First, I want to say thank you. I am filled with deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead and represent a student-directed organization profoundly committed to fostering an environment of care and compassion for students. Every single one of you — whether you are leading a team, mentoring student staff or supporting behind the scenes — helps uplift students and further the mission of SDSU.
Now that the fall semester is in full swing and I settle into my final year before graduating, I have found myself reflecting on my three-year journey with A.S. From the beginning, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that A.S. staff has on the campus community, and I never imagined how deeply this organization would shape my college experience.
As one of the largest on-campus employers, with more than 1,000 student staff, A.S. is an organization that embodies our student-directed mission. Student staff are essential in supporting the day-to-day operations of all seven A.S. facilities and delivering amazing programs and services. It is truly an organization for students and upheld by students. I can recall what it was like working on campus between classes, grateful for every shift and supervisor who supported me with flexibility and understanding. I see that same approach here at A.S., where supervisors celebrate their team’s academic accomplishments, reminding them that school always comes first.
I am also constantly impressed and inspired by our professional staff who are role models and impact students’ lives every day. You lead with compassion and nurture students who are often navigating their very first jobs, so that they can thrive beyond the workplace. Your willingness to pour your passion, expertise and mentorship into the organization is what makes A.S. exceptional.
One of the main things that has kept me involved in A.S. is that there is a culture of continuous improvement. Feedback from students, who utilize the facilities and participate in programs, and suggestions from A.S. staff, especially student staff, are critical to helping the organization collectively better serve the entire SDSU community. The staff’s dedication to providing programs, services and facilities that support the SDSU community is a source of pride. I have learned so much from A.S. and hope to emulate these practices in any organization I work at in the future.
As employees of A.S., if you have feedback for A.S., please reach out to me, your supervisor or department director. You can also let us know how we are doing through the A.S. Your Voice Matters submission form. Please indicate that you are providing A.S. employee feedback.
When I am asked what makes A.S. so great, my answer is that it is truly the people. This organization achieves great things because of the hard work and dedication of each of you, and every staff member plays a vital role in the continuous improvement of what A.S. offers. Thank you for your commitment and continued belief that what we accomplish together matters. I look forward to all that we will achieve together this year.
With gratitude,
Kareen Holstrom
A.S. President
Filipinx American History Month
Filipinx American History Month (FAHM) is acknowledged at San Diego State University during the month of October to recognize the presence of Filipinos in the U.S. and celebrate the group’s heritage and culture. In 2009, Congress designated October as Filipinx History Month due to the earliest documented proof of Filipino presence in Oct. 1587 in Morro Bay, California.
The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Resource Center, along with various campus partners, will be hosting a series of events. Stay tuned for updates on events and more news by visiting APIDA’s programs and events calendar.
All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in celebrating and participating in Filipinx American History Month events are welcome. Learn more by reading SDSU's Affirming Equal Opportunity statement.
Halo-halo is a popular ice cream in the Philippines that you mix while eating. The name means 'mix-mix' in English.
This year, the campaign will have a strong emphasis on raising awareness of food and nutrition insecurity while fostering a culture of philanthropy, collaboration and giving back across SDSU.
In addition, ARH will also launch a new pirate theme with re-named events such as Pie-rates for a Purpose and Splash for a Cause, as well as new opportunities to connect with students through Friendsgiving with ARH and a Community Service Day. Numerous fundraisers in partnership with businesses from the College Area Business District will also be another way to engage with ARH.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:
Homecoming Spirit Fest & Aztecs Rock Hunger Kick Off
10/27
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Lee and Frank Goldberg Courtyard, Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Kick off Homecoming Week on Monday, October 27 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Homecoming Spirit Fest, where SDSU pride meets community impact! Celebrate the launch of Aztecs Rock Hunger, enjoy free food and performances, cheer on the announcement of the 10 Homecoming Royals and join in honoring 15 years of Aztecs Rock Hunger service with a special proclamation from the City of San Diego.
