Shashwath Koppisetty
As a commuter, industrial technology senior Shashwath Koppisetty struggled to feel connected to the San Jose State community during his freshman and sophomore years.
“I became more involved [by] joining Greek life and experiencing campus for everything that [it] offers,” Koppisetty said. “So seeing that and seeing different issues on campus I want to fix, I wanted to run [for a position].”
By running for the director of co-curricular affairs, Koppisetty said he hopes to make SJSU more spirited and welcoming for commuters and transfer students.
“A lot of stuff seems to be geared towards just residents, which is great but I want more of the student population [to] be involved,” Koppisetty said.
He said he applauds the Fire on the Fountain event SJSU hosts to commemorate the new school year and wants to replicate a similar celebration during spring semester.
However, Koppisetty’s plans have been shelved because of the shelter-in-place order.
“I want transfers and the commuters to feel like things are happening on campus. And things do happen on campus, and a lot of people are not aware of it,” Koppisetty said. “I want to see that change happen . . . I haven't seen that change happen [during] my time here and I think the school can do a better effort on that part.”
Leland Pama
After seeing many of his friends go to less racially diverse universities, communications junior Leland Pama said he wants to promote the ethnic diversity the Bay Area has to offer.
Pama, who is running for director of co-curricular affairs, said he wants to incorporate his Epicurean interests with this position to showcase different cuisines at San Jose State.
“I really want to bring as many different food types [and] as many different culinary practices from local businesses,” Pama said.
He wants to make these food markets open, inclusive and accessible to students struggling with food insecurity and said it will allow everyone to “be able to dabble in something.”
Pama’s experience with event planning spans farther than his time at SJSU. He took on two vice presidential roles in high school and was a student government intern at De Anza College where he organized a fall mixer.
However, with the recent shelter-in-place order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, Pama said he cannot access the usual resources he normally has to implement his ideas.
“Since we've all moved towards a zoom platform, I had a couple ideas I really want to reach out to,” Pama said.
He said he’s recently seen videos on interactive culinary cook shows and is thinking about implementing something similar through Zoom for SJSU students.
