ASU Alumni — Founders’ Day
Robert Page Jr., PhD — James W. Creasman Award of Excellence
Founders’ Day is Arizona State University’s signature event in recognition of the university founders, leaders of the effort to create an institution that has become the nation’s largest public research university and holds the unique distinction of being ranked №1 in innovation for three consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. Founders’ Day showcases ASU faculty, alumni and philanthropists who embody the pioneering spirit of those who helped establish the university, and exemplify how the university continues to evolve into a New American University, an educational institution that advances research, champions discovery of public value and assumes fundamental responsibility for the communities it serves.
Arizona State University annually celebrates the vision and contributions of the founders of the institution. This signature event has taken place since 1964 and is a tradition known as Founders’ Day. ASU faculty, staff, alumni and advocates who exemplify the pioneering and innovative spirit of ASU’s founders are honored with excellence-in-achievement awards at Founders’ Day.
Founders’ Day is celebrated each year in February or March to coincide with the first day of classroom instruction at the original Territorial Normal School at Tempe on Feb. 8, 1886.
Robert Page Jr., PhD
University Provost Emeritus | Regents’ Professor, Foundation Chair of Life Sciences | Founding Director, School of Life Sciences | Distinguished Sustainability Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability
ASU Regents’ Professor Robert E. Page Jr. is the 2018 recipient of the James W. Creasman Award of Excellence, awarded for his contributions to the ASU Alumni Association, the university and its many communities.
From ASU faculty to university leadership and from external educators to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences development office, Professor Page has drawn the highest praise for his service, commitment and accomplishments. Says one nominator of Professor Page, one of the world’s foremost honey bee geneticists and a top research expert in the evolution of complex social behavior, “Rob combines outstanding service to the university with a unique ability to advance a vibrant research program and to remain an international leader in his research field.”
The founding director of ASU’s School of Life Sciences in 2004, Professor Page has been ASU vice provost and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as provost of the university. His advocacy on behalf of ASU is well-documented and has helped advance the university’s recent Campaign ASU 2020. “He has helped ASU make great strides,” says ASU alum and Alumni Association Chair and Senior Director of Development Bill Kavan. “He has invested in staff and resources plus dedicated his own precious time to philanthropic efforts. His impact across so many areas at ASU over the years unequivocally ensures his selection for this well-deserved honor.”
“Rob’s great strength is his honesty and forthrightness; his commitment to giving to others,” says ASU Regents’ and Professor’s Professor Jane Maienschien of the School of Life Sciences. “As (school and college) director, and as provost, he embraces every student and helps every one of them find a way to succeed — that kind of service doesn’t feel like service, but it is extremely important for making ASU what it is.”
Find more about Founders’ Day here.
