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Associated Students Staff Newsletter

Associated Students Dec '25

Holidays, Helping Out and Honoring Grads

Director's Message: Christina Brown

Dear A.S. Team,

Happy Holidays!

We hope you are fully embracing the holiday season and are looking forward to a restful winter break spent with loved ones. As the semester comes to an end, we want to take a moment to reflect on this year’s executive officers’ theme: rooted in hope and grounded by community.

Just this fall semester, A.S. has accomplished some truly remarkable achievements and many of them would not be possible without the part-time and full-time staff who uplift students and help further the mission of SDSU.

Our A.S. boards, committees and commissions have been driving essential community initiatives. They successfully carried out pivotal campaigns like Rock the Vote and Aztecs Rock Hunger. Student leaders have also been collaborating with local officials to support neighborhood improvements, such as light fixture upgrades, extending our community impact directly into the surrounding areas.

Through Aztec Recreation, three members from the SDSU Adapted Athletics team earned a prestigious spot on the U.S. roster for the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships.

At the SDSU Children’s Center, we celebrated the grand opening of their brand-new garden, a project made possible through collective funding from this year’s A is for Art and the A.S. Green Love Committee. Additionally, A.S.’ commitment to a sustainable future was recognized when A.S. and SDSU were awarded a total of $83,000 by CLEAResult for the university’s successful efforts to reduce campus-wide energy consumption.

While our student staff are essential in supporting the day-to-day functions of A.S. programs and facilities, professional staff are the bedrock and mentors of the organization. This semester, we proudly celebrated six full-time staff members for completing a milestone of 10 or more years of service with SDSU.

These highlights are among many that showcase your dedication across the organization. Each semester comes with new opportunities, and we are constantly inspired by A.S.’ culture of excellence.

Thank you for embodying the spirit of hope and community in everything you do.

With deep gratitude,

Kareen Holstrom, A.S. President
Christina Brown, Executive Director

Snowmen

International Volunteer Day

by Christina Goergen, Aztec Recreation Marketing Coordinator

National Volunteer Day on December 5th is the perfect reminder that every individual holds the power to make a significant impact right here in our community. If you've been looking for a meaningful way to share your time, skills or passion, there has never been a better moment to get involved.

Below, you will find some opportunities to connect with the campus community:

Glazer Center's Aztecs in Action event with Sharia's Closet

December 5

2 - 4 P.M.

Sharia’s Closet,
Meet at 6244 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115

Join the SDSU Glazer Center for Leadership & Service at Sharia’s Closet to volunteer with peers! Volunteer opportunities include assisting with receiving and organizing donations, quality control, sorting, colorizing and stocking the shelves. If interested, please complete the volunteer interest form and a staff member will reach out.

If registration becomes full for the Glazer Center delegation, those that are interested can still show up at Sharia's Closet as a guest.


Aztecs Rocks Hunger Community Service Day

December 6

10 A.M.- 12 P.M.

College Area Community Garden

Join the campus community to take care of the College Area Community Garden. The College Area Community Garden is a volunteer-run, non-profit community garden and urban farm. The garden features a network of almost 100 raised bed garden plots, an orchard, grape vines and more. The garden is located on almost an acre of leased land directly next door to SDSU and began operations in early 2013 in partnership with Associated Students. SDSU students can receive two hours of community service for this event.

In addition to supporting the campus community, you can also support local causes and become an essential part of the positive change happening around us.

The Jacob & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank feeds hundreds of thousands of San Diegans facing food insecurity including low-income families, seniors living on a fixed income and children living in poverty. This past year, more than 13,000 volunteers have dedicated their valuable time and energy to support these critical programs.

Individual volunteers or groups of volunteers can volunteer for a shift at the Miramar location, North County location, or with one of the nonprofit partners. Volunteers must either be 16 years of age or 11-15 years of age, accompanied by an adult (18+).