Splash for a Cause
10/29
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lee and Frank Goldberg Courtyard, Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Dunk Your Mate, Feed State! Help us fight food insecurity and take your turn at dunking someone in support of Aztecs Rock Hunger!
Pie-rates for Purpose
11/5
12-4 p.m.
Lee and Frank Goldberg Courtyard, Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Toss a pie, fill the pantry. Pie for a purpose in support of Aztecs Rock Hunger.
Friendsgiving with Aztecs Rock Hunger
11/12
6-8 p.m.
Lee and Frank Goldberg Courtyard, Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Where gratitude meets free food and great company. Come support Aztecs Rock Hunger with donations from Aztec Shops and businesses in the College Area Business District.
Community Service Day
11/15
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Lee and Frank Goldberg Courtyard, Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
In partnership with SDSU Alumni and the College Area Community Garden, come together to take care of the garden. Tasks may include composting, weeding, mulching, fruit tunnel maintenance and more that are accessible to all abilities. SDSU students can receive two hours of community service for this event.
Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming staff competition, and visit the Aztecs Rock Hunger website for more information on this year’s campaign!
Sustainability Upgrades, Improvements at SDSU are Focus of New Award
In conjunction with SDSU’s Facilities Services, A.S. was awarded more than $83,000 from CLEAResult’s Higher Education Efficiency Performance (HEEP) Program for its efforts in reducing campuswide energy consumption and promoting sustainability. Read below to learn more about the award A.S. received.
In recognition of the university’s efforts to reduce campuswide energy consumption and promote sustainability, San Diego State University’s Associated Students (A.S.) and Facilities Services (FS) were awarded more than $83,000 from CLEAResult’s Higher Education Efficiency Performance (HEEP) Program.
As part of the program, CLEAResult works with universities to analyze energy production and consumption practices and provides a tailored playbook with recommended short, mid and long-term projects to make campuses more eco-friendly. Universities are given incentive awards based on the savings created through the partnership.
The award, presented during a ceremony in front of the College of Arts and Letters building on Tuesday, will be split two ways, with about $60,000 going to Facilities Services and $23,000 going to A.S. The award will offset system upgrade costs and support future sustainability projects.
The CLEAResult team spent several days conducting “treasure hunts” on campus with A.S. and Facilities Services, as well as the SDSU Office of Energy and Sustainability (OE&S), to identify opportunities for high-value upgrades.
“Since SDSU enrolled in our HEEP program in fall 2023, they have been the model of what can happen when you combine engaged leadership and team members with focused efforts to save energy,” said Patrick Sippel, senior program manager at CLEAResult. “The Associated Students, Facilities Services and Office of Energy and Sustainability teams have been fantastic to work with, and the results speak for themselves. We look forward to continuing our support of the campus in the years to come.”
This partnership between SDSU Facilities Services and CLEAResult has delivered measurable results...
One example is in Facilities Services and CLEAResult’s assessment of SDSU’s chiller plants, which cool the air that is pushed through the vents of buildings throughout campus. With CLEAResult’s guidance, and OE&S acting as project managers, Facilities Services team members developed a smarter way to run cooling systems based on building occupancy. Smaller undertakings included fortifying insulation along hundreds of feet of pipe and refurbishing system components, like fans and dampers.
In simple terms, SDSU’s main chiller plant and two satellite chiller plants are cooling water more efficiently and using less energy to keep temperatures down. Similar upgrades were made to SDSU’s heating system, leading to decreased natural gas consumption and increased savings.
“This partnership between SDSU Facilities Services and CLEAResult has delivered measurable results: higher plant efficiency, reduced fuel and electricity use, lower peak demand costs, and reduced emissions—all while strengthening reliability and maximizing comfort,” Facilities Services chief engineer Ramez Elsalman said. “It’s a model of how collaboration can help universities operate smarter, cleaner, and more sustainably.”
