BACK TO BEAR DOWN | VOLUME 119,
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UA launches digital CatCard for Apple and Google Wallet
EMMA MCDONOUGH
The Daily Wildcat
On Aug. 5, the University of Arizona made mobile CatCards an official part of campus life, putting student IDs one tap away on Apple and Google Wallets.
For decades, UA students have carried the same plastic CatCard to buy meals, get into their dorms and prove their identification. Now, that card can live on their phone. The rollout of mobile CatCards also comes with a new design for physical IDs that will likewise appear on Apple and Google Wallets.
Elliott Cheu, interim Chief Information Officer at the UA, notified students and faculty of this major milestone in a campuswide email. “This CatCard initiative has been a truly collaborative effort, involving many teams and units from across the university and external partners,” Cheu said in the email. “I am very grateful for their contributions towards helping us achieve a more connected and secure digital campus.”
The official integration of CatCards onto mobile devices comes after a successful early access program during the 2024-2025 school year, which provided participating students and staff with the opportunity to add their ID to their Apple Wallets. This tested out mobile access at select locations across campus that were equipped to handle the upcoming technology.
According to Alexa Rohr, IT project manager at University Information Technology Services, this project began 16 months ago and “required significant infrastructure so that the technology would work across campus to access buildings, make purchases and more,” Rohr said.
To upload CatCards onto phones, students must download the newly updated University of Arizona app and complete the card’s activation to add onto mobile wallets. By adding the card onto a mobile device, a student’s physical card will be deactivated.
CatCards are a primary tool for students across campus, whether they use it for printing assignments, access to their dorm or dining throughout Arizona Student Unions.
Associate Director of Marketing at Arizona Student Unions Katie Schoeben expressed gratitude for what this change could mean for the efficiency of dining across campus. “The digital CatCard integration is a major step forward in improving the dining experience,” Schoeben said.
Students can now use their smartphones or smartwatches to access
meal plans and make payments — eliminating the need to carry a physical CatCard while reducing contact and speeding up transactions. For staff, this means quicker lines, fewer card reader issues and less time spent troubleshooting lost or damaged cards, especially during peak dining hours.
“This shift brings us closer to our goal of a fully digital, seamless campus experience,” Schoeben said. “It also paves the way for further digital enhancements like data-driven insights into dining patterns.”
All student union dining locations are set up to accept mobile CatCards. According to Schoeben, there may be a short transition period at a few vendor-run locations while they upgrade their payment systems, but Arizona Dining is working closely with them to ensure a smooth adop-
tion as quickly as possible.
Mobile CatCards also mean easier access into student housing across campus. Previously, if a student forgot their CatCard, they would not be able to access many buildings, including their dorm. This new keyless and cardless progress means students can get home safely with a quick tap of their phone.
Associate Director of Marketing at UA Housing and Residential Life Ali Santander expressed hopes for a smoother year with this integration. This transition will start before the first day of school with freshman move-in periods.
Since CatCards can now be set up on mobile devices before arriving on campus, building access will activate within moments of a student checking in at their dorm.
“Over the year, we expect having a CatCard available in a student’s mobile wallet will reduce the number of lost cards, eliminating the need for our front desks to issue Temporary Access Cards,” Santander said.
Digital CatCards will also offer a more sustainable campus experience. “This option eliminates the need to print and mail physical cards, creating a safer, more costeffective and more environmentally-friendly process,” Rohr said.
This shift to digital CatCards is more than just a convenience — it’s a step toward a more connected, technologically-integrated campus experience. As the UA continues embracing digital tools, students can expect their daily routines to be more efficient.
While it may seem like a small change, the mobile CatCard reflects a bigger trend: the UA’s push toward a more digital, streamlined future. And for students, that future may be just a tap away.
SELA MARGALIT | THE DAILY WILDCAT
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA announces digital CatCards are available on Apple and Google Wallet for student identifiation.
Discover Tucson: 25 things to do for the rest of the year
BY KATE EID
The Daily Wildcat
Heading into the fall semester at the University of Arizona calls for some fresh Tucson bucket list items. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a seasoned UA student, anyone can find something special in this list of the best things to do in Tucson throughout the rest of the year.
On Campus
Visit the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
Unleash your inner cosmonaut and take a trip to the science museum and planetarium.
Student cost: $11 for science center, $19 for science center and planetarium show.
When: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See “Les Miserables” live
Broadway in Tucson is bringing this masterpiece to life as the first show of its 25-26 season.
Ticket cost: $42+
When: Sept. 9-14.
Where: Centennial Hall
View School of Art Galleries
Experience local art on campus in exhibitions by UA art students and contemporary work from outside artists.
Cost: Free
When: Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Where: Joseph Gross Gallery
Watch Jazz “n” AZ
Watch an explosive jazz dance show with seasonal favorite works from the School of Dance.
Ticket cost: $15 for students
When: Sept. 16-18
Where: Stevie Eller Dance Theater
Stroll through the Center for Creative Photography
Visit one of the world’s finest academic art museums and its exhibition celebrating 50 years.
Cost: Free
When: Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cheer on at Arizona Wildcats Football games
Game day! Arizona sports are must-goes for every Wildcat.
Cost: Free with a ZonaZoo pass, individual ticket prices vary
When: Home games are Aug. 30, Sept. 6,
Sept. 12, Oct. 4, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Nov. 22
Where: Arizona Stadium
Take aesthetic photos at the Environment and Natural Resources 2 Building
Get insta ready in the open air courtyard surrounded by ENR2’s incredible architecture , which turns 10 years old this year.
Cost: Free
When: Building is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: ENR2 Building
Take a tour at the Tree Ring Laboratory
Take a tour of the laboratory and learn how university researchers are studying and
dating annual rings in trees.
Cost: Free
When: Check website availability
Where: Bryant Bannister Tree-Ring Building
Get creative in CATalyst Studios
Visit this unique, creative space built for students to borrow and use materials and learn how to 3D print, sew and more.
