Michael Daly Hawkins is an ASU alumnus whose family’s longstanding pursuit of higher education inspired him to motivate other family members to participate in a collective endowment to ASU.
“William Henry Perry (1844–1929) and Mary Agnes Clark Perry (1850–1915) were Arizona pioneers who inspired their children to experience the joy of learning and respect the power of knowledge,” says Michael.
Michael notes that the first Perry to graduate from Tempe Normal was Charlotte Elizabeth Perry Redden (1898). Since then, more than 30 family members from four generations have attended and graduated from ASU.
In 2011, members of the extended Perry Family were invited by Michael to contribute to the Perry Family Endowment for Old Main to honor their family’s heritage at ASU while preserving Old Main’s heritage for future generations. The funds generated from the endowment will be used to help in maintaining Old Main in perpetuity.
In grateful recognition of their philanthropic support, a conference room in Old Main has been named the Perry Family Conference Room. The Perry Family’s investment in the upkeep of Old Main is the first of its kind and establishes as a priority the continued preservation of this treasured landmark.