Alumni Stories
SDSU alumnus transforms passion for sustainability into purposeful career
Nick Vallejo, a recycling specialist with the City of San Diego, thrives on educating the public about climate action solutions.
Nick Vallejo ('22) found his calling when he switched his major from communications to sustainability upon transferring to San Diego State University. Vallejo registered for two courses in geography that changed his career focus.
In Lecturer Jane Thorngren’s Earth’s Physical Environment and Conservation Science and Policy course, Vallejo remembers it as an overview of climate and the history of how humans created industrial processes that resulted in climate change.
Read the full story on SDSU NewsCenter.
Will Beall, English alumnus, crafts a career in Hollywood
After a stint as an LAPD homicide detective, Beall’s writing passion produces a viable second career trajectory.
Will Beall (‘96 English) began his writing career in earnest with the 2006 publication of his first novel “L.A. Rex,” a thriller based loosely on activities in the South Central homicide division of the Los Angeles Police Department where he spent a 10-year career as a detective.
Beall is one of the screenwriters behind the 2024 “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” movies. He also co-wrote the screenplay for “Aquaman,” and “Zack Snyder’s Justice League.” He was the writer for the feature “Gangster Squad,” starring Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, and Josh Brolin. Other credits include his work as an executive story editor for 34 episodes of “Castle.” He also wrote and executive produced “Training Day” and “Deputy” for television.