PSFA STORIES

Dr. Shen explains how a minor giveaway mishap at the Shanghai Auto Show escalated into a nationwide scandal for BMW’s MINI brand when a viral video sparked accusations of discrimination, revealing how cultural history, nationalism and China’s powerful digital ecosystem can transform a small incident into a major corporate crisis.

A $150,000 gift from SDSU alumnus John Baldwin transformed The Daily Aztec’s formerly dark, isolating newsroom into a bright, collaborative multimedia space shared by student media.

SDSU graduate student Naiima Paul examines Doechii and Flo Milli’s lyrics to show how Black women rappers reclaim language, challenge stereotypes and reshape representations of femininity through hip-hop–blending personal identity with academic research.

SDSU will launch a Spring 2026 course on Bad Bunny, taught by Dr. Nathian Rodriguez, exploring the artist’s cultural, political, and media impact through pop culture pedagogy, identity analysis, and critical examinations of gender, representation, and Puerto Rican history.

J. Fred Sidhu, an SDSU alumnus and longtime media professional, built a 25-year journalism career before transitioning to tennis media relations, where his passion, volunteer work and respect for others led him to cover major tournaments worldwide.

Students attended a Screening Circle at SDSU’s Montezuma Theatre to watch Muslim Matchmaker and discuss media representation, exploring how diverse portrayals of Muslim identities challenge stereotypes and promote cultural understanding on campus.

SDSU graduate student Noemi Portillo is researching how generational differences shape how Latinos interpret political messages, aiming to improve communication with multicultural communities while balancing full-time work and her master’s studies under advisor Dr. Kaye Sweetser.

Dr. Temple Northup, director of SDSU’s School of Journalism and Media Studies, traveled across Asia to build global partnerships and develop new study abroad programs, aiming to make international experiences a key part of journalism education.

Kierstin Rielly, former SDSU water polo player, turned her student-athlete discipline into leadership as CEO of Women on Boards Project, helping close the gender gap in corporate leadership and empowering women to claim their place at the table.

Dr. Kaye Sweetser earned the SDSU Alumni Association Award for her leadership, mentorship and dedication to student success in public relations. She emphasizes hands-on learning, advocacy and balance in her teaching and professional life.

Emely Navarro turned her love for pop culture into a career at Access Hollywood, earning an Emmy at 22 and proving that persistence, creativity and a fearless attitude can open doors in journalism and entertainment.

Kemi Giwa’s journey from a newsroom enthusiast to a political communications expert began in the Bay Area.