Classes start

That’s Thursday, Aug. 20, if you’re late to the game. And if you’re this late to
the game, you might not want to play.

Whitewashing the 'A'

One of ASU’s most cherished traditions sends the freshmen up "A" Mountain
(Hayden Butte) this Saturday, Aug. 22, to paint our famous golden "A" white.
The gold returns before the first home football game.

First home football game

Once that "A" is covered in its natural hue, our football team will make its
season debut Sept. 12 in Sun Devil Stadium with a game against Cal Poly.
It should be a romp.

Last day to apply for graduation

Even though ASU is awesome, we can’t stay forever. If you’re on track to
graduate this semester, you need to get your paperwork in by Oct. 1.

Rose receives Cronkite award

Charlie Rose has been interviewing world leaders and celebrities longer than
much of our student body has been alive. Now the guy known for his insight
and ability to ask tough questions can add the Walter Cronkite Award for
Excellence in Journalism to his resume. Presented by ASU’s Cronkite School
of Journalism and Mass Communication on Oct. 19, the day includes an
11:30 a.m. luncheon that has become a who’s who of local leaders and notables.

'Book of Mormon' at Gammage

Say what you will about Broadway, but this is really the only musical that has
mattered in the past five years. From the minds of the “South Park” creators,
“Book of Mormon” isn’t necessarily a treatise on religion (though, it is); it’s a
show about life’s expectations vs. life’s realities. In other words, it’s something
every college student should see. The show opens Oct. 20.

Ice hockey debuts at ASU

It’s still rather bizarre that a desert school known for its Sun Devils has an ice
hockey team. But we do. The skaters in this new men’s sports program make
their Tempe debut here Oct. 23 with a game against Southern New Hampshire.
Let’s hope this starts some fresh trends – like hockey hair.

Salute to Service

ASU honors its veterans – past and present – with this annual period of
festivities, celebrations and respect that extends throughout the campuses
and into sporting events. If nothing else, it’s a good time to show some
appreciation to one of your many fellow students with a history in the armed
forces. The Salute to Service starts Oct. 28 and runs through Nov. 14.

ESPN comes to ASU

People tend to freak out a bit when ESPN comes to their campus. That
happens when the nation’s premier sports network sets up its satellite trucks
and portable studio with familiar talking heads. There’s a fanfare to being part
of the national stream. But it’s also a chance to show the world your Sun Devils
pride, and you can bet our student body will do that in advance of this big,
nationally televised game against Oregon on Oct. 29.

Introducing Coach Hurley

There’s an excitement around ASU basketball that hasn’t been here since
James Harden and his beard were scoring buckets like it was a biological
imperative. That’s because of new coach Bobby Hurley, the former Duke star
who’s trying to take this program to the next level. He starts the climb with the
Nov. 13 home game against Sacramento State.

Homecoming

One of the oldest rites of passage on campuses across the country is full of
pomp and hype, and so worth the wait. The fun runs throughout the various
campuses and climaxes with a parade and football game vs. Washington on
Nov. 14.

Final exams begin

We’ve had some fun throughout this list, but when the tests start on Dec. 7,
let’s focus and show the faculty we’ve learned something throughout the
semester.

Fall commencement

Assuming you got your paperwork in on time, Dec. 14 is the day some of you
will say good-bye to ASU and step into your future. You’re going to do great.