June 2025 - A.S. Staff Newsletter

A is for Art Exceeds $12k in Donations

On April 26, 2025, parents, families and friends gathered together in Montezuma Hall for the 21st Annual A is for Art Exhibit. The beloved fundraiser spotlights the creative expression and artistic talents of children between 8 months to 5 years old.

Each classroom participated by selecting an artist to study, drawing inspiration from the artist's painting techniques and style to create their own collaborative masterpieces, which were presented at the exhibition. This year’s exhibition featured a live auction of 11 paintings, sparking a competitively bidding audience.

Thanks to the generous donations and contributions through the artwork auction, the Center proudly raised $12,318.42. These funds will go towards enhancing the Center’s garden and other renovations. The event, an inspiring celebration of creativity and community, was made possible by families, staff and sponsors.

The Center’s staff honored Quentin Skaggs, A.S. Graphics Manager, for his decades-long support. In addition to leading the A.S. Graphics Team, which develops all marketing materials for the event, Quentin has committed time toward supporting event coordination, acquiring donations and also volunteering at the Center. Quentin’s passion for supporting youth and artistic expression is evident in his commitment to making the event successful each year. As Quentin prepares for retirement in December, the Center’s staff honored him with a special canvas and presentation.

Stay tuned for next year’s exhibit by following the SDSU Children’s Center Instagram. To see this year’s paintings, and to learn more about A is for Art, visit, childcare.sdsu.edu/aisforart. Thank you to all the generous sponsors and donors, the Children’s Center’s teachers, staff, parents and families and the Union Programs and Services staff for supporting this year’s celebration.

A.S. Staff Honored at Aztec Achievement Awards

Aztec Achievement Awards

Each year, A.S. hosts the Aztec Achievement Awards, a night to recognize the excellent contributions students, faculty, staff and community members have made to SDSU. This year, two A.S. full-time staff members received the Presidential Leadership Award, an award chosen by the A.S. President and given to SDSU community members for their excellent contributions to SDSU and A.S.

A.S. President, Kat Hernandez, shared the following remarks as she presented this year’s awards:

Charlotte Roberts

A.S. Sustainability Coordinator

“This person was a huge part of my success my junior year. They were not only a beacon of hope for others, but dealt with a lot of things in their own life. And this person was a beautiful example of how to deal with obstacles with positivity and light. Every time I needed someone, they were there for me. Even if I just needed someone to vent to about things outside of A.S. completely, they were an inspiration to me and to so many others. They give back in so many ways to this organization, and contribute the entire world to their craft. I wish we could’ve seen each other more this year, but every time we did, you always made an impact — as usual.”

Raquel Herriott

A.S. Marketing and Communications Associate Director

“This next person was truly the first person I connected with in my presidency, and the beginning was definitely a rocky one. This is another person I look up to a lot, and takes every adverse moment with grace and humility. I really resonate with this person, and they are so good at understanding and listening to the people around them. The things we had in common might seem small and trivial, but for me they were irreplaceable. This person was here for me when I needed to feel community, and they gave me that, along with advice on how to approach complex issues. We would chat pretty often over summer with Brian in my office — because I had a million speeches — and called ourselves the trio!”

Congratulations, Charlotte and Raquel!

National Camping Month

by Sam Ramtin, Government Affairs Coordinator

Thinking about sleeping outside for fun?

Whether you're heading to the mountains, the desert or the nearest patch of dirt with a fire ring, a little prep can go a long way. In honor of National Camping Month, here are a few tips to help your trip go smoothly. Learn from my mistakes — your future self will thank you.

Also, check out the gear rentals that A.S. offers at the ARC, and make use of this awesome perk!

Prioritize sleep with a good sleeping pad!

You won’t enjoy camping if you don’t get a good night’s sleep and let’s be honest, you were probably up late packing the night before. And if you're going full comfort mode with an air mattress, don’t forget the pump.
Plan early!

The best campgrounds, and the most scenic sites in them, book up quickly! Most parks allow for reservations six months in advance. If you’re considering it, book it and cancel if plans change — you’ll make a last-minute camper really happy with that too.
Pack (and prep ahead of time) a first aid kit!