Feeding San Diego

Feeding San Diego is a convenient way to locate upcoming events in your specific area to attend. Using their website, you can filter based on location and day of the week to find an opportunity that works for you. Opportunities include volunteering at the Wesley House Student Residence on campus as well as sorting food at the Feeding San Diego Distribution Center.


Angel Tree Campaign

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys to more than 1 million children in need each year. Once a child is accepted as an Angel, donors can shop and help bring their Christmas wishes to life. Simply pick a tag off the Angel Tree located inside your local Walmart store or shop online using Walmart’s Spark Good Registry. Once the gifts are received, The Salvation Army will distribute them to families in need- allowing parents and caregivers to place the presents under the tree on Christmas morning.


HandsOn San Diego

HandsOn San Diego can be used as a tool to get started as a volunteer and find opportunities within the community. They partner with organizations that rely on volunteers and help connect individuals with projects that fit their schedules. This can be a great tool for those looking to get started. Their current ongoing opportunities include a Tarp and Blanket Drive for unsheltered individuals and Welcome Home Kits.

A.S. student leaders attending a Good Neighbor Cleanup

A.S. Year in Review Trivia

A.S. Year in Review Trivia 2025

With 2025 wrapping up, now’s the perfect time to revisit the milestones, memories and achievements A.S. accomplished this year. How well do you remember the highlights? Test your knowledge with our Year in Review Trivia and celebrate the impact A.S. made across campus.

  1. What were the two themes of the 2024-25 and 2025-26 executive officers?

    1. Be the Change You Want to SEA and Rooted in Hope, Grounded by Community
    2. Passion to Lead, Courage to Care and Rooted in Hope
    3. SEA Your Future and Year in CommUNITY
    4. Future Forward and SDS-YOU
  2. The 2025-26 executive officers are the first team to…

    1. Be composed entirely of out-of-state students
    2. All be first-generation college students
    3. Be an all-female executive board
    4. All be from San Diego
  3. How many meetings and event bookings did the Student Union host in the 2024-25 fiscal year?

    1. 4,590
    2. 9,976
    3. 7,862
    4. 12,845
  4. How many students took professional headshots in The Backdoor Media as part of the A.S. Career Advantage initiative in the 2024-25 fiscal year?

    1. 1,010
    2. 1,075
    3. 1,110
    4. 1,125
  5. The Aztec Student Union Board hosted the annual GreenFest concert in March. Who was this year’s headliner?

    1. T-Pain
    2. Gunna
    3. Daniel Caesar
    4. Flo Milli
  6. How many active web pages does the A.S. Graphics Team currently maintain?

    1. 1,190
    2. 2,455
    3. 3,560
    4. 7,010
  7. How many A.S. employees received a milestone award this year?

    1. 3
    2. 4
    3. 5
    4. 6
  8. Three members of the SDSU Adapted Athletes team received a spot on the U.S. roster for the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships. Where were the world championships held?

    1. New Delhi, India
    2. Kobe, Japan
    3. Paris, France
    4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  9. What is the highest daily Aztec Recreation check-ins on a single day across all facilities?

    1. 4,063
    2. 7,258
    3. 9,092
    4. 10,101
  10. How many SDSU students learned to surf at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center in a semester-long ENS surfing class in 2025?

    1. 579
    2. 874
    3. 1,074
    4. 1,198
  11. A.S. and SDSU were awarded $83,000 in 2025 in recognition of the university’s efforts to reduce campuswide energy consumption and promote sustainability. What was the name of the company that gave the reward?

    1. CLEAResult
    2. SDG&E
    3. EcoPartners Inc.
    4. Campus Sustainability Solutions, LLC.
  12. Approximately how many diapers on average did the SDSU Children’s Center go through daily?

    1. 500
    2. 550
    3. 600
    4. 650
  13. How many student intern hours are completed at the SDSU Children’s Center each year by child and family development students each year?

    1. 7,000
    2. 8,000
    3. 9,000
    4. 10,000
  14. In 2025, Viejas Arena hosted the SDSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams in their last year in the Mountain West Conference. Which conference are they moving to next year?

