A Legacy of Love and Aztec Pride

If you thought having one or two fellow Aztecs in your family was a lot, wait until you meet the Angel Zavala family. With over 10 Aztecs in their blended family, no one bleeds red and black more than they do.

Connected through blood, marriage, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and more, the Angel Zavala family has endless connections to each other and SDSU.

But you may be wondering how this huge blended family came to be, and it all starts with a love story that began in San Diego State’s very own academic advising center.

“Friendship to Marriage”

Laura Angel Zavala (‘91, ‘96) and Francisco Zavala (‘92, ‘97) were both taking a psychology course in academic advising when they first met. Laura, who was engaged at the time, built a close friendship with Francisco in the advising center, where he would later convince her to become a Resident Advisor for EOP’s Summer Bridge Program.

It was after moving into SDSU's Olmeca Hall that Laura began falling for Francisco. Knowing that Laura was still engaged, Francisco told Laura not to leave for him but only leave if the man wasn’t right for her, as he could be gone tomorrow.

“That did it for me. Wiser words were never spoken,” said Laura. “I knew we were meant for each other.”

The couple’s first date included a Gypsy Kings concert at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre accompanied by former Associated Students President Journard Collins (‘92). Their relationship would later become official during a Summer Bridge dance on the Cabrillo as they toured the San Diego harbor. Laura and Francisco married two years later; the rest is history.

But their SDSU journey didn’t end there. After both graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, they both returned to SDSU to get their Masters. Laura received her Master’s Degree in Experimental Psychology, while Francisco received his Master’s in School Counseling.

Inspired by his education at SDSU, Francisco pursued his career in education, where he has now worked at San Diego Unified School District for 26 years.

“I can trace employment with the district back to my professors in my graduate program at SDSU who helped open doors for me,” said Francisco.

As for Laura, she has stayed close to her Aztec roots as she remains a Lecturer and Math First Equitive Initiative Coordinator for Faculty Advancement and Student Success at SDSU.

“SDSU gave me the confidence I needed to be successful in my career,” said Laura.

“Family Ties”

With over ten other Aztecs in the family, all tied together by blood and marriage, they could not be prouder to be Aztecs for life.

After watching his two sisters attend the university, Francisco originally came to SDSU from Calexico.

“I became familiar and comfortable with the campus and saw myself attending there. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made,” said Francisco.

Laura’s oldest sister Luz Angel-Paez (‘91, ‘93), is why Laura pursued a college education and attended SDSU. Described as a trailblazer, Angel-Paez received both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at SDSU in Communicative Disorders. Now working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, Angel-Paez thanks her SDSU education for helping her get there.

“The SDSU staff made me feel that being able to use a second language was an asset, whereas before, I did not feel that way,” said Angel-Paez. “The program also helped me develop a professional view and carried me with dignity and respect."

While Angel-Paez hopes to carry on the Aztec legacy through her son, for now, she enjoys the feeling of camaraderie and a sense of pride of already having fellow Aztecs in the family.

“Graduating from San Diego State has given our family a sense of pride and a feeling of being at home,” said Angel-Paez. “SDSU has offered my family and me a fantastic education opportunity and allowed us to share the many educational and unique gifts it has provided us with.”

Laura’s cousins Ana Gonzalez Seda (‘96) and Giovanna Gallardo (‘21) also love the bond SDSU has provided between their families.

“It’s great to connect with family members about being Aztecs together and sharing memories about our time at SDSU,” said Gallardo. “It has created a special bond for us and allows us to have a unique connection.”

“Staying Connected”

Besides staying connected to the university through Laura’s work activities, Laura and Francisco enjoy attending Aztec basketball games, football games, and other sporting events. As a staff member, Laura is also involved in the Latinx, Chicanx, Hispanic Faculty-Staff Association.

Having one of their daughters attend SDSU has been a big help in staying connected to the university, especially with Laura working on campus.

“It is so special,” said Laura. “As a first-generation college student, I can't imagine going to college with my mom.”

But Francisco doesn’t let the two of them hang around SDSU alone. In a full circle moment, Laura had the opportunity to teach in the EOP Summer Bridge Program this past summer, the very place where she and Francisco first fell in love. And you’ll never guess who was one of her guest speakers: Francisco.

Little did they know falling in love 30 years ago would lead to a huge line of Aztec lineage and many more to follow.