Asteroids, Athletics, and ‘America the Beautiful’: UArizona’s Top Stories of 2023
In 2023, the University of Arizona made waves with its groundbreaking achievements and captivating events. From the successful delivery of a historic asteroid sample to hosting a summit on the future of college athletics, UArizona showcased its excellence in various disciplines. The university’s top stories also included a Super Bowl performance showcasing Native American sign language, being named the top producer of Fulbright Scholars, and capturing breathtaking images of a nearby planetary system. These stories, along with many others, highlight the university’s commitment to research, innovation, and cultural enrichment.
A Gift from Space: UArizona-led OSIRIS-REx Mission Delivers Largest-Ever Asteroid Sample to Earth
After years of anticipation and hard work, the UArizona-led NASA OSIRIS-REx mission made history by landing on Earth with a capsule containing rocks and dust from the asteroid Bennu. This momentous achievement was celebrated during a post-landing press conference hosted by NASA, where Dante Lauretta, the principal investigator for OSIRIS-REx, expressed his joy and excitement. The mission’s success opens up new possibilities for studying asteroids and deepening our understanding of the universe.
The mission’s extension to study another near-Earth asteroid named Apophis further demonstrates the significance of this achievement. The OSIRIS-REx mission showcases UArizona’s expertise in space exploration and highlights the university’s commitment to pushing boundaries and making groundbreaking discoveries.
The Future of College Athletics: UArizona President Hosts National Summit
Recognizing the transformative changes happening in college sports, UArizona President Robert C. Robbins took the initiative to host The Future of College Athletics summit in Washington, D.C. This gathering brought together diverse perspectives and sought solutions to the complex challenges facing college athletics today.
The summit, held at the UArizona Center for Collaboration and Outreach, launched the AZDC program, which harnesses the university’s intellectual resources to address pressing issues. This initiative demonstrates UArizona’s commitment to shaping the future of college athletics and ensuring a positive and inclusive environment for student-athletes.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: Native American Sign Language Showcased at Super Bowl
Explore how Colin Denny, a UArizona research assistant, used the Super Bowl stage to showcase the importance of Native American sign language.
Colin Denny, a research assistant in the UArizona College of Education, captivated millions of viewers during the Super Bowl pregame show with his sign language interpretation of the song ‘America the Beautiful.’ Through this performance, Denny aimed to highlight the enduring presence of North American Indian Sign Language, which has a rich history spanning centuries.
By showcasing this language on such a prominent platform, Denny raised awareness and celebrated the resilience of Native American culture. His performance served as a powerful reminder that cultural heritage should be cherished and preserved for future generations.
UArizona: Leading the Way as the Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars
UArizona has once again solidified its position as a leader in academia by being named the top producer of Fulbright Scholars. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering international collaborations and promoting global understanding.
In the 2022-2023 academic year, 17 faculty members and researchers from UArizona received Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards, surpassing the university’s previous record. This achievement highlights the exceptional talent and expertise within the UArizona community and showcases the university’s dedication to advancing knowledge and creating positive global impact.
Exploring the Cosmos: UArizona Astronomers Capture Stunning Images of a Nearby Planetary System
A team of UArizona astronomers utilized NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to capture awe-inspiring images of the warm dust surrounding a nearby young star, Fomalhaut. These images unveiled the first-ever asteroid belt observed outside our solar system in infrared light.
The intricate concentric rings of dust depicted in the images provide valuable insights into the formation and dynamics of planetary systems. This groundbreaking research further solidifies UArizona’s reputation as a leader in space sciences and showcases the university’s dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.
Celebrating Artistic Vision: The Linda McCartney Retrospective at UArizona
Experience the North American premiere of ‘The Linda McCartney Retrospective’ exhibit, showcasing the iconic photography of Linda McCartney at UArizona’s Center for Creative Photography.
The UArizona Center for Creative Photography hosted the highly anticipated North American premiere of ‘The Linda McCartney Retrospective’ exhibit. This captivating collection featured Linda McCartney’s iconic photographs of music legends such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Aretha Franklin.
Visitors had the opportunity to delve into the intimate relationships captured in McCartney’s photographs, offering a unique glimpse into the world of music and her personal life in London and Tucson. This exhibition exemplifies UArizona’s commitment to celebrating artistic vision and fostering cultural enrichment within the community.