SAN DIEGO, Calif. – San Diego State Athletics hosted its signature event, Dinner with an Aztec, on the evening of Tuesday, October 17th, bringing together 34 professionals from different industries, 20 who are alumni and 60 senior student-athletes. This event was a unique and eclectic networking experience and a pivotal component of the Aztecs Going Pro student-athlete development program.
"Over the past couple of weeks, I had the privilege of attending the Network with an Aztec event and Dinner with an Aztec. Both events allowed me to connect, learn, and network with many different types of industry professionals," Brooklyne Waddell of lacrosse said. "It was an evening filled with meaningful conversations and valuable insights, for which I am so grateful for that opportunity. I want to say a huge thank you to the Aztecs Going Pro Program staff for putting together such exceptional events and providing many student-athletes with confidence and experience that we can take into our future endeavors."
Generously supported and sponsored by E.&J. Gallo, ALDI, Lisa & Rob O'Carroll, SeekerPitch, Jeff Glazer, and Duhs Commercial, the ninth annual Dinner with an Aztec is an integral part of the Aztecs Going Pro program designed to prepare student-athletes to be the next generation of community leaders and talented young professionals. The event is a special opportunity for student-athletes to interact with professionals and learn more about various professions of interest.
"Dinner with an Aztec was a great learning and networking experience," Women's Basketball's Kim Villalobos said. "I'm thankful for the opportunity we have as athletes to meet professionals who can help us navigate our careers as we start thinking about life after sports."
The evening was kicked off by Senior Associate Assistant Athletic Director in Student-Athlete Support Services, Danielle Kelly. "Dinner with an Aztec is an amazing opportunity for our senior student-athletes to learn from professionals in industries they aspire to join one day. Networking is critical for preparing student-athletes for their postgraduate journey. We are grateful to the professionals, many of whom are former Aztecs, for taking the time to come back and mentor our student-athletes. I am incredibly proud of our seniors' hard work in and out of their sport; we have grown together as an Aztec family over the last four years. They have dedicated over 64 hours to developing themselves holistically, and they did an amazing job during the event, demonstrating everything they have learned. Our student-athletes are truly remarkable, and their futures are bright."
Dr. Frank Harris III, SDSU's Faculty Athletics Representative and the Interim Associate Dean from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and professor Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education at San Diego State University was the Emcee of the evening providing dynamic energy. While Eva Sahatdjian, a former SDSU softball player and Doctor of Physical Therapy at Synergy Orthopedics Physical Therapy, was the keynote speaker.
"I had a great time at Dinner with an Aztec. The opportunity to connect and network with professionals was extremely valuable. I gained important knowledge that will not only help me in my career but also in life," Lamont Butler of men's basketball explained.
Dinner with an Aztec is an important part of our comprehensive, four-year student-athlete development program, Aztecs Going Pro centered around three foundational pillars: personal growth, career development, and civic engagement. Student-athletes receive yearly innovative programming, one-on-one coaching, and unique experiential learning opportunities to help them create and prepare for their post-graduate plans and build a strong network of connections available through the San Diego State University community. The Aztecs Going Pro program includes four one-unit courses that apply toward graduation requirements. To learn more about Aztecs Going Pro please visit our website.
Aztecs Going Pro hosts 9th annual Dinner with an Aztec Event
