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Associated Students Staff Newsletter

Associated Students Mar '26

History, Happenings and Chili Heat

Director’s Message: Michelle Zamora

Greetings A.S. Family,

March is here, and with it comes the promise of spring! After the harsh San Diego winter, my family and I always look forward to the changes this season brings — warmer temperatures, longer days and more opportunities to get outside and enjoy our beautiful city. We especially love seeing San Diego turn green and lush after the winter rains.

Spring is also a meaningful time to reflect on growth at the Children’s Center. It is truly a gift to witness how much our children develop over the course of the academic year. By springtime, the children are communicating far beyond where they were just six months ago. Our students and staff are growing as well, continuing to develop professionally and bloom into their roles as educators.

Spring also marks the exciting preparation for our annual fundraiser, A is for Art. Since last semester, children and teachers have been studying inspiring artists and working together to create artwork that will be auctioned at the event. A is for Art celebrates the creativity of young children and highlights the importance of the arts in early childhood. This year’s event will feature a live auction of 11 canvases.

A is for Art will take place on April 25 at 6 p.m. in Montezuma Hall. We hope you can join us for this special evening!

Warm regards,

Michelle Zamora
Director, SDSU Children’s Center

Michelle and her family enjoying a day together at the beach.

Celebrating Heritage & History Months

In March, we proudly recognize Women’s History Month, Jewish Heritage Month and Disability Celebration Month.

Womens History Month

Women’s History Month honors the struggle for women’s rights and the ongoing pursuit of intersectional gender justice. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. By 1986, 14 states had expanded the celebration to the entire month. In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, officially designating March as Women’s History Month to honor women’s vital contributions to American history.

Stay updated with information on upcoming events by visiting the Women’s Resource Center event webpage.

Jewish History Month

Jewish American History at San Diego State University is an annual celebration of past, present and future achievements of Jewish people to the country's history, culture and society. SDSU honors this heritage month in March, though it is nationally recognized in the month of May. The SDSU Center for Intercultural Relations, in collaboration with student organizations and community partners, plan educational and celebratory programming and invite faculty, staff and students to participate in the annual series of events.

More information about programs and events is available on the Center for Intercultural Relations webpage.

Disability Celebration Month

Disability Celebration Month is commemorated through a series of community events highlighting the history and resilience of the disability rights movement. While disability organizations date back to the 1800s, the movement saw transformative growth in the late 20th century. Years of advocacy culminated in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 — landmark civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and continues to shape the community today.

Additional details about upcoming activities can be accessed online on the Student Disability Services webpage.

All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in celebrating and participating in history month events are welcome. Learn more by reading SDSU's Affirming Equal Opportunity statement.

Hands forming a heart shape.

GreenFest & A.S. Elections

March is full of energy as we are celebrating sustainability, diversity and SDSU pride and electing A.S.’ new leaders.

GreenFest is here! GreenFest is A.S.’ annual, week-long celebration of sustainability, diversity and SDSU pride. Discover all of the exciting events happening through the rest of this week:

Good Neighbor Clean Up

Good Neighbor Clean Up
Sunday, March 1
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

Help beautify the college area while earning two hours of community service. Enjoy free donuts and connect with fellow students making a positive impact. RSVP for the cleanup here.


Sustainapalooza

Sustainapalooza
Monday, March 2
6-8 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

Explore eco-friendly practices alongside your peers while enjoying food, activities and a lively campus atmosphere. Bring your own bowl or cup, or grab a reusable mug provided at the event.


Cooking With Chefs: Seasonal & Sustainable

Cooking With Chefs: Seasonal & Sustainable
Tuesday, March 3
3-4 p.m.
Montezuma Hall

Participate in a hands-on cooking experience or stop by to learn about sustainable food practices. Enjoy free, locally sourced, seasonal dishes featuring plant-based and gluten-free options, plus education on campus gardens and composting.


The Business of Being Green

The Business of Being Green
Tuesday, March 3
6-7 p.m.
Montezuma Hall

Discover how sustainability shows up in real-world careers during this dynamic panel featuring professionals who are making an impact through green business practices.


Green Lunch Bag Series: Conscious & Connected

Green Lunch Bag Series: Conscious & Connected
Wednesday, March 4
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Scripps Cottage

Join Maggie Steele for an engaging workshop exploring Indigenous wisdom around the Earth, interconnected life and wellness through cultural stories and Native American teachings.


TOTE-ally Green

TOTE-ally Green
Wednesday, March 4
3-5 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

Get creative while celebrating sustainability. Learn about eco-friendly habits and reusable solutions as you design your own tote and discover practical ways to live greener.


Roots & Remedies

Roots & Remedies
Thursday, March 5
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

Explore cultural traditions through live performances while learning about herbal remedies, mini herb gardens and sustainable practices that connect wellness, nature and cultural celebration.


