and scholarship.

“SDSU has a great business and entrepreneurship program, which I saw in the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center,” Ogbeide said. “Then hearing what being an Aztec for Life meant, I knew I wanted to be part of this family for the rest of my life.”

After graduation, Ogbeide plans to study abroad in Spain before working with Amazon as an area manager for their operations and fulfillment division.

Anna Salvador, 22, B.A., anthropology, minors in international security and conflict resolution and honors in interdisciplinary studies

Students may recognize Anna Salvador best in a red polo, walking backward, while giving tours as an SDSU ambassador. Salvador served as the 2014-2015 SDSU ambassador president, overseeing 80 other students who work as the official student representatives, orientation leaders and tour guides for the university.

“Serving as an SDSU ambassador provided me with so many opportunities for personal growth and leadership,” Salvador said. “This experience continues to shape who I am today and the decisions I have made for my future.”

In addition to the Honors Program, Salvador was a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, Phi Beta Kappa, and Scholars Without Borders.

In Spring 2013, Salvador studied abroad at the University of Hyderabad in India. She also volunteered with International Student Volunteers, working on community development projects in Southern Africa.

After graduation, she will be pursuing a career in International Development.

“My favorite thing about being an Aztec is knowing that I will always have this community to support me and encourage me, wherever life takes me,” Salvador said.

Wendy Frisby, 33, B.A., liberal studies, honors in interdisciplinary studies minor

Wendy Frisby is a San Diego native who worked in a small office for about 12 years before quitting her job to finish school.

“I've always had a heart for children and decided that I needed to finish my required courses so that I could transfer to SDSU,” Frisby said. “I resigned from my job in 2012 and transferred to SDSU as a liberal studies major.”

While at SDSU, Frisby received four scholarships, including the prestigious Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship and completed her Teaching English as a Second Language certificate.

“Through the international experience requirement at SDSU, I rediscovered my passion for travel and working in underprivileged communities.”

Frisby hopes to join the teaching credential program at SDSU in the fall. Her passion for traveling and teaching also compels her to want to teach abroad and possibly work with the Peace Corps after completing the credential program.

“I am truly grateful for the second chance I've been given in pursuing a career that I’m passionate about,” Frisby said.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Alyssa Ashley, 29, E.d.S., educational specialist degree in school psychology

Alyssa Ashley is a Native American who specializes in increasing indigenous-centered teaching and learning within schools.

“I want to increase awareness and insight in the areas of historical and intergenerational trauma,” she said. “I want to help educators strengthen our native students’ sense of self and well-being.”

During her time at SDSU, Ashley was a part of the Native American Scholars and Collaborators Project, a federally funded program that develops specializations in working with Native youth that centers on indigenous methodologies, identity, colonization and decolonization. In this program, she has been a graduate assistant and a co-facilitator.

Ashley was also the first Native American student to receive the National Association of School Psychologists Minority Scholarship, which supports and highlights the accomplishments of minority students pursuing careers in school psychology.

Ashley plans to bring what she learned at SDSU back to the children and families in her community.

“I plan to return home to Dinetah, a Navajo reservation in Arizona, and work as a school psychologist,” she said. “I feel well-prepared to begin my journey and serve all children with skill, compassion and wisdom stemming from a position of love, resilience and hope.”

Sarah Bednar, 25, B.S., child development

Sarah Bednar grew up in a small Ohio town and dreamed of attending college in California. She’s now fulfilling that dream, graduating from SDSU with a degree in child development.

While attending SDSU, Bednar worked with San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) in the Adoption Support Services Program, helping children who had adverse childhood experiences.

“My time with SDYS was one of the most eye-opening experiences,” she said. “It led to my passion for the importance of early intervention to combat negative effects of trauma.”

Moving forward, Bednar will continue her education in the Early Childhood Socio-Emotional and Behavior Regulation Intervention certificate program at SDSU.

“My overall goal is to have a positive impact on children’s lives by intervening during the early years of development,” she said.

Kiana Caton, 21, B.S., child development, Spanish minor

Kiana Caton will graduate with a wealth of experiences both on and off campus.

Throughout her college career, she has been involved in Associated Students, Jane K. Smith Cap and Gown Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She was the recipient of a Quest for the Best award and was a part of the Homecoming Court. Caton also held several internships at Henry Clay Elementary School, Diego Valley Charter School and the San Diego County Office of Violence Prevention.

She was named Miss San Diego County All-American 2014 and Miss College Grove 2014, serving as an ambassador to the her communities and a role model for the empowerment of young women.

Caton said her proudest achievement in college was receiving a Quest for the Best award.

“I feel that this award is a culmination of all my unique experiences, achievements and talents that have made for such an amazing and memorable career at SDSU,” she said.

After graduation, Caton plans to apply to law school and study trial law.

Matt Lawson, 30, M.A., education, concentration in educational leadership

Matt Lawson’s innovative thinking benefitted the San Diego community. He currently serves as the dean of students at Mira Mesa High School and is leading a restorative justice program.

“The program lowered the suspension rate at our school to an all-time low,” he said. “Currently, we are 28 suspensions below where we were this time last year.”

Lawson also holds positions as the athletics director and math resources teacher at Mira Mesa High, and he created a program that is the first of its kind for the math department.

“The Competency-Based Integrated 1 Program has seen a five percent improvement in the pass rates as compared to last year,” he said. “Currently we have seen a five percent improvement in pass rates as compared to last year and we are hoping to see continued improvement.”

Lawson is grateful for the academic challenges he faced during his time at SDSU.

“Along with the challenge comes the reward of knowing I am getting the best education a school can offer,” he said. “My experiences here have given me the confidence in myself to make important decisions that affect the lives of those adults and students around me.”

