How Aztec Tradition is Shaping Our Future

Written In Stone Video Series

Watch these episodes to uncover the stories carved into the culture, history, and spirit of the San Diego State Aztecs. In each, we discuss the meaning behind the three glyphs with key members who helped bring these pillars to life.

The Glyphs: Connecting the Past to Present

The Aztec glyphs are more than symbols. They are a living record of pride, identity, and tradition that connects the past to the present and shapes the future of the San Diego State Aztecs.

The Process

SDSU engaged with these symbols thoughtfully and respectfully, taking care to understand their history, meaning, and cultural significance. The approach was informed by meaningful conversations with leading scholars of Mesoamerican history and art, ensuring that every step was guided by expertise and care.

Dr Diana Magaloni Kerpel.jpg Dr. Diana Magaloni Kerpel
Deputy Director and Program Director at Cornell, and Dr. Virginia Fields Curator of the Art of the Ancient Americas at the LA County Museum of Art.

Untitled-1 copy.jpg David Carrasco
Academic Historian of Religion, Anthropologist, and Mesoamericanist Scholar at the Harvard Divinity School.

Dr. Ramona Pérez
Professor of Anthropology, Director of the Center for Latin American Studies,
and Chair of the Aztec Identity Initiative at San Diego State University.

Expanded Palette

We introduced new color variations in turquoise and yellow, each chosen for its deep cultural significance. Turquoise reflects its role in Aztec poetry, rituals, and sacred artifacts, while yellow is reminiscent of the sun, which the Aztecs worshipped, and of maize, the staple of the Mesoamerican diet and a central element of native religious beliefs. Together, they honor the roots of the glyphs and create a visual language that connects tradition with the university community.