August 2026 - A.S. Staff Newsletter

Meet the 2026-27 A.S. Executive Officers

As we usher in another school year, another group of A.S. executive officers are ready to make their impact. Together, they bring a passion for leadership, advocacy and service as they work to represent the diverse voices and experiences of all SDSU students.

To learn more about the five A.S. 2026-27 Executive Officers, read below and for more information, visit the A.S. leadership page.

Milan Rawls

What is your name, title, year and major?

Milan Rawls, A.S. President, fourth year, Elk Grove, CA. I am a double major in business management and liberal studies with an emphasis in elementary education.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

I ran for president for so many different reasons. Between the amazing staff and experience A.S. has to offer, the ability to advocate for students and my love for connecting and speaking with others, this was a no brainer for me!
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming year?

I’m looking forward to all the new students on campus! Not only is meeting the new bright-eyed first year students just so fun, but the fact that enrollment is growing only boosts my excitement. The more students, the more leaders on campus, so it will truly be so exciting seeing them develop throughout my last year here.
"An interesting fact about me is..."

“...I’m the youngest of five kids! Hangout with me for a second and I’m sure you’ll have a ‘that makes sense’ moment.”
What is your favorite spot in San Diego and why?

I love to eat so honestly it’s In-N-Out. Pho Hoa on El Cajon is a close second. Highly recommend.

Jacie Foster

What is your name, title, year and major?

Jacie Foster, Gilbert, AZ, fourth year, A.S. Executive Vice President. Majoring in interdisciplinary studies in political science, journalism and leadership.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

I decided to run in the elections because I absolutely love Associated Students. I've been in A.S. since my first year starting in the FLEX program and have absolutely loved growing my leadership and professional development skills. After being involved in FLEX, I was the A.S. Student Diversity Commission Representative my second year and then A.S. Chief of Staff my third year and it just felt right to stay involved for my fourth year.
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming year?

I am most looking forward to working with such an incredible group of students and staff. I truly believe this is the best environment and just can't wait to spend my last year at SDSU working with all of you.
"An interesting fact about me is..."

“...outside of work, I'm a pilates instructor. I teach heated mat classes and reformer classes at a few studios.”
What is your favorite spot in San Diego and why?

My favorite spot in San Diego is The Sculpt Room.

Scarlett Walker

What is your name, title, year and major?

Scarlett Walker, A.S. Vice President of External Relations, fourth year, Carlsbad, CA. Double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

I ran for this position because I think the student voice has the potential to be so powerful, and this role allows me to uplift other students' stories in order to create change both on and off campus.
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming year?

I'm really looking forward to teaching other students across campus that advocacy can be anywhere at any time — not just the traditional routes!
"An interesting fact about me is..."

An interesting fact about me is that I love to paint while watching a documentary!
What is your favorite spot in San Diego and why?

My favorite spot in San Diego is Windansea at sunset!

Eric Krog

What is your name, title, year and major?

Eric Krog, A.S. Vice President of Financial Affairs, Randolph, NJ. Computer science and economics dual major.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

I ran because serving as chapter president within the Interfraternity Council gave me strong leadership experience, and I wanted to keep giving back to SDSU and the student body.
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming year?

I am most looking forward to Aztecs Rock Hunger and for everyone to come back to campus so we can get started on a great year.
"An interesting fact about me is..."

“...I am also a Canadian citizen."
What is your favorite spot in San Diego and why?

My favorite spot is Pacific Beach. Between the beach, restaurants and shops, there is never a dull moment, and the weather never fails.

Jhacob Blenman

What is your name, title, year and major?

My name is Jhacob Blenman, and I am the Vice President of University Affairs. I am in my fourth year and from Compton, CA.
Why did you decide to run for your A.S. position?

I decided to run for my A.S. position because I've always been interested in getting more involved on campus. I have been on many different types of executive boards during my time at SDSU where I have fallen in love with the campus and community. When I heard about the opportunity to represent student voices, I jumped at the opportunity.
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming year?

