Ruderman Family

Steve Ruderman (‘85, Marketing), Shawn Ruderman (’21, Marketing) and Samantha Ruderman (Junior, Marketing)

Steve Ruderman (right) with his daughter, Samantha Ruderman

Did your college experience influence your parenting style? If so, how?
Steve: I enjoyed my time at SDSU and wanted Samantha to enjoy her college experience as much as I did. I wanted my son and daughter to be successful in their future careers and have as many opportunities as possible. I learned many valuable lessons during my time at SDSU and these lessons have had an influence on my parenting style. 

Did your dad’s education at SDSU inspire you to attend? 
Shawn: Yes - growing up and going to sporting events with my dad always made me want to follow in his footsteps at SDSU. It is now very cool that the two of us and my sister will all be alumni of the same school and hopefully, one day my kids will be too.

Samantha: Yes, since my dad is an SDSU alumnus and I live in San Diego, I have grown up going to various sporting events at SDSU. This sparked my interest and how I fell in love with the school. 

Steve Ruderman (left) with his son Shawn Ruderman shortly after he graduated from SDSU

How do you think your SDSU experience was different from Shawn and Samantha’s?
Steve: SDSU has changed significantly since I attended. The campus has grown exponentially, and the school is more competitive. There are more on-campus activities and opportunities for Samantha to be involved with. Samantha has been able to make her mark on campus through various clubs such as TAMID and the Noah Hytken Memorial Fund. Each of these organizations are offering Samantha so much real-world experience that she can use in her future.

Shawn, where are you working at now?
Shawn: I am an account executive for a software company, Ezoic. We help digital publishers monetize their websites through machine learning to help improve both revenue and user experience. 

Samantha, when do you anticipate earning your bachelor’s degree?
Samantha: I am planning to receive my bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2024.

How has your SDSU experiences impacted your lives?
Steve: I love that both of my children not only attended my alma mater but have enjoyed every moment and succeeded in so many ways. They both have created so many great memories and have had amazing experiences. 

Samantha: SDSU truly has become my home away from home. I absolutely love the people I have met and the organizations I am involved with. I can’t imagine going to school anywhere else. My choice to attend SDSU was one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

Shawn: SDSU was an incredible four-year experience and I wouldn’t have traded it for any other school.