Walking to remember: ASU Police joins MADD for community awareness event
Along the walking path, signs told the stories of lives lost to impaired driving, inspiring walkers to remember, reflect and keep moving forward with purpose.
The Arizona State University Police Department joined forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to host the Move with MADD community walk aimed at raising awareness and funds to end impaired driving.
The Nov. 1 walk took place on the outdoor walking track of the Sun Devil Fitness Complex and drew more than 100 participants. The event also featured representatives from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Tempe Fire and Police departments, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and several other organizations from across the metro Phoenix area.
ASU Police and MADD
Founded in 1980 by Candace Lightner after the loss of her 13-year-old daughter, MADD has spent more than four decades leading the fight to end drunk and drugged driving. Dedicated to supporting victims and families and preventing underage drinking, MADD continues to unite communities through hope, healing, and action toward a future with no more victims.
This past June, ASU Police Officer Kyle Bathke was among several officers honored by MADD during its annual law enforcement recognition banquet.
“Officer Bathke’s recognition as a MADD honoree is a reflection of his unwavering dedication to protecting the public from impaired driving,” ASU Police Chief John Thompson said. “His efforts exemplify the professionalism, compassion and commitment that define our entire agency. We take great pride in his work and in the collective dedication of our officers who share the same goal of keeping our community safe and preventing tragedies before they happen.”
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Participants at the 2025 Move with MADD walk at ASU’s Sun Devil Fitness Complex on Nov. 1 show their support for safer roads and stronger communities.
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The event happened to coincide with Día de los Muertos, and MADD volunteers created an ofrenda adorned with the traditional marigold flowers, sugar skulls and photos of departed loved ones, lost to impaired driving.
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Participants enjoy the weather and pause to reflect on victims remembered during the 2025 Move with MADD walk.
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Memorial signs along the track at the Move with MADD walk share the stories and faces of those lost to impaired driving.
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ASU Police Officer Kyle Bathke and Sgt. Morgan Davis at the June 2025 MADD law enforcement recognition banquet.
Walking to remember
The date of the Nov. 1 community walk coincided with Día De Los Muertos. Though the timing was coincidental, the spirit of the Mexican holiday — a gathering of loved ones, paying respect and remembering those who have died — was deeply reflected throughout the event.
MADD volunteers even created an ofrenda, or altar, adorned with the traditional marigold flowers, sugar skulls and photos of departed loved ones, lost to impaired driving. The display served as a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a story, and that MADD’s mission is grounded in honoring those lives by preventing future tragedies.
After brief remarks and the sharing of personal stories of loss and resilience, a DJ turn up the music and attendees began their walk around the track, marked with signs with the names, stories and pictures of local victims. The event concluded with photos and a renewed determination to continue the fight against impaired driving. Each loss was honored, each life remembered and each survivor celebrated for their strength and resilience.