180+ notable achievers who attended the University of Arizona

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180+ notable achievers who attended the University of Arizona

Arizona Daily Star
Mar 26, 2023
Mar 26, 2023 Updated Apr 4, 2024

From renowned actors to Olympic athletes and even the director of the recent blockbuster horror movie "Scream VI," we're looking back at some notable people who have ties to the U of A.

Know anyone on the list and have a story to tell? Email eds@tucson.com or leave a comment.

Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt — This Sept. 17, 2013 photo shows American musician Linda Ronstadt posing in New York to promote the release of her memoir "Simple Dreams." (Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision/AP)
Amy Sussman

Began at UA in: 1965

Why she's famous: Arts — music

Notable accomplishment: Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2014. She has also earned 11 Grammy Awards during her career.

In July 2014, Obama presented Ronstadt with one of 12 2013 National Medals of Arts and Humanities.

One of Ronstadt's most well-known albums is "Heart Like a Wheel," released in 1974.

Savannah Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie — Savannah Guthrie, Amphitheater High School and UA grad and “Today” show host, born Dec. 27, 1971.
Charles Sykes / Invision

Graduated from UA in: 1993

Why she's famous: Journalism — TV personality

Notable accomplishment: Guthrie is known for her role as a co-anchor on the TV news show "Today."

Greg Kinnear

Greg Kinnear — Actor Greg Kinnear participates in a press conference for "The Matador" during the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 15, 2005 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
Evan Agostini

Graduated from UA in: 1986

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Kinnear is known for his roles in "Little Miss Sunshine," "As Good As It Gets" and "You've Got Mail."

Richard Carmona

Richard Carmona — FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2008, file photo, former Surgeon General Richard Carmona speaks during a news conference in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck, file)
Harry Cabluck

Graduated from UA in: 1998 — Master's degree in public health

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. Surgeon General

Notable accomplishment: Carmona served as the 17th Surgeon General of the U.S. from 2002-06.

Linda McCartney

MCCARTNEY WINGS — FILE--Paul and Linda McCartney perform during a Wings show in London in this Oct. 1976 file photo. (AP Photo/J. Glanvill)
J. Glanvill

Began at UA in: 1961

Why she's famous: Arts — music, photography

Notable accomplishment: McCartney was married to Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

McCartney's portrait of Eric Clapton appeared on the cover of the May 1968 edition of the Rolling Stone magazine, making her the first woman ever to have one of her photographs appear on the front cover of the magazine.

Six years later, McCartney appeared on the front cover of Rolling Stone magazine with her husband, Paul McCartney. This made her the only person to have one of her photographs featured on the front cover, as well as have a photograph of her be featured on the front cover.

Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski — NFL player Rob Gronkowski.
AP

Left UA in: 2010

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Gronkowski, or "Gronk," set the NFL records for most touchdown receptions by a tight end in a season and most receiving yards by a tight end in a season, both in 2011.

In 2021, he set a Guinness World record for "highest altitude catch of an American football" at Arizona Stadium.

Former Wildcat Rob Gronkowski set the Guinness record for the highest altitude catch of an American football at the University of Arizona Friday. Video courtesy University of Arizona Athletics.

Courtesy University of Arizona Athletics

Geraldo Rivera

Geraldo Rivera — Geraldo Rivera is shown in a November, 1988 file photo. Rivera taped the 2,163rd and last episode of his daytime talk show May 7, 1998, giving it up as part of his agreement to take on a larger role at NBC News. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file)
Mark Lennihan

Graduated from UA in: 1965

Why he's famous: Arts — film; Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Rivera was the host of the TV talk-show "Geraldo."

John Hughes

John Hughes — FILE - This 1984 file photo shows director John Hughes. Hughes is the man who wrote "National Lampoon's Vacation," "Mr. Mom" and "Natonal Lampoon's European Vacation." He also wrote and directed "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club," and "Weird Science." Hughes, who was 59, died in New York on Aug. 6, 2009. (AP Photo)
AP Photo

Began at UA in: 1968

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Hughes wrote and directed classic films such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles." He also wrote many more films such as "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York."

Abdi Abdirahman

Abdi Abdirahman — Abdi Abdirahman celebrates after finishing third in the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon, Jan. 14, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
David J. Phillip

Graduated from UA in: 2001

Why he's famous: Sports — running

Notable accomplishment: Abdirahman was named as the Pac-10 Conference Cross Country Male Athlete of the Year in 1998.

Richard Kleindienst

Richard Kleindienst photo — Office of the Attorney General

Attended UA in: 1941-1942

Why he's famous: Politics

Notable accomplishment: Served as Attorney General under President Richard Nixon and resigned due to the Watergate incident.

Joseph Acaba

Joseph Acaba — Astronaut mission specialist Joseph Acaba, a crew member on Space shuttle Discovery, leaves the Operations and Checkout building at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., March 15, 2009. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux

Graduated from UA in: 1992

Why he's famous: Science — NASA astronaut

Notable accomplishment: Acaba spent a total of 137 days in space during his career.

Frank Sotomayor

Frank Sotomayor — Frank Sotomayor and Cecilia Martinez Estrada, at Tucson High School's 50th reunion in November, 2012. The two were classmates from first grade through high school.
Submitted photo / Desert Photo Booth

Graduated from UA in: 1966

Why he's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Sotomayor and a team of reporters at the Los Angeles Times won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 1984.

Kristen Wiig

Kristen Wiig — Kristen Wiig arrives at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Sept. 23, 2012, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
Matt Sayles

Began at UA in: 1995

Why she's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Wiig is most well known for her role on the television show "Saturday Night Live" and the film "Bridesmaids."

Gordon Gordon

The Gordons — Gordon and Mildred Gordon with their cat.
Tucson Citizen, 1969

Attended UA in: 1930

Why they are famous: Crime Fiction Author

Notable accomplishment: The Gordon's wrote 20 novels that sold over 16 million copies worldwide, and he wrote for the Tucson Citizen.

"Experiment in Terror," a movie produced by Columbia Pictures was based on their book Operation Terror and the Walt Disney production of "That Darn Cat" was based on their novel Undercover Cat.

Mildred Gordon

Attended UA in: 1930

Why they are famous: Crime Fiction Author

Notable accomplishment: The Gordon's wrote 20 novels that sold over 16 million copies worldwide, and she wrote for a magazine that would later become Arizona Highways.

"Experiment in Terror," a movie produced by Columbia Pictures was based on their book Operation Terror and the Walt Disney production of "That Darn Cat" was based on their novel Undercover Cat.

Hassan Adams

Hassan Adams — Arizona's Hassan Adams came up with this huge slam to fire up the crowd in the first half as UA went on to beat ASU 68-47.
Francisco Medina / Tucson Citizen

Graduated from UA in: 2006

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Adams was selected as a member of the All-Pac-10 First Team in 2006.

Brian Anderson

Brian Anderson — Chicago White Sox center fielder Brian Anderson dives to catch a ball in the second inning.
Francisco Medina

Left UA in: 2003

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Anderson led the MLB in fielding percentage in 2008.

Craig T. Nelson

Craig T. Nelson — Actor Craig T. Nelson, one of the voice talents in the new Pixar Animation Studios film "The Incredibles" poses for photographers at the film's premiere, in Hollywood, Oct. 24, 2004. (REUTERS/Fred Prouser)
Fred Prouser

Began at UA in: 1965

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Nelson is known for movies such as "Poltergeist" and "The Incredibles," as well as the sports sitcom "Coach."

Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas — Arizona's Gilbert Arenas (0) has plenty of space to put the ball up after driving for the basket during second half action.
Tricia McInroy / Tucson Citizen

Left UA in: 2001

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Arenas is a three-time NBA All-Star in 2006-08.

Denise Austin

Denise Austin — Image from Denise Austin's Daily Workout, Feb. 21, 1997.
Handout photo

Began at UA in: 1975

Why she's famous: Sports — fitness; Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Austin is a former member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

J.A. Jance

J.A. Jance — Author photo, J.A. Jance.
Mary Ann Halpin Studios

Graduated from UA in: 1966

Why she's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: When Jance appears at a book-signing event for her different series such as "Johanna Brady," a series set in Southern Arizona, she asks the bookstore hosting the event to donate a percentage of their earnings to various charities. In the last 10 years she has raised about $250,000 for charities.

Marisa Baena

Marisa Baena — Marisa Baena during the Pac-10 Women's Golf Championship at Raven Golf Club. Baena won the event.
Linda Seeger Salazar

Began at UA in: 1995

Why she's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Baena was a standout golfer at UA and won the individual NCAA title in 1996. She was also a three-time All-American and All-Pac-10 selection. She's been a professional golfer on the LPGA Tour since 1999.

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie — Nicole Richie arrives at the American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Nov. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Jordan Strauss

Began at UA in: 1999

Why she's famous: Arts — Television personality

Notable accomplishment: Richie is the adopted daughter of singer Lionel Richie and has been a prominent figure in reality television for more than a decade since her first show, "The Simple Things," aired in 2003.

Jonathan Van Ness

Attended UA: 2004

Why they're famous: TV personality

Notable Accomplishment: Best known for the show "Queer Eye."

Vinessa Vidotto

Vinessa Vidotto

Graduated from UA in: 2018

Why she's famous: Actress

Notable accomplishments: Plays Cameron Vo in CBS's "FBI: International" and also had roles in "Lucifer" on Netflix and the HBO Max series "Hacks."

