Meet your Council of Presidents: A Q&A with ASU Downtown’s Aly Perkins

This article is the third in a series of Q&As with ASU’s current undergraduate and graduate presidents. Read the Q&As with ASU’s West and Polytechnic presidents.

For senior public service and public policy major Aly Perkins, getting involved in student government was an obvious decision.

“It seemed like a great way to gain experience in the field I want to enter, while making impactful change on campus and forming forever friendships,” she said.

Now she’s the president of Undergraduate Student Government for ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus, and she’s enjoyed the journey in different branches.

“Once I began as a senator, it became clear to me how meaningful the organization’s advocacy efforts and service are and I wanted to continue that advocacy on the executive level.”

Perkins spoke to ASU Student Life about her time in Undergraduate Student Government and her experiences as a Sun Devil.

ASU Downtown Phoenix USG President Aly Perkins

What do you love about your ASU campus?

I love how the Downtown campus is uniquely integrated into the city of Phoenix. Very few campuses are immersed into their surrounding cities the way Downtown is, and in my opinion, its integration contributes to the overall experience. On the Downtown campus, you not only feel like an ASU student but a Phoenician.

What do you wish everyone knew about your ASU campus?

Downtown Phoenix is one of the cleanest cities I’ve ever seen! And despite its urban feel, many buildings in the area feature unique murals created by local artists. Downtown teems with people every first Friday of the month, which draws various artists, vendors and musicians from across the valley.

Which project have you been most proud of in your time as president?

I am blessed to have a very supportive team in Undergraduate Student Government Downtown, and many of them have helped me implement a few brand-new traditions that I am exceptionally proud of, including Sun Devil Football away-game viewing parties at the Downtown Sun Devil Fitness Complex’s rooftop pool, as well as an annual campus safety walk to improve student safety on campus.

Additionally, during my presidency, I completed an honors thesis project (separate from my work in USGD) in which I created a certificate program (Legal and Policy Studies) to help better prepare ASU students for law school. I submitted it to the provost’s office to be considered as an addition to the 2019–20 curriculum.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Orange County, California, but now I am a proud Phoenician.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have really enjoyed my bout with student advocacy throughout my college tenure. I will be working in ASU's Office of Government on the state relations team!

Why did you choose ASU?

ASU offered a little of everything I was looking for — a meaningful degree, an honors program, nice weather and an affordable education. I toured for a weekend and met my first college friend — who happens to now be my vice president of policy — and fell in love with the school.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about getting involved in USG or GPSA?

Absolutely go for it. It seemed very intimidating to me at first, but by putting myself out there, I learned a lot of useful skills that will benefit me in my career and for the rest of my life. Best of all, I helped make some impactful change at ASU along the way.

What’s your favorite memory at ASU so far?

It’s so hard to choose! Introducing one of my favorite bands, Foster the People, at 2018 InfernoFest was unforgettable.