SDSU Magazine

Inside the Fall 2025 Issue

Stephen Strasburg

Standout Aztec pitcher turned MLB star Stephen Strasburg sees championship potential in SDSU baseball—and he’s helping make that longtime dream a reality.

Donnel Pumphrey (’22) running with a football

From Kawhi Leonard’s revenge win to Shanieka Ricketts’ pre-Olympics championship titles, these five moments capture the heart and grit of Aztec athletics.

Alicia Guerrero
Student-athlete Alicia Guerrero is turning determination into medals, chasing her dream of the LA28 Paralympic Games while helping elevate SDSU’s Adapted Athletics program.
Swimmer Reka Nyiradi
From the track to the pool, these stunning images capture the artistry, energy and emotion of SDSU athletes during the 2024–25 season.
Neftalie Williams with skateboard deck

Skateboarder, scholar and cultural diplomat Neftalie Williams connects students to global communities through research, action sports and the pursuit of inclusion and social change.

Bion Rice, owner of Artiste Winery

Aspiring filmmaker turned winemaker Bion Rice (’94) blends art and craft at Artiste Winery, where creative inspiration and family tradition meet in every blend.

Yvonne Besvold
Yvonne Besvold (’82) recalls her trailblazing days as SDSU’s first woman bartender at Monty’s Den, where fast pours and lifelong lessons went hand in hand.
George Youssef, SDSU mechanical engineering professor and 2025 Innovator of the Year

SDSU professor George Youssef and his engineering students are creating patented foams to protect athletes, first responders and service members—bridging research, innovation and impact.

SDSU alumni innovators Wynn Austin, Zeynep Ilgaz and Trisha Clifford

SDSU alumni innovators Trisha Clifford (’12), Wynn Austin (’03) and Zeynep Ilgaz (’00) are turning creativity into purpose-driven ventures.

Vince and Betsey Biondo

Vince (’64) and Betsey Biondo (’67, ’72) turned their shared commitment to education and public service into lasting scholarships that empower future SDSU leaders.

A Note from Editor Rebecca Nordquist

Come August 2026, SDSU begins its first Pac-12 season, closing 25 successful years in the Mountain West. To mark the moment, we leaned into a sports theme with stories that reach beyond the game. From former Aztec pitcher Stephen Strasburg’s generosity and defining moments in athletics to student-athlete Alicia Guerrero’s Paralympic path and protective foam research, this issue reflects the spirit and pride of being an Aztec—on the field, in the classroom and beyond.