This past year, we found inspiration in our remarkable students. Their eagerness to learn and grow is truly motivating. The most rewarding aspect of our work is witnessing their development as they progress toward their career goals.
Looking ahead, we will focus on sustainable growth and affordable housing solutions for students, especially as off-campus housing rates continue to rise. In addition to tracking student success indicators (i.e., retention, GPA, and graduate rates), which are typically higher for those living on campus versus those who are not, our research team is studying students’ sense of belonging, health, and well-being within our physical environments. The insights gained from this research will enhance our student’s living experiences and provide the necessary support for their growth.
Philanthropy is crucial to our mission. It allows us to meet the basic needs of struggling students, allowing them to persist in their pursuit of higher education. Your support profoundly impacts students, helping to create a supportive and conducive environment for their success.
Thank you for your continued support.
Cynthia Aranda Cervantes, Ed.D.
Kara L. Bauer, Ed.D. Executive Director of Housing Administration Executive Director of Residential Education
Changing Lives through Program Support
The Anne Rosser Residential Endowment
The Anne Rosser Residential Endowment, established with the largest single gift in San Diego State's housing philanthropy history, aims to support current students from low-income households by reducing on-campus living costs.
This profound generosity will positively impact hundreds of students in the coming years.
Anne Rosser sitting on a bench in front of Olmeca and Maya Residence Halls.
Living the Aztec Experience
Adrian Montesinos, Class of 2026
Class Level: Undergraduate Student
College: College of Engineering
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
As a sophomore in the College of Engineering majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering, receiving the Residential Housing Endowment award has signifcantly impacted my semester.
The award alleviated my stress and anxiety about covering my housing expenses, providing a much-needed break from the fear of eviction. Without this support, I would have had to return home, where my major's classes are not ofered.
I am deeply grateful for the relief and stability this award has given me, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue my education at SDSU.
The award alleviated my stress and anxiety about covering my housing expenses, providing a much-needed break from the fear of eviction.
Amaya Ramirez, Class of 2027
Class Level: Undergraduate Student
College: College of Education
Major: Child and Family Development
It is an honor to have been chosen for the Residential Housing Endowment at San Diego State University. Currently, a freshman majoring in Child and Family Development, I have enjoyed my courses and worked diligently to maintain exceptional grades this semester.
This scholarship allows me to reduce my work hours, focus on my studies, and engage in additional educational opportunities. I aspire to pursue a career in social work, driven by my passion for helping families and children. Thank you for allowing me to move closer to achieving my academic goals.
Despite my challenges, your fnancial assistance encourages me to persevere in pursuing my dream of higher education. Your generosity has profoundly impacted my life, enabling me to continue my journey toward graduating in 2027.
Post-graduation, I aim to contribute to the foster care system through social services, advocating for and positively infuencing families' lives.
I am truly grateful for your fnancial support. Your generosity towards San Diego State University students like myself is deeply appreciated.
“
Thank you for allowing me to move closer to achieving my academic goals.
Fatima Husain, Class of 2027
Class Level: Undergraduate Student
College: College of Health and Human Services
Major: Public Health
Thank you for enabling me to pursue my dreams. I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Residential Housing Endowment award.
Thanks to your generosity, I am now able to focus more on my schoolwork rather than worrying about my fnancial situation. I assure you that I will continue my dedication to my schoolwork and future career in healthcare. I am very passionate about helping others and making an impact on the community around me.
I have always been passionate about making a diference in all aspects of my life, and I knew I wanted to impact people.
Science has always been my favorite subject, and medical science always stood out. Interacting with people is one of my strong suits, and I enjoy connecting and meeting new people. These passions and experiences led me to decide to major in public health, as it was a perfect blend of both interests. To achieve my goals, I plan to use all the resources available at SDSU to become the best student I can be.
My dreams and post-secondary education would not have been possible without donors like you; your impact is greater than you know.
Thank you again for providing this generous award!
“
My dreams and post-secondary education would not have been possible without donors like you.
Celebrating Shared Success
Statistics of Interest
$162,206 raised in scholarship funds for residential students for the 2023-24 academic year.
Hosted 7,879 on-campus residents for the 2023-24 academic year.
4,269 frst-year residents
2,963 sophomore residents
524 junior residents
113 senior residents
Ten graduate residents
Resident population for the 2023-24 academic year represented 48 states and 58 countries.
Housing anticipates approximately 8,500 residents for the 2024-25 academic year.
Recent Highlights
We ofer 22 diverse Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) to produce smaller, more intentional communities that promote student success.
Academic advising saw a remarkable rise, with the number of Coordinated Care Advising (CCA) appointments created more than doubled from 3,073 to 7,429.
Tutoring appointments, previously not tracked, reached 380 in 2024.
The STAR Centers experienced a substantial increase in engagement, with visitors growing by 115% from 2,482 to 5,337, though programs slightly decreased from 92 to 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.
$162,206 raised in scholarship funds for residential students for the 2023-24 academic year.
Hosted 7,879 on-campus residents for the 2023-24 academic year.
Helping to Build a Brighter Future
Kishauna Soljour, Ph.D.
Title: Assistant Professor of Public Humanities & Associate Director, SDSU Center for Public and Oral History College: College of Arts & Letters Achievement: Her most recent writing appears in the edited collection: From Rights to Lives: The Evolution of the Black Freedom Struggle.
Kishauna Soljour is an Assistant Professor specializing in Public Humanities and African Diaspora Studies.
Serving as a Faculty-in-Residence continues to be a rewarding experience as an educator and a mentor. I hosted a "Boba & Blurbs" program combining my love of Boba and words of afrmation. Students were encouraged to share words of encouragement with each other. They wrote messages on Post-it notes, and it was amazing to see students remove the notes from the board after a long day of exams and smile at the messages of hope, laughter, and resilience.
- Dr. Soljour
Faculty Achievements
Wendy Ochoa, Ph.D.
Title: Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Family Development College: College of Education
Achievement: Dr. Ochoa's mentorship has guided students like Victoria Rietz, who won the President's Award, and Holly Rodriguez, recipient of the Research Excellence Award.
Her involvement in the Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) program has provided unique insights into student experiences, enriching her approach to teaching and mentoring.
Dr. Wendy Ochoa has made a signifcant impact through her research and mentorship. She holds a PhD in Education with a specialization in Human Development and has published infuential work on supporting the well-being of ethnoracially minoritized children.
A unique aspect of Dr. Ochoa’s role is her active participation in the Faculty-Mentoring Program at SDSU. She works closely with frst-generation undergraduate students, supporting them through research projects and helping them navigate their academic journeys. This hands-on mentoring fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, enhancing the educational experiences of her students.
