AzTE was established in 2003 as a limited liability company whose sole member is the ASU Foundation. The ASU Foundation is an independent non-profit organization that acts as the principal agent through which gifts are made to benefit the university.

The history of the ASU Foundation is the story of several generations of people who have shared a vision for Arizona State University-a vision that has successfully lifted a small pioneer teachers' college into the front ranks of American research universities. One of the state's oldest 501(c)(3) organizations, the Foundation was incorporated in 1955 by a group of Valley farmers, bankers, business owners and ranchers who understood that you cannot build a great city without building a great university to sustain and support it.

The role of the ASU Foundation is dynamic -- changing with the needs of the University and the greater Phoenix community. Today the Foundation's mission is to raise, invest and manage private gifts to benefit ASU on all four campuses.

In close partnership with the president of Arizona State University, the directors and officers of the ASU Foundation are committed to:

• Raising public awareness of the University's need for private support
• Expanding the University's network of donors, partners and friends
• Managing fundraising campaigns and initiatives to benefit ASU
• Providing the highest standards of stewardship for all donors to Arizona State University