Release and graphic courtesy of Cal State Northridge Athletics
Northridge, Calif. - Bob Vazquez, known to everyone as Bobby V, worked in college athletics over a span of five decades starting in 1977 at UC Santa Barbara (1977-83), Stanford University (1983-2007) and Cal State University Northridge (2007-2014).
“There are three phases in a person's life … childhood, your adult working years, and finally retirement,” said Vazquez. “I have decided to enter the final phase of my life … retirement. August 1, 2014 will be the final working day of my life.”
For the past seven-plus years, Vazquez has served as the Assistant Athletics Director, Strategic Communications at CSUN.
Vazquez directed the publicity efforts of the Matador's 19-sports intercollegiate athletic program, with a main emphasis on men's basketball, women's water polo and the CSUN website (
www.gomatadors.com). In addition, Vazquez is a member of the Cal State Northridge Hall of Fame Committee, and Matador Mentors (advising students at CSUN).
Vazquez worked nearly 24 years as Media Relations Director (Athletics, 1983-2007) at Stanford University where he was a recipient of 20 press guide awards by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). Vazquez also served as co-SID.
While at Stanford University, Vazquez served as media coordinator at numerous NCAA National and Regional Tournaments as well as many Pac-12 Championships. Vazquez also served on Stanford's Hall of Fame Committee as well as the annual Academic Awards committee.
“Working at UCSB, Stanford and CSUN have been great experiences,” said Vazquez, who plans on moving to San Diego. “I have been blessed to work at three outstanding universities, and to have the opportunity to work with ?young people'. They certainly have kept me ?young at heart'. And to all my SID
colleagues who have been my friends all these years … thank you.”
Vazquez, who received a CoSIDA 25-year Award in 2003, spent six years (1977-83) as Sports Information Director at UC Santa Barbara. Prior to UCSB, he held various positions in the broadcasting industry (KFMB-TV, KSDO Radio, KPBS-FM Radio) in San Diego. He also worked for United Press International.
Vazquez is a member of CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America), and the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). He is also a member of the Special Awards Committee (CoSIDA). Vazquez also is a member of the San Diego State Alumni Association.
Vazquez is also a member of the public relations staff with the NCAA's Accelerating Academic Success Program at Cal State Northridge. Vazquez also is a member of "Campus Communicators" at CSUN, an informal group of more than 50 colleagues representing all divisions of the University to help build consistent and cohesive messaging, and collaborating on social media applications, branding, and web communications, among other initiatives.
Vazquez, who worked as a public relations assistant at the 1984 Summer Olympics, is a 1972 graduate of San Diego State University with a B.S. Degree in radio/television journalism.
“Thanks for all your friendship and collaboration over the years,” said Tim Tessalone, USC sports information director. “You are pro's pro … and thanks for all you have done for the sports info industry.”
Vazquez says his “retirement bucket list” grows daily.
“Wishing you the best,” said Dr. Dianne Harrison, CSUN University President. “Your (retirement) plans sound great.”
Bobby V's list includes …
1. Snorkel, scuba dive, and parasail in Maui.
2. Learn a second language – Hola
3. Learn how to cook.
4. Eat at all the restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-In's and Dives
5. Buy a seat atop the green wall to watch a Red Sox game.
6. Learn a musical instrument – piano.
7. Sleep and exercise – mostly sleep
8. Read all those novels and magazines which have been sitting around my house for years.
9. Yoga, Yes Yoga !!!
10. Throw a fish at the Public Market in Seattle.
11. Attend U2, Sarah Evans, Jason Aldean, Zac Brown Band concerts.
12. Travel back to Slovenia, Austria, Italy and England.
13. Attend my first World Series game.
14. Attend a Broadway show in New York City.
15. Attend a Knicks or Rangers game at Madison Square Garden.
16. A snowy Christmas in New York City
17. Etc. …
“Congratulations on your impending retirement,” said Mike Villamor, Assistant Commissioner/External Affairs of the Big West Conference. “You've worked hard and done an incredible job, and you deserve to enjoy life without any obligations. I hope you get to fulfill every single item on that bucket list, and then some.”
“You are a true pro. All the best” – Andy Katz, ESPN.