SDSU Magazine | San Diego State University

Natalie Berndes and her great grandchildren

Meet SDSU’s Oldest Living Alumna

A Q&A with Natalie Berndes (’37), 106, on how campus has changed over 85 years. Plus: The Aztec family tradition that she inspired.

From the President

Celebrating 125 Years and Beyond

It’s a historic moment at San Diego State University: our 125th anniversary! Join in more than a year of celebration and Aztec pride. By Adela de la Torre

Mission Valley Update

Welcome to Snapdragon Stadium!

Construction is on track for the Sept. 3 Aztec football home opener against the University of Arizona Wildcats. By Michelle Barón

Features

What Makes This Place So Special

The university’s history curator offers his perspective on SDSU’s legacies and invites you to share your thoughts as well. By Seth Mallios

illustration of a maze shaped like a brain

Features

The Road to R1

SDSU is moving toward its goal of achieving the highest research classification for doctoral universities. Here’s a look at how it all got started. By Kellie Woodhouse

Why We Give

Showing We're SDSU Loyal

Nearly 1,500 donors, like Margo Kasch (’67), have given to the university for more than 20 years in a row. By Lisa Haney

Throwback

Test Your SDSU Knowledge

Who said it? Take the quiz to match the person with the notable quote that they uttered while at SDSU. By Seth Mallios

Features

Big Ideas Take Flight

Solving the greatest challenges facing humanity requires visionary thinking and bold action. Six interdisciplinary teams are working to make the world a better place. By Susanne Clara Bard

Ask a Researcher

Advice for Backyard Birding

Ornithologist Kevin Burns, who recently helped identify a new bird, shares tips for aspiring birders. By Sarah White

Go Aztecs

Ode to Peterson Gym

Athletics championships, historic concerts and just hanging out — the venue is the scene of memories for many alumni. By Lisa Haney and Emily Wenk

State Lately

A Look Inside the ARC Expansion

One of the most popular campus spots got a major upgrade — with a climbing wall, studios for hot yoga and cycling and an indoor track with sweeping views. By Olivia Li

State Lately

Professor Emeritus Gives Back

Jerome Sattler recently donated two significant gifts — supporting the SDSU Library and the Department of Psychology. By Lisa Haney

State Lately

News From Campus

SDSU Georgia leads for women in STEM; SDSU Imperial Valley welcomes new faculty members.

Aztec Families for Life

SDSU is a tradition for these families.

Download the Issue

Read a PDF of the latest print issue.

March 11, 2022

Hello SDSU alumni and friends!

Welcome to the Spring 2022 issue of SDSU Magazine, celebrating a special milestone in university history: our 125th anniversary.

I hope you will find University History Curator Seth Mallios’ feature, What Makes This Place So Special, as inspiring as I did — and that you’ll write in with your own thoughts. You can even take Mallios’ Test Your SDSU Knowledge quiz.

Be sure to check out the Q&A with Natalie Berndes (’37), 106, SDSU’s current longest living alumna. I loved hearing her remembrances of what the university was like more than 85 years ago. Now three generations of her family have attended SDSU and there’s hope for a fourth generation of Aztecs.

There are also exciting updates about Snapdragon Stadium and the Aztec Recreation Center Expansion. And the comprehensive Road to R1 feature explores SDSU’s goal of achieving the highest research classification for doctoral universities — a path that began in the mid-60s.

You can learn more about our university’s celebrations and other details about our past, present and forward momentum on SDSU’s 125th anniversary site. Also, I invite you to click on the stories above or download a PDF of the full issue. I hope you enjoy your reading!

Cheers,

Lisa Haney

Lisa Haney's signature

Lisa Haney
Editorial Director