Cost: Most equipment is free, with materials for sale
When: Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Main Library
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
JOSIE SHIVERS
EVENTS
Around Campus
Grab a drink from Scented Leaf Tea House
Visit this café/tea house for one of the best study spots in Tucson.
When: Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Where: 943 E. University Blvd.; other locations in downtown, Tucson’s eastside and midtown.
Grab a bite from Time Market
Stroll and shop at this local grocery store and café with lovely outdoor seating (with some amazing pizza).
When: Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Where: 444 E. University Blvd.
Find a new read at Antigone Books
This cozy bookshop features local authors and an assortment of gifts perfect for the upcoming holidays.
When: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 411 N. 4th Ave
Grab breakfast or drinks at Hotel Congress
This multifaceted (and haunted) hotel and venue feature a charming café, historic bar and frequent concerts.
When: Open daily, hours vary
Where: 311 E. Congress St.
Explore Tucson’s Vegan Eats
As the first United States’ UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson offers a variety of places to grab a bite. Vegan or not, take a trip around town and get some of the best vegan eats.
Restaurants: Tumerico, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, Cafe Desta, Falora and Houlden’s Rise Above
Shop at the boutiques on University Boulevard
Get ready for Tucson’s nightlife with trendy and adorable women’s wear from Boutique 816, Swindlers, Pitaya and Collette Clothing.
When: Check individual stores
Where: University Boulevard from Park Avenue to Euclid Avenue
Grab a sweet treat from HeeMee Coffee and Bakery
Delicious lattes, pastries and gourmet breakfast items are their specialty, and they have a second location coming to University Boulevard soon!
When: Open Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Where: 20 E. Congress St.
Play games at Snakes & Lattes
Plan a date night or girls night out at this unique board game lounge and bar with delicious comfort food.
When: Open Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 988 E. University Blvd
Grab chips, salsa and margs at Mi Nidito Restaurant
This South Tucson restaurant has some of the best margaritas in town.
When: Open Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where: 1813 S. 4th Ave
Investigate the paranormal or get spooked at Old Tucson
People say the grounds of Old Tucson are haunted by numerous ghostly entities. Take a 90 minute ghost tour or experience Nightfall this spooky season.
When: dates and times vary; check website for more information.
Where: 201 Kinney Rd.
Weekend Adventures
Stargaze at the Mount Lemmon Skycenter Observatory
Get away from the city and head to the observatory featuring SkyNights, DayTours and SummerSky.
Cost: $10 to $85
Where: 9800 E. Ski Run Rd.
Take a Mural Bike Tour
Tucson Bike Tours offers a seven mile bike tour featuring 35 of Tucson’s finest murals.
Cost: $65
When: Almost everyday 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Where: 215 N. Hoff Ave.
Shop at Old Town Artisans
Take a stroll through the maze of eclectic art shops and a nature-adoring restaurant at this historic block of shopping and dining.
When: Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson, 196 N. Court Ave.
Sabino Canyon Night Crawler
Take a tour under the stunning night sky from Sabino Canyon Road to the Bear Canyon Overlook.
Cost: $15
When: Saturdays, 8:30 - 11:00 p.m. (may shift due to daylight)
Where: 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Walk through five and a half acres of native flowers and foliage as well as new nature exhibits every season.
Cost: $15 for Students
When: Open 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily
Where: 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Mercado Flea Market
Browse antiques and collectables from community vendors at one of the most popular markets in the area.
When: Every second Sunday of the month starting this October
Where: 100 South Avenida del Convento
ELIJAH BIA | THE DAILY WILDCAT
A CUP OF TEA and an M&M cookie from Scented Leaf.
FILE PHOTO
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UA Office of Public Safety Releases SafeCats App
BY RUBY WRAY
The Daily Wildcat
The University of Arizona Office of Public Safety released the school’s first safety app, SafeCats, at the start of the fall semester. The app combines all safety features into one, user-friendly homepage, available for all UA students, employees, friends and family.
The University of Arizona Police Department, alongside The University Information Technology Service (UITS) and the Marketing and Communications team, spent the summer getting UAlert up and running, effective as of Aug. 18.
“In this world that we live in, information flows so quickly, and we wanted to make sure that our faculty, staff, and most importantly our students had all the available resources right at their fingertips,” Steve Patterson, vice president and chief safety officer chair, said.
Previously, the university operated under both LiveSafe and UAlert. After research and planning, the UA identified Rave Mobile Safety, a Motorola-based company that provides tech safety solutions to higher education across the country, such as Duke University and Princeton University.
The safety program will now operate under this single vendor, as to ensure smooth communication across campus.
“The goal of it was to ultimately have one vendor that handles the mass notification system, which we know to be UAlert,” Patterson said.
Patterson and his teams are working to promote the app as much as possible with filming and advertisements, tabling events, dorm visits and student employees training.
“When I first ran my sophomore year, safety was the number one concern that came up throughout my campaign,” Adriana Grijalva, ASUA president, said. “And, you know, following the shooting with professor Meixner, soon I got involved with a lot of gun violence prevention work. So that’s how I met a lot of students that I worked with to talk about safety.”
Grijalva suggested during the development to add wellness support resources, like Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS), survivor advocacy services, and employee resources.
“I had a first look at the app before it was officially out. And so I got to actually look at features. One thing I recommended to Tamra and her team was to put student resources,” Grijalva said. “I was able to give direct feedback to the team, and I really appreciated them getting student input,
looking at different areas.”
The app includes preceding safety features, such as SafeRide and Mobile BlueLights, a portable version of the on-campus BlueLights. It also includes new features such as Friend Walk, Work Alone and Social Escape.
Friend Walk sends your location in real time to a trusted contact while you walk to
your destination, Work Alone notifies your contact while working or studying alone if you are unresponsive and Social Escape automatically calls your phone as a social distraction to exit dangerous situations.
