“Graduating from high school I realized that I didn’t have all the tools I needed to help me in the next chapter of my life.
The Earn to Learn program has helped me pursue my passion for early childhood education with confidence, and the financial education supported by Hughes Federal Credit Union has been invaluable to prepare me for my university career and the world beyond.” — Mikaela F.
Find out how Hughes and Earn to Learn join forces to support student success at HughesFCU.org/ETL
Dear Wildcats,
I am excited to celebrate our inaugural Bear Down Week with you! The Division of Student Affairs is committed to creating opportunities for engagement that prioritize community, health, safety, and well-being. Our programs and services are designed to build a strong foundation for both academic and personal success—supporting you throughout your Wildcat journey, on campus and beyond.
This week, we’ve partnered with departments across campus to launch Bear Down Week, a new tradition we hope will continue for years to come. Research shows that connecting with campus during the first six weeks of the fall semester significantly supports overall success and persistence toward graduation.
We know the start of a new school year can be both exciting and overwhelming. By midsemester, you might be balancing the stress of midterms, managing homesickness, or adjusting as the energy of the new semester settles into routine. That’s why Bear Down Week offers the perfect chance to engage, recharge, and thrive.
Through a variety of events and workshops, you’ll have opportunities to:
- Explore clubs, resources, and programs that enrich your U of A experience
- Build meaningful connections and find your community
- Develop habits to support your mental health and well-being—now and in the future
We hope you take full advantage of Bear Down Week to engage, recharge, and thrive as a Wildcat.
Bear Down!
Amanda Kraus, Ph. D. Vice President, Student Affairs
www.arizona.edu/student-life/spirit
Bear Down Magazine is published by the University of Arizona Student Media.
Arizona Student Media
888 N. Euclid Ave.#301 Tucson, AZ 85721
Editor
Susan McMillan
Director, Arizona Student Media Advisor, The Daily Wildcat sbmcmillan@arizona.edu 520-621-3408
Adverising
Mark Marrero
Sales Manager, Arizona Student Media
markmarrero@arizona.edu 520-621-5982
Contributing Writer
Sierra Blaser
Design and Production
Kasey Leftwich
Graphic Design, Photography
Cover
Message from VP Amanda Kraus
What Bear Down Means to the Wildcat Community
Bear Down & Parent & Family Weekend Events
Dean of Students
Safe Cats
Think Tank
Important Numbers
Thrive Center
Parent & Family Programs
Student Success
Disability Resource
Residence Life
Intramural Sports
I Am Student Media
What Bear Down Means TO THE WILDCAT COMMUNITY
By Sierra Blaser
Nearly a century ago, a young quarterback’s final words became the rallying cry that continues to fuel the University of Arizona: Bear Down.
In 1926, student body president and varsity quarterback John Byrd “Button” Salmon was seriously injured in a car accident. Before his passing, Salmon left his teammates a message that would echo through generations of Wildcats. He told his coach, J.F. “Pop” McKale, “Tell them… tell the team to bear down.”
Those two words have since grown into the heartbeat of Wildcat pride, ringing out from stadiums and classrooms to students and alumni around the world.
This fall, the university’s Division of Student Affairs is giving that legacy new life with the launch of Bear Down Week, a new campus-wide campaign designed to foster community and strengthen the Wildcat spirit. Timed to lead into Family Weekend, the program offers events, resources and opportunities for students to connect with one another and find their place on campus.
“It’s a week of opportunity,” said event co-chair Natalie O’Farrell.
“The six week mark is a really important week for when students feel connected on campus and found their community. This could possibly be a chance for those that haven't found it to really connect with someone or some group and make the experience of college much more like a community.” . 4 B .
BEAR DOWN
BEAR DOWN
The week is dedicated to bringing the Bear Down spirit to students in a community-driven fashion. With midterms approaching and Family Weekend around the corner, the initiative aims to support students at a crucial moment in the semester. Events are free or offered at a minimal cost, encouraging participation across campus.
Highlights include free group fitness classes at Campus Rec, a Pa(w)se for Pets event in the Health Promotion Hideaway inside the Bear Down Building, a puppet-making workshop hosted by the School of Art and a “homework happy hour” at the Thrive Center.
“We really are reaching our breadth of partnerships so that it’s not just Student Affairs, but also other university departments to reach out to a variety of students,” O’Farrel said.
Bear Down Magazine serves as both a guide to the campaign and a resource hub, featuring event details as well as information from key campus departments including Campus Rec, Housing and Residential Life and the Dean of Students Office.
Whether it’s finding a fitness class, joining a club or simply connecting with a fellow Wildcat, Bear Down Week is designed to make the university feel a little more like home.
More information about Bear Down Week events can be found at studentaffairs.arizona.edu/bear-down-week.