Ultimately, Lawson’s goal is to become a vice principal then pursue a career as a high school principal.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Megan Brooks Lacy, 22, B.S., mechanical engineering

Megan Lacy is a San Diego native who graduated from San Pasqual High School. Both of her parents are Aztec alumni.

“I chose SDSU because it already felt like home,” Lacy said. “Both of my parents graduated as proud Aztecs and had been bringing me to football games since infancy.”

As a freshman she applied to be a Project Lead The Way summer intern where she helped teachers run their trainings.

She also joined SDSU's Society of Women Engineers chapter, which only had eight active members when she joined. Today she serves as president of the organization, which now has 50 active members. Lacy has been an advocate for the group and has encouraged her peers and future female engineers to pursue their passion in engineering.

Lacy has also participated in Q&A panels to share her experience and encourage younger students to consider attending SDSU.  

“My favorite thing about being an Aztec is the enthusiasm, the pride and the electric atmosphere our school is known for,” Lacy said. “Work hard, play hard. GO AZTECS!”

After graduating, Lacy plans to apply for a full-time engineering position in San Diego. She hopes to gain experience in the field before pursuing a master's degree in mechanical engineering at SDSU. She plans to stay involved with SWE at SDSU to give back to the organization that helped her become a better leader and offered her so many opportunities.

Kent Minrou Kurashima, 22, B.S., mechanical engineering, energy studies minor

With home roots in Hawaii, Kent Minrou Kurashima selected SDSU because he wanted to attend a large university with a great, hands-on engineering program that would allow him to explore different paths and grow as a scholar.

However, in 2011 he found himself missing Hawaii, so he co-founded the Hawaii Club for Native Hawaiians, a group where students could come together to support each other.

As an undergraduate, Kurashima made the most of the opportunities available to him. He participated in The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program, and began conducting research in Professor Fletcher Miller's Solar Simulator lab. He also made studying abroad a priority during his time at SDSU.

“Studying abroad as an engineer was very rewarding because I was able to learn from and immerse myself in various cultures. I gained new perspectives and traveled to new and exciting places,” Kurashima said.  

Kurashima has been on the dean's list for multiple semesters and is a member of Tau Beta Pi and Mortar Board.  As a MARC scholar, he was able to continue his research with Miller and travel to the University of Colorado, Boulder to conduct research in micro/nano-enabled thermal management the summer 2014.

This led Kurashima to apply and be accepted to the Ph.D. program in mechanical engineering at University of Colorado, Boulder to begin Fall 2015.  Kurashima was also accepted to a program at UCLA, but the research at Boulder fit his interests in engineering and energy studies.

Jeffrey Erickson, 22, B.S., aerospace engineering, mathematics minor 

Jeffrey Erickson demonstrated a passion for engineering at a very young age. Involvement in his school’s For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics program inspired a love for math, science and design starting in third grade.

“SDSU’s aerospace engineering program stood out to me, with its numerous hands-on student projects and the university’s notoriety as a research institution,” Erickson said.

When he joined SDSU, he had enough advanced coursework to skip freshman level classes. Erickson took advantage of the opportunities offered by the diverse aerospace engineering program.

“Working in a research lab on campus has changed the way I tackle problems and has granted me real life exposure to engineering practices,” Erickson said.

Erickson became an active member of the Engineering Honor Society Tau Beta Pi, and would eventually become the treasurer for the organization. Erickson also became involved with the Rocket Project, designing electronic printed circuit boards for the rocket’s control systems.

He was also awarded a STEM Scholarship for research participation during his junior and senior years at SDSU.

Jastine Ortiz, 23, B.S., aerospace engineering

Jastine Ortiz’s passion for space exploration inspired her to major in aerospace engineering. Along with the heavy load of labs and classes, Ortiz made time to get involved and become a leader at SDSU.

She has been involved in the MESA program and has served as an academic excellence workshop leader and a member of the SDSU Rocket Project. Ortiz has also served as vice president for Tau Beta Phi engineering honor society.

“I’m proud of the impact I’ve had at SDSU,” Ortiz said. “It’s small in the giant scope of things, but being involved with MESA and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society I feel like I’ve given back what I’ve gotten out of SDSU to my peers and our community’s youth.”

Ortiz was selected for the NASA California Space Grant Consortium Summer Internship through the MESA program and has conducted research on the Shallow Water Table with Professor Gustaff Jacobs.  She is currently interning with Northrop Grumman while conducting research in Professor Balbir Narang’s lab.

She plans to return for a master’s degree in aerospace engineering, "I love the spirit that comes with being an Aztec because I always saw myself as a warrior and it feels good to say that I am one,” Ortiz said.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Richard Armenta, 29, Ph.D., public health, concentration in epidemiology

Richard Armenta is already working toward his doctoral degree.

“My proudest moment at SDSU was winning the Best Student Research Presentation at the Epidemiology Research Exchange,” he said. “I am passionate about conducting research that impacts public health and it was humbling to be recognized for my work.

Armenta worked on a study to assess HIV, hepatitis C and tuberculosis risk among persons who inject drugs in San Diego. He also participated in VIIDAI, an international experience offered at SDSU. He set up a free clinic for three days in San Quintin, Baja Calif., to address health issues in that community. Armenta is also the co-author of six peer-reviewed publications, with four additional papers currently under review.

He was a recipient of many awards and grants throughout his time at SDSU, having received the National Institute of Drug Abuse t32 training grant as well as a two-year diversity supplement. He also received the University of California President’s Diversity Dissertation Fellowship, which is only granted to up to six students per year.

After he walks across the stage, he will serve as an adjunct professor at the University of California, San Diego, and work full-time as an epidemiologist at the Naval Health Research Center in Point Loma.