I am looking forward to seeing how my work and preparation this summer impacts the general student body. The executive officers and I have been working really hard to ensure students have everything they need to be successful during this upcoming school year so I am excited to see the students' reactions to changes we've implemented.
"An interesting fact about me is..."

“…I broke my leg in three places while playing football in high school and I am now partially Iron Man.”
What is your favorite spot in San Diego and why?

My favorite spot in San Diego is my house because I have all of my food and video games there.

Wellness Spotlight: Ai Kuwayama

by Christina Goergen

Ai Wellness Spotlight

Supporting A.S. Staff and the SDSU community

National Wellness Month is celebrated every August, and in honor of that, Associated Students is featuring Ai Kuwayama, the Aztec Recreation Fitness and Wellness Supervisor. Ai has made it her mission to promote wellness among SDSU students, faculty and staff. If you’ve ever stepped into a group fitness class at SDSU, you’ve likely felt her influence. For Ai, wellness is about finding belonging, nurturing mental health and uplifting an entire community.

Growing up in Japan, Ai stayed active by playing competitive tennis; however, the commercial fitness industry we know today was not as prominent there during her youth. Her transition to the United States began at age 24 when she arrived as an exchange student at Grossmont College through the American Language Institute. After a brief return to Japan to welcome her first child, Ai moved back to San Diego permanently in 2003.

As a stay-at-home mom looking to find her community, she joined 24 Hour Fitness in 2006. What started as a way to pass the time quickly turned into a life-changing passion. She recalls how she fell in love with the community and the bond that group fitness classes create.

Seeing her natural rhythm and enthusiasm, her favorite instructor gave her the push she needed to pursue her own group fitness credentials. In 2008, Ai officially began teaching Turbo Kick, a kickboxing format, at 24 Hour Fitness. Since then, she has taught at Chuze Fitness, the YMCA and LA Fitness, leading a variety of workout formats. For years, Ai loved the energy of group workouts, but she realized a vital piece was missing.

"I had been thinking about fitness just as physical, but something was missing before I started my master's,” said Ai. “I realized physical wellness alone isn't enough."

Driven by a desire to understand the layers of well-being, Ai pursued a master’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Integrated Wellness at Point Loma Nazarene University and became a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach. During her studies, a professor pointed out her undeniable passion for younger generations. This led Ai to a health-coaching internship at UC San Diego, where she witnessed firsthand the stress college students face. Her capstone project ultimately focused on the profound mental benefits of yoga for students.

Her path to SDSU started after graduate Teaching Assistant Cali Tolbert, a former ARC employee, told Ai about an opening for a Program Assistant at the Aztec Recreation Center. Ai applied, got the job, and eventually transitioned into her current full-time role as Group Fitness and Wellness Supervisor.

At SDSU, Ai’s mission is to foster the same sense of belonging she discovered years ago and build a tight-knit community for SDSU students. She takes pride in mentoring the student instructors who lead the ARC's classes. For Ai, group fitness is the ultimate vehicle for connection.

While student wellness is a major focus at the ARC, Ai is equally passionate about a group that is often overlooked: the university faculty and staff.

"We are often the first responders when students mention their mental health struggles," said Ai. "We are all incredibly passionate about our students' holistic well-being, but we often neglect ourselves and struggle to balance our own lives. We need to take care of our staff in order to help them take care of the students."

Welcome to the Fall 2026 Semester

Each new academic year, SDSU greets a new group of students entering the campus community. This fall, SDSU is welcoming more than 11,000 first-year, transfer and graduate students.

A.S. is at the forefront of the student onboarding process. In collaboration with the Orientation, Transition and Family Engagement Office, A.S. leaders have spoken and tabled at more than 20 orientation sessions to connect with nearly 19,000 students and their families about ways to get involved and inform them about A.S. programs, facilities and services.

