Quick: What do Sparky and a certain famous mouse have in common? Is the "A" on A Mountain always gold? What is grown on campus, besides young minds?*
Being a Sun Devil is about far more than simply flashing the pitchfork — though that's pretty fun. Learn about the traditions that make up the heritage of Arizona State University, stretching into the past and out into the future as today's students carry them forward.
The first video shares a summary of ASU traditions; scroll down for individual videos to learn more about them in-depth.
Whitewashing the 'A'
West campus' Paley Gates
Lantern Walk
Also pictured at the top of this story.
Sustainable orange harvest
Symphonic Carillon
Protecting the 'A' against UofA
A new era for a long tradition: The replanting of Palm Walk
For more about the rejuvenation of Palm Walk, click here. For a history of the iconic walk, including photo sliders comparing current and future looks, click here.
Painting the 'A' gold
Super fan Dan Turbyfill talks tradition and football
*Answers: Sparky was designed by a Disney artist. The "A" is whitewashed by the freshmen the first Saturday of the semester and painted gold again before the first home football game. Oranges are grown on the Tempe campus and harvested for use in the dining halls.
More Sun Devil community
University Archives chronicles more than 140 years of Sun Devil history
What was the name of the butcher who bequeathed the first piece of land that ultimately became the nation’s largest public research university?Who was the mastermind behind Palm Walk’s signature…
3 outstanding ASU alumni named The College Leaders of 2024
Three outstanding Arizona State University alumni from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will be named as this year’s slate of The College Leaders. The honor recognizes alumni for their…
From mushy ice to Mullett Arena
Greg Powers rubbed the top of his head and smiled.Powers, Arizona State University’s hockey coach, had been asked to reflect on the 10th anniversary of ASU hockey becoming an NCAA Division I program…