In Brief: Commencement speaker, no-cost student counseling, Convergence Awards
University CommunicationsFormer Google CEO to deliver Commencement address
Eric Schmidt, former CEO and chairman of Google and co-founder of Schmidt Sciences, will deliver the University of Arizona's Commencement address on May 15.
Eric Schmidt
"For the Class of 2026 and their families, his career reflects what is possible when innovation is paired with purpose,” said University President Suresh Garimella. "It speaks directly to our commitment to success for every student and to preparing graduates not only to navigate a rapidly changing world, but to lead, discover and create opportunity within it. We are honored to welcome him to Arizona and look forward to the message he will share with our graduates."
Schmidt is chair and CEO of Relativity Space, author of four New York Times best-selling books, and co-founder with his wife Wendy of several nonprofit organizations, including the Schmidt Family Foundation and Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Earlier this year, Schmidt Sciences announced the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System, one space and three ground-based observatories designed to accelerate scientific discovery through innovative technology and open access to time and data. Schmidt Sciences is partnering with the U of A as a key collaborator on Lazuli, a fully privately funded space telescope.
Schmidt will receive an honorary Doctor of Science from the College of Science. He is one of five honorary degree recipients.
Other recipients include:
- Alice Chaiten Baker, philanthropist, community leader and advocate for education
- Gabrielle Giffords, former Arizona congresswoman
- F. Ronald Rayner, former president and chairman of the National Cotton Council of America
- Scott Stuber, producer with Amazon MGM Studios and former chairman of Netflix Films
Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar will receive the university's Alumni Achievement Award.
Learn more about the commencement speaker and honorees in a story on the university's news website.
No-cost counseling services for students start this July
Beginning July 1, 2026, the University of Arizona will offer no-cost counseling services to students through Campus Health's Counseling & Psych Services, a move designed to expand access to mental health care and support student success.
The new model removes financial barriers that can prevent students from seeking help, making it easier to access care early.
CAPS is located in Highland Commons on 1224 E. Lowell St.
"This is an exciting and meaningful milestone for our campus," said Aaron Barnes, director of CAPS. "We know that when cost is no longer a barrier, students are more likely to reach out early and engage in care when they need it most."
University leaders say the initiative reflects years of planning and collaboration, as well as a broader commitment to student wellbeing.
"Caring for the wellbeing of our students is central to our strategic priorities and our guiding vision as a university," said Amanda Kraus, vice president for student affairs. "Investing in accessible mental health services is an investment in the future of our students and our community."
While most counseling services will be free, some specialized offerings – such as psychiatry, the ADHD Clinic and the Intensive Outpatient Program – will still carry a cost, with financial assistance available. Additional information about services and coverage can be found on the CAPS website.
Read more about the announcement on the CAPS website.
Convergence Awards honor interdisciplinary research
More than a dozen university researchers were honored this month at the 2026 Convergence Awards, recognizing interdisciplinary research achievement. More than 125 people attended the ceremony celebrating research addressing pressing societal challenges.
"You take science and creative endeavor to its extremes. You spread the boundaries. You educate our students and you impact our communities," University President Suresh Garimella said in his opening remarks. "You really are the stars. I thank you for your curiosity, which leads to discovery, which leads to learning."
Awardees for the University of Arizona’s 2026 Convergence Awards gather with U of A senior leadership prior to the award ceremony on April 15.
Kris Hanning/Office of Research and Partnerships
This year's awardees include:
Excellence in Research Support
Robert Sandoval, Manager of Facilities and Planning, BIO5 Institute
Excellence in Arts
Yumi Shirai, Associate Professor, College of Medicine – Tucson and Director of ArtWorks, Sonoran Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Excellence in Biomedical Research and Clinical Translation
Jeff Burgess, Professor, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Director of the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research
Roberta Diaz Brinton, Regents Professor, College of Medicine – Tucson and Director of the Center for Innovation in Brain Science
Excellence in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Sunggye Hong, David and Minnie Meyerson Distinguished Professor, College of Education
Erin Leahey, Professor, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Excellence in Physical and Natural Sciences
Scott Saleska, Professor, College of Science
Excellence in Applied Research and Engineering
Ladd Keith, Associate Professor, College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, and Director of the Heat Resilience Initiative
Judith Su, Associate Professor, James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Lifetime Achievement Award
Katharine Jacobs, Director, Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions
A full list of awardees with additional information is posted on the Office of Research and Partnerships website.