Save the date: Wednesday, March 24 at 5 p.m. MST/PST.
This Founders’ Day, join ASU President Michael M. Crow, the Alumni Association and thousands of fellow Sun Devils virtually as we celebrate the legacy and innovation of ASU and the remarkable achievements of this year’s honorees.
There is no cost to attend the 2021 virtual celebration.
Wednesday, March 24 at 5 p.m. MST/PST
No matter where you live, be a part of ASU’s virtual celebration along with fellow Sun Devils around the world at no cost.
Founders’ Day is a time to commemorate distinguished ASU faculty, alumni and philanthropists who are outspoken advocates for academic excellence and inclusivity in higher education.
These pioneering leaders exemplify the university’s emergence into a New American University™ — an academically rigorous institution that advances research, champions discovery of public value and assumes fundamental responsibility for the communities it serves.
Meet the changemakers who are moving ASU forward. Discover how these movers and shakers continue to propel ASU into the future as the most visionary public university in the nation.
Alumni Achievement Award
Founder and CEO, Hint Inc.; podcast host, “The Kara Goldin Show”; bestselling author; “Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters”
Philanthropist of the year
Campaign ASU 2020 donors embody the spirit of ASU’s founding
Faculty Research Achievement Award
Regents Professor and center director, Global Center for Applied Health Research, School of Social Work, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Faculty Service Achievement Award
Co-chair, ASU Advisory Council on African American Affairs; professor in Economics Department, W. P. Carey School of Business
Faculty Teaching Achievement Award
Associate professor and artistic director of music theatre and opera, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
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
It takes many sponsors to support Founders’ Day. We’re grateful for their partnership throughout the years and particularly this year.
Interested in being a sponsor? Learn more about the sponsorship opportunities and benefits for Founders’ Day 2021 and experience the event live as a member of the virtual in-studio audience.
Sustaining sponsor
Premier sponsors
Innovator sponsors
Gold sponsors
Maroon sponsor
Pitchfork sponsors
Bell Bank
Benefits By Design
JE Dunn Construction
Mirabella at ASU
The Philanthropy Outsource
Valley Metro
Award Sponsors
ABIC (Susan Udall)
Dircks Moving and Logistics
Chad Kolodisner
Proctorio
Traditions Fund donors
Chris Hill
Rick Nakazawa
Michelle and Fred Reish
Kristen and Ira Rotenberg
Andrew Vandertoorn
Christine and Don Wilkinson
Work in Sports
