125 Years
San Diego State University
Celebrating 125 Years of Excellence
Anniversaries are a time of reflection and remembrance, and also present a time to imagine and explore what lies ahead. Throughout its 125-year history, having been founded on March 13, 1897, San Diego State University has embodied its teaching, research and outreach mission, and its public good pledge to change lives and communities for the better.
Light the Town Red
Buildings across San Diego lit up red during Homecoming week to celebrate 125 years of pride in red and black. Check out Light the Town Red images from Balboa Park to Hepner Hall.
Community Open House Vignette Tour
Adela de la Torre, Ph.D. SDSU President
"To honor the history of our great institution and the many contributions of our students, faculty, staff and alumni, our one San Diego State University community is hosting a 20-month celebration. This celebration serves as a time for the campus community, supporters and friends to come together to recognize the foundational role our university has had in our state's history, and will have in our global community well into the future. No matter where you live or how you are connected to our great institution, thank you for being part of our one SDSU community and for contributing to our history and future. Together, we will continue to have a powerful influence and positive impact in our transborder region and in the many communities we serve around the world."
Today in SDSU History
Seth Mallios, University History Curator, and Montezuma Publishing have partnered on a project that highlights a moment in San Diego State University history over 365 days. The "Today in San Diego State History. 2022 Daily Calendar." is available for sale through Aztec Shops.
Tell Us About Your SDSU Experience
"Over 600 days, we will celebrate our university’s vibrant history and promising future. At SDSU, we strongly benefit from a legacy of creativity and innovation and, today, are a community that is strongly diverse and powerful together. What we have built and what we will build in years ahead are important transformative efforts that aim to improve the lives of our students, faculty and staff and our communities. As we celebrate our past and look toward our future, we will honor who we are and what we do every single day."
Salvador Hector Ochoa, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Co-Chair of 125th Anniversary Advisory Board
"From the opening of Aztec Stadium at the Mission Valley Campus to a record-high incoming student applicant pool of over 100,000 to a renewed dedication to innovation and inclusion, SDSU has much to celebrate. Furthermore, after the grueling toll of the recent pandemic on our minds, bodies, and collective psyche, we certainly are ready for some extra-special festivities."
Seth Mallios, Ph.D.
University History Curator and Professor of Anthropology
Co-Chair of 125th Anniversary Advisory Board
"San Diego State University continues to become one of the most reputable universities across the country, and not only because of its thriving academics, but also because of its 125 year legacy representing the true, vibrant community."
Ashley Tejada
Associated Students President
"The 125th anniversary is a massive achievement for SDSU and monumental for students, who encounter transformative experiences and life-long connections. Groundbreaking discoveries and innovative thinkers derive from this institution, whose primary goal is to inspire and teach the next generation."
Shawki F. Moore
Associated Students Vice President of External Relations
