FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: José A. Alvarez (619) 594-2585 jose.alvarez@sdsu.edu

 

SDSU Named Among Best Universities for Hispanic Students

San Diego, Ca. . . .San Diego State University has been named one of the best universities in the nation for Hispanic students because of the diversity in its student body, faculty, programs, and student organizations.

In its 1999 list of "Top 25 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics," Hispanic Magazine ranked SDSU as the 12th best place for Latino students to get an education.

"In researching the list, we considered only those colleges and universities with a demonstrated commitment to diversity," wrote James Borrego in the March issue of the magazine.

"All of the schools in our 'Top 25' list offer an excellent education," added Borrego, indicating that the school's recruiting and retention rates were also taken into account.

"SDSU's ranking is a reflection of the University's commitment to reach out to the Latino community. We are beginning to benefit from all the hard work and investment," said Gus Chavez, director of SDSU's Office of Educational Opportunity/Ethnic Affairs.

"More and more Latino students are realizing that San Diego State University is an institution where they can get a quality education," added Chavez. "We must continue to do everything we can to increase the Latino representation and maintain a strong Hispanic presence."

Over 20 percent of the more than 29,000 students enrolled at SDSU during the Spring 1999 semester have identified themselves as Hispanic. San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded as a teacher training program in 1897, it has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 74 areas, master's degrees in 55 areas and the doctorate in 10. The more than 29,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future.