    1. Big Ten
    2. Pac-12 Conference
    3. Big 12
    4. West Coast Conference
  15. Viejas Arena was the home court for San Diego women’s volleyball team for a second straight season in 2025. What is the name of the team?

    1. San Diego Mojo
    2. San Diego Stars
    3. San Diego Vibe
    4. San Diego Slingers
Answer Key
  1. A
  2. C
  3. C
  4. B
  5. D
  6. C
  7. D
  8. A
  9. C
  10. C
  11. A
  12. A
  13. B
  14. B
  15. A
A series of plants in various stages of growth.

New A.S. Employees

Sara Hernandez

Sara Hernandez

SDSU Children’s Center Master Teacher

Hello A.S. team, I just wanted to briefly introduce myself as one of the newest members of the full-time team! My name is Sara Hernandez, and I am a proud San Diego native and SDSU alum! You can find me at the SDSU Children's Center as the new Master Teacher learning, encouraging and guiding all of our students, staff and community’s kiddos! I just graduated this past May as a Child and Family Development major with a minor in Counseling and Social Change.

I have been a part of the SDSU Children's Center team since 2022, starting off as an Assistant Teacher, and have worked up the ranks, obtaining so much hands-on experience that has continued to strengthen and shape the kind of teacher I am today. Besides my passion for working with children, I love to spend my time practicing yoga, taking advantage of our beautiful San Diego beaches and attending Padres games! I am so lucky and blessed to be a part of such an amazing team!


Austin Huynh

Austin Huynh

Web Developer

Hi everyone! I’m Austin, and I’m the new Web Developer here at A.S. For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the internet. As a kid, I spent hours tinkering with HTML, trying to make my corner of the internet look exactly how I wanted.

That curiosity took me to UC San Diego, where I studied computer science and design because I couldn't pick just one. As both a developer and designer, I get to make things that are functional and look good (the dream, honestly). You'll definitely see my work online soon, and I hope it makes your experience with Associated Students even better.

When I'm not behind a screen, I'm behind a sewing machine. I’ve been learning to make and repair clothes for myself and my friends. Nothing is cooler than something you made yourself!

Associated Students of San Diego State University

Graduating Student Employees

We extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to our graduating student employees, and we wish you continued success on the path ahead.

ARC

  • Eryn Carmon
    Multimedia Communications Assistant
  • Nicholle Flores
    Member Services Representative
  • Sam Friedland
    Climbing Wall Attendant II
  • Marion "Mimi" Gates
    Intramural Sports Supervisor
  • Jennifer Luu
    Aquaplex Member Services Representative
  • Max Mendance
    Competitive Sports Official
  • Manuel Milke
    Competitive Sports Official
  • Cole Serrano
    Aquaplex Lifeguard
  • Tim Shargel
    Building Services Lead
  • Donovan Williams
    Competitive Sports Official
  • Olivia Wong
    Climbing Wall Attendant II
  • Mariadelcarmen Zuniga
    ARC Photographer

Business Services

  • Devin James Deynata
    Videographer Lead

Children's Center

  • Raynell Labayog
    Kitchen Assistant
  • Amber Bell
    Associate Teacher
  • Natalia Estrada
    Teacher Assistant
  • Alexia Vasquez
    Teacher Assistant
  • Amaya Smith
    Teacher Assistant
  • Dailynn Consulo
    Teacher Assistant
  • Naomi Hutcherson
    Teacher Assistant
  • Vicki Virgil
    Associate Teacher
  • April Perez
    Associate Teacher

Mission Bay Aquatic Center

  • Alex Hixon
    Dockmaster & Sail Instructor
  • Matteo Almeida
    Surfing Instructor
  • Tyler Weber
    Wakeboarding & Surfing Instructor

Student Union

  • Eugenio Casta
    Audio Visual Technician
  • Henry Olinger
    Senior Aztec Lanes Maintenance Lead
  • Derek Carmona
    Student Union Building Services Assistant
  • Kate Smyrniotis
    Food Pantry Lead
  • Trinity Gomez
    Reservations Assistant
  • Troy Larsen
    University Information Center
  • Chase Rodriquez
    University Information Center
  • Ryan Onofrey
    Operations Lead

Viejas Arena

  • Isabella Galvez
    Viejas Arena Admin Assistant
  • Felipe Gonzales
    Operations Assistant
  • Eric Romero
    Operations Assistant
  • Emmary Cordell
    Ticket Office Seller
A graduation cap and a diploma.

