Alumni Association to honor military heroes, university innovators at Founders' Day event
The Arizona State University Alumni Association will honor outstanding faculty members and alumni who have contributed to the military or the security of the nation, including the late Pat Tillman, at its annual Founders’ Day Awards Dinner, slated for 6 p.m., Feb. 21, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix.
The award ceremony has been a signature event for the university for decades, and honors individuals who exemplify the spirit of the founders of the Territorial Normal School of Arizona, ASU’s predecessor institution, which received its charter from the Thirteenth Territorial Legislature on March 7, 1885.
This year, the event will focus on stories of success and growth from alumni who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military, as well as ASU faculty, staff and supporters who are leading projects across the university that contribute to the efforts of the military, national defense and veteran services. Pat Tillman, the ASU and Arizona Cardinals football legend killed who served in the U.S. Army in 2004, will be honored posthumously with the James W. Creaseman Award of Excellence. The event will feature some of the highest ranking Sun Devil military officials from each branch of the armed forces, generous contributors to campus military and veteran services, information on cutting-edge defense research being conducted by ASU faculty members, and stories of military service from ASU staff.
With a history that dates back to 1964, Founders’ Day attracts attendees that include university administrators, faculty, and local business community leaders. Past award recipients have included Phil Mickelson, the Honorable Ruth McGregor, Congressman Ed Pastor, former Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano, Craig Weatherup, Reggie Jackson, Heather Farr, Marty Shultz, the classes of 1956 through 1959 that worked diligently on the campaign to ensure ASU achieved University status, and those who are working each day to solve environmental and societal issues.
Tickets to the Founders’ Day event are $130 for Alumni Association members and $175 for nonmembers. Table and corporate sponsorship opportunities are available. For additional information about Founders’ Day, or to RSVP, visit http://alumni.asu.edu/events/founders-day.