Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Written by ASI President, Sonny Ciampa
Below is a transcript of ASI President, Sonny Ciampa's, spring 2026 State of the Associated Students address, which he delivered to Student Government Senate on May 6, 2026.
Good afternoon, everyone.
What a year it has been. As we close out the 2025–26 academic year, I want to begin by recognizing the students, staff and student leaders who made this year possible. It has been an honor to serve alongside a community so deeply committed to keeping students first.
This year marked a historic moment at Long Beach State. For the first time since 1972, students experienced campus without a University Student Union. While this transition presented real challenges, it also revealed the strength of our organization. Across ASI, teams worked with intention to ensure continuity of services, access to food and study spaces, and opportunities for connection. Even without a central hub, our focus remained the same: supporting students in every way possible.
Throughout the year, ASI expanded how we create community and respond to student needs. In response to feedback about campus life during construction, I reintroduced large-scale traditions like Homecoming—reimagined as Home at The Beach—creating spaces for students to gather, celebrate and stay connected.
Accessibility and student voice remained central priorities. Through a series of Meet Your ASI President events and an expanded student government presence across campus, ASI leaders connected with nearly 1,000 students, increasing visibility and engagement by more than 50 hours each month. These efforts helped ensure that student perspectives remained at the center of our work.
ASI also made progress in addressing off-campus housing challenges by streamlining resources and creating new opportunities for connection, including a housing and roommate mixer that brought students together in meaningful ways.
Beyond these efforts, student government leaders across ASI made significant contributions:
- The ASI Executive Team improved transparency by advocating for clearer visibility of student fees on the university website.
- The Executive Vice President and the Senate advanced resolutions addressing key student concerns, including parking and environmental policies.
- The Vice President of Finance and the Business & Finance Committee supported more than 500 student organization leaders through fiscal certification and funding opportunities for travel, research and programming.
- The Chief Diversity Officer expanded engagement through initiatives like the ASI Voice Box and Voices at The Beach, creating new platforms for student feedback and connection.
- Cabinet members hosted 11 community-centered events this semester, including Culture Fest, which brought together students to celebrate diverse cultures and identities on campus.
- The Chief Legislative Officer led legislative visits including advocating efforts at the State Capital during the California Higher Education Student Summit in March. They also led voter engagement efforts, including programs like Puppies and Primaries.
- The Judiciary Board created space for education and dialogue through programs such as the Women in Law panel and Know Your Rights workshops.
- URECBOT continued to advocate for essential student needs throughout the Future U transition.
Across ASI, departments and programs continued to deliver meaningful experiences for students. Beach Pride Events brought the campus together through large-scale programs like Beach Bash and An Evening With. The Student Recreation & Wellness Center celebrated 15 years of supporting students’ wellness journeys, alongside another successful year of Owen’s Condition for Tuition. Together, these efforts reflect ASI’s role in creating moments of connection, celebration and school spirit during a year of transition.
Taken together, these accomplishments reflect the resilience, creativity and commitment of this organization. This year was not defined by what we lacked, but by how we responded—by showing up for students, adapting to change and continuing to build a stronger future.
Thank you and Go Beach!
