Associated Students Staff Newsletter

Greetings A.S. Family,

Happy February! My daughter is a high school senior, which means I have been blessed with the introduction to a new phrase, “6-7.” Apparently, repeating this phrase intentionally has no meaning or purpose, but it is a humorous joke. While the phrase reminded me of the constantly changing trends and high-energy world students live in, it got me thinking about the reality of working at a vibrant university. Although trends change, the mission of A.S. remains clear.

At A.S., we serve an integral part of SDSU by creating the spaces where students can thrive. Each member of A.S. — part-time, full-time, volunteers and partners — play an important role in what makes the organization so special. Engaging the student body and working with fellow faculty, staff and community members are all performed with great purpose and compassion. What an opportunity we have!

At Viejas Arena and the Cal Coast Open Air Theatre (OAT), we have some events coming up on our purpose-driven calendar. The SDSU Men’s Basketball team plays for one more month, then it’s tournament time! Viejas Arena will host the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22. As for San Diego Mojo’s professional women’s volleyball team, they are a few games into their third season at Viejas Arena (come check them out!) At OAT, we open with Greenfest on Saturday, March 7 and our first Live Nation concert of the year, Miguel, on March 14.

Thank you for all you do. Your work here is important, your impact is real and you are appreciated.

Best wishes for an awesome spring semester!

Tim Ripke

Director of Viejas Arena and the Cal Coast Open Air Theatre

This month, we celebrate Black History Month (BHM). Formally recognized since 1976, Black History Month honors and commemorates the lives of achievements and legacy of African Americans. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 100 Years of Black History,” marks the century since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first established the foundation for the annual celebration of Black History.

In honor of Black History Month, SDSU’s Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center (BRC) and campus partners plan educational and celebratory activities. All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in celebrating and participating in Black History Month events are welcome.

Learn more about the events listed below by visiting the SDSU Black History Month webpage.

Wade in the Water Film Screening & Discussion

Tuesday, Feb. 3

 6 - 7 p.m.

Student Union Theatre

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Black Culture, Art & Soul

Wednesday, Feb. 4

 6 - 8 p.m.

Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center

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Black Queer History Trivia

Monday, Feb. 9

 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Pride Center

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Black Women’s Healing Circle

Wednesday, Feb. 11

 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Women’s Resource Center

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Rooted in Faith: Black Spirituality & Identity

Thursday, Feb. 12

 1:45 - 3:15 p.m.

Park Boulevard, Student Union

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Men’s BHM Pre-Game Party

Tuesday, Feb. 17

 6 - 7 p.m.

Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center

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Men’s BHM Basketball Game

Tuesday, Feb. 17

 7 - 9 p.m.

Viejas Arena

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African Americans in Action Sports

Wednesday, Feb. 18

 5 - 8 p.m.

Storm Hall Auditorium

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BRC Career Fair

Friday, Feb. 20

 12 - 2 p.m.

Alumni Center

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Women’s BHM Basketball Game

Friday, Feb. 21

 1 - 3 p.m.

Viejas Arena

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College of Education Hosted Pizza Party

Wednesday, Feb. 25

 12 - 1 p.m.

Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center

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Paint Talks

Thursday, Feb. 26

 5 - 7 p.m.

Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center

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BRC 8th Birthday Celebration

Friday, Feb. 27

 3 - 4 p.m.

Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center

A.S.’ Mission Bay Aquatic Center (MBAC) was officially honored by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) for its work promoting paddling safety through digital content. The 2025 National Paddlesports Committee Honors (NPCH) award was presented to Jamie Eubanks, MBAC Instructional Coordinator, at the 2025 Paddlesports Trade Coalition in Charlotte, North Carolina celebrating excellence in promoting paddling safety online.

In today’s digital world, social media and online outreach play a powerful role in shaping how people view and engage with outdoor recreation. NASBLA’s Paddlesports Committee launched the NPCH program to spotlight companies, outfitters and livery operations that use their platforms to champion safety, not just style. Some examples of MBAC’s prioritization of safety include:

• Mandatory Life Jacket Policy: participants, staff and instructors are required to wear properly fitted personal flotation devices when paddling, fostering a culture of universal life jacket usage.
• Education and Clinics: MBAC provides customers with instructional orientations prior to renting and hosts single-day clinics for members and guests looking to increase their knowledge or experience in a safe and welcoming environment.
• Online Content: MBAC has created a series of instructional tutorials on YouTube promoting paddling safety both at MBAC and abroad.

