Associated Students of Pierce College campus presidents are involved in activities from planning to decision-making on various topics ranging from student safety to campus culture.  

Although each campus president brings a unique perspective to their role, both share a common commitment to student success and community building. Through their leadership, they aim to ensure that Pierce remains a place where students feel supported, challenged, and excited about what comes next. 

Their focus on specific topics often depends on Office of Student Life student leaders’ interests and the campus presidents’ goals.  

Puyallup campus President Sarah Aunspach and Fort Steilacoom campus President Sadie Crane recently shared their personal values, leadership styles and what matters most to them as campus leaders. 

Students may see Aunspach and Crane mainly in leadership roles, but each campus president brings a deeply personal background to the position.  

“My mother is Colombian, and my father is American, of German descent. I grew up speaking both Spanish and English, but I’m definitely more fluent in English,” Aunspach said.  

She worked as a front desk assistant during her first quarter attending Pierce College and as a legislative senator for the spring and summer quarters in 2025.  

Prior to attending Pierce College, Crane grew up in a rural town with few educational or economic opportunities.  

“The fact that this is a position I have been asked to hold is very significant to me,” she said. 

As the campus president, much of the role centers on supporting campus operations in the Office of Student Life while also ensuring students’ needs remain a priority.  

Both presidents described their responsibilities as a balance between leadership, decision-making and community engagement. Some of these

responsibilities range from representing students at the Board of Trustees’ meetings, guiding student leaders to working closely with the student government team and continuously striving to improve the community, such as supporting the Food and Hygiene Pantry. While their daily tasks may differ slightly, both emphasized the importance of community at the college.  

A major part of each president’s work involves projects that directly impact students. This year, both presidents highlighted initiatives aimed at improving the student experience, whether through academic programs, campus events or student services. 

Aunspach mentioned she took part in co-presenting and speaking at an event for Hispanic Heritage Month, where she told her story as a Colombian American. In addition, she hosted Village Time for the first time in September, where students asked the Puyallup campus president many questions. Aunspach also spoke at a dinner for English as a Second Language students.  

At the Fort Steilacoom campus, Crane shared that most of her work directly relates to the student community. 

“One major project I have undertaken is the installation of a third space for students on campus,” Crane

said. “Coming from a place that has very little accessibility to resources, I feel the significance of having somewhere you can meet safely and build community with others,” she said. 

Crane explained that projects like this reflect an ongoing effort to listen to student feedback and make meaningful changes that improve campus life.  

Ensuring students feel safe and welcome on campus is a top priority for both presidents. They each shared the ways they work with staff, faculty and students to promote safety, inclusion and a sense of belonging.   

“I have been a part of smoking policy review meetings, district policy and governance committee meetings to discuss registration and policies, and the Services & Activities and Student Technology Fee Budget Committee to discuss how to make our environment and services at Pierce more welcoming for students,” Aunspach said. “Our student government makes sure to advocate for our students and do what we can to ensure our community is always welcoming.” 

Crane described her views of most of her tasks as service work, saying that her everyday responsibilities should make students feel welcome in academic spaces.  

Both presidents stressed that building a welcoming campus goes beyond policies and involves creating a culture where students feel seen, heard and supported.  

Both leaders pointed to their passion for education and student success. Their past experiences in leadership and higher education helped prepare them for the challenges of the role.   

 “I’ve always desired to have a lead position somewhere, especially where it was earned by skill and not popularity, such as running for an Associated Student Body position in high school,” Aunspach said. 

Her experiences that helped her prepare for the president’s position include participating in school groups and getting involved in her community.  

Crane explains that her work experiences up until last year had more to do with customer service and physical labor until she was hired as the marketing coordinator for the Office of Student Life in fall 2024. 

Both presidents expressed optimism about what lies ahead for Pierce students. From upcoming programs to long-term goals, they emphasized continued growth and opportunities within the campus community.