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The New ASU Story:
Campus Lives - Campus Scenes




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From time to time, mischievous students from the University of Arizona have trekked to Tempe to paint their own school colors, red and blue, on our "A". Whitewashing the "A" to cover colors other than gold began as a tradition in the 1930s as part of orientation week. At one time, as many as 2,500 freshmen were recorded wielding paintbrushes.

Whitewashing the 'A', ca. 1950

Whitewashing the "A"
ca. 1950
UP UPC ASUG W54 1950s #27


After some scrapes and injuries, the Rallies and Traditions Board took over sponsorship in 1965. The tradition declined for some time but has resumed during orientation week. The Student Alumni Association now maintains the "A" and protects it from U of A painters for a week before the annual ASU/U of A football game.


University Archives
Department of Archives and Manuscripts
Arizona State University Libraries
Last updated: August, 2000
Send questions or comments to archives@mainex1.asu.edu

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