PSFA STORIES

SDSU alumna Bailee Hicks turned her lifelong passion for digital creation into a career in social media strategy, crafting content for major brands while drawing on curiosity, collaboration and the creative foundation she built at SDSU.

SDSU alumna Jamie Ballard built a versatile freelance writing career shaped by her Daily Aztec newsroom experience, blending data storytelling, cultural reporting and immersive interviewing while encouraging students to pursue connections and follow stories that inspire them.

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.

The former director of the School of Communication is remembered as a calm presence and valuable mentor.

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.

Graduate student Alex Hopp’s thesis explores how pop artist Chappell Roan’s boundary-setting with fans reveals a cultural shift in celebrity-fan relationships, emphasizing that authenticity and connection can coexist with privacy and self-protection in digital fandoms.

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.

The School of Journalism and Media Studies opened the Ion | Behar Family Student Lounge and Studios, a new space in Adams Humanities for JMS students to study, connect, and relax — reflecting the school’s commitment to community, creativity, and student-centered spaces.

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.

Graduate student Eugenie Budnik studies how well school leaders communicate during crises, examining preparedness gaps and exploring how AI could assist principals in crafting clear, timely messages while maintaining trust and protecting privacy.

San Diego State alumnus Antonio Morales turned his passion for sports writing at The Daily Aztec into a national career. Now a college football reporter for The Athletic, he credits SDSU for shaping his work ethic and journalism foundation.

Alumna Jonnie Wilson (‘76) and University History Curator, Seth Malios, dive deep into the inspiration and importance behind SDSU’s “Dear Doc” event on the USS Midway.

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.

Graduate student MJ Duran’s thesis explores how Spanish-language journalists covered the 2018 migrant caravans, highlighting differences from mainstream U.S. media. Drawing on her immigrant background, she emphasizes framing, journalist perspectives, and the importance of Spanish-language coverage for immigrant communities.

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.

Growing up in Nebraska, Paige Seastedt never imagined she would one day be brushing shoulders with celebrities backstage at the Critics Choice Awards or capturing red carpet arrivals for Bravo TV.

Fourth-year SDSU journalism major Calista Stocker will focus on neighborhood coverage for the Mission Times Courier