Vision Quest

Growing up in Tucson, Eric Wedel ’02 experienced firsthand how Arizona basketball united the community and inspired generations of Wildcat fans. He came to the University of Arizona on the heels of the 1997 national championship win. From nail-biting wins over Duke and Kentucky to Lute Olson hoisting the trophy and sharing celebratory hugs with Miles Simon and Mike Bibby, these memories live in the hearts of many Wildcats. 

That connection ultimately inspired Eric and his wife, Kristen, to make a $2 million investment in the future of Arizona men’s basketball through an endowed scholarship. 

“The endowment will provide the full cost of attendance for a men’s basketball student-athlete each year, creating opportunities for talented young people to excel during their time at the University of Arizona while preparing for lives of purpose beyond graduation,” Eric Wedel says. 

Wedel earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the U of A before receiving his law degree from Fordham University School of Law. Today, he is a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where he serves as global co-chair of finance and capital markets and leads the firm’s Los Angeles office. 

His commitment to the U of A extends beyond philanthropy. As a member of the University of Arizona Foundation Board of Trustees, he continues to invest his time, leadership and resources to strengthen the university. Through this scholarship endowment, he hopes to inspire others to create similar opportunities, ensuring that future Wildcats have the support they need to succeed.