Elsalman is eager to continue work on longer-term action items identified through the collaboration with CLEAResult, like adding chilled water booster pumping stations at Love Library and the Fowler Athletic Center, projects that are currently in the design phase.
In their collaboration with CLEAResult, A.S. focused on the Aztec Recreation Center (ARC), the campus community’s primary fitness center, which was expanded in 2018 from 78,000 sq. ft. to approximately 134,000 sq. ft. following a student body vote.
Included in the approved referendum was a goal to achieve Double Platinum LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for building design and construction, and operations and maintenance.
A.S.’s collaboration with CLEAResult brought additional experts into the fold to help further identify valuable improvements and modifications to push A.S. closer to its goal of net zero energy.
“This celebration is a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal,” A.S. President Kareen Holstrom said. “It represents our collective progress and serves as a powerful reminder that our efforts, no matter how small they seem, can lead to significant and meaningful change.”
The ARC’s heating and cooling setpoints were optimized to increase efficiency without sacrificing comfort, and lighting schedules were programmed to ensure that lights in and outside of the ARC weren’t on when they didn’t need to be. Over the last two years, AS has been able to reduce energy consumption at the ARC by over 30%, resulting in significant decreases in energy purchasing costs and energy production demand for the all-electric building.
Sustainability at SDSU
OE&S works with partners in the Office of Housing Administration and FS to manage composting programs for residential communities and offices on campus, and with the Metropolitan Transit System to offer discounted transit passes for students enrolled in at least six units. The university has also completed an update on the Climate Action Plan, which will be rolled out to the campus in fall 2025, with goals focused on achieving carbon neutrality, reducing water usage and waste, and growing sustainability awareness and literacy within the campus community.
Every spring, the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, in collaboration with Associated Students and the Office of Energy & Sustainability, hosts the SDSU Sustainability Summit. The summit brings together experts from a range of fields and provides the SDSU community with the resources, knowledge, and insights for making sustainable choices in everyday life.
A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom, speaking at the check presentation ceremony.
Beyond SDSU’s wide range of academic programs dedicated or related to sustainability and environmental health, as well as a sustainability major and minor, students can get involved with the Center for Regional Sustainability’s (CRS) the Sage Project, which provides students with the opportunity to engage in real-world, place-based, community-identified projects through their courses. CRS also connects students with volunteer, internship and employment opportunities on campus and in the community.
In August, for the second year in a row, SDSU earned a spot on The Princeton Review’s Top 50 Green Colleges list, further highlighting the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
A.S. staff and campus partners attending the CLEAResult check presentation
Improve Your Office Day
Every Oct. 4 is National Improve Your Office Day and a perfect chance to transform your workspace. It's more than just tidying up; it's about making your environment a more productive, inspiring and clutter-free place. By optimizing your office, you can boost your mood, improve focus and feel more organized. To help you get started, we've gathered three tips from A.S. full-time staff to help you transform your space today.
Adam McClanahan
Competitive Sports Coordinator
Working on a college campus, I’ve found that an office should reflect both your personality and the relationships you build with students and colleagues. For me, that means displaying my degrees from UCLA and Utah State, which remind me of both the investment I made in myself and the people who helped me get there.
I also showcase plenty of sports memorabilia — everything from Padres, Angels and SDSU bobbleheads to a disc golf basket, lacrosse helmet and even an SDSU Final Four ring. Travel souvenirs are another favorite, whether they’re magnets and keychains I’ve collected or thoughtful gifts from students and coworkers, like the ones Adrian Macias Sanchez has bought me from Mexico as a student and now he is a professional staff member. To round things out, I include fun personal touches like a Snorlax sitting in a Darth Vader teacup I got in Japan, my Disneyland Space Mountain mug and my Las Vegas Super Bowl chain. My best tip is to fill your office with items that make you happy, spark conversation and showcase who you are both inside and outside of work.
Dawn Dinardo
Aztec Recreation Office Coordinator
My office is like a second home to me, so I believe it should be a space that feels comfortable, inspiring and personal. One of my favorite things about my workspace is the natural light and the view of the trees outside. I find that connection to nature makes a big difference in my mood and productivity.
