$5 million NIL donation Aztecs San Diego State alum Blenders

Blenders Eyewear founder Chase Fisher is a proud San Diego State alum. In fact, he believes the university is a vital part of his success.

“This school is what built me. This is what built the man I am today,” says Fisher from Blenders HQ in Pacific Beach. “It taught me (how to handle) adversity, accountability, it taught me how to get back up when nobody’s watching. I learned how to build my confidence outside the classroom. That's where I really shine.”

Those lessons helped him go from surf coach to C.E.O of a company that does nearly $25 million a year in revenue. Blenders has already provided $300,000 in Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) funding to SDSU and produces Aztec-branded shades. But Fisher wants to do more.

“I feel like the Aztec gods are calling me to the table,” says Fisher.