Just as the GPA average of incoming San Diego State University students reaches its highest level ever (3.53), the California treasury has gone in the tank. Public colleges and universities face budget slashes that will reduce admissions and quality.

A region that has lured brains and innovators to make it golden now faces the likelihood of its first modern brain drain.

The effect on the future of the San Diego region is what SDSU President Stephen Weber is railing against. SDSU alumni – about 100,000 of them – live on in San Diego, many in prominent roles.

Weber says:

"Last year, San Diego State was forced to turn away about 10,000 students who were qualified for admission. With current budget cuts, this situation is likely to be far worse. SDSU (and UCSD as well) will not be able to import many of the most promising students and faculty. It can deprive this region of valuable intellectual capital that San Diego must have if it is to continue to prosper."

San Diego State alumni include Timothy Muris, chairman of the Federal Trade Commission; Ellen Ochoa, the first female Hispanic astronaut; the Hollywood producer Kathleen Kennedy; and Jim Sinegal, co-founder of Costco.

"And," Weber adds, "these 100,000 other alumni living in San Diego are powering San Diego business, government, arts, health care and education."