“Remember every day is a blessing. It's an opportunity for you to
be a blessing to someone else.”
That was Steven C. Collins' motto for life, his friends and colleagues said. They described him as one of
the most optimistic, positive and inspirational people they've known.
Mr. Collins, director of government and community relations for San Diego State University since 2001, died
Saturday from pancreatic cancer. He was 54.
A month before his death, the Chula Vista resident was honored by Union Bank and KPBS as a winner of the Black
History Month Local Hero Award.
Mr. Collins was singled out for both his professional accomplishments and his volunteering work – in
particular his community service as a peer-to-peer counselor for the American Cancer Society, offering comfort and advice
to those newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was a prostate cancer survivor.
“He was a very, very perceptive, well-connected, savvy person who was involved in government, who cared
about civic affairs, who was very helpful to San Diego State University in developing relationships between a university and
public officials,” said Stephen Weber, president of SDSU.
Today, San Diego State is able to offer an independent doctoral degree in education thanks to Mr. Collins'
work advancing Senate Bill 724, which was signed into law in 2005. In the past, CSU campuses could only offer doctoral degrees
jointly in partnership with a University of California campus or private university.
Mr. Collins also was instrumental in securing endorsements in 2005 for SDSU's expansion plan, which calls
for its enrollment to reach nearly 45,000 students by 2025. The controversial growth plan would push the campus boundaries
north across Interstate 8 to build faculty and staff housing.
Through several programs Mr. Collins spearheaded, SDSU has built a strong network of advocates for its causes.
One of those programs is Ambassadors for Higher Education, which brings together civic leaders, corporate executives and influential
alumni to support and discuss issues important to the university.
It wasn't just at SDSU that Mr. Collins made his mark.
Before joining the university, he managed government and community relations at the San Diego County Water
Authority. Before that, he worked at Cox Communications, where he created the company's “Teacher Tribute” and
“Salute to Teachers” programs. He received an Emmy Award for “Salute to Teachers,” which honors the
best instructors.
Over the years, he found time to serve on a variety of boards and committees, including the San Diego Citizens
Review Board on Police Practices and the city's Salary-Setting Commission.
He was a past president of the Southeast San Diego Rotary Club and had served on the executive committees
of the Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach chambers of commerce.
Mr. Collins was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer less than a year ago. While he was battling cancer, his son,
Steven Craig Collins II of San Diego, was dealing with a serious illness of his own.
Father and son provided emotional support to each other, said John Wells, a family friend. The younger Collins
is expected to graduate from SDSU in May.
Wells said Mr. Collins maintained a positive attitude until the very end.
“He was just a complete optimist,” Wells said. “He just believed that he was going to beat
it. He did everything he could to beat it.”
Mr. Collins, born May 7, 1953 in Buffalo, N.Y., graduated from Gannon University in Erie, Pa., in 1975 with
a psychology degree. Early in his career, he worked as a counselor, radio DJ and talk-show host.
He is survived by his son; stepmother, Wilma J. Collins of Pineville, N.C.; brothers, Donald F. Collins Jr.
of Buffalo, N.Y., Homer L. Smith of Erie, Pa., and F. Bill Gray of Las Vegas; one grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
He was divorced from Jacquelyn Collins of San Diego and Cheryl Roberson Collins of Oakland.
A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. today at New Creation Church, 3115 Altadena Ave. The family requests
donations to the American Cancer Society or the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
