Statements from President Crow

On Tuesday the nation, the state and Arizona State University lost a remarkable individual, one who dedicated his life to public service and served as a champion for education. We are deeply saddened about the passing of Congressman Ed Pastor. As the first Mexican-American to represent Arizona in Congress, Ed served as a living representation that through hard work, education and perseverance, anyone can rise from humble beginnings and achieve greatness. For ASU, this is a very personal loss, because Ed was a diehard Sun Devil and ASU advocate and remained highly involved with the university after retiring from Congress.  Ed and his wife Verma played a major role in establishing and supporting scholarships and programs to help disadvantaged students achieve their educational dreams.  Many of the recipients of these programs have gone on to become leaders in the Hispanic community. He also helped champion the Phoenix light rail, which was key to establishing ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus. Ed will be forever remembered through our Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service and all the many ASU initiatives that bear his name. More importantly, Ed will live forever in the hearts of all the people he touched during his lifetime.