KXO Radio AM1230 and FM 107.5

San Diego State University Imperial Valley Campus recently named the campus tower in honor of former Dean David Ballesteros. Ballesteros served as campus Dean from 1983 until 1998. The campus tower naming ceremony was held May 17th prior to this year's commencement ceremony. In attendance were SDSU President Stephen Weber, Provost Nancy Marlin, and former Dean Khosrow Fatemi as well as current Dean Stephen B.W. Roeder.  In attendance, besides David Ballesteros and his wife, Dolores was David’s sister Celia (a former trustee of the California State University), the three Ballesteros daughters (Rita, Maria, and Victoria) and Lydia their oldest granddaughter. 

Naming the tower the David Ballesteros Tower is in recognition of his accomplishments during his tenure as Dean, which resulted in the physical appearance, growth of academic programs, and the multicultural student body. During his stewardship, the campus was completely rebuilt with five new buildings and renovation of others.  It was only through David Ballesteros persistent efforts that a tower was built on campus.  He stated that "the tower symbolizes the aspiration of the students and community to reach for high standards.”  The Ballesteros Tower design compliments the fine arts building which has an Aztec/Mayan motif.

.

The tower naming also recognizes a gift to endow a student scholarship fund in the name of the Ballesteros family. According to Dean Roeder "the Ballesteros Family gift will enable the university to create an endowment for international student travel. It is very important in this global environment to expose our students to this type of activity". Throughout his many years in education as a teacher, professor, and administrator, Dean Ballesteros has strongly believed that a first-hand experience in an international setting is vital for international understanding and conducive to peace in the world. He has traveled with many students to Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru and has facilitated funds for students to enjoy an international experience. According to Ballesteros "students have a better global perspective as they experience travel abroad. Lasting friendships develop in these contacts with other students and persons they meet abroad".

2007 marks 50 years of teaching and administration (elementary, high school, community college, and university) for both Dolores and David Ballesteros, which adds to 100 years of educational service. Both have taught in various prestigious universities and have been administrators; Dolores in large school districts as a school superintendent and David as Department Chair, Dean, and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at various universities.

David’s parents instilled on all of eight children (six of whom attended college, 2 received law degrees, and three completed doctorates) to excel and reach for the stars as the Tower symbolizes. 

Dr. Ballesteros received degrees from the University of Redlands and the University of Southern California.  Dr. Ballesteros currently serves as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington,D.C. He and his wife Dolores continue to teach at the college level in the San Diego area and in Ecuador. They have three daughters, and one son. They have nine grandchildren.