Caroline Rhea

CAROLINE RHEA, BETH BRODERICK, MELISSA JOAN HART — From left, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick, Melissa Joan Hart, in an episode of "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," Sept. 22, 1998.
Randy Holmes

Began at UA in: 1985

Why she's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Rhea played Hilda Spellman on the TV show "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch."

Bob Baffert

Bob Baffert — Trainer Bob Baffert shows Triple Crown winner American Pharoah to members of the media at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., Sunday, June 7, 2015. American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Seth Wenig

Graduated from UA in: 1977

Why he's famous: Sports — horse racing

Notable accomplishment: Baffert's horses have won four Kentucky Derbies . — Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998, War Emblem in 2002, American Pharoah in 2015, and Justify in 2018.

Baffert won the Triple Crown with two-year-old colt American Pharoah. It's the first time this achievement has been made since 1973.

Lewis "Lew" Murphy

Mayor Lew Murphy — Tucson Mayor Lew Murphy chuckles during the announcement of the parade Grand Marshal for La Fiesta de los Vaqueros on Feb. 22, 1984.
Arizona Daily Star file

Graduated from UA in: 1955

Why he's famous: Served as Tucson's mayor, 1971-1987

Notable accomplishments: Guided Tucson through many changes, including bringing water from the Central Arizona Project to Tucson, starting the Community Food Bank and building a route to the airport along Kino Parkway.

Ron Barber

Ron Barber — Democrat Ron Barber addresses a forum question in the final Congressional District 2 debate against Republican Martha McSally (not pictured) on Oct. 23, 2012.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1967

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. House of Representatives

Notable accomplishment: Barber was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona.

Adia Barnes

Adia Barnes — Arizona forward Adia Barnes skips rope during practice March 20, 1998, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
Al Behrman

Graduated from UA in: 1998

Why she's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Barnes played seven seasons in the WNBA and is now the women's basketball coach at the University of Arizona. She was inducted into the UA Hall of Fame in 2003.

Ricky Barnes

Ricky Barnes — Ricky Barnes chips onto the 15th green from a sand trap during the second round of the Quicken Loans National PGA golf tournament, Friday, June 27, 2014, in Bethesda, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky

Left UA in: 2003

Why he's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Barnes was selected as a first-team All-American in 2003.

Kourtney Kardashian

Kourtney Kardashian — Kourtney Kardashian attends a book signing for "Dollhouse", the novel she co-wrote with her sisters, at Barnes & Noble in New York, Nov. 16, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes)
Charles Sykes

Graduated from UA in: 2002

Why she's famous: Arts — television personality

Notable accomplishment: Kardashian's television shows, clothing lines and stores have made her worth above $65 million.

Brigetta Barrett

Brigetta Barrett — United States' Brigetta Barrett clears the bar in the women's high jump final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Aug. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Matt Dunham

Graduated from UA in: 2013

Why she's famous: Sports — high jump

Notable accomplishment: Barrett won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

Michael Bates

Michael Bates — UA's Michael Bates in the 200 meter at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Handout photo

Began at UA in: 1989

Why he's famous: Sports — football, track and field

Notable accomplishment: Bates won a bronze medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He is also a five-time Pro Bowl selection in the NFL.

Betsey Bayless

Betsey Bayless — Betsey Bayless, Feb. 14, 2002.
Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1966

Why she's famous: Politics — Secretary of State

Notable accomplishment: Bayless was the Secretary of State of Arizona from late 1997-early 2003.

Amanda Beard

Amanda Beard — Amanda Beard is a multiple Olympic gold medalist and won the 2001 NCAA title in the 100 breaststroke.
Aaron J. Latham / Daily Star 2003

Graduated from UA in: 2003

Why she's famous: Sports — swimming

Notable accomplishment: Beard is a seven-time Olympic medalist including two gold medals. She's been named American Swimmer of the Year twice — in 2003 and '04.

Tyler Gillett

Graduated from UA in: 2004

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Gillett co-directed "Scream" (2022) and its following installment, "Scream VI." Other horror films he's known for include "Ready or Not," "V/H/S" and "Devil's Due."

Mike Bell

Mike Bell — Arizona's Mike Bell celebrates his team's first touchdown after he ran it in during the first quarter at Arizona Stadium, Sept. 10, 2005.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Began at UA in: 2002

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Bell won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2010.

Gary Mauer

Get taste of Broadway on UA campus — courtesy of UA Presents

Graduated from UA in: 1989

Why he's famous: Arts — theater

Notable accomplishment: Mauer has landed roles in some of Broadways biggest shows, including Enjolras in "Les Misérables" and both Raoul and the Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera."

Kathryn Bertine

Tucson Storytellers — Kathryn Bertine talks about her experience as a rider and activist focused on women in professional bicycle racing during the Tucson Storytellers Project at The Loft Cinema, Tuesday, April 23, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2000

Why she's famous: Sports — cycling

Notable accomplishment: Bertine co-founded Le Tour Entier, a company working to re-establish the Tour de France Féminin.

Mike Bibby

BIBBY, Mike — Arizona's Mike Bibby dunks against Kentucky during the first quarter of their semifinal game in the Maui Invitational, Nov. 25, 1997, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith)
Bob Galbraith

Began at UA in: 1996

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Bibby was selected as the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1998 and was part of the UA's 1997 NCAA champion team. His number, 10, was also retired by the UA.

Michael Biehn

Michael Biehn — THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN ride again! The western series based on the classic film, starring Michael Biehn as Chris, the fearless leader of the group, returns for its second season.
Monty Brinton

Graduated from UA in: 1974

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Biehn is most well known for his role as Kyle Reese in "The Terminator."

Cheri Blauwet

Cheri Blauwet — Cheri Blauwet of California kisses the champion's trophy after winning the women's wheelchair division of the 108th Boston Marathon with a time of 1:39:53 in Boston April 19, 2004. (REUTERS/Jim Bourg)
Jim Bourg

Graduated from UA in: 2002

Why she's famous: Sports — wheelchair racing

Notable accomplishment: Blauwet won a gold medal in the 2004 Summer Paralympics.

Lynn Borden

Graduated from UA in: 1959

Why she's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Borden is known for her role in the film "Frogs." She was also named Miss Arizona in 1957.

Terry Bracy

Terry Bracy — Terry Bracy.
Submitted photo

Graduated from UA in: 1966

Why he's famous: Politics

Notable accomplishment: Bracy worked as an aide to Congressman Morris K. Udall between 1966-76. He also served under four U.S. presidents.

Lance Briggs

Lance Briggs — UA's Lance Briggs turns toward the crowd and Arizona fans in disbelief after Cal's score late in the fourth quarter Nov. 3, 2001.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Began at UA in: 1999

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Briggs has made seven NFL Pro Bowl appearances.

Jerry Bruckheimer

Jerry Bruckheimer — Producer Jerry Bruckheimer waves as celebrities leave the red carpet before the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May, 3, 2014. (Charles Bertram/Lexington Herald-Leader/MCT)
Charles Bertram

Graduated from UA in: 1965

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Bruckheimer's notable works include TV's "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series.

Tedy Bruschi

Tedy Bruschi — New Mexico State QB Cody Ledbetter gets sacked by Arizona's Tedy Bruschi on Sept. 11, 1994.
Rick Wiley / Tucson Citizen

Graduated from UA in: 1996

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Bruschi was selected as a member of the All-Pac-10 first-team in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

Chase Budinger

Chase Budinger — Arizona's #34 Chase Budinger uses the body of Utah's #50 Luke Nevill, left, to push off and shoot in the second half. Budinger had eight rebounds and 20 points as the UA defeated Utah 84-71 in the first round of the NCAA game at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, March 20, 2009.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Began at UA in: 2006

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Budinger was the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2007 and a member of the All-Pac-10 First Team in 2009.

David Foster Wallace

Graduated from UA in: 1987 — Master

Why he's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Wallace's novel "Infinite Jest" was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 best English-language novels published between 1923 and 2005.

Kate Walsh

Kate Walsh — Kate Walsh arrives at the 2nd Annual Critics' Choice Television Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 18, 2012 in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Chris Pizzello

Began at UA in: 1988

Why she's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Walsh is best known for her role as Dr. Addison Montgomery in the TV shows "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice." She is also in the Netflix series "The Umbrella Academy."

Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch — Kurt Busch gets high-fives from fans after arriving for the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup series Coca-Cola 600 auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Sunday, May 25, 2014. Busch finished sixth in the Indianapolis 500 race earlier. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Chuck Burton

Graduated from UA in: 1996

Why he's famous: Sports — NASCAR

Notable accomplishment: Busch has 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins during his career. He won one Cup Series Championship in 2004.

Ka'Deem Carey

Began at UA in: 2011

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Carey holds many UA football records — the UA's single-season record for rushing yards with 1,929 and the UA's single-season record for rushing touchdowns with 23.

Some other UA football records Carey holds:

Most individual rushing attempts in a game with 48.
Most individual rushing attempts in a season with 349.
Most net yards gained in a game with 366.
Most net yards gained in a career with 4,239.
Most rushing touchdowns in a game with 5.
Most rushing touchdowns in a career with 48.
Most consecutive games with at least 100 yards gained with 16.