Full Court Spring

Full Court Spring
Friday, March 6
1-3 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

Wrap up the week with games and interactive activities while cheering on the GreenFest Relay Race, celebrating the Spirit Competition winner and getting excited for the upcoming basketball game.


Concert Kick Off

Concert Kick Off
Saturday, March 7
6-7 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

Start the night with live music and high energy as the campus gears up for the GreenFest Concert.


GreenFest Concert

GreenFest Concert
Saturday, March 7
7 p.m.
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

GreenFest is thrilled to present YG as this year's headliner, with SDSU student bands, Silverbullet and KICKBACK, starting off the night.

  • Student Tickets $10: Currently enrolled SDSU students can now purchase one $10 ticket to the GreenFest Concert with a valid SDSU student email.
  • Guest Tickets $25: Currently enrolled students may also purchase one $25 guest ticket during the claim process, while supplies last. Guest tickets must be purchased at the same time as the student ticket, as students will not have the ability to go back and purchase a guest ticket after the transaction for their student ticket is completed.

Buy your ticket now!


After a week of GreenFest fun, it’s time to elect next year’s student leaders. Starting on Monday, March 23, voting will take place on the A.S. Elections website through March 26 at 7 p.m. Stay civically engaged and get involved through the following ways:

Executive Officer Candidate Debates

Executive Officer Candidate Debates
Monday, March 16 through Thursday, March 19
12-1 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

Hear from the Associated Students executive officer candidates in a debate moderated by The Daily Aztec.


Vote in the A.S. General Elections

Vote in the A.S. General Elections
Monday, March 23 through Thursday, March 26
A.S. Elections Website

Make your impact and vote for the 2026-27 A.S. student leaders.


Vote-a-Pollooza

Vote-a-Pollooza
Monday, March 23 and Thursday, March 26
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

Vote in person for the A.S. Elections & enjoy free food!


A.S. Elections Results Announcement

A.S. Elections Results Announcement
Thursday, March 26
9 p.m.
Student Union Courtyard

Find out who your 2025-26 A.S. student leaders are! Light refreshments will be provided.

Make your voice heard and be part of SDSU’s future!

Three women holding up Vote-a-palooza flyers.

Madness at Viejas: How Well Do You Know SDSU Basketball?

This year, A.S.’ very own Viejas Arena is hosting the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, bringing one of the most exciting events in college sports right to the heart of SDSU. To prepare for the madness of the upcoming tournament, how well do you know all things SDSU basketball and March Madness? Test your knowledge with some questions below:

  1. What is the official seating capacity of Viejas Arena for basketball?

    1. 11,892
    2. 12,067
    3. 12,414
    4. 13,002
  2. Which team has won the most NCAA men’s basketball championships?

    1. Kentucky
    2. North Carolina
    3. Duke
    4. UCLA Bruins
  3. How many teams compete in the main NCAA men’s tournament bracket (not counting the First Four)?

    1. 64
    2. 65
    3. 68
    4. 72
  4. Which Iowa star broke major NCAA scoring records during the 2023–24 season, boosting national interest in the tournament?

    1. Aliyah Boston
    2. Paige Bueckers
    3. Caitlin Clark
    4. Angel Reese
  5. In what year did SDSU women’s basketball first appear in the NCAA Tournament?

    1. 1982
    2. 1994
    3. 2010
    4. 2012
  6. What was the arena’s original name before it became Viejas Arena?

    1. Aztec Pavilion
    2. Cox Arena
    3. San Diego Coliseum
    4. Montezuma Dome
  7. Which artists have performed at Viejas Arena?

    1. Beyonce
    2. Cher
    3. Britney Spears
    4. All of the above
  8. How many times has Viejas Arena hosted the NCAA March Madness Tournament?

    1. 4
    2. 5
    3. 6
    4. 7
  9. SDSU’s women’s basketball program moved to Division I in which year?

    1. 1984
    2. 1976
    3. 1998
    4. 2005
  10. What is the probability of filling out a perfect NCAA men’s tournament bracket (without any knowledge)?

    1. 1 in 9.2 quintillion
    2. 1 in 2.4 billion
    3. 1 in 500 million
    4. 1 in 64 million
Answer Key
  • C. 12,414
  • D. UCLA Bruins
  • C. 68
  • C. Caitlin Clark
  • A. 1982
  • B. Cox Arena
  • D. All of the above
  • D. 7
  • B. 1976
  • A. 1 in 9.2 quintillion

Students, be on the lookout in your student email for how you can claim free tickets to SDSU’s final appearance at the Mountain West Conference tournament before they move to the Pac-12 next year. And, catch this season’s final home game at Viejas Arena! Ticket information can be found at goaztecs.com.

SDSU Men’s Basketball vs. UNLV
Friday, March 6
7 p.m.

Go SDSU!

Students watching an Aztecs Basketball game.

