University of Arizona

Sean William Ellis Excellence Award

By The Ellis Family

Join Sean's family, friends and colleagues at Liberty Mutual to honor his life and legacy by establishing the Sean William Ellis Excellence Award.

Join Sean's family, friends and colleagues at Liberty Mutual to honor his life and legacy by establishing the Sean William Ellis Excellence Award. The Ellis Family On September 3, 2021, Sean William Ellis passed away unexpectedly at the age of 30 due to a heart condition. Sean's family, friends and colleagues at Liberty Mutual are joining together to honor his life and legacy by establishing the Sean William Ellis Excellence Award at the University of Arizona. To create a permanent scholarship endowment with the University of Arizona Foundation, we must raise $50,000. Inspired by Sean's life and values, this scholarship will support future generations of Wildcat students for years to come. Sean was a proud University of Arizona graduate whose impact was felt by everyone fortunate enough to know him. A standout student in the Eller College of Management, he graduated in just three years and was a proud brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Professionally, he excelled at Liberty Mutual, where he was recognized as a top producer and respected leader. While Sean achieved tremendous success in his own career, what brought him the greatest pride was helping others succeed. He was passionate about recruiting and mentoring new employees. It was also at Liberty Mutual that Sean met the love of his life, Melissa, and became a proud stepfather to Eddie, Emma and Amy. Beyond his professional achievements, Sean lived with a heart for service. He devoted his time to serving seniors in his community, feeding those experiencing homelessness and participating in numerous service projects through his church. His generosity, compassion and willingness to help others defined the way he lived his life. Education was also central to Sean's story. Sean and his mother, Christine Ellis, shared a dream of pursuing their master's degrees at the same time, while his father, Benjamin Ellis, and sister, Dr. Taliah Ellis, continue to embody that dedication to education and personal advancement. In August 2026, Christine fulfilled a lifelong goal by earning her master's degree in nursing, a milestone that reflected the value she and Sean placed on learning and achievement. By supporting Eller College of Management students who work hard, give back to their communities and aspire to build successful careers, this scholarship will carry Sean's legacy forward and ensure that his values continue to make a difference. Please consider making a gift to the Sean William Ellis Excellence Award. Every gift brings us closer to establishing this permanent scholarship and honoring Sean's remarkable life.

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Invest in Youth as Readers

By Worlds of Words Center

Contributions to the Reading Ambassador program support middle and high school readers in their advocacy for reading while building their personal libraries.

