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Aztec Athletic Foundation Home
 
Home   History   Mission   Board of Directors   Volunteers   Potential Members   NCAA Compliance   FAQ  

Welcome to the Aztec Athletic Foundation, the primary fundraising organization of SDSU Athletics! We invite you to use this website as your guide to the AAF's activities.
Within these pages you will find information pertaining to our commitment to serving student-athletes, SDSU, and the community.

Thank you for visiting. Go Aztecs!

 

History



The year was 1948. The United States recently reelected Harry Truman on the heels of the second World War. In Southern California, a small but resolute university progressed in what was then a rural outskirt of San Diego. Fueled by their passion for athletics, a group alumni and local community leaders claiming the moniker "Aztec Angels" set out with a common goal: To build pride and financial support for SDSU's struggling collegiate sports programs.

Guided by a philosophy of philanthropy, The Aztec Athletic Foundation grew from its modest roots. Today, the AAF consists of over 2,000 members who participate in activities ranging from planning and administering special events to raising money through the Annual Fund Drive for Athletic Scholarships. Although the organization blossomed, the goal remains the same - to help ensure the success of all student-athletes at San Diego State University.

This great program cannot succeed without increasing support from its alumni and friends. With the enthusiasm of its student body, a superb group of coaches and staff, and the support of alumni friends and fans, Aztec Athletics will continue to flourish.

 

Mission Statement



The Aztec Athletic Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and promote SDSU athletics primarily by fund raising to support student-athlete scholarships, recognizing male and female student-athletes, and fostering community support.
 

Board of Directors



The AAF appointed the following individuals to the AAF Board of Directors based on their history of commitment to the vision of the principles of education, athletics, and service:

Steve Almond
* John Aydelotte
* Ben Bagnas
* Martha Beckman
* Cliff Bee
Bill Brack
Joe Buompensiero
Sharon Burgreen
Nancy Butler
Kevin Carlson
* Kurt Cecconi
* Matt Chaffee
* Jeff Clark
* Larry Cook
George Dell
Aaron Farmer
Richard Fogg
Jane Haggerty
Robert Haggerty
Barbara Halte
Bobbie Harkey
Danny Isaac
Josh Koehnen
* Dave Leader
* Jim Marshall
* Bob McCray
Chuck Mendenhall
* Craig Nelson
* Todd Nielsen
Vance Mills
Dan Moody
David Pierce
Matt Pohl
Marc Pollack
John Rubey
John Russell
* Steve Schulman
Bob Scurrah
Don Vonk
Mag White
* David Youmans
* Christine Zito
  * - Notes member of the Executive Committee
 

Volunteers



The AAF encourages its members to contribute their time and talent to the Foundation. The AAF offers three progressive levels of volunteer activities. Volunteer Fundraisers, Volunteer Board of Directors, and Volunteer Committees. To volunteer, pleas call 619.594.6444, or write to us at aaf@mail.sdsu.edu.

Volunteer Fundraisers

Volunteer fundraisers are truly the lifeblood of the Aztec Athletic Foundation. The dedication and hard-work of this philanthropic group brings strength to the AAF and secures the future of Aztec Athletics. We encourage you to join our outstanding group of volunteer fundraisers. Join us today as we build the SDSU of tomorrow. Please call 619.594.6444, or write to us at aaf@mail.sdsu.edu.

Executive Committee and Board of Directors

After an AAF Volunteer Fundraiser demonstrates their dedication to Aztec Athletics, they become eligible for nomination to the AAF Board of Directors. The Board of Directors meets semi-monthly to review, advise, and execute business plans for the AAF.

Congerzuma Award

Each year, the AAF honors one outstanding volunteer for their commitment to the principles of education, athletics, and service by awarding the Congerzuma Award. Named after tireless advocate of SDSU, Fred Conger, the Congerzuma Award represents the highest honor bestowed upon an AAF volunteer.

Recipients of the Congerzuma Award are listed below.
2006-07 - Matt Pohl
2005 - Ben Bagnas
2004 - Sharon Burgreen
2003 - Bob McCray
2002 - Fred Conger

 

Prospective Members



AAF membership is open to all SDSU fans, alumni, and friends. Annual contributions of $125 or more, which are tax deductible minus any benefits received, provide active enrollment and exclusive membership benefits. As a member of the AAF, you help ensure SDSU Athletics continues to attract top student-athletes committed to success on the field and in the classroom.

Join the Aztec team by contributing online or by calling 619-594-6444.

 

NCAA Compliance



As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), San Diego State University must abide by NCAA rules and regulations as they relate to all aspects of its athletic program. In addition to ensuring that coaches, administrators, faculty, staff, and student-athletes are aware of and following NCAA rules, SDSU is also responsible for the actions of any individual who is a member of its athletic booster groups, or meets the definition of a "representative of athletics interests".

Please visit the SDSU Athletics Compliance web page for detailed information.

If you have additional questions about NCAA rules and regulations, please contact Jay Larson, Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance 619.594.7925.

 

Frequently Asked Questions



What is the difference between "unrestricted" and "restricted" gifts?
An unrestricted gift to the Aztec Athletic Foundation is one which is used at the discretion of the Athletic Department to cover the educational expenses of SDSU student-athletes.  All priority seating contributions are "unrestricted".  A "restricted" gift is designated by the donor for a specific purpose, often through a sport-specific club such as Big 50, Big 64, Full Court Press, RBI Club or ERA Club.  For additional information about these clubs, please contact the Aztec Athletic Foundation.

What is the Director's Cabinet?
The Director's Cabinet is an exclusive group of business and civic leaders committed to the success of Aztec Athletics through private gifts in support of Aztec student-athletes, and who can provide advice and counsel to the Director of Athletics. Director's Cabinet members are entitled to exclusive benefits and activities. Membership requires a $25,000 annual donation (tax deductible minus benefits received). For additional information, please contact the Aztec Athletic Foundation Office at 619.594.6444.

Does my gift to the AAF qualify me for priority seating in QUALCOMM Stadium and Cox Arena?
Yes, an unrestricted gift to the AAF at a giving level associated with priority seating benefits will qualify you for priority seating in designated areas of QUALCOMM Stadium and/or Cox Arena. Required donations vary by seating location and number of seats desired. Call 619.594.7892 for more details.

Is my gift to the AAF tax deductible?
Yes, gifts made to the AAF are tax deductible. The amount of one's deduction equals the gift minus the value of membership benefits received. Please note that to qualify for a tax deduction that is equal to the full amount of your donation, you must decline all benefits.

Gifts made in association with priority seating benefits are subject to the 1988 Tax Law, allowing for an 80% deduction

after the value of all benefits received is subtracted from the original gift.

We recommend you consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your gift in relation to tickets purchased and benefits received.