The San Diego State Alumni Association launched a new student engagement campaign on Sept. 24 to boost school pride.
The Alumni Association student and full time staff distributed “Proud to be an Aztec for Life” wristbands to SDSU students registered for the student engagement initiative. Students who register and wear the wristbands will receive gifts throughout the year in return for wearing their bracelet.
Director of Alumni Engagement Tammy Blackburn said prizes include free T-shirts, mugs, lunches and student discounts.
“If you show your pride by always having your bracelet on, there’s a very good chance you’ll be rewarded for sharing your pride,” Blackburn said.
About 300 students entered their information on the day the campaign was launched and a total of 800 bracelets have already been passed out at orientation and other on campus events, Blackburn said.
Alumni Engagement Coordinator Christy Andrade said the bracelets will contribute to a culture of school spirit.
“It’s not a promotion, it’s a movement,” Anrdade said. “We want to see every student wearing a wristband.”
The initiative is part of the Alumni Association’s plan to get students more involved with the association while they’re still on campus.
“Students can be engaged with Alumni Association throughout the years,” Andrade said. “There’s a lot of alumni even in the San Diego County area, so there are a lot of resources available.”
The SDSU Alumni Engagement Office has full time staff members and student staff members who strive to increase engagement with alumni through recent graduate, student and alumni engagement initiatives.
Students enjoyed being involved in the project, saying fellow Aztecs have been receptive to the campaign. Comparative literature junior Riffat Rahfan was showing off her Aztec pride while tabling and distributing bracelets.
“It’s been a really great experience,” Rahfan said. “Everyone is really enthuastic and positive about the program.”
According to Blackburn, the association will attempt to conduct two student engagement events each month.
The efforts are funded by grants and sponsorships, along with the Alumni Association’s operation funds, Blackburn said.
Photo by Monica Linzmeier, Photo Editor.