McCarron Exemplary Service Endowed Scholarship

Starting Monday March 9, A.S. student employees can begin applying to the McCarron Exemplary Service Endowed Scholarship! The McCarron Exemplary Service Endowed Scholarship is a $1,500 scholarship awarded to the A.S. student employee who best exemplifies the service ideals of A.S. through exceptional performance and is a contributing member of the SDSU community. Established in 2014, this scholarship is a generous annual gift from Tom & Virginia McCarron that is awarded in the spring semester each year.

All applicants must answer this specific essay prompt:

Submit a 500-word essay describing how your employment at A.S. has contributed to your personal success as an SDSU student and helped you to make an impact on the SDSU campus/community.

If you meet the qualifications, we highly encourage you to apply via Aztec Scholarships by Friday, April 10.

McCarron Exemplary Service Endowed Scholarship Application

A graduate holding a piggy bank and a graduation cap.

A.S. Chili Cook Off Recap

Nine teams brought the heat to this year’s Chili Cook Off, making it one of our most exciting competitions yet! Showcasing their creativity, teamwork and, of course, delicious chili, each team competed to win one of four awards. Thank you to everyone who came to the Chili Cook Off and congratulations to our winning teams:

Chef’s Choice: Really Good Chili (Aztec Recreation — Aquaplex)

Audrie Monette, Danielle Larsen and Kaeden Escarcega

Left to right: Audrie Monette, Danielle Larsen and Kaeden Escarcega
Newcomers Really Good Chili immediately impressed the chefs, winning Chefs Choice in their first year of competition.

People's Choice: Elote en la Arena (Viejas Arena)

June Barreras, Reilly Bosworth and Kyle Morita

Left to right: June Barreras, Reilly Bosworth, Brian Levett
The Viejas Arena team with Chili Cook Off emcee, Brian Levett, won people’s choice for the second year in a row.

Most Creative Display: Club Chili (Business Services — Graphics & Marketing)

Eric Moreno, Raquel Herriott, Lyubov Horne, Austin Huynh, Jose Delgado and Olivia Li

Left to right: Eric Moreno, Raquel Herriott, Lyubov Horne, Austin Huynh, Jose Delgado, and Olivia Li
The graphics and marketing team brought the club to the Chili Cook Off with a DJ, red carpet and glow sticks.

Rookies of the Year: She-Suite & Spicy (Government Affairs)

Milan Rawls, Kareen Holstrom, Abby McLachlan and Aliza Siddiqui

Left to right: Milan Rawls, Kareen Holstrom, Abby McLachlan, and Aliza Siddiqui
The A.S. Executive Officers brought their success from the A.S. Elections into the Chili Cook Off.

See you at next year’s Chili Cook Off!

15 Questions

Brielle Roesch

  1. What is your name, job title and major?

    My name is Brielle Roesch, and I work as the Internal Program Assistant for the SDSU Adapted Athletics program. I graduated from CSU, Chico with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology.

  2. Which A.S. department do you work in? Describe your job in 25 words or less.

    I work at Aztec Recreation in the Adapted Athletics program. I facilitate communication and scheduling for our staff and athletes, as well as contribute to the financial components of the program.

  3. How long have you worked for A.S.?

    I have worked for A.S. for 10 months.

  4. Is your favorite part of working for A.S.?

    I really enjoy the community that has come with working for A.S.

  5. Do you like to cook and what is your specialty?

    I do like to cook and bake! I’m most known for my chicken tortilla soup and banana bread.

  6. What does your perfect burger have on it?

    My perfect burger has cheese, lettuce, raw onion, tomatoes, ketchup and mustard on it.

  7. Do you collect anything? What do you collect and why?

    I collect fortune cookie fortunes! I was told that the opposite happens if you throw out your fortune so I keep them in my phone case so that they don’t get lost.

  8. What’s the best concert you’ve been to and why was it so good?

    I went to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Santa Clarita in the Levi’s Stadium! It was really great to be able to see all the songs I’ve loved growing up as well as connect with everyone there for their love of the music. It was also a great visual experience!

  9. “Most people don’t know that I like to…”

    go car-camping and hiking.

  10. If you had to sing karaoke right now, which song would you pick? And why?

    I would pick Super Trouper by ABBA for karaoke. All of their songs are great sing-a-longs and that one specifically is sure to be a crowd favorite.

  11. What is your favorite book? And why?

    I don’t have a favorite book but I just finished I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacequeline Harpman. It was very interesting and was such a unique concept that it stuck with me after finishing it.

  12. What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or thumbs down?

    The last movie that I watched was People We Meet on Vacation and it was definitely a thumbs up!

  13. If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it?

    If I had one free hour each day, I would sit in the sun and read a book.

  14. Would you rather speak all languages or be able to talk with animals? And why?

    I would rather speak all languages because I like to travel and it would be really nice to converse fluently with anyone I come across.

  15. You have your own late-night talk show, who would you invite as your first guest?

    I would invite my sister as my first guest on my own late-night talk show. She’s super funny, and I think it would help the audience get a better picture of me as a person.

Brielle sitting in a ruined wall.