Leading national philanthropists make a difference at ASU

Above: The Fulton Family was honored as the 2018 Founders’ Day Philanthropists of the Year by the ASU Alumni Association for their vision, leadership and commitment to advance Arizona State University and the New American University. Photographer: Timon Harper

Knowledge, learning and discovery represent the engine behind Arizona State University. Ability and innovation provide its fuel while philanthropy turbocharges its mission to change lives and the future.

Ira A. Fulton and his family have made a significant impact on ASU. They embody the pioneering spirit of the university’s founders and contribute to the evolution of the New American University. The Fulton family’s vision, leadership and commitment has earned them the Philanthropist of the Year Award for Founders’ Day 2018 — a signature event hosted annually to celebrate those who helped establish ASU.

In 2003, Ira Fulton established an endowment of $50 million in support of ASU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which was renamed the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. As the namesake of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Ira Fulton’s investment has served as a catalyst for tremendous growth while enabling the development of strategic initiatives to benefit students, alumni and faculty.

The Fulton family has made numerous investments across the university, ranging from supporting academic endeavors to athletics and performing arts. The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is named in honor of Ira Fulton’s late wife.

Beyond contributing more than $160 million dollars to ASU, the Fulton family devotes valuable time and energy to the advancement of students, faculty and leadership on campus and in the community. This is especially true in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

From their first moments at the university, engineering students are welcomed by the Fulton family. The family encourages students to take advantage of ASU’s resources for success and reminded that college is a time to create yourself. Steadfast in his devotion to seeing students succeed, Ira Fulton has not missed an engineering graduation since 2003.

“The biggest thing we enjoy is our engineering students,” said Ira Fulton. “To come on campus and tell them how much we appreciate them — we enjoy doing it. We want them to know we were there.”

The Fulton family also provides leadership representation on the Trustees of ASU, the ASU Foundation Board of Directors, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering Campaign Board, the ASU President’s Club and the ASU Sun Devil Club.

Through their commitment and connection, this family of leading national philanthropists brings their support to campus, showing ASU students, faculty and staff that the greatest reward from their investments is seeing lives changed and inspired learners.

When the Fulton family set out to become agents of change in education and the metro Phoenix community, they found an equally dedicated partner in ASU.