Fighting Food Insecurity, Free Headshots and Five Stars!
Director’s Message
Tim Ripke
Greetings A.S. family!
We all blinked and somehow it is February 2024…how does this happen? Raising a teenager, I have come to understand and am often reminded that the years are short and the days are long. This is what makes appreciating time with family — be it work family, immediate family, extended family, faith family so important and special.
We are having another exciting year of basketball. The women are 14-8 and our men are 16-5. The crowds…the energy…the excitement…there is nothing like watching college basketball and especially college basketball at Viejas Arena. Let’s cheer the teams on to a strong finish and roll right into the NCAA tournament! You know, I think we could all get used to playing deep into the NCAA basketball tournament every year! No pressure…
We had a busy fall at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. This is the “off-season” for the OAT — too cold and wet for concerts. We will begin the 2024 season with the Greenfest concert on March 15. After that, we have 15 Live Nation concerts currently scheduled through June 2024.
In the arena, we have our mix of concerts, basketball games, commencement and volleyball? Yes, professional women’s volleyball! A.S. family, allow me to introduce you to the San Diego Mojo. Viejas Arena will host 12 games from February through May. The league currently consists of six other teams the Mojo will play twice in Viejas Arena. More teams are scheduled to join the league next year. We are excited to be the home court and part of the inaugural season. Go Mojo!
With winter break over, students returning and getting back into their routines, the campus springs back to life. It really is incredible to be part of this university experience where we live, learn, thrive and grow. It can be hectic and it can be fun. Enjoy it. I wish you all a wonderful spring 2024 semester.
Tim Ripke
Viejas Arena Director
PERSONAL NOTE:
Well, I mentioned my teenager. She is my only child, 16 and is now fully licensed. I love her dearly but you all are my A.S. family and I have to look out for you so…CLEAR THE ROAD…HERE SHE COMES!
Aztecs Rock Hunger Raises Over $95,000
Thank you to our A.S. family for helping us raise $95,690 for Aztecs Rock Hunger and bringing the total to over $920,000 raised since Aztecs Rock Hunger’s inception in 2010!
“I’m really proud of the amount we raised given the fact that we knew it was going to be a harder year because of inflation,” said A.S. Vice President of Financial Affairs Leo Peña. “Although we didn’t reach our goal of $100,000, we were only a few thousand away, and that’s not going to change how many students and community members we help.”
From Oct. 13 to Nov. 5, the university-wide campaign collected monetary donations to combat food and nutrition insecurity and support the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team, A.S. Food Pantry and The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
A record-breaking 25% of the amount raised was donated by SDSU students, showcasing students’ determination to support their peers and community with almost $13,000 raised by SDSU’s Greek Life community. A $1 donation provided two meals to those in need.
“This record-breaking amount definitely shows that students not only care about the betterment of students just like them but of the overall community they live in,” Peña said.
With the continued increase in the cost of living, the need to fight food and nutrition insecurity remains at an all-time high. In the past year, The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank served an average of 400,000 San Diegans every month and distributed 44 million pounds of food.
Of the over $95,000 raised, 20% of the monetary donations will stay on campus to benefit the SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), which helps bridge the gap in resources for students experiencing immediate food, housing or unforeseen financial crises that impact student success. During the 2022-23 academic year, ECRT assisted roughly 2,000 students.
“This issue hits close to home because more than 30% of America’s college students are struggling with food insecurity,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “Aztecs Rock Hunger highlights the amazing heart and generosity of our SDSU students, as well as the College Area Business District, SDSU Athletics, Aztec Shops, SDSU Alumni, the SDSU Basic Needs Center and all of our community and campus partners who helped to make this year another impactful success.”
In addition, the money raised will support the A.S. Food Pantry, which provides free, fresh and nutritious food to those in need three times a week. Last academic year, the A.S. Food Pantry distributed over 100,000 pounds of food to students in need.
Despite the three-week fundraising push ending, the fight to end food and nutrition insecurity continues. Those interested in supporting the cause can still donate via the SDSU Online Giving Portal.