Susan Casey

Graduated from UA in: 1985

Why he's famous: Sports, arts

Notable accomplishment: Susan Casey attended the UA on a swimming scholarship. She was the women’s winner of the first three El Tour de Tucson bicycle races. Casey is the author of a New York Times bestseller, "The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks,” and of “The Wave:In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean.” She was creative director of Outside Magazine and editor of O, the Oprah Magazine.

Antoine Cason

Antoine Cason — Arizona’s Antoine Cason runs back a punt for a touchdown on Sept. 8, 2007.
Jim Davis, Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2008

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Cason was awarded the Jim Thorpe Award — given to the best defensive back in college football — in 2007, his senior season at UA.

Raul H. Castro

Raul H. Castro — Judge Raul H. Castro, Sept. 5, 1964
Gaines-Manley Photographs

Graduated from UA in: 1949

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. Ambassador; Governor of Arizona

Notable accomplishment: Castro served as the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina from 1977-80. He also served as the 14th Governor of Arizona from 1975-77.

Richard Harvey Chambers

Richard Harvey Chambers — Undated file photo of Richard Harvey Chambers.
Leslie Wells / Arizona Daily Star file photo

Graduated from UA in: 1929

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. Federal Judge

Notable accomplishment: Chambers served as federal judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1959-76, which is the longest term served by a federal judge in the history of the Ninth Circuit.

Joan Ganz Cooney

Joan Ganz Cooney — FILE — In this Dec. 1, 2005 file photo, Joan Ganz Cooney, creator of Sesame Street, arrives at the Museum of Television and Radio "She Made It" launch party in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin, file)
Stephen Chernin

Graduated from UA in: 1951

Why she's famous: Arts — television

Notable accomplishment: Cooney is one of the founders of the Children's Television Network, which later created the television show "Sesame Street."

Dennis DeConcini

Dennis DeConcini — Regent Dennis DeConcini at an Arizona Board of Regents meeting at the University of Arizona Dec. 3, 2009 in Tucson, Ariz.
James Gregg / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1959

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. Senate

Notable accomplishment: DeConcini served as a U.S. Senator from Arizona between 1977-95.

Ted DeGrazia

Ted DeGrazia — Tucson artist Ted DeGrazia in April, 1960, next to "Los Niños," which was chosen as the official Christmas card by UNICEF in 1960. Tucson Citizen file photo
Tucson Citizen file photo

Graduated from UA in: 1944

Why he's famous: Arts

Notable accomplishment: During his career, DeGrazia studied under artists Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco.

David Dewhurst

David Crane, Daniel Poneman, Shunsaku Miyake, David Dewhurst, Jeff Hildebrand, — From left: NRG Energy CEO David Crane, United States Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman, JX Nippon president and CEO Shunsaku Miyake, Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst and CEO of Hilcorp Jeff Hildebrand seen at the Petra Nova Groundbreaking Event at the W.A. Parish power plant on Sept. 5, 2014 in rural Fort Bend County, TX. (Photo by Eric Kayne/Invision for NRG/AP Images)
Eric Kayne

Graduated from UA in: 1967

Why he's famous: Politics — Lieutenant Governor of Texas

Notable accomplishment: Dewhurst has been the 41st Lieutenant Governor of Texas since 2003.

George DiCarlo

George DiCarlo — George DiCarlo, UA swimmer, June 7, 1984.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf

Graduated from UA in: 1986

Why he's famous: Sports — swimming

Notable accomplishment: DiCarlo won the gold medal and broke the then-Olympic record in the men's 400-meter freestyle event at the 1984 Olympics with a time of 3 minutes 51.23 seconds.

Bob Dole

DOLE, BOB — Republican presidential hopeful Bob Dole announces his economic plan during a speech in Chicago Aug. 5, 1996. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Stephan Savoia

Began at UA in: 1949

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. Senate

Notable accomplishment: Dole represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate from 1969-96 and ran for president in 1996, losing to incumbent President Bill Clinton.

Shelley Duncan

Shelley Duncan — UA's Shelley Duncan shows his power form at the plate in 1999. He leads the team with 15 home runs.
Val Cañez

Left UA in: 2001

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Duncan was selected as a member of the All-American College First-Team in 2001.

Robert Eckert

Robert Eckert — Robert Eckert, chairman and CEO of Mattel, watches as a modern commercial for Barbie plays on a screen behind him while he presents during the Global Retailing Conference at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz., April 12, 2007.
Greg Bryan / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1976

Why he's famous: Business — CEO

Notable accomplishment: Eckert has held positions at many well-known American companies. For example, he's the former CEO of Mattel Inc. and the former president and CEO of Kraft Foods Inc.

Karl Eller

Karl Eller — Arizona businessman and University of Arizona benefactor Karl Eller. Courtesy Eller's family.
Submitted photo

Graduated from UA in: 1952

Why he's famous: Business — entrepreneur

Notable accomplishment: The University of Arizona Eller College of Management is named after Karl Eller. He was also one of the founding investors of the NBA team the Phoenix Suns in 1968.

Years later, Eller transformed the convenience store chain Circle K into the second-largest convenience store chain in the U.S.

Eller was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame by the American Advertising Federation in 2004, making him the first Arizonan to be inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame.

Bob Elliott

UA BOB ELLIOTT WYOMING — University of Arizona center Bob Elliott (55) tosses a pass during the UA vs. Wyoming basketball game in McKale Center on Jan. 31, 1976.
Lew Elliott / Tucson Citizen

Graduated from UA in: 1977

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Elliott, a former UA basketball standout and NBA player, was recently honored by members of Greater Tucson Leadership as Man of the Year. A longtime civic leader, Elliott was honored for his integrity, leadership abilities and contributions to the community.

Elliott has served in at least 13 leadership roles in groups, including the Tucson Airport Authority, the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Tucson Urban League. He recently published a book titled “Tucson, A Basketball Town.”

Between 1999-2003, he also lent his voice to the video game NBA Live as a color commentator.

Sean Elliott

Sean Elliott — University of Arizona basketball player Sean Elliott gets ready to pass the ball during the 1989 NCAA Sweet 16 tournament against UNLV.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1989

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Elliott is the all-time leading scorer at UA. After his collegiate career, Elliott went on to win an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.

Elliott's number, 32, was also retired by both the UA and the Spurs after his outstanding career in both places.

Scott Erickson

ERICKSON — Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Scott Erickson throws during the first inning of the first game of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Indians Oct. 8, 1997, at Camden Yards in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Doug Mills

Began at UA in: 1988

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Erickson was selected as an all-star in 1991 and later won a World Series in the same year.

Paul Fannin

Paul Fannin — A 1964 election sent Gov. Paul Fannin to the United States Senate. Photo taken 1964.
Tucson Citizen

Began at UA in: 1925

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. Senate; Governor

Notable accomplishment: Fannin served as the 11th Governor of Arizona from 1959-65. He then served as a U.S. Senator from Arizona between 1965-77.

Nick Foles

NIck Foles — Arizona quarterback Nick Foles throws against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Oct. 29, 2011, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Elaine Thompson

Graduated from UA in: 2012

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: In 2013, Foles broke the Philadelphia Eagles' record for most completed passes without an interception. He had 233.

Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles is the first ex-University of Arizona quarterback to play and win a Super Bowl title in 2018.

Jennie Finch

Jennie Finch — UA's Jennie Finch pitches during the 5th inning play against the UCLA Bruins at Hillenbrand Stadium, April 7, 2002.
Ian Wingfield

Graduated from UA in: 2002

Why she's famous: Sports — softball

Notable accomplishment: During her time at UA, Finch helped the Wildcats win the Women's College World Series in 2001.

She then went on to help the USA Softball team win a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics.

David Fitzsimmons

David Fitzsimmons — Mugshot of David Fitzsimmons. Shot in the Star studio on April 17, 2012.
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1977

Why he's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Fitzsimmons, or "Fitz," is a cartoonist and editorial writer for the Arizona Daily Star.

Nick Folk

Nick Folk — Arizona place kicker #12 Nick Folk against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Oct. 8, 2005.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2007

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Folk played in the 2007 Pro Bowl.

Terry Francona

Terry Francona — Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is seen in the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, July 20, 2014 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Carlos Osorio

Began at UA in: 1977

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Francona coached the Boston Red Sox to its first World Series victory in 86 years during the 2004 season.

Brenda Frese

Brenda Frese — Maryland head coach Brenda Frese directs her players in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Georgetown in College Park, Md., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky

Graduated from UA in: 1993

Why she's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: In 2006, Frese coached the University of Maryland's women's basketball team, which won the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Tournament.

Channing Frye

Channing Frye — Arizona's Channing Frye dunks over California's Joe Shipp in the second half of the game Feb. 27, 2003 in Berkeley, Calif. Arizona won 88-75. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan)
Susan Ragan

Graduated from UA in: 2005

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Frye was selected as a member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2006.

Jim Furyk

Jim Furyk — Jim Furyk hits on the ninth fairway during the final round of the Canadian Open golf tournament, July 27, 2014, in Montreal. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)
Paul Chiasson

Graduated from UA in: 1992

Why he's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Furyk has won 16 PGA Tour events during his career, most notably the U.S. Open in 2003.

José Galvez

Jose Galvez — Jose Galvez, May 6, 2004.
Tom Spitz

Graduated from UA in: 1972

Why he's famous: Arts — photography

Notable accomplishment: Galvez, a Tucsonan who attended Tucson High, was the first Mexican-American photojournalist to be hired by The Los Angeles Times. Galvez and a team of reporters at the Times won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 1984.

