A Different Kind of Homecoming
The Foggs' gift aims to reconnect alumni to SDSU.
Like most homecomings, this one had implications far beyond the event itself, especially for one San Diego State University alumnus.
Richard Fogg (‘03), a private wealth adviser, has been working to strengthen ties between SDSU and the Financial Planning Association of San Diego (FPA). As president of the group in 2015, he moved its quarterly educational meetings and annual symposium back to Montezuma Mesa.
For Fogg, this “homecoming” acknowledges SDSU’s rapidly growing role in the industry, fueled by the quality and quantity of its finance department graduates. To further solidify the partnership, Fogg has recruited young Aztecs to join the FPA board.
“We’re reconnecting the FPA with the heritage of SDSU’s program and ultimately, we’re reconnecting alumni with their alma mater,” said Fogg, president of Pacific Coast Financial Planning Group.
SDSU’s financial planning program was the first in the country to be offered at a fully accredited college of business. Upon completion, students can sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam. Fogg joined the program after serving in the Navy. Now, he sits on the advisory board, matches students with mentors and helps find internship opportunities for future financial planners.
“Richard is a person who works extremely hard behind the scenes and doesn’t look for recognition,” said Thomas Warschauer, an SDSU finance professor and director of the financial planning program.
For three years, Fogg has also served on SDSU’s National Leadership Council, whose philanthropic mission is to enhance SDSU’s position as an international leader in teaching, research and service to the global community.
He and his wife, Sharon (’75), are long-time donors. They support the President’s Leadership Fund and are Director’s Cabinet members for SDSU Athletics, also providing scholarships for student-athletes.
Recently, the Foggs created and funded the Thomas Warschauer Endowed Director of Financial Planning to provide administrative support in perpetuity for SDSU’s financial planning program.
The couple said philanthropy has always been “an integral part of who we are,” and a tradition they’ve shared with their children, including Hannah, an SDSU finance major. Fogg also encourages other Aztecs to support SDSU.
“Whether through donation or mentorship, Aztecs need to reach out and contribute,” he said. “Our legacy strengthens SDSU and sustains its growth as a serious institution of higher education.”