“Thank you to everyone who donated their money and time,” Peña said. “Everyone’s support helps a lot of students and community members and programs like SDSU’s Economic Crisis and Response Team and the A.S. Food Pantry would not exist without donations to Aztecs Rock Hunger so thank you.”
Black History Month
This month, we celebrate Black History Month. Since 1976, Black History Month has been celebrated annually to honor and commemorate the lives of African Americans and the contributions they have made to our country. Read below as some of our A.S. part-time and full-time employees reflect on what Black History Month means to them:
_________
"For me, Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans in America. For generations, the success and achievements of African Americans had been downplayed and ignored. Black History Month is a time for us to truly recognize the remarkable accomplishments of black people in America stretching from music, art, politics, culture and so much more."
Melvin Ridley, A.S. Vice President of External Relations
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“Black History Month is a time to think back and be thankful for the different individuals in Black history, enjoying family and friends, thinking about how far we have come and understanding the job is not done.”
Richard Benson, Human Resources Technician
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"Black History Month means resilience and success. Black history goes back way further than where U.S. history textbooks start. Our people are descendants from kings and queens in Africa. Although many of our ancestors were brought to other countries not by choice and endured many hardships for centuries on foreign lands, they have made noticeable contributions in education, the medical field, politics and entertainment — not to mention many are inventors of several things that people use to this very day."
Satchel Ford, Student Organization Banking Assistant
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We invite our A.S. staff to attend campus events celebrating Black History Month, diversity and understanding. For more information, go to sacd.sdsu.edu/black-resource/black_history_month.
Free Headshots Offered in The Backdoor Studio
We are excited to announce that A.S. is now offering free, professional headshot sessions through A.S. Career Advantage!
A.S. full-time and part-time staff can now take headshots at The Backdoor Studio for use on LinkedIn, resumes and more every Tuesday and Friday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Walk-ins are available, but scheduling an appointment is recommended.
For more information on A.S. Career Advantage, go to as.sdsu.edu/careeradvantage.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Adapted Athletics
Annually on the first week of February, National Girls and Women in Sports Day is celebrated to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes and honor the progress and advocacy for women's equality in sports.
In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb. 7, we are highlighting the four SDSU Adapted Athletics female athletes.
SDSU Adapted Athletics is an integrative program under A.S. for athletes with physical disabilities providing high-caliber education, coaching and mentorship opportunities. The program is designed to support both students of SDSU and community members who are chasing their dreams as adaptive athletes at the elite and recreational levels. Adapted Athletics’ multidisciplinary approach combines strength and conditioning, competitive sports coaching, sports psychology, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, innovative research and community engagement to develop and prepare adaptive athletes for excellence in their personal, professional and athletic endeavors.
Athletes on the team train and compete in Para track and field, wheelchair tennis, Para surfing, Para swimming and Para powerlifting at the local, national and international levels including members of Team USA.
Meet the four SDSU female Adapted Athletes: Michelle Cross, Jackie Heath, Aubrey Jumper and Nelya Schasfoort!
Michelle Cross
- Sport: Paralympics Track and Field
- Major: Masters Program in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Greatest accomplishment: I was selected to be on Team USA’s Para Pan American team twice. I was also named Player of the Year for USA’s CP Soccer Team.
- Fun fact: I was born on a leap year — my birthday is Feb. 29.
Jackie Heath
- Sport: Para Track and Field
- Major: Communications
- Greatest Accomplishment: Ranking # 1 in the International Paralympic Committee’s rankings for F37 javelin.
- Fun Fact: I’m also in a sorority.
Aubrey Jumper
- Sport: Para Track and Field
- Major: Film Production
- Greatest accomplishment: Making Team USA 2023 for my long jump performance.
- Fun fact: I have skydived.
Nelya Schasfoort
- Sport: Para Swimming
- Major: International Security and Culture in Conflict Resolution
- Greatest accomplishment: Winning a silver medal at the Para Pan American Games in Toronto for the 50m butterfly with one arm!
