SAN DIEGO – Following a historic season that saw great success on the fields of competition and in the classroom, despite the challenges presented by a global pandemic, Aztec alumni, fans and supporters responded with a record philanthropic effort as well.
The Aztec Club, the fundraising arm for SDSU athletics, reported an all-time school-record $33.6 million in pledges and commitments for the academic year ending June 30. The athletic department also set all-time school records for the annual fund ($6.1million), total donors (5,691), Director's Cabinet members (89) and student-athletes supported by scholarships (475).
"This past year was special and memorable in so many ways, but we know that this is just the beginning of a bright future ahead for Aztec Athletics because we have the best fan base in the Mountain West Conference," athletic director John David Wicker said.
Last week, San Diego State took ownership of the Mission Valley site and has started construction on a 35,000-capacity state-of-the-art multipurpose stadium that will serve as the new home of Aztec Football and a wide variety of entertainment options. Targeted for completion in the fall of 2022, the stadium will be the cornerstone of the expansion of the University campus into Mission Valley. Non-alum and first-time donor Dianne Bashor built early momentum and excitement toward the new stadium project with a lead gift of $15 million to name the field, Bashor Field.
Under the leadership of Adrienne Vargas, the new vice president for university relations and development, collaboration between the Aztec Club and URAD is at an all-time high. The addition of JMI Legends to the Aztec Club team and a newly formed partnership between the alumni office and the Aztec Club has created an organized effort that has clearly resulted in outcomes.
"People support programs that they trust are heading in the right direction," said senior associate athletic director for development Tim Rice. "The continued growth and success of Aztec Athletics and the Aztec Club is a testament to strong leadership and a true family atmosphere both in the athletics department and across campus.
"Huge congratulations and thank you to all of the loyal Aztec Club donors and my athletic department colleagues whose hard work and dedication in the face of adversity continues to make a profound impact on the lives of the student-athletes that we serve here at SDSU," Rice added.
Premium opportunities, including suite, seating and naming opportunities are currently available for the new stadium. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Aztec Club at 619-594-6444.
To make a gift to support Aztec student-athletes and the continued growth and success of SDSU Athletics, please visit www.sdsuaztecclub.com.
Aztec Club Sets School-Record Fundraising Year
