Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Student Affairs + Campus Diversity
Dear Donor,
This past year, we had the opportunity to sit down and hear many personal stories from our remarkable students, learning how their experiences in our residential communities have positively impacted them. Their eagerness to learn and grow, as well as their ability to overcome obstacles, is truly motivating. The most rewarding aspect of our work is witnessing their development as they progress toward their personal and career goals.
As off-campus housing costs continue to rise, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for students to live on campus by offering more accessible, sustainable, and financially competitive housing options. In support of this effort, we’re excited to share that the CSU Board of Trustees has approved the first phase of our new student housing development, Evolve. These new residential communities are designed to support long-term growth and help meet the increasing demand for on-campus living. The first community is scheduled to open in fall 2026.
In addition to tracking student success indicators (i.e., retention, GPA, and graduation rates), which are typically higher for those living on campus versus those who do not, our research team continues to study students’ sense of belonging, health, and well-being within our physical environments. The insights gained from this research are being used to enhance student living experience and provide the necessary support for their growth.
Thank you for your continued kindness.
Cynthia Aranda Cervantes, Ed.D.
Kara L. Bauer, Ed.D. Executive Director of Housing Administration Executive Director of Residential Education
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward
Lisa and Kenneth Wolf Scholarship Endowment
Transformational support in FY24–25 deepened a longstanding legacy of giving back to the SDSU residential community. In honor of a cherished memory and a shared commitment to student success, a gift was made to support both the Lisa and Kenneth Wolf Endowed Scholarship and the SDSU Residential Housing Fund. This generosity enabled the dedication of the Lisa Wolf Memorial Study Room in Tenochca Hall. The space, part of the STAR Center, now serves as a dynamic learning hub for hundreds of residential students, fostering academic success and collaboration.
In addition, the Lisa and Kenneth Wolf Endowed Scholarship continues to support low-income and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students, helping to remove fnancial barriers to campus living. For many, this means freedom from juggling multiple jobs, access to stable housing, and the ability to fully engage in academics and leadership opportunities. This investment in SDSU’s residential life not only honors a love story rooted in campus community but also ensures future generations of students have the same opportunity to thrive, connect, and succeed.
Megan Michael and Terry Hicks Family Trust Endowed Scholarship
In October 2024, a philanthropic contribution to the SDSU Residential Housing Fund supported vital improvements in student housing access and support services. The Megan Michael and Terry Hicks Family Trust Endowed Scholarship enabled SDSU to enhance its residential programming and provide additional scholarship-based assistance to students facing housing insecurity.
The scholarship’s impact was most clearly seen through its support of students in need of emergency housing stipends and transitional support, allowing them to remain in on-campus housing while navigating personal or fnancial hardships. Additionally, the contribution helped pilot community-building events and peer-led engagement eforts within residential facilities, contributing to improved student retention and belonging.
This generosity underscores the transformative role stable housing and wraparound services can play in academic success, particularly for students from underserved backgrounds.
Thriving in the Aztec Experience
Renija Howard, Class of 2027
Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Sciences
Major: Psychology
I’m incredibly thankful for my experience at San Diego State University so far. Receiving the Presidential Scholars Scholarship has truly been a blessing. It has eased the fnancial burden of college and connected me with an amazing network of advisors and counselors who have supported me every step of the way. Their guidance has helped me stay focused and confdent throughout my academic journey.
These past two years have had their ups and downs, but I’m proud of my growth. There were moments of doubt and personal challenges, but each taught me something valuable and made me stronger. Now, I feel more grounded and driven than ever.
As a Black woman at a predominantly white institution, the adjustment was difcult at frst. However, I’m incredibly grateful for SDSU’s welcoming and inclusive environment. From peers and faculty to student organizations, I’ve found a community that values diversity and supports my growth. Living in San Diego has made the experience even more special. I’ve met amazing people, formed lasting friendships, and taken part in programs that have helped me grow personally and professionally. SDSU has truly been a place of growth, resilience, and opportunity.
SDSU has truly been a place of growth, resilience, and opportunity.