Robert Gamez

Robert Gamez — Robert Gamez retrieves his ball on the 7th green at Poppy Hills during the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in Pebble Beach, California on Feb. 6, 2003.
Bob Pepping / Contra Costa Times

Began at UA in: 1986

Why he's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Gamez was named as the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 1990.

Jason Gardner

Jason Gardner — Jason Gardner goes to the hoop in the 1st half of their win over Vermont 80-51 at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City in the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2003.
Francisco Medina / Tucson Citizen

Graduated from UA in: 2003

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: In 2005, the UA retired Gardner's number, 22, for his outstanding achievements during his time spent at the UA. These achievements include being selected as an Associated Press second team All-American in 2003.

Brian Garfield

Brian F.W. Garfield — Brian F.W. Garfield and his wife (not named) received master's degrees in English during University of Arizona commencement in May, 1963. The caption read, "Now they'll go to Europe where he will continue writing novels." In fact, he went on to write more than 70 books, including several made into movies. His 1972 novel "Death Wish," about a vigilante, was made into a movie and several sequels starring Charles Bronson.
Tucson Citizen photo

Graduated from UA in: 1959

Why he's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Garfield's novel titled "Death Wish," published in 1972, was adapted into a film in 1974.

Gil Gastelum

Gil Gastelum — Gil Gastelum, founder and CEO of Cosmica Artists and Records.
Photo courtesy of Marissa Lopez Gastelum

Graduated from UA in: 1993

Why he's famous: Arts — music

Notable accomplishment: Gastelum is the founder and CEO of Cosmica Artists and Records, a "boutique entertainment management and record label," as stated on the company's website.

One of the company's artists, Gustavo Galindo, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2012. Two more of the company's artists, La Santa Cecilia’s and Carla Morrison, have also been nominated for Latin Grammy Awards.

Paul Giblin

Paul Giblin — Paul Giblin.
Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1988

Why he's famous: Journalism

Notable accomplishment: Giblin, an investigative journalist, won a Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting in 2009 with fellow journalist Ryan Gabrielson while working at the East Valley Tribune in Mesa, Ariz. Pulitzer.org said the two were awarded "for their adroit use of limited resources to reveal, in print and online, how a popular sheriff’s (Joe Arpaio) focus on immigration enforcement endangered investigation of violent crime and other aspects of public safety."

Samuel Pearson Goddard Jr.

Samuel Pearson Goddard Jr. — Undated file photo of Samuel Pearson Goddard Jr.
Arizona Daily Star file photo

Graduated from UA in: 1949 — Law degree

Why he's famous: Politics — Governor

Notable accomplishment: Goddard Jr. was the 12th Governor of Arizona. He served from 1965-67.

Barry Goldwater

Barry Goldwater — Citizen Photo — Oct. 17, 1951, Barry Goldwater.
Tucson Citizen

Honorary UA alumnus in: 1969

Why he's famous: Politics — Senator

Notable accomplishment: Goldwater served as a five-term U.S. Senator from Arizona between 1953-65 and then again from 1969-87. He also ran for president as the Republican nominee in the 1964 election.

George Gray

George Gray — Handout photo of George Gray, 2005. Photo courtesy of George Gray.
Courtesy of George Gray

Graduated from UA in: 1990

Why he's famous: Arts — television personality

Notable accomplishment: Gray has hosted many television game shows, such as the "Weakest Link."

Raúl Grijalva

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva — U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva.
Submitted photo

Graduated from UA in: 1971

Why he's famous: Politics — congress

Notable accomplishment: Grijalva has served as the U.S. representative of Arizona's 3rd congressional district since 2003.

Natalie Gulbis

Natalie Gulbis — Natalie Gulbis hits from a sand trap on the fifth hole during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament in Pinehurst, N.C., June 19, 2014. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
John Bazemore

Began at UA in: 2000

Why she's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Gulbis won one LPGA Tour event in 2007.

Chip Hale

Chip Hale — Tucson Sidewinders field manager Chip Hale applauds his team during a game at Tucson Electric Park against the Salt Lake Stingers June 13, 2005 in Tucson, Ariz.
Rich-Joseph Facun / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1987

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Hale was the Arizona Diamondbacks manager from the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Ron Hassey

Ron Hassey — Former UA baseball player Ron Hassey stands at bat during a spring training game against the Cleveland Indians at Hi Corbett Field, March 28, 1989.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Began at UA in: 1972

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: The UA won a NCAA championship in 1976 while Hassey was a senior.

Dan Hicks

Dan Hicks — Photo courtesy of NBC

Graduated from UA in: 1984

Why he's famous: Sportscaster

Notable accomplishment: Play-by-play announcer for golf, National Basketball Association and National Football League on NBC.

Jordan Hill

Jordan Hill — Arizona's Jordan Hill slams home a dunk over two Washington State defenders in the first half at Friel Court, Feb. 26, 2009.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Left UA in: 2009

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Hill was selected as a member of the All-Pac-10 First Team in 2009.

Earl Hindman

Began at UA in: 1961

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Hindman is known for his role on the television series "Home Improvement."

Rick Hoffman

Graduated from UA in: 1992

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Hoffman is known for his roles in television series "Suits" and "Billions."

Trevor Hoffman

HOFFMAN — San Diego Padres' pitcher Trevor Hoffman recorded his 52nd save of the season Sept. 23, 1998 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Padres beat the Dodgers 3-2. (AP Photo/Kevin Karzin)
Kevin Karzin

Left UA in: 1989

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Hoffman has the second-highest number of career saves in the MLB with 601. The remarkable part about that record is that Hoffman played shortstop while at the UA.

Zeb Hogan

Zeb Hogan — Zeb Hogan gives a Keynote Presentation at the UA Undergraduate Biology Research Program Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. Drew McCullough / Arizona Daily Star
Drew McCullough / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA: Undergraduate degree in ecology and evolutionary biology

Why he's famous: Biologist

Notable accomplishment: Noted biologist and host of National Geographic's Monster Fish

Alicia Hollowell

Alicia Hollowell — Arizona pitcher Alicia Hollowell pitches against the LSU Tigers May 26, 2006 striking out 11 batters and winning 5-0.
Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2007

Why she's famous: Sports — softball

Notable accomplishment: Between 2003 and 2006, UA softball pitcher Alicia Hollowell struck out 1,768 batters in her Wildcat career, which is the UA school record for most strikeouts. Her closest pursuer struck out 1,267 batters — 501 strikeouts fewer than Hollowell.

Jack Howell Jr.

Jack Howell Jr. — Jack Howell Jr. Courtesy Pima County Sports Hall of Fame.
Photo courtesy of Pima County Sports Hall of Fame

Began at UA in: 1982

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Howell was inducted into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 for his baseball-related accomplishments.

Serena Hoy

Graduated from UA in: 1994

Why she's famous: Politics — Homeland Security

Notable accomplishment: Serena Hoy won a Rhodes Scholarship in 1994. She is senior adviser to the deputy secretary of U.S. Homeland Security and former chief counsel to Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Nick Hundley

UABaseball — University of Arizona's Nick Hundley tags Oregon State's Seth Pietsch during the 5th inning May 19, 2003.
Max Becherer

Began at UA in: 2002

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Baseball America named Hundley as a second-team All-American in 2005.

Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala — Arizona's Andre Iguodala slams home a dunk over Southern California's Gregg Guenther Jr., in the second half Feb. 12, 2004 at McKale Center.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Left UA in: 2004

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Iguodala played for the USA men's basketball team in the 2012 Olympics and helped the team win a gold medal.

Richard Jefferson

Richard Jefferson — Arizona's Richard Jefferson scores a rare open shot during a game against California Berkeley Feb. 25, 1999.
Sarah Prall / Arizona Daily Star

Left UA in: 2001

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: During his time at the UA, Jefferson helped lead the Wildcats to a Final Four appearance in 2001.

He won a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics while playing with the USA men's basketball team.

In 2012, Jefferson was inducted into the Pac-12 Hall of Honor.

He also donated $3.5 million to the UA to build the Richard Jefferson Gymnasium that bears his name. His donation is one of the largest individual donations to UA Athletics.

He currently plays for the Denver Nuggets.

Len Jessup

Len Jessup — Len Jessup, former dean of the Eller College of Management
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA: in 1989 with PhD from the Eller College

Why he's famous: A leader in higher education and former dean of the Eller College. Former president of UNLV and current president of Claremont Graduate University.

Noteworthy Accomplishments: Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) CEO of the year; helped bring the Raiders to Las Vegas.

Jay John

Jay John — UA assistant coach Jay John, left, gives an earful to freshman Richard Jefferson during their game against ASU in Tempe on Jan. 14, 1999.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1981

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: John is an assistant men's basketball coach at the University of California, Berkeley.

Vance Johnson

Vance Johnson — University of Arizona receiver Vance Johnson keeps running against Oregon in 1983. Arizona Daily Star file photo.
Arizona Daily Star file photo

Graduated from UA in: 1985

Why he's famous: Sports — football; long jump

Notable accomplishment: Johnson played in three Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos during his career — 1987, '88 and '90.

He was also a world-class long jumper, who won the NCAA championship in 1982.

