Ed Delph, who played vital role in West Valley campus' foundation, dies at 101
Ed and Margie Delph had a long history of involvement with ASU, including laying the foundation that led to the location of the ASU West campus. Ed died March 20 at age 101; Margie died in 2012. Courtesy photo
Edwin “Ed” Delph, a key voice in the creation of Arizona State University’s West Valley campus, died March 20 at age 101.
As the son of a Phoenix teacher, much of Delph’s early life was spent observing the transformative impact of education.
He never forgot those lessons from his formative years. A graduate of Harvard University, Delph was a vociferous supporter of students throughout his life. In the middle of earning his degrees, he served three years in the Navy as a lieutenant junior grade.
Delph believed deeply in empowering students and teachers to succeed, establishing three scholarship endowment funds at ASU — one in honor of his parents, one in honor of his in-laws and one in his and his wife’s name. He and his wife also contributed to other scholarships over the years.
According to historical research documents, Delph laid the foundation that led to the location of the ASU West campus, which was established in the mid-1980s and renamed the West Valley campus in 2023. In 1999, the Delph Courtyard at the West campus was named in his family’s honor. The courtyard — a popular meeting spot for students to have lunch or study — features leafy trees and a large fountain. Throughout the year, campus displays and cultural events fill the courtyard with activity.
“Edwin’s generosity transformed the ASU West Valley campus and created a lasting legacy for generations to come,” said ASU Foundation CEO Gretchen Buhlig. “We are grateful for his dedication to the success of ASU and our students.”
An Arizona native, Delph belonged to a family who pioneered education, agriculture and irrigation development in north Phoenix. Delph was passionate about the Five C’sThe Five C’s — copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate — have traditionally been driving forces behind the state’s economy. — particularly cattle. Delph owned a cattle business, and whenever he dined out, he made a point of ordering beef to support the business’s role in Arizona’s economy.
Delph’s love for Arizona was evident through his many civic and philanthropic contributions across the state. He was an Eagle Scout and served on the boards of many organizations during his lifetime.
Delph married Margaret “Margie” Jacobs in 1948 and remained married for 64 years, until her passing in 2012. He is survived by his son, Edwin G. Delph, and daughter, Suzi Delph. His second son, Andy, is deceased. He had seven grandchildren and soon-to-be 13 great-grandchildren.
More Sun Devil community
A different kind of preschool: How ASU's Child Study Lab sets kids up for success
The playground and classrooms on the ground floor of the Arizona State University Psychology Building might resemble the setting of any other preschool, but what happens inside those classrooms and…
Artwork, exhibit capture spirit of Polytechnic campus as it celebrates 30 years
When Ela Chachulski set out to design a commemorative mark for Arizona State University Polytechnic campus’s 30th anniversary, she faced a great challenge.The bustling campus is home to academic…
For these ASU graduate students, community starts with showing up
No one had finished the book. Race Schwartz, a first-year chemistry doctoral student, made it halfway. Holly Steinhauer, a second-year biochemistry doctoral student who studies the…