Help Welcome SDSU's Newest Aztecs

You’re invited to help welcome new students into the Aztec family at the annual Hello Walk as part of Templo del Sol set for Friday, August 24 at 9:30 p.m. in front of Hepner Hall.  A campus tradition that was revived in 2009, the Hello Walk is a part of the university’s annual Welcome Week for new students.

SDSU Head Football Coach Rocky Long joins members of the Aztec football team on stage during the 2011 Templo del Sol.

In the university’s early days more than a century ago, incoming freshmen were welcomed by graduating seniors.  Those same new students wished the seniors farewell at graduation.  Now the Hello Walk tradition has returned in the form of Templo del Sol in which nearly 3,000 students are expected to participate.

For the past three years, new students have walked through the arches of Hepner Hall symbolizing their passage into becoming “Aztecs for Life.”  Once again this year, current students and alumni will cheer the newcomers as they pass through the arches in the Old Quad.  The new students will celebrate their official entry into the Aztec community with festivities including an Aztec Athletics guest speaker, an appearance by freshman members of the football team, learning the Aztec Fight Song, music, stilt-walking torch bearers and more.  

The Aztec Warrior greets new students passing beneath the Hepner Hall archway during the Hello Walk at the 2011 Templo del Sol.

All Aztecs are welcome, however, an exclusive pre-event reception for Alumni Association lifetime members only will be held starting at 8:00 p.m. near Hepner Hall.   Complimentary light snacks, beer and Aztec wine will be served and each lifetime member will receive a free, black Aztec for Life T-shirt.  Author and SDSU Anthropology Department Chairman Seth Mallios will deliver a brief presentation on Aztec traditions and then be available to autograph his new book, “Hail Montezuma: The Hidden Treasures of San Diego State.”

You must register in advance to attend the reception.  Get more information or sign up now on-line!  If you have questions about the event, contact the SDSU Alumni Association’s Robyn Guzman at (619) 594-2586 or at aztecforlife@mail.sdsu.edu.