Contributions to the Reading Ambassador program support middle and high school readers in their advocacy for reading while building their personal libraries. Worlds of Words Center A New Chapter Begins Worlds of Words hosts our 10th cadre of Reading Ambassadors this academic year just as The Atlantic hits us with the headline, The End of Reading Is Here! The middle and high school readers in this group of Reading Ambassadors buck the downward "slump" in reading as reported by the National Endowment of the Arts and others by creating communities of readers their age while practicing real-world skills and experiences that extend beyond the pages of a book. Setting & Characters Photo by Bob Bingham PhotographyThe Reading Ambassador Program (RAP) is designed to immerse local middle and high school readers in a college-like experience in literature written specifically for them. Reading Ambassadors meet on the U of A campus in the Worlds of Words Center with occasional "field trips" to other campus locations. They sit in real university classrooms and talk to guest speakers in academia in preparation for author visits and other bookish events. Reading Ambassadors come from a range of schooling experiences including public, private and charter schools and gain as much insight from each other as they do from the "pros." And they put in a lot of work! Reading Ambassadors choose their books and decide how best to share them with friends and peers with guidance from faculty and staff with backgrounds in children’s literature, education, library science and marketing. Each "book cycle" spans two months. We have a month to read their selected book, then we meet to discuss and create plans for how to share it with peers. The second month, middle schoolers host an event for any interested readers during which they meet the author of the book they read while teens create a 'zine and explore ways to take action. Reading Ambassadors are responsible for set up and clean up, greeting attendees and partners, and moderating the program. Finally, we record an episode of our podcast to unpack the whole experience. The Plot Thickens Photo by Melanie ReyesWe conducted a focus group a little over a year ago and learned that participants in RAP feel they have support at their school academically, athletically and artistically. What they miss is social time with peers. The time Reading Ambassadors spend in Worlds of Words is largely analog, in small groups and with plenty of bagels and hot chocolate. Outside the program, the teens have their own private group chat where they can talk about how much they enjoy the program -- we presume. As two things can be true at once (a program that is both social and academic), the Reading Ambassadors play an important role in literacy promotion because they share their experience with books in their social and academic contexts. They participate in literature discussions and engagements that mimic the experience of upper division children's literature classes, devise strategies to share their new insights and plan and execute public events and projects. The more Reading Ambassadors engage in conversations with their peers and trusted adults, the more they gain autonomy, independence and confidence while improving their communication skills. One thing that hasn't changed about the program over the past ten cadres is the requirement that Reading Ambassadors share literature with their school libraries (or English/Language Arts teacher). This initiative not only enriches school library collections but also broadens access for all students. Your Role Photo by Bob Bingham PhotographyYou can directly contribute to reversing the national slump in reading by encouraging the Reading Ambassadors in their work and providing continued access to middle grade and young adult literature and the deeper understanding of issues the Reading Ambassadors gain from reading. We hope that you take a look at the giving levels on this page and find one that's right for you. You can also come to one of our events, listen to our podcast or read one of our 'zines (stop by to pick up a copy or email wow@arizona.edu about how you can receive one in the mail). You can be an ambassador for the Reading Ambassadors by sharing this campaign in your circles. Thank you for considering this remarkable opportunity to invest in youth readers. Your generosity will make worlds of difference.

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Support the Kerr Family Endowment for Humanities Abroad

By College of Humanities

Join Team Kerr by supporting Study Abroad in the College of Humanities.

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100 years of Chain Gang / Links Junior Honorary

By Chain Gang / Links Alumni

Celebrate 100 years of Chain Gang / Links Junior Honorary by making a gift to support CAPS.

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Cooper Center Crowdfunding

By Cooper Center

Field trips to Camp Cooper are a memorable Tucson tradition. The center needs your help to keep its programs running at full capacity for the year.