The Bear Down Story
BY ARIZONA ATHLETICS
University of Arizona Athletics’ most enduring tradition is the slogan and battle cry, “Bear Down.”
More than a casual piece of encouragement, the rally cry has roots over a century old, to the Roaring ‘20s, and pre-dates another venerated exhortation, “Win one for the Gipper,” by two years.
In the fall of 1926, John Byrd “Button” Salmon was the newly installed student body president at the University of Arizona, a promising student and member of note of several of the school’s honor societies. He also was a varsity quarterback, a baseball catcher and generally acclaimed popular campus figure. He embodied all-around.
In early October after the Wildcat varsity defeated the freshman squad in an annual match at the time, Salmon and several friends were returning from a visit to Phoenix, and an automobile crash north of Tucson near Florence left the young athlete critically injured.
Salmon, then 22, lost his battle and died the morning of Oct. 18. A memorial service was held on campus that week, drawing a reported thousand mourners, and a line of cars stretched miles to his burial plot.
The coach at the time, J.F. “Pop” McKale, had visited Salmon in the hospital
regularly before his death, and later told the squad the young athlete’s last message to his teammates was, “Tell them... tell the team to bear down.”
It’s unclear whether McKale invoked the phrase to the team before one of several games that year, a contest in Las Cruces against New Mexico A&M (NMSU) that same week, or two weeks later before a game against New Mexico in Tucson. The Wildcats won both.
But when word spread, the university student body drew to the phrase swiftly, and among other uses painted the slogan on the roof of the university gymnasium shortly thereafter, known since as Bear Down Gym. An airplane view of that hugelettered phrase caused eventual long-time band director Jack K. Lee to write the song, “Bear Down, Arizona” during his application for the university's band job. The song, and Douglas Holsclaw’s “Fight, Wildcats, Fight,” are played throughout University of Arizona sporting events, and from the campus bell tower daily.
Originally located outside the McKale Memorial Center upon its dedication in 1986, the bronze bust memorial to John “Button” Salmon was relocated in 2013 to more visible quarters near the LowellStevens Football Facility. The new location placed the bust closer to the stadium, representative of Salmon’s participation in football. The bust faces southeast so that it may look across the former Kindall-Sancet baseball stadium and on to the current home of Arizona baseball, Hi Corbett Field, as well as Salmon's hometown of Bisbee.
As part of a new tradition established with the 2013 season, Arizona football players pass and touch the bust as a show of tribute as they complete the “Wildcat Walk” and enter the LowellStevens Football Facility before every home game. The "Bear Down" rally cry also appears inside Arizona Stadium. Arizona’s FieldTurf playing surface features "Bear Down" in ghost lettering behind the prominent block “A” logo at midfield.
In spring of 2008, a highway memorial honoring the Bear Down tradition was installed along State Route 79 near the site of the tragic crash at Florence.
With or without the pieces of bronze and marble, Bear Down as a phrase and song has been inexorably a part of Arizona athletics, woven into its fabric year after year, since October 1926. Since 2000, Arizona Athletics has awarded John Button Salmon Awards to 23 former coaches or administrators for exemplary leadership and service to the university, in honor of the tradition’s namesake.
“Button” Salmon died generations ago but his message still echoes across every Arizona athletic venue, in every corner and through every building on campus, and in the thoughts of tens of thousands of Wildcat supporters past, present and future.
Bear Down!
Bear Down Arizona
Words and Music by Jack Lee
Bear Down, Arizona
Bear Down, red and Blue
Bear Down, Arizona
Hit 'em hard, let 'em know who's who;
Bear Down, Arizona
Bear Down, Red and Blue
Go, go, Wildcats, go; Arizona, Bear Down
All Hail, Arizona (Alma Mater)
Words by Ted Monro
Music by Dorothy Heighton Monro
All hail, Arizona!
Thy colors Red and Blue
Stand as a symbol - of our love for you.
All hail, Arizona! To thee we’ll be true
We’ll watch o’er and keep you,
All hail! All hail!
Fight Wildcats, Fight
Hail Arizona Wildcats
Fighting for old UA.
A raging team of Wildcats
Growling for the fray
There’s not a team can stop them
When the ball goes into play
So Fight! Team!
Fight with all your might
And win today.
Fight Wildcats, Fight for Arizona
We're with you ever staunch
And true
This day we hail you and we cheer you
They can't defeat the Red
And Blue
Circle the ends and crash
Through center
Hit hard and gain on ev'ry play
Fight Wildcats!
Fight! Fight! Fight!
We'll win today!
A WEEK FULL OF EVENTS!
Bear Down Week and Parent and Family Weekend take place October 6-12, featuring a full schedule of activities. Below are the signature events for the week. Scan the QR codes to view the complete list.
