Tempe, AZ – The Verde Dickey Dome

The entire Sun Devil family mourns the loss of Verde Dickey, a wonderful man who loved ASU, particularly his Sun Devil Athletics Teams and the Marching Band.

A Texas native who saw the intrinsic value of a college education, he believed that student-athletes were some of the best prepared graduates entering our workforce today.  Sun Devil Athletics, and the Sun Devil Club, are so very thankful to have called Mr. Dickey a friend and partner for so many years.

Verde Dickey supported Sun Devil Athletics for over 30 years, and his generosity impacts student-athletes each and every day.  From his support of the Marching Band and the Weight Room, to the Indoor Practice Facility that bears his name, Mr. Dickey’s transformational support of ASU can be seen each and every day

Below please find messages from several members of the Sun Devil family, as they remember a truly inspiring man.

“Verde Dickey has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. His investment in ASU has enabled generations of student-athletes to grow to their full academic and athletic potential. His investment in ASU has enabled alumni and fans to enjoy high-caliber, competitive athletic events and the performances of the Sun Devil Marching Band, season after season, year after year. His investment in ASU has left an indelible mark on the present, past and future of this institution.”

— ASU President Dr. Michael Crow

“We lost one of the great Sun Devils Saturday night. My heart is heavy for Cathy, Todd, Ken and Russell. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Verde supported ASU through thick and thin and was a true difference maker. He truly made an impact in our student athletes lives. His kindness to me and my family upon our arrival to ASU will always be close to our hearts. I am proud to call Verde my friend. Thank you Verde.”

— Football Head Coach Todd Graham

“The Sun Devil Family will long remember our friend Verde. His presence and passion helped Arizona State advance on many fronts. His generous gifts will continue to serve student-athletes and coaches. So it is with gratitude and fondness that we recognize and remember a strong and kind man who made a wonderful and timeless difference for many.”

— Men’s Basketball Head Coach Herb Sendek

“Verde was an amazing man in every facet of his life.  He was a great family man, businessman, and an outstanding athlete. To me, Verde was not only all of these, but also a great teacher, listener, motivator, and friend. The time I got to spend with him was some of the most precious moments of both my career and life.

“Verde had an innate ability to create positive energy for ASU and was a catalyst for many projects, coaches, and programs to reach their success. He was bigger than life and a dear friend of mine. I will miss him very much.”

— Gymnastics Head Coach John Spini

“In a lifetime if you enjoy the company of one great friend you are most fortunate.  Mr. Verde Dickey was a great friend to a number of people at Arizona State University.  Being one of those people, I knew every day how lucky I was.  More importantly, he wanted Arizona State University to have a positive effect on the community that he called home.  Through his generous support he positively effected the collegiate experience and lives of many of our students.  We have lost a person that clearly understood our mission at ASU.  We lost a great friend…may he never be forgotten.  He is greatly missed.”

— Senior Associate AD Don Bocchi

“Verde has had an extraordinary, transformative impact on ASU and its advancement as a New American University. His presence is everywhere, his contributions in every corner of every one of ASU’s campuses.  

“He has helped to secure the brightest possible future for ASU by believing in the value of higher education and doing something positive to help change its direction. ‘Pioneering’ and ‘visionary’ are the two words I most attach to Verde. He set a standard for philanthropy at this university and established a legacy of passionate advocacy.

“The entire Sun Devil family mourns the loss of a truly remarkable man who made this world a better place.”

— R.F. “Rick” Shangraw, Jr., chief executive officer of the ASU Foundation

“Without Verde’s generosity and trust, our students and band program would not have been able to thrive in the manner that we have enjoyed. His kindness and friendship means the world to me, and I have enjoyed watching band videos with him, our lunches at the club and his office, and just talking about where we are taking this program.”

— Band Director Jim Hudson

The “Dickey Dome” was funded by Verde Dickey. It serves as ASU Football’s indoor practice facility.