A "who's who" of American journalists, state and city officials and University leaders gathered over dinner Tuesday at ASU to recognize debate sponsors and the discuss event.
Walter Cronkite, Hugh Downs, Gov. Janet Napolitano, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, ASU President Michael Crow, debate moderator Bob Schieffer and City Council members gathered in the Memorial Union for a catered dinner.
Crow opened the evening by recognizing the companies and individuals who sponsored the debate, the city of Tempe "for standing behind" the debate planning process, and reiterating how the event fit in with ASU's mission for the University.
"It has been an intense week, but it has been all about this University that we are trying to build," he said. "We are trying to build an institution ... with as deep a reach into our society as we can possibly go."
Napolitano praised the choice of Tempe as the host for the debate.
"It is so great that the last debate is here," she said. "I think that it will illuminate the difference between the two candidates and help the American people to decide who is the best to lead their country."
After the 230 attendees were finished eating, Cronkite and Downs answered various questions posed by those at the reception.
"I can't know how it will come out -- whether one or the other will do better," Downs said. "The last debate is going to be more important than anyone can say; it is going to be interesting to watch tomorrow."
Reach the reporter at jenna.eckenrode@asu.edu.
