Founders' Day

This year marked the 60th anniversary of Founders' Day! Learn more about the event and our honorees below.

Founders' Day, a rich tradition

Every February or March, Arizona State University celebrates Founders' Day, commemorating the first day of classroom instruction at the original Territorial Normal School in Tempe on Feb. 8, 1886.

Founders’ Day is ASU’s signature event honoring the changemakers whose pioneering achievements and visionary philanthropy have shaped ASU’s spirit of excellence and innovation. It's a time to learn more about the breakthrough research, philanthropy and community work that is driving the future of ASU and the world, to honor the university's growth from humble beginnings to the model of a New American University. Every year, we celebrate some of the ASU alumni, faculty and staff who have contributed to this success. You can learn more about this year's honorees as you scroll down the page.

See pictures from Founders' Day 2024

2024 honorees

Founders' Day 2023

In front of a record-breaking crowd of nearly 980 community leaders, business executives and Arizona State University alumni on March 2, the 2023 Founders’ Day Awards program honored ASU alumni, faculty members and benefactors for their distinguished achievements.

Founders’ Day 2023 celebrated seven honorees who exemplify the spirit of ASU’s founders and the university charter. Among them were the first female director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, an alum whose medical device has helped thousands of infants survive jaundice, and a faculty member who led the conversion of ASU’s Biodesign Clinical Testing Laboratory into a COVID-19 testing facility that administered more than 1 million tests.

Relive the excitement of Founders' Day 2023 with a wonderful video and photos!

About

Arizona State University annually celebrates the vision and contributions of the institution's founders. A tradition known as Founders' Day, this signature event has taken place since 1964. ASU faculty, staff, alumni and advocates who exemplify the pioneering and innovative spirit of ASU’s founders are honored with excellence-in-achievement awards at the event.

Founders’ Day is celebrated each year in February or March, commemorating the first day of classroom instruction at the original Territorial Normal School in Tempe on Feb. 8, 1886.

Today, Arizona State University is a leading public research university and an internationally prestigious higher education institution recognized by leading rankings publications and services. ASU launched the groundbreaking prototype of the New American University in 2002, and the ultimate journey from a simple schoolhouse to a world-class institution is a testament to the vision, tenacity and hard work of its founders, leaders, faculty, students and alumni through the years. Founders’ Day is a celebration of this founding spirit.