Founders' Day

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, more than 800 alumni, faculty, university leaders and community leaders from the Valley gathered in-person to honor the 2022 Founders’ Day honorees. 

ASU honored three faculty members and four alumni. The honorees included a virologist pivotal in keeping Arizona ahead of COVID-19 mutations, an advocate for democratization of Earth science-oriented topography data, the visionary who helped ASU create the finest honors college for students in the country, two physicians who went above and beyond to serve their communities during the pandemic, an entrepreneurial couple investing in use-inspired research for personal health and sustainable food systems and solutions, and a dynamic public servant and business and educational leader whose accomplishments span decades.

Nearly 20 years ago, ASU launched the groundbreaking prototype of the New American University in 2002. Its 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 spirit.

Thank you again to everyone who joined the celebration in-person and through livestream!

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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.