Opened in the 1950s, the Communication Building at San Diego State University has witnessed generations of aspiring journalists, advertisers, and public relations professionals. The School of Journalism & Media Studies, housed within these walls, earned accreditation in 1971. It has since become a cornerstone of the media landscape, nurturing talent that now shapes communication worldwide. The Communication Building isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a crucible of ideas, driven by five core values. These values, woven into the school’s mission, emphasize community engagement, ethical communication, understanding global diversity, critical thinking about media, and leveraging technology for public good. Today, the Communication Building pulsates with the energy of approximately 600 undergraduate students across advertising, journalism, media studies, and public relations programs. Graduate students in mass communication, media studies, learning design, and technology also contribute to the vibrant academic environment. The faculty within the Communication Building are more than just instructors. They are nationally and internationally recognized scholars, publishing groundbreaking research, winning awards, securing grants, and authoring leading textbooks. Their work extends beyond academia. They champion programs in bilingual mass media writing, media entrepreneurship, and the Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations. The Communication Building is a testament to SDSU’s commitment to communication excellence.
Sweetwater River
From high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Sweetwater River begins its journey. It’s a 55-mile trek to the Pacific, a