180+ notable achievers who attended the University of Arizona
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
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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)
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
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Savannah Guthrie, Amphitheater High School and UA grad and “Today” show host, born Dec. 27, 1971.
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
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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)
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
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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)
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
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FILE--Paul and Linda McCartney perform during a Wings show in London in this Oct. 1976 file photo. (AP Photo/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
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NFL player Rob Gronkowski.
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.
Geraldo Rivera
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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)
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
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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)
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
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Abdi Abdirahman celebrates after finishing third in the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon, Jan. 14, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/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
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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
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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)
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
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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.
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
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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)
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
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Gordon and Mildred Gordon with their cat.
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
UpdatedAttended 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
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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.
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
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Chicago White Sox center fielder Brian Anderson dives to catch a ball in the second inning.
Left UA in: 2003
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Anderson led the MLB in fielding percentage in 2008.
Craig T. Nelson
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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)
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
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Arizona's Gilbert Arenas (0) has plenty of space to put the ball up after driving for the basket during second half action.
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
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Image from Denise Austin's Daily Workout, Feb. 21, 1997.
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
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Author photo, J.A. Jance.
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
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Marisa Baena during the Pac-10 Women's Golf Championship at Raven Golf Club. Baena won the event.
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
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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)
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
UpdatedAttended UA: 2004
Why they're famous: TV personality
Notable Accomplishment: Best known for the show "Queer Eye."
Vinessa Vidotto
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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
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From left, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick, Melissa Joan Hart, in an episode of "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," Sept. 22, 1998.
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
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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)
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
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Tucson Mayor Lew Murphy chuckles during the announcement of the parade Grand Marshal for La Fiesta de los Vaqueros on Feb. 22, 1984.
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
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Democrat Ron Barber addresses a forum question in the final Congressional District 2 debate against Republican Martha McSally (not pictured) on Oct. 23, 2012.
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
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Arizona forward Adia Barnes skips rope during practice March 20, 1998, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/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
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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)
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
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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)
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
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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)
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
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UA's Michael Bates in the 200 meter at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
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
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Betsey Bayless, Feb. 14, 2002.
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
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Amanda Beard is a multiple Olympic gold medalist and won the 2001 NCAA title in the 100 breaststroke.
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
UpdatedGraduated 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
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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.
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
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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
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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.
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
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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)
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
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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.
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
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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)
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
UpdatedGraduated 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
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Terry Bracy.
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
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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.
Began at UA in: 1999
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Briggs has made seven NFL Pro Bowl appearances.
Jerry Bruckheimer
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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)
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
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New Mexico State QB Cody Ledbetter gets sacked by Arizona's Tedy Bruschi on Sept. 11, 1994.
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
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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.
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
UpdatedGraduated 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
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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)
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
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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)
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
UpdatedBegan 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
UpdatedGraduated 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
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Arizona’s Antoine Cason runs back a punt for a touchdown on Sept. 8, 2007.
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
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Judge Raul H. Castro, Sept. 5, 1964
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
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Undated file photo of Richard Harvey Chambers.
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
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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)
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
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Regent Dennis DeConcini at an Arizona Board of Regents meeting at the University of Arizona Dec. 3, 2009 in Tucson, Ariz.
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
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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
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
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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)
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
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George DiCarlo, UA swimmer, June 7, 1984.
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
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Republican presidential hopeful Bob Dole announces his economic plan during a speech in Chicago Aug. 5, 1996. (AP Photo/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
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UA's Shelley Duncan shows his power form at the plate in 1999. He leads the team with 15 home runs.
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
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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.
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
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Arizona businessman and University of Arizona benefactor Karl Eller. Courtesy Eller's family.
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
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University of Arizona center Bob Elliott (55) tosses a pass during the UA vs. Wyoming basketball game in McKale Center on Jan. 31, 1976.
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
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University of Arizona basketball player Sean Elliott gets ready to pass the ball during the 1989 NCAA Sweet 16 tournament against UNLV.
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
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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)
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
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A 1964 election sent Gov. Paul Fannin to the United States Senate. Photo taken 1964.
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
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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)
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
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UA's Jennie Finch pitches during the 5th inning play against the UCLA Bruins at Hillenbrand Stadium, April 7, 2002.
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
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Mugshot of David Fitzsimmons. Shot in the Star studio on April 17, 2012.
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
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Arizona place kicker #12 Nick Folk against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Oct. 8, 2005.
Graduated from UA in: 2007
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Folk played in the 2007 Pro Bowl.
Terry Francona
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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)
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
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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)
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
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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)
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
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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)
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
Updated
Jose Galvez, May 6, 2004.
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
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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.
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
Updated
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.
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
Updated
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.
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
Updated
Gil Gastelum, founder and CEO of Cosmica Artists and Records.
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
Updated
Paul Giblin.
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.
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Undated file photo of Samuel Pearson Goddard Jr.
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
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Citizen Photo — Oct. 17, 1951, Barry Goldwater.
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
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Handout photo of George Gray, 2005. Photo 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
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U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva.
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
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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)
Began at UA in: 2000
Why she's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Gulbis won one LPGA Tour event in 2007.
Chip Hale
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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
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Arizona's Jordan Hill slams home a dunk over two Washington State defenders in the first half at Friel Court, Feb. 26, 2009.
