August 2025 - A.S. Staff Newsletter

Meet the 2025-26 A.S. Executive Officers

For the first time in A.S. history, A.S. will be led by an all-female A.S. Executive Officer team! From encouraging students to register to vote, fighting food insecurity or addressing safety concerns, these five leaders are committed to making sure every student voice is heard. Read below to get to know the A.S. 2025-26 Executive Officers and for more information, visit the A.S. Leadership page.

Kareen Holstrom

What is your name, title, year and major?

Kareen Holstrom, A.S. President, incoming senior and Industrial Organizational Psychology major with a Leadership minor.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

My trajectory through A.S. and my other campus involvements pushed me to be an advocate for students, reaffirm shared governance in all spaces where decisions are being made and create unique initiatives to support students and amplify their personal and professional development here at SDSU.
“Most people don't know that I like to…

…create! I love to write handwritten letters, draw pictures and scrapbook.”
Three words I would use to describe myself are…

Compassionate, creative and personable.
What is your go-to food spot on campus and why?

The Habit for its chicken Caesar salad or Eureka for its grilled chicken nachos — the best on campus!

Milan Rawls

What is your name, title, year and major?

Milan Rawls, Executive Vice President, Third Year, Business Management major and Liberal Studies major with an emphasis in Elementary Education.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

I ran for Executive Vice President so I could help translate student voices to action. I aim to properly represent the visions of students — accounting for their needs and executing change appropriately.
“Most people don't know that I like to…

…eat chocolate for all meals of the day.”
Three words I would use to describe myself are…

Expressive, chatty and ambitious.
What is your go-to food spot on campus and why?

My go-to food spot on campus is Rubio's or Starbucks!

Abby McLachlan

What is your name, title, year and major?

My name is Abby McLachlan, I am an incoming senior double majoring in Political Science and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and I am the Vice President of External Relations.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

I am passionate about legislative advocacy and ensuring that students' voices are effectively represented off campus!
“Most people don't know that I like to…

…read! I read every single morning and finished over 45 books last year!”
Three words I would use to describe myself are…

Energetic, enthusiastic and empathetic.
What is your go-to food spot on campus and why?

The Market, because I believe that potato chips and a yerba mate are an ideal meal.

Aliza Siddiqui

What is your name, title, year and major?

Hello! My name is Aliza Sidiqui, I am this year's Vice President of Financial Affairs, from India, and majoring in Computer Engineering.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

I decided to run because I care deeply about making financial resources more accessible and understandable for students. As someone who’s benefitted from A.S. programs and resources, I wanted to give back by helping others navigate budgeting, funding opportunities and long-term financial literacy. I also wanted to make campaigns like Aztecs Rock Hunger more collaborative, impactful and inclusive all while helping students from marginalized communities feel empowered, supported and seen in spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented.
“Most people don't know that I like to…

…go to escape rooms, read murder mystery novels or watch Love Island.”
Three words I would use to describe myself are…

Passionate, persistent and patient.
What is your go-to food spot on campus and why?

Shake Smart because I like grabbing a PB Squared smoothie after my hot yoga class at the ARC.

Nadia Gallarzo

What is your name, title, year and major?

Hi! My name is Nadia Gallarzo, and I’m the Vice President of University Affairs and a 4th-year International Security and Conflict Resolution (ISCOR) major.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

I ran because I genuinely care about making SDSU better for students. I want to make sure students actually feel heard. I’ve seen how much potential our school has, and I wanted to be part of the work to unlock that.
“Most people don't know that I like to…

…watch as many sunsets as I can.”
Three words I would use to describe myself are…

Driven, thoughtful and adaptable.
What is your go-to food spot on campus and why?

Starbucks because it has everything I could want in one stop: a snack, a meal or a drink, and it’s always quick and easy. Even though I’m not a big coffee girl, it never lets me down.

National Sisters Day

by Christina Goergen, Aztec Recreation Marketing Coordinator

Aug. 3 marks National Sister Day, an annual occasion dedicated to celebrating the unique and special bond between sisters. It's a day to acknowledge the love, support, friendship, and shared memories that sisters often provide to each other throughout their lives. This includes biological sisters, stepsisters, half-sisters or even close friends who feel like sisters. It's a reminder to appreciate these important relationships and to take the time to connect.

A.S. is highlighting two sisters, Deanne and Dawn, whose professional journeys have both led them to the organization.

Deanne began her journey with A.S. in 2004, stepping into the role of Viejas Arena Office Supervisor. Through dedication and growth, she now serves as the Viejas Arena Finance Manager, a testament to her long-standing commitment within the organization.

Dawn's path to A.S. began in 2013, when she took on an interim role at the Aztec Recreation Center (ARC). After being in her role for several months, her position became permanent. She recalls being unsure how long the opportunity would last, and has now been with Aztec Recreation for 12 years. Before her current role, Dawn even assisted on occasion in the Viejas Arena box office, selling tickets.

