Founders' Day

On Thursday, March 2, 2023, join ASU President Michael M. Crow, the ASU Alumni Association, Sun Devil alumni and community leaders at the 2023 Founders’ Day celebration. 

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. Discover what breakthrough research, philanthropy and community work is driving the future of ASU and the world. And join us in celebrating some of the individuals who have contributed to these efforts as ASU alumni, faculty and staff.

Event details:

Day: Thursday, March 2, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. MST
Venue: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, 85004

Business or cocktail attire; ASU colors are preferred for this celebration.

Register today

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.