WHO runs our Student Government....

Playing the Drums and lighting the up the sky for some of southern California’s fireworks shows are just a couple other activities Mark Andrews does; when he’s not busy being the current president and CEO of CSULB’s Associated Student Inc.
Andrews’s goal as part of ASI is to promote advocacy, to make sure the student’s voices are heard. He explained how the ASI on CSULB’s campus is almost “spoiled” compared to other campuses, here the students voices are not only heard but have an actual say in the decision making process.
“We sit on different committees with faculty and administration and we’re able to give the students perspective in everything.” said Andrews
A typical day as president has him on campus or participating in some type of campus activity from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. He finds that the job can be draining at times but is fun as well. One of the toughest challenges for him as ASI president is prioritizing time. “Not making it your life said Andrews “cause of all the time that you’re here.”
One of the perks of the job is being able to attend fun student activities and sporting events. ASI receptionist Diana Reyes said “He always tries to be involved with students and as many student activities as possible.”
Another great aspect of the job is all the networking that he is constantly doing. Always meeting new people and making new contacts that he hope will stay with him after he graduates.
Andrews has played the drums for 10 years, he got his start in the school band. In high school he was elected band president. He at times plays with his friend’s band. During a rally for his election campaign he took the stage with them to play a Led Zeppelin song.
Working towards getting his pyrotechnics license is a goal that Andrews hopes to accomplish. According to the state fire marshal’s web site to get this type of license you must have trained with a licensed pyrotechnic, have references, finger prints, complete the application and pass both written and field tests. Andrews has helped out with six shows to date and is looking forward to participating in more shows.
Andrews wasn’t always as enthusiastic about campus life. He mentioned that his first year at CSULB was a bit rocky. “I showed up, sometimes went to class and then drove home,” said Andrews, “my second semester was really bad.” In order to change these habits he decided to get involved.
Flipping burgers was how Andrews got his start participating in ASI activities. He volunteered to help out with beach pride poolside, where he was put in charge of barbequing. It was there that he decided to run for a senate position.
“Not winning the senate position was an obstacle for me,” he said. Although he did not get a spot within the senate, Secretary of City Affairs was a new position was created for him.
Due to differences of opinions with last year’s president, Andrews decided to take a year off from the student government last year. He wanted to focus on other activities, and get involved in things outside student government. At one point working for the Governor’s campaign, he used his best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice to say “Vote for Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
On March 29, 2007 Mark Andrews was elected ASI president, after a two day run-off election 50.9% of voter in his favor. In the initial election Andrews’s opponent took 46.7% of the votes and he had 35.7% votes. But with neither candidate having 51% of the student vote, there was a run-off.
“Working with him is really good,” said Reyes “he’s always on top of things.”
The CSULB current ASI president really takes pride in the college that he attends. He along with the ASI group is trying to encourage students to wear more Long Beach state apparel. Beach pride bingo was designed to help motivate students to wear beach gear. Don’t let him catch you wearing another schools sweatshirt; he’s not too shy to call you out on it.
He is however shy when it comes to seeing his face all over campus. Walking from Brotman Hall to University Student Union alone one can see up to five flyers or banners with his face on it.
“It’s kinda weird walking around seeing yourself.” Said Andrews
When graduation time comes for Andrews he hopes to use his contacts and his Political Science major to have a job lined up for him. He would like to have a job working with a council member for the City of Long Beach, main focus centered on the Port of Long Beach. In the long run Andrews would love to be a city councilman forever, if it wasn’t for those pesky term limits.
More communication and participation among students are what he wishes to accomplish while in office. He wants to keep finding ways to reach the students and get them more involved not only in ASI but in other campus events and pastimes.
“You’ll never get experience like this anywhere else.” said Andrews.