The ASU community lost two influential men this past week.
Frank Sackton, founding dean of ASU’s College of Public Programs died Sunday, and Bill Kajikawa, former basketball, baseball and football coach, died Monday. Both men were 97 years old.
Sackton and Kajikawa may not be household, or rather campus-hold, names, but they both helped to mold the University into the ASU you know today.
As founding dean, Sackton paved the way for many students to follow their passions in the schools under the College of Public Programs. He was also special assistant to president of the University and served as the athletic director.
But Sackton’s spirit of service wasn’t limited to ASU.
He had a notable military career spanning several decades. During World War Two, he led a 550-man battalion in the Pacific and was later secretary to Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
Kajikawa shared Sackton’s commitment to the United States military. His only time away from ASU during his career at the University was when he served during WWII in the Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team — the most decorated combat unit, during World War Two.
A graduate from Arizona State himself, Kajikawa started coaching freshman football for the Arizona State Teacher’s College Bulldogs — the team he saw transform into the ASU Sun Devils — in the same year he received his bachelors degree. He also received his masters in education the same year he started as head coach of the basketball team.
The football practice field bears his name, as does the Kajikawa Classic softball tournament.
Perhaps we don’t know their stories by heart, but it’s likely some of our parents or professors knew Sackton or Kajikawa.
ASU has set up a site where the community can post their memories of both men, at asunews.asu.edu/20100216_memories.
“Many thanks to Lt. General Frank Sackton for his wonderful teaching. He was good-natured, funny and engaging in the classroom. I have fond memories of him and learned much beyond our academic lessons. I will miss him,” posted Vicki Bendau on Tuesday.
Frank Kardasz posted, “Lt. Gen. Sackton was a lively instructor, a friendly person and a fine gentleman. Rest in peace.”
We may not make the same impact on the growth of the University as Kajikawa or Sackton have, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take on their spirit of community service.
Bogged down as we may be by our everyday lives, we should not forget our alma mater — or our communities — after we get our diploma. Even before we walk across the stage, we can follow the men who led by their examples.
As you go through your day-to-day routine, take a moment to remember Sackton and Kajikawa — they spent much of their lives making this University into the place it is today.
