Meet SDSU Alumna Astronaut Ellen Ochoa
at Explore SDSU Open House 2008

Daylong March 15 event includes tours, fun family zone and live entertainment

Contact:
Gina Speciale
Media Relations Specialist
San Diego State University
speciale@mail.sdsu.edu


SAN DIEGO (Thursday, March 6, 2008) — Meet astronaut and SDSU alumna Ellen Ochoa on Saturday, March 15, when San Diego State University hosts Explore SDSU Open House 2008 presented by The San Diego Union-Tribune and Cox Communications.

Ellen Ochoa, Deputy Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. (NASA)

Explore SDSU runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is an opportunity for San Diego State University to showcase all the campus has to offer during this day-long open house including live entertainment on three stages, research demonstrations and an up-close look at SDSU academic programs and departments at the interactive information fair.

Thousands of admitted students, alumni and community members are expected to attend this free open house event.

“Explore SDSU is an opportunity for the community to experience first-hand what makes SDSU such a great university,” said Dr. Stephen L. Weber, SDSU president. "We are honored to have Ellen Ochoa back on campus to share how SDSU helped her become the accomplished woman she is today. We are proud to call her an alumna and hope the community will come out to meet this extraordinary person."

Highlights of Explore SDSU include:

• A meet and greet with astronaut and SDSU Alumna Ellen Ochoa ('80), including a video demonstration and question and answer session about space travel at 11 a.m.
• A fun Family Zone where kids can meet PBS characters Elmo, Arthur and others, paint a kayak, make a crazy hat and zoom down a giant slide!
• Three stages of entertainment presented by The San Diego Union-Tribune and Cox Communications, including local jazz, classical and ethnic musicians, student groups and dance troupes.
• "SDSU Gateway to the World" hosted by the College of Extended Studies featuring the many international study abroad opportunities for students and alumni.
• “Snapshot of an Era: Uncovering our New Deal Past” Library exhibit exploring the genesis of the university campus and the development of San Diego during the New Deal.
• Local Elementary School Poster Contest in the Library Dome.
• Tours around campus, including general campus tours, tours of the Athletic department facilities, Love Library, the Children’s Center, KPBS studios and many more!

Parking and admission are free. Free public parking is available in Structures 1, 3, 4, and 6 and E and W Lots. Parking Structure 5 is not open for Explore SDSU Parking.

Other special events include:

• Aztec Invitational Women’s Track Meet at Aztrack at 9 a.m.
• Women’s Water Polo competes at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Aztec Aquaplex
• A 1 p.m. baseball game at Tony Gwynn Stadium vs. BYU (ticket purchase required).

For a full schedule of activities and more information about Explore SDSU Open House 2008 presented by The San Diego Union-Tribune and COX Communications, visit www.sdsumonth.com.

Explore SDSU is a signature event of SDSU Month 2008, a month-long celebration of the university’s ties with the San Diego community.

SDSU Month sponsors include Associated Students, Aztec Shops, Clear Channel Radio, Cox Communications, The Daily Aztec, KPBS, NBC 7/39, Pepsi, Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, The San Diego Union-Tribune, the SDSU Research Foundation, STA Travel, and Univision Radio.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 74 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s approximately 36,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

###