64 remarkable Sun Devils endowed with Legacy Scholarships for 2024–25 academic year
This year's Legacy Scholars pose for a picture on the steps of Old Main. Photo by Sherry Brooks
On Monday, Aug. 19, a cohort of outstanding Arizona State University students gathered inside historic Old Main to celebrate the excellence that derives from honoring tradition and fostering ambition.
This year, the ASU Alumni Association awarded a total of $89,600 in Legacy Scholarship funds to 64 Sun Devils from around the world.
Emphasizing the importance of tradition, Legacy Scholarships are awarded to exceptional students every year who are related to a past graduate of ASU. Recipients illustrate strong evidence of academic success and community involvement. When the program began, only three students were chosen as Legacy Scholars. Through the generous support of ASU Alumni Association donors, the program has grown tremendously over the years.
“I want to congratulate all of the scholars for your achievements thus far and thank our alumni for instilling the importance of carrying on your Sun Devil legacy at ASU,” said Daniel Gaytan, director of student engagement at the ASU Alumni Association, as he addressed the crowd of this year’s scholars.
The ASU Alumni Association appointed 44 ASU Alumni Scholars, nine California Alumni Scholars, four Clare Morris Scholars, three Alissa Serignese Scholars, three Herff Jones Scholars and one Past Chairs’ Scholar for the 2024–25 academic year.
Christine K. Wilkinson, president and CEO of the ASU Alumni Association, congratulated the award recipients and offered to them inviting remarks.
“You’ve chosen an incredible university that believes in access, excellence and impact in our community. ... The fact that you chose ASU to continue the legacy tradition and become a Sun Devil for life is wonderful,” she said.
As this year’s Legacy Scholars paraded across the stage to be recognized for their achievements, each student introduced themselves at the podium and shared thoughts regarding their ASU experience. Common themes included the excitement of meeting new people, building connections, exploring new clubs on campus and taking advantage of ASU’s numerous opportunities for student engagement.
“One event every student should go to is a football game. Once you walk into that stadium, it’s like maroon and gold goes through your veins. It’s such an amazing experience,” said Zack Okun, a sophomore manufacturing engineering student and recipient of the ASU Alumni Legacy Scholarship.
Sierra Monreal, a sophomore studying aerospace engineering (astronautics) and recipient of the Past Chairs’ Scholarship, is looking forward to becoming more involved with ASU events and applying for leadership positions in various clubs and organizations.
“ASU has provided me with so many opportunities, and I’m honestly amazed at the support I’ve received from so many different alumni, faculty and staff,” Monreal said.
Monreal recently received the NASA Space Grant to continue her research efforts this academic year. Her grandfather and parents are proud ASU alumni, and she is excited to continue her family’s legacy and become a Sun Devil for life.
Congratulations to the 2024–25 Legacy Scholars!
To learn more about the Legacy Scholarship program or partake in the tradition of giving, visit:
More Sun Devil community
ASU Gammage marks 60 years of dazzling audiences
ASU Gammage, one of the most iconic venues in Arizona, is marking its 60th anniversary.The “pink birthday cake” building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, debuted on Sept. 18, 1964, with a concert by…
Couple inspire generational achievement through education
On a sunny afternoon in Arizona, Victor Cruz and his wife Nataly Osorio-Cruz are commemorating their graduation like so many graduates do — with an Instagram reel. Arm in arm and in plain clothes,…
After 56 years, a community activist returns to ASU to finish his degree
More than 50 years ago, a young Vietnam veteran enrolled at Arizona State University on the GI Bill. Amid the conflicts and protests of the late 1960s, he left campus before he graduated.Alfredo…