7 Things About Ryan Delong

Name: Ryan DeLong
Title/Department Interim Executive Director – Alumni Engagement

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

I’ve worked at San Diego State University going back to when I was a student at the old Aztec Center, and have had the opportunity to work in various departments throughout the university post-graduation. It’s fair to say that I am, without a doubt, an Aztec for Life. My pride and passion for SDSU is enormous, so this is a natural fit for me.

2. How long have you worked at SDSU?

Ten years (12 if you count as a student).

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

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take” — Wayne Gretzky. Not a piece of advice, per se, but rather a quote I choose to remind myself of frequently. Not only is it a reminder to always continue towards my goals in life, but it is sports-related as well. Anyone who knows me is aware of my high affinity for anything to do with sports.

4. What is your favorite thing about your job?

One of my favorite things has to be the buzz of energy around campus when classes are in session. It almost feels tangible at times and gives you a boost when you need it.

Also, all of us in the Alumni Engagement Office are fortunate that we get to meet so many SDSU alumni each day. Each person comes from a different background and profession, but all have the same strong SDSU pride. That makes it all worth it.

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

As Alumni Engagement is the name of our office, I assume most would think that what we do is engage only our alumni to keep them connected to the university. Although that is a major goal of our mission, we actually work very closely with our student body as well.

Not only do we offer scholarships for deserving students, we also educate them on being philanthropic through our Aztec Proud program; assist Associated Students with the Aztecs Rock Hunger food drive; we allow them to "Leave Their Legacy" with an honorary cord program at graduation that supports future student scholarships.

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

My fiancée Kim and I both have siblings who are twins and both sets are exactly 14 months younger than each of us (yes, both of our parents had three kids in diapers at one time). We are getting married this May and in our wedding party, we have three different pairs of identical twins. I think I know what our future holds ...

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

As my office is relatively new to me and I haven’t had a chance to get everything up on the walls, I would say my autographed 2011 SDSU Men’s team basketball. I'm a huge college basketball fan going back to my early childhood in Lexington, Kentucky, so it’s was satisfying to see SDSU reach those levels of success during that remarkable season, and to see them sustain that to this day.