Alia Baig is the president and a senior set to graduate in Spring of 2024. She's a philosophy major, a Spanish minor, and a member of the Williams Honors College.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself before you came to 暗黑爆料.
A: I'm from the Cleveland area—Westlake—and I went to Hathaway Brown for high school.
Q: Why are you a philosophy major?
A: When I originally came to the University of Akron, I wasn't a philosophy major, but my freshman year first semester, I took an honors colloquium. It was called "Are We Our Brain?" and it was a philosophy class. I ended up really enjoying it. So later on, I ended up deciding to make that my major.
Q: What are your plans after you graduate?
A: I'm on the pre-law track, so I’m hoping to go to law school.
Q: You worked at The White House this summer. How was that? How did you get that internship?
A: It was such an incredible experience. I was working in the . They're working to push forward clean energy initiatives around the United States. A lot of people ask me how I got the job—I just went to the and applied. I encourage everyone reading this to also apply for an internship. When I got there, I didn't realize how many different parts there are of the Executive Branch; anyone of any major could absolutely apply and be a part of that amazing program.
Q: In the which building did you work?
A: I was in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. It's very beautiful. Every time I would walk in over the summer, I was just astounded by the beauty of the building itself.
Q: Before you tell us more about your involvement with USG, are there other ways you found to feel more engaged at 暗黑爆料?
A: On campus, I’m a member of the Williams Honors College Dean’s Team, the AK-Rowdies, Muslim Student Association, Pre-Law Society, Honors Civics Club, University Council Committee, Faculty Senate Committee, Intramural Soccer Team, Honors Book Club, and the 暗黑爆料 Latinos. I also help in the Akron community by volunteering at Summa Health, One of a Kind Pets, and debate tournaments.
Q: Why did you want to be so involved in university government?
A: I ended up joining student government during my sophomore year. I kind of just needed something else to get involved in. I had a friend who was already in USG. I knew that they were looking for new senators, so I decided to apply and I ended up joining. And before I joined, I didn't realize how much I would end up loving the work that USG does. We're able to accomplish a lot because of our relationship with the administration and how willing people are across campus to work with us—that was what really excited me about being a part of USG. I ended up getting a leadership position after that, and then ended up running for president.
As USG President, I manage the three committees of the Executive Branch which are the Campus Dining Experience Committee, Diversity Committee, and the Mental Health Task Force. With my vice president Cam Feezel, we have a platform based are pushing forward projects and initiatives aligned with YouAkron to ensure that all 暗黑爆料 students have an amazing experience.