Give to the School of International Letters and Cultures

An investment in our college is an investment into society's wellbeing. The work of the college is altering people's lives and transforming entire communities far beyond just the lives of our students in the programs. Our donors invest in community strength and betterment and enhance our society as a whole.

Sun Devil Giving Day encourages supporters to give to the university's programs and causes in order to foster a culture of giving among the ASU community. By participating, donors have the opportunity to support some of ASU's most important causes on Sun Devil Giving Day, including advancing student access, creating equity in higher education, conducting research for the public good, serving our community and protecting the planet.

On March 16, 2023, a large group of Arizona State University students and employees queued up in Durham Hall to take part in Onigiri for #SunDevilGiving. The event, organized by lecturer of Japanese, Kumiko Hirano Gahan, provided students with the opportunity to make their own onigiri, guided through the process by professors and student volunteers in the Japanese department.

Rice used for the event was generously donated by IRIS USA, whose parent company is IRIS Ohyama of Japan, "made its mark nearly 25 years ago when it became the first company to introduce clear plastic storage containers to the US market. In 2015, operations expanded to include a new facility in Surprise, Arizona, now the US headquarters of IRIS USA. 

With IRIS USA’s contribution and the enthusiastic teachers and student volunteers from the Japanese Department, the event was able to raise funds for numerous scholarships that support students in their studies, support the university's mission to provide students with meaningful educational experiences to prepare them to be global citizens, and encourage an interest in Japanese culture and cuisine.