San Diego State University Associated Students

Farewell John Kolek

July 2017 Newsletter



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The Arena Celebrates 20 Years

Viejas Arena | SDSU

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John Kolek’s 28 Years

Associate Executive Director

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Jordan Hill’s IPDS Experience

IPDS New Professionals Orientation

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Interesting Facts: Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

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Summer of Wellness 2017 Continues

Activities for July 2017

15 Questions Thumbnail

15 Questions

Nate Zaslove, ASUB Program Assistant

Entertainment Thumbnail

Entertainment

At Viejas Arena & Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Calendar Thumbnail

Calendar

July 2017

A.S. News Archive

Archive

A.S. News


The Arena Celebrates 20 Years
Viejas Arena | SDSU

Viejas Arena Basketball

Viejas Arena Concert

Many, if not all, A.S. staff members have fond memories of attending a great concert or cheering on the Aztec basketball teams at Viejas Arena. As the arena turns 20 here’s a short look back at how it all started.

In 1988, the SDSU student body approved a fee for construction and operation of the Student Activity Center — the Viejas Arena and Aztec Recreation Center. After several setbacks, ground was broken and construction began in 1995.

The plan was after five years the student fee would be raised and then raised again every five years after that to cover operation costs. But because of the success John Kolek and his staff have had in the operation of the arena, the fee has never been raised. (John is the only director the arena has ever had!)

At a press conference on July 24, 1997, Viejas Arena opened as one of the premier on-campus indoor basketball arenas in the U.S. Its unique design keeps fans close to the floor and part of the action. The facility is the home of San Diego State Basketball and also provides a venue for university functions, cultural events, concerts and other special-event programming.

Until July 1, 2009, the arena's naming rights were owned by Cox Communications and was known as Cox Arena. On March 17, 2009, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians announced the signing of a 10-year naming rights agreement, which changed the name to Viejas Arena.

The arena is built on the site of the old Aztec Bowl stadium, which was constructed in 1936. The stadium hosted San Diego State football games as well as other athletic, entertainment and cultural events until 1967. Built directly into a canyon hillside, the arena encloses one end of the old horseshoe-shaped Aztec Bowl. Two sections of the stadium's original concrete bleachers and cobblestone walls still frame each side of the arena's north entrance. In addition, SDSU's 10-ton granite boulder, a California landmark commemorating President John F. Kennedy's 1963 commencement address at Aztec Bowl, has also been placed in this area.

Viejas Arena has played host to concerts by a large number of artists — from Simon & Garfunkel to Lady Gaga. In the spring of 2001, Billy Joel and Elton John opened their world tour with a sold-out show at Viejas Arena. For special events and concerts, the venue can become intimate down to 3,000 seats and, depending on the configuration, can accommodate as many as 13,500.

For basketball the arena seats 12,414 enthusiastic fans. After serving as host to the first and second rounds of the NCAA men's basketball championship in 2001, the building was the home of the 2001 NCAA women's volleyball national championship and again played host to the 2006 NCAA men's basketball first and second rounds. In 2009, the NCAA women's basketball first and second rounds graced the Viejas Arena floor and in 2014 the NCAA men's basketball second and third rounds had a return visit. And the arena is next scheduled to host the 2018 and 2022 NCAA men's basketball first and second rounds.

In its 20 year history the arena has played host to millions of concertgoers and basketball fans. To learn more about Viejas Arena and to see a list of upcoming shows and events, visit viejasarena.com

John Kolek’s 28 Years
Associate Executive Director

John Kolek

John Kolek started his Associated Students (A.S.) adventure in 1989 when he came to SDSU to build and operate a student activity center. Twenty-eight years later that first step has led him to his current role overseeing operations of the Viejas Arena and Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre.
During his time with A.S., John has mentored and supervised hundreds, if not thousands, of student employees and full-time staff members. He has created a culture of excellent customer service, instilling in his team the highest of standards. With his soft-spoken manner, John as led by “walking the walk,” always following those same high standards in everything he does.
Over the years, John has developed many important and lasting partnerships both on campus and off. His work with the Aztec Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams and coach Steve Fisher has help to bring national attention to SDSU. He has always made sure that the arena staff was focused on showcasing the teams and university. In 2001 when the arena hosted the first rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, it received the highest possible marks from the tournament organizers. And even though the arena does not meet the NCAA’s minimum seating requirements, the tournament came back in 2006, 2014 and will be back again 2018 and 2022, showing the quality service provided by John and his staff.
His leadership in providing excellent customer service and state-of-the-art facilities has strengthened his partnership with Live Nation and TicketMaster, providing SDSU and the San Diego community with a large variety of concerts and events.