To make my office even better, I love being able to bring in more plants. They add life, color and even help purify the air. I also enjoy decorating for each holiday — it keeps the space fun and festive throughout the year. Personal touches, like photos of my family and vacations, make me smile and remind me of what’s important.
Overall, small changes that reflect who I am and make the space feel warm and welcoming are what truly improve my office.
Carlos Guillen
Associate Director of A.S. Programs
For me, my office is an extension of my work — a place to boost my creativity and focus. I believe our physical spaces play a huge role in our mindset, so I like to create a sense of calm, levity and creativity in mine. Here's how I do it:
My biggest piece of advice for improving your office vibe is to turn off the harsh overhead fluorescent lights and bring in a lamp. This is especially helpful if you don't have a window and are constantly exposed to bright, artificial lighting. Just be sure to opt-in for LED light bulbs to keep our facilities energy-efficient.
I love being outdoors, so bringing live plants into my office helps reduce stress and makes me want to spend time in my office. If you're looking for low-maintenance options, I recommend snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) or ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). They can go weeks without water and don't need much sunlight to thrive. I have two cultivars of each!
I’ve moved around a lot and worked at several different universities. I find a lot of inspiration by connecting my current work here in A.S. with my past experiences with other teams. I'm motivated by surrounding myself with photos of past staff teams, my collection of collegiate pennants of places I’ve worked, and memorabilia from various campus events. My most recent addition is a huge print of an intricate mural by the Beehive Design Collective that was displayed during GreenFest 2025.
Come check it out!
Liza Bennett
Aztec Student Union Events Coordinator
Our workspaces are our home away from home, so it’s important to create a space that helps you feel at your best. Over the years, I’ve moved through a few different offices, but I’ve cozied into my current space. In my role, I often have multiple events happening at once, so it’s essential that my office helps me stay focused while still feeling warm and welcoming.
My first tip is to create a clutter-free space that mirrors a clear thought process. Whether it’s piles of papers, cables running wild or scattered office supplies, taking time to organize even just a little goes a long way. A visually calm environment can have a big impact on your mental clarity.
Another way I’ve made my space feel more personal is by keeping my "whys" close by, both professional and personal. I have pictures of loved ones and one-of-a-kind artwork they’ve made, which add color and joy to the space. These pieces not only brighten the room, but also serve as a reminder of what matters most. I also have a gratitude wall filled with memorabilia and notes collected over the years. The amazing things we get to do in A.S. are truly inspiring, and I love being able to look back and reflect. Both the visual joy and the meaning behind these items keep me grounded and motivated. They remind me exactly why I do what I do.
National Coaches Day
National Coaches Day is celebrated annually on Oct. 6 to honor the impact coaches have as friends, counselors and teachers who inspire growth in athletes and communities. This day is an opportunity to recognize these individuals who dedicate their time and energy to helping others reach their full potential. To celebrate, we're shining a spotlight on four incredible coaches who make a profound impact on their athletes and communities.
Kaitlin Collins
Head Coach - Dance Team
What is the most rewarding part of coaching?
The most rewarding part of coaching is seeing the growth — not just in individual team members, but in the team and the program as a whole, year after year. Watching athletes evolve and come together as a unit is incredibly fulfilling.
Can you share a specific memory or success story from your coaching career at SDSU that you're particularly proud of?
Winning Nationals in 2020 was a huge moment for our program. It was a culmination of years of hard work, growth, and dedication. It meant so much to see everything come together in that way.
What are your goals for the team this season?
Our goals this season are to continue representing SDSU with pride, to push the program forward in both skill and visibility and to keep building a strong reputation as a competitive collegiate dance team.
Coach Jasmine (third from the left) with athletes Alicia, Chloe, and Max
Jasmine Burrell
Adapted Athletics Track & Field Throws Coach
What is the most rewarding part of coaching?
