Antonio Kassis

Major: 

Electrical Engineering

Hometown: 

Petaluma, CA

What are your campus involvements? 

President and Primary Event Coordinator for the Electrical Engineering (EE) Club. Student Ambassador for the Electrical Engineering (EE) Department.

What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU? 

My favorite experience was when I got recognized as a trustworthy connection by Gean Stumbaugh, a hiring manager at Keysight. Through my efforts in maintaining connections and outreaching for the Electrical Engineering (EE) Club, I was able to connect with Gean on multiple occasions. During our last interaction at an EE Club meeting, Gean told the students that if they want a job, they should talk to me. He also stated that in his mountain of emails, if he sees an email from me, he will prioritize it. This was the first time that my efforts really paid off, and I was so honored, I was glowing the rest of the day.

What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it? 

My most challenging experience, in terms of academics, has to be this semester of classes. This semester is notoriously difficult for EE students because this is the first semester where the real engineering classes start to show up. Despite the struggle, this semester has further deepened the love I have for Electrical Engineering. I’m really pushed to learn new methods of studying just to keep up with the material, and it’s really exciting to see when those methods pay off.

What brought you to SSU, and what motivates you to stay? 

I was brought to SSU because of the EE Department. This is an environment that allows you to grow and make valuable connections. Our professors strive to support you in-class and careerwise too, and they want you to succeed. The students here are also amazing because they are always willing to help you. Unlike other schools where you are just a number, here you are a part of a family that strives to help one another out.

Who at SSU has influenced you and/or made an impact on your journey here? 

My journey here has been influenced by many great people. My professors pushed me to do research, which really taught me valuable skills that I wouldn't have been able to obtain otherwise. Specifically, Dr. Farid Farahmand and Chris Stewert were my biggest influences. Farid was the one who pushed me and my friend to do a research project during our first-year. Through the project, I gained a better understanding of physical electronics, and I strengthened my communication skills while presenting our work. Chris Stewart really helped me decide that I also want to be an entrepreneur too. His influence in the (Jump-Start Your Entrepreneurial Mindset ) program during my first-year changed my perspective on business and communication, and now I apply those skills that I learned in every project and presentation that I do.