“I definitely think that this app, for students, when they hear about it and the features that it has, students have downloaded it, and […]stu-
dents are really engaged and appreciate the features, “ Grijalva said. “Safety has been a huge thing holistically on this campus that has been a concern, so I think this app really has brought that out.”
You can download SafeCats for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
AMARA WILLIAMS | DAILY WILDCAT
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA’S Office of Public Safety has launched the new SafeCats app.
The University of Arizona consolidates cultural centers into a multicultural hub
BY EMMA MCDONOUGH
The Daily Wildcat
The University of Arizona administration officially announced a plan on May 27 to consolidate the seven cultural centers on campus into a single multicultural hub, which led to the termination of directors from each of the existing centers.
Dr. Jenna Hatcher, who will serve as the Vice Provost and Special Advisor to Provost Patricia Prelock, announced the consolidation through a campus message to faculty and students. “This process will reflect the university’s strategic imperatives and our ongoing commitment to student retention, progression, graduation and career success across all identities,” Hatcher wrote in her letter.
Mitch Zak, a spokesperson for the UA, shared a press release on this decision. It reads that the new Student and Culture Engagement Hub was “designed to strengthen support for student engagement and community collaboration across campus.” The unit will be led by two appointed directors from the original cultural centers and overseen by an executive director who reports to Dr. Hatcher.
“This new framework is rooted in a collaborative approach that reflects the university’s values and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fostering belonging, inclusion and success for every Wildcat,” Prelock said in the press release.
The six directors of Asian Pacific American Student Affairs, African American Student Affairs, Guerrero Student Affairs, LGBTQ Student Affairs, the Women and Gender Resource Center and the Disability Cultural Center were all notified that their positions would cease to exist after the consolidation information leaked to the press. They were all given a notice and were told that they could compete for two administrative director positions for the new multicultural hub.
Kim Dominguez, the now former director of the Gender and Women’s Re-
source Center, shared a video on Instagram on June 5 announcing that she had been laid off. Dominguez informed her students that her last official day will be on Aug. 2.
Dominguez was deeply distraught by the decision to consolidate the centers into a multicultural hub. “These cultural institutions weren’t lost like a sock, bobby pin or earring. Administration dismantled 50 years of progress for women, communities of color, poor working class, disabled, trans, queer youth and students,” Dominguez said.
In terms of transparency between the upper administration and the cultural centers, Dominguez felt as though the university had been leaving them in the dust for months. “The communication and lack of communication has been cruel, demeaning and demoralizing,” Dominguez said.
Adiba Nelson is the current program coordinator at the African American Student Association. Her boss and director of AASA, Jamaica DelMar, will be laid off. This leaves Nelson with the duties and responsibilities of both coordinator and director. Nelson claimed that this is a somewhat “cruel” process. That said, Nelson recognized that this is the only way to ensure that the legacy of the Martin Luther King Jr. space remains intact.
DelMar now has to transition Nelson into her new position. “While I maintain that the feeling of it is, in fact, cruel, I also understand that if this new iteration of AASA is going to be successful and thrive, she is the only person who can teach me what she knows, and so due to the transition it has to be done that way,” Nelson said.
According to Nelson, the centers will maintain their separate physical spaces on campus, but their names will be changing to respective titles that are no longer identitybased. Thus, the name AASA will no longer be official after the consolidation.
Nelson explained that she and her students will work with the executive director of the new hub in some capacity to decide on a fitting name. As of right now, the exact parameters for what the name can be are unclear.
In terms of the consolidation efforts, Nelson admits that this was not an ideal decision, but she was still relieved. “It was
better than having the centers completely taken away,” Nelson said.
While Nelson understands the efficiency perspective behind consolidation, she also pointed out that different cultures have different needs, different ways of communicating and different perspectives.
“The term multicultural — it’s a soup. And you throw everything in the soup, and hopefully you taste some distinct flavors,
but it’s a soup at the end of the day. Sometimes you lose the individual flavor of ingredients,” Nelson said. Nelson then referenced some of her experience with students since this decision was released. “I think that the majority of students feel like this decision has been made on their behalf, for
SELA MARGALIT | THE DAILY WILDCAT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA administration announced the consolidation of distinct cultural centers into one multicultural hub on May 27.
STUDENT LIFE
FROM PAGE 9
their betterment, without ever actually consulting them as to what their needs or wants are,” Nelson said.
Nelson expressed a lot of hope for the future and the competence of the administration to carry out the new multicultural hub. Nelson also pointed out some of the frustrations that Black students continuously face on campus.
“The Black students come to MLK because they don’t always feel comfortable on campus. I can’t even tell you the number of students who have come to me and said ‘I stepped out of my dorm and was immediately called the n-word,’ or female students who heard white girls snickering about their afros,” Nelson said.
Despite the consolidation, Nelson plans to continue outreach to freshmen and transfer students to make them aware of her center. Nelson explained that it is her goal to make every Black student feel safe somewhere on campus.
Rather than being incorporated into
this new multicultural hub, the Native American Student Affairs Center will be integrated into the Office of Native American Initiatives. “This move recognizes and respects the sovereign status of tribal nations, while reflecting our ongoing commitment to student success,” Levi Esquerra, the senior vice president for Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement, said.
The fate of NASA is largely at a standstill.
Julian Juan was the former director of this cultural center prior to the consolidation decision. Unlike the other directors, Juan was immediately terminated without notice and was not given the option to compete for one of the two director positions at the new hub.
Juan shared a video of himself explaining his situation on Instagram on May 27. He began his explanation with a heartfelt plea to the Native students he had worked with throughout his time as the director of NASA.
“This has been the most rewarding and beautiful work I’ve ever had the privilege of being a part of,” Juan said.
