San Diego State University: A Legacy in Word and Image – Celebrating the History, Growth, and Spirit of SDSU

By SAFIYA MOHAMED

San Diego State University: A History in Word and Image by Raymond Starr is the perfect gift for SDSU alumni who attended throughout the 1900s. Designed like a family photo album, this beautifully curated collection invites readers to rediscover cherished memories of their time at SDSU. Each page offers a unique perspective, reviving long-forgotten experiences and sparking reminiscences that can be shared across generations. While the campus archives preserve written history, these illustrations breathe life into the university’s story, evoking a sense of nostalgia for past students and faculty alike. 

San Diego State University: A History in Word and Image traces the university’s remarkable evolution from its humble beginnings as a small normal school in downtown San Diego to its current status as a major institution offering doctoral, professional, and research programs. The book highlights the formative years of Greek life, the rise of school spirit, and the development of campus traditions that continue to this day. It also reflects on the significant social movements that have shaped SDSU, including the fight for women’s rights and efforts to combat racial discrimination, showcasing the resilience and activism of both students and faculty throughout the decades. 

Beyond its academic prowess, SDSU has long been a cultural beacon in the region. The university's outreach programs connected with diverse segments of the population, from summer camps for children to educational initiatives for senior citizens. Through its vibrant arts, music, and drama programs, SDSU enriched the local cultural landscape while fostering community cohesion through intercollegiate athletics. 

This beautifully illustrated book captures the essence of SDSU’s history, celebrating the people and events that transformed it into the esteemed institution we know today. It’s an essential keepsake for any alumni who wants to revisit the milestones and memories that helped shape their university experience and the vibrant community that continues to thrive.

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ISBN 1-879691-30-2 | 1995
Trade paperback: 262 pages; illustrated | $27.95 plus shipping/handling
Also available in a Special limited hardback edition
ISBN 1-897691-39-6
$69.95 plus shipping/handling