Note: to protect donor privacy, map markers are placed on zip codes only
Markie the Sunspot is the walking embodiment of philanthropy at ASU. More than just your average map marker, Markie stands proudly over all the places at Arizona State University where philanthropy made a mark. His story winds all through the history of ASU. It was Markie who was called upon in 1885 to indicate the spot on the map where ASU would go; on 20 acres of donated land that would grow into one of America’s great universities.
128 years later, Markie is still on the job. Anywhere Sun Devil pride and philanthropy come together, you’ll find Markie the Sunspot.
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The flame of a kerosene lamp sputtered in the drafty kitchen at the back of a private Arizona home. A tattered map was rolled out on the table under its wavering light. John Armstrong, democratic representative to the Thirteenth Arizona legislature, visionary chair of the House Education Committee, reached across the table, snatched up a common map marker and slapped it decisively down. “There! It will go there!"
The year was 1885, and the moment was unassuming, when Markie put his mark on the future location of Arizona State University, and on his first place in history.
From Markie's journal, 1885:
These Tempe folks are so philanthropic — let the future of American higher education begin!
Former President Teddy Roosevelt speaks to the students of Tempe Normal School from the steps of Old Main, predicting the population of the Valley will continue to grow.
He thinks we'll have 75 to 100 thousand people someday? Perhaps President Roosevelt should wear a hat in the sun.
Tempe Normal School class of 1918 installs a giant letter “N” on Tempe Butte, adjacent to campus.
An inspiring tribute that will last for generations!
With a change of the school’s name to Tempe State Teachers College, the “N” on Tempe Butte is altered to become a “T.”
Now THIS is CERTAINLY an inspiring tribute for the ages!
With a change of the school’s name to Arizona State Teachers College, the “T” on Tempe Butte is altered to become a “A.”
Now THIS inspiring tribute is certain to last “A” while!
Governor Sidney Osborn signs a bill renaming Tempe Normal School “Arizona State College at Tempe.”
Never again will we be a “Normal School”!
General Electric supports Arizona State College offering engineering degrees. University of Arizona supporters protest.
Now THAT’S a bright idea!
A name change from Arizona State College to Tempe University draws protests from students who join Arizona voters to confirm a new name for ASC — Arizona State University
I never thought I would be a protest marker...I mean, marcher.
Hayden library is built.
I’ve always wanted to be a bookmarkie!
The veteran journalist and CBS anchorman lends his name to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunication.
And that’s the way it was...
ASU President Michael M. Crow establishes ASU as A New American University.
What a team — Michael and Markie!
ASU’s School of Sustainability, the first of its kind in the world, opens.
I support sustainability. I want to be around ANOTHER 122 years!
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