News for Aztec Parents
Supporting Student Success Initiatives Improves SDSU Experience for their Student
and all Students
By Aaron Burgin
Becoming involved college parents wasn’t in the plans for Chris and Lisa Manzuk when their daughter, Jessica, started at San Diego State University in the fall of 2019.
But a conversation with an SDSU employee changed their outlook.
And this year, as the university hosted its first in-person SDSU Family Weekend since the start of the pandemic, the Manzuks, members of the Aztec Parent Advisory Board, were front and center as the weekend co-chairs.
“Our involvement with SDSU was not planned, and it was an initial conversation with Jennifer Stanley, director of development for the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, that led to us learning about the Aztec Parents initiatives that piqued our interest,” said Lisa Manzuk, a scientist. “I have always been impressed with the SDSU graduates entering the workforce in my industry, and that led to my desire to participate in supporting programs that further enabled student success.”
Lisa said she and Chris were thrilled to play a role in planning Family Weekend.
“The energy and excitement being back to in-person engagement and activities is hard to capture in words,” she said. “I think everyone has a heightened appreciation for being able to participate in person after the challenges we have all faced during the preceding 18 months. We are all a little more thankful and less likely to take it for granted in the future.”
The Manzuks, who live in Jamul, were very involved with both Jessica and her younger brother Will, who currently attends Steele Canyon High School, by supporting AYSO, Jamul Arts and Music and the Kiwanis Club.
Jessica, a third-year kinesiology major with a psychology minor, said she embraces her parents staying involved.
“Yes, some kids do go to college to get away from their folks, but I feel very appreciative of their continued involvement in my education,” she said. “Their involvement has allowed them to continue to support me, while also being a part of my personal growth. I have been very fortunate to have had a close relationship with my parents, so I am very proud that they are able to continue this journey with me.”
SUPPORT THE AZTEC PARENTS FUND
The goal of The Aztec Parents FUND is to create and enhance quality programs and services that directly benefit SDSU students. The fund supports initiatives to improve students’ quality of life through health and wellness, safety, residential education, student leadership, academic success and other programming.
If you have not already, you will soon be receiving an email or telephone call requesting your donation to the Aztec Parents Fund. We encourage you to join this rich tradition by making a contribution. Your tax-deductible gift helps SDSU maintain quality programs and services that benefit students. Parents make a difference.
For more information, contact Aztec Parent Programs at 619-594-1653 or [email protected].
Published in News for Aztec Parents Fall 2021
