Contact: Jason Foster
SDSU Marketing & Communications
office (619) 594-2585; cell (619) 992-0772
foster@mail.sdsu.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2003 Declared SDSU Month
Community-wide celebration honors contributions of alumni, faculty and students

SAN DIEGO, Tuesday, February 4, 2003 - SDSU Month is less than one month away, and already the 31-day event marking the achievements of San Diego State University's alumni, faculty and students is shaping up to become one of the biggest celebrations in the university's history.

So far the vast majority of cities in the region, the County of San Diego and the U.S. Congress have officially declared March 2003 to be SDSU Month, and nearly 30 sponsors, media sponsors or promotional partners have pledged their support. Dozens of events ranging from art exhibits to science lectures to baseball games will be included, and special benefits from local businesses will be available to everyone in the county with a SDSU Month card.

"We're getting tremendous support from San Diego's civic and business leaders because they recognize that SDSU is a powerhouse university with people and programs that play integral roles in education, health care, business, technology and other vital fields that enable San Diego to thrive," said Theresa Mendoza, vice president of University Advancement. "Thanks to their commitment we have put together an unprecedented celebration that touches every corner of the county and provides special benefits to our extended SDSU family."

Connected with SDSU Month, SDSU will launch an unprecedented media campaign highlighting the many contributions of the university's faculty, students and alumni. The campaign, valued at nearly $500,000, will include print, radio and TV advertisements and the debut of 360: The Magazine of San Diego State University.

More than one million SDSU Month cards will be distributed as part of the promotional campaign. Everyone is eligible to be an SDSU Month card holder, and can use the card for discounts or special privileges at businesses and destinations around the region. Promotional partners include Apple Computer, Inc., Aztec Recreation Center, Aztec Shops, the Balboa Park Museum Association, Costco, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, LEGOLAND California, Nextel, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, San Diego Magazine, San Diego Opera, San Diego Zoo, SDSU Athletics, SDSU College of Extended Studies, Starbucks, U.S. Bank, Inc., Westfield Shoppingtowns and Woodstock's Pizza.

In addition, there are dozens of events the public can attend as part of SDSU Month. Key activities planned to celebrate SDSU Month include: Arts (un)Plugged, a series of entertainment performances fusing art with science (March 3-21); a breakfast presentation with David Brancaccio (March 7); Athletics Day (March 15); free concerts by renowned classical guitarist Ricardo Iznaola (March 17-18); the 14th Annual Venture Challenge business plan competition sponsored by SDSU's Entrepreneurial Management Center (March 27-28); and The 31st Annual Montys Awards Gala honoring alumni and faculty (March 29).

More details on SDSU Month events and promotions, as well as online registration for an SDSU Month card, are available at www.sdsumonth.com.
Sponsors of SDSU Month include the SDSU Alumni Association, U.S. Bank, Sempra Energy, Associated Students, Inc., Aztec Shops, the SDSU Foundation and Nextel.

Media sponsors include Clear Channel Communications, Cox Communications, Hispanic Broadcasting Corp., NBC 7/39, KPBS, San Diego Magazine, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The T-Sector and Univision.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 62 areas and doctorates in 14. SDSU's more than 33,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu.

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