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We’re not often treated to the San Diego State Aztec marching band at our meetings, but today belonged to SDSU and one of its greatest benefactors, Bob Payne, so the stage was theirs.
A packed house electrified the room in paying tribute to the 2009 Mr. San Diego. Aztec alum President Dick Troncone introduced fellow alum Steve Hubbard to guide us in song. Mark Trotter praised the volunteerism of our honoree by describing the roots of community service in this country.
Bert Wahlen took us back to 1929 for our Club 33 history minute, when Col. Ira Copley addressed the club about relations with Mexico and water problems. Some things never change.
George Gildred was introduced as Chair of the Day and he eloquently described the history of the Mr. San Diego award selected by Club 33 Past Presidents since taking over the pleasure from the Grant Club in 1975.
Jerry Sanders’ title today was Aztec alum instead of Mayor in keeping with the theme. He delivered a flawless presentation in honoring Bob Payne’s many achievements in the food and hospitality industries, community service and particularly his financial support of San Diego State.
Mr. San Diego took the microphone and paid tribute to Club 33’s many service projects. His foundation focuses on youth, education and medicine. He closed with the advice that we ‘stay informed and add your voice’. We will, Bob.
President Steve Weber proceeded with an entertaining history of his San Diego State University as augmented by Bob Payne’s generosity. Founded as San Diego Normal School in 1897 with a $50,000 state allocation and 91 students, by 1921 it had transformed to a teacher's college.
In 1935 Teacher's became San Diego State College and during WW II 30% of the student body and 40% of the faculty left to fight the war. By 1960, SD State had 10,000 students and in 1963 President JFK spoke and received the school’s first honorary degree. In 1974, we were granted University status and fundraising became paramount. Today 35,000 students roam Montezuma Mesa and its $2.4 billion economic impact is felt all over San Diego. Bob Payne’s legacy at SDSU began with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1972, Alumnus of the Year in 1988, co-founder of both the Entrepreneurial Management Center and the Campanile Foundation. He also spearheaded the Hospitality and Tourism Management program on campus as well as the Director’s Cabinet for athletics. Finally he served as tri-chair of the soon-to-open campus Alumni Center.
Mayor Sanders was surprised to learn that Bob Payne wasn’t already Mr. San Diego. Today we only made official what everyone already knew.
Editor: Fred Baranowski
Photography by Paul Nestor
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