influential people

25 Influential People at OSU

The five-part "25 Influential People at OSU" series highlights students, faculty and administrators with power and influence on campus and in the community. Part 1: Student Advocates profiles three students and two administrators who have the responsibili

The Daily Barometer News Team

Issue date: 3/7/11 Section: News

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Media Credit: Curtis Barnard Andrew Struthers talks about his job as ASOSU President in his office in Snell Hall.

Media Credit: Curtis Barnard MUPC President Craig Bidiman relaxes in the MU.

Media Credit: Hannah Gustin Eric Alexander sits at his computer in his office in the MU.

Media Credit: Contributed Photo Mamta Accapadi is the Dean of Student Life at Oregon State University.

Media Credit: Jordan Shields Christian Matheis, ASOSU Student Advocate, poses in his office in Snell Hall.

Andrew Struthers,

ASOSU President

Andrew Struthers is a self-proclaimed introvert by nature.

He has held his position since June of last year and has challenged himself to expand on his comfortable role as "listener" to an outspoken leader who also listens well - a definite advantage in the world of university affairs.

"I wouldn't say it was a transformation, but I did open up a bit," Struthers said. "I change for the moment. I like to keep to myself but you really have to get out there."


Struthers is a fifth-year senior from Albany seeking a double degree in finance and business information systems. His personal job description sounds short and simple, but the logistics are very complex.


"I represent the students of OSU on and off campus, first and foremost," he said. "Just being the voice of students at various locations and being a resource."


Thus far in his presidency, Struthers has been at the forefront of some of the most significant issues impacting students today and in the future.


But it may be one of his most recent moves to challenge the people at the very top that strikes the most controversy.


Last week Struthers and a group of student leaders sent a letter to OSU administration officials requesting a meeting to discuss retribution for almost $18 million in damages caused by changes to plans surrounding the construction of the SEC and the demolition of Snell Hall.


"I enjoy the challenges and there is never a dull moment," Struthers said. "I love working with people, being open about what we do."


With a full schedule as ASOSU president and student, Struthers admits to making certain sacrifices.


"You lose a lot of your free time. As President, you're not only a leader, you're a student." Struthers said. "I'm only supposed to work 20 hours a week but sometimes I work closer to 50. At the same time, I make that up in the interactions I have."


A lot of people answer to him, including the entire ASOSU faction of students and professional faculty, but that hasn't gone to his head.


"I don't consider myself influential," Struthers said. "This position is influential in that people will listen even if they don't agree."


- Joce DeWitt, staff writer