Generally speaking, camping’s pretty safe, but you never know when you’ll need some antibiotic ointment to clean up a scrape or tweezers to pull out a gnarly splinter.
Remember campfire safety!

Do not leave campfires unattended and be mindful of super dry surroundings. Also, don’t crumple up paper towels and throw them on the fire — the hot air will cause them to fly. Trust me on this one.
Pack warm layers, even if it’s hot during the day.

Doesn’t matter if you’re in the desert or at the beach — nights can get cold. Pack a hoodie, beanie and thick socks. Shivering in your camp chair is not the vibe.
Set up your tent at home first.

Don’t wait until it’s dark and you’re hangry to figure out how your tent works. Set it up once at home so you know where everything goes and to make sure all the parts are actually in the bag.
Keep your food locked up tight.

Food left out is sending an open invite for wildlife. Bring bungee cords or straps, and if your site has a bear box, use it. Even if you don’t see wildlife, they see you, and your Doritos.
Bring a headlamp.

Flashlights are fine, but headlamps offer hands-free ease — ideal for late-night bathroom runs, tent searches or channeling your inner coal miner while hunting for snacks.

ARC Equipment Rental Program

SDSU students, faculty, and staff all have access to gear rental offered through Aztec Recreation, which can equip you with everything you need for your outdoor excursions! From sleeping bags and tents to accessories, Aztec Recreation has everything you would need for a great trip. Rental options also include day/overnight, weekend rentals, and week rentals. Pricing and the rental request form can be found at arc.sdsu.edu/gearrental. All items are picked up and returned to the ARC Climbing Wall office.

Performance Award / Scholarship Winners

Performance Awards

Exemplary full- and part-time A.S. employees are recognized each semester for their hard work and dedication. A.S. recognizes the following employees:

Aztec Recreation

Nathanael Schramm
Competitive Sports Official
Charlotte Albert
Intramural Sport Supervisor
Kennedy Logsdon
Lifeguard/ Member Services Rep/ Swim Instructor
Sonia Mossalaei
Lifeguard and Swim Instructor
Chloe Appleton
Videographer
Sylvie Thibault
Member Services Representative
Danielle Arzadon
Member Services Lead
Leialli Kamel
Operations and Events Program Assistant
Isabel Wichman
Group Fitness Instructor
Alberto Luiz Reyes
ENS Instructor
Sean Willweber
Climbing Wall Attendant
Andonia Goergen
Office Assistant
Rodney Fowler Jr.
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

Aztec Student Union

Jennessy Cardona
Aztec Lanes Lead
Cole Blackinton
Aztec Lanes Attendant
Edward James Garcia
ASUB Programs Assistant
Rebecca Lee
Reservations Assistant
James Calcutt
Lead Audio-Visual Technician
Luke Norton
Media Studio Lead Technician
Gaby Swanson
Building Services Assistant
Isabella Kalivas
Operations Lead
Nathan Lozano
Senior Operations Lead
Jake Hankinson
Operations Assistant
Natalie Murray
Operations Assistant
Ryan Onofrey
Operations Assistant

Business Services

Talia Buzi
Payroll Assistant
Sophia Stifano
Accounts Receivable Assistant
Katherine Laborin
Accounts Payable Assistant

Government Affairs

Feliza Alipio Jocson
A.S. Office Assistant

Mission Bay Aquatic Center

Alexander Hixson
Sailing Instructor
Spencer Moore
Wakesports Instructor
Cole Yager
Dockmaster
Emillio Cecena
Paddle Instructor
Bailee Aguila
Office Assistant
Gabby McElligott
Surfing Instructor

SDSU Children’s Center

Lacy Roche
Front Desk Staff
Samantha Mascareno
Assistant Teacher
Ashley Zermeno
Assistant Teacher
Juliana Alvarado
Associate Teacher
Gabriela Jimenez
Associate Teacher
Lily Stempson
Assistant Teacher
Allison Rimando
Assistant Teacher
Sara Hernandez
Associate Teacher
Sophia Munoz-Banuelos
Kitchen Assistant
Madalynn Silva
Associate Teacher
Alexis Walker
Assistant Teacher
Melissa Gutierrez
Assistant Teacher

