From the global response to terrorism and the subversive weaponization of narratives, to the evolution of crisis management and guardians of civil liberties — 9/11 forced us to think differently; to rise to new challenges; and to confront the vulnerabilities of our democracy.

Twenty years after the attacks and in observance of the anniversary, ASU News reached out to faculty experts across Arizona State University to share their observations, research and reflections on 9/11’s cultural and global impact on our world — and on their work.

• Read more about How 9/11 changed the ways these faculty teach and research

Incoming Sun Devils have more than 800 fully accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs to choose from — plus 275 available minors and certificates — and this fall they have more choices than ever to customize their educational journeys. 

From global health to digital media literacy to human resources, students will gain the knowledge and experience to thrive in a wealth of future careers. Here are some of the new options for fall 2021 at Arizona State University.

• Read more about Exciting new degree programs await ASU students for fall 2021

They may have been delayed a year, but Arizona State University is ready to go for gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which open July 23.

There are 20 Sun Devil athletes competing in Tokyo, representing 14 countries in six sports. Three Olympians — Jorinde van Klinken, Leon Marchand and Jarod Arroyo — are current students.

• Read more about Forks up for Tokyo Olympic Games

The Graduate College has announced the recipients of its inaugural Graduate College Staff Awards for Excellence. Established to recognize the prodigious role Arizona State University staff members play in the success of graduate students at ASU, the awards are one way the Graduate College can shine a spotlight on the tireless work of ASU staff members who play a critical role in the college's mission.  

• Read more about ASU Graduate College announces first-ever Staff Awards for Excellence winners

Amid the many challenges of the pandemic, student workers at ASU’s Knowledge Exchange for Resilience (KER) collaborated to drive use-inspired research and develop innovative solutions to make our community more resilient. 

Alexandria Drake
Global health, PhD, School of Human Evolution and Social Change

• Read more about Knowledge Exchange for Resilience gives ASU students invaluable experience

Arizona State University student veterans were able to celebrate their graduation in a special way this year — from the comfort of their cars.

While many other ASU convocation ceremonies this spring were held on Zoom or other streaming platforms, nearly 200 veterans zoomed over to Lot 59 on ASU’s Tempe campus on May 1 for an in-person experience.

• Read more about Sun Devil student veterans cruise into graduation

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

Cyrus Commissariat grew up in Los Angeles but moved to Arizona when he was in middle school and has called it home ever since. He is the grandchild and child of immigrants and his family taught him that the value of a good education was critical for succeeding. 

• Read more about Triple major graduates, looks forward to law school

George Floyd, the man whose death in police custody launched a thousand protests in 2020, has reignited a critical conversation about systemic racism and social injustice around the world. In 2021, almost one year after Floyd’s death, change is starting to happen.

• Read more about Students elevating Black cultural awareness through LIFT initiative at ASU

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a globally disruptive force to our human systems for over a year. 

Scholars have already begun researching the effects of the catastrophe as it’s unfolding. But what will that inquiry look like in five years, or a few decades from now? How will researchers measure the shock to and resilience of society?

• Read more about What COVID-19 means for the future of scholarly research

Three recent graduates and a senior at Arizona State University have won prestigious fellowships offered by the U.S. Department of State.

Tatum James and Jacqueline White Menchaca, both 2020 ASU graduates, have been awarded the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program Fellowship. Additionally, senior Cameron Vega and May 2020 graduate Claudia Rivera Garcia have been awarded the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship.

• Read more about 4 ASU students win prestigious U.S. Department of State fellowships