Here are just some of the artists who have performed at the Viejas Arena and Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre under John’s watchful eye, over the past 20 years:


1997-1998
Boston Pops Barry Manilow Youth Wave Mariachi Vargas Megadeth Gipsy Kings

1998-1999
Rugrats Live! Pearl Jam Beastie Boys Page / Plantv Depeche Mode Jingle Ball N-Sync Enrique Iglesias Alanis Morrissette The Offspring N-Sync Korn / Rob Zombie YES Ziggy Marley Brian Setzer Orchestra Buddy Guy / Johnny Lang Joe Cocker Tori Amos Bonnie Raitt Earth, Wind, & Fire Third Eye Blind Bare Naked Ladies Jeff Beck Seal Blondie Hole Chris Rock

1999-2000
Cher Widespread Panic Pennywise Blink 182 Queensryche Morrissey Rage Against the Machine Red Hot Chili Peppers Luis Miguel 311 Nine Inch Nails Creed Dixie Chicks GoGos Bad Company Earth, Wind, & Fire Brian Setzer Unwritten Law Kenny Loggins Sarah Brightman Jaguares Hootie & the Blowfish Weird Al Yankovic Jethro Tull Moody Blues Indigo Girls Harry Connick Jr. Ani DiFranco The Smashing Pumpkins The Cure Natalie Merchant

2000-2001
No Doubt Tim McGraw / Faith Hill Deftones Ballet Folklorico Moby Matchbox Twenty Bad Religion Dixie Chicks Offspring P.O.D. Juan Gabriel Blink 182 Elton John / Billy Joel Lil Bow Wow Prince Alejandro Sanz Don Henley Earth, Wind and Fire Weird Al Yankovic D'Angelo Brian Setzer Orchestra k.d. lang Tracy Chapman Third Eye Blind Savage Garden Miguel Bose and Ana Torroja Jaguares Culture Club Sarah Brightman Alejandra Guzman Outkast David Gray Tom Petty The Cult

2001-2002
Pantera Pledge of Allegiance Tool Pennywise Weezer Neil Diamond Jingle Ballv Elton John Luis Miguel Rob Zombie Alejandra Guzmanv Incubus Alanis Morissette Britney Spears Maze featuring Franky Beverly Trey Anastasio Sugar Ray 3 Doors Down John Mellencamp La Ley Tool Gipsy Kings Ringo Starr Maldita Vecindad 311 Phil Lesh One Love Festival Trey Anastasio Garbage

2002-2003
New Found Glory American Idols Live! Marco Antonio Solis Creed Tool No Doubt Boxcar Racer Jingle Ball Disturbed Trans Siberian Orchestra Counting Crows Scorpions / Whitesnake Yanni Journey / Styx / REO Speedwagon Tim McGraw Coldplay New Found Glory Jewel John Mayer Dave Koz Coldplay Jaguares / Morrissey Bonnie Raitt / Lyle Lovett Jimmy Eat World Bob Dylan Tom Petty Beck

2003-2004
Cold Play New Found Glory Beck Vicente Fernandez Dixie Chicks Whitesnake Norah Jones Tori Amos David Gray Blue Man Group Nelly Marco Antonio Solis Mariah Carey Dashboard Confessional Martin Nievera Matchbox Twenty Simon & Garfunkel Good Charlotte Jingle Ball Thursday Jingle Ball Shania Twain Dave Matthews & Friends Hilary Duff Linkin Park Luis Miguel Rod Stewart Clay and Kelly A Perfect Circle YES Offspring Alejandro Sanz Dido Beck Whitesnake Norah Jones Tori Amos David Gray Nelly Mariah Carey Dashboard Confessional Alejandra Guzman Ballet Folklorico Offspring Dido