Juan then shared details of events leading up to his instant termination from the university. This story began on Feb. 19 when Jacquelyn Francisco, a Native law student at the UA, tried to speak at a Tribal Leader Summit hosted by the university. She was physically silenced by Tessa Dysart, the Assistant Vice Provost of the Office of Native American Initiatives. Dysart moved Francisco away from the podium, and students reportedly overheard her say “You’re not going to speak today.”
After this event, Juan explained that many Native students felt uncomfortable and even unsafe with the university’s upper administration. NASA held a Feast Friday event on April 11, to which Dysart attended.
“I saw the faces of distressed students looking into my office,” Juan said. Out of concern for his students, Juan explained that he had asked Dysart to leave the event. “[Students] should not be afraid that they will be physically silenced by senior administrators,” Juan said.
After Juan asked Dysart to leave, he claimed that she said, “This is an open cam-
pus — I can go anywhere that I please.” Juan was uncomfortable with this statement, as Native people are taught to respect the places that they go.
In his video, Juan mentioned that this interaction was witnessed by two tribal leaders. Juan explained that he immediately apologized to the leaders out of courtesy. Juan also pointed out that after this event, he sent a report to the Threat Assessment Management Team. In the report, he said that he was afraid of retaliation from his decision to ask Dysart to leave. He explicitly stated that he was concerned for his professional safety, in addition to the safety and comfort of his students.
“It is my responsibility to ensure that students feel supported and that they feel safe,” Juan said.
Juan then explained that on April 30, he received a memo from then-Interim Provost Ron Marx, which demanded a drafted apology to the tribal leaders who were present at the Feast Friday event and a meeting to be set with the administration by mid-May. Juan was told in a meeting on May 5 that he could have his own tribal leaders present for this meeting so that he would feel comfortable. According to Juan, the administration told him that the mid-May deadline could be pushed back to accommodate the schedules of his tribal leaders.
According to the university, Juan was fired from his position because he did not schedule a meeting with them by mid-May, as requested. Juan argued that he was simply trying to arrange the soonest time that his tribal leaders were available.
The university also claimed that Juan did not turn in his drafted apology to the Tribal leaders who were present at the Feast Friday event in a timely manner, even though he had already apologized to the leaders immediately after the interaction occurred. He also was not given a deadline for the drafted apology. He was notified in an emergency meeting on May 27 that he had been discharged from his responsibilities without notice.
Juan felt as though this decision was solely out of retaliation for his decision to stand up for students and ask Dysart to leave NASA’s event. “I can physically silence a student, apparently, but I cannot advocate for them,” he said.
JOSIE SHIVERS | THE DAILY WILDCAT
A STUDENT EATS LUNCH with signs behind her that say “Black Lives Matter” in the Women and Gender Student Space located on the fourth floor at the Student Union at the University of Arizona on Aug. 26. The space has events and resources open to all students free of charge.
OPINION: ‘Thoughts and prayers’ don’t save lives
BY MASON KUMET
The Daily Wildcat
Thoughts and prayers for all those involved. These children in Minneapolis were trying to do just that when two of them were tragically gunned down on Aug. 27. They say don’t underestimate the power of prayer. What about the power of change — people coming together to help each other no matter which boxes they check in the voting booth? The train of thought hits the last station once we use a tragedy as a political speech footnote.
Republicans blame the Democrats because the shooter wrote “Kill Donald Trump” on their weapon’s magazine in a now removed video online, which shows the weapons and ammunition used in the shooting as well as a chemical container with “Jew Gas” written on it. Democrats blame the Republicans for letting the people have guns. Republicans blame the Democrats because the shooter was transgender.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said “don’t just say this is about ‘thoughts and prayers’ right now. These kids were literally praying.” How dare he mock praying. How dare he insult Christians and their practices. How dare he push for real change after a tragedy instead of three words and a gesture. Too often we let tragic events like this become political ammunition — although bullets would be too sophisticated a weapon, more akin to rocks we try to bludgeon one another with.
Before the bodies turn cold, we are pointing fingers across the aisle.
It’s a gun issue, it’s a trans issue and it’s a Muslim issue — these are all claims that have been made just hours after the shooting. Everyone is looking for a characteristic of the villain that they don’t like in order to justify their actions. It seems as though people can’t bear the idea that the shooter could have been a troubled young person who didn’t get the help they needed. These actions surely stem from a minute detail about their life: their gender identity, where they are from, their religion or their political affiliation. Whichever one you don’t share with the mass shooter surely must be the root of the problem.
“You must understand that you have strength, and you can achieve anything if
you try hard enough,” sounds like something your mom or dad would tell you when you’re young to keep you going, something you tell yourself when the going gets rough. That’s what was on the first page of the shooter’s manifesto. Robin Westman uploaded a video right before the shooting going through their notebook filled with writing, much of it in Russian. Seen in another video, the weapons covered in Westman’s writing include quotes like “Israel must fall,” “where is your God?” and “for the children.” This isn’t a political issue, it’s a humanity issue.
Westman was admittedly depressed and suicidal. In the manifesto, she left a note for her family writing, “I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad
person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away. I know this is wrong but I can’t seem to stop myself.” She asked her family to make up with each other, change their names if they have to and remember her however they wish. The note also contained apologies to friends and family for the ripple effect it would cause in their lives. She knew how it would not only affect the victims’ lives but the lives of anyone close to Westman. She also wrote to pray for the victims she was about to create. Westman is so tragically unphased by the crimes she will commit. She needs more than political points to blame.
Mass shooters are not meant to be easily understood, especially in regards to mental illness. They are a tragic anomaly of humanity
that does not operate within the boundaries of empathetic society. You cannot try and fit them into your idea of what a human can accomplish and why they are doing it.
The shooter’s notebook reads: “in regards to my motivation behind the attack I can’t really put my finger on a specific purpose. It definitely wouldn’t be for racism or white supremacy. I don’t want to do it to spread a message. I do it to please myself. I do it because I am sick.”
