August 26, 2025

SDSU Celebrates Achievements Amidst Higher Education Challenges

News Summary

San Diego State University recently held its All-University Convocation, celebrating the community’s achievements and addressing ongoing challenges in higher education. President Adela de la Torre emphasized new initiatives like an Artificial Intelligence major, while faculty and student-athletes were recognized for their academic successes. The university anticipates record enrollment for the upcoming fall semester and highlighted collaborations focused on enhancing student experiences.

San Diego — San Diego State University (SDSU) held its All-University Convocation on August 21, in Montezuma Hall, drawing a full audience of faculty, staff, and community members. The event was organized to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of the SDSU community amidst ongoing challenges faced by higher education institutions.

Brittany Santos-Derieg, chief of staff for the Office of the President, emphasized the importance of this gathering in recognizing the achievements of SDSU’s faculty and staff. The convocation featured lively performances reminiscent of pep rallies, showcasing talent from the SDSU Cheer, Dance Team, Diamonds, and the Marching Aztecs, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.

SDSU President Adela de la Torre delivered an emotional address that highlighted the university’s significant achievements and the myriad of challenges currently confronting higher education, such as reductions in student aid and funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. She also touched on uncertain immigration policies that have profound implications for undocumented students and those identified as Dreamers, as well as for international scholars.

Moreover, de la Torre spoke about California’s budget deficit and its potential repercussions for public university funding, including possible cuts slated for the future. Despite these challenges, she proudly announced the introduction of a new major focused on Artificial Intelligence and Human Responsibility, set to launch in the fall of 2026.

During the convocation, University Senate Chair Stephen Schellenberg and Associated Students President Kareen Holstrom added their insights regarding the various hurdles faced by the university, which range from budget constraints to the political climate and the impact of artificial intelligence on students.

Recognizing the academic milestones of the past year, Provost William Tong presented the Distinguished Faculty Awards, underscoring the high levels of research activity at SDSU, which was designated as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Foundation in February. This prestigious status reflects SDSU’s significant spending on research and the high number of doctorate degrees awarded.

SDSU is distinguished not only as an R1 research institution but also as a Hispanic-serving and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution. It is also the only university worldwide classified as a Carnegie Opportunity University, marking its commitment to accessibility for underrepresented students.

The university has seen an impressive surge in applications, setting a record with over 123,000 applications for the fall 2025 semester, which includes 95,000 from prospective first-year students. The institution plans to welcome a record 6,600 freshmen this fall, and total enrollment figures are projected to exceed 43,000.

Additionally, SDSU’s student-athletes have achieved commendable academic success, with an average GPA of 3.26 and a graduation rate at 98%. Nine sports teams reached a perfect NCAA Academic Progress Rate, while five teams were crowned conference champions, showcasing the dual commitment to academic and athletic excellence.

The upcoming addition of the Aztecs to the PAC-12 conference in fall 2026 sparked excitement during the convocation. The event also spotlighted the university’s collaboration with the San Diego Community College District and progress at the Mission Valley campus.

Looking ahead, de la Torre labeled the 2025-2026 academic year as “our year of engagement,” aimed at reaccreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In her closing comments, she expressed gratitude towards faculty, staff, students, and community partners, urging everyone to approach leadership with integrity, boldness, and heart.

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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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