2004-2005
Cristian Castro Incubus Prince Beastie Boys Bob Dylan Avril Lavigne Green Day Scorpions - Tesla Mormon Tabernacle Choir George Lopez Slipknot Juanes Elton John Paulina Rubio Jimmy Eat World Weird Al Yankovich Dan Band

2005-2006
Veggie Tales Carlos Vives / Daddy Yankee Nine Inch Nails Weezer / Foo Fighters Circus Vargas Gwen Stefani The Eagles Nine Inch Nails Gwen Stefani Trans Siberian Orchestra Queen Luis Miguel Gigantour Franz Ferdinand O.A.R. Fiona Apple

2006-2007
Pearl Jam Massive Attack Guster Gov't Mule Dashboard Confessional Bob Dylan Blue Man Group The Fray Trans Siberian Orchestra George Lopez Snow Patrol Rod Stewart The Wiggles Damien Rice Tool Modest Mouse O.A.R. True Colors

2007-2008
Willie Nelson Dream Theater Hilary Duff Beyonce Wilco Ali & AJ Kings of Leon Smashing Pumpkins Pepe Aguilar / Joan Sebastian BB King Gwen Stefani Maroon 5 Trans Siberian Orchestra Alejandro Sanz Van Halen Hillary Clinton Campaign Miguel Bose Foo Fighters The Wiggles Michael Buble Gigantour The Cure

2008-2009
Mercy Me OKGO Slightly Stoopid Shwayze Alejandro Fernandez Raconteurs My Morning Jacket Mars Volta Weezer Neil Young Rise Against Jason Mraz New Kids on the Block Wowowee Larry the Cable Guy Metallica Jeff Dunham Lil Wayne Motely Crue Manuel Mijares / Manoella Torres Slipknot Los Temerarios Celtic Woman The Offspring Yanni

2009-2010
Il Divo Joan Sebastian Juas Priest Green Day Kings of Leon The Killers Pearl Jam Snow Patrol Rob Thomas

2010-2011
MGMT Tool My Morning Jacket American Idol Tour Paramore Phoenix Muse Gym Class Heroes O.A.R. Alice In Chains Maroon 5 Stone Temple Pilots Gorillaz Luis Miguel Linkin Park Lady Gaga

2011-2012
A Perfect Circle Adele Kesha Marc Anthony Arctic Monkeys / TV On The Radio Foo Fighters Paul Simon Jimmy Buffett Drake Enrique Bunbury / Zoe Rise Against One Direction Van Halen Kevin Hart Dalai Lama

2012-2013
Tenacious D Café Tacuba FUN. The Shins Further Mac Miller Smashing Pumpkins Katt Williams Enrique Bunbury Rick Ross Imagine Dragons She & Him

2013-2014
Fleetwood Mac Postal Service Rebelution Jonas Brothers Heart One Republic / Sara Bareilles Vampire Weekend Passion Pit Paramore Pearl Jam Drake Childish Gambino Tribal Seeds Backsreet Boys Lady Gaga The Fray Michael Franti

2014-2015
The Neighbourhood Tom Petty Arctic Monkeys Rebelution Sara Bareilles Grouplove John Legend Panic At The Disco David Gray Enrique Bunbury Luis Miguel Demi Levato Eagles Lorde Ray Lamontagne Daryl Hall & John Oats Switchfoot The Black Keys Bastille Trans Siberian Orchestra Fleetwood Mac Pierce The Veil Juan Gabriel Bob Seger Maroon 5 New Kids on the Block Bryan Adams Paramore

2015-2016
Barenaked Ladies Imagine Dragons Iration Idina Menzel Hip Hop International Alabama Shakes Kelly Clarkson Aussie Pink Floyd Brian Regan Chayanne Kevin Hart Ricky Martin Damain Marley Death Cab for Cutie Duran Duran Beirut Alt J Florence and The Machine Hozier Twenty One Pilots Of Monsters and Men Janet Jackson My Morning Jacket Miguel Bose Godsmack Motley Crue Tool Toby Mac Jeff Dunham Ellie Goulding Pentatonix Rihanna Hillsong United Walk The Moon Lumineers

