ASU Family Leadership Council members inspire Sun Devil success through giving efforts

Steve Murow saves every thank you note he receives. With over 18 years as a member of the Arizona State University Family Leadership Council, he’s received quite a few.

The notes say things like, “I am so grateful for being selected for this scholarship, because without it I would not be here. I do not have the emotional or financial support in my family that you are so generously providing for me.”

Sentiments like this one, from a Sun Devil who was awarded a $5,000 annual ASU Family Scholarship, underscore the council's impact.

In addition to providing annual scholarships, ASU Family Funds offers emergency financial assistance to students, free tutoring services, a free Thanksgiving dinner on campus for those who can’t make it home for the holiday and an Impact Fund to support students' needs.

During Sun Devil Giving Day in March, two $5,000 matching gifts from Murow and fellow leadership councilmember David Wetta helped spark 182 donations to ASU Family Funds, for a total of $31,718 in just 24 hours.

Those gifts will underwrite student success, and these councilmembers wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I would hate to think that a student gives up on their college path because they were short on funds and had nowhere to turn for help,” said Murow, the parent of an ASU alum. “The Student Crisis Fund is the place for help. I love the idea that there is such a fund established to assist a student’s short-term financial needs.”

Wetta, an ASU alum, is also a longtime supporter of the scholarship program, serves on the scholarship committee and is a mentor to many Sun Devils. 

As a businessman, he knows that donating to student education is an investment.

“I take great satisfaction knowing my investment in the ASU Family Scholarship provides access to higher education for financially challenged students while raising the probability of success along the way when students face challenges,” Wetta said. “That results in a powerful economic and social impact and a brighter future for all.”

David Wetta

Wetta and Murow are two of more than 50 members of the ASU Family Leadership Council, which engages in a range of activities to support student success and family engagement at ASU. 

Wetta’s company, Wetta Ventures, developed The Annex in Tempe, which features Postino Winecafe and Snooze, an AM Eatery. In addition to The Annex, his company developed The Restaurants at ASU Skysong. Wetta is actively involved in the Urban Land Institute, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, and the ASU President’s Club. He also serves as a court-appointed special advocate of Maricopa County.

Murow’s company, Murow Development Consultants, provides construction oversight consultants, expert witness and litigation services, construction management services, and contract administration and claims mitigation. He’s actively involved in the Orange County Forensic Expert Witness Association, the Building Industry Association, HomeAid Orange County and the Goals for Life Foundation.

But these longtime councilmembers are never too busy to support ASU students on their journeys to a successful future.

“Education is a human right, and I do not want to see any student turned away because they did not have the financial resources to attend college,” Murow said. “ASU Family Scholarships make a difference in a student’s life by closing the financial gap they're faced with.”

While ASU Family Funds received a boost during the annual Sun Devil Giving Day, ASU’s universitywide day of philanthropy, gifts can be made any time to six different funds all designed to help Sun Devils remain in school and on track to graduation.