Please join the School of Music and Dance as it celebrates the retirement of Sandy Konar after 26 years at SDSU.

Her last day on campus is Sept. 16. The celebration will be held from 3 – 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 8, in the Faculty-Staff Club. The event is open to all SDSU faculty and staff.  

Serving as a central figure

As the school’s student coordinator, Konar was a central figure in the lives of all new music majors who passed through her door, providing student services, administrative support and lots of encouragement. She is also the first person in the school to greet faculty, staff and community members with a cheerful attitude and a smile.

As undergraduate advisor, Konar nurtured music and dance majors, being there for both their educational needs and personal concerns. She made sure that each student receives special attention to ensure a positive experience in the school.

Konar also serves as registrar of the Community Music School, which is affiliated with the SDSU Research Foundation. The CMS offers music programs of excellence and distinction for all ages taught by qualified educators.

Outstanding commitment and inspiration

Her service to the university includes committee membership for:

• Commencement
• PSFA Staff Awards
• Explore SDSU
• 100th anniversary of the SDSU

She also received an Outstanding Academic Advisor Award from the Office of the Provost in 1999, and the PSFA College Council’s award for “outstanding commitment and inspiration” to the school in 2011.

Konar’s strength lies in organizing functions and events for the School of Music and Dance, where she is fondly known as the “office caterer.” She has prepared receptions for the annual Honors Convocation, Soireé of Music and Dance, and the school’s recognition ceremony during commencement.

Konar is also passionate about supporting the school and was instrumental in orchestrating five themed Dinner Dances, which served as fundraisers. She also procured a $50,000 donation for operating funds for the opera theater program, a $100,000 endowment for the school and will continue her efforts for future donations.

Future plans

Future plans include spending more time with her husband, George, daughters Kristen and Kim, and her three grandchildren. Konar will also be actively involved in school organizations and church committees, and plans to travel and continue her hobbies of cooking, sewing and crafts.

“I have been blessed for 26 years to work with the best faculty, staff, students and co-workers at SDSU,” Konar said.

“I am grateful to my mentors who taught me so many new things. I will miss the time in the School of Music and Dance assisting students and making a difference in someone’s life. I will treasure the many friendships and hope that our paths cross in the future.”