Sun Devil 100 seeks ASU alumni nominations

Deadline is Nov. 15

ASU alumni who own and lead businesses from the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2019 represent a diversity of businesses — from health services to construction management — that generated more than $5.7 billion in total revenue.

By Tracy Scott |
October 18, 2019

ASU alumni create, build and lead businesses all across the globe that have extraordinary outcomes with real-world impact. To celebrate the innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit of Sun Devils who own and lead organizations, the ASU Alumni Association seeks nominations and applications for Sun Devil 100 Class of 2020.

Applications are being accepted now through Nov. 15 for Sun Devil 100, an annual awards program that recognizes the fastest-growing ASU alum-owned or -led businesses and organizations annually. Honorees will be conferred at a special ceremony April 29, 2020, on ASU’s Tempe campus. Sun Devil 100 honorees become part of a network for ASU alumni entrepreneurs and business leaders, receive recognition in a special section of the Phoenix Business Journal, and serve as an inspiration for future alumni entrepreneurs.

Construction companies, health and skin care businesses, marketing agencies, wineries, beverage and product companies, law firms and restaurants were among the types of a businesses represented by the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2019. Businesses honored by Sun Devil 100 have included Sundt Construction, DeLille Cellars, Derma Health, Dircks Moving & Logistics, Hint, Weston Foods, Payscout Inc. and Bumble Bee Air Conditioning Inc.

“ASU alumni have created and guided some of the most innovative and successful businesses and organizations around the world,” said Christine K. Wilkinson, president and CEO of the ASU Alumni Association. “The Sun Devil 100 recognizes organizations from any sector that demonstrate innovation, growth and the entrepreneurial spirit reflective of ASU’s transformative charter. Through this program, ASU’s entrepreneurs share their expertise with the Sun Devil network.”

Members of the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2019 collectively generated $5.7 billion total revenue, employed more than 14,000 people and were based in 11 states and two countries. The ASU alumni at the helm of these organizations graduated as recently as 2015, with the earliest graduating in 1972.

To be considered for the Sun Devil 100, companies must be Sun Devil-owned or -led, been in business for at least three years, shown revenues of more than $250,000 in a calendar year, and operate in a manner consistent with the ASU charter. Visit the website for a complete list of eligibility guidelines.

Potential Sun Devil 100 honorees can be self-nominated or nominated by others. Once a nomination is received, the ASU alumnus or alumna will be notified to complete the application process by Nov. 15.

“The ASU Alumni Association recognizes the entrepreneurial excellence of its alumni through the Sun Devil 100 program,” Wilkinson said. “The program celebrates the innovation of ASU alumni who propel entrepreneurial ideas forward.”

Nominations for the Class of 2020 are being accepted now for the application deadline of Nov. 15 through an online form.

The deadline for nominations and full application submissions for the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2020 is Nov. 15. The Sun Devil 100 honors the innovation and entrepreneurship of ASU alumni who own and lead businesses.
At the Sun Devil 100 conferral ranking event, Phoenix Business Journal Market President and Publisher Ray Schey interviews R. Vincent Switzer, ’04 BS, ’07 MBA, co-founder and CEO of the No. 1-ranked business SeaBay Building Group LLC.
ASU alumni from Asquared Studios are part of the Class of 2019. From left: Christine Wilkinson, president and CEO of the ASU Alumni Association; Jessie Whitesides, ’95 BSD, co-founder and principal architect of Asquared Studios; Sparky; Tony Garcia, ’95 BSD, co-founder and principal architect of Asquared Studios; and Alissa Serignese, vice president of the ASU Alumni Association.