An assembly of educators, dignitaries and supporters graciously and solemnly marked the one-year anniversary of the current class of 63 Afghan women enrolled in Arizona State University's Afghan Scholars Program, which welcomed the group fleeing oppression and violence in Afghanistan with emotional and financial support so they could continue important work as researchers, scholars and journalists.

“It's truly remarkable the strength and resilience these women exhibited in the face of extreme danger, to leave their homeland or face certain incarceration or even death if they remained, and to remain so poised and focused as they pick up the pieces and advance their work,” says Mi-Ai Parrish, ASU Media Enterprise Director and President and CEO of MAP Strategies Group. “We are so grateful to all who have supported the refugees this past year and as they continue their academic careers. These women are a tremendous inspiration and valuable members of the ASU community and Arizona.”

ASU President Dr. Michael Crow, ASU Public Enterprise COO Dr. Christopher Howard, and McCain Institute trustee Jack McCain spoke at the event, along with Afghan program participants, who provided gripping first-hand accounts of conditions inside Afghanistan once American troops left, and how they have thrived since joining the ASU community.

The event evoked plenty of smiles, emotion and thoughtful reflection for everyone involved, including Dr. Crow, who wrote on his Twitter account, “It's been nearly a year since these talented and resilient Afghan women joined our @ASU family… We gathered with them to reflect on their journey, celebrate their accomplishments, and thank all who helped. These #SunDevils are truly thriving.”

Dr. Crow and ASU, United Nations Ambassador Cindy McCain, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona CEO Pam Kehaly, Steve Zabliski of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, Plaza Companies CEO Sharon Harper, the Budinger Family at the Rodel Foundation, among many others, have pledged support for the Afghan women with Kehaly announcing a new $75,000 grant for medical and dental care.

“I don’t think the words thank you are enough to express the gratitude we feel to all of you,” one of the rescued women said during the 1-year milestone event. “Our life has been changed.”

ASU has played a central role since the summer of 2021 when U.S. troops left Afghanistan and the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh scrambled to assist 148 Afghan students out of the country. The group later joined thousands of other Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, where Pamela DeLargy, executive director of Education for Humanity at ASU, in December 2021 arranged to have a contingent brought to Arizona to further their studies.