'A' fresh start for ASU freshmen
Whitewashing the 'A' is a Sun Devil tradition as the university's monogram becomes a blank slate for the new school year
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.
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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">
Volunteers welcome students to whitewash the "A" on August 20, 2016.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"alt="Students grab a dixie cup full of white paint"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
Students grab small cups full of paint as they head up "A" mountain.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"alt="Senior Nicole Evans reminds whitewashers to stay hydrated"
title="The line up to A mountain">
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
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"alt="It's a steep walk up A mountain"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
The climb to the "A" is steep, but first year students juggle water, paint and cell phones without incident.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"alt="Three journalism students whitewash the A"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
From left, journalism students Alexa Buechler, Juila Bashaw and Morgan Willis do their part to whitewash the "A" Saturday.
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"alt="Students flash the ASU pitchforks and snap photos at A mountain"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
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
class="uds-img figure-img img-fluid"alt="Students flash the ASU pitchforks at Whitewash the A day"
title="Whitewash the A 2016">
Forks up for Erica Fernandez (left) and Maya Foxall after doing their part to whitewash the "A."
Robin Kiyutelluk/Arizona State University
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