Sydney Pugh, the new director of campus events of the Associated Students that was sworn in on Sept. 29, sees athletics promotion and increased food choices as ways to improve student life on campus.
After being chosen out of 10 applicants, her role will include helping the A.S. board come up with ideas for campus events and serving on the Programming Committee and the Year of Wellness Committee, which allocate money to student organizations and coordinate events for the Year of Wellness, this year’s theme.
Pugh was a co-captain of a volleyball team back in Westlake High School. She thinks serving on A.S. is like playing volleyball which requires good communication and team work.
“If we’re all collaborative on A.S., it will show in our work throughout the year,” said Pugh. “Also, I understand that I can’t micromanage everything; I have to work with other people.”
Ashley Rasmussen, president of A.S., said Pugh’s role is important because her position brings activities to the college.
“A director of campus events could bring everyone back home,” said Rasmussen. “Even though this is a community college, you could still have fun and have a great time before you transfer.”
Pugh wants to increase athletic awareness and pride on campus. One way she plans to do this is to use lamp posts with flagpoles to put up banners that highlight current players, as well as famous alumni that have gone on to play for National Football League and Major League Baseball teams.
An alumnus who came to her attention recently was Isiah Mustafa, also known as the Old Spice guy, who formerly played for the Oakland Raiders.
She thinks it is a good idea to have more food choices in the vending machines, including choices that satisfy students who follow special diets such as vegan or paleo, which favors unprocessed foods such as grass-fed meat.
“Vending machines seem like a good economical option,” Pugh said. “You can’t go wrong with that.”
Rasmussen said that going to events such as football games and plays gives students opportunities to celebrate and hang out beyond the classrooms. She feels these events give students the college experience they deserve while on campus.
Rasmussen said Pugh’s ideas of using banners and improving food choices were the reason she picked her out from the other applicants.
“She has a bright attitude and [is] willing to do research beyond what is asked of her,” said Rasmussen.
April Sessums was the previous director who was appointed in the spring semester’s student election. However, Sessums decided to resign on Sept. 1 to take care of her children and focus on her demanding classes.
Sharon Miller, the A.S. advisor, said it isn’t unusual for elected students to resign from their office. The common reason was because those students can’t balance studying, personal life and serving on the board.
