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ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Magazine

Inside the Summer 2026 Issue

Child bowling at Aztec Lanes

13 Free Things to Do at ºÚÁϳԹÏ

Uncover ºÚÁϳԹÏ's best-kept secrets. Enjoy free bowling for kids at Aztec Lanes, explore more than 100,000 biological specimens at the Biodiversity Museum and discover dozens of other experiences open to the public. This guide highlights free and low-cost adventures that bring the campus to life. By Rebecca Nordquist

Chris Stone

Aztec Owned: SDFoodies

From a pandemic side project to one of San Diego's most influential social media brands, see how ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï alumnus Chris Stone ('18) built a full-time career around his passion for food, connecting people with local restaurants and experiences. By Taylor Harris
Baxter the therapy dog with a Jennifer Rikard

Remembering Baxter: ºÚÁϳԹÏ’s First and Much-Loved Therapy Dog

For nearly 15 years, Baxter was more than a therapy dog—he was a source of comfort for generations of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï students. Chief mental health officer Jennifer Rikard shares the story of how one lovable pup found his calling and changed the campus community. By Jeff Ristine
Kuma the therapy dog shaking hands

Photo story: Dogs of ºÚÁϳԹÏ

They sniff for explosives, comfort students during finals and help veterans manage PTSD. Meet the working dogs of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï through photographs and the stories behind each one. By Rebecca Nordquist
Melissa Nicole Martinez

A Classroom Called Oaxaca

When a group of future bilingual teachers from ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï ventured into the mountains of Oaxaca, they encountered Indigenous history and local activism in deeply personal ways. The experience strengthened their connection to their heritage and offered new perspective they hope to bring into their own classrooms. By Michael Klitzing
James Hemmick and Rena Asai Hemmick

Why We Give

Remembering the college experience he missed, James Hemmick (’00) and his wife, Rena Asai Hemmick (’01), are making a $5 million estate gift to support business students. By Jeff Ristine
VIIDAI group photo

Video: The Story Behind a 30-Year Health Partnership in Mexico

A campaign to stop a deadly disease became part of something much bigger. Discover how ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï joined local leaders, partner universities and volunteers to improve public health in the community of San Quintin. Video by Scott Hargrove
Mathys Herbert

Photo story: The Aztecs Behind 'The SpongeBob Musical'

A longtime fan of the cartoon, scenic designer Mathys Herbert (’24, MFA) is one of many ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï alumni and students who recently brought the musical to Cygnet Theatre. By Rebecca Nordquist

A Note from Editor Rebecca Nordquist

How do you have fun in San Diego? The next time you’re looking for something to do, consider ºÚÁϳԹÏ. In this special summer online edition, we share free and low-cost events that are open to the public. (The games at Aztec Lanes are my family’s favorite.) In the spirit of fun, we also introduce you to ºÚÁϳԹÏ’s service dogs and alumnus Chris Stone (’18), creator behind the social media brand SDFoodies. Happy reading!

Cover of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï magazine featuring a child bowling