To learn more about the other NASBLA honorees, visit the NASBLA website.

• Bacon Wrapped Dates

  Carlos Guillen, Associate Director of A.S. Programs

  These have always been a success at any gathering I take them to, and they never disappoint during the Super Bowl. Since I’m more of a fan of the snacks and the vibes than the game itself, I believe a high-quality spread is what makes for a truly inclusive party. I prefer using Medjool dates for a bigger bite, though Deglet Noor dates work well if you want them bite-sized. In the picture, I replaced the bacon with pancetta, which gave it an even crispier, saltier flavor.

  Consider other variations like seasoning the bacon with a mix of chili powder and cinnamon before wrapping or glazing the dates with balsamic and agave syrup right after they come out of the oven — so good!

  Ingredients

  • 16-oz package of thin-cut bacon (about 25 slices)
  • 50 dry roasted almonds
  • 50 Medjool dates

  Instructions

  1. Soak toothpicks in water.
  2. Remove the date pits and replace the pits with almonds.
  3. Cut your bacon slices in half and season to your liking.
  4. Wrap your stuffed dates with bacon slices.
  5. Secure each date with a toothpick and place seam-side down on a wire cooling rack placed on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for about 15 minutes at 375°F, turn over and bake for another 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy
  

• The Creamy Chili Dip

  Brian Levett, Government Affairs Assistant Director

  These have always been a success at any gathering I take them to, and they never disappoint during the Super Bowl. Since I’m more of a fan of the snacks and the vibes than the game itself, I believe a high-quality spread is what makes for a truly inclusive party. I prefer using Medjool dates for a bigger bite, though Deglet Noor dates work well if you want them bite-sized. In the picture, I replaced the bacon with pancetta, which gave it an even crispier, saltier flavor.

  Consider other variations like seasoning the bacon with a mix of chili powder and cinnamon before wrapping or glazing the dates with balsamic and agave syrup right after they come out of the oven — so good!

  Ingredients

  • 2 cans of Hormel Chili (I prefer with no beans but either way is fine)
  • 1 block (8 oz) of Philadelphia cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp of Tony's Creole Seasoning

  Instructions

  1. Spray the bottom of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Place the block of cream cheese in the slow cooker. You may want to cut it into blocks beforehand.
  3. Pour in your cans of chili over the cream cheese.
  4. Add in your half cup of mozzarella cheese and half cup of cheddar cheese.
  5. Cook on low for 3 hours. Check and stir every hour.
  6. Add 1 tbsp of Tony's Creole Seasoning and stir well. Ready to serve!
  

• Loaded Baked Potatoes (Serves 6)

  Jeanie Maidona, Aztec Student Union Programs Coordinator

  For the past few years, my friends and I have gotten together to watch the Super Bowl, mostly for the halftime performance. This year, though, my roommate and I have been more invested in rooting for our official team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Go Birds! You can ask me later how we picked them. Even though they are no longer in the running, we are still excited to get together this year, especially for Bad Bunny’s halftime show.

  This loaded baked potato dish is something I make every year because it is simple, classic and works well for a group with different dietary needs. In our friend group, we have both a vegetarian and someone who is gluten free, so I keep toppings like bacon bits on the side so everyone can add what they like.

  Ingredients

  • 6 large russet potatoes (1 per person)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • Potato Filling:
    • 6 tbsp butter (1 tbsp per potato)
    • ¼ cup sour cream
    • ½ cup shredded cheese
    • Salt & pepper, to taste
    • Optional: green onions (2–3 tbsp chopped)
  • Optional Toppings (served on the side):
    • Bacon bits
    • Extra shredded cheese
    • Extra sour cream
    • Green onions

  Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Scrub potatoes clean using your hands or a scrub brush.
  3. Poke each potato 4–5 times with a fork.
  4. Rub potatoes lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt.
  5. Wrap each potato individually in foil.
  6. Place wrapped potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes, until fork-tender.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes.
  8. Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
  9. Scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin shell (about ¼ of the potato).
  10. Mix the scooped potato with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt and pepper and the optional green onions.
  11. Refill the potato skins with the mixture. Top with extra cheese if desired.
  12. Return to the oven and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, until warmed through and slightly golden on top.
  13. Set out optional toppings so everyone can customize their potato.
  

