Starting one's college journey is a chance for a fresh start, a clean slate. And it's the same for "A" Mountain.
On Saturday, freshmen from all of the Valley campuses came to Hayden Butte (aka "A" Mountain) to give the giant, traditionally gold "A" a coat of white paint.
Whitewashing the "A" is one of Arizona State University's traditions, and it's a chance for incoming students to put their stamp, so to speak, on their new home. (The "A" will be returned to its gold hue before the first home football game.)
See the fun below in video and photos.
class="glide image-carousel aligned-carousel slider-start glide--ltr glide--slider glide--swipeable"
id="glide-471181" data-remove-side-background="false"
data-image-auto-size="true" data-has-shadow="true" data-current-index="0">
style="max-width:1168px;width:1168px;">
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"
alt="Volunteers welcome students to the Whitewash the A day Saturday, August 20, 2016"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
data-testid="image-content-container">
Volunteers welcome students to whitewash the "A" on August 20, 2016.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
style="max-width:1168px;width:1168px;">
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"
alt="Students grab a dixie cup full of white paint"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
data-testid="image-content-container">
Students grab small cups full of paint as they head up "A" mountain.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
style="max-width:1168px;width:1168px;">
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"
alt="Senior Nicole Evans reminds whitewashers to stay hydrated"
title="The line up to A mountain">
data-testid="image-content-container">
Senior Nicole Evans reminds whitewashers to stay hydrated as they're waiting for their chance to paint the "A." Temperatures were in the mid 90s Saturday morning.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
style="max-width:1168px;width:1168px;">
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"
alt="It's a steep walk up A mountain"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
data-testid="image-content-container">
The climb to the "A" is steep, but first year students juggle water, paint and cell phones without incident.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
style="max-width:1168px;width:1168px;">
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"
alt="Three journalism students whitewash the A"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
data-testid="image-content-container">
From left, journalism students Alexa Buechler, Juila Bashaw and Morgan Willis do their part to whitewash the "A" Saturday.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
style="max-width:1168px;width:1168px;">
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"
alt="Students flash the ASU pitchforks and snap photos at A mountain"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
data-testid="image-content-container">
Erica Berlin (left) and Victoria Alanis make the pitchfork sign up against the "A" and snap photos on their cell phones.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
style="max-width:1168px;width:1168px;">
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"
alt="Students flash the ASU pitchforks at Whitewash the A day"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
data-testid="image-content-container">
Forks up for Erica Fernandez (left) and Maya Foxall after doing their part to whitewash the "A."
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
style="transition: transform 400ms cubic-bezier(0.165, 0.84, 0.44, 1) 0s; transform: translate3d(48px, 0px, 0px);">
data-testid="arrows-container">
More Sun Devil community
How 2 women who call each other 'sis' raised ASU running back Kyson Brown
The Lancaster High School graduation ceremony has just ended, and running back Kyson Brown poses for a photo with the two most important people in his life. ASU…
FOLC Fest 2025 explores Principled Innovation, leadership and learning at ASU
"Principled Innovation is about using our creativity, knowledge and resources to make decisions that ultimately benefit humanity — not just in the short term, but for generations to come."That's what…
These Sun Devils are inspiring the next generation of female athletes
This year, Women's History Month is celebrating the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”Women in sports inspire fans of all ages through their accomplishments…