These four families, through their generosity, are helping to advance student access at Arizona State University, where first-generation students comprise nearly 40 percent of the student body. With support from them and donors like them, students from all economic backgrounds are empowered to imagine new possibilities. A continued commitment to education and inclusivity: How the Backuses have transformed the Polytechnic campus into a community

Philanthropy fuels the great work being done at ASU. — Campaign ASU 2020, a once-in-a-decade fundraising campaign, was meant to unite Arizona State University supporters around the idea that, together, we can improve lives and influence society for the better. And you exceeded all expectations. You joined more than 353,650 ASU supporters who gave during the campaign, and helped raise…

Philanthropy fuels ASU’s promise: to define itself by those we include, rather than exclude, and find new and exciting ways to impact society at large. — It is hard to overstate how important you are to Arizona State University’s future. Here are just some of the many ways that your generosity changes the lives of students and the communities we serve.

Toxic/Nature Studios founder will create educational opportunities for students who share his passion for the environment and creating change in the world. — While research continually shows us how distracting our smartphones are, Scott Schneider has found a way to use his own as a means to observe the world around us. Now he’s urging others to follow his lead and protect a planet on the brink. Schneider, like the majority of the…

ASU President Michael M. Crow is optimistic about the future. — I am optimistic about the future and confident that Arizona State University will lead the way in making higher education more relevant, flexible and accessible to learners of all ages. A big reason for my optimism is the growing body of engaged supporters who commit financial resources to advance ASU’s…

These entertaining and educational things to do are made possible by donations from ASU supporters. — There’s always a lot going on at Arizona State University, and with donor support through Campaign ASU 2020, much of it is free! Here are three opportunities — free and open to the ASU community and the public — that have been made possible through philanthropic support. Arizona Virtual Teacher Institute

Colleen Jennings-Roggensack: Any way we can learn each other’s stories, appreciate each other’s values and understand both history and what the future might be, it will come through cultural education and cultural literacy. — My Story My father was in the military so we lived from Air Force base to Air Force base, both in and out of this country. Traveling around became part of my DNA. One of the things my parents believed in was, wherever we were, we had to have an understanding of…

Michelle Johnson: The first time I set foot in a theater was when I was hired there. Now I’m passionate about bringing arts and culture to underserved kids and families. — My Story The first time I stepped into a theater was when I was hired at ASU Gammage. I had just turned 21. I was born and raised in the military. I lived in many different places before we came here in 1969. My father drove back and forth to Williams Air…

Anna Wales: “I want to ask, ‘What am I doing to make this a better place? How am I going to leave it better when I’m gone?’” — My Story I started giving to Arizona State University when I was a single mother working three jobs and raising three children. …