Get to know Rodrigo Gutierrez, the new program coordinator in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology. Just don’t ask this San Diego State University alumnus and longtime staffer to sing unless you really want to hear it, because he will definitely take you up on the offer. Learn more about Rodrigo in the latest installment of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff.
1. Rodrigo is not new to SDSU
He completed his undergraduate degree at SDSU in 2004 in sociology and returned in 2007 to join the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) staff. He led the campus’ early outreach efforts to younger students (early high school and middle school), spreading the word about the benefits of higher education. Rodrigo later ran EOP’s Summer Bridge Program, overseeing more than 100 incoming first-time freshmen from all over California for five weeks every summer. He misses the air-conditioning, free food and (mostly) the students. He does not miss living in the residence halls every summer and (sometimes) the students.
2. Rodrigo likes giving back to his community
He has been volunteering for a YMCA overnight camp in the San Bernardino mountains since 2000. Growing up in Los Angeles, he attended this camp as a kid, and it had such a huge influence on who he became as a person. Now he is one of its senior directors. And yes! He probably knows every camp song, skit and prank there is!
3. Rodrigo is quite the accomplished singer
He notes that he did not say “talented.” He has been the lead singer for two cover bands where they did one-night-only shows for friends and family. His first foray into being a lead singer was in a Nirvana cover band where he played the part of Kurt Cobaños. A few years later he fronted a Weezer cover band as Rios Cuomo. All footage from both shows were subsequently destroyed in a dumpster fire to protect the innocent.
4. Rodrigo is an avid concert goer
In 2016 he attended a Rihanna and Beyoncé concert in the same week! He claims he has yet to recover physically or mentally.
5. Rodrigo has been involved in the San Diego restaurant industry for nearly 20 years
As an undergraduate, he took a weekend job at a local restaurant to make some money on the side. He fell in love with the industry and has continued to work there ever since. He loves the dynamic environment, fellow staff and the new people you get to meet. He still frequents his old place of employment, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant in Kensington, where he claims he will make you the best margarita you have ever had in your life.
6. Rodrigo has a tattoo from the Disney Pixar movie “Up”
Don’t ask. He just really likes the movie!
7. Rodrigo shares a birthday with his twin brother
For the record, he’s referring to Cristiano Ronaldo. The resemblance is obvious.
How Rodrigo Gutierrez is making a difference in the College of Education
“The biggest difference I want to bring to this position is my 10 years of experience working in Student Affairs at SDSU and helping students achieve success outside the classroom. Now working in Academic Affairs, I look forward to working with faculty and the Dean’s Office to support their mission of student success inside the classroom, as well.”
