UA Cares recognized for commitment to community impact
By Kendall Sternberg, University Communications
U of A representitives celebrated the Champions of Caring Award received during United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona's 2026 Circle of Excellence event.
The University of Arizona's commitment to supporting colleagues, students and the broader community through UA Cares was recently recognized by United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, which presented the university with its Champions of Caring Award during the organization's Circle of Excellence event on May 7. The university was honored for its consistent commitment to addressing community needs through charitable giving, volunteerism and employee-led service initiatives.
The recognition caps off another successful year for the initiative and illustrates the university's ongoing commitment to engage with the broader community to meet their evolving needs, as outlined in the strategic imperative of Engagement with Our Communities to Create Opportunity.
UA Cares encompasses four primary initiatives: the Workplace Giving Campaign, UA 4 Food, the Employee Emergency Fund and campus blood drives. Together, these programs provide employees with multiple ways to support causes that matter to them while addressing community needs throughout the year.
Nicole Roldan, this past year’s honorary co-chair of UA Cares, said the initiative highlights the power of collective action.
“UA Cares embodies the idea that meaningful change happens when people come together around a common purpose,” Roldan said. “Every contribution, whether it is a financial gift, food donation, blood donation or support for a colleague in need, helps strengthen our university and our broader community.”
A year of impact
UA 4 Food finished off this year's campaign with their Stuff the CatTran event, filling a CatTran with donations for the Campus Pantry and Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Julie Bell, who joined Roldan as honorary co-chair of UA Cares, said this year's results show the power of employees coming together in support of their colleagues and community.
“This year, I'm especially proud of the collective impact we achieved together,” Bell said. “These accomplishments reflect the generosity and commitment of our Wildcat community.”
During the most recent Workplace Giving Campaign, university employees pledged more than $200,000 through charitable donations and payroll deductions benefiting nonprofits and University of Arizona causes. Since 2020, the campaign has generated more than $1 million in support for community organizations and university programs.
The UA 4 Food drive collected more than 3,000 pounds of food and essential items for the Campus Pantry and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. The drive also encouraged donations of hygiene products, which help meet ongoing student needs.
Meanwhile, the Employee Emergency Fund distributed nearly $18,000 to assist 26 employees facing unexpected financial hardships. The fund helps cover expenses such as housing costs, funeral expenses and other emergencies.
The university's blood drives also continued to serve the community. According to Nick Hilton, director of community relations in the Office of Government and Community Relations, donations collected during the past year helped save or benefit the lives of more than 284 people.
Getting involved
U of A representatives joined the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona for Eller Make a Difference Day, cleaning up around 2,000 pounds of trash along the Rillito River.
What began as a workplace giving campaign has grown into a year-round effort dedicated to improving lives on campus and throughout the community.
“UA Cares goes back decades,” said Hilton. “The earliest record we have of UA Cares existing is 1989, so we're at nearly 40 years of making an impact in the community.”
Hilton emphasized that UA Cares succeeds because of the employees who choose to participate, whether by donating, volunteering or serving as one of more than 130 UA Cares ambassadors across campus.
“It's always been employee-driven,” Hilton said.
Employees can support the effort by sharing campaign information within their departments, organizing service projects, participating in blood drives or volunteering in the community. The university's Paid Time Off For Volunteer Services policy also allows eligible employees to volunteer in the community while receiving paid time.
“When we work together, even small efforts can create a lasting and meaningful impact,” Bell said.
As planning begins for next year's initiatives, Hilton hopes even more employees will discover opportunities to serve.
“Our goal is always just to inspire people to live up to the university's mission of being a land-grant institution and really connect with our community and those needs that our community has,” he said.
Become an ambassador
Employees interested in becoming UA Cares ambassadors to help support one or more UA Cares initiatives are invited to reach out to Nick Hilton.