Field trips to Camp Cooper are a memorable Tucson tradition. The center needs your help to keep its programs running at full capacity for the year. Cooper Center Welcome to Cooper Crowdfunding Every September, we call on our community to support the people who make Camp Cooper possible. Our goal is to raise $62,000 to support our incredible staff - the educators, program leaders, facilities team and behind-the-scenes staff who create meaningful experiences for thousands of students every year. Our team is the heart of camp. They lead students along trails, introduce them to Sonoran Desert wildlife, create hands-on learning experiences, care for our campus and help young people build lasting connections with the natural world. When you support this campaign, you're not just giving to a place. You're investing in the people who make the Camp Cooper experience possible. Why 'Give to Grow?' The Average American child spends six minutes a day outside. Research shows that the human brain grows best when enjoying quality time outdoors. Spending time in nature makes people of all ages healthier, more creative and more empathetic. Our mission is to create accessible outdoor experiences for children in Southern Arizona. We connect children of all ages to the Sonoran Desert through immersive, education-based outdoor adventures. We build deep relationships with nature in a welcoming and inclusive environment, fostering a love and understanding of the natural world. The core of the Cooper Center's mission is to provide opportunities for children and families who have limited or no access to outdoor experiences. We focus on various field trips for public school groups. More than 90% of the students we serve come from Title I schools, and most receive free and reduced-cost lunches and/or other social services. Meet The Team Behind every unforgettable Camp Cooper experience is a passionate team dedicated to connecting students with the Sonoran Desert through hands-on, immersive learning. Mariah – Lead Program Coordinator Mariah is the heart of Camp Cooper's field trip program. From coordinating with teachers to overseeing program logistics, she helps create meaningful outdoor learning experiences for thousands of students each year. Her background in education and environmental studies makes her an invaluable resource for both educators and campers. Nasiha – Internship Outreach Specialist Nasiha is both an environmental educator and the leader of Camp Cooper's internship program. While teaching students on field trips, she also mentors our high school and University of Arizona interns, helping them build confidence, develop leadership skills and discover a passion for environmental education. Aliya – Program Development Specialist Aliya brings creativity to every lesson she teaches. As an environmental educator and curriculum specialist, she leads field trips while also designing many of Camp Cooper's programs and activities. Her artistic perspective and innovative approach help students connect with nature through hands-on exploration and creative learning. Josh – Facilities Specialist Josh plays an important role in making Camp Cooper a welcoming and memorable place to learn. Josh manages facilities and as part of our education team, he brings his hands-on approach and love of the outdoors to every program. Ed – Instructional Education Specialist Ed is Camp Cooper's gardening expert, helping students discover the importance of sustainable gardening, native plants and food systems. His hands-on lessons encourage curiosity while fostering an appreciation for the natural world and stewardship of the environment. Rowan – Marketing Specialist Rowan shares Camp Cooper's story with the community through marketing, communications, fundraising campaigns, social media, newsletters, photography and special events. From celebrating student experiences to organizing community events and connecting donors with Camp Cooper's mission, Rowan helps ensure more people discover—and support—the impact of outdoor education. Together, our team is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, creating welcoming outdoor learning experiences and ensuring every child has the opportunity to build a lifelong connection with nature. Become a Friend of Camp Cooper You are an integral part of the Cooper Center community, and we invite you to explore the various opportunities for involvement and impact. When you are a Friend of Camp Cooper, you aren't just donating; you are joining a passionate network of individuals dedicated to making a difference in the world. Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to our cause, we are thrilled to welcome you and we invite you to dive into our mission of environmental education and conservation. Aligning with our core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community, we work to provide an inclusive space for all to learn about and care for our planet. We are constantly fostering supportive relationships throughout our community and honor and value the heritage and diverse perspectives of the students, teachers and families we serve. We ensure that everyone receives equal opportunities at Camp Cooper and is welcomed and respected for who they are. Together, let's create a brighter future for generations to come. Let's Make Memories We are a "living classroom" in Tucson's desert foothills, run by the University of Arizona (UA) College of Education in partnership with Tucson Unified School District (TUSD). Each year, thousands of students visit the Cooper Center for hands-on outdoor science lessons designed to inspire an enduring love and respect for the natural world. The Cooper Center also gives every UA Pre-K-8 education major real-world practice working with young learners and serves as a setting for published research on how kids learn in and about nature. Operating since 1964 and today funded almost entirely by grassroots donors and private grants, Camp Cooper, now hosts the grandkids of its earliest students, welcoming a third generation to its 150,000 alumni around the world. Share your Camp Cooper Memories Here: https://coopercenter.arizona.edu/celebrating-60-years We offer half-day, full-day, overnight and multi-night educational stays for students throughout southern Arizona, with an emphasis on serving students from Title I schools. We also work directly with teachers, teacher-educators and University researchers to support interdisciplinary environmental learning and STEM education in the classroom and beyond. For many of the children served by programs at Camp Cooper, their field trip experience is their first time in the Sonoran Desert and perhaps even their first time leaving their neighborhood. An overnight experience with their class is a memory that lasts a lifetime. Children have the opportunity to observe the night sky from beyond the city lights, sit around the campfire roasting marshmallows, sing songs and listen to stories. Help us provide these opportunities for the kids who need them the most. If you can't donate, please consider helping us spread the word! You can share your support for Camp Cooper on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. You Should Also Know... All donations are tax-deductible Our campus is a setting for published research on environmental learning We give education majors and other students at the UA opportunities to work with kids and teach in an outdoor setting, inspiring them to seek out careers in the field Each gift is impactful, no matter the size! You can learn more about our work at coopercenter.arizona.edu You can follow us on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooperCenter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coopercenteraz/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/CooperCenterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cooper-center-tucson Thank you! Your gift is a direct investment in Tucson's kids! LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, an outreach program of the University of Arizona, sits on the traditional homelands of the Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui, who have stewarded this land from time immemorial. Aligning with Cooper Center’s and the University’s core value of a diverse and inclusive community, it is an institutional responsibility for us to recognize, represent and acknowledge the ancestors, people, culture and history our community resides on. Cooper Center for Environmental LearningP.O. Box 210069 Tucson, AZ 85721coe-coopercenter@arizona.edu520-626-1825

