Despite the 30-degree weather Feb. 20, students patiently waited in line on the East Lawn at Texas A&M University-San Antonio for pizza with the university president.
The pizza came from Dirt Road Cookers, a business owned by Kurt Oefinger. The cooking diameter of the pizza is 7 ft 8 in, according to a catalog shared by Oefinger. That’s about the size of a kids’ swimming pool. Pepperoni, sausage and plain cheese are the toppings that were offered.
“It looks like an interesting idea, to make a pizza that large and you know, free pizza of course,” said Anthony Posos, computer science major, as he got his second slice. His favorite pizza place is Domino’s because it’s cheap and fast.
Posos came to Pizza with the President because he loves cheese pizza and hanging out with friends. He also loves being out in the cold weather. Which is why he didn’t have a jacket on.
Posos, who had two slices of cheese pizza, appreciates when principals and presidents are more involved, open and communicative with students.
“So my first and second year of high school, the principal was very personal. He would walk through the halls, he kinda walked around the lunch room. He was very open and communicative with the students,” Posos said.
Posos was one of an estimated 400-425 faculty, students and staff who came out to Pizza with the President, said Amanda Mora, director of University & Public University & Public Events.
The event is hosted by the Office of the President.
“This is the fourth year we have hosted Pizza with the President, “Mora said.” It started with Dr. (Cynthia Teniente) Matson when she was here, and this is Dr. (Salvador Hector) Ochoa’s second time hosting Pizza with the President.”
“The Office of the President’s motivation to host this event is to give students an opportunity to connect and socialize with Dr. Ochoa,” Mora said.
This event in the past has occurred during Spirit Week and this year was moved so it can be a part of Homecoming Week.”
David Esquivel, accounting major, came out to the event to see Ochoa and converse with him about his degree plan and what classes he’s taking.
Esquivel also attended to pass the time until his class started and his favorite pizza place is Little Caesars.
“I like Little Caesar’s because it’s cheap,” Esquivel said.
Ochoa joined the event to converse with students about what they would like to see at the university, and what needs improvements to make the journey easier for them.
“The students need to be aware that their president is available to them so that they know that I’m not just somebody in an office,” Ochoa said “I want to hear from them, what their needs are, what their concerns are, and to make their experience at A&M-San Antonio better.”
To Ochoa, being available to attend basketball games and student events is important.
Ochoa said his favorite pizza topping is Canadian bacon.
“I always enjoy the opportunity to see and interact with our students, “Ochoa said “Pizza with the President is a great tradition, as I get to meet and learn more about so many of our students. It’s a great way to bring our students together. I mean, who doesn’t love pizza?”
“By the way, did you get a slice?“ Ochoa said. “We’re almost out of pizza.”