Our focus should not be who to blame for events like this, but rather what we all can do to better our society and treatment of others. America is a team sport, not a rivalry.
MASON KUMET | THE DAILY WILDCAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF Minhaj Jamshidi mourn their loss on the night of Sept. 22, 2024. The shooting occurred at the volleyball courts on the south side of campus.
Letter to the editor: A first-generation welcome
EDDIE BARRÓN Student Body Senator
To my first-generation comrades, Class of 2029, welcome to the University of Arizona, and huge congratulations on making it here!
Three years ago, I was right where you are now, stepping onto this campus as the first in my family to go to college. I carried a mix of excitement, nerves, and way more questions than answers. I didn’t have a map, just hope. Hope that my family’s sacrifices would be worth it, and that I could build something better
for those who come after me.
Just by being here, you’ve already achieved something huge. But I want to be real with you, the road ahead will be tough. You’ll come up against institutions built to uphold the status quo — systems that weren’t designed with us in mind. And if you’re a student of color, queer, disabled or hold other marginalized identities, the weight of that challenge can feel even heavier. The university won’t always fight hard enough for us. But, you are not alone. Your story is one of resilience, of pushing through, of refusing to be defined by where you started. What you’re doing is bigger than a degree. You’re breaking cycles, opening doors and carrying
the dreams of your family and ancestors who made it possible for you to be here. This moment demands more than our perseverance, it demands our resistance. We have to challenge what’s broken, push back, and yes, sometimes fight. Our right to education, to truth, to speak freely is under attack, and those attacks are only intensifying. Public education is under siege. Authoritarian forces are tightening their grip, and this administration has already shown us where it stands. No one is coming to save us. We are the ones who must carry the torch forward.
That fight will look different for each of us. My advice to you is to find your purpose,
your community, your way to make change. Be bold. Be intentional.
And remember that your time here isn’t just about earning a degree, it’s about breaking barriers for those who come after you. There are people, students, allies, folks like me who are rooting for you, walking with you and ready to fight alongside you to make this place better. You carry the hopes of your family, your ancestors and everyone who was told they couldn’t.
We’ve already done what some said was impossible. Now, we must keep going.
With unshakable faith in our power, y mucho cariño,
Senator Eddie Barrón
COURTESY OF EDDIE BARRÓN
STUDENT Body Senator Eddie Barrón on University of Arizona campus.
Centennial Hall celebrates 20 years of Broadway in Tucson
QUENTIN S. AGNELLO
The Daily Wildcat
This year, Broadway in Tucson is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
General manager Mario Di Vetta is excited to present “Les Misérables” on Sept. 9, “& Juliet” on Oct. 29 , “Moulin Rouge!” on Dec. 2 and much more this fall and spring.
In 1912, Broadway in Tucson, a Nederlander entertainment dynasty of America, spent many generations
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reviving old shows. It brought shows to new audiences and provided a spotlight for new shows across the United States. Part of that vision was Broadway in Tucson.
“We are the only presenters for Broadway on campus,” Vetta said. “We present national touring Broadway shows.”
“Les Misérables,” widely regarded as one of the best Broadway productions of the 20th century, now makes its way to stages across the country, including our very own Centennial Hall.
Other new and successful shows will
come to the stage, such as “& Juliet: There’s life after Romeo.” The musical composition was written by renowned songwriter Max Martin and tells a story written by “Schitt’s Creek” writer David West Read.
“Most of our shows are week-long. Tuesday through Sunday,” Vetta said. “We’ve never had so many popular shows [before] this season.” Their latest and biggest success was Disney’s “The Lion King,” which broke box office records.
Those looking to experience a heartgripping story or wanting to see the new thing shaking the stage on Broadway can find it at Centennial Hall.
Ticket listings are available at broadwayintucson.com.
A look at the 2025-2026 season
“Les Miserables:” Sept. 9 - 14
“& Juliet :” Oct. 29 through Nov. 2
“Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas:” Nov. 11 - 16
“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas:” Nov. 18
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical:” Dec. 2 - 7
“The Wiz:” Jan. 6, 2026 to Jan. 11, 2026
“The Book of Mormon:” Feb. 27, 2026 to March 1, 2026
“Back to the Future :” April 14, 2026 to April 19, 2026
“Beauty and the Beast:” June 16, 2026 to June 21, 2026
“Hell’s Kitchen:” Aug 18, 2026 to Aug. 23, 2026
JOSIE SHIVERS | THE DAILY WILDCAT NEW SIGNS UP AT Centennial Hall on the University of Arizona campus on July 29. The Centennial Hall is showcasing the upcoming Broadway shows coming to the university.
SPORTING EVENTS
A-Z Wildcat sport matchups to watch this fall
BY ELLIE CONOVER The Daily Wildcat
With a new school year just around the corner, Arizona sports are gearing up for a full slate of action. Wildcat teams will host impressive competition across various sports, giving fans many mustwatch events throughout the entire year. Here is a list of matchups you should look out for, A-Z.
A.
ASU vs. Arizona football
Nov. 28 at TBD
Arguably one of the biggest games of the year is the Wildcat matchup against our rival, ASU. This year, Arizona football will take on the Sun Devils in our last scheduled game of the season in the 99th Territorial Cup. The Sun Devils will have the advantage of their home field at the Mountain America Stadium in Tempe.
B.
BYU vs. Arizona soccer
Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
BYU is a top competitor in women’s college soccer. With six wins over the Wildcats and only two losses, the game is guaranteed to be top-tier. As the teams will face each other later on in their season, their prior individual successes could predict an outcome. The game will be in Cougar territory in Provo, Utah.
C. Cincinnati vs. Arizona volleyball
Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.