- Fun fact: I can swim an entire 50m underwater in a single breath (that’s an entire lap down and back without breathing).
_________
And mark on your calendar the following Adapted Athletics events:
Roll 'Round to See: PT for You and Me
Friday, March 8, 2024
Location: SDSU
Time: 1-3:30 p.m.
Adapted Athletics is teaming up with Adapted Sports Physical Therapy (ASPT) to celebrate Disability Awareness Month with a field day of adaptive games and sports. Open to all members of the SDSU community to come out and experience!
The 45th Annual Aztec Invitational
March 21-23, 2024
Location: SDSU Sports Deck
Join our track and field team on campus for the 45th Aztec Invitational! Spectators will experience an exciting day of competition including Division 1 and adaptive athletes from across the West coast, including members of Team USA.
The Paralympic Games 2024
Aug. 28-Sept. 8, 2024
Paris, France
The Paralympic Games are more than just a sporting event — it offers a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on sport and disability, inspire individuals, bring about social change and promote inclusive professional and sports opportunities for people with disabilities. Watch the world’s best Para athletes compete, live online!
_________
Follow SDSU Adapted Athletics on Instagram to learn more about check out the latest events and if you are interested in joining the Adapted Athletics team or volunteering, fill out the interest form or send an email to arc.adaptedathletics@sdsu.edu.
Five Stars!
A.S. Book Club
After a very interesting and lively discussion about the book “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, it received the Club’s first ever unanimous 5-star rating!
“Lessons in Chemistry” is filled with quirky characters, test tubes and beakers, recipes, a day-time TV show, rowing, plot twists and turns and a dog named Six-Thirty. Definitely a must read for everyone! And it is currently a hit limited series on Apple TV+ (but read the book first).
Here is what the A.S. Book Club is reading next…
February 8: “The Authenticity Project” by Pooley Clare
Julian Jessop, an eccentric, lonely artist believes that most people aren’t really honest with each other. But what if they were? And, so, he writes — in a plain, green journal — the truth about his own life and leaves it in his local café, with the following instructions: “Please feel free to chuck this in the recycling. Or you might decide to tell your own truth in these pages and pass my little book on…what happens next is up to you.
March 14: “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there.
_____________
To learn more about the A.S. Book Club, visit as.sdsu.edu/bookclub.
_____________
Join in on the fun every second Thursday of month at 4:30 p.m. in the Presidential Suite in the Student Union. Whether you read a printed book, listen to the audio version or read the eBook on your phone or tablet, join the Club for lively discussions. The Book Club is open to all A.S. full- and part-time employees. If you have any questions or would like to join the club, please contact Quentin at 42303 or email qskaggs@sdsu.edu.
Don’t want to purchase a book each month? The San Diego Public Library offers print books, eBooks and audiobooks for most titles. You just need a library card and it is free! The library also provides books through a free app, the Libby App by OverDrive.
New A.S. Employees
Brooke Howarth, MBAC Youth Programs & Events Supervisor
Hello everyone! My name is Brooke Howarth and I am the new Youth Programs and Events Supervisor at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center!
I grew up in Fresno, CA and moved down to San Diego in 2015 to start my first year at State! I always knew I needed to be close to the water. I got my Bachelor’s degree in biology here at SDSU with an emphasis in marine biology. I started working at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center as a Marine Science Instructor and fell in love with the facility and staff! I’m so excited to continue my time at MBAC.
Throughout my career, I have always found myself working with kids. I love how their minds work around solving problems, whether it’s how to use a microscope for the first time or getting a chance to finally stand up on a wakeboard! It makes my heart so happy that I can inspire the next generation of little scientists and foster a love for the ocean all in the same place.
In my free time, you can find me in the water in any way — surfing, paddleboarding, snorkeling and tide pooling!
