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This year, the Alumni Association will honor collectively the classes of 1956 through 1959, who were actively involved as students on the campaign to change Arizona State College’s name to Arizona State University.
Beginning in 1955, Arizona State’s students were vocal in their wish to have their alma mater receive university status. The request met with strong resistance from the Arizona legislature and the Arizona Board of Regents. After a ballot initiative was proposed in April 1958 to put the name-change question to a state-wide vote, thousands of students circulated petitions, lobbied their parents and rung doorbells.
During the signature drive and the campaign season that followed, students marched on the capitol en masse, flooded lawmaker mailboxes, held parades, pressured their parents, delivered petitions in an armored car and enlisted the help of celebrities – including television and radio mega-star (and former student) Steve Allen. On Nov. 4, 1958, the measure passed, and Arizona State College officially became Arizona State University a little over a month later.
Many of the alumni from these classes list their involvement in the name-change campaign as a defining moment in their lives. ASU will honor these hard-working students, who were crucial to the success of what may be one of the most significant chapters of the university’s development.
The 2008 event will also honor Frank Sackton, who is an alumnus, a professor emeritus in the School of Public Affairs, and an actively involved member of the local community.
Sackton, who is 95, completed a 30-year career in the Army before retiring in 1970, which included a stint as a member of U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur’s staff. Upon his return to civilian life, Sackton met Arizona Gov. Jack Williams, who soon asked him to be his special assistant for energy planning and economic development.
After three years with the governor, Sackton came to ASU to study for a master of public administration degree. He earned his degree in 1976, then met another key person: ASU Pres. John Schwada, who offered him a visiting assistant professorship and resident lecturer position.
Ever since then, Sackton has answered ASU’s call for help in a variety of ways, serving as founding dean of the College of Public Programs, vice president for business affairs, athletic director, and finally, professor.
Though he is technically “retired,” Sackton still teaches a class every semester at ASU. Founders’ Day will honor this vibrant “renaissance man” and the spirit of industry, generativity and community-mindedness that his legacy to the university represents.
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