Wildcat volleyball will compete against the University of Cincinnati for their senior night and last game of the scheduled season. For both reasons, McKale Center is sure to be packed with fans and energy. The last matchup between the programs in 2024 resulted in a 3-1 win for Arizona. This is not a night to miss.
D.
Denver vs. Arizona soccer
Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.
With three wins against the University of Denver under its belt, Arizona is predicted to go into this
game with confidence and put on a show for the fans at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium. The home field advantage will definitely be a crucial factor in this game, as traveling through different elevations is a challenge that can show on the field.
E.
Exhibition games
Exhibition matchups can be some of the most telling periods as to how teams may appear in their first games of the season. Soccer had their first and only exhibition game versus NAU on Aug. 5, securing a 1-0 win. Arizona volleyball will compete against Northern Colorado University in its only exhibition game of the season on Aug. 23, at noon. These kickstart programs into their scheduled season, giving them a game under their belt before rivaling against their actual competitors.
F.
Florida vs. Arizona men’s basketball
Nov. 3 at TBD
Arizona men’s basketball will compete in its first game of the season against the University of Florida in Las Vegas during its Hall of Fame series. Coming off of winning a NCAA Championship, the Gators are a tough first-game competitor especially in a neutral setting in the T-Mobile Arena, leaving the game rather unpredictable for how the Wildcats’ season will play out. As seen before, the start of a new season and team can be bumpy but Arizona men’s basketball has proven to persevere and find success.
G.
Gymnastics
Arizona gymnastics had an impressive 2024-2025 season, finishing fourth overall in the NCAA Regional Final. The Wildcats’ season starts in the winter and continues through springtime, giving fans several months of entertainment. Their schedule has not been released, but their prep and pre-season are sure to be something to watch out for.
H.
Hawaii vs. Arizona football
Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Wildcat football is opening their season at Arizona Stadium in the midst of school kicking off. With fans amped up for a new season of sports, the game is sure to be packed with liveliness and
energy that’s been kept in over the summer. This game will be the first look into what the future of Arizona football’s season may look like.
I.
Iowa State vs. Arizona volleyball
Oct. 23 at 4:30 p.m.
Arizona volleyball will travel to Ames, Iowa to compete against the Cyclones in their home court. The Wildcats dominated their previous matchup in 2024, 3-1, but fell short the year before 3-1. Marking a halfway point in the season, this game will be a testament to Arizona’s perseverance and drive. Iowa State University is known for its wild fan base, another key factor that will contribute to the result of this matchup.
J.
Jack Trice Stadium: Arizona football vs. Iowa State University
Sept. 27 at TBD
Arizona’s first Big 12 game of the year will be against Iowa State at their home base in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State was ranked No. 15 in the nation in the 2024 season. Arizona, on the other hand, was not ranked. This will be a crucial game to see if Wildcat football can hold strong amidst continued transition into the Big 12 conference.
K. Kansas State vs. Arizona volleyball
Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m.
The Wildcats’ first Big 12 matchup is versus Kansas State University in an away game in the Morgan Family Arena in Manhattan, Kansas. Big 12 games are important in gauging how well our team will do throughout the season as it’s only our second year in a new conference. Arizona’s record with Kansas State is 3-2, the most recent game in 2024 resulting in a three set loss for the Wildcats in McKale Center. Arizona will be looking for redemption in Kansas’ home court in this upcoming match.
L.
Legacy Arena: Arizona men’s basketball vs. University of Alabama
Dec. 13 at TBD
Arizona men’s basketball will compete against the University of Alabama in its home court in Birmingham, Alabama. The Crimson Tide was sixth in the 2024-2025 season; a tough competitor for No. 15 Arizona. In hopes that the Wildcats can find their rhythm, this matchup will be full of competitive efforts both offensively
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GRACIE KAYKO | THE DAILY WILDCAT
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA VOLLEYBALL player Carlie Cisneros hits the ball in McKale Center on Nov. 23, 2024. Cisneros had five kills.
SPORTING EVENTS
FROM PAGE 14
and defensively. Fortunately for Arizona, their last contest recorded a 87-74 win back in December of 2023, giving them the confidence they will need for an on-the-road matchup.
M.
McKale
Memorial Center
The beloved McKale Center hosts numerous events throughout the school year. From basketball, volleyball and gymnastics all the way to intramural championships, it is a stadium filled with energy and competitiveness. If given the opportunity, watch all games and events happening within the center throughout this upcoming season. You won’t regret it.
N.
New Mexico State University vs. Arizona soccer
Aug. 21 at 7 p.m.
This matchup will record Arizona’s first away game success or defeat of
the season. On the road games always put the travelling team at a disadvantage. However the Wildcats hold a 2-0 streak over New Mexico. In 2024, Arizona put away one goal to find the lead. This game will also be the last game before school is back in session, hopefully giving the team a push to victory before fans and school play a role in their season as well.
O.
Oklahoma State vs. Arizona football
Oct. 4 at TBD
In just their second Big 12 matchup and fifth game overall of the season, the Wildcats will fight for a win against Oklahoma State University at Arizona Stadium. The Cowboys are a well-known competitor, going 10-4 in their 2023 season. Arizona struggled in its first year within the Big 12 so it will be interesting to see how this matchup goes between two high-level programs. This night will also recognize Hispanic Heritage, bringing community together in the world of
sports.
P.
Provo, Utah: BYU vs. Arizona volleyball
Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.
Nearing the end of their scheduled season, Wildcat volleyball will compete in its second contest versus BYU in the Smith Fieldhouse in Provo, Utah. Depending on results from their first time seeing each other within the season on Nov. 5 in McKale Center, both teams will fight to either maintain their win streak or come back with a victory after recent defeat. Arizona has a 13-16 record against BYU, with its most recent game ending in a 3-0 loss for Arizona.
Q.