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Adrian Macias Sanchez, Competitive Sports Supervisor
Hello, my name is Adrian Macias Sanchez, and I am excited to be the new Competitive Sports Supervisor for Aztec Recreation. I’m a California native originally from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. I have a Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis as a fitness specialist and I’m also a graduate from San Diego State!
During my time at San Diego State, I was highly involved on campus. My senior year, I served as the president for the Club Baseball team acting as a player and coach. I previously worked for Associated Students part-time with Aztec Recreation, serving as a Competitive Sports Lead and Member Services Representative. These positions helped me gain valuable skills and experience that I will continue to implement and share in my new role. Previously I have also worked as an Operations Assistant for a local Los Angeles restaurant chain and my most recent position was a personal trainer here in San Diego.
When I’m not working, I enjoy gaming, lifting weights and participating in recreational activities. I’m also an avid sports fan and enjoy watching and participating in baseball, football and basketball. I’m excited to be back and contribute to the growth of Associated Students!
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Feion Villodas, Government Affairs Director
Hello, my name is Feion Villodas and I am honored to assume the role of Government Affairs Director. A devoted SDSU alum, I earned my bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees from SDSU. Prior to joining Associated Students, I served as faculty in the SDSU/UCSD clinical psychology program. My experience also includes holding the positions of Executive Director of Graduate Life and Diversity, as well as Chair of the Professors of Equity.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I cherish spending quality time with my family — my husband, also an SDSU psychology professor and our three daughters. Embracing life to the fullest, I indulge in activities such as dancing, boxing and relishing good food.
I am thrilled to be a part of the A.S. family and am eager to cultivate relationships with all of you. I am committed to supporting Associated Students' vision of being a unifying and empowering student-directed organization. Let us work together to achieve the collective goals and aspirations of our vibrant community.
15 Questions
Reilly Bosworth
- What is your name and title?
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Reilly Bosworth, Viejas Arena Event Supervisor
- Which A.S. department do you work in?
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Viejas Arena. As the Event Supervisor, I help plan and coordinate fun and safe events at the Arena and Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. I work closely with hiring and training our student staff and am a point of contact for our contracted staff (security, LiveNation, interpreters, etc.)
- How long have you worked for A.S.?
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Two years in March!
- What do you like most about working for A.S.?
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The thing I like most about working for A.S. is the community it builds with the students. It is so fun to work with the students; they are constantly teaching me new things and keeping me young.
- What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
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I am not a huge movie person but I do love a good show to binge. If you have not seen “The Bear,” it is a must watch!
- Do you collect anything? What do you collect and why?
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I collect all of my old credentials from the concerts we host and keep them on display in my office. Some are hilarious and some are works of art.
- If you had to move to another country, which one would you choose?
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I would move to Italy because it is such a beautiful country with the best food in the world.
- What fictional family would you like to be a member of?
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A van der Woodsens from “Gossip Girl.” They lived such a wild life.
- What is your favorite book?
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“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. My mom used to read it to my little sister and I before bed. It still makes me smile every time I re-read it.
- What type of pets do you have and what are their names?
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My family has two dogs I like to think of as my own: Moose (Belgian Malinois) and Lola (yellow lab mix). I love those two so much.
- You have your own late night talk show, who do you invite as your first guest?
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I would invite my idol, Dave Grohl. Having been in Nirvana and starting Foo Fighters, the stories that man can tell are endless.
Reilly and her best friend, Cassidy, on the set of "Friends." - “Most people don’t know that I like to…
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…crochet and knit. I got really good at it over the COVID lockdown.”
- What does your perfect burger have on it?
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I am very picky, so just meat and a great sharp cheddar melted perfectly into it on a toasted bun.
- If you had to sing karaoke right now, which song would you pick?
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“Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie. 10/10 banger, will always get the crowd going.
- Would you rather speak all languages or be able to talk with animals?
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I would rather be able to speak with animals! I can always learn new languages and with technology, be able to find ways to communicate with people. It would be so cool to be able to communicate with animals and learn about the world from their perspective.
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