In 1885, the Territorial Legislature established the Territorial Normal School for training much-needed Arizona teachers. On February 6, 1886 it became the first institution of higher learning in Arizona to open its doors.

The Normal School has changed its name and its role many times over the past 125 years. Now named Arizona State University (ASU), it is a major research institution with over 67,000 students at 4 campuses.

ASU shapes Tempe by attracting talent-rich students and faculty from all over the world and by bringing in arts, music and cultural events.