Top stories of 2023: Turtles, tech and toys
Turtles have taken up residence in the President's Pond, a popular campus haven near Second Street and Park Avenue. As part of renovations completed over the summer, a brick-lined plaza and a wheelchair-accessible pathway were added. (Photo by Chris Richards/University Communications)
Campus Health's pharmacy offers more than 400 prescription medications and 250 over-the-counter products.
Manja Blackwood (left), senior supervisor for Dining Services, and Michael Omo, senior executive chef and director of culinary excellence, attempt to catch a "Sample Return," one of the dishes created to celebrate the OSIRIS-REx mission. (Photo by: Chris Richards/University Communications)
A man and a woman balance on the volcanic stone lip of the President's Pond. This photo was taken in the 1950s. (Photo courtesy of University of Arizona Special Collections)
College of Veterinary Medicine student Danasia Perry works with a sheep at the Campus Agricultural Center.
Updates to the exterior of the Global Center include a new shade structure.
(From left) Tom Kelly, associate director of public affairs for the College of Medicine – Phoenix, enjoys his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy collection with sons Liam and Finnegan.
Lo Que Pasa published more than 150 stories in 2023, covering a range of topics relevant to faculty and staff – from campus renovations and health resources to awards and University milestones.
We also covered artificial intelligence, campus safety, OSIRIS-REx and favorite toys.
As 2024 approaches, here is a retrospective of several of the stories that drew the most interest from you and other readers over the past year.
5 Campus Health services for employees that you might not know about
Taking care of your health can be complicated and can often take you to all different corners of the city to find the services you need. Campus Health aims to be a one-stop shop for compassionate health care and is looking to make sure University employees are aware of the services available to them.
Nearly 30 faculty members honored with Awards of Distinction
The University announced the names of 29 faculty members who were selected to receive awards for excellence in teaching, mentoring and research, including two new honors: the University Faculty Service Award and the Distinguished Mentor Award. Lo Que Pasa also covered the 2023 Awards for Excellence, presented by the Staff Council and the President's Cabinet, which honored eight staff members and three teams for outstanding contributions, creativity and compassion.
A Q&A with Steve Patterson, the University's interim chief safety officer
As University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins began developing a new approach to coordinating safety initiatives throughout the University, he turned to someone who combines familiarity with campus and the community with decades of experience in safety and security at the highest levels: Steve Patterson, a Tucson native and FBI veteran.
Cross-campus working group tackles AI academic integrity and equity
More than 60 faculty and staff members and students met over the summer to help facilitate a campuswide conversation around emerging artificial intelligence technologies and tools.
Bennu Bash: How to host a watch party with OSIRIS-REx-themed music, food and more
The delivery of a sample from the asteroid Bennu was a scientific achievement decades in the making. While NASA and University scientists celebrate the successful mission from a desert in Utah, astronomy enthusiasts joined the fun no matter where in the universe they were (as long as they had Internet access and a kitchen).
The 1933 campus pond known for its turtle residents has undergone a renovation
Facilities Management crews made a series of improvements at the President's Pond, which hides in plain sight along Park Avenue near Second Street. Considered a campus treasure both for its charm and history – and known colloquially as the Turtle Pond – the pond and surrounding garden once sat on the property of a Queen Anne-style home that served as the University president's official residence from 1894 to 1937.
A Q&A with a founding faculty member as the College of Veterinary Medicine graduates its first class
More than 100 Wildcats took center stage at The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall when the College of Veterinary Medicine held its first-ever graduation ceremony. Associate professor Walter Klimecki reflected on the college's beginning, what makes it unique and what he has learned from his students.
The daughters of MLK and Malcolm X to speak at Centennial Hall on Juneteenth
The University marked Juneteenth by welcoming two advocates, educators and activists who are continuing the legacy of their iconic families. Strategist and peace advocate Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., and Ilyasah Shabazz, award-winning author, educator and daughter of Malcolm X, spoke at Centennial Hall in June.
More shady spots and more dining options – take a look at what changed on campus over the summer
Summer brought many changes to campus, including a new place for shade in the Student Success District, renovations at the Global Center and the President's Pond, new and reopened restaurant options and more.
Toy time: Check out your colleagues' favorite dolls, action figures and more
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles joined Barbie, the Transformers, Mario and Dungeons and Dragons as subjects of new films that served as love letters to our favorite toys and games. Lo Que Pasa asked readers to share photos and memories of the toys they have kept since childhood.