South Bay Leaders to Host Welcome Reception for New SDSU President at Southwestern College

CHULA VISTA, Calif., Oct. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- New San Diego State University President Dr. Adela de la Torre will join South San Diego County leaders and community members for a welcome reception on Oct. 29, 4:30-5:45 p.m. at Southwestern College's Student Center.

The reception is hosted by the South County Economic Development Council (SCEDC), Sweetwater Union High School District and Southwestern College.

Dr. de la Torre – appointed in January and officially seated in June – brings 30 years of higher education experience and leadership at California and Arizona universities to her new post.

The event will welcome Dr. de la Torre to San Diego, emphasizing the vibrant, diverse communities in South County and celebrating her emphasis on supporting access and equity at the university, while fostering partnerships with the community other academic institutions and businesses throughout the region.

"Given her background in economics, Dr. de la Torre is uniquely positioned to take SDSU's partnerships with businesses to another level," said Cindy Gompper-Graves, president and CEO of the SCEDC. "Her focus on access and diversity as a way of strengthening our community will drive a wide range of opportunities that have been critically needed in South County. SCEDC, Sweetwater Union High School District, and Southwestern College are partnering to host this event because we understand that San Diego, as a region, will benefit immensely from Dr. de la Torre's leadership."

The event is sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), HomeFed Corporation, Gensler, and VMA Communications.

"Southwestern College is absolutely dedicated to educating our South County students and ensuring they reach their academic and career potential," said Dr. Kindred Murillo, superintendent/president of Southwestern College. "By promoting collaboration between San Diego State University and Southwestern College, Dr. de la Torre has become a partner in supporting access and equity for students throughout the San Diego region."

Dr. de la Torre grew up in the Bay Area and recalls her family instilling in her the importance of traditions, which included working hard and recognizing the value of an education. Dr de la Torre attended UC Berkeley, earning a bachelor's degree in the political economy of natural resources, a master's degree and a Ph.D. in agricultural resource economics.

She began her teaching career at California State University, Long Beach and the University of Arizona. In 2002, she joined UC Davis and stepped into the role of director for the UC Davis Center for Transitional Health – a position she held for 14 years.

At UC Davis, Dr. de la Torre also served as chair of the UC Davis Chicana/Chicano Studies Department and vice chancellor for student affairs and campus diversity. She received the rank of distinguished professor from the university.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. de la Torre to our San Diego community," said Dr. Karen Janney, superintendent of Sweetwater Union High School District. "Her leadership is certain to strengthen our Compact for Success partnership with San Diego State University, which provides guaranteed admission to qualified graduates. Together, we can ensure students receive a greater opportunity for college success."

Dr. de la Torre's research focus has been on aspects of Latino community health, an area where SDSU is a national leader.

She is the first woman to serve as president of SDSU.

Event Details
Date: Monday, Oct. 29
Time: 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.
Location: Southwestern College Student Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista
Parking: Attendees should park in Lot O

SOURCE Southwestern College