03 Jun New Business, New Leadership: ASI Swears In Student Leaders for 2026-27
Student leaders at Associated Students Inc. were officially sworn into their student government positions June 1 affirming their commitment to serving the Cal State Fullerton community during the 2026-27 academic year. After March elections, students voted for their ASI president, vice president and elected Board of Directors (BOD) representatives for each college. The selection process continued with the appointment of leaders for ASI’s three commissions: Chief Campus Relations Officer, Chief Governmental Officer and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “Your fellow students believe in your ability to represent their voices, advocate for their needs and help shape a campus where every type can thrive,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Sean Walker. “ASI plays such an important role in the daily life of this university, from student advocacy and leadership to program services, wellness initiatives and community building. The work you do will have real lasting impact on the Titan experience.”
ASI President Cesar Mendoza addresses his fellow student leaders and campus partners. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communication and Design
ASI leaders have driven campus change since its origin in 1976, representing diverse student voices and initiating new policies and programs under basic needs, mental health, academic advancement, environmental concern, diversity and inclusion and more. ASI President Cesar Mendoza encouraged his leadership team to embrace the year service-oriented, advocating for all to have a spot at the table. “Coming here as a first-generation student, there are moments where I questioned whether I belong in certain areas or conversations…We are all here for a reason. Every student leader in this room has earned their spot here,” Mendoza said. “I’ve met students who just need encouragement, guidance, or service, or someone to remind them that they belong here too. That is what leadership should be about: service, listening, and showing up.”
ASI’s Board of Directors represents CSUF’s eight colleges, committing a year to listening to their peers and making changes for their college. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
ASI’s very first BOD meeting took place shortly after the installation, where BOD chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer were selected. The following list concludes ASI’s leadership team for the 2026-2027 academic year:
Executive Leadership
- President: Cesar Mendoza
- Vice President: Sydney Yee
- Board Chair: Deniz Suzer
- Vice Chair: Yahir Flores
The first BOD meeting took place immediately after the installation, during which the full leadership team was elected internally. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
Board of Directors
- College of the Arts: Joshua Lopez and Emma Rodriguez
- College of Business and Economics: Justin Ambrose and Manaswini Surusomayajula
- College of Communications: Luca Romero and Jessica Collins
- College of Education: Yahir Flores and Jennifer Tran
- College of Engineering and Computer Science: Keoni Guerrero and Anirudh Mukherjee
- College of Health and Human Development: Savannah Miller and Deniz Suzer
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Mia Phao and Amy Westen
- College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Shine Aung and Eugenie Bassilly
ASI’s BOD team is made up of CSUF students of different backgrounds, experiences, and career trajectories. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
Administration
- Secretary: Eugenie Bassilly
- Treasurer: Manaswini Surusomayajula
Commissioners
- Chief Campus Relations Officer: Chris Le
- Chief Governmental Officer: Sydney Hernandez
- Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer: Ava Montano
ASI’s three commissioners oversee the University Affairs and Environmental Sustainability Commission, Lobby Corps Commission, and Social Justice and Equity Commission. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
Looking ahead, the ASI Student Wellness Initiative will remain a key priority for ASI through projects such as the Zen Den in the Titan Student Union, a Wellness center, a centralized basic needs center and planned expansions of the Student Recreation Center and TSU. As student leaders work with campus partners, represent student interests and oversee campus organizations, they will help shape initiatives affecting the CSUF community. The CSUF community can stay updated on student government work throughout the year through BOD meetings open to the public, available in-person or on Zoom.
ASI Associate Vice President and Executive Director Dr. Dave Edwards will work closely with the ASI President to execute initiatives and new projects. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
“This year is going to challenge us with long meetings, difficult conversations and moments when we feel stretched thin, but I hope we also challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zones, speak up and trust that our voices deserve to be heard,” Mendoza said. “The best leaders build community and help those around them succeed. We look forward to working alongside everyone to make Cal State Fullerton a stronger, more supportive campus for students.”