Founders’ Day 2026 celebrates ASU’s legacy and bold future
The 2026 Founders' Day honorees include trailblazing researchers, philanthropists, dedicated professors and biomedical business leaders. From left: Victoria Clark, Jaime Leija, Bob Maguire, Sharon Dupont McCord, Sammi Ekmark, Christopher Neck and Stephanie Forrest. Photo by Tim Trumble
More than 700 business and community leaders, ASU supporters, students, faculty and staff filled a sold-out ballroom at the Omni Tempe Hotel on Tuesday, Feb. 17, to honor the university’s journey — from a simple schoolhouse established in 1886 to a leading public research institution guided by a charter centered on excellence, access and inclusion.
“Tonight," said Ted Simons, host of PBS’ “Arizona Horizon” and the evening’s emcee, "we honor the past, celebrate the present and learn how Arizona State University, the nation’s fastest-growing public enterprise, is inventing the future.”
Simons' opening words set the tone for the 2026 Founders’ Day ceremony — an evening defined by celebration, recognition and cross-generational Sun Devil pride.
Embodying the entrepreneurial spirit and bold vision of ASU’s founders, this year’s honorees featured pioneering researchers, philanthropists, professors, entrepreneurs and biomedical business leaders whose work continues to shape communities in Arizona and beyond.
“This award represents not just a moment, but a lifetime of mentorship opportunities and support," said Jaime Leija, BioLab Holdings Inc. president, co-founder and CEO, during his acceptance speech for the Alumni Achievement Award, which he shared with BioLab Holdings Inc. Founder and Chairman Bob Maguire. "ASU has played a foundational role in shaping who I am, not only as a business leader, but as a person.
“In 2017, Bob and I founded BioLab with a simple mission: to help people heal and improve lives. Our work in regenerative wound care is rooted in passion, innovation and service. Everything we have built has been centered around creating opportunity, building leaders and making a difference. Giving back to ASU is deeply personal to us because this university gave us our start."
Philanthropist of the Year Award-winner Sharon Dupont McCord took the stage next, highlighting her commitment to education and impact across more than a dozen areas of the university.
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Ted Simons (left), host of PBS’ “Arizona Horizon” and the 2026 Founders’ Day ceremony emcee, and ASU President Michael Crow speak on the state of the university.
Photo by Tim Trumble
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As President Crow looks on, James Murphy addresses the crowd at the Willmeng reception prior to the Founders' Day ceremony.
Photo by Tim Trumble
The evening also featured a discussion between Simons and ASU President Michael M. Crow on the university’s future, including expanding global access, reimagining education through augmented intelligence and advancing university-based research that drives economic growth.
Since the inaugural event in 1964, Founders’ Day has brought the community together to honor the vision of ASU's founders while looking ahead to the university’s continued growth and success. It continues to draw strong support from long-standing ASU partners, including American Campus Communities, Aramark, Sun Devil Campus Stores and Willmeng Construction.
Before the formal program began, honorees, distinguished guests and alumni leaders gathered for the Willmeng reception, hosted by James Murphy, CEO of Willmeng and trustee of ASU.
“The vision of our company was born in the halls of Arizona State University," Murphy said. "We grew up in an environment of vision and creativity, so it’s easy to support ASU on all levels. To show up in support of and embrace what it has become — and get hints of what’s coming — there’s no place I’d rather be.”
2026 Founders' Day honorees
Sharon Dupont McCord — Philanthropist of the Year Award
Jaime Leija and Bob Maguire — Alumni Achievement Award
Sammi Ekmark — Young Alumni Achievement Award
Stephanie Forrest — Faculty Research Achievement Award
Victoria Clark — Faculty Service Achievement Award
Christopher Neck — Faculty Teaching Achievement Award
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