Tucson Standard

The University of Arizona showcased its interdisciplinary expertise in health and wellness at the Fuel Wonder Phoenix event this week. The annual interactive reception, hosted by the University of Arizona Foundation, aims to inspire learning and connection among Phoenix-area alumni, supporters, regents, and others. This year's theme focused on health and wellness across various disciplines such as arts, social sciences, business, medicine, psychology, and other STEM fields.

Over 300 attendees gathered at the Arizona Biltmore to explore 17 Wonder Station booths highlighting projects from 13 different colleges and units. These exhibits covered topics like precision aging, novel cancer treatments, food safety technologies, art's role in reducing stress among students, envisioning a healthy future with honors students, and digital humanities techniques for whole-person wellness.

President Garimella joined other university leaders in Tempe for the Arizona Board of Regents meeting at Arizona State University on Thursday. ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata praised ongoing scientific discoveries from the OSIRIS-REx mission and recognized recent accolades received by university community members. Among these were five faculty and staff who received prestigious presidential awards from the outgoing Biden administration; Bryce Wilson was named a 2025 Churchill Scholar; President Garimella was elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

During the meeting, approval was granted for selling two acres of university-owned land to Yuma County. This sale will facilitate constructing a new building for Yuma County Cooperative Extension offices to further support the university's land-grant mission in serving Arizona communities.

Additionally, four new degree programs were approved: Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations through the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Bachelor of Science in Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology through R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy; Master of Education in School Counseling through College of Education; Master of Science in AI for Business through Eller College of Management. Enrollment is expected to begin as early as the fall semester.

The ABOR meeting continues Friday with regular board business.