Woody Johnson

Woody Johnson — The new head coach of the New York Jets, Eric Mangini, and Chairman and CEO of the New York Jets, Woody Johnson, pose for photos after a press conference held at the Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, Tuesday, January 17, 2006. (Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday/KRT)
Thomas A. Ferrara

Graduated from UA in: 1972

Why he's famous: Business

Notable accomplishment: Johnson owns the New York Jets football team.

Deborah Leoni

Why she's famous: Writer and TV producer

Notable accomplishments: Leoni has worked as an ABC executive but in 1998 she founded Flagstaff 360, a production and marketing company. She has since developed and produced for Showtime, Lifetime, Disney Channel, BET and other television networks.

Dennis Leoni

Gunmen of yore draw down again — Dennis Leoni: "We'll hobble around and shoot each other like we did in the old days."
COURTESY OF DENNIS LEONI

Why he's famous: Executive producer

Notable accomplishments: Leoni is most known for creating the Showtime show "Resurrection Blvd."

He became an actor and stuntman at Old Tucson Studios after his sophomore year at UA.

Tom Kalinske

Tom Kalinske — Tom Kalinske, Oct. 8, 1985.
Arizona Daily Star file photo

Graduated from UA in: 1968

Why he's famous: Business — CEO

Notable accomplishment: Kalinske has been the CEO of many well-known companies such as Mattel, Matchbox and Sega of America. Kalinske currently works as the executive chairman of Global Education Learning.

Kitty Kelley

KELLEY, Kitty — Author Kitty Kelley poses for a photo at the Doubleday office in New York on Sept. 13, 2004. (AP Photo/Gino Domenico)
Gino Domenico

Began at UA in: 1959

Why she's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: One of Kelley's most-recognized works is "Nancy Reagan: The Unauthorized Biography," published in 1991.

Steve Kerr

Steve Kerr — Former University of Arizona basketball player Steve Kerr looks for an open player as he goes up against Eugene Edgerson during the Lute Olson All-Star Classic basketball game in McKale Center on Aug. 19, 2007.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1988

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Kerr is a five-time NBA champion. He is the all-time leader in NCAA three-point percentage (57.3 percent). His number, 25, was retired by the UA.

In May 2014, Kerr was named as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors NBA team.

In Oct. 2014, Kerr and his wife donated $1 million to the UA for the ongoing McKale Center renovations.

Barbara Kingsolver

Barbara Kingsolver — Author Barbara Kingsolver. Photo by Annie Griffiths Belt/courtesy HarperCollins.
Courtesy HarperCollins

Graduated from UA in: 1981

Why she's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Kingsolver is a New York Times bestselling author. Novels include "The Poisonwood Bible" and "The Bean Trees," set partially in Tucson.

Jon Kyl

Jon Kyl — Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Ariz. arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 24, 2010, to vote on the Senate Jobs Bill. (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)
Harry Hamburg

Graduated from UA in: 1964

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. Senate

Notable accomplishment: Kyl served as a U.S. Senator from Arizona between 1995-2013.

Spencer Larsen

Spencer Larsen — Arizona's #51 Spencer Larsen takes down UCLA wide receiver #4 Terrence Austin in the fourth quarter Nov. 3, 2007.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2008

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Larsen was selected as a member of the All-Pac-10 First-Team in 2007.

Kevin Leman

Kevin Leman — Portrait of Kevin Leman. Courtesy of Kevin Leman.
Handout photo

Graduated from UA in: 1969

Why he's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Leman is a New York Times bestselling author. His parenting books include "The Birth Order Book."

Alison Levine

Alison Levine — Picture of UA Alumna Alison Levine climbing Mt. Everest, May 22, 2003.
Handout photo

Graduated from UA in: 1987

Why she's famous: Arts — literature; Sports — extreme outdoor

Notable accomplishment: Levine has climbed the highest peaks on every continent. She is also a New York Times bestselling author of the leadership book "On the Edge."

Warren Livingston

Warren Livingston — University of Arizona football cornerback Warren Livingston. Undated photo. Courtesy University of Arizona
Courtesy University of Arizona

Graduated from UA in: 1961

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Livingston played six seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys between 1961-66.

Lorna Lockwood

Lorna Lockwood — Lorna Lockwood pictured in the 1924 University of Arizona yearbook. Photo courtesy of University of Arizona Yearbooks, University of Arizona Special Collections.
Photo courtesy of University of Arizona Yearbooks, University of Arizona Special Collections

Graduated from UA in: 1923

Why she's famous: Politics — Supreme Court

Notable accomplishment: Lockwood was the first woman to become a chief justice of a state Supreme Court. She served in Arizona.

Kenny Lofton

Kenny Lofton — Kenny Lofton dribbles during a Final Four game against Oklahoma in 1988.
Elizabeth Mangelsdorf

Graduated from UA in: 1989

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball and basketball

Notable accomplishment: Lofton is a six-time MLB All-Star and a four-time MLB Gold Glove Award winner. He is one of only two people to play in a NCAA basketball championship and a MLB World Series.

J. David Lowell

J. David Lowell — J. David Lowell.
Ross Humphreys

Graduated from UA in: 1949

Why he's famous: Engineering — mining

Notable accomplishment: Lowell earned his bachelor's degree in mining engineering from the UA in 1949 and a master's degree in geology from Stanford University in 1957. He returned to the UA and completed a professional engineer degree in 1959. He has received honorary doctorates from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru in 1998 and the UA in 2000.

Lowell has discovered more copper ore than any other person in history. He is a 2002 inductee of the American Mining Hall of Fame.

In 2008, Lowell and his wife, Edith, donated $2.5 million toward the ongoing construction of the UA's basketball and volleyball practice facility. Another $2.06 million went to establishing the David Lowell Professional Program in Mineral Resources in the department of mining and geological engineering.

Terry J. Lundgren

Terry Lundgren — Macy's Chairman, President and CEO Terry Lundgren arrives to court in New York, Feb. 25, 2013. Lundgren is scheduled to testify in New York State Supreme Court on Monday in a trial that pits the department store chain against rival J.C. Penney Co. over a partnership with home diva Martha Stewart. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Seth Wenig

Graduated from UA in: 1975

Why he's famous: Business

Notable accomplishment: Lundgren is the CEO of Macy's Inc. The UA Center for Retailing bears his name.

Harvey Mason Jr.

Harvey Mason — Former Wildcat Harvey Mason talks with Wilbur T. Wildcat during the No. 1 University of Arizona Wildcats vs. Arizona State University men's college basketball game on Jan. 16, 2014, at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

Began at UA in: 1986

Why he's famous: Arts — music; Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Is a record producer, songwriter and movie producer. Mason has won multiple Grammy Awards.

Chris McAlister

Chris McAlister — UA cornerback Chris McAlister, leaping high for an interception against UTEP, led Arizona to a 12-1 record in 1998 and became a consensus All-American and the 10th overall selection in the NFL draft.
David Sanders, Arizona Daily Star 1996

Left UA in: 1999

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: McAlister was a three-time All-Pac-10 first-team selection in 1996-98. He won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001.

James McMurtry

James McMurtry — Musician, James McMurtry, Oct. 3, 1997.
Handout photo

Began at UA in: 1986

Why he's famous: Arts — music

Notable accomplishment: Music critic Robert Christgau ranked McMurtry's song "We Can't Make It Here" as "the best song of the 2000s."

John Meloan

MELOAN — Arizona pitcher John Meloan throws against Missouri's James Boone in the first inning at the NCAA baseball regionals play-offs in Fullerton, Calif, on June 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Francis Specker)
Francis Specker

Began at UA in: 2003

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Meloan had a perfect season in 2004 while at the UA. His record was 10-0 in 11 starts.

Frank Middleton

MIDDLETON, Frank — Frank Middleton is an offensive guard for the 1996 University of Arizona Wildcat Football team.
Mary Chind / Tucson Citizen

Graduated from UA in: 1997

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: In 2007, Middleton was inducted into the Fort Scott Community College Athletic Hall of Fame, where he played before the UA.

Arturo Moreno

MORENO — Arturo Moreno talks to reporters after Major League Baseball owners approved the sale of Disney's Anaheim Angels to him, May 15, 2003, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Mary Altaffer

Graduated from UA in: 1973

Why he's famous: Business — entrepreneur

Notable accomplishment: Moreno owns the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is the first Mexican-American to own a major sports team in the U.S.

Peter Murrieta

MURRIETA, Peter — Peter Murrieta, creator of "Greetings from Tucson."
Val Cañez

Began at UA in: 1984

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Murrieta is the former head writer for the TV show "Wizards of Waverly Place." He won two Emmy Awards for his work on the movie "Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie," adapted from the TV show.

Ryk Neethling

Ryk Neethling — Ryk Neethling takes a break from his training to talk with another swimmer at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center.
Jeffry Scott / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2001

Why he's famous: Sports — swimming

Notable accomplishment: Neethling was part of the 4×100 m freestyle relay team that won a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics.

Alana Nichols

Alana Nichols — Alana Nichols from the United States in action during the Women's Super-G sitting of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics at Whistler Creekside on March 19, 2010 in Whistler, Canada. Alana Nichols finished second in the Women's Super-G sitting. (AP Photo/KEYSTONE/Dominic Favre)
Dominic Favre

Graduated from UA in: 2006

Why she's famous: Sports — Paralympic wheelchair basketball; Paralympic alpine skiing

Notable accomplishment: Nichols won a gold medal with the U.S. women's Paralympic basketball team in 2008. She also won two gold medals in the 2010 Winter Paralympics.

