09-12-2018

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Wednesday, Sept. 12 - Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 Weekly Print Edition

Vol. 105, Issue 5 www.thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

Eric Rivera to retire in December by Bella Ross NEWS EDITOR

Courtesy photo

Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Rivera will retire on Dec. 12.

After nearly a quarter-century serving the California State University system, Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Rivera will retire at the end of the fall semester, university officials announced on Sept. 5. “As I look back at my higher education career, spanning four institutions across the country,

I am most proud of the past 22 years spent at SDSU and the contributions I have made to our students’ achievements,” Rivera said in a statement. San Diego State President Adela de la Torre said Rivera has made notable achievements in areas like the increase of graduation and retention rates, the expansion of student support centers and in the development of parent programs on campus. Beginning Dec. 13, de la

Torre said current Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Christy Samarkos will serve as the interim vice president for student affairs until a permanent one is selected through a nationwide search. Students may not know Rivera’s name, but they’re sure to be familiar with his work. Popular student support centers such as SEE ERIC RIVERA, PAGE 3

‘I am SDSU’ campaign strives to increase student involvement in community events

Photo by Abraham Jewett

Aztecs cornerback Ron Smith (center) leads the “I am SDSU’” chant alongside running back Juwan Washington (right).

by Sofia Bert SENIOR STAFF WRITER

University President Adela de la Torre’s ‘I am SDSU’ campaign, aimed at raising student involvement in university-wide events, kicked off last week with a pep rally. Students gathered in front of Hepner Hall on the afternoon of Sept. 6.

De la Torre spoke at the event to welcome new students, faculty and staff. Other speakers included former basketball coach Steve Fisher and Associated Students President Chris Thomas. The crowd also enjoyed appearances from the cheer and dance team and performances by the Diamond Dancers to live music from the pep band. “We like to keep our talents hidden here at San Diego State,”

Thomas said. He said de la Torre came up with the idea of the campaign as a way to start her first year at SDSU by highlighting all of the talent SDSU has and the impact it has both on a national and local level. During the rally, Thomas spoke about his slogan for Associated Students under his presidency. The slogan is “The Year of the Heart” and it relates to Thomas wanting students to know how

much Associated Students cares about them. “Through our actions, we will show students that A.S. is here for them, cares about them and advocates for them,” Thomas said. Fisher said it will be the responsibility of SDSU students to be present in the campus community to contribute to SEE CAMPAIGN, PAGE 5

Student hospitalized with bacterial meningitis by Bella Ross NEWS EDITOR

University officials on Sept. 5 were warning students who participated in recruitment activities for the College Panhellenic Association this week to get preventative treatment after a student contracted meningococcal meningitis. The student, who was not named, was being treated at a local hospital Wednesday after being diagnosed with the bacterial illness, officials said in an email to the campus community. Students who participated in formal recruitment activities for the Panhellenic Association between Sept. 1-3 were recommended to receive preventative treatment, often offered in the form of a pill. Student Health Services offered the treatment between noon and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6, and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7. The treatment is recommended regardless of prior immunization for meningococcal disease, officials said. Anybody who may have contracted meningitis after coming into contact with the infected person likely will experience symptoms before Friday, Sept. 14, university officials said. The last time meningitis made an appearance at SDSU was nearly a year ago in November 2017, when three students were diagnosed viral meningitis, the most common form. The more deadly bacterial form of meningitis killed an SDSU student in 2014. Student Health Services Medical Director Cynthia Cornelius said in the email that the disease can progress in as little as 12 hours, making “prompt SEE MENINGITIS, PAGE 2

WHAT’S INSIDE

GOODBYE BIKE CLUTTER

THE CRIME CONTINUES

AZTECS WIN HOME OPENER

AGNEW’S TURN

BACK TO THE ‘90S

New Associated Students program punishes Ofo bike users for parking incorrectly.

The College Area experiences its third robbery in a little more than two weeks.

Football rallies late to pull away in victory against Sacramento State.

Backup quarterback takes the reigns after Christian Chapman injury.

The Smashing Pumpkins thrilled San Diego fans with the sounds of another generation.

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