For both Deanne and Dawn, one of the most rewarding aspects of working on campus together is the ability to support each other. While their professional projects do not usually overlap, the underlying foundation of their shared work ethic and understanding allows them to be there for one another. They particularly enjoy working with students, finding it incredibly rewarding to witness their journey from first-year students to graduates.

"We could do this job anywhere, but being on campus makes it so much better," Dawn said. They credit A.S.’ strong leadership for fostering an environment where they constantly learn and strive to do well, energized by the youthful campus atmosphere.

Outside of their professional lives, the sisters are inseparable. "We do everything together," Dawn said. From regular family dinners to shared vacations, their bond extends far beyond office hours. Both have sons who are "like brothers," further intertwining their families. For 14 years, they even lived just down the street from each other, making daily walks back and forth a common occurrence.

Despite their close personal relationship, working on campus doesn't mean constant interaction. They appreciate the independence their separate roles provide, especially given how much time they spend together outside of work. This unique balance allows them to maintain a strong professional identity while still having the inherent support of a sibling just a few buildings away. They especially enjoy A.S. gatherings and have countless shared memories. But beyond the day-to-day of their careers, their sisterhood remains paramount.

My A.S. Journey: From Journalism to Risk Management

by Raven Tyson, Associate Director of Business Operations

To say that my career path has been unconventional is an understatement. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a journalist and envisioned myself becoming the print version of Christiane Amanpour, a CNN journalist and television host. I wrote for my high school newspaper, serving as editor in chief my senior year, and also wrote for my hometown newspaper.

I remember my first week at SDSU and seeing an ad in The Daily Aztec for staff writers. Needless to say, I was hired. During my time there, I was a staff writer, assistant news editor, news editor, managing editor and finally, the editor in chief my senior year.

At The Daily Aztec, I interviewed students the day of Sept. 11, 2001, covered numerous Aztec Center referendums and reported on the A.S. leaders’ “vote of no confidence” in the then-Provost. My primary beat was covering A.S., specifically A.S. council meetings, so it was through my time at The Daily Aztec that I learned about our student-directed organization.

Before graduation, I was lucky enough to have a managing editor job lined up. Unfortunately, it was not the dream job I had hoped for – and neither was my next managing editor role. The role quickly went from writing and editing to managing the accounting books and payroll. Needing a break from journalism, with the intention of returning to the field within a year or two, I saw a job opportunity as the Business Office Supervisor at Associated Students. I remembered working with the A.S. staff during my Daily Aztec days and decided to apply. I remember being so nervous but then excited to see so many familiar faces during the interview process.

I remember my first day of work: Aug. 27, 2007. I was so sick but refused to stay home because I didn’t want to make a bad impression by rescheduling. In the former Aztec Center, Government Affairs and Business Services were in separate offices, each with their own office supervisor. Janice Dils was the Government Affairs office supervisor then and was such an amazing resource of knowledge and friendship as I learned my job. As the office supervisor, I enjoyed working with amazing students who worked at the front desk. Their positivity made every day fun to come to work.

Over the last nearly 18 years, my role within A.S. has evolved based on the knowledge and skills I’ve learned, the mentorships I have received and the needs of A.S. I am a naturally curious person and have taken every opportunity to learn more about the business side of A.S. My role expanded to include workers’ compensation, contracts and insurance management, compliance and benefits. I have been lucky enough to work alongside so many talented and knowledgeable individuals. When I’m asked why I have stayed so long, I honestly answer it is because of the people. In my role, I get to interact with every department. Every day is different – from reviewing a construction contract to writing a job description or even answering questions about benefits.

While I don’t write articles anymore, I joke that I still use my writing skills but in the form of policies and contracts. What started as a break from my journalism dream, has become a career I love.

Strike Up Some Fun this National Bowling Day!

In celebration of National Bowling Day on Aug. 9, we’re spotlighting Aztec Lanes, a premier destination located inside the Student Union.

Aztec Lanes reopened in 2014 as part of the Aztec Student Union’s transformation from the former Aztec Center, bringing bowling back to campus in a vibrant, modern space with improved access from the basement to the first floor! With 12 bowling lanes, billiards, table tennis, air hockey, video game consoles and comfortable lounge seating, it quickly became a favorite for students, campus departments and the community.

This past year, Aztec Lanes received exciting upgrades. The bowlers’ area now features new furniture and updated flooring for a sleeker, cleaner and more welcoming atmosphere. These changes have elevated the guest experience while preserving the laid-back, social vibe that makes the Lanes so special.

All summer long, Aztec Lanes offers Kids Bowl Free^*, a national program that gives registered children ages 12 and under, two free games of bowling each day. It’s been a hit with local families and a great way to connect the community to campus.

Whether it’s your first time picking up a ball or you’re a regular aiming for a perfect game, Aztec Lanes is a place to relax, have fun and feel right at home while on-campus.

Come test your skills against some of our outstanding students and staff, many of whom have bowled their highest games right here at Aztec Lanes. We invite all A.S. staff to stop by, celebrate National Bowling Day, and check out all the exciting updates!

^*To register for Kids Bowl Free, visit azteclanes.sdsu.edu/kidsbowlfree.