President Bill Perry is scheduled to converse with students while eating pizza today in Pemberton Hall at the “Pizza with the Pres” event.

“Pizza with the Pres” was originally scheduled for Sept. 29, but it was moved because of scheduling conflicts.

Aseret Gonzales, the student vice president for academic affairs, said the event had its fair share of obstacles to overcome, including finding and finalizing a location for “Pizza with the Pres.”

Gonzales said she chose Pemberton because it worked best with their scheduling. She also said the student government could promote the “Senate on the Road” on Wednesday by having the “Pizza with the Pres” event in Pemberton.

She said the academic affairs committee in the student government is hosting the event in order for students to meet Perry in a more informal setting.

She said the event will allow more students to approach Perry.

“I think that it gives the opportunity to students on campus to eat with President Perry if they don’t know who he is and have an informal conversation with him,” Gonzales said.

Justin Emerson, a Student Senate member and a junior history major, said he feels the more laid-back atmosphere of the “Pizza with the Pres” event will allow students to not feel as intimidated to approach

Perry.

Student Body President Ed Hotwagner, a senior mathematics major, said he plans on attending the event today and likes the opportunity to meet with other students and talk to Perry.

Hotwagner said he is interested in the student feedback for the projects the student government is working on.

Gonzales said she got the idea from Jennifer Prillaman, former student vice president for academic affairs, and she wanted to continue the tradition.

Gonzales said another obstacle they faced was she was not sure of the possible turnout that “Pizza with the Pres” would have, considering last year’s event only had about 30-to-40 students.

She said, despite the turnout, she thinks that Perry is excited for the chance to meet with students.

“He is just a very outgoing, kind individual and a leader on campus,” Gonzales said.

She said that Perry is genuinely willing to listen to students and their thoughts about campus and how to improve life at Eastern.

“‘Pizza with the Pres’ is something right up (President Perry’s) alley,” Hotwagner said.

Gonzales said the plans for “Pizza with the Pres” has been in the works since he became the student vice president for academic affairs.

“Pizza with the Pres” will take place today from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Great Room in Pemberton Hall.

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].