SDSU Magazine Toolkit

The Spring 2025 issue celebrates SDSU’s R1 designation with features on groundbreaking research and the faculty behind it. Created in collaboration with Engage + Innovate, the Division of Research and Innovation’s annual magazine, this special edition explores topics ranging from wildfire prevention to discoveries in South Africa. 

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Access the digital copy of the SDSU Magazine Spring 2025 Edition

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Photos

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Featured Stories

a person touching a plant near a bed of other plants

At Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve, science and tradition converge to protect and conserve endangered species and Indigenous lands.

a busy street filled with a lot of people

From Antarctica to Tajikistan—and beyond—SDSU researchers are tackling critical challenges around the world.

an ai image of a girl leaning on a car

Students and faculty at SDSU’s School of Art and Design are navigating generative AI’s promise and pitfalls.

Magazine Stories

Most everyone loves the concept of where are they now? To lean into that, we caught up with three past Associated Students presidents: Cody Barbo, Cesar Padilla (’95) and Ronald Williams II (’03). Here's what they've been up to since their time at SDSU.

An idea for a beach towel with a built-in pillow launched a multimillion-dollar business for friends Brandon Liebel (’12) and Steven Ford (’12). More than a decade later, their company, Sand Cloud, continues to grow with a new location in Pacific Beach—and a plan for many more to come.

President John F. Kennedy received the first doctoral degree—an honorary degree—from San Diego State College in 1963. Since then, more than 60,000 alumni have earned master’s and doctoral degrees. Meet three Aztecs who are making a difference in the world of research today.

From wildfire recovery to earthquake-safe bridges, SDSU researchers are tackling urgent issues close to home. See the work that’s being done to find solutions for San Diego and the surrounding region.

At midnight, people start lining up for the Día del Campesino, aka the Day of the Farmworker. The annual celebration and health fair offers workers access to essential screenings, and SDSU is there to offer hearing exams and study hearing hazards for the farmworkers.

Profile Stories

Former Aztec quarterback. Back-up QB for Tom Brady. And now head coach for the Minnesota Vikings. In his own words, Kevin O’Connell (’07) reflects on his early days in the NFL and what it takes to be a franchise leader.

For more than 50 years, Terry O’Donnell (’68)—a carillonneur, educator and generous donor—has created the soundtrack for Montezuma Mesa with the chimes of Hardy Memorial Tower.

From humble beginnings to career success, Jeff Partrick (’73) and Trulette Clayes are paying it forward with a $2.5 million gift to SDSU’s Fowler College of Business. Their donation will expand career readiness programs, helping students gain the skills and confidence to thrive in today’s workforce.

Think you’re an Aztec superfan? Let Carla Kriss (’97, ’02) and Tim Kriss (’03, ’18) be the litmus test. These elementary school teachers have decked out their classrooms with every kind of SDSU memorabilia. See the photos here!