Kelly Calligan, Assistant Photo Editor

A new spin on a grand tradition.

That was the theme of the 35th Annual Monty Awards of Distinction on Saturday night.

And the evening certainly had a new spin.

It was the first time The Montys were held in Cox Arena.

It was the first time an active San Diego State president received a Monty Award.

It was the first time protesters lined the streets outside of the SDSU Alumni Association’s biggest awards night.

While guests made their way into the arena, members of the Del Cerro Action Council stood holding signs condemning University President Stephen Weber for not mitigating plans for the Adobe Falls Project.

The project, which is a part of the Campus Master Plan, entails building 540 units of affordable housing for faculty, staff and graduate students on 32-acres of university-owned land off of Del Cerro Boulevard and Adobe Falls Road. The university argues that under California State University policies, it cannot pay for traffic improvements because they are not part of the school’s core educational goals.

The plan is estimated to generate increased traffic of 3,000 total trips per day on a road with single entrance-and-exit access.

Anne Brunkow, president of the Del Cerro Action Council, said the council is not opposed to student and faculty housing but said she views current plans as unsafe.

“If the Cedar fires and Hurricane Katrina have taught us anything, it’s that you need more than one access when you are building a high-density development,” Brunkow said. “That’s what we’re here about – safety for our kids and our community.”

Michele Nash-Hoff, a former president of the Del Cerro Action Council and an SDSU alumnus said Weber’s actions with respect to both the Adobe Falls and Paseo project are about ego.

“He’s doing things to make a name and legacy for himself and not thinking about the betterment of the community,” Nash-Hoff said.

Protesters said they were not opposed to The Montys but to Weber’s reception of the 2006 Monty for Distinguished University Service.

Demonstrators, who could not cross into Parking Lot L and reach access to the Cox Arena entrance, never saw Weber face-to-face.

Inside the red-and-black affair, more than 500 guests – mostly alumni – experienced the culmination of the Alumni Association’s efforts to present a night of distinction. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, which was served on fine dinnerware and catered by Aztec Shops on red-clothed tables.

SDSU Alumni Association Executive Director Jim Herrick said that the focus of the event should be Honored and distinguished alumni.

“We want to tell everyone how great you turned out because it enhances the reputation of school,” Herrick said. “We do it because we can and because we enjoy doing it.”

Herrick said the recognition of Weber and his wife, Susan, comes in conjunction with their 10-year anniversary on campus.

“Our board realized both Susan and Stephen have done so much,” Herrick. “They have exemplified good alumni in the way they’ve worked on behalf of alumni for the university, so it was an easy choice.”

In his opening address to Montys’ guests, Weber said he and his wife are excited to be at SDSU during a time of growth and change. He said while the physical landscape at SDSU continues to change some things remain constant.

“We continue our tradition as an outstanding center of higher education, a university that provides exceptional service to its students and to our community,” Weber said during his remarks. “We continue to be an engaged university for alumni and faculty not only make world-class achievements but also important contributions to the quality of life right here in our neighborhoods and our communities.”

Weber could not be reached for his reaction to the protesters.

However, Judy Gumbiner, honorary co-chair of The Montys Committee and the 2005 Distinguished University Service recipient, said as a Del Cerro resident, she understands the issues of The Del Cerro Action Council.

“I am equally concerned about the traffic,” Gumbiner said. “But I think this is a celebration for our awardees and I just don’t think this was probably the best place to demonstrate and to voice their opinions.

“I think there are other vehicles that would be more appropriate.”