Dennis Northcutt

Dennis Northcutt — UA wide receiver Dennis Northcutt catches, then loses a pass in the end zone during the first half as Stanford's Corey Hill holds on for the tackle Oct. 11, 1997.
Jeffry Scott / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2000

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Northcutt was named as a Consensus All-American in 1999 while at the UA.

Robert Nugent

Robert Nugent — Robert Nugent pictured in the 1922 UA yearbook. Photo courtesy of University of Arizona yearbooks, University of Arizona Special Collections.
Photo courtesy of University of Arizona yearbooks, University of Arizona Special Collections

Graduated from UA in: 1923

Why he's famous: Education — administration

Notable accomplishment: Chemist Robert Nugent won a Rhodes Scholarship in 1923. He was dean of two colleges at the UA — liberal arts and graduate studies — before becoming executive vice president for the university. A building on campus is named for him. He died in 1963.

The University of Arizona Alumni Association also has an award named in memory of him — the Nugent Award.

Lacey Nymeyer

Lacey Nymeyer — Olympic Swimmer Lacey Nymeyer visits Richardson Elementary School where she used to attend on Sept. 5, 2008. She won the silver medal in the women's 100 freestyle relay at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Lacey is speaking to the students about her race at the Olympics.
Janelle Montenegro / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2009

Why she's famous: Sports — swimming

Notable accomplishment: Nymeyer and her 4x200 meter freestyle relay team broke the world record time for the event in 2007 with their time of 7 minutes 50.09 seconds. She was also selected as the Pac-10 Woman of the Year and the NCAA Woman of the Year, both in 2009.

Lorena Ochoa

Lorena Ochoa — Mexico's Lorena Ochoa watches the ball during the final round of the LPGA Corona Morelia golf championship in Morelia, Mexico, May 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Eduardo Verdugo

Left UA in: 2002

Why she's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Ochoa is a four-time LPGA Tour Player of the Year.

Josh Pastner

Josh Pastner — Josh Pastner dribbles the ball past an Oregon defender in January of 1998.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2000

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Pastner is head coach of Georgia Tech men's basketball team. He was part of the UA's 1997 NCAA champion basketball team.

Lisan Peng

Lisan Peng — Lisan Peng.
Arizona Daily Star file photo

Graduated from UA in: 1992

Why she's famous: Medicine — cancer work

Notable accomplishment: Dr. Lisan Peng won a Rhodes Scholarship in 1993. She is a doctor at the UA Cancer center. Peng graduated from University High School.

Valerie Perrine

Began at UA in: 1961

Why she's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Perrine is known for her role as Eve Teschmacher in the 1978 film "Superman."

She also played Honey Bruce in the 1974 film "Lenny."

Don Pettit

BOWERSOX BUDARIN PETTIT — In this image from television on Feb. 11, 2003, international space station commander Ken Bowersox, center, hands the microphone to Russian flight engineer Nikolai Budarin, left, during a news conference from the space station. At right is science officer Don Pettit. (AP Photo/NASA TV)
NASA TV

Graduated from UA in: 1983

Why he's famous: Science — NASA astronaut

Notable accomplishment: Pettit spent a total of 370 days in space throughout his NASA career.

Antonio Pierce

Antonio Pierce — The Jets' Curtis Martin, left, runs past the Giants' Antonio Pierce in the second quarter of their preseason game on Aug. 26, 2005. (David L. Pokress / KRT)
David L. Pokress

Graduated from UA in: 2001

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Pierce won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants in 2007. He was also selected to play in the 2006 Pro Bowl.

Todd Pletcher

Todd Pletcher — Trainer Todd Pletcher, center, hoists the Belmont Stakes trophy in the winner's circle while standing with jockey Mike Smith, left, and Cot Campbell, President of Dogwood Stables, after Palace Malice won the Belmont Stakes horse race in Elmont, N.Y., June 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Seth Wenig

Graduated from UA in: 1989

Why he's famous: Sports — horse racing

Notable accomplishment: Pletcher's horse, Super Saver, won the Kentucky Derby in 2010.

Don Pooley

Don Pooley — Don Pooley at the US West Cellular shootout in Tucson Jan. 9, 1996.
Brian Winter

Graduated from UA in: 1973

Why he's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Pooley won two PGA Tour events in 1980 and 1987, most notably the B.C. Open in 1980.

Brian Ralston

Brian Ralston — From left, Cheryl Bell, Steve Tobias, Patrick Coco, Tom Alexander and Brian Ralston are all sporting the new "Lute lids," a rubbery white hair piece that is suppose to make you look like Lute Olson. Photo taken Jan. 15, 1998.
Benjie Sanders

Graduated from UA in: 1997

Why he's famous: Arts — music

Notable accomplishment: Ralston produced the short film "The Receipt" and composed the music for it. Ralston's score for the film won the "Gold Medal of Excellence" at the Park City Film Music Festival in 2005.

Brooks Reed

Brooks Reed, Quintin Demps — Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) celebrates with Quintin Demps (27) after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton during the second quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game Jan. 7, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
AP/Tony Gutierrez

Left UA in: 2011

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Reed was named a first-team All Pac-10 member in 2010. Reed also attended Sabino High School in Tucson. He's currently a starting linebacker for the Houston Texans.

Jeffrey Rein

Jeffrey Rein — Jeffrey Rein at the 40th Sahuaro High School reunion for the class of 1970.
Handout photo

Graduated from UA in: 1975

Why he's famous: Business — CEO

Notable accomplishment: Rein is a former CEO of Walgreens.

Sean Rooks

ONEAL ROOKS — Los Angeles Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal holds up fellow center Sean Rooks as they pose for a picture at Lakers' Media Day Oct. 14, 1996. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris Pizzello

Graduated from UA in: 1992

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Rooks played 12 seasons in the NBA between 1992-2004.

Richard Russo

RUSSO, Richard — FILE — Author Richard Russo, 52, poses in his hotel suite in this file photo taken June 16, 2001 in Chicago. Russo was awarded the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for fiction April 8, 2002, for his book for "Empire Falls." (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)
M. Spencer Green

Graduated from UA in: 1979

Why he's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Russo won a Pulitzer Prize in 2002 for fiction for "Empire Falls."

Warren Rustand

CEO change at Tucson-based Providence Service — Warren Rustand
Submitted Photo

Graduated from UA in: 1965

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Rustand played basketball at the UA from 1961-1965, and was the first Wildcat to 1) play on a U.S. national team [1966, Silver Medal]; 2) be named an Academic All-American; 3) be named WAC Scholar/Athlete of the Year; 4) play in a national all-star game [1965 East-West game]; 5) be named All WAC three consecutive years; 6) be named to the All-District 7 NCAA team; and 7) lead the team in field goal percentage and free throw percentage three consecutive years.

Rustand also was named Outstanding Sophomore, Junior and Senior Athlete of the Year and was named MVP, Most Inspirational Player and captain in his junior and senior years. In addition, Rustand was named by The Arizona Daily Star as one of the 15 greatest US basketball players all-time, was elected to the UA Sports Hall of Fame, is one of only two UA athletes to be an All-American and Student Body President, and received the Merrill Freeman Award as the Outstanding Graduate based on character, scholarship and leadership.

After his UA career, Rustand was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors of the NBA but instead chose to play AAU basketball, and served as assistant coach at UA (1967-68). He also coached and administered youth basketball for 20 years and worked as a sports reporter for KVOA-TV (1969-72).

In his career away from basketball, Rustand has been involved in government affairs at the highest level. He was a White House scholar, served a fellowship at the Commerce Department and became Appointments Secretary for President Gerald Ford.

Rory Sabbatini

Rory Sabbatini — Rory Sabbatini hits his approach shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the 2014 John Deere Classic golf tournament at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., July 10, 2014. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Charles Rex Arbogast

Began at UA in: 1995

Why he's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Sabbatini has won six PGA Tour events, most notably the HP Byron Nelson Championship in 2009.

Rico Saccani

Rico Saccani — Former Tucsonan Rico Saccani was once a child prodigy at the piano and now is a successful conductor based in Italy. Arizona Daily Star file photo taken Jan. 15, 1990.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1973

Why he's famous: Arts — music

Notable accomplishment: Saccani is the former music director for the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra.

Brian Anderson

022022-tuc-spt-uabaseballanderson-p1 — Former UA and big-league outfielder Brian Anderson spent the 2022 season as the first-base coach for first-year coach Chip Hale.
Mike Christy, Arizona Athletics

Left UA in: 2003

Why he's famous: Sports - baseball

Notable accomplishments: Anderson was a Chicago White Socks first draft pick in 2003. He played major league baseball for five years, the first four with the White Sox and the remaining year with the Boston Red Sox. In 2021, Anderson returned to the UA to finish his college degree and join Chip Hale's coaching staff.

Ari Sandel

Ari Sandel — Ari Sandel. Photo courtesy of SWPR Group.
Courtesy of SWPR Group

Graduated from UA in: 1998

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Sandel won an Academy Award in 2006 for the "Best Live Action Short Film" with his short film "West Bank Story."

Robert Sarver

Robert Sarver — Suns owner Robert Sarver voices his opinion from his court-side seat during Phoenix's second game against Memphis' in their first round playoff series at America West Arena, April 27, 2005.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1982

Why he's famous: Business — sports

Notable accomplishment: Sarver is the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) and founded the National Bank of America.

