May 13, 2026
This month we welcomed to San Diego campuses two groups from Israel: Aerospace students and faculty from the Technion visited SDSU and a Water Innovation group from Azrieli College came to USD. They showcased innovative drone prototypes for diverse uses and explored solutions to water issues in our ecologically similar regions.
And, perhaps most importantly, the students challenged social media narratives by building genuine connections and friendships. I hope the photo collage at the bottom of this message helps bring to life the amazing week.
At dinner, Technion student Aviv shared remarks illuminating the program’s deep impact. I highly encourage you to click the button below to read her beautiful speech in full.
“The future is not built by individuals working alone –
it is built by people who choose to work together.
At a time when the world can feel divided –
we are choosing to collaborate.
At a time when uncertainty is part of daily life –
we are choosing to build.
And in a time when many conversations are driven by distance –
we are choosing connection.”
~ Aviv, Technion student
Also in April, as the term was ending, I received the message below from an SDSU student enrolled in Visiting Professor Tal Elmaliach’s course “Arab-Israeli Relations”. It came as a welcome and unsolicited expression of appreciation and speaks to the deep impact of MGSDII classes.
Thank you to all of our donors and partners for making opportunities like this possible. Your support brings exceptional scholarship and transformative learning experiences to our students at this unprecedented time and could not be more important.
Warmly,
Susan
“After the last class, everyone went to shake his hand and sincerely thanked him for presenting a delicate subject in a very fair and balanced manner…
I am finding out that many of the students are doing what others did before me and what I am doing now:
Once they take a class with one of the visiting professors, they end up taking 2 or 3 classes with the visiting professors.
We are truly receiving a world-class education with professors like Tal and Professor Ben Yosef who are awesome!
Keep up the great work…it is vitally important…”
~ Derek, SDSU student
Photos from an incredible week of Classroom Collaborations