BEAR DOWN WEEK
PARENT & FAMILY WEEKEND
Dean of Students Office
Assisting students as they Navigate their Wildcat Journey
Here are a couple of highlights for the Dean of Students Office
Student Assistance is a central support hub for all students at our university, aiming to assist with various challenges including personal crises, life traumas, health issues, and academic struggles. We aim to foster a caring culture on campus, working hard to ensure all students feel supported and equipped to thrive.
Dog Days with the Dean | Dean of Students Office
Every Wednesday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm throughout the Fall & Spring Semester
Robert L. Nugent Building, Room 100
Dog Days with the Dean is a weekly event the Dean of Students Office hosts for students, staff, faculty, and community members. This event brings therapy puppies from community partners like Pet Partners and the Humane Society. Students can engage with therapeutic animals, connect with their handlers, and meet other students. Enjoy some puppy love! Lower your stress levels, relax, enjoy free goodies, and connect with beautiful pets, their humans, and one another. It is a paw-some experience for all!
Our college has the following communities listed:
Arizona Student Media
Daily Wildcat, KAMP Student Radio and UATV3
Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA)
Serves as the student government, representing and advocating for the student body. Comprising dedicated students who are passionate about enhancing their campus community, ASUA supports student engagement through programs, policies, events, and by amplifying the student voice. Our mission is to ensure that every student can connect with the University of Arizona through diverse involvement opportunities, ranging from political engagement and event planning to initiatives aimed at improving campus life. We strive to help students make the most of their college experience and create lasting memories.
Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC)
A NEW program for students to build civilian careers in the Department of Defense (DoD). The program is open to all University of Arizona students with an interest in pursuing an undergraduate degree relating to acquisition or finance, as well as digital technologies, critical technologies, science, or engineering. Students who are in majors such as business, supply chain management, contracting, and pre-law are all encouraged to apply!
Fraternity & Sorority Programs (FSP)
Exist to develop innovative approaches that empower fraternity and sorority members to tackle their greatest challenges, create change for the common good, and realize their full potential.
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
A college-based program for training commissioned officers of the US armed forces. The three branches represented at the UA are – Air Force, Army, and Navy.
Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS)
Engage. Empower. Educate. Employ. VETS is here for you. On and off campus. Online and in-person. Wherever you are.
THINK TANK is the go-to destination for academic support at the University of Arizona. To learn more about our services, visit thinktank.arizona.edu
TUTORING SUPPORT
Course-specific tutoring for Math, Chemistry, Physics, Business, Statistics, Computer Science and select languages
Drop-in Tutoring*
1-on-1 drop-in style support for questions and working through course concepts.........................FREE
Private Tutoring*
1-on-1 appointment $25 per 1-hour session
Group appointment (2-3 students)......$17.50/student
WRITING SUPPORT
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION
Collaborative study group sessions to support historically difficult chemistry, micro-biology, physics, physiology and nutrition courses facilitated by trained peer leaders
Weekly study groups for select courses FREE
MATH EXAM PREP
THINK TANK
Support for any writing, including professional and creative pieces, at any stage of the process.
Peer Tutoring*
1-on-1 writing support by appointment FREE Feedback Loop
Upload your document and a tutor will return helpful feedback FREE
Writing Events
Time to write, drop-in tutoring available FREE
ACADEMIC COACHING
Develop and strengthen study skills and strategies for academic success.
Academic Coaching*
1-on-1 session, up to four each semester..................FREE
One additional session.................................................$50
Optional follow-up with registration.........................FREE
GRAD SCHOOL TEST PREP
Affordable grad school entrance exam prep courses.
LSAT
In-Person Class
$750 / $500**
Self-Paced Online Class $450 / $300**
MCAT
Self-Paced Online Class
Private Tutoring
$750 / $500**
$75 / $50** per session
**U of A student and graduate discounted cost.
Visit our main location at the Bartlett Academic Success Center.
*Select services available online and in person.
Fee-based services are billed to student’s Bursar account. Credit card and check are accepted for Test Prep courses. Financial support is available; learn more at thinktank.arizona.edu
Interested in Studying Abroad?
5 REASONS YOU SHOULD STUDY ABROAD:
1. Earn credits toward your degree while seeing the world!
2. Gain a global perspective & cultural understanding by living & learning in another community.
3. Improve language skills & confidence through real-life experience.
4. Collaborate with students & instructors from around
"Studying abroad has been one of the most amazing opportunities I've been given, and I immersed myself in so much culture through living with my host family and exploring the city."
– Deana Nguyen: Spanish in Costa Rica, Summer ‘24
Thrive Center
Thrive Center is here to support students as they successfully navigate through, excel in, and graduate from the University of Arizona prepared for life after college. Students thrive when they engage socially and academically, and when they feel connected to campus. Thrive Center is committed to ensuring that students do not just survive at the U of A but thrive.
