SDSU Mission Valley River Park Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, SDSU Mission Valley continued its progress from bold vision to vibrant reality this year, made possible in no small part by generous donors like you. The year marked two especially meaningful milestones in the site's evolution. AvalonBay Communities broke ground on the first residential and retail development at SDSU Mission Valley, an anchor for the emerging walkable community. Soon after, Chelsea Investment Corporation broke ground on Addison, the first affordable housing development at SDSU Mission Valley, which will help support university employees and members of the broader San Diego community. Thanks to your generosity, SDSU Mission Valley is becoming an extension of SDSU’s mission to serve, engage, and inspire. From open spaces and community gathering areas to new housing and future spaces for research and innovation, every milestone reflects a shared commitment to creating something lasting.
Gina Jacobs, M.A. Associate Vice President for SDSU Mission Valley Development
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Advancing Water Science Through SDSU’s One Water Lab Thanks to generous support, SDSU Mission Valley is expanding opportunities for students, researchers, and the community to engage with one of our region’s most urgent challenges: water. SDSU finished construction on the One Water Laboratory (OWL), a living-learning laboratory located adjacent to the river park and dedicated to sustainable water management, watershed science, water quality, stormwater treatment and water reuse. The facility’s construction was supported by grant funding from the San Diego River Conservancy, and additional philanthropic support can help extend OWL’s impact by advancing hands-on student learning, public engagement, K-12 educational opportunities, and real-world training for the next generation of water scientists, engineers, and policymakers. Your support helps fuel innovation, experiential learning, and community impact at SDSU. Thank you for helping safeguard our shared water future and strengthening SDSU’s role as a leader in sustainable solutions for San Diego and beyond.
A rendering of the future One Water Lab.
Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Statistics of Interest 400,000 visitors at the river park in calendar year 2025 250+ events at the river park in 2025 200+ ticketed and 200+ private events at Snapdragon Stadium Two groundbreakings: Avalon Mission Valley and Addison The river park’s impact has also been recognized beyond campus. In 2025, the project was selected by the Orchids & Onions Jury for an Orchid Award in the Landscape Architecture category, honoring its thoughtful design, public benefit, and contribution to San Diego’s civic landscape. Recent Highlights New development also continued to advance the long-term vision for SDSU Mission Valley. Avalon Mission Valley (rendering) and Addison are helping bring new residential and neighborhoodserving energy to the site, while the One Water Lab, expected to open later this year, will deepen SDSU’s commitment to research, sustainability and real-world solutions for the region. From active game days and family milestones to community gatherings and regional events, SDSU Mission Valley continues to demonstrate the power of open space, connection and placemaking. With more than 250 events throughout the year, the SDSU Mission Valley river park hosted a wide range of activities that brought the community together, including: Coaching sessions, clinics, matches, tournaments, clubs and youth day camps for sports including soccer, football, basketball, track and field, cross country, ultimate frisbee, rugby, cricket, pickleball and more Aztec Football’s pre-game River Park Block Party that filled the park with energy, school spirit and community pride Birthday parties, a baby shower, a retirement celebration and private gatherings that turned the park’s open lawns into meaningful memories A community Seed Swap that fostered sustainability, gardening and neighborhood connection Trolley Dances 2025, which brought movement, creativity and public art into the landscape The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, uniting participants in support of awareness, resilience and hope Professional mixers and community events that reinforced SDSU Mission Valley as a place where San Diegans come together.
River Park Impact
400,000 Visitors, 250+ park events, 400+ stadium events, 2 groundbreakings, and Orchid Award winner.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Francisco "Frankie" Velazquez Title: Assistant Dean of Students for Orientation, Transition and Family Programs College: Student Affairs and Campus Diversity Achievement: SDSU Mission Valley's river park hosted the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of San Diego. For Francisco “Frankie” Velazquez, assistant dean of students for orientation, transition and family programs, the walk is deeply personal. His mother, Rogelia Ortiz Velazquez, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. “Wherever you are on your academic journey, whether you’re a first-year student or about to graduate, you can be a part of this,” Velazquez said. “Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer. This walk is a chance to show up for each other, to build community, and to walk away inspired. Our SDSU community is known for showing up for others. Having the walk here, on our home turf, is a powerful way to represent San Diego and support people dealing with breast cancer. It’s a day filled with hope.” Pictured: Rogelia Ortiz Velazquez (left) and Francisco Velasquez (right) at the 2024 Making Strides walk.
“
Our SDSU community is known for showing up for others.
”
Thank you for your generous support.
University Relations and Development San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8045 sdsu.edu | give.sdsu.edu