Scholarships

A.S. Part-Time Student Employee Scholarship

A.S. awards three $500 scholarships each semester to part-time student employees based on academic performance, contributions to the SDSU and San Diego communities, financial need and length of employment. A.S. awards the following students with scholarships:

Mateo La Serna
Aztec Recreation Center, Competitive Sports Official
Nicole Rutti
Government Affairs, A.S. Office Assistant
Taylor Burns
Aztec Recreation Center, Intramural Sport Supervisor

McCarron Scholarship

The McCarron Exemplary Service Endowed Scholarship is a $1,500 scholarship awarded to the A.S. student employee who best exemplifies the service ideals of A.S. through exceptional performance and is a contributing member of the SDSU community. Established in 2014, this scholarship is a generous annual gift from Tom & Virginia McCarron that is awarded in the spring semester each year. The McCarron Scholarship winner is:

Kayla Craven
Aztec Recreation Center, Member Services Representative

Unlock the Benefits of Your ADP Account

Registering your ADP account is simple! A.S. staff are encouraged to take full advantage of the various features designed to enhance your experience. Here is why you should register your account:

View your pay statements

Access your earnings every pay date with ease.
Set up or update direct deposits

Ensure your payments go where you want them!
Update your personal and tax information

Keep your information current for accurate processing.
Track your timecards & accruals

Keep track of your hours and accrued benefits.
Receive company updates

Stay in the loop with important announcements.
Go paperless

Receive notifications when your pay statements and end of year statements (W-2s) are available.

Need assistance registering your ADP account? Reference the step-by-step ADP account registration guide. For more information, please contact the A.S. Payroll Department by emailing aspayroll@sdsu.edu.

Global Running Day

by Olivia Li, A.S. Marketing and Communications Coordinator

June 4 is Global Running Day and what better way to celebrate than to get started with running? About a year ago, I started my running journey on a whim and less than a year later, I have completed two half marathons! There are numerous benefits to running, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, improved focus and mental health, better sleep — this list is endless! If you are inspired to start running, read below for some tips and recommendations for the best places to get in your run.

Five Tips for Successful Running

Wear proper shoes.

Wearing the right shoes is essential to preventing injuries and making your runs feel more comfortable and enjoyable. Road Runner Sports offers a free Fit Finder foot analysis, categorizing your foot into one of three foot types and providing shoe options that would best support your feet. In addition, they offer custom insoles which you can pay for using your A.S. full-time HSA or FSA benefits if you are enrolled.
Run with friends to keep you motivated.

Running with friends or a group can help you stay consistent. San Diego offers a wide variety of run clubs that meet on a regular basis to help you stay disciplined and motivated. If you aren’t able to run in person with your friends, Strava is a great app to track and share your runs with your community.
Follow a plan to stay engaged.

A structured plan keeps you disciplined, consistent and gives you variability in your runs. Try using Nike Run Club for free training plans or Runna for customizable training plans tailored to your goals and fitness level. These plans also allow you to monitor your distance, pace and improvements over time and watching your progress can be a great motivator to keep going.
Understand that often the first couple of miles are the hardest.

It will take time for your body to adjust to running and oftentimes, you will feel like you are breathing hard or your legs are feeling tired. Be patient as your body adjusts to the exercise; it usually takes a minimum of two miles for your body to warm up and settle into a rhythm.
Warm up and cool down.

You may want to skip warming up and cooling down, especially when you get to longer runs that take more of your time. However, a short warm-up can help prevent injury and get your body ready to move while a cool down can aid recovery and reduce soreness. Following these stretches can improve your overall performance.

