FUEL WONDER
ANNUAL AND ENDOWMENT REPORT | 2023
Introducing the largest, most ambitious fundraising campaign in University of Arizona history
THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
2017. A new UArizona president. A new beginning. New clarity of purpose and values. Renewed commitment to students. To world-changing research. Life-changing advancements. The university as a force for art, new ideas, know-how, generosity, community. A place that believes in human ingenuity.
The spirit of wonder moves through the University of Arizona, and it moves through anyone who lights up thinking about what their philanthropy can do here: Fund the degree of a smart kid with limited means. Bring in the best minds across academic disciplines. Power a college’s rise to national prominence. Cure intractable disease.
Over the last seven years, philanthropy has fueled the university’s most ambitious people and programs and, in so doing, also fueled the wonder at the heart of their aspirations. Come with us as we pay tribute to some of the stories that will shape Wildcats and their beloved alma mater for decades to come.
“I hear from alumni and supporters time and time again how the University of Arizona made a difference in their lives. It’s the reason they give back and a way to help shape a future we can all be proud of.”
JOHN-PAUL ROCZNIAK
President and CEO, University of Arizona Foundation
“What a time to be University of Arizona alumni. Incredible students are coming here because they know this is a place to get a top-notch education. Research achievements like the James Webb Space Telescope are in headlines across the world. There’s so much to be proud of, and in some ways, this is just the beginning.”
NANCY BERGE
Chair, University of Arizona Foundation Board of Trustees
“We’re in the early stage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where physical, biological and data sciences are converging, with a strong underpinning of humanities and social sciences. In this world, you’re going to have to be facile in all aspects of information — data, network, computer science — no matter what job you’re doing. It’s changed drastically in the last 10 years and in the next 10 years will change exponentially.”
ROBERT C. ROBBINS, M.D.
President, University of Arizona
A New Path Forward
“This is where I grew up — literally, not just age-wise,” says Terry Lundgren ’75, former chairman and CEO of Macy’s. “Now, it’s time to give back to the university. There’s a definite spirit here on campus, led by Dr. Robbins, that I want to be engaged in and supportive of. When he calls and says, ‘Let’s get together and talk about the future of the U of A and how we can progress,’ I’m always here to respond.”
“Our collective efforts as alumni add up, every donation of time, talent or resources matters, because we know one thing — U of A delivered an education and experience that shaped our lives,” says Marianne Cracchiolo Mago ’93, president of the Steele Foundation.
Cracchiolo Mago and the Steele Foundation made a gift last year that included the first philanthropic support for the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies, or CAMI. And Lundgren and his wife, Tina, funded a new collaboration between the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences and the Eller College of Management focused on the future of retail.
Both have stepped up to co-chair Fuel Wonder, the University of Arizona’s $3 billion fundraising campaign, which began its silent phase on Jan. 1, 2017.
The campaign launched publicly during Homecoming 2023 with a celebration of philanthropy on campus that included a press conference announcing $50 million in new gifts and an interactive exhibition on the Mall designed to spotlight Wildcat achievement.
Philanthropy will fuel a vision that sees the University of Arizona at the forefront of a changing world through new knowledge discovery, commercialization and, most importantly, preparing students to adapt and thrive. That’s why Fuel Wonder aims to raise funds for students and scholarships, faculty and research, and the arts and athletics programs that bring people in the door and get them excited about the work that will define the university’s impact and reputation over decades to come.