The most rewarding part of coaching is watching my athletes win. Not just winning medals and championships, but winning at life. Watching my athletes overcome fear, disappointment and setbacks only to gain resilience, respect and knowledge to win in life outside of the sport is the most rewarding part of coaching for me.
Can you share a specific memory or success story from your coaching career at SDSU that you're particularly proud of?
I have two great memories. In 2022, I won my first D1 NCAA Outdoor Championship ring as a Volunteer Throws Coach for the SDSU Women's Track and Field Team. The Throws Group contributed points to the overall team score, which was an exciting celebration for me as a first-year collegiate coach. This year, for the first time in the SDSU Adapted Athletics history, we had three athletes that qualified for World Championships in New Delhi, India and all three (Alicia, Max and Chloe) are my athletes. I'll also be attending Worlds as Team USA's Throws Coach.
What are your goals for the team this season?
My goal this season was to get an athlete to qualify for Worlds and into the Team USA Para Tier Program (aka a Para Team USA Athlete). I exceeded both those goals and now that I've seen it's possible, I want to do it all over again, just better than the first time.
Bryan Bome
Head Coach - Men’s Lacrosse Coach
What is the most rewarding part of coaching?
The most rewarding part of coaching is watching my players work hard at being proactive and then seeing that hard work translate to success on and off the field.
Can you share a specific memory or success story from your coaching career at SDSU that you're particularly proud of?
In the 2024 season, we reached the quarterfinals of the National Tournament. This is the farthest any SDSU men’s lacrosse team has ever made it. This was particularly rewarding because my coaching staff and I took the program to one of the best teams in the country. The amount of progress those players made over four years was incredible.
What are your goals for the team this season?
The goals this season are to remain laser-focused on the daily process. Success will come as a result of staying focused on the daily process of getting better week over week.
Coach Scott (left) with Codie Taylor, the Captain of the New Zealand All Blacks in New Zealand at the Crusader International Coaching Academy.
Scott Bracken
Head Coach - Men's Rugby Team
What is the most rewarding part of coaching?
We are developing these students/athletes not just to be great rugby players but to become the best versions of themselves. When this manifests and they become great husbands, fathers, and contributing members of society, it is very rewarding. The continuing relationships throughout life with athletes I have coached are rewarding as well.
Can you share a specific memory or success story from your coaching career at SDSU that you're particularly proud of?
I am an Aztec Alum and learned to play rugby here. I recently retired from 25 years in Federal Law Enforcement and am ecstatic to start my second career coaching the Aztecs. We will create many memories and successes in the future.
What are your goals for the team this season?
Our goals are to strengthen our culture, become tougher and continue improving.
The Great Shakeout
Each year, the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills provide an opportunity to learn and practice earthquake safety along with millions of others across the world. In October, ShakeOut participants practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” and other aspects of emergency preparedness in order to get prepared, practice the steps to be safe and learn what plans need to be improved for when the next big earthquake happens.
A.S. has participated in the ShakeOut for more than 13 years, with each department finding ways to educate and engage its employees, students and campus community members.
This year, the ShakeOut is at 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 16. A.S. will continue its practices by participating in evacuation drills and practicing “Drop. Cover and Hold On” where possible, as well as utilizing our digital signage to promote education to the campus community.
As a reminder, follow these steps during an earthquake:
DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows. Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If you are under shelter, hold on to it with one hand and be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts. If you are not under shelter, hold your head and neck with both arms.
For more information about the ShakeOut and to learn more about emergency preparedness, visit shakeout.org.
Rock the Vote!
by Ruby Parrott, A.S. Marketing Lead
Rock the Vote (RTV) is an initiative led by A.S. to increase voter registration and civic engagement on campus. If you are eligible to vote, it’s important to ensure you are registered and ready to make your voice heard!
