Record-Setting Class
More than 2,100 incoming freshmen contributed to Aztec Proud.
“It’s important for every student to have a sense of giving back to their community. That sense may look different for different people, but it’s something great to instill in our next generation.”
In addition to being highly accomplished, San Diego State University’s incoming freshman class is also generous. During 11 days of New Student Orientation, members of the class of 2022 set a new record for contributions to Aztec Proud, SDSU’s student philanthropy program.
At orientation sessions from July 12 through July 30, 2,110 freshmen contributed $25,722 to the SDSU Alumni program that builds reserves and endowments for student scholarships through the Class of 2022 Legacy Program. The freshman figure alone almost matches last year’s total for the entire new student fundraising push that lasted through move-in weekend.
For a minimum contribution of $10, the freshmen received a lanyard and a red T-shirt bearing the words “San Diego State Aztec Proud” across the chest. As part of the program, the student donors will receive school supplies and invitations to stewardship and special career development events throughout the coming academic year.
An Aztec Proud app is available for student donors and provides them with information on exclusive events and scholarship opportunities to enhance their student experience.
The next generation
Jacob Green stopped by the SDSU Bookstore with his mother, Traci, to make his Aztec Proud donation. The freshman from Anaheim said he contributed to the scholarship fund because he likes to assist others.
“I think it’s important to help out the community and give back,” Green said. “It’s really cool and it shows your love for the community.”
Green’s mother said when she and her son found out about Aztec Proud, they agreed he should be part of the program.
“I think it’s great,” Traci Green said. “It’s important for every student to have a sense of giving back to their community. That sense may look different for different people, but it’s something great to instill in our next generation.”
A wonderful program
Pam Floyd (’93) is an SDSU Alumni lifetime member who learned about Aztec Proud and wanted to volunteer to help promote SDSU's culture of philanthropy. At the bookstore, she assisted SDSU Alumni staff in soliciting donations and handing out T-shirts.
“I think Aztec Proud is a wonderful program,” Floyd said. “I wish it was something they had when I was a student.”
SDSU Director of Development Technology Tammy Blackburn (’94, ’01) credits alumni like Floyd along with student volunteers for doing a quality job of explaining Aztec Proud and attracting more donors to the program.
“Thanks to their passion and hard work, we will be able to increase the number of scholarships we are able to award this year,” she said.
Last year, Aztec Proud was able to offer scholarships to seven students. Blackburn said the current fundraising period will continue through move-in weekend August 23-26.
