Expandable List
Piper Plavins
president@msu.mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 23885
Piper Plavins earned a Political Science degree focused on Public Law and Judicial Studies, with a minor in Greek and Roman Studies. Piper brings a unique blend of governance expertise and frontline student service experience to the MSU. As a former Speaker of the Student Representative Assembly, Associate Vice-President (Internal Governance), and Customer Service Representative at The Underground, she has seen first hand how policy and day-to-day services intersect.
Her platform is anchored in three pillars—enhancing student life, amplifying student voices, and improving MSU services—and includes initiatives such as an “MSU Week” to increase student awareness of the MSU, a queer mentorship program, and advocating for increased support for students with accessibility needs. Piper is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment through her leadership.
Piper is a frequent flyer at the Grind, getting her classic iced oat matcha. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, re-watching sitcoms, being active, and spending time with people she loves.
Yaseen Khan
vpadmin@msu.mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 23250
Yaseen Khan graduated with a degree in Honours Health Sciences with a specialization in Health, Engineering Science, and Entrepreneurship. His deep-rooted involvement in student life and MSU services makes him a natural fit for Vice-President (Administration). Yaseen discovered the MSU almost by accident—he was driving to a first-year summer math class when an email arrived announcing his acceptance into the Maroons. That “small win” launched a whirlwind of campus involvement: balancing late-night SWHAT shifts, mentoring Spark first-years (“Sparklings”), and representing the faculty of Engineering on the SRA.
His platform focuses on strengthening internal governance, empowering MSU services, and supporting the volunteers and coordinators who keep the MSU running. This year, a few of his big goals are launching a training retreat for Part-Time Managers (PTMs) to strengthen their management skills, turning Wellbeing Week into Frost Week to uplift students and help energize them for the winter term, and increasing the visibility and awareness of MSU services throughout Welcome Week.
In his free time, he enjoys watching Formula 1, lacing up his shoes for a run, going on long drives, and playing Mario Kart with friends.
Stephen DeCordova
vped@msu.mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 24017
Stephen DeCordova is a graduate from the Political Science program with a specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies. He is a relentless advocate for academic equity, community empowerment, and institutional change. While working at the Black Student Success Centre, he supported projects for prospective and first year McMaster students in their transition to post-secondary. As Co-Founder and Co-President of BlackPrint, McMaster’s first Black Men’s Club, he partnered with Amazon and TD Bank to host a conference that provided professional growth opportunities specifically for Black men.
His experience as a community leader, club President, and OUSA delegate equip him to lead the MSU’s advocacy on accessibility, inclusivity, and student-first educational policy.
This year, Stephen’s advocacy will have a focus on affordability and sustainability. He’ll roll out projects that confront food insecurity—educating students, connecting them with resources, and collaborating with existing efforts like Isaac Begun’s Project ReCoat to keep educational equipment affordable. Building on the work of his predecessor, he also plans to host the Breaking Barriers Conference with a renewed focus on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.
In his free time, Stephen enjoys going to the gym, reading and studying philosophy. When work is all said and done, however, Stephen rewinds by reading manga, watching anime, or simply spending quality time with those around him.
Matthew Pilkey
vpfinance@msu.mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905.525.9140 x24109
Matthew Pilkey is a DeGroote School of Business graduate and brings a blend of financial savvy, business leadership, and student engagement to the role of Vice-President (Finance). As Co-Chair of the DeGroote Summit he managed a nationwide conference. Professionally, he has served as a Revenue Operations Analyst at ProServeIT while co-founding and running his own investment fund. On campus, students may recognize his voice from CFMU sports radio or his involvement in DeGroote clubs. His platform centers on transparent budgeting and ensuring MSU resources are sustainable, accessible, and directed where they’ll have the greatest impact.
This year, he plans to work on reimagining the TwelvEighty patio, empowering clubs to host more events on campus through revitalized training, and supporting the Board of Directors in fulfilling their platform through sound financial management
In his free time, he likes to hike to waterfalls, canoe/kayak, and spend as much time as he can outdoors.