Upcoming Election Information
The California Special Election is Nov. 4, 2025 where voters will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 50. The deadline to register to vote by mail and receive a mailed ballot is Oct. 20, 2025. If you are unable to register to vote by Oct. 20, conditional registration is available at all polling sites. Visit the Rock the Vote website to register or check your voter registration status to ensure your information is correct.
Get Involved in RTV
Follow the new Rock the Vote Instagram account at @sdsurocksthevote for information and updates.
15 Questions
Brandon Wallace
What is your name and title?
Brandon Wallace, A.S. Safety Manager.
Which A.S. department do you work in?
I work in Student Union Services as the Safety Manager. I'm tasked with developing and overseeing safety programs, ensuring compliance and promoting preparedness to protect students and staff.
How long have you worked for A.S.?
1,068 days (2 years, 11 months, and 2 days)
What do you like most about working for A.S.?
The most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to witness and support students who are passionately pursuing their goals, no matter the obstacles. I get to see firsthand their dedication, creativity and resilience as they take on new challenges and make an impact on the campus community.
What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
Weapons! Thumbs up – it’s a horror movie with some jump scares!
What is your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert is apple pie with a scoop of ice cream. I love it because it brings back so many joyful memories. A slice of chocolate cake is a close second.
Which three people (living or dead) would you like to have dinner with?
I often dream of the ultimate reunion, a BBQ loaded with soul food sides, where I could share a meal with so many people I love. It would start with my family, of course. More than anything, I long to have dinner with my father again — just to embrace him again and let him know how beautiful my life is and that his memory will live on through my brothers and me. I'd share a huge plate of soul food with my sister, Shanna; hearing her laugh or seeing her beautiful face, feeling her presence just one more time would mean the world to me. And no gathering is complete without my little cousin, Erick — the true "Halloween Baby," always full of mischief, unmatched humor and competitive fire.
If you had to move to another country, which one would you choose?
If I had to move, it would be to Japan, Greece or Monaco. These countries are known for a high quality of life and exceptional longevity, providing great examples of how to live a long and healthy life.
What fictional family would you like to be a member of?
The Banks family from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is my favorite. They beautifully blend class, culture and core family values. The relationship between Will and Uncle Phil is a particularly touching and often humorous exploration of mentorship, privilege and finding your place in the world. The Addams Family is a close second, with The Beverly Hillbillies in third.
What 5 songs are at the top of your playlist?
Man In the Mirror - Michael Jackson
Feeling Good - Nina Simone
Ex-Factor - Lauryn Hill
Good Job - Alicia Keys
Don't Kill My Vibe - Kendrick Lamar
Which famous person from history would you most like to meet?
I would choose to have dinner with Harriet Tubman. I imagine her having such a beautiful foresight and inspiring presence that would compel anyone to create change. While many people possess that quality, her courage during that era was truly unmatched.
If you could start a charity, what would it be for?
I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where winter meant all the parks and baseball fields froze over to become hockey rinks. In my community, few people played hockey, so I'd create a program to give every kid a chance to be a "Mighty Duck." I would raise money for the Department of Parks and Recreation to provide a peaceful and fun environment where kids could learn and play.
Would you rather be a superhero or the world’s best chef?
I would rather be a superhero than the world's best chef. I'd be invincible and live forever, using my abilities to save lives and prevent atrocities around the world from the exosphere. The only downsides would be living in a secret hideout in Antarctica and giving up the chance for a normal life and family — unless my kids could also have super powers!
When you visit the Zoo, which animal do you make sure you see, and why?
Whenever I go to the zoo, I make sure to stop at the elephant exhibit. The saying, "an elephant never forgets," holds so much truth; there's a remarkable sense of memory, love and emotional stability in these animals. I also have a deep appreciation for any animal that is under the threat of poaching.
Would you rather speak all languages or be able to talk with animals?
I would rather be able to speak all languages. People come together through conversation, and I would love to go to every international event and local shop just to talk to people in their native language. My goal would be to communicate with everyone, and I could even see myself working at NASA, translating every radio signal we've received from outer space.