Best Places to Run

On Campus
There’s nothing better than a quick run after work during golden hour before heading home. This 2-mile intermediate loop is great for a quick run or you can run it multiple times for a longer workout.
Lake Murray

This 5.7-mile out-and-back trail is fairly flat and less than a 10 minute drive from SDSU. With ample parking and beautiful lake views, Lake Murray is the perfect place for a run after a long work day.
Lake Miramar

This popular 5-mile loop in Scripps Ranch offers a smooth, paved path with peaceful lake views. With restrooms, water fountains, and free parking on-site, Lake Miramar is a go-to spot for both casual jogs and longer training runs.
Mission Bay

This 8-mile out-and-back loop is just 20 minutes from SDSU! This route offers beautiful bayside views that make the miles fly by. The 8-mile route is perfect for a weekend long run, and parking is conveniently available at A.S.’ own Mission Bay Aquatic Center. Whether you're training for a race or just running for fun, Mission Bay is a must for when you’re increasing mileage! (Recommendation from Ruby Parrott, A.S. Marketing Assistant)
Torrey Pines State Beach

Next to the beach you can set your own short or long distance run. The Torrey Pines Park Road incline is just over one mile. This is a good spot to practice those hills and to cool down after a long-distance run while enjoying the great views. (Recommendation from Rodrigo Mercado, A.S. Associate Director of Human Resources)

New Employees

Diana Celebrado

Aztec Student Union Events Planner

Hello everyone!

My name is Diana Celebrado and I’m excited to be the new Events Planner for the Aztec Student Union.

I was born and raised in Chula Vista and have just moved back after graduating last year from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Biology. Although I graduated with a degree in biology, my involvement as a student leader, uplifting fellow students of color within higher education, taught me not only a passion for event coordination but also an understanding of how nurturing memorable experiences can serve as foundations of connection and belonging. In the summer of 2024, I began working as a wedding coordinator, setting up, tearing down, and managing everything to make a wedding day as smooth as possible for our clients! Pursuing a career that furthers my event planning skills, I’m glad to combine my experiences within a student union and event logistics to contribute to the A.S. team.

In my free time, I love creative activities, including floral arrangements, lei-making, and designing handmade jewelry that I occasionally sell at local pop-up events. I am grateful for this opportunity to be here and look forward to working with you all!

Lauren Henley

Mission Bay Aquatic Center Office Supervisor

Hi A.S. Team!

My name is Lauren Henley, and I’m excited to join the team as the Mission Bay Aquatic Center's Office Supervisor. I graduated from SDSU in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.

I’ve had the privilege of working at MBAC for a few years in various roles, starting as an Office Assistant, moving up to Office Program Assistant, and most recently, serving as Interim Office Supervisor in 2024. I also worked as a Human Resources Representative at the YMCA of San Diego County, supporting various HR initiatives and employee lifecycle processes. Now, I’m excited to take on a leadership role where I can continue supporting MBAC’s mission and ensure smooth operations for our staff and participants.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me rock climbing, baking something sweet, crocheting new projects, getting lost in a good book, biking around town, wakesurfing on the water or camping under the stars. I’m really looking forward to connecting with all of you and contributing to the awesome work we’re doing here at A.S.!

Andrew "Andy" Nguyen

Aztec Recreation Climbing & Group Facilitation Supervisor

Hey y’all!

My name is Andrew Nguyen, but I prefer to go by Andy; it’s a nickname I was given when I was a wee lad. I began rock climbing on Mother’s Day 2016, and it has been an integral part of my life ever since. I first started my career in Campus Recreation at Cal Poly Pomona in 2021. I saw the massive impact that collegiate recreation can have on students' mental, social, and physical well-being, and I strive to continue to make that impact felt here at SDSU.

As an alum of Cal Poly Pomona, my involvement in bringing back adventure programming post-pandemic fueled my desire to lower barriers and expose students to not just rock climbing but to all forms of recreation. Whether a student tries rock climbing for the first time and isn’t the biggest fan, their first step into the Aztec Recreation Center is a win, as it opens up the door to other recreational activities that they weren’t aware of and find their community. The benefits of recreation are unmatched, and I want to further grow that community here at the ARC!

Besides being an avid rock climber, my other main hobby is riding my motorcycle. I have ridden 20000+ miles in a year and have no intentions of stopping anytime soon. If you ever see a red and white motorcycle riding through San Diego, don’t hesitate to wave. It’s highly likely that it is myself!

15 Questions

What is your name and title?