We provide a variety of services to meet students where they’re at:
— Peer mentoring provides students with a student mentor to help them navigate campus and connect them to resources.
— AGAVE provides community and information about experiential learning and funding for migrant and undocumented students.
— Financial Wellness equips students with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently manage their finances during college and into their professional lives.
— First Cats is a place to learn, grow and connect with other first-generation college students.
— Thrive Treks take students around campus to introduce them to new spaces, services and people.
— Mentoring Mashups are opportunities for students to hear from campus resources about the opportunities that are available to them.
Everything offered through the Thrive Center is FREE! More information can be found at thrive.arizona.edu
Student Success
Student Success Student Success works to support undergraduate students through individualized academic support, academic skill building, tutoring, peer mentoring, and creating community.
studentsuccess.arizona.edu
Support Outreach Success (SOS) Supports students and everyone in the University of Arizona community. SOS will answer any question or make sure you are connected with the right resources and people.
sos.arizona.edu sos@arizona.edu
The Disability Resource Center (DRC)
The Disability Resource Center at the University of Arizona is one of the most aspirational disability services offices in higher education. Our goal is to reframe disability, advance access, and to promote universal design. The DRC ensures disability access on campus for students, employees, and visitors. We promote universal design through proactive collaboration with campus partners to cultivate a more inclusive and welcoming University experience. The role of the DRC is to collaborate with the campus community to provide disabled people with equitable opportunities for success and involvement through the provision of accommodations and services in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations as well as nationally recognized best practices. The DRC and the University community envision a campus that is not only accessible but welcoming to all.
The DRC is located in the Highland Commons and can be contacted by telephone at 520-621-3268 and/or email at disability@arizona.edu
TRY OUT
Season A
TEAM SPORTS
- Golf - Ballroom Dance
- Baseball
- Cheer-leading
- Cycling
- Equestrian
- Archery - Badminton
- Rodeo - Table Tennis
- Roller Derby - Tennis
- Roller Hockey - Tricats
- Rugby (M,W) - Ultimate Frisbee (M,W)
- Soccer - Volleyball (M,W)
- Fencing - Swim - Synchronized Swimming - Water Polo (M,W)
- Flag Football - Tennis Singles - Super Smash Bros
- 5v5 Basketball - Tennis Singles - FIFA 23 Tourney
- Dodgeball - Racquetball Singles - Trivia (Free) - Cornhole - Mario Kart 8 Tourney
Season D
- Softball - Cornhole
- Flag Football
- Indoor Soccer
- Pool Basketball
- Pickleball Doubles
- 3v3 Basketball - Tennis Doubles
- 4v4 Sand Volleyball
- Super Smash Bros Tourney
- Racquetball Doubles
- Mario Kart 8 Tourney
- Trivia (Free)
Sierra Blaser
Hometown: Oxnard, California
Major: Journalism
WHAT I DO:
General Manager
UATV3 gives me real world experience in media production, storytelling, and social media skills I’ll use in my future career. Whether I’m setting up interviews, creating content, or managing social platforms I’m constantly learning how to connect with an audience. My goal is to work in social media for the sports or scuba diving industry. UATV3 helps me build those skills by allowing me to lead projects, think creatively, and produce content that’s both authentic and engaging. I love capturing stories, whether it’s athletes, students, or unique campus events, and translating that into visual media that resonates. UATV3 is more than just a student job or club. It’s where I’ve learned how to work on a team, communicate clearly and adapt on the fly. It’s given me a strong foundation in content creation and interview skills that I’ll carry into my future career.
WHAT I DO:
Editor-in-Chief
The Daily Wildcat gives me the opportunity to connect with my community in a way standard college classes didn't. As a freshman, my gen-ed classes didn't allow me time to explore my major, and I had no idea if journalism was truly for me. By joining the Daily Wildcat, I was not only able to confi rm that journalism was what I wanted to do, but that it was the dream. As I worked my way up to Arts and Life editor and then to Editor-in-Chief, I also fell in love with serving as a resource for my peers. I've gained incredible relationships by joining Arizona Student Media, and it led me to multiple internships at local news outlets. Working for the Daily Wildcat has been a highlight for my college career, and I'm grateful to the team we've built.
Colin Morgan
Hometown: Tustin, California
Major: Journalism
Sophia Troetel
Hometown: New York, New York
Major: Psychological Science & Spanish
General Manager
KAMP Student Radio has so many unique ways you can contribute and join our community. I fell in love with KAMP Student Radio because of the endless opportunities that the station offers the student body -- from playing your favorite songs on air as a student DJ to covering sporting events and concerts/festivals across Tucson and beyond.
KAMP is place for those who love music, movies, radio, and journalism. For those looking for a safe, welcoming space and community here at the University of Arizona. For those with a passion and flair for creativity and creation! KAMP Student Radio truly has something wonderful to offer every student who passes through :)
