Mind Matters

For nearly 20 years, alumna Gwendolyn “Gwen” Weiner has been quietly supporting efforts that bring science, healing and hope to others. Her latest gift to the University of Arizona reflects that same spirit — helping strengthen mental health care and training. 

With support from Gwen and the EOS Foundation, the Department of Psychology in the College of Science is launching the EOS Foundation Endowed Chair in Health Psychology, with Professor David Sbarra named as its inaugural holder. Gwen also has funded a much-needed renovation of the department’s Behavioral Health Clinic, a community-facing facility that serves as both a clinical resource for southern Arizona and a training ground for doctoral students in clinical psychology. 

“Being appointed as the EOS Foundation Endowed Chair in Health Psychology is a tremendous honor,” David says. “The endowed chair position provides important new resources that are helping grow my research laboratory.” 

Gwen first met David in 2007 and has followed his work ever since, moved by his dedication to both patients and students. His internationally recognized research focuses on how people heal from social disconnection and loss — work that resonated with Gwen’s long-standing interest in supporting mental health services. 

When she learned about the Eminent Scholar Program — then part of the university’s Fuel Wonder campaign — that matches gifts for endowed chairs and supports graduate students, Gwen saw an opportunity to amplify her impact. At the same time, she recognized the urgent need to update and expand the Behavioral Health Clinic to better meet rising community needs. 

Her gift will help enhance student training, expand supervisor time, improve the clinic’s infrastructure and cover costs associated with telehealth and clinical software — ultimately improving care for individuals across southern Arizona. 

This is just the latest in Gwen’s generous support of the College of Science. She helped transform the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, including a full redesign of the main theater — now the EOS Foundation Theater — and supported exhibits such as Marine Discovery and Universe of Science. 

Thanks to her continued investment, Gwen’s legacy is one of not only generosity but also creating spaces — both physical and emotional — that support discovery, healing and human connection.