The Family Association Professor of the Year Award recognizes excellence in teaching and learning excellence at ASU. The award is one of the most prestigious offered at the university. This committee sets the guidelines for applications and, in conjunction with a selection committee of Parent Association volunteers, faculty and students, reviews all nominee applications and selects the Professor of the Year.

Professor Jane Maienschein, 2000 Professor of the Year shares some thoughts:

When I was at my first Professor of the Year awards ceremony in 2000, I was impressed by the wonderful assembly of people I know were great faculty members. Then when I heard my name called as the winner, I was so shocked that I couldn't think of anything sensible to say except what just jumped into my head. "Thanks to all the parents for making this wonderful award. I'm so grateful to my own parents for their infinite support that it's very special to be connected to parents. Thanks so much." Something like that, which doesn't sound very profound. But I still feel that way: parents are such important parts of every student's life, and through the ASU family association parents have also become leaders in recognizing outstanding teaching-scholars. Most importantly, over time the Professors of the Year have learned to work together in promoting excellence in teaching and learning. We wouldn't have found each other without this recognition.

click here to visit the Professor of the Year website»

• next page
• back to top

Through the generous support of ASU families, the Sun Devil Family Association has established a fund to make multiple awards of $4,000 ($2,000 per semester) each academic year.

Awards are based on:

• financial need based on the FAFSA report
• demonstrated evidence of strong commitment to academic success (minimum 3.0 GPA)
• demonstrated record of community service and/or university involvement
• achievement of personal and educational goals

In and out-of-state undergraduate students are eligible to apply.

scholarship successes

	Maisoon Chowhury's Story » When ASU graduate Maisoon Chowdhury received a coveted Fulbright Scholarship, she did something unexpected and remarkable with her award — she gave part of it to the ASU Sun Devil Family Association, an organization she credits with providing so much support through college that it helped make her the person she is today.
	Dillon Card's story » At the end of his freshman year, Dillon applied for and was awarded a family association scholarship, effectively lowering his out-of-state tuition to resemble the in-state rate.
	A Thank You from Cherish Connolly » She experienced numerous obstacles leading up to her ASU undergraduate experience, but Cherish’s family association scholarship helped her achieve what she had always hoped. Three months after graduation, she found an opportunity that allowed her to donate $1,000 to the program.
	SDFA Scholars Benefitting the World » I specifically hope to help men and women become better parents to their children. Parents have a huge impact and influence on their children's future. I want to teach that to parents and give them the tools to improve their skills.

• next page
• back to top

Grants to the ASU Parents Fund help sustain programs and resources that directly impact students and their families, provide critical academic services and promote teaching and learning excellence, including:

• Emergency Crisis Fund
• Student Services/Tutoring
• Hayden Library
• Sun Devil Success program
• Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services Thanksgiving Dinner Program
• ASU Libraries E-book Collection

The ASU Parents Fund is a discretionary fund that offers a unique opportunity to support programs that make a difference in every Sun Devil's future. As national recognition for the high quality of an ASU education, a New American University education, continues to grow, so too will the value of your student's degree.

With a gift of any size to the ASU Parents Fund, you will be joining us in our continued commitment to fostering and sustaining a university community that truly epitomizes teaching and learning excellence.

• back to top