SDSU College of Business Administration Names
New Director of Aztec Business Alliance

Contact: Randy Carmical, Director of Communications
(619) 594-0206 Randy.Carmical@sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Tuesday, November 22, 2005- San Diego State University’s (SDSU) College of Business Administration announced today that Christopher Graham has been named the Director of its Aztec Business Alliance. He will assume his new position on December 5,2005.

Graham will be responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with the San Diego business community and utilizing these relationships to create opportunities for students, faculty and new program development. As a vital link to the business community, he will be instrumental in the continued development of the MBA and undergraduate consulting programs, as well as internship opportunities for College of Business Administration students.

“Chris possesses extensive ties to the San Diego business community and has demonstrated the ability to form strategic partnerships that will be of tremendous benefit to our students and faculty,” College of Business Administration Dean Gail Naughton said.  “His strategic vision and dedication to excellence will serve the College well as we continue to train future business leaders and develop programs to support the dynamic San Diego business environment.”

Graham comes to SDSU from The Old Globe in Balboa Park where he has served as Director of Corporate Partnerships since 2002. Previously, he was a Business Development Manager for the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Graham received both his B.A. and M.B.A. from San Diego State University.

“As an alumnus of State, I understand the tremendous importance of a strong relationship between SDSU and the business community. I plan to strengthen the ties the College of Business Administration has established and develop new partnerships that will benefit students, faculty and the business community alike,” Graham said.

Aztec Business Alliance at San Diego State University is designed to assist local business firms and organizations by providing cost-effective business and management consulting services at the graduate and undergraduate level. In addition to business consulting, the program has over 200 students with an emphasis in business related coursework registered in its Internship Bureau database. These majors include Accounting, Finance, Financial Services, Marketing, Information Decision Systems and Real Estate.

With over 5,700 students, the SDSU College of Business is one of the largest business schools in the U.S. Its programs in international business and graduate entrepreneurship are ranked among the top programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. This year, the college is celebrating “50 Years of Educating San Diego’s Business Leaders.”

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degree in 72 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s more than 33,000 students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.