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SHPE UA Alumni Scholarship Campaign

By SHPE UA

Help us raise funds for UA students to find the internship/job of their dreams at the 2026 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Convention.

Help us raise funds for UA students to find the internship/job of their dreams at the 2026 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Convention. SHPE UA SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) is a national organization that raises awareness, provides access and prepares Hispanic students and professionals to become leaders in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. The SHPE University of Arizona student chapter does all of this and much more. SHPE UA is committed to supporting their community by teaching K-12 students about STEM, supporting the older community by teaching them how to use a computer through their annual event, La Familia and providing resources and professional development for their members. You can learn more about SHPE UA here. Last year, with your help, we raised $12,002 to send 36 students to Philadelphia. This year, our goal is to provide the same life-changing opportunity for students attending the 2026 SHPE National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2015, an idea was born to get alumni donations to send SHPE UA students to the SHPE National Conference because as SHPE UA Alumni, we recognize how impactful going to the conference can be, not just in terms of internships and full time opportunities, but also for personal and professional development. In the last twelve years of the scholarship, we have raised over $79,000 and sent 279 students to the Convention. We continue to grow our impact each year thanks to our wonderful alumni and our friends; you are truly the driving force behind this initiative! The SHPE National Convention is the largest Hispanic technical conference held in the United States. The purpose of this convention is to give members the opportunity to enhance their leadership, technical and professional skills through various professional events. The Convention consists of workshops, technical competitions, design contests and one of the largest career fairs in the nation. Past donors have contributed because they attended the conference as a student or are current recruiters and know how beneficial it can be. We have received so much from SHPE UA as students, and now as professionals we are in a position to give back. The goal of the scholarship is to continue to grow. We've been fortunate to raise so much money these last few years because we have alumni who have their companies match donations, so please inquire if your company can do something like this (all it takes is a quick email to your manager or your HR representative). You can also search if your company currently has a matching gift program with the University of Arizona here. In case you need the U of A Foundation Tax ID for your company matches, you can use 86-6050388. Depending on how much is donated will determine how many students we can send to the conference. We are asking that you give as much as you are able to. Your donation will be tax deductible and you will receive a tax receipt with your donation. The funding raised will cover SHPE convention membership registration ($345) and any amount leftover will be given to SHPE UA for their outreach events and additional Convention costs. Students will apply to the scholarship with a video essay and a watch party will be held to vote for the winners. Everyone who donates will receive an invitation to attend the virtual watch party as well as attend a meet up at the Convention with the winners. Check out the project owners to see what a difference the Convention has made in their professional and personal lives. Please reach out to the SHPE UA Alumni Scholarship Board of Directors (shpeuaalumni@gmail.com) if you have any questions or comments. Thank you all so much! Don’t forget that SHPE is life and Bear Down! - The SHPE UA Alumni Board of Directors (Maira Garcia, Jaime Goytia, Fernando Lopez, Azahel Cordova Arvizu, and Nayleth Ramirez) Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law according to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our tax identification number is 86-6050388. As of May 1, 2026, the U of A Foundation sends tax receipts by email for all cash and credit card gifts of $10 or more.

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