March 19, 2007
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University Vice President of Athletics Lisa Love announced Monday that a gift of over $700,000 has been deposited with the Sun Angel Foundation to be used to bring new spirit to the Sun Devil Marching Band. The gift will be used to purchase new uniforms, instrumentation and other equipment for the 2007-08 academic year.
In working with the donor, who has chosen to remain anonymous, ASU President Dr. Michael Crow has pledged additional budget monies to aid the project. This combination of private funding and the University's budgetary commitment provides the launching point of a synergistic plan to develop and establish an athletics marching band that will achieve national acclaim for its' excellence while creating another pride point for Arizona State University.
"We are extremely dedicated to having one of the top marching bands in the nation," says Love. "We want our great university to be represented by outstanding athletic teams and a top-notch marching band."
"Our strategy is to develop the ASU Marching Band into one dedicated to excellence and high impact," says Crow. "Our athletic teams are among the best in the nation and our marching band must reflect that standard as well. By doing this we will improve the quality of life for the students involved and improve the athletic event experience for our constituents."
"With the unprecedented support we are currently receiving, the vision of a nationally-renowned marching band at ASU will become a reality," says Jim Hudson, Director of ASU's Athletic Bands. "Our band members, to say the least, are very excited about this donation and are enthusiastic about creating shows our fans will love to watch. I have no doubt that the experience for the students in the band will be greatly enhanced and enriched."