Ashley Lopez, Class of 2028 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Sciences
Major: Biology
Joining the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) really helped me get a strong start in college. As a frst-generation student, I didn’t know much about what to expect, but the Summer Bridge program gave me a helpful preview of college life. I got a head start on earning some units and met other students with similar backgrounds, which made it easier to adjust.
Living on campus and being part of a learning community also made a big diference. It helped me meet a lot of new people right away, which was great because I didn’t know anyone at frst. The activities and shared classes encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and get more involved.
Overall, EOP and the learning community provided a solid foundation during my frst year. I’ve been able to stay on track with my classes, fnd support when I need it, and feel more comfortable being here. They made the transition to college smoother and less stressful.
“Joining EOP really helped me get a strong start in college. As a frstgeneration student, I didn’t know much about what to expect, but the Summer Bridge program gave me a helpful preview of college life.
Celebrating Shared Success
Statistics of Interest
A total of $684,218 was raised in scholarship funds for residential students for the 2024–25 Academic Year.
Hosted a total of 8,570 on-campus residents for the 2024–25 Academic Year, including:
4,759 frst-year residents
2,859 sophomore residents
696 junior residents
220 senior residents
36 graduate residents
The residential population for the 2024–25 Academic Year represented residents from 48 states and 55 countries.
Housing anticipates approximately 9,000 residents for the 2025–26 Academic Year.
Recent Highlights
In 2025, SDSU was elevated to R1 research status, refecting a broader wave of institutional growth. R1 status represents the highest level of research activity and doctoral production, highlighting SDSU's dedication to excellence in both innovation and education.
The Residential Education Ofce (REO) at San Diego State University demonstrated signifcant growth and impact in student engagement from 2024 to 2025. We ofer 23 diverse Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) to create smaller, more intentional communities that promote student success. Academic advising saw a remarkable increase, with 6,897 Coordinated Care Advising (CCA) appointments scheduled. Tutoring appointments reached 300 during the 2024–25 Academic Year. The STAR Centers experienced substantial growth in engagement, with visitors increasing by 18%, from 5,337 to 6,345, while the number of programs remained steady at 60.
The Residential Curriculum saw signifcant enhancements, with community programs increasing from 37 to 353, social responsibility programs from 15 to 137, and life skills programs from 45 to 100. These metrics underscore REO's commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving residential community.
Residential Education is launching two new Residential Learning Communities to enhance frstyear student experience. The Level Up! RLC, with the E-Sports Engagement Center, supports gaming and E-sports fans, while the Skateboarding and Social Change RLC, with the Center for Skateboarding, ofers skaters a space to explore sport’s impact on business, culture, and social movements.
Neftalie Williams, Ph.D.
Title: Assistant Professor, Sociology and Director, Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports and Social Change College: College of Arts and Letters
Achievement: The Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) experience has profoundly impacted me—both personally and professionally—by enabling deeper connections and mentorship with students. Whether in the ofce, laundry room, lounge, or at the front desk, I stay present so students can see me as a resource. This proximity fosters organic conversations and helps them view professors as real people with families and experiences beyond the classroom.
Living on campus with my wife and our baby also reminds me that students, like us, are navigating new territory. This experience creates more opportunities to engage students in low-stress settings, making it easier for them to seek guidance—whether about classes or life decisions. FIRs become bridges that connect students to campus life, civic engagement, and a broader sense of community.
Aligned with this mission, our Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change launched a new Residential Learning Community: Skateboarding and Social Change. Students live with peers who share their passion while gaining exposure to the action sports industry—including business, media, culture, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and public diplomacy. Our goal is to connect them through the sport they love and help them see how that passion can support a healthy career path and a life as informed, connected global citizens.
Living as a Faculty-in-Residence has enriched my relationships with students by ofering meaningful ways to connect beyond the classroom. It helps students see how their passions can shape their life’s work. Through General Studies (GENS) classes, they gain real-world skills for navigating student life and planning for long-term success. Our new Residential Learning Community provides a strong sense of belonging and access to events like the Skate and Surf Collaborative Conference, where they engage with action sports leaders such as Tony Hawk, Amelia Brodka, and Selema Masekela.