Quarterback Spotlight: Noah Fifita
Redshirt junior Noah Fifita looks to lead the Wildcats in another season as quarterback. Last season, the team’s first year in the Big 12, they held a record of 4-8. With time to adjust, supporters are hoping to see an angle of improvement
from the team throughout their season this year. However, tough competition lines their schedule, making it a difficult road to success. Schools like ASU, Iowa State and BYU will test Fifita and the program in games across their season.
R. Red-Blue Showcase men’s basketball
Oct. 3 at TBD
The Red-Blue Showcase is the first look at our men’s basketball team before heading into the season. Fans get to dissect new players as well as returning and watch how they work together. This is always a big day for the university as Arizona prides itself on the success of our men’s basketball program. Many are enticed to see how Bryce James, son of Lebron James, plays and how he fits into the team’s dynamic. There are several new recruits that are also getting attention for their success in high school and overseas. Getting to be part of the first look for this team is an opportunity not to miss.
S.
San Diego State vs. Arizona men’s basketball
Dec. 20 at TBD
Arizona men’s basketball’s last released game of the fall semester is on Dec. 20, in Phoenix, a neutral court against San Diego State University. This will mark their sixth game of the season thus far, giving fans predictions as to how the spring semester may unfold regarding Wildcat basketball. Arizona has a strong history against SDSU with 25 wins and seven losses. In recent years, the Wildcats have slipped past the Aztecs to secure a nail-biting victory. This is not a matchup to miss.
T.
Texas Tech vs. Arizona soccer
Oct. 19 at 12 p.m.
Streaming on ESPN, this will be one of Arizona’s more challenging matches of the season. Texas Tech University was ranked No. 41 nationally at the end of the 2024 season. Arizona trailed at 62. The program’s last game in 2023 resulted in a 1-1 tie. With four program wins for Arizona
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MASON KUMET
WILDCAT THE ARIZONA
SPORTING EVENTS
FROM PAGE 15
as well as four ties and two losses, the game is a toss-up and will come down to who wants it more. The Wildcats will be given home field advantage.
U.
UCLA vs. Arizona men’s basketball
Nov. 14 at TBD
The Wildcats will face UCLA in an away contest in Los Angeles as only their second official game of the season. There is a deep rooted history between the two programs, their first game dating all the way back to 1923. They saw each other once last season, the Bruins securing a 57-54 win. Arizona will be hungry for revenge.
V.
(The) Venue: University of Central Florida vs. Arizona volleyball
Oct. 17 at 4 p.m.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Wildcat volleyball is looking to dominate against University of Central Florida in their away game in Orlando, Florida. Arizona impressively ranked No. 33 in the NCAA last season while UCF was found at 204. The Wildcats have recorded two wins against UCF, the games 10 years apart and both with a score of 3-1. This matchup lands near the middle of their season, hoping to give them a confidence boosting win to follow them through the remainder of their Big 12 games.
W.
Wildcat Classic Arizona volleyball
Aug. 29 - Aug. 31
The Wildcat Classic is Arizona volleyball’s first tournament and first real game of the season. All games will be played in McKale Center, giving fans a chance to come and support the team throughout the tourney. Arizona will first compete against Alabama State University on Aug. 29, followed by Texas A&M
University and Fresno State University on Aug. 30-31. Matchups between the other schools will take place in between Arizona’s games.
X.
XC: Cross Country
While waiting for cross country to begin its fall schedule, there will be many meets to keep an eye on. Both our men’s and women’s teams secured spots in the 2024 NCAA Western Regional Championship. The women’s team placed 23 out of 39 teams and the men’s placed 16 out of 31. It will be nothing short of impressive to see what our Wildcats can do this upcoming season.
Y.
Your choice, writer’s pick: Auburn vs. Arizona men’s basketball
Dec. 6 at TBD
As a men’s basketball enthusiast, I think the game of this semester will be Arizona versus end-of-season No. 4 ranked Auburn University. The energy in
McKale Center during big matchups like this are irreplaceable and not to miss. Auburn consists of high-level talent that is sure to put on a show against the Wildcat men’s team. The programs have not met since 2018 where Arizona suffered a loss. As their second year in the Big 12, I think Arizona will be hungry for a victory.
Z.
ZonaZoo night: Colorado vs. Arizona volleyball
Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.
A much anticipated matchup of the year is ZonaZoo night. As Arizona is known for having one of the best student sections all around, this is not a night to miss. Our Wildcat volleyball team will take on the University of Colorado, Boulder in their fourth Big 12 matchup of the season, giving them several games under their belt to show up and show out for the crowd expected in McKale Center.
BASKETBALL
McKale Center welcomes new cactus logo court
MELISA GUZELOGLU
The Daily Wildcat
The University of Arizona made various changes over the summer, including bringing back a familiar but modern twist to the court in McKale Center — one that hasn’t been seen for over a decade.
Arizona brought back its iconic cactus logo for the 2025-2026 season. The vintage logo was first featured in 1981 and hasn’t been used since Sean Miller was hired in 2009. When Miller was hired, he chose to implement the block A logo as a way to modernize McKale Center.
While the Lute and Bobi Olson Court has seen other art other than the familiar cactus logo, the athletic department revealed four different designs over the summer for fans to vote on.
While the other options included designs of a fainter Arizona logo on the bottom and an outline of the state, the cactus court seemed heavily favored, sticking out and bringing a feeling of nostalgia to most voters. Each design also included Lute’s signature placed on either the sides or middle of the court.
Arizona athletic director, Desiree Reed-Francois made a comment about the Block A logo on the Bear Down Podcast:
“I was here in the 90s and that logo meant something and was unique to Tucson [ ... ]. I wanted to make sure our fans’ voices were heard, and we listened to them,” Reed-Francois said.
During the month of October in the 2024 football season, Arizona teased the admired logo on its helmets in a game against the University of Colorado, Boulder. The image included a saguaro cactus with a sunset and mountains placed on a white helmet.
