President de la Torre Welcomes SDSU Community During All-University Convocation

In her first All-University Convocation as San Diego State University’s ninth permanent president, Adela de la Torre welcomed the SDSU community back to campus for the fall 2018 semester. Held inside the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, the annual event celebrates SDSU’s accomplishments and brings together the campus community for an update on the university and a look toward the academic year ahead. 

In a nod to Native American tradition and university heritage, for the first time in Convocation history, two Kumeyaay bird singers, Blue Eagle Vigil and Jamie LaBrake, performed to open the annual event.

Beginning of an ongoing dialogue

During the course of President de la Torre’s speech, she instilled the idea that the start of her tenure as university president, and the onset of the 2018-19 academic year serves as, what she hopes, is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue. 

“Looking back at my 35 years in higher education, being here with you is more than a dream come true. It is an opportunity for us to reimagine and create a collective vision that will prepare our students in this global economy—whether they are first generation, adult learners, undergraduates, or graduate students,” said de la Torre. “Both the geographical and distinctive attributes of the university place SDSU at the crossroads of a profound national narrative that is capturing the hearts and minds of people across this hemisphere and the world. All of you are part of that profound narrative.”

Outstanding faculty and staff

The event also recognized the university’s outstanding faculty and staff. De la Torre recognized the winners of the Presidential Staff Excellence Awards, who were presented with their awards earlier this month. They are Eric Elson, Bertha Hernandez, Cassie Steadman, Chia Her, Pablo Bryant, Emily Bates, James Frazee, Maureen Guarcello, Stephen Schellenberg and Wendy Sandoval.  

The president also presented the 2018 Outstanding Faculty Awards. This year’s honorees are Piotr Jankowski, Murray Jennex, Nancy Frey, Hala Madanat, Thomas Rockwell and Bey-Ling Sha. 

Leading through listening 

Since assuming her role in June 2018, President de la Torre shared that she has embarked on dozens of “listening tours”—meeting with faculty, staff and community members. 

“I have heard faculty and staff say that they want to see a real expression of shared governance, marked by transparency and trust. I hear you,” said de la Torre. “When you say that it’s important to honor the knowledge and capacity of our staff, I hear you. When you say that recognizing the accomplishments of our faculty is also important, but not enough, I hear you.”

De la Torre also laid out a list of important challenges to address in the immediate future, including campus growth through the SDSU Mission Valley site plan; campus infrastructure needs—both in terms of physical space and technology; the need to continue to diversify revenue sources; creating community partnerships beyond our “institutional borders,” and recognizing SDSU’s regional position as the gateway to Mexico and the Americas. 

“We as tenants of this sacred Kumeyaay land must embrace that all of us can stand together as transborder people. My hope is that together we will foster a culture of discourse and dialogue…That together we will build a campus culture without silos, “said de la Torre. “I want you to know that I hear you. I want you to know that I see you. I want you to know the dreams you have for San Diego State University are critically important to this conversation.”