Arizona State University 2025 Moments: ASU Photographers Capture Sun Devil Highlights

Arizona State University (ASU) has long been a hub of creativity, innovation, and community spirit. In 2025, the university’s photographers—both staff and students—documented a wide range of moments that showcase the Sun Devil community’s energy, resilience, and achievements. From the roar of football stadiums to the quiet focus of laboratory work, these images tell a story of a year filled with memorable events and meaningful connections.

Capturing the Spirit: Sparky and the Air Refueling Wing

One of the most iconic images of 2025 shows Sparky, the ASU mascot, leaping out of a KC‑135R Stratotanker cockpit. The aircraft, operated by the 161st Air Refueling Wing, carries custom nose art that honors the Sun Devil spirit. This photo, taken by senior photographer Charlie Leight, highlights how ASU’s presence extends beyond campus, reaching the skies of the United States and supporting global military operations.

For photographers, capturing such a dynamic scene requires careful coordination with military personnel, precise timing, and an understanding of the symbolic value of the mascot. The result is a powerful visual that reinforces ASU’s national reach and the pride of the Sun Devil community.

Behind the Lens: Student Photographers and Creative Projects

Student photographer Emma Fitzgerald’s work illustrates the breadth of opportunities available to aspiring photographers at ASU. Her favorite shots include:

• A young girl learning about green‑screen technology in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication studio.
• A close‑up of water splashing during a playful studio experiment with ice cubes.
• A detailed image of a Deca wafer, showcasing how light interacts with reflective surfaces.
• A biochemistry student in a lab, captured with leading lines that draw the eye to her focused expression.
• Students walking in front of the Memorial Union, illustrating campus life in motion.
• A sociology student posing with custom ASU shoes, highlighting personal style and school pride.
• A football player in a moment of prayer before a game, capturing the emotional intensity of competition.
• A family cheering at a football game, showcasing community support.

These images demonstrate how student photographers can turn everyday moments into compelling stories that resonate with the broader Sun Devil community.

From Campus to Field: Lab and Field Work

ASU’s research initiatives provide rich material for photographers. Highlights from 2025 include:

• Biochemistry student Anika Li in a CryoVeritas startup shoot, emphasizing the intersection of science and visual storytelling.
• Environmental life sciences PhD candidate Kayla Burgher working with a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, illustrating conservation efforts.
• Process engineer Robert Naujokaitis capturing a unique angle inside a clean room at MacroTechnology Works.
• Student researchers in the Senko Lab photographing sea turtles to reduce bycatch, showcasing applied science.

These projects show how photographers can collaborate with researchers to document cutting‑edge work, providing visibility for both the science and the people behind it.

Sports and Community Moments

Sports events are a cornerstone of the Sun Devil community. In 2025, ASU photographers captured:

• Defensive lineman Clayton Smith pushing a Texas player out of bounds during the Peach Bowl, a moment of tactical intensity.
• Three students walking through Los Angeles’s historic Broadway Theatre District, illustrating student life beyond campus.
• An ASU football player preparing for a media interview, showing the media side of athletics.
• Family members cheering at a football game, highlighting community engagement.
• Students walking in front of the Memorial Union, capturing campus life in motion.

These images not only celebrate athletic achievements but also reinforce the sense of belonging that defines the Sun Devil community.

Celebrating Achievements: Graduation and Beyond

Graduation ceremonies are a pivotal part of the ASU experience. In 2025, photographers documented:

• A composite grid of graduate portraits, showcasing the diversity of the graduating class.
• President Michael Crow giving students tomatoes in a classroom, a creative way to discuss technology and sustainability.
• Graduating astrobiology senior Kiera Charley defending her thesis, illustrating academic rigor.
• Doctoral hood ceremony for Princess Benally, highlighting mentorship and cultural pride.
• Graduate Commencement selfies with spark towers, capturing celebratory moments.

These moments serve as a visual record of personal milestones and institutional pride, reinforcing the narrative of lifelong learning at ASU.

How to Get Involved: Join ASU Photography or Community Programs

For students, alumni, and community members interested in photography or storytelling, ASU offers several pathways:

• Enroll in the School of Media and Communication’s photography courses to learn technical skills and narrative techniques.
• Participate in the ASU News media relations team, gaining hands‑on experience covering campus events.
• Volunteer for research projects that require visual documentation, such as the CryoVeritas startup or the Senko Lab.
• Join the Sun Devil community’s social media teams to help share stories with a broader audience.
• Attend workshops and talks by professional photographers, such as those hosted by the ASU Photography Club.

By engaging with these opportunities, you can develop a portfolio that reflects the dynamic life of Arizona State University and the broader USA community.

Take the Next Step in Your Photography Journey

Whether you’re a budding photographer, a student looking to document campus life, or a community member wanting to preserve local history, the 2025 moments captured by ASU photographers provide a roadmap for storytelling. Use these examples as inspiration for your own projects, and consider how you can highlight the Sun Devil community’s achievements and values.

Ready to start your own visual journey? Submit your application today to join ASU’s media programs and become part of a vibrant community of creators.

Have questions about photography at ASU? Schedule a free consultation to learn more about the resources available to students and community members.

Want to explore more stories from the Sun Devil community? Explore our related articles for further reading and stay updated on the latest events and achievements.

Share your experiences in the comments below and connect with fellow photographers and Sun Devil enthusiasts.