Donor Stories

Changing Lives, One Gift at a Time

That is what happens when you give a gift. You are not just supporting the School of Journalism and Media Studies. You are supporting an individual. You are helping someone achieve something they may not have otherwise been able to achieve. 

On this page, you will find some of the stories from our donors. These are people and organizations who stepped up and gave. We hope they inspire you to consider how you may be able to give back.

John L. Baldwin

As a native San Diegan John L. Baldwin's journalistic odyssey began with a humble paper route, delivering the Evening Tribune. It was a journey that would take him from high school sports editor to Mesa College's daily newspaper editorship. But it was at San Diego State University where his journalistic mettle was truly forged.

Scott Pansky

Scott Pansky embodies what it is to be an Aztec for Life. A founding donor to the Broom Center, Scott works tirelessly to support the school, providing access to real-world experiences.

Diane Borden

As the founding Director of the School of Journalism and Media Studies, Dr. Borden knows more than anyone the impact a donation can make. Dr. Borden endowed a scholarship after retiring so that her legacy continues to be felt.

Ron Thornton

Ron had a successful career in broadcast journalism before retiring and returning to San Diego in 2017. He then got reconnected with his alma mater and realized the transformative power of scholarships and endowed one to support the next generation of broadcast journalism professionals.

Jack White Memorial Scholarship

Jack White was the face of San Diego television news from the late 1960s until his retirement in 2002. Since his passing in October 2020, his wife Lynn Stedd, a San Diego State University alumna, has worked to honor his legacy by establishing the Jack White Excellence in Journalism Scholarship.

Maya Angelou
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”