15 Questions

Jonathan McGrew

I.T. Senior Systems Analyst

  1. What is your name and title?

    Jonathan McGrew, I.T. Senior Systems Analyst

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

    I work for Business Services, specifically for IT. We provide IT support, solutions and project assistance across A.S., aiming to enhance the technology experience in facilities and develop our IT student technicians.

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

    I worked here as an IT student technician from August 2016 to March 2020. I was hired in my current full-time role back in June of 2022. So, a little over three years as a full-time staff member and I am coming up on a total of eight if counting my student employment.

  4. What do you like most about working for A.S.?

    I’ve always appreciated the positivity and constructive feedback I’ve received through my work with A.S. Without the experiences A.S has provided me, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t be the professional I am today. A.S. played a key role in shaping my career, providing a path that allowed me to apply my knowledge in a fulfilling way. Above all, what I value most about being part of A.S. is the sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work.

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

    The last new movie I saw was “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” It was pretty good, so I’d give it a thumbs up, but I am hoping they release a director’s cut with deleted scenes.

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

    I don’t consider myself a collector, but I do have a good amount of comic books, animated series books and other related trinkets ranging from Batman, Deadpool, Halo, Spawn, Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokémon and anything related to good horror movies. I tend to support small artists, so I have a lot of different drawings and creations. I just collect things that interest me, are nostalgic and look cool.

  7. What is your favorite dessert? And why?

    My favorite dessert is ice cream sandwiches. No amazing reason, they are just my first option when getting dessert at the store.

  8. What fictional family would you like to be a member of? And why?

    I think it would be interesting to be part of the Drake family from the Uncharted PlayStation series. They are treasure hunters, and I think being in that world and hearing the stories they went through would be incredible. 

  9. What is your favorite book? And why?

    My favorite book is “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams. I read this book back in elementary school and loved the world-building of it. It helped introduce me to the sci-fi genre.

  10. Would you rather be a superhero or the world’s best chef? And why?

    I would rather be a superhero because I would just make my powers be that I can materialize the best food in the world by thinking about it, so I would be the best chef, and hopefully I would have more than one power and could fly too.

  11. There is a free, round-trip shuttle to Mars. The catch: it will take one year of your life to go, visit, and come back. Are you in? And why?

    If it were just to visit, I don’t think I would want to miss a year here. If it were for establishing a basis for expanding a livable station, or if something was already established, like areas that needed to be explored, I would more likely say yes. I just don’t think I would want to be away from family and friends without a more enticing reason.

  12. What is your favorite breakfast food? And why?

    My favorite breakfast food is probably just eggs. I mainly enjoy them cooked over-medium, but any kind of way is fine with me. Eggs have always been my go-to for breakfast, and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Turkey bacon is probably a close second.

  13. When you visit the zoo, which animal do you make sure you see, and why?

    I have always had an interest in red pandas since middle school. They are very relaxed and shy animals, so when you get to see them in action, it’s always a treat for me. Just look up two red pandas going into a defensive stance and tell me you wouldn’t want to visit them at the zoo, too.

  14. What does your perfect burger have on it?

    It would include soft buns with some butter on them, a burger patty, bacon, lettuce, cheese (American and Swiss preferably), ketchup and mayo.

  15. What is one of your favorite things to do on the SDSU campus?

    I enjoy walking around campus. Not necessarily to any specific place, but to enjoy the scenery and get some steps in.

Jonathan at comic-con.