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Shining a light on ASU traditions

From whitewashing the A to touching the Paley Gates, special moments make today's Sun Devils part of the university's story


The A on A Mountain is outlined with lights held by students during the Lantern Walk
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August 17, 2016

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.

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