Terry L. Atkinson, a 1970 graduate of San Diego State University and former Wall Street municipal securities executive, has announced a transformational planned gift establishing a permanent endowment to support an assistant coaching position for the San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball team. The endowment will provide ongoing funding for coaching compensation, professional development, travel, recruiting, and related needs.
Atkinson’s philanthropic relationship with SDSU Athletics spans decades, including contributions to student-athlete recruiting, scholarships, facilities, and program development. He notably supported the creation of the Jeff Jacobs JAM Center, the basketball practice facility, and has expressed admiration for former head coach Steve Fisher.
John David Wicker, SDSU’s director of intercollegiate athletics, praised Atkinson’s longstanding commitment, emphasizing that the new endowment enhances the program’s ability to attract and retain talented coaches amid increasing demands in NCAA Division I basketball.
Raised in San Diego, Atkinson attended SDSU under financial constraints imposed by his family, earning a degree in public administration before later obtaining a law degree. He then built a successful career leading UBS AG’s municipal securities division in New York.
Beyond athletics, Atkinson supports SDSU through scholarships and faculty endowments, including the Terry L. Atkinson Endowed Scholarship for students with financial need and the Terry L. Atkinson Endowed Professorship in Finance. He serves on The Campanile Foundation Board of Directors and actively participates in alumni mentoring and networking.
Reflecting on his motivation, Atkinson said, “I like the basketball team. San Diego State is part of the framework. When the Aztecs are playing, everybody’s glued to the TV.” He also underscored the importance of scholarships in removing barriers to education.
CSB Take
Terry L. Atkinson’s establishment of a permanent endowment for an assistant coaching position represents a significant commitment to the sustainability and competitiveness of the San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball program. His deep and multifaceted investment in SDSU exemplifies the powerful role alumni philanthropy plays in enhancing both athletic and academic excellence. By securing long-term resources for coaching staff, Atkinson’s gift contributes to the program’s stability and capacity to develop student-athletes effectively in a rapidly evolving NCAA landscape.
Source: Original report
