Ever wondered what exactly a President Pro-Tempore is and what he or she does? Never fear, Troy Hashimoto, this year’s President Pro-Tempore for the AUSA Senate can tell you exactly what that role requires.

“The President “Pro-temp” is like the head senator. I take care of the needs of the other senators and help us to act as a body. I get bills out that are on the floor. I work a lot with Rich Gould who is head of the Senate Affairs Committee,” said Hashimoto. “It is an appointed position. I was appointed by Aaron and I help him further his [senate] agenda for the school year.”

In addition to this executive board position Hashimoto is also a Sophomore Senator and Chair of the Diversity Committee.

Hashimoto, 19, is from Maui and is a general business and a public policy major double.

His interest in DU started when he came to visit his family in Littleton during his junior year in high school. He really liked the area.

“I saw the school and it sparked my interest,” said Hashimoto and upon his return home did some research and the rest is history.

So far DU has been a good choice.

“It has been a great experience, my family has been here to help along the way,” said Hashimoto.

“Overall my favorite part is the look of the campus. We have done a great job shaping the campus,” said Hashimoto.

Running for Senate was a natural choice for Hashimoto who was involved in student government all through middle school and high school.

“Being a senator is a great opportunity to meet a lot of people,” said Hashimoto. “It is one organization where you can bring change to the campus to better the campus. I am a firm believer in working within the system. I also firmly believe the student voice is important.”

While he is very happy at DU there are things he would like to see changed over the course of time.

“I think the Driscoll Center should be more student friendly and students should have more control. It should be an essential hangout please at all hours,” said Hashimoto. While he is hopeful about changes in the future he is also realistic about the process.

“If the Senate truly focused and worked with the appropriate individuals it could happen in 5-10 years,” said Hashimoto he continued again it is about working within the system.

The best way for students to get involved is to join organizations and take the positions that are offered. From there students can ask to sit on more community boards.

“The university is a business and we are the customers,” said Hashimoto. “They [the university] won’t hear you if you just tell your friends.”

While he has a clear idea of where DU as a school is going in the coming years. Any plans for himself are not as clear. He does not rule out a possible run for AUSA Senate president in the future it would depend on campus climate and “what would be best for students.”

He loves talking to students and he works the front desk in Nelson on Thursdays so stop by and say hi.

In 10 years he hopes to be back living in Hawaii and working in some form of government.

Other interesting facts:Pets:Three chihuahuasFavorite word:OptimismLeast favorite word: UnfriendlyColor: BlueFavorite thing about Hawaii: Friendly Environment