San Diego State University President Stephen L. Weber has received the 2009 Achievement Award from the San Diego Military Advisory Council. The award was presented at a Dec. 8 event honoring individuals and organizations whose work has supported the military community in San Diego.
“President Weber’s initiative in expanding and fostering a respectful and effective working relationship between SDSU and the local military community has achieved results that will have long-lasting positive effects on the San Diego region,” said John Nersesian, SDMAC president.
Weber was recognized for his vision of attracting more veterans to SDSU by making it one of the most military-friendly campuses in the nation. This has not only created new educational opportunities for veterans but also added to the educational experience for all SDSU students. Weber helped establish the SDSU Veterans Center, the first such center in the California State University system, and the first on-campus veterans’ housing in the nation. Currently, there are more than 1,000 veterans and active-duty military attending SDSU. The successful programs at SDSU, accompanied by outreach to active-duty military personnel, have resulted in successful adoption of similar programs at colleges and universities throughout the country, Nersesian said.
Weber was the only individual who received the honor this year. The other awardees were the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Miramar, San Diego Armed Services YMCA, San Diego Council, Navy League of United States and United Through Reading. San Diego State University also received the annual achievement award last year.
SDMAC is a nonprofit corporation which acts as an advocate on behalf of the military and their families, and champions issues that are identified by the military as critical to national defense and to the quality of life of military personnel in the San Diego area.