With the new semester, A.S. has various programs and activities available for all students. Here is a look at what is coming up next:

ARC Til Dark

ARC Til Dark: August 23; 5-7 p.m.; ENS 700

Kick off the school year with Aztec Recreation! Learn about the recently expanded ARC, the Aquaplex, the ARC Express, Intramural Sport leagues, Aztec Adventures climbing programs, ENS credit classes, Group Fitness classes, swimming programs, watersport classes and 24 Sport Club teams.

A.S. Expo

A.S. Expo: August 26; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Centennial Walkway

Learn about A.S. leadership opportunities, resources, employment, sport clubs and more!

Union Unlocked

Union Unlocked: August 26; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Student Union Courtyard

The Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union is your campus living room and your home away from home. The Student Union offers you 206,000 square feet dedicated to student programs and services. Discover all that the Student Union has to offer!

A.S. Expo

A.S. Expo: September 1; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Viejas Arena / Aztec Recreation Center Courtyard

Learn about A.S. leadership opportunities, resources, employment, sport clubs and more!

Get the Scoop About A.S.

Get the Scoop About A.S.: September 2; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Student Union Courtyard

Learn how you can get involved on campus and find your community!

Graduate Student Association Mixer

Graduate Student Association Mixer: September 8; 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Student Union Courtyard

Mingle with other students and faculty members at a fun and exciting social event. Students will be treated to tacos and giveaways!

SDSU faculty and staff are also highly encouraged to attend All-University Convocation in Montezuma Hall from 10-11:30 a.m. If you have not already done so, please RSVP by Thursday, Aug. 6. At this event, you will also hear from A.S. President Milan Rawls about various organization-wide accomplishments and goals for the upcoming year.

Strike Up Some Fun: National Bowling Day

by Jamie Alto, A.S. Assistant Director of Business Development

If you are in the A.S. Office at the Student Union and find yourself wondering what that rhythmic, distant rumbling is beneath your feet, or if you’ve walked past the loading dock and heard the telltale, satisfying crash of pin action, you aren't imagining things. It’s just the daily soundtrack of the Aztec Lanes in the Student Union!

National Bowling Day officially rolls in on Saturday, Aug. 8, but for SDSU students and A.S. full-time staff, you don’t have to wait for an annual holiday to enjoy a little friendly competition.

Your Daily Perk: Two Free Games, Every Single Day!

Need a lunch break escape or want to de-stress after work? Swing by the lanes and release some tension by throwing a few frames before heading home.

If you’re hoping to build team camaraderie, you can organize a casual department match-up to see who holds the ultimate bragging rights.

Bowling is an incredible, built-in wellness benefit right at your fingertips. All you have to do is show up, present your RedID and let the good times roll.

More Than Just Fun: The Surprising Health & Social Perks

We all know bowling is a great way to blow off steam, but it’s actually a stealthy, high-benefit workout disguised as a party. Taking a trip down to Aztec Lanes comes with some serious perks for your mind and body:

An hour of bowling burns anywhere from 200 to 250 calories. Plus, lifting and swinging that 10-to-14-pound ball works your shoulders, core, wrist stability and legs.
Focusing on throwing a ball down a lane forces your brain to take a real, present moment break, helping you return to your desk refreshed and refocused.
Unlike high-intensity workouts, bowling is gentle on the joints while still getting you up and moving around. Anyone can play, no matter your fitness level!
Bowling is built for high-fives, friendly banter and genuine bonding. It’s one of the easiest, lowest-pressure ways to catch up with co-workers outside of a conference room.

Bring the Family: "Kids Bowl Free" All Summer Long!

Aztec Lanes is participating in the national Kids Bowl Free summer program! If you have children ages 12 and under, you can register them online at azteclanes.sdsu.edu/kidsbowlfree. Once registered, your kids receive two free games of bowling every single day throughout the summer.

Combine their pass with your daily A.S. staff perk, and you’ve got an affordable, air-conditioned family day right on campus. It’s the ultimate backup plan for hot summer afternoons! (Note: shoe rental rates apply and operate on a first come, first serve, walk-in basis).

