Mike and Paula Aja met in 1968 on a longer-than-usual college winter break trip to Guaymas in Sonora, Mexico. Sonoma State College, as it was known at the time, was on an unprecedented 50-day break while the new Reuben Salazar building was being built to house the library which was outgrowing its first home on the second floor of Stevenson Hall. They got around in a ‘55 Chevy, requiring someone in the back seat to physically hold the top down, and their first date was watching the Spanish version of the film about the 1917 Bolshevik coup in Russia, Revolución de Octubre.

Paula graduated with a BA in English and received an elementary teaching credential in January 1971, and Mike graduated with a Political Science degree in June of the same year. Both went on to enjoy successful teaching careers in elementary school.

During his time as a teacher in Petaluma’s Old Adobe School District, Mike fondly remembers bringing his 3rd and 4th grade classes to Sonoma State’s Fairfield Osborn Preserve and Bouverie Preserve. He later became a principal in the school district, and after serving as principal, Mike finished his career back in the classroom at Bernard Eldredge School.

Paula, who went into teaching because of a second grade teacher she hated (no need to name names), and a third grade teacher she loved, Ruth Wetzel, started teaching at the school she attended as a student, El Verano in Sonoma. She taught Kindergarten, 3rd/4th split, 4th, and 4th/5th split grade classes across 37 years. Paula initiated the 4th grade field trips to gold country and living history activities in order to share with the local Rotary clubs who were underwriting the trips.

Since retiring, the Aja’s have stayed active members in their community. Mike has been active in the local California Teacher’s Association Chapter, NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics), while Paula is involved in the California Reading Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, Girl Scouts, and Gateway Reading Association.

Early on, these two newly married Sonoma State alumni and elementary school teachers knew they needed a financial plan to raise and educate their three children (Katie, Martha, and Andrew)–two of whom are also teachers in Petaluma where they now live, and one who is an SSU alumnus.

One of the first investments they made was a modest $150 in 1972 in mutual funds. That fund, now worth $15,000 today, is being given to advance Sonoma State’s Center for Environmental Inquiry and the Green Music Center.

When asked why they are giving the gift, Paula responded: “Faith. Faith in the programs that are doing something good, and we want to make them sustainable and better.” Mike added: “They are deserving of support. The first thing to get cut is always the art program. And science because the planet needs young people coming up to be informed and invested in solutions.”

Sonoma State University and the Green Music Center are grateful to Mike and Paula Aja for their generous gift and for supporting their belief in the arts, sciences, and education.

You can join Mike and Paula! Learn about the benefits from making a gift and the different ways to give to the Green Music Center OR contact Kris Berger at bergerk@sonoma.edu or 707-664-3814.