Junior Aaron Testa dabbles in graphic design, ice hockey and DJing
Samantha Turcotte
Equinox Staff
Junior Aaron Testa has a lot on his plate. He is a full-time, dual-major student, goalie of the hockey team, junior class vice president and artist. He manages to not only excel in all the activities he is involved in and keep his grades up, but he also finds time to look after the needs of others–and do some DJ work on the side.
As Vice President of the junior class, Testa takes responsibility attending student assembly every week to voice his class’ opinion and hold power for them. He assists the class president, Jackie Efraimson, in making decisions regarding financial projects and topics.
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On his role as VP, Testa said, “I’m supportive and available. I’m always willing to be there for my peers. I’m just trying to lead my class to succeed and I know I can always be there to help.”
Efraimson said she is looking forward to working with Testa and seeing the contributions he can make to the class.
When asked about Testa’s involvement in a wide range of activities, Efraimson explained Testa has taken on many projects on and off the KSC campus.
Efraimson said, “I’ve known Aaron since freshman year and he was always the type of guy to have a lot on his plate, and I think that he can manage it well.” Efraimson spoke highly of Testa, saying, “Being apart of [Student] Government can be a lot of work, but I’m not concerned about him not being able to handle it. He has some great qualities that I can’t wait to see him use as the year progresses.”
As a graphic design and studio art major, Testa uses his artistic talent to contribute to campus.
The familiar Lloyd’s Marketplace sign, art in the Night Owl Cafe and the Owl Perch Game Room logo are all pieces from Testa’s collection.
Gino Vallante, student center programs coordinator, and Testa’s boss at the NOC, sees Testa’s contributions to campus.
He is the one who has helped Testa display his artwork in the Night Owl Cafe.
Vallante said, “Aaron has become an important part of our team in the student center, offering his design talents to the Night Owl Cafe and Dining services. He has become essential to our overall graphic design operation and has become a leader in our program.”
Testa is also currently working with Residential Life and said, “I just developed a logo for Neighborhood Connection, an organization to raise awareness for students about respecting the [Keene] community.”
Testa’s role as the men’s club hockey team goalie is just another way he stays involved on campus and it is not just a piece of cake. The team has practices until 11 p.m., and a schedule with many away games this year; with his busy schedule, Testa still manages to give his all to each of his organizations. He said, “…managing around [hockey] travel time is always hard.”
Dave Robicheau, senior and one of the hockey team’s captains, commented on Testa’s role as a team player.
Robicheau said, “He is able to be a voice for us on campus whether it be promoting the team or his work with Keene Ice. He has always been an excellent student as well and a big part of reaching our team goal of an overall 3.0 GPA.”
When asked about Testa’s juggling of several on and off-campus responsibilities, Robicheau said he is confident in Testa’s ability to give 100 percent to each activity. Robicheau explained, “I believe Aaron absolutely gives his all to the hockey team. His organization skills are unbelievable to me by being able to balance all of his responsibilities outside of hockey along with contributing to the hockey team everyday.”
Robicheau also commented on his teammate’s future success. Robicheau said, “I know Aaron has a wide range of talents and wherever he decides to take them I’m more than sure he will excel and be successful at them.”
Aside from his role on student government, the hockey team, and being a contributor to the community via his artwork, Testa also takes interest in DJing in his spare time; he has supplied music for several events around Keene.
Testa indicated his talents do not go unnoticed, “School organizations have come to me and asked me for music.” Why does he do all this? Testa explained, “I just enjoy doing it… I like staying involved. I like to better myself and others around me.” Testa joked, “I have a problem saying no.”
Steve Amblow, “the brother I never had,” as Testa called him–is his close friend from home for the past nine years; he comments on Testa’s community involvement.
Amblow said, “Aaron is like the mayor; he is a caring person and is always there for you when you need something…he is always trying to help or teach somebody whether that be how to DJ or how to skate and play goalie. He involves himself with things he likes and uses those things to make others happy too.”
“Ambitious, hard-working, and entrepreneurial” are the three words that came to mind first when Aaron’s father, Art Testa, described Aaron’s character.
That wasn’t all Mr. Testa had to say regarding his son’s involvement; Mr. Testa touched on why he thinks Aaron puts all these activities on his plate. He said, “It’s just his personality. He’s very curious…very bright. Very eager. That’s always the way he’s always been.”
Regarding his son’s goals and optimism for his future successes, Mr. Testa said, “The one thing I will tell you that my wife and I always say is that he never ceases to amaze us… he always gets what he wants.”
Whether he is blocking pucks on the ice, or drawing up a new slogan for a KSC event, Testa gives his all balancing the significance of all his projects and the needs of his peers.
Samantha Turcotte can be contacted at
sturcotte@keene-equinox.com