Next Monday, March 28, the Student Senate will sponsor a Pizza with the Mayor event. The format will be similar to the Pizza with the President events that began in February, but instead of the President Shirley Ann Jackson fielding questions, Troy Mayor Harry J. Tutunjian will be the guest.
The event will be held from 12-2 pm in Mother’s in the Rensselaer Union just as Pizza with the President is, and it will have the same structure featuring questions and answers. The event will be open to the entire student body and the pizza will be provided by the Senate.
Grand Marshal Mike Dillon said that the Mayor seemed “extremely enthusiastic” about the upcoming event and he said that he expected the audience to be similar to that of the events with the president, featuring a cross-section of the student body.
According to Dillon, “I think it’s great that the students will be able to interact with [the mayor] more.” He pointed out that students are all residents of Troy or its surrounding communities. He said that if the Pizza with the Mayor goes well, it may turn into a regular event.
Mayor Tutunjian echoed a similar sentiment: “I think it’s a great idea. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and talk to RPI students.” He said that he expected a lively discussion and thought the topics brought up would probably be quite varied and might include parking and city revitalization.
Tutunjian also pointed out that he recognizes that students are residents of the city as well and he saw this as an event that could help the “betterment” of the city. He added, “I’d do it again if there’s genuine interest.”
Dillon added, “I think it’s going to be really constructive.” In addition to next Monday’s event with the mayor, two more Pizza with the President events are scheduled for this academic year. The next Pizza with the President event will be held on April 11.
