San Diego State University has produced more than its share of leaders in various fields through the region. And, each year the San Diego State Alumni Association honors some of the best and brightest with their Monty awards. The recipients — alumni and faculty members from the university's seven academic colleges and Imperial Valley campus — are chosen for their exceptional contributions to the university as well as their professional accomplishments. The annual award ceremony will take place May 12, starting with a 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception followed by dinner, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. The awards ceremony begins at 8:15 p.m.

This year’s alumni recipients are: Robert Parrott, deputy director, San Diego Association of Governments; Ralph Rubio, president and CEO, Rubio's Baja Grill; Gordon Thompson, associate dean, College of Education; Hermann Altmann, director of engineering, Northrop Grumman Ryan Research Center; Robert P. Ito, CEO, Occupational Training Services Inc.; Hal Harrison, senior v.p., post-production services, Paramount Network Television; David A. Sleet, associate director for science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Fernando Caloca, principal, Rockwood Elementary School.

The honored faculty members are: James Gerber, College of Arts and Letters; Thomas Warschauer, College of Business Administration; Patrick J. Harrison, College of Education; Nihad Hussain, College of Engineering; Barbara Riegel, College of Health and Human Services; Peter Andersen, College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts; Peter Salamon, College of Sciences; and Leslie Garrison, Imperial Valley Campus.

Distinguished service awards go to alumni Bob and Pat Menke and Cheryl Tartan, who's on the staff of the SDSU Alumni Association.

The alumni association began its annual award event in 1971. Three years ago, the group began calling the event "The Montys" and extended the awards to outstanding faculty as well as alumni. Two special awards for distinguished alumni service and university service were added. "The Monty award reflects the dedication these individuals have shown to our community and how their achievements have enhanced the lives of thousands of San Diegans," says Jim Herrick, the association's executive director. For more information, call (619) 594-2586 (ALUM).

— SD Metro Staff