Presidential Profiles
by Stephanie Cox

Sometimes students don’t get a chance to really know there presidential elect for Associated Students Inc. outside of posters or campaigning. Here’s your chance to get to know who is running for ASI President and what they want to do for our students.

Executive Vice President, Derek Stotler.

Stephanie Cox: What are your goals for next year if you are elected ASI president? 

Derek Stotler: My main goal as stated in another section would be to increase the student life on campus. Our students have been saying we need more school spirit and better events on campus and I am ready to take action and make CSUB more fun and do away with the “commuter campus” ideology. I am going to advocate for cheaper and healthier food on campus. I want to bring an outside restaurant on campus like our students have been asking for. I want to expand the student union and give our students a reason to stay on campus and come to the student union to hangout, not just go to the bookstore and leave. I want to rearrange the IRA budget to fund more money toward longer library hours every day of the week, not just during finals week. I want to make sure that the classes that have high demand have enough instructors to teach multiple sections each year, and make classes more accessible for our students. I want to make sure our students voice is being heard, so I will make sure ASI is reaching out to students on a weekly basis. Lastly, I will make sure that our students are aware of the different events and changes happening on campus by having a weekly YouTube channel update and a monthly report to our students.

C: You’re stranded on a desert island and can only take one thing with you, what is it?

S: If I were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing, I would definitely have to take my dog Kimba. She is a German Sheppard mix and the most adorable thing in the world.

C: If you could sing one song on American Idol what would it be? 

S: Fix You by Coldplay

C: What impact do you feel you’ve made on campus this year in ASI? 

S: I think that I have made a positive impact on the students this year and I have brought many positive changes to both the campus and to ASI. I am the only candidate who has lobbied for lower tuition fees for our students on a national level. I have advocated for more student jobs on campus and an increase in grant funds for our students. I have applied for a grant to the State Student Association which was awarded to ASI; in which, we have decided to use the funds to install modernized drinking fountain/water filling stations to replace the rusty and outdated fountains you see on campus (already approved, will be installed over the next few weeks). I have gone with students to meet with Deans and Department Chairs when student issues regarding academics have come up. I have sat on multiple committees to make sure that the students were represented when decisions impacting the students were being made.

C: In what ways do wish to improve the university experience for students if elected president next year? 

S: If elected President, my main focus in terms of improving the student experience would be to establish a better student life on campus. My goal for this next year is to expand the student union to make room for more students and make the student union a more fun and enjoyable place, where many students come together and relax. I would also like to bring a restaurant on campus that our students would enjoy. If you go to other campuses, there are many popular food options, which typically bring the students together and gives the students a reason to hangout on campus. Lastly, I would like to make a student section for the different sporting events on campus so that we can all come together and make our sporting events more of a social event for our students. I have worked closely with the administration on campus and putting these ideas into action is realistic and definitely attainable.

C: If you were 80 years old what would you tell your grandchildren? 

S: If I were 80 years old, I would tell my Grandchildren that everything you do or say has your name on it. Do everything with excellence and don’t settle for anything less. I would also tell them to live by the motto “Live passionately, love dearly”.

C: You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color are you? 

S: I would have to go with Blue, because it is my favorite color.

C: Why should students vote you for ASI president? 

S: Students should vote for me because I am very experienced and familiar with the President Position. I have served many leadership positions on campus and I believe that I am best fit for the position. I have great relationships with our top administrators on campus so it will be easy to voice what students want and make changes. I have a plan of action to enhance the student experience and social life on campus and I am ready to make the students voice heard! I am always true to my word and I think that the students voice should always come first. I like to have fun and working on student issues is genuinely very fulfilling for me. I am very friendly and I get along with everyone really well.

Vice President of Programming, Savannah Andrews.

Stephanie Cox: What are your goals for next year if you are elected ASI president? 

Savannah Andrews: For the next year, I want to create positive change and movements on our campus. First, I will work on extending food facility hours for students. This issue does not only affect one student; it affects all students regardless of class standing. Secondly, collaborate with Aramark (the food company on campus) to make healthy food cheaper than the unhealthy food. It’s sad to see that purchasing a salad is more expensive than a cheeseburger and fries. Students are here to learn, and healthier food will help them concentrate and succeed in school. Thirdly, I promise to oppose any campus fee that will not benefit the students. If a fee’s purpose is to pay for an administrator’s salary, or to construct parking spaces for only staff and faculty, I will use all my power to make sure that such fees do not occur. Lastly, if an increase for parking passes is proposed, I will firmly fight against it. Most of all, my goal is to makes students feel comfortable speaking their mind and expressing any campus issues they have. This will then create a stronger, healthier relationship between students, their ASI representatives, faculty and the whole campus climate.

C: You’re stranded on a desert island and can only take one thing with you, what is it?

A: If stranded on an island, I would take Aldous Huxley’s book, A Brave New World with me. It’s one of my favorites!

C: If you could sing one song on American Idol what would it be?

A: Currently, my favorite song is “Be My Forever” by Christina Perri. While driving to school, I act as if I’m putting on a performance singing that song. Although it is probably awkward for other people who have seen me, I enjoy singing and being in sync with the melody.

C: What impact do you feel you’ve made on campus this year in ASI?

A: This year in ASI, I played a big role in bringing more student life on campus by putting on programs students asked for. RecycleMania was one of our most successful events that engaged and educated students about the benefits recycling has for the earth and students’ finances. Ricardo Perez [Arts and Humanities Director] and I helped lead the extension of the library hour’s project. Thankfully, because of students, library staff, and our ASI leaders, library hours have been extended the week before and the week of finals. Although this is a step in the right direction, the goal is to extend the hours on a regular basis next year. Another project I led dealt with increasing the allotted time a student may receive temporary disabled parking. Not only have these goals been accomplished this year, but I have also assisted students on a daily basis by talking to them about their needs, and what they want changed on our campus.

C: In what ways do wish to improve the university experience for students if elected president next year?

A: As your ASI President, I will work to improve student life on campus by creating traditions that our students look forward to. I plan to collaborate with various clubs, Greeks, athletics, departments, and also help these groups collaborate with each other. Students should feel and believe that CSUB is the best university for them, and I will fervently pursue this goal—regardless if I win or not.

C: If you were 80 years old what would you tell your grandchildren? 

A: I would tell my grandchildren the following: no matter what people say or how hard you fall, get back up and always remember YOU are someone worthwhile!

C: You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color are you? 

A: Red. The color stands out, it’s always in the box, and most individuals utilize red when coloring.

C: Why should students vote you for ASI president? 

A: I am here to serve the students. I am dedicated and will stand up for the students even if it means opposing staff, faculty, or administrators. This year in ASI, I supported clubs/organizations by helping them acquire the funds they needed, and also by attending their events. Although at times it may not be politically beneficial to be outspoken for the students, I have proven that the students come first. I also have an open door policy that is utilized everyday by students to express any concerns they may have academically, personally, or professionally. I am of the belief that being a public servant is not just a job, but rather a way of living. Leadership is not reliant upon always ‘leading,’ nor is it reliant upon a mere title. Leadership is based on the simple premise of serving others; leadership is based on inspiring and motivating; and lastly, leadership is based on bringing out the hidden leader that we all have within us. If elected as your ASI president, I will work to make this a reality. Thank you.