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
UpdatedBegan 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
UpdatedGraduated 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
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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)
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
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Zeb Hogan gives a Keynote Presentation at the UA Undergraduate Biology Research Program Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. 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
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Arizona pitcher Alicia Hollowell pitches against the LSU Tigers May 26, 2006 striking out 11 batters and winning 5-0.
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.
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Jack Howell Jr. Courtesy 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
UpdatedGraduated 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
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University of Arizona's Nick Hundley tags Oregon State's Seth Pietsch during the 5th inning May 19, 2003.
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
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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.
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
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Arizona's Richard Jefferson scores a rare open shot during a game against California Berkeley Feb. 25, 1999.
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
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Len Jessup, former dean of the Eller College of Management
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
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UA assistant coach Jay John, left, gives an earful to freshman Richard Jefferson during their game against ASU in Tempe on Jan. 14, 1999.
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
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University of Arizona receiver Vance Johnson keeps running against Oregon in 1983. 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
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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)
Graduated from UA in: 1972
Why he's famous: Business
Notable accomplishment: Johnson owns the New York Jets football team.
Deborah Leoni
UpdatedWhy 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
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Dennis Leoni: "We'll hobble around and shoot each other like we did in the old days."
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
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Tom Kalinske, Oct. 8, 1985.
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
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Author Kitty Kelley poses for a photo at the Doubleday office in New York on Sept. 13, 2004. (AP Photo/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
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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.
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
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Author Barbara Kingsolver. Photo by Annie Griffiths Belt/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
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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)
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
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Arizona's #51 Spencer Larsen takes down UCLA wide receiver #4 Terrence Austin in the fourth quarter Nov. 3, 2007.
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
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Portrait of Kevin Leman. Courtesy of Kevin Leman.
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
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Picture of UA Alumna Alison Levine climbing Mt. Everest, May 22, 2003.
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
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University of Arizona football cornerback Warren Livingston. Undated photo. 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
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Lorna Lockwood pictured in the 1924 University of Arizona yearbook. 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
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Kenny Lofton dribbles during a Final Four game against Oklahoma in 1988.
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
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J. David Lowell.
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
Updated
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)
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.
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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.
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
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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.
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
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Musician, James McMurtry, Oct. 3, 1997.
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
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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)
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
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Frank Middleton is an offensive guard for the 1996 University of Arizona Wildcat Football team.
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
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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)
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
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Peter Murrieta, creator of "Greetings from Tucson."
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
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Ryk Neethling takes a break from his training to talk with another swimmer at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center.
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
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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)
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
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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.
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
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Robert Nugent pictured in the 1922 UA yearbook. 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
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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.
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
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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)
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
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Josh Pastner dribbles the ball past an Oregon defender in January of 1998.
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
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Lisan Peng.
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
UpdatedBegan 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
Updated
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)
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
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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)
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
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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)
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
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Don Pooley at the US West Cellular shootout in Tucson Jan. 9, 1996.
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
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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.
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
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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)
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
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Jeffrey Rein at the 40th Sahuaro High School reunion for the class of 1970.
Graduated from UA in: 1975
Why he's famous: Business — CEO
Notable accomplishment: Rein is a former CEO of Walgreens.
Sean Rooks
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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)
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
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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)
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
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Warren Rustand
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
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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)
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
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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.
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
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Former UA and big-league outfielder Brian Anderson spent the 2022 season as the first-base coach for first-year coach Chip Hale.
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
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Ari Sandel. Photo 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
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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.
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
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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)
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
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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.
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
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UA alumnus "Dick" Scobee talks about his adventures aboard the space shuttle. Arizona Daily Star file photo taken Nov. 2, 1984.
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
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Rep. John B. Shadegg (R-AZ/3d). (MCT)
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
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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.”
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
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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)
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
UpdatedGraduated 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
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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.
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
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Ex-Arizona star J.T. Snow's big bat leads San Francisco into the playoffs.
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
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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)
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
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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!"
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
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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)
Graduated from UA in: 1984
Why he's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Springer won two PGA Tour events in 1994.
Jeff A. Stevens
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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.
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
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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.
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
UpdatedGraduated 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
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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.
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
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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.
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
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Clay Templin, Fire Staff Officer for the Tonto National Forest.
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
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Jason Terry slams home two of his 11 points against Arizona State on Jan. 15, 1999.
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
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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.
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
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Arizona's Tom Tolbert, left, and Mark Georgeson celebrate after their '88 game against North Carolina that advanced them into the final four.
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
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Darian Townsend during warmups as he is does laps in Hillenbrand Aquatic Center pool May 16, 2012.
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
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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.
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
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This is a 1952 file photo of longtime Arizona Congressman Morris K. "Mo" Udall.
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
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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.
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
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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)
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
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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.
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
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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)
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
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Wildcat senior Luke Walton shoots over the head of Saint Louis defender Drew Drejaj Dec. 6, 2002.
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
UpdatedGraduated from UA in: 1935
Why he's famous: Archaeology
Notable accomplishment: Willey is known as "the dean of New World archaeology."
Brian Williams
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Brian Williams of the University of Arizona falls to the floor begging for a foul against UCLA at Pauley Pavillion in Feb. 1991.
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
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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.
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
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Merrill Windsor pictured in the 1949 University of Arizona yearbook. 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.
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