Community service

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic led Jason Faircloth, founder of the United States Disabled Golf Association, to cancel the association's annual national golf tournament, which was scheduled to be held in Mesa. This year, a severe lack of volunteers and sponsors – the lifeblood of a golf tournament – led the tournament’s founder to think seriously about shelving the 2021 event as well.

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2021 graduates.

Stephanie Pham says she never doubted her decision to take six years off from school and work to be a full-time caregiver to her parents, each of whom had been diagnosed with different forms of cancer. When she enrolled at ASU as an undergraduate, at first the student from Temecula, California, felt alone.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s limitations on public gatherings didn’t restrict donor enthusiasm this spring for ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Donors came through with their cash and with their presence in two activities held during one week. One, a day of giving, was designed to show financial support for the college. The other, a first-time event, gave supporters the chance to put their muscles and wallets to work in a 5K run-walk that raised money for charity.

Subscribe to Community service