Brian Schmidt

Brian Schmidt — In this May 8, 2008 photo provided by the Australian Academy of Science, Prof. Brian Schmidt poses for a photograph. Schmidt is one of three U.S.-born scientists to win the Nobel Prize in Physics on Oct. 4, 2011, for discovering that the universe is expanding at an accelerating pace. (AP Photo/AAS Irene Dowdy)
Irene Dowdy

Graduated from UA in: 1989

Why he's famous: Science — astrophysics

Notable accomplishment: Schmidt's research team won the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics for their help in discovering the accelerating universe.

Roland Schoeman

ROLAND SCHOEMAN — Former UA swimmer Roland Schoeman, a three-time medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games, celebrates his world record in the 50 butterfly on July 26, 2005.
Ryan Remiorz, Associated Press

Graduated from UA in: 2003

Why he's famous: Sports — swimming

Notable accomplishment: Schoeman set the 50m freestyle world record in 2009 with a time of 20.30 seconds.

Richard "Dick" Scobee

Richard "Dick" Scobee — UA alumnus "Dick" Scobee talks about his adventures aboard the space shuttle. Arizona Daily Star file photo taken Nov. 2, 1984.
Bruce McClelland / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1965

Why he's famous: Science — NASA astronaut

Notable accomplishment: Scobee spent close to seven days total in space during his NASA career.

John Shadegg

SHADEGG JOHN MCT — Rep. John B. Shadegg (R-AZ/3d). (MCT)
Handout photo

Graduated from UA in: 1972

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. Representative

Notable accomplishment: Shadegg was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona's 3rd congressional district from 1995-2011.

Sally Shamrell

Sally Shamrell — Bisbee native and former KVOA Channel 4 anchor Sally Shamrell was cast as an anchor in Shonda Rhimes’s new TV drama “For the People.”
Courtesy Sally Shamrell

Graduated from UA

Why she's famous: TV — Arts and film

Notable accomplishment: Popular Tucson TV personality at KVOA Channel 4. Also has appeared in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., American Crime Story, The Young and the Restless, and most recently, Shonda Rhimes’ drama “For the People.”

Garry Shandling

SHANDLING — Garry Shandling, host of the 52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, gestures as he opens the show at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Sept. 10, 2000. (AP Photo/Mark J.Terrill)
Mark J. Terrill

Graduated from UA in: 1971

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Shandling won an Emmy for outstanding writing for a comedy series in 1998 for "The Larry Sanders Show."

Ron Shelton

Graduated from UA in: 1974

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Shelton wrote and directed the film "White Men Can't Jump."

He also wrote and directed the film "Bull Durham" and co-wrote and directed the film "Tin Cup."

Peter H. Smith

Peter H. Smith — Dr. Peter H. Smith is the Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair of Integrated Science in the Department of Planetary Science. He has participated in numerous space missions throughout his long career and is the Principal Investigator of the Phoenix Mars mission. Handout photo.
Submitted photo

Graduated from UA in: 1977

Why he's famous: Science — astronomy

Notable accomplishment: Smith is the principal investigator for the $420 million Phoenix explorer. Phoenix landed on Mars in 2008.

J.T. Snow

SNOW, J. T. — Ex-Arizona star J.T. Snow's big bat leads San Francisco into the playoffs.
Handout photo

Began at UA in: 1986

Why he's famous: Sports — baseball

Notable accomplishment: Snow is a six-time MLB Gold Glove Award winner.

Annika Sorenstam

SORENSTAM — Annika Sorenstam watches her ball after hitting from the fairway on the 18th hole during the first round of the LPGA Tournament of Champions at Magnolia Grove golf course in Mobile, Ala., Oct. 10, 2002. Sorenstam shot a 6-under 66 for the round. (AP Photo/Mobile Register, Bill Starling)
Bill Starling

Graduated from UA in: 1994

Why she's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Sorenstam was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003.

Stephen Spinella

Stephen Spinella — John Benjamin Hickey (Arthur), Stephen Spinella (Perry), Jason Alexander (Buzz), John Glover (John) and Randy Becker (Ramon) star in the Motion Picture: "Love! Valour! Compassion!"
Handout photo

Graduated from UA in: 1979

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Spinella is known for his role as Rick Stokes in the film "Milk."

Mike Springer

SPRINGER — Mike Springer of Fresno, Calif., watches the flight of his fairway shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the CVS Charity Classic in Sutton, Mass., July 24, 1998. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Charles Krupa

Graduated from UA in: 1984

Why he's famous: Sports — golf

Notable accomplishment: Springer won two PGA Tour events in 1994.

Jeff A. Stevens

Jeff A. Stevens — University of Arizona donor Jeff Stevens, left, and football coach Rich Rodriguez, right, talk during a ceremony marking the reconstruction project and where Stevens received football memorabilia at the north end zone at Arizona Stadium on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, in Tucson, Ariz.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1986

Why he's famous: Business

Notable accomplishment: Stevens is the CEO, president and director of the oil refining company Western Refining, Inc.

In 2009, Jeff and his wife, Sharon Stevens, donated $10 million to University of Arizona Athletics. The relatively new Lowell-Stevens Football Facility on the UA campus is partially named after the Stevens family.

Ed Stokes

Ed Stokes — University of Arizona basketball player Ed Stokes and Ray Owes block the shot of a Santa Clara player during the Wildcats' game in the first round of the 1993 NCAA tournament.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1993

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: During his career at UA, Stokes had 644 rebounds and 167 blocked shots.

Clifford Stoll

Graduated from UA in: 1980 — Ph.D.

Why he's famous: Science — astronomy; Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Stoll is known for his 1989 book "The Cuckoo's Egg," which is a personal account of the hunt for a hacker who broke into a computer at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Damon Stoudamire

1994 Arizona Wildcats Final Four basketball team — Arizona point guard Damon Stoudamire had 27 points and 10 rebounds in the Cats' 92-72 West Regional final win over No. 1-seed Missouri in 1994.
Rick Wiley / Tucson Citizen

Graduated from UA in: 1995

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Stoudamire was named as the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1996.

Salim Stoudamire

Salim Stoudamire — Salim Stoudamire gets fouled in the second half by Alabama-Birmingham's #23 Demario Eddins at the Taco Bell Arena, March 19, 2005, in Boise, Idaho during the NCAA second round game. UA won 85-63.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 2005

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: While at UA, Stoudamire's 3-point field goal percentage was 45.8 percent. Only Steve Kerr had a higher 3-point field goal percentage while at UA.

Clay Templin

Clay Templin — Clay Templin, Fire Staff Officer for the Tonto National Forest.
Submitted photo

Graduated from UA in: 1981

Why he's famous: Firefighter — Incident Commander

Notable accomplishment: Templin is currently the Fire Staff Officer for the Tonto National Forest. He's also one of only 16 Incident Commanders in the country. In addition, he was the Incident Commander during the Yarnell Hill Fire. He spoke to residents and answered their questions.

Jason Terry

Jason Terry — Jason Terry slams home two of his 11 points against Arizona State on Jan. 15, 1999.
Mary Chind / Tucson Citizen

Graduated from UA in: 1999

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Terry was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2009. He won an NCAA championship in 1997 at the UA and won an NBA championship in 2011.

Vicki Lewis Thompson

Vicki Lewis Thompson — Vicki Lewis Thompson, a New York Times bestselling author and writer of more than 100 romance novels, sits for a portrait in her favorite writing chair in front of her fireplace on Aug. 22, 2013 in Tucson, Ariz.
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star

Graduated from UA in: 1965

Why she's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: Thompson is a New York Times bestselling author of romance novels.

Tom Tolbert

Tom Tolbert — Arizona's Tom Tolbert, left, and Mark Georgeson celebrate after their '88 game against North Carolina that advanced them into the final four.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Left UA in: 1988

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: During the 1987-88 season, Tolbert helped the UA reach the Final Four in 1988 by starting and playing in 38 games, which is tied for the UA school record for most games started and played in a single season.

Darian Townsend

Darian Townsend — Darian Townsend during warmups as he is does laps in Hillenbrand Aquatic Center pool May 16, 2012.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Left UA in: 2008

Why he's famous: Sports — swimming

Notable accomplishment: Townsend was part of the South African men's 4x100 meter freestyle relay team that won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics and broke the world record with a time of 3 minutes 13.17 seconds.

B. Randall "Randy" Tufts

Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts at Kartchner Caverns — Gary Tenen, left, and Randy Tufts climb into the original Kartchner Caverns opening that they discovered in November of 1974 and managed to keep secret for over 14 years.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star 1999

Graduated from UA in: 1972

What he's famous for: Along with Gary Tenen, he discovered Kartchner Caverns in 1974.

Notable Achievement: Tufts and Tenen kept their discovery of the caverns secret for 14 years until they were assured the caverns would be protected.

Tufts died in 2002.

Morris K. Udall

UDALL, Morris K. — This is a 1952 file photo of longtime Arizona Congressman Morris K. "Mo" Udall.
Handout photo

Graduated from UA in: 1949

Why he's famous: Politics — House of Representatives

Notable accomplishment: Udall was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 30 years, 1961-91.