But before your next visit, take a peek behind the scenes. Check out this Instagram reel that follows Henry, Senior Aztec Lanes Maintenance Lead, through a day on the job, as he gets the lanes ready for bowlers.

This August, give your mind, body, and work-day routine a boost. Head to Aztec Lanes and enjoy one of the absolute best perks on campus.

Let’s roll, A.S.!

15 Questions

Nico Yeager

Media Student Technician

What is your name, job title and major?

Hello, my name is Nico. I am a Media Studio Technician. I am currently finishing my Television, Film and New Media major.
Which A.S. department do you work in? Describe your job in 25 words or less.

At The Backdoor Media Studio. We set up and manage professional audio and visual equipment and software for SDSU students who wish to utilize this space for creative projects.
How long have you worked for A.S.?

I recently hit my four-year mark of working at the studio, and am finishing my last year and a half studying here. This may be my last year working here before graduating.
What do you like most about working for A.S.?

Hands down, meeting new creatives who share similar interests. I also like the professional development that A.S. teaches us from time to time to help us in the real world once we are out of the school ecosystem. I have taken away a lot of new knowledge just from working here and participating with department activities, like student training.
What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or thumbs down

As a film major, I have to answer this one. I recently saw “Backrooms” and believe this film is the start of a new wave for trends to become movie series. Expanding theories into movies is a great way to open up the film industry to new forms of cinema that feel close to our real world while implementing ideas that generate excitement and curiosity for life beyond what we know.
If you won $5 million, what would you do with it?

I would split it up so that family and friends have certain payments paid off. I would also donate to nonprofit charities that rebuild communities and lives for vulnerable communities.
If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it?

I have gotten into the habit of checking on my indoor and outdoor plants. As the heat has picked up recently again, it has made me realize how drastically they need assistance in a changing environment like San Diego. Every now and then, I dedicate about an hour to watering, cleaning and sometimes re-soiling.
Do you like to cook and what is your specialty?

I do like to cook, even though I think I have lots to learn and my selection is limited. My favorite dish to cook is homemade spaghetti bolognese, but I also recently have mastered making the perfect sunny-side-up eggs for my morning breakfast.
Would you rather speak all languages or be able to talk with animals? And why?

I would rather be able to talk to animals. I currently have two cats, and I feel like it would make life feel unique being able to understand and communicate with them!
What does your perfect burger have on it?

My perfect burger includes sharp cheddar cheese with diced caramelized onion, green lettuce, a medium-rare patty, burger sauce (ketchup mixed with mayo and a hint of paprika and mustard), tomato slices, pickles and an ordinary bun warmed with salted butter.
What’s the best concert you’ve been to and why was it so good?

The best concert I have been to, I think, was a Tame Impala concert. It was very nostalgic, and I felt like I was back in high school with my friends enjoying life before becoming an adult.
What is your favorite book? And why?

Although I don’t read a whole lot, at least not a book a day like my girlfriend is able to, I did enjoy this book called “Jinx” written by Sage Blackwood. It is an awesome fictional story that almost feels like a long fairytale about a boy who was left alone in the woods and learns magic through his time with a wizard who saved him. It’s an easy read, and it brings you into a world of magic and sorcery that you’d wish to be part of.
If you had to sing karaoke right now, which song would you pick? And why?

I would sing the song “Trials” by Mon Rovia. He is a great singer with songs that have awesome messages. This song feels nice to sing and leaves you with happiness in the end.
If you could start a charity, what would it be for?

If I could start a charity, it would be to help fund creative storytellers like myself with the necessary tools at a young age. Reflecting back, I thought it was super cool when my middle school introduced a video creation class. To this day, I hold that class dear to my heart. From what I recall, that program lost its funding and no longer exists. It would be cool to help ensure the class is made possible again.
“Most people don’t know that I like to…”

“...use my photography to create home decor for businesses, cafes, apartments, etc. It was a photography hobby that turned into a little operation that I would have never thought I would be running on my own. Aside from filmmaking and content creation, I have found ways to enjoy photography as well.”