Fostering Renaissance in Engineering
Named for the great innovator Leonardo da Vinci, the College established the da Vinci Circle in 2005 to recognize and nurture 21st-century renaissance in science and engineering powered by discoveries in microtechnology, nanotechnology and biotechnology.
About 300 individuals and corporations participating in the da Vinci Circle over the last decade have provided tremendous support to the College’s unrestricted funds, which are vital to the success of students and faculty.
Read on to learn more about a community of supporters who play a major role in advancing the College as a world leader in engineering education and research, and join the da Vinci Circle today.
Unrestricted Gifts > Faculty Fellows > Scholars’ Fund > Annual Commitments >
Nurturing 21st-Century Renaissance in Engineering
Watch the video and see what students, faculty, staff and donors have to say about the Da Vinci Circle.“As a supporter of the da Vinci Circle, you will partner with us to fulfill our vision of becoming a global leader in technology innovation.”
College of Engineering Interim Dean Larry Head
Unrestricted Gifts
Da Vinci Circle supporters give $2,500 or more per year to College of Engineering unrestricted funds. Contributions, which include support for the annual da Vinci Circle Fellow award, are made to the da Vinci Circle Fund, Dean’s Engineering Annual Fund and departmental general funds.
"This is a very complex world we are living in, and every day we seem to have more and more problems. The best insurance policy anybody can give is to provide a better education for future generations.”
– Sylvia Burton, Da Vinci Circle supporter
Scholars' Fund
Michael Arnold, chair of the da Vinci Circle board, helped establish the da Vinci Scholars’ Fund in partnership with the Community Finance Corporation to reinforce the College’s dedication to providing student scholarships. As a da Vinci Circle supporter, we invite you to make an additional annual gift of $1,000 to the fund. And be sure to check out the 2019 da Vinci scholars!

“I was able to focus all my time on schoolwork and my research, which has been truly enlightening. If it weren’t for the financial support, I likely would have had to find a job unrelated to my field.”
Juliana Ordine, Class of 2019, chemical engineeringAnnual Gift Commitment
Innovators – Donors who provide an annual unrestricted gift of $2,500 to $4,999
Innovators Plus – Innovators who provide an additional $1,000 gift to the da Vinci Scholars’ Fund
Pioneers – Donors who provide an annual unrestricted gift of $5,000 to $9,999
Pioneers Plus – Pioneers who provide an additional $1,000 gift to the da Vinci Scholars’ Fund
Visionaries – Donors who provide an annual unrestricted gift of $10,000 and up
Visionaries Plus – Visionaries who provide an additional $1,000 gift to the da Vinci Scholars’ Fund
UA Recognition Societies
All da Vinci Circle donors are also members of The President’s Club. Additionally, donors who give $10,000 or more become members of the 1885 Society.
Lisa Fahey
Associate Director of Development
520.621.7685
powersla@email.arizona.edu
Special da Vinci Circle Engagements
- Exclusive annual updates from the dean
- Events to explore engineering, science and the arts
- Reserved seating at the Engineers’ Breakfast held during homecoming weekend each fall
- Invitation to judge on Engineering Design Day held each spring
- Recognition in UA Engineering alumni publication
Invitations for Pioneers and Visionaries
- Opportunities to join the dean and other distinguished faculty and friends for special University, College, athletic and regional events
- Access to campus concierge service – assistance with parking, arranging tours, and other campus needs – through the College’s development office

Da Vinci Fellows
Talented and resourceful faculty advance academic programs and research in the College of Engineering. Generous da Vinci Circle supporters select one member of the faculty each year as a da Vinci Fellow, and recognize the awardee with a one-time grant of $10,000.
College of Engineering da Vinci Fellows | ||||
2019 | Dr. Marvin Slepian | 2010 | Paul Blowers | |
2018 | Armin Sorooshian | 2009 | Bane Vasic | |
2017 | Janet Roveda | 2008 | Supapan Seraphin | |
2016 | Larry Head |
2007 | Barry Ganapol | |
2015 | Wolfgang Fink |
2005 | Achintya Haldar Charles Higgins Anthony Muscat |
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2014 | Kim Ogden |
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2013 | Eniko Enikov |
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2012 | Young-Jun Son |
2004 | Pamela Vandiver |
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2011 | Jennifer Barton |
2019 Da Vinci Scholars
Juliana Ordine
Chemical Engineering
Daniel Shannon
Mechanical Engineering
Rory Hewitt Scobie
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Jake Reed
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Jake Pierce Spaulding
Mechanical Engineering
Jonathan Empey
Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Marvin Slepian: 2019 da Vinci Fellow
Da Vinci Circle Supporters
Visionaries ($10,000 and up)
Eric and Janie CarmichaelAnonymous
Paul and Judith Gray
Robert Hall
Mary and Bruce Moreton
Michael and Rebecca Nelson
Richard and Jeanne Norling
Moon Hom
Pioneers ($5,000 to $9,999)
William and Barbara ChampionJohn Condon and Whalin Harter-Leahy
Richard De Schutter and Melanie Trent
Denise Doctor
Pietro Dova
Joseph Gervasio
Michael and Sheri Hummel
Jerry and Maureen Hunter
Ralph Miller
David and Shona Naccarati
Stanley and Jodi Stachowiak
William and Elizabeth Staples
Claire Tomkins and Marc Porat
Gary Wonacott and Bethany Mershon
Innovators ($2,500 to $4,999)
Jeffrey and Martine AndersonDavid and Frances Areghini
Edwin and Paula Biggers
John and Barbara Carter
Daniel Chen
James and Gail Collins
Kenneth Crawford and Linda Bussey Crawford
Timothy and Julie Crawford
Anonymous
Ren Egawa and Rujing Chang
Dr. Cac. M. Dao
Karl and Sandra Elers
Michael Farinech
Lisa and Roy Firestone
Andrew Friedman
Jeffrey Fulks
Jeffrey and Donna Goldberg
Max Green
Theodore and Carole Haig
William and Margo Harding
Gary and Andrea Harper
Andrew and Stephanie Harris
Eric Jackson and Karen Hirsch
Aaron Kapilivsky
Katharine Kent
Daniel and Cynthia Klingberg*
John and La Donna Marietti
Walter and Sharon McDonald
James McGrath
David and Antonia Rhoades
Ralph Wege
Herbert and Diane Welhener
John Whalen
Robert Wicks
Gino Zappia and Barbara Davis