On Feb. 4, 2026, we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day to honor the achievements and impact of female athletes. At SDSU, A.S. is home to incredible women who excel in competition, leadership and resilience.

To mark the occasion, we are highlighting a few A.S. student-athletes who continue to inspire their community on and off the field.

Anya Siegel

SDSU Women's Tennis Club

1. What is your biggest accomplishment or favorite memory of being an athlete at SDSU?

   My biggest accomplishment was being elected president, starting in spring 2025 and leading our A-team to nationals just a few weeks later, where we finished 14th in the nation — our highest placement in program history. It was a proud moment representing SDSU Sport Clubs and our program at the highest level.

2. What are your goals for the team or yourself this season?

   My goal for the team this year is to place in the top three at sectionals and secure a bid to nationals in Texas. Personally, I want to enjoy every moment of my final semester of competitive club tennis alongside my best friends.

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Mel Abasta

SDSU Women’s Ultimate Frisbee

1. What is your biggest accomplishment or favorite memory of being an athlete at SDSU?

   My biggest accomplishment during my time at SDSU was being awarded the Emerging Leader of the Year Award this past spring semester. I’ve always gravitated toward leadership roles on every team I’ve been a part of; it comes very naturally to me. I was honestly surprised to receive this award, though, especially knowing how many incredible nominees there were. To be recognized for my skills at the collegiate level is definitely a huge accomplishment.

2. What are your goals for the team or yourself this season?

   Women’s ultimate, and ultimate frisbee in general, has always been a lesser-known sport. I didn’t know it existed when I first started at SDSU. What a lot of people don’t realize, though, is that you can compete in ultimate at every level, from recreational play all the way up to a level comparable to the Olympics. Recently, thanks to the hard work of the previous presidents, executive boards and our amazing coaches, we’ve started to make real progress and compete against stronger and stronger teams. Our main goal this season is to win a tournament in Irvine this February, which would qualify us for a nationally recognized tournament hosted by UCSD that brings together the top programs in the country.

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Chloe Chavez

Adapted Athletics Track & Field

1. What is your biggest accomplishment or favorite memory of being an athlete at SDSU?

   One of my biggest accomplishments is representing not only the National Track and Field Team for Team USA but also SDSU Adapted Athletics at the World Para Athletics in New Delhi, India. I competed in the discus, 100-meter and 200-meter dash.

2. What are your goals for the team or yourself this season?

   My goals for this season are to improve my times and techniques, and keep a healthy body and mind. My goal for the team is for each of us to improve every day whether that is mentally, physically or emotionally.

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Megan Harris

SDSU Women’s Rugby

1. What is your biggest accomplishment or favorite memory of being an athlete at SDSU?

   My biggest accomplishment at SDSU has been serving as president of my club for the past three years. During that time, I helped more than double our roster, expanded our coaching staff from two to three coaches and led our transition from Division II to Division I competition. My favorite memory, however, is the sense of community I received when being welcomed by team veterans as a freshman. Having the opportunity to create that same inclusive and supportive environment for our rookies is what keeps me inspired to be a leader on and off the pitch.

2. What are your goals for the team or yourself this season?

   As a team, our goal this season is to continue to find our footing in a new division and work toward winning over half of our matches during the upcoming 15s season. Personally, I aim to continue playing at a high level while staying healthy and finishing the season injury-free, which would be a meaningful milestone for me after several injury-interrupted years.

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Katherine Burns

SDSU Ski & Snowboard

1. What is your biggest accomplishment or favorite memory of being an athlete at SDSU?

   One of my biggest accomplishments has been earning two All-American honors as a snowboard athlete through the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) but honestly, my favorite part of being an athlete at SDSU has been the leadership journey. Being trusted to lead and represent our Ski & Snowboard team has been a huge privilege and incredibly meaningful to me. Watching strong female leaders like Amber O’Brien, Charlotte Giacobetti and Katie Narreto was incredibly inspiring my freshman year. I feel so lucky to now be in a position where I can support our younger athletes and help build this team's next generation of leaders.

2. What are your goals for the team or yourself this season?

   This season, my personal goal is to place top 10 in slopestyle at USCSA Nationals again while continuing to push my progression as a competitive snowboarder. For the team, my focus is on developing the next set of leaders. I want to help build confident, motivated leaders that will preserve the culture and energy that make our team so special.