ASU Alumni Association to honor 3 outstanding alumni leaders during Homecoming
Los Diablos, the official Latino chapter of ASU, is this year's recipient of the Alumni Service Award. Photo courtesy of the ASU Alumni Association
The Arizona State University Alumni Association will proudly recognize three innovative alumni leaders during the Homecoming Parade and football game against Brigham Young University on Saturday, Nov. 23.
These advocates exemplify the spirit of ASU, dedicating their efforts to serve the university and advance its missions and vision within the community.
This year’s Alumni Service Award, which recognizes excellence in service to ASU and the Alumni Association, has been awarded to Los Diablos, the official Latino chapter of ASU alumni and affiliate of the ASU Foundation. Founded in 1984, the organization is celebrating 40 years of service to Sun Devils in the Greater Phoenix area. Los Diablos exists to provide networking and career-enhancing opportunities while establishing a space for alumni to meet, rekindle friendships and foster a sense of community that promotes personal and professional growth.
Committed to academic scholarship and community service, Los Diablos raises funds to provide financial assistance and support to outstanding Arizona college students who attend and graduate from ASU. In addition to providing tuition scholarships, Los Diablos scholars are assigned to a board member who serves as a mentor, advocate and university liaison for the academic year.
Stephanie Mitrović is the recipient of this year’s Past Chair’s Award for her service as chair of the ASU Alumni Board of Directors during fiscal year 2023–24. In line with the university’s commitment to excellence, Mitrović played an integral role in the success of Founders’ Day 2024, generating over $454,000 in sponsorship and sales. Under her leadership, the Sun Devil 100 program celebrated its 10-year anniversary with the largest class to date, inducting 171 outstanding alumni, 52 of whom are first-time honorees. With Mitrović’s guidance, the Alumni Association awarded a total of $663,600 in scholarship funds to 255 students this year.
During her tenure as chair, the ASU Alumni Association honored the esteemed legacy of Sun Devil Football by celebrating the 1971–73 Fiesta Bowl champions at the annual Legends Luncheon, attended by 580 guests. Former players shared inspiring stories from their time in the program, creating a bridge for current community members and business leaders to support Sun Devil Athletics.
Stan and Gina Howard of Herff Jones have been awarded the 2024 Alumni Appreciation Award, which celebrates a non-ASU graduate whose contributions have enhanced the university’s success and stature.
Serving more than 400,000 Sun Devil graduates since partnering with ASU 13 years ago, Stan and Gina Howard currently work with the leading manufacturer of graduation products, Herff Jones Inc., to provide graduation regalia to ASU students. Stan and Gina work with the ASU Alumni Association to ensure every student, parent, faculty member and administrator an excellent graduation experience while maintaining ASU brand standards.
Born and raised in the Hoosier state of Indiana, Stan and Gina have spent more than 40 years working in higher education. They owned and operated Lil’ Fan Inc., which produced infant and toddler apparel embellished with college logos. Products were sold in more than 200 college bookstores nationwide. After selling their company and moving to Arizona to work with ASU, Stan and Gina became Sun Devils for life and have enjoyed the ASU and Tempe community while contributing to the success of 13 years of graduation ceremonies. Stan and Gina have been married for 40 years and have two daughters, Kalie and Kristan.
Award recognition will commence during the Homecoming Parade and Block Party on Nov. 23, which begins four hours before kickoff in front of the Fulton building and Old Main on University Drive. University Drive will be closed off from College Avenue to McAllister Avenue.
Learn more about ASU’s Homecoming week festivities.
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