Hello! My name is Jeanie Maidona, and I am the Student Union Programs Coordinator.
Which A.S. department do you work in?

I work in the Student Union department, where I support the Aztec Student Union Board to plan exciting events. I also support students' leadership and professional development alongside the Assistant Director of A.S. Programs.
How long have you worked for A.S.?

I have been with A.S. since July 31, 2023, almost 2 years.
What do you like most about working for A.S.?

I love working in a student-driven, student-supported space. Being involved in my undergrad A.S. made a big impact on me, and now I get to pay it forward. As a first-gen Latina, that support meant so much to me, and it’s meaningful to be part of creating that experience for others now.
What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or thumbs down?

The last movie I saw was Marvel’s Thunderbolts (New Avengers), and I give it two thumbs up! I’ve always loved Marvel films, but honestly, the ones after Avengers: Endgame haven’t quite lived up to my expectations, until this one.
Do you collect anything? What do you collect and why?

I collect enamel pins! I like to get pins from places I visit or during trips to Disneyland. I have a Disneyland Magic Key pass and go 1–2 times a month. Each visit, I pick up a new pin, either from a mystery box or a stand-alone one. I have them displayed in my office if you want to see! I visit Disneyland more often than I travel, so my Disney pins outnumber my travel pins.
What is your favorite dessert?

My favorite dessert is strawberry ice cream because it has the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and creaminess. I also love that I can enjoy it year-round, rainy day or not, strawberry ice cream always sounds good!
If you had to move to another country, which one would you choose?

This question made me really think about what matters most if I had to move away from friends and family. I’d want a suburban area with cute brunch spots, cozy cafes, and beautiful scenery, somewhere not too touristy but still close to places to explore. Since I speak both English and Spanish, I’d want to communicate easily with locals. I actually put all this into ChatGPT, and it recommended Spain, specifically Oviedo, Logroño, or Alcalá. They sound like wonderful places, and great spots for friends and family to visit me!
What fictional family would you like to be a member of?

I would love to be part of the family from “Wizards of Waverly Place” because I’d be a wizard with powers! I’d totally win the family wizard competition and use my powers responsibly, including teleporting to every Disneyland around the world.
What 5 songs are at the top of your playlist?

My current top 5 song on my playlist are:
1. “Mi Refe” – Beele and Ovy on the Drums
2. “DTMF” – Bad Bunny
3. “Before You” – Benson Boone
4. “Juno” – Sabrina Carpenter
5. “Red Wine Supernova” – Chappell Roan
What is your favorite book?

My favorite book right now is “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins. I loved “The Hunger Games” trilogy in high school, but this one is definitely my favorite. It pulls you in from the very first sentence and makes you feel everything. I like how familiar characters return, and we get a deeper look at Haymitch’s reaping and Games. It really helps explain why he is the way he is in the original books. I cried a lot, and loved every second of it. Spoiler alert: Haymitch wins his Games.
What is your favorite breakfast food?

I’m not usually a breakfast person, but when I do go out for breakfast, I love a veggie egg omelet with broccoli, spinach, thin carrot shavings, and just a little cheese, too much makes it dry overtime. Honestly, I could eat eggs any time of day, and the veggies add a nice flavor boost. Also, hash browns with ketchup are a must. They’re like morning fries! And if I’m waking up early, coffee is essential, preferably a caramel latte.
“Most people don’t know that I like to…

…play pickleball! I recently started learning. I’m still working on the rules, but I’ve been practicing with my roommate about every other week. Now that the sun sets later, it’s the perfect after-work activity.”
What does your perfect burger have on it?

I’m a picky eater… BUT burgers are my favorite food because I can get them almost anywhere. My perfect burger has a brioche bun, mayo, ketchup, Thousand Island sauce, two well-done beef patties, lettuce, avocado, and maybe cheese, if I’m feeling adventurous.
If you had to sing karaoke right now, which song would you pick?

I’ve been practicing my high notes for “Into the Unknown” from “Frozen II.” I wouldn’t say I’m a great singer, but it’s one of my favorite songs to sing in the car and I know all the lyrics!