1936 aerial view of San Diego State. It is the oldest and largest higher education institution in San Diego. Founded March 13, 1897, it began as San Diego Normal School, a training facility for elementary school teachers. In 1921, Normal School became San Diego State Teachers College, a four-year public institution. In February 1931, students, faculty and staff moved into seven Mission-style buildings surrounding a common area still known as the Main Quad. (Photo by Erickson)