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.
Opening day 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.
Arizona Territorial Normal School
2019 Founders' Day Sponsors
Sustaining sponsor – $25,000
Premier sponsors – $15,000
Dinner sponsors – $8,000
Gold sponsors – $6,000
Maroon sponsors – $4,000
Atmosphere Commercial Interiors
Hunt Construction Group
Steelcase
Sundt Construction
Lavidge
Maricopa Community Colleges
MidFirst Bank
The Opus Group
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Pitchfork sponsors
Anton Sport
ASU New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
Arizona Coyotes
Arizona Diamondbacks
Benefits by Design
CASA Unlimited Enterprises
Coca-Cola
DELL
Derma Health
Desert Diamond Casino
Dircks Moving & Logistics
Meighan Harahan, SARRC Board
Chris Hill
Mark Kerrigan
Mirabella at ASU
ProCopy Office Solutions
Shamrock Farms
SmithGroupJJR
Southwest Gas
Sun Belt Holdings
SRP
Diane and Gary Tooker
United Healthcare
Valley Metro
YB Company
Award sponsors
Ameresco
Arrow Stage Lines
First Solar
Flex Technology Group
Christine and Don Wilkinson
Sparky sponsors
ASU Leadership Institute
Bret Giles
Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort
Los Angeles ASU Alumni Chapter
Maria and William Symington
Willmeng Construction
Founders' Day dinner
Wednesday, March 20, 2019Awards are presented at the Founders' Day dinner to honorees who have made significant contributions in solving the challenges that will shape the world's future. Founders' Day 2019 also will feature an address by ASU President Michael M. Crow.
Schedule
Wednesday, March 20
6 p.m. Reception
7 p.m. Dinner and awards ceremony
Parking
Complimentary valet service is offered in front of the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom, or complimentary self-parking is available in the parking structure at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.
Location
The Arizona Biltmore
Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom
Attire
Business professional or business formal. ASU maroon and gold encouraged.
Make Founders’ Day your day!
In 2019, make ASU Founders’ Day your day in the spotlight. Capture the many benefits built into an enviable range of sponsorship opportunities.