FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDSU Month Begins March 1
Community-wide celebration honors contributions of alumni, faculty and students

SAN DIEGO, Friday, February 28, 2003 - Tomorrow marks the official beginning of SDSU Month, a new tradition designed to strengthen the relationship between San Diego State University and the San Diego region. With nearly 60 events planned around the county over the next 31 days and almost 40 sponsors and partners providing support, SDSU Month will be the biggest celebration in the university's history.

"SDSU Month is a celebration to recognize the achievements of our alumni, faculty, students and staff and how together we have helped the region grow and prosper over the years," said Theresa Mendoza, vice president of University Advancement. "It's an opportunity to showcase the remarkable people and programs that have shaped San Diego State University into a powerhouse university, and to build on this goodwill by giving people the benefits our promotional partners are offering throughout the region."

SDSU is distributing more than 1 million SDSU Month cards around the county. The card entitles to holder to special discounts and offers at a number of businesses and destinations around the county. Anyone is welcome to use the card. They currently can be obtained at all Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grills in San Diego County, or by downloading them from the SDSU Month web site, www.sdsumonth.com.

There are dozens of SDSU Month events the public can attend, and the full list is available at the SDSU Month web site. Key activities 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).

People around the county also can participate in SDSU Month via the SDSU Month Contest. The theme of SDSU Month is "Celebrating the Minds that Move the World." Members of the public can help the university do that between now and the end of March through the contest by nominating a SDSU alum, student, faculty member or staff member who is making a positive impact on a one-to-one, local, national or global level.

Nominees will be entered to win one of three grand prizes - a Dell laptop computer, a desktop computer or an Apple I-Pod - and the first 100 nominees will automatically receive a $20 phone card. The first 100 nominators also get a $5 phone card just for submitting a nomination. To submit a nomination, visit www.sdsumonth.com.

The vast majority of cities in the region, the County of San Diego and the U.S. Congress have officially proclaimed March 2003 to be SDSU Month. Mendoza said the university greatly appreciates the community's support, and the campus plans to make SDSU Month an annual celebration.

"This is the first time any university has attempted an effort of this magnitude to our knowledge," she said. "Each year we hope to include more campus and community participants. This year we exceeded our expectations and are amazed by the response."

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.

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, On Tap Bistro & Brewery, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, San Diego Magazine, San Diego Opera, the San Diego Sockers, the San Diego Zoo, SDSU Athletics, SDSU College of Extended Studies, Starbucks, U.S. Bank, Inc., Westfield Shoppingtowns and Woodstock's Pizza.

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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