ASU Traditions

There’s nothing like Sun Devil spirit. You can feel it when you visit the university and see it in the traditions of Arizona State University. We’ve listed a few of the many ways the ASU community shares its pride.

Founders’ Day

Each year, the ASU Alumni Association celebrates the founding of the university by recognizing faculty members, alumni and staff whose contribution to the university and the community further the tradition of excellence.

Homecoming FestDevil

Each fall since 1924, Homecoming FestDevil has brought alumni, students, friends and community supporters together to celebrate the traditions, pride, friendships and experiences that are part of ASU life.

The first Homecoming Parade in 1924 featured a horse-drawn float depicting Tempe Normal School. Each year since, the students, alumni and communities surrounding ASU have crafted floats and paraded through downtown Tempe.

The Lantern Walk began in 1917 as a symbolic passing of the torch from the senior class to the junior class. Since 1990, the Lantern Walk has become a tradition on the Friday night of Homecoming weekend.

In 2003, ASU held its first annual Homecoming Block Party.

Mascot

Sparky the Sun Devil became the official mascot of ASU by a student vote in 1946. The image of Sparky was created by an artist who, at one time, worked for Disney Studios.

Solid Gold Campaign

Since 1896, gold has been the prominent color for ASU. The color was chosen for the golden promise, treasure and sunshine offered by the then Arizona Territory. In 1898, maroon and white were added to the scheme as part of the football team’s uniforms. Today, gold still stands as ASU’s prominent color. The ASU Alumni Association’s Solid Gold Campaign promotes the wearing of gold to all ASU athletic events. Nothing is more breathtaking, and intimidating to our rivals, than a stadium filled with gold. So remember, Real Devils Wear Gold.

Turn Up The Heat On Friday

In 2003, a new tradition to “turn up the heat” made Fridays anything but casual. All students, staff and faculty members are encouraged to wear ASU colors every Friday as an expression of Sun Devil spirit and pride.

Devils’ Advocates

Founded in 1966, Devils’ Advocates is the oldest student organization at ASU.

A para-professional organization sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, it is designed to be one of the first points of contact that prospective Sun Devils have with ASU. Devils’ Advocates volunteer their time to give campus tours, which are provided at least five days a week, and sponsor other activities for prospective and current students throughout the year.

One of the characteristics of Devils’ Advocates that has remained constant over the years is its outstanding membership. Devils’ Advocates is generally recognized as a prestigious organization at the university and is highly regarded by the administration, the faculty and fellow students.

Songs
Alma Mater

Where the bold saguaros
Raise their arms on high
Praying strength for brave tomorrows
From the western sky
Where eternal mountains
Kneel at sunset’s gate
Here we hail thee, Alma Mater
Arizona State!
Words by Ernest J. Hopkins, Music by Miles Dresskell

Fight Song

Fight, Devils, down the field,
Fight with your might and don’t ever yield,
Long may our colors outshine all others,
Echo from the buttes, “Give ’em hell, Devils!”
Cheer, cheer for A—S—U,
Fight for the Old Maroon,
For it’s Hail! Hail! The gang’s all here,
And it’s onward to victory!

ASU Orientation

Before the fall semester, new freshman students are invited to attend an orientation program. There they receive an overview of the university, learn about the Sun Devil Way, meet current and other new students, have their photos taken for their Sun Card — ASU’s ID card — and meet with an advisor to register for their fall classes.

Fall Welcome

Fall Welcome assists new and returning students and their families as they make ASU their home. It is an opportunity for the ASU community to meet and engage each other – students, faculty members, staff, parents, family members and the Greater Phoenixmetro community. There are programs, workshops, food, entertainment and fun. Must-attend events include:

• Move-in for those living on campus.
• Opening convocation.
• College assemblies.
• Parent reception.

Family Weekend

Each fall, parents and families are invited to the university to attend a class with their student, talk with ASU faculty members and staff, take a class themselves, tour campus, participate in the Family Weekend Tailgate and attend a football game.

Alumni Association

Student Alumni Association

The ASU Student Alumni Association (SAA) promotes spirit, traditions and pride. It is supported by the ASU Alumni Association. SAA teaches students about lifetime relationships with ASU and provides opportunities to become involved in a number of tradition and spirit-building events.

SAA is responsible for protecting the “A” atop Tempe Butte and keeping it painted gold throughout the year.

Members of SAA are always actively promoting campus pride through a number of special events held throughout the year. Some of these include Beat U of A Week, Whitewash the “A” and the annual mud volleyball tournament, Oozeball.

ASU Alumni Association

More than 310,000 ASU alumni worldwide are united as Sun Devils by shared memories and a stake in this place they call their alma mater. The ASU Alumni Association actively engages alumni and supporters of the university by working to honor ASU’s traditions, to enhance the alumni experience, to advance the university and to strengthen the organization.

Activities include:

• Arranging travel, career and other beneficial programs for members.
• Coordinating the alumni advocacy network committed to ASU and higher education.
• Providing scholarships for future Sun Devils.
• Building a legacy program that develops relationships with children and grandchildren of alumni.
• Producing ASU Magazine, newsletters and e-mails to communicate with alumni.
• Providing online information and services at asu.edu/alumni.
• Engaging with alumni through social media.
• Campaigning for membership to bring more alumni into the family.
• Organizing Homecoming and class reunion festivities.
• Keeping up the records and the alumni directory.

With more than 60 national and international alumni chapters, clubs and connections, the activities of the ASU Alumni Association reach far and wide. If you haven’t done so yet, join us soon!