President de la Torre Welcomes SDSU Community to New Academic Year

In her second 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 2019 semester. Held inside the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union’s Montezuma Hall, 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, four Kumeyaay bird singers, led by Blue Eagle Vigil and Jamie LaBrake, performed to open the annual event.

Looking to the future

President de la Torre highlighted important projects and initiatives facing the university in the immediate future, including the strategic plan and SDSU Mission Valley. 
“This year, we will need to work together to outline a strategic plan that represents the voices and priorities of our students, faculty, and staff. It’s going to take everyone to participate, to set the strategic goals for this campus. Not just for the next year or the next five years — but for the long-term future of SDSU.
“With the acquisition and development of the Mission Valley site, we are embarking on one of the most ambitious projects this university will see for generations to come. Now we will have the opportunity to bring even more value to the region as we move forward every step of the way.”

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 Janet Harry, Allam Omar, Gage Pollard, Candra Young, Tom Karlo, Nicole Brokaw, Leesa Brockman, Simone Hidds-Monroe, Koko Nishi, Michael Juan, Michelle Cadena and Danny Oliveira.  
The president also honored the recipients of the 2019-2020 SDSU Alumni Awards for Outstanding Faculty Contributions. This year’s honorees are Gustaaf Jacobs, Ronald King, Lisa Lamb, Tracy Love-Geffen, Georg Matt, Randy Reinholz and Bongsik Shin. 

Diversity and inclusion

Since assuming her role in June 2018, President de la Torre has prioritized creating a diverse and inclusive campus, which was a focal point of her remarks.
“It means that we also understand that our focus on building a diverse and inclusive campus — with equity for all — is crucial to developing a workforce of globally-minded leaders of the future. We are the hope of the region and are poised to become the model university for the future. There is no better time than today for SDSU to break out of the pack.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for our future, realizing new educational and research opportunities and expanding access to the region — all while the community ensures we do it well, with integrity, and by including everyone in that process.”