2016-2017
Flight of The Conchord Halsey Julion Alvarez Barenaked Ladies Weird Al Yankovich Blink 182 Shawn Mendes Twenty One Pilots Nicky Jam Jim Gaffigan Flogging Molly Brandi Carlile Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo / Melissa Etheridge Deftones Santana Mana NeedToBreathe Ray Laymontange Counting Crows / Rob Thomas Chance The Rapper Sia The 1975 Katt Williams Stevie Nicks Bon Jovi Panic At The Disco A Perfect Circle Snoop Dogg Lil Wayne Pixies The 1975 NXT Wrestling Chris Tomlin Chris Brown Bryan Adams Modest Mouse New Kids On The Block Kidz Bop Kids

2017-2018
Prince Royce 2 Cellos Howard Jones Paul Young English Beat Men Without Hats Katrina and the Waves Modern English Third Eye Blind Lionel Richie / Mariah Carey Bush AFI / Circa Survive Steve Martin / Martin Short Hans Zimmerv Straight No Chaser Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Outcry 311 Young The Giant Trombone Shorty Orleans Avenue St. Paul & the Broken Bones Kaleo Goo Goo Dolls Future Islands Thomas Rhett The Shins / Spoon Ms. Lauren Hill / NAS The Nationalv Arcade Fire Air 1 Halsey Fall Out Boy

Plus numerous events that happen annually or many times each year:
Aztec Men’s and Women’s Basketball High School Graduations Cheer Competitions SD Science Awards Steubenville President’s Convocation New Student Convocation Compact For Success Staff Awards SDSU Commencements 91X Wrex The Halls GreenFest Greek Week Talent Show CFA Exams Jingle Ball


Jordan Hill’s IPDS Experience
IPDS New Professionals Orientation

Jordan and colleagues

Jordan (far left) and colleagues.

Memorial Union Terrace

Memorial Union Terrace

Earlier this summer, Jordan Hill, Aztec Student Union Operations Supervisor, attended the annual IPDS New Professionals Orientation at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. IPDS is one of the marquee programs hosted by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) and is a prestigious small-group conference intended for professionals new to the student union field.  He also received the ACUI Region I IPDS scholarship, greatly reducing the cost of his attendance and highlighting his involvement in our region and the association as a whole. During his week in Madison, Jordan networked with colleagues in the field, attended professional development courses, and observed and interacted with the staff at the Memorial Union. The Memorial Union is one of the founding members of ACUI and is recognized as both an historical institution and innovator in the field. Highlights for Jordan, among other things, included enjoying the accumulated history and scenic views from the famous Memorial Union Terrace as well as getting to know a core group of his peers from ACUI Region I with members from CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, San Jose State, and University of California, Berkeley. According to Jordan, "It was a great privilege to be immersed in the student union field and making memories with such a great group of professionals, thanks to ACUI Region 1 and Associated Students for making it possible for me to attend!"

Submitted by Travis McCauley, Aztec Student Union Operations Coordinator


Interesting Facts:
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Create Your Legacy Vote in the A.S. Elections

Create Your Legacy Vote in the A.S. Elections

Create Your Legacy Vote in the A.S. Elections
  • The first time the Open Air Theatre had a naming rights sponsor was in 2014.

  • Recent renovations at the OAT have updated the concourse to be more spacious and accessible for concertgoers.

  • In 1985, the then little known rap trio from New York, Beastie Boys, opened for Madonna's debut performance at the Open Air Theatre. Ticket prices were $14-17 a seat.

  • This scanned newspaper photo is the only image SDSU has of Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic San Diego State speech.

  • “Live Concert Home Video” is a live video album by the English band Sade, released on November 22, 1994 by Epic Records. It was filmed during the last two shows of the band's Love Deluxe World Tour at the Open Air Theatre in October 1993.

Submitted by Nikki Parr, Admin & Marketing Assistant, Viejas Arena & Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre


Summer of Wellness 2017 Continues
Activities for July 2017

A contestant in last year’s Enviro-Fashion Show.

