As president of Undergraduate Student Government, Liz Simonhoff has helped bring speakers like Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Barack Obama to campus, informed students about the environment and gotten them back on their bicycles. And apparently, she's devoured some strawberry lemonade and a few desserts — her weaknesses — along the way. This week, SPM catches up with the busy finance senior via e-mail for the lowdown on what's been going on with USG.
SPM: Don't I know you?
Simonhoff: Maybe. I've been around for about four years!
SPM: What has student government been up to this year?
Simonhoff: Too much! We have over 12 departments and 40 students among our staff and freshman council working non-stop to serve the students! We are fighting for low tuition increases, registering people to vote, debating academic policies for the University, bringing prominent people to campus, fixing and repairing bikes for students, spreading the word about the environment and sustainability, ensuring all students have a safe ride at night with our Safety Escort and much more.
SPM: What are you most proud of that you've done for USG?
Simonhoff: One of the things I am most proud of is bringing prominent people from all over the country such as Nancy Pelosi, Al Gore, and Senator Obama to ASU. It is imperative for students to become educated and exposed to important issues facing our country outside of the classroom.
SPM: Off the subject: How do you feel about mohawks?
Simonhoff: Whatever floats your boat.
SPM: Is Smirnoff your drink of choice or were you just playing it up for the campaign posters?
Simonhoff: Playing it up, it was a political marketing technique.
SPM: What drink do you prefer?
Simonhoff: Strawberry lemonade.
SPM: What is your favorite thing about working with USG?
Simonhoff: The students, by far. I am so proud to serve the students that elected me to represent them.
SPM: What do you like to do in your non-USG time?
Simonhoff: I don't have much non-USG time. When I'm not working, I like to work out, read, and hang out with my USG friends and my wonderful Delta Zeta sisters.
SPM: Do you have any hidden talents?
Simonhoff: No, but I have a hidden flaw: I love dessert!
SPM: What are you most looking forward to for the rest of your term with USG?
Simonhoff: Leaving this organization and university better than I found it. It is so important to me to lay a strong foundation for future student-government leaders.
SPM: Anything else the students should know about you or USG?
Simonhoff: I am always available to talk about issues, concerns and ideas to make the student experience better. E-mail me anytime at elizabeth.simonhoff@asu.edu.
