Castater Family

David Castater (‘95, Finance) and Evva Castater (Junior, Management Information Systems)

Evva Castater (left) with her father, David in 2022

Did your college experience influence your parenting style? If so, how?
David: We are a three-generation SDSU family. My father John (finance) graduated in 1966, I graduated in 1995, and Evva will likely graduate next year 2023. We always talked about the college experience as a family — not if, but when and where. From the time the kids were very young the story went something like this: "First you are going to work hard and get good grades in elementary and high school, then you are going to get great grades in college, then a fantastic job, then a house and family." We always saw the potential college grad in Evva no question.

Did your dad’s education at SDSU inspire you to attend? 
Evva: My dad's experience at SDSU most definitely inspired me to attend. Growing up, we've attended countless Aztec sports games. I have memories of asking my dad what state was like, which classes were his favorite, if he was a part of the rowdy crowd, etc. The energy I got from visiting campus and seeing how my dad reminisced about him time there really inspired me to work even harder so that I would get accepted. 

How do you think your SDSU experience was different from Evva’s?
David: I worked my way through, taking a sabbatical to travel and pay off bills. I played a lot of beach volleyball and alternated between part-time and full-time attendance. My only real regret was not being a college sports fan during my time at SDSU. I just kind of missed out on the sports scene. High school to SDSU graduation was 11 years for me. Evva has really been driven to finish her degree and getting that diploma, in what will likely be five years total. We have, as a family, attended countless Aztec basketball and football games both at home and away. We are through and through an Aztec Nation family.

David Castater (top) with his father John (lower left) and daughter Evva

When do you anticipate earning your bachelor’s degree?
Evva: I will most likely earn by bachelor's degree in management information systems in 2023.

What are some of your favorite memories of SDSU?
David: SDSU is such a beautiful campus. I spent time studying in the out-of-the-way courtyards and gardens tucked all around the campus. When I attended, the campus was just starting to grow with a bit of new construction. When Evva was a high school senior we toured the campus and so much was new to me. All the sports facilities, the engineering building, the commons, and the trolly station — it seemed everything was built up, fresher, and bigger.

How does it feel to be an Aztec?
Evva: The Fowler College of Business is everything I imagined it would be and more. Being part of the same business college as my dad and as my grandpa feels so surreal and special to me. The buildings are spacious and never too far away from the parking structures, the professors are extremely caring and passionate, and the courses are as interesting as they are educational. I feel like this was the best choice I could have made in terms of choosing my higher education and I'm so proud to be an Aztec.