To help you get active this summer, A.S. is providing a series of indoor and outdoor activities to help keep you moving! Here are this month’s events:


Mindful Meditation

Tuesdays, July 11, 18 & 25, 1:00pm, ARC


Hatha Vinyasa Yoga

Tuesdays, July 11, 18 & 25, 6:00pm, Recreation Field


Open Bowling

Wednesday, July 12, 5:00pm, Aztec Lanes


Power Yoga

Thursdays, July, 13, 20 & 27, 7:30am, Recreation Field


Yoga

Mondays, July 10, 17, 24 & 31, 12:00pm, Park Blvd., Union


For a full 2017 Associated Students Summer Wellness Calendar of all upcoming events, visit the A.S. Business Services website.


15 Questions
Nate Zaslove, ASUB Program Assistant

  1. What is your name, job title and major?
    Nate Zaslove, ASUB Program Assistant, Theater Major (Emphasis: Acting)
  2. Which A.S. department do you work in? Describe your job in 25 words or less.
    Union Programs and Services: Aztec Student Union Board (ASUB). We work with the Aztec Student Union Board to help plan their events for the students.
  3. How long have you worked for A.S.?
    9 months and 12 days
  4. What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
    “Get Out” directed by Jordan Peele. 100% Thumbs Up.
  5. If you won $5 million what would you do with it?
    I’d buy a tiger.
  6. Which three people (living or dead) you would like to have dinner with?
    Jimmy Fallon, Mac Miller and Rhianna. I look up to them with my goals for my future career. And the chemistry would be hilarious.
  7. What city would you most like to visit or visit again?
    I think I’d go back to New York City. Last time I went there everyone was super upbeat. That city really does not sleep!
  8. Would you rather build a sandcastle or a snowman?
    A snowman. A sandcastle would be too hard. The sand would get everywhere.
  9. Who is your favorite singer / musician / musical group?
    Mac Miller. He is a lyrical genius and all of his tracks are super easy to vibe out to.
  10. What is your favorite sports team or who is your favorite individual athlete?
    San Francisco Giants and my favorite player is Brandon Crawford. His flow is insane and he’s a great shortstop.
  11. If you could go back or forward in time, where would you go?
    I’d go back to the 20’s so I could hang out with Jordan Belfort. He could teach me how to make a lot of money and then I could buy my tiger.
  12. Who is one of your favorite actors or actresses?
    Jonah Hill. He gets into character and his comedic timing is amazing.
  13. If you could have a superhero power what would it be?
    I would want to have super speed. So, on my lunch break I could run to Panda Express and back super quick…you’ve only got 30 minutes.
  14. What is your favorite part of working for A.S.?
    It’s one big family. I love the passion and energy that is always in the office.
  15. Which A.S. staff member has inspired/supported you the most?
    Veronica Perondi and Steve DiPaolo. They have given me a better professional mindset and have let me grow in my job.

Entertainment
at Viejas Arena & Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Prince Royce

Prince Royce

Sunday, July 9, 7:30p.m., Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
2Cellos

2Cellos

Tuesday, July 19, 7:30p.m., Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind
with Silversun Pickups and Ocean Park Standoff

Friday, July 21, 7:30p.m., Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Lionel Richie with Mariah Carey

Lionel Richie with Mariah Carey

Thursday, July 27, 7:00p.m., Viejas Arena

Calendar
July 2017

7/4/2017 - Independence Day, Campus Closed

7/6/2017 - First Day of Classes - Summer Session S2

7/23/2017 - National Hot Dog Day

National Hot Dog Day

Today we celebrate one of America's favorite summer sandwiches. Hot dogs are center stage on the grill, and at picnics all across America. They are at the ballpark. They are sold from carts on street corners in every city. We consume hundreds of millions of hot dogs on the Fourth of July alone. We consume so many hot dogs, in so many venues, that the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council hesitates to forecast consumption. But, it does report that each year we buy over 837 million packages of hot dogs at retail outlets, and over 24 million hot dogs at baseball stadiums alone.


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