Patrick Lawson
Position: Director of Graduate Studies
Slogan: Service Before Self
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
My name is Patrick Lawson, and I’m thrilled to announce my
candidacy for the Director of Graduate Studies position. I’ve
worked for the Sacramento Superior Courts for 15 years as a
Deputy Clerk and was in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 16 years.
Whether in a hostile environment deployed overseas or in a
professional atmosphere in a courtroom, I’ve developed the
necessary skills to get the job done. I bring my experience of 6
years as a Governing Board member of the 005 Office Technical
Unit representing the Sacramento Superior Courts and 2 years as a
Board of Director for UPE1 Union representing numerous Superior
Courts in Northern California.
I want the students to know who I am, what I represent, and what
I will fight for. I value student input and take representing
their needs and concerns seriously. I want to ensure your voice
is heard and transparency is given to every student. I would like
to provide students with information on programs that will be
cut, suspended, combined, or face danger in the future. If
elected, I will not fight for what I want, but more importantly,
what you want.
As Director of Graduate Studies, I will work with each college in
the graduate programs to fight for their own grad lounge where
they can relax, study, or develop connections with other cohorts.
I will also fight for funds or a grant to reduce or alleviate the
need to pay for a parking permit. As a student whose grandparents
immigrated from Portugal and Spain, I know the obstacles facing a
diverse student population on campus. If elected, I want to
ensure everyone is given the opportunity to succeed. I have the
experience, skills, vision, and perseverance to work with
everyone to help reshape the future at Sacramento State.
RUTHVIKA BOJJALA
Position: Director of Graduate Studies
Slogan: Make Grads Heard
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
Ruthvika Bojjala
“Make Grads Heard”
Hello, my name is Ruthvika Bojjala, and I am running for ASI
Director of Graduate Studies because I believe graduate students
deserve stronger representation, better career opportunities, and
enhanced support throughout their academic journey.
As a graduate student, TA, and researcher, I have firsthand
experience with the challenges we face while balancing
coursework, research, and professional development while
preparing for our future careers. Too often, graduate students
struggle to find the right career guidance and networking
opportunities. If elected, I will work to bridge this gap by
advocating for more career development programs, industry
partnerships, and professional workshops tailored specifically
for graduate students.
Beyond career opportunities, I am committed to ensuring that
graduate student voices are heard in key university decisions. I
will work to strengthen communication between students and
university leadership so that our concerns lead to real, positive
change. Additionally, I want to improve campus resources by
advocating for better study spaces, mental health support, and
stronger peer networks that foster collaboration and community.
Graduate students play a vital role in research, teaching, and
the university’s success, yet we often feel overlooked. My goal
is to change that by ensuring we have the support, resources, and
opportunities we need to thrive.
On April 16 and 17, I ask for your vote. Together, we can create
a more connected, supportive, and opportunity-driven graduate
student experience.
Vote Ruthvika Bojjala for ASI Director of Graduate Studies!
“Make Grads Heard”
Mani Sai Chilakala
Position: Director of Graduate Studies
Slogan: “Unite & Inspire!”
Instagram:
Candidate Statement:
Mani Sai Chilakala – Candidate for Director of Graduate Studies,
Associate Students Inc. As an ambitious Master’s student in
Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Sacramento State
University, I am deeply committed to enhancing the educational
experience for all graduate students—both international and
domestic. My candidacy is founded on the principle of diversity,
inclusivity, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every
graduate student to achieve extraordinary things. Our university
thrives on the faith and trust that students place in it. As your
Director of Graduate Studies, I pledge to honor that trust by
advocating for policies that not only address the immediate
academic and social needs of our graduate community but also
foster an environment where every student feels valued and
empowered. On the 16th and 17th of April, I seek your support. My
experience, commitment, and forward-looking vision position me as
the ideal candidate for this role. Thank you for considering my
candidacy—I earnestly hope to gain your vote. Vote for Mani Sai
Chilakala: Empowering every voice, uniting diverse futures. Best,
Mani Sai Chilakala
Colton Carvalho
Position: Director of Graduate Studies
Slogan: Cool-Calm-Collected
Instagram: @
Candidate 4 Statement:
My name is Colton Carvalho, and I’m proud to announce my
candidacy for the position of Director of Graduate Studies. I
bring with me a wealth of experience, along with a drive for
serving the student body that is unrivaled. In the years leading
up to this moment, I had the privilege of serving as the Director
of Communication for the Associated Student Body of American
River College. During my tenure, I acted as liaison between the
student body and the classified senate, addressing pressing
concerns, working tirelessly to see that the voices of the
student body at large were heard loud and clear.
As your Director of Graduate Studies, I am committed to servicing
the growing graduate student population. I will provide them with
the tools and support needed to make a meaningful impact in their
studies, ensuring that they are well-equipped to represent the
best interests of our community every step of the way.
I plan on working relentlessly to keep the ASI Board informed of
the issues and concerns that arise on campus, seeing to it that
we are always proactive in addressing the needs of our students.
On April 16th and 17th, I urge you to make your voice heard, cast
your vote for me. I hold great confidence that I am the most
involved candidate available, to which I am excited to work with
you to make our university a better, more equitable place for
all.
Everyone has a story, and every single one of them is worth
hearing. I look forward to hearing all of your stories in the
years to come.
Sincerely, Colton Carvalho
Hussain
Position: Director of Graduate Studies
Slogan: No one left behind!
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
I stand with the downtrodden, the oppressed, the defeated, the
weary student. And I can boldly say in front of all 31,000 -odd
people that your miseries are my miseries… and my voice.
Hi Fellow Hornets! My name is Hussain and I am running for
Director of Graduate Studies. I am a MS In Computer Science
student at CSUS. As a grad student, I deeply understand the
sacrifices we all make in the name of higher education. Every
step of this journey, from challenging class registrations,
securing project guide to seeking institutional support, has been
a path I’ve trod myself. I’ve experienced firsthand the highs and
lows of this demanding yet rewarding pursuit.
Last year I have advocated & fought for better policies for our
grad students, like increasing availability of classes
offered,lowering tuition fees,reducing eligibility barriers for
scholarships & admissions,fairer grade appeals,free
speech,inclusion,preventing grad program suspensions and policies
for removing the hurdles for early graduation.I want everyone to
have a seat at the table, a voice in the chaos. I have fought—for
the sleepless student, for the student balancing rent & research,
for the dreamer who believes in education—because I am one of
those many. And as long as I have life in my body, I will fight
again.
I believe we have a common goal, better conditions for students.
I will work to ensure that student voices are heard & that our
concerns are represented at all levels of the university. This is
about us, what we can do together to set policies in a way that
serves students better. I ask for your trust and support to
negotiate, fight and work on your behalf. So, I ask you today, to
stand with me, to work with me, and to fight alongside me.
Together, we won’t just ask for change—we’ll fight for it. And we
will win.
