The COVID-19 pandemic has tested each of us as individuals. As a community, we’ve shown our ability to join together in the face of adversity.

The late Joe Smeeding ’15 loved making people laugh so life could feel a little easier — even through two years of intense treatment for glioblastoma multiforme, a fast-acting brain cancer that took his life, at age 26, in January 2018.

The fast-growing Personal and Family Financial Planning program in the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences received a major boost from the Charles Schwab Foundation. Starting in 2021-22 two selected students in the UA’s PFFP program will be eligible for $10,000 scholarships over their junior and senior years.

Bill Waynick ’91 performed the role of Wilbur throughout his time earning a degree in management information systems. The Wilbur and Wilma T. Wildcat Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to support future students who take on the role of Arizona mascots.

Andrew ’98 and Kirsten Braccia ’98 have made a $1.5 million gift to support students in the College of Nursing, COVID-19 initiatives and student-athletes whose eligibility has been extended. The largest portion of the Braccias’ gift, $1 million, is being used by the College of Nursing to enhance both remote and in-person learning.

Dave and Lisa Barrett recently established the Barrett Family Scholarship Fund. The endowed scholarship is for non-traditional students, preferably first-generation.

Homecoming 2020 looked different from past celebrations. Supporters took the opportunity not only to honor traditions and celebrate ties, but to support University of Arizona students through the university's first Giving Day.

The gift from breast cancer survivor and longtime UArizona supporter Ginny Clements establishes an endowment for the new institute, along with endowed positions and renovated lab space.

Sundt Construction, a longtime UArizona partner, is supporting the Construction Engineering Management program with a $250,000 endowment. The program is housed in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Mechanics.