In Memoriam: Sharon Kha
Sharon Kha, whose career in journalism was followed by more than two decades at the University of Arizona, where she served as spokeswoman under two presidents, died in June at the age of 80.
Sharon Kha, former associate vice president for communications
The former associate vice president for communications is remembered by colleagues for her skill in representing the university in good times and bad.
"The most important thing I remember about her was that she was extremely calm during circumstances that were not always calm," said President Emeritus Manuel Trinidad Pacheco, who led the university from 1991-97. "She always did the work to make sure the university was well represented, and she did that well. Her journalistic attributes shone through clearly in that atmosphere."
Kha's career in journalism included jobs with KTKT radio and KGUN-TV in Arizona. She served at the university from 1983-2005.
Kha is also being remembered for her strength and humor in approaching her 2003 diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
"Sharon was an engaging, bubbly personality even before she got hit with Parkinson's disease," said President Emeritus Peter Likins, who served from 1997-2006. "But her remarkable courage and inner strength surfaced most dramatically when she faced that devastating illness with public performances filled with humor and humility, singing her own delightful version of the 'Parkinson's Rap.'"
Kha posted a series of raps about her condition on her YouTube channel. In a 2010 ABC News story, Kha said she realized "being able to make fun of your frailties" was an important tool in approaching the challenges of Parkinson's.
Kha is survived by her son, David Kha, and a brother, Wesley Heinrichs. A celebration of life is planned for the fall, with details to be announced at a later date. Contributions in her honor can be made to PWR!Gym, a Tucson nonprofit that helps people with Parkinson's disease improve their quality of life through research-driven exercise.