Stewart Udall

Stewart Udall — Stewart L. Udall, former secretary of the Interior under presidents Kennedy and Johnson, photographed at the Arizona Inn May 17, 2000. Udall, 80, was in town to address a conference about "alternative dispute resolution and natural resources, sponsored by the Morris K. Udall Foundation.
Chris Richards

Graduated from UA in: 1948

Why he's famous: Politics — U.S. House of Representatives

Notable accomplishment: Udall was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona. He then became the 37th U.S. Secretary of the Interior, under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.

Amy Van Dyken

Amy Van Dyken — Gold medalist Amy Van Dyken holds her gold medal after winning the women's 50 meter freestyle at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, July 26, 1996. Van Dyken was chosen as The Associated Press female athlete of the year for 1996. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lynne Sladky

Graduated from UA in: 1992

Why she's famous: Sports — swimming

Notable accomplishment: Van Dyken is the first American female to win four gold medals in one Olympic Games.

Bobby Wade

Bobby Wade — UA's #1 Bobby Wade catches the ball in the air to score a touchdown during first quarter of the UA vs UNLV game at the UA stadium on Sept. 22, 2001.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Left UA in: 2003

Why he's famous: Sports — football

Notable accomplishment: Wade led the NFC in punt returns for touchdowns in 2005.

Jack Wagner

Jack Wagner — Actor Jack Wagner laughs before teeing off on the first hole at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course during the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, July 22, 2012, in Stateline, Nev. (AP Photo/The Tahoe Tribune, Joe Proudman)
Joe Proudman

Graduated from UA in: 1982

Why he's famous: Arts — film

Notable accomplishment: Wagner won a Golden Rose Award in 2006 for best soap actor for his role as Dominick "Nick" Marone in "The Bold and the Beautiful."

Luke Walton

Luke Walton — Wildcat senior Luke Walton shoots over the head of Saint Louis defender Drew Drejaj Dec. 6, 2002.
Francisco Medina / Tucson Citizen

Graduated from UA in: 2002

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Walton won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and '10. He was also selected as an All-Pac-10 First Team member twice, in 2002 and '03.

Gordon Willey

Graduated from UA in: 1935

Why he's famous: Archaeology

Notable accomplishment: Willey is known as "the dean of New World archaeology."

Brian Williams

Brian Williams — Brian Williams of the University of Arizona falls to the floor begging for a foul against UCLA at Pauley Pavillion in Feb. 1991.
Rick Wiley / Tucson Citizen

Left UA in: 1991

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Williams won an NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls in 1997.

Derrick Williams

D-Will — University of Arizona's Derrick Williams dunks around a host of University of Washington Huskies in the first half in the championship game of the Pacific Life Pac-10 Conference Men's Basketball Tournament at the Staples Center on March 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star

Began at UA in: 2009

Why he's famous: Sports — basketball

Notable accomplishment: Williams, or "D-Will," was named as the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2011.

Merrill Windsor

Merrill Windsor — Merrill Windsor pictured in the 1949 University of Arizona yearbook. Photo courtesy of University of Arizona Yearbooks, University of Arizona Special Collections.
Photo courtesy of University of Arizona Yearbooks, University of Arizona Special Collections

Graduated from UA in: 1949

Why he's famous: Arts — literature

Notable accomplishment: The late Merrill Windsor, a longtime journalist and former editor of Arizona Highways magazine, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1949.

Photos: UA's smartest athletes Fall 2014

Photos: UA's smartest athletes Fall 2014

These Cats hit the books just as hard as they hit the field.

Red carpet photos: 2015 Golden Globes

Actors and celebrities arrive at the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards show at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.

5 most popular Star Facebook posts in January

5 most popular Star Facebook posts in January

The most liked, commented and shared posts on the Arizona Daily Star's Facebook Page in January, 2015.

Moved, promoted or appointed in Tucson in 2015

Moved, promoted or appointed in Tucson in 2015

Check out people who have moved up the ladder in their fields.

Photos: Famous people who came to Tucson

Photos: Famous people who came to Tucson

Famous people who have visited Tucson, from photo archives of the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson Citizen.

Moved, promoted or appointed in Tucson in 2015

Moved, promoted or appointed in Tucson in 2015

Check out the people in our community who have moved up the ladder in their fields.

Tucsonan Savannah Guthrie does double duty at NBC

Tucsonan Savannah Guthrie does double duty at NBC

She filled in on 'Nightly News.'

'Queen of Versailles' resumes building 90,000-sq-ft. palace

'Queen of Versailles' resumes building 90,000-sq-ft. palace

Jacqueline Siegel returns to Tucson for 2014 Mrs. America pageant.

Watch: Former Arizona Wildcat Luke Walton loses his mind, tossed from Lakers loss to Kings

Watch: Former Arizona Wildcat Luke Walton loses his mind, tossed from Lakers loss to Kings

"I just felt like I needed to stand up for my guys," the fired-up first-year Lakers coach says.

Former Wildcat Scooby Wright en route to Arizona to sign with Cardinals

Former Wildcat Scooby Wright en route to Arizona to sign with Cardinals

The former UA All-American is expected to make his NFL debut Sunday when the Cardinals host the New Orleans Saints.

How the U of A is recruiting more local, underrepresented students

How the U of A is recruiting more local, underrepresented students

A recruitment partnership between the University of Arizona and Sunnyside Unified School District led to an 11% increase in the number of district students — many of them low-income — who attend a four-year college after graduation.

UA honors trailblazers during day-long celebration of women in sports

UA honors trailblazers during day-long celebration of women in sports

The UA is hosting a free celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX. The event includes field day activities for kids, lunch at the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center and a panel discussion.

U of A program helps new students navigate ‘hidden curriculum’

U of A program helps new students navigate ‘hidden curriculum’

For more than 50 years, the University of Arizona has held New Start, which is a six-week summer program geared toward helping mostly low-income and first-generation college students adjust to the quirks of college life.

School's back: Time to find your U of A Wildcat spirit

School's back: Time to find your U of A Wildcat spirit

From dressing in U of A garb to becoming part of the Main Gate Square scene and cheering on the home team, here are some ideas to help you find your Wildcat spirit.

Arizona Bowl announces ex-Wildcat Rob Gronkowski as featured speaker for luncheon

Arizona Bowl announces ex-Wildcat Rob Gronkowski as featured speaker for luncheon

Rob Gronkowski will be the guest speaker at the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl luncheon on Oct. 27.

Former Arizona LB Jerry Roberts transfers to UMass, joins list of ex-Cats playing for 'Dr. Blitz'

Former Arizona LB Jerry Roberts transfers to UMass, joins list of ex-Cats playing for 'Dr. Blitz'

Jerry Roberts is the fifth ex-Wildcat to transfer to UMass since the end of the season.

Actor Craig T. Nelson to deliver U of A commencement speech

Actor Craig T. Nelson to deliver U of A commencement speech

The University of Arizona has chosen Craig T. Nelson, an Emmy-Award-winning actor, writer, director and producer, to deliver the university’s …

From Justin Bieber's fiancée to Jimmy Kimmel: Notable people who have called Tucson home

From Justin Bieber's fiancée to Jimmy Kimmel: Notable people who have called Tucson home

Folks who were born in or lived in Tucson long enough to call themselves a Tucsonan.

Here's what it took to bring 'Top Chef: Houston' to Tucson

Here's what it took to bring 'Top Chef: Houston' to Tucson

For Star subscribers: Tucson's foodie culture is about to be on full display for millions of viewers after "Top Chef" secretly rolled into town last winter.

9 spots to snap University of Arizona graduation shots

9 spots to snap University of Arizona graduation shots

University of Arizona grads toss their mortarboards this weekend. Mom and dad, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends will be snapp…

Photos: Reid Park Zoo's beloved elephant Punga dies

Photos: Reid Park Zoo's beloved elephant Punga dies

Punga, a male elephant at the Reid Park Zoo, died unexpectedly Tuesday due to a double mesenteric root torsion, more commonly known as a twist…

Tucson Tech: Local eye doctor melds engineering, medicine to improve patient care

Tucson Tech: Local eye doctor melds engineering, medicine to improve patient care

The ophthalmologist won FDA approval for a new kind of prism to improve the accuracy of a common test for glaucoma.

Xerocraft has hit Tucson's airways with K-Maker Radio

Xerocraft has hit Tucson's airways with K-Maker Radio

In January, Xerocraft, a nonprofit hackerspace for creators and artists alike, started the community radio station, KMKR (better known as K-Ma…

With Tucson bar a hit, Casa set to open a taproom in Marana

With Tucson bar a hit, Casa set to open a taproom in Marana

Casa Marana Craft Beer + Wine joins a handful of beer-centric ventures on northwest side.

Tucson woman wins $250k kitchen makeover from Food Network

Tucson woman wins $250k kitchen makeover from Food Network

Her name was randomly drawn from 25 million entries.

Watch now: University of Arizona Wildcats move into dorms

Watch now: University of Arizona Wildcats move into dorms

The University of Arizona welcomed incoming students to campus this week as they moved into their dorms. The fall semester begins Monday, Aug.…

Photos: Green Valley in black and white back to the 1970s

Photos: Green Valley in black and white back to the 1970s

Green Valley started in earnest in 1961, when Chicago investors purchased 2,900 acres of grazing land in the Canoa Land Grant from Farmers Inv…

Linda McCartney Retrospective highlights Tucson roots

Linda McCartney Retrospective highlights Tucson roots

The Linda McCartney Retrospective is at the Center for Creative Photography until August and highlights McCartney's photography and life in Tucson.

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