Fans already got a look of the new court on Aug. 29, when volleyball opened its season as the Wildcats hosted a three-game Wildcat Classic. The public can also gain a view of the court during the Arizona men’s basketball Red-Blue Showcase on Oct. 3.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA announced it will be bringing back its iconic cactus logo for the 2025-2026 season.
Arizona football releases 2025-2026 season schedule
The Daily Wildcat
The University of Arizona football team looks to have a more successful year this season, building off Brent Brennan’s first season at the helm. The Wildcats came just short of reaching a bowl game in 2024 and ended the season with a 4-8 overall record and 2-7 conference record in their first year competing as a part of the Big 12 conference.
The season ended for the Wildcats with a 49-7 blowout loss to instate rival ASU. With the offseason bringing the loss of players to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal, the stakes continue to rise for the program.
Arizona football recently released its schedule for the upcoming season, with some old foes to new faces in its second year in the Big 12. While Arizona is coming off a difficult season, the Wildcats look to avenge the previous season and power ahead in order to make a farther run in a new season. Here is a brief preview of next season:
Week 1: Arizona vs. University of Hawaii on Saturday, Aug. 30
Arizona football faces the University of Hawaii for the first time since the 2019 season when the Wildcats traveled to Honolulu to compete against the Rainbow Warriors. The two programs’ last meeting resulted in a 45-38 Hawaii victory in the Wildcats’ first game of the season. However, this time around the Rainbow Warriors will be traveling to Tucson to face the Wildcats. The last time these foes met in the desert was when Arizona walloped the Rainbow Warriors 47-28 on Sep. 17, 2016.
GAVIN HUNTER CELEBRATES AN interception against Hawaii at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 30. This was Hunter’s first career interception.
Arizona’s all-time record over Hawaii is 5-1.
Week 2: Arizona vs. Weber State University on Saturday, Sept. 6
Arizona football hosts Weber State University for the programs’ first-ever matchup. Weber State has found success at the Football Championship Subdivision level, making five-straight FCS playoff appearances from 2016 to 2020. Their last time in the playoff was in 2022; after 2022, Weber State lost their head coach Jay Hill, who became BYU’s
defensive coordinator and associate head coach. Weber State’s last win over an FCS opponent came in 2022 when they beat Utah State University 35-7.
Week 3: Arizona vs. Kansas State University on Friday, Sept. 12
Arizona will host Kansas State University for the first time since 1978, in which Arizona won 31-0. Arizona’s most recent outing against Kansas State saw them travel up to Manhattan, Kansas, and fall in a 31-7 loss. Arizona’s loss in this matchup last season would
be the start of a steady decline, in which the Wildcats would only win two of their following nine games. Former Arizona defensive back Gunnar Maldonado joined Kansas State over the offseason which makes this matchup even more meaningful for Arizona.
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT
MELISA GUZELOGLU, REED LOFSTEDT
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Week 4: Arizona at Iowa State University on Saturday, Sept. 27
Arizona travels to Ames, Iowa for the Wildcats’ first matchup against the Cyclones since 1968, when the Wildcats made the same voyage to win 21-12. Arizona’s new Big 12 peer comes off a stellar 2024 season that saw them go 11-3, with the Cyclones ultimately losing the conference championship to ASU and winning the Poptart Bowl against the University of Miami.
Week 5: Arizona vs. Oklahoma State University on Saturday, Oct. 4
Arizona hosts Oklahoma State University for the first time since 2012, a matchup that saw the scoreboard run high with the Wildcats beating the Cowboys 59-38. Oklahoma State was projected to finish third in the Big 12
last season but after a very tumultuous season, the Cowboys finished 3-9 and went 0-9 in conference play.
Week 6: Arizona vs. BYU on Saturday, Oct. 11
Arizona and BYU met last year in Provo, Utah, when the Cougars outmatched the Wildcats 41-19 Oct. 12, 2024. These foes have a storied history together from when they were conference opponents in the bygone era of Arizona’s time in the Western Athletic Conference from 1962 to 1978. From 1978 onward, the two have only met seven times, with the Wildcats only winning twice.
Week 7: Arizona at University of Houston on Saturday, Oct. 18
Arizona heads on the road to face the University of Houston in mid-October at Texas Dow Employees Credit Union Stadium. Throughout the programs’
two of the teams’ last three meetings in the past three seasons. Arizona suffered a 34-7 loss just last year on Oct. 19, 2024 and are looking to redeem themselves come November.
Week 9: Arizona vs. University of Kansas on Saturday, Nov. 8
As the Wildcats return home to take on the Jayhawks, Arizona looks to improve to three wins over the University of Kansas in the two programs’ seventh meeting. The Wildcats will be hosting the Jayhawks for the first time since 1966, looking to start up the matchups between the two programs in a new conference. The last two games between Arizona and Kansas resulted in a victory for each team.
Week 10: Arizona at University of Cincinnati on Saturday, Nov. 15
Heading back on the road to compete in Cincinnati, Ohio at Nippert Stadium, Arizona looks to take on the Bearcats for the first time in program history. This game will mark week 12 of this season.
Week 11: Arizona vs. Baylor University on Saturday, Nov. 22
brief five-game history, Houston leads Arizona in the lead series 3-2. Notably, the teams’ most recent meeting resulted in a 27-3 victory for Arizona, ending a five-game losing streak for the team. Redshirt sophomore and starting quarterback Noah Fifita threw for 2 touchdowns in the game. The Cougars and Wildcats first met in 1969, when Arizona suffered a 34-17 loss at home.
Week 8: Arizona at University of Colorado Boulder on Saturday, Nov. 1
Coming off a bye week, Arizona travels to Colorado to face the Buffaloes. Through the two programs’ history competing, the schools recorded their first matchup back in 1931, with November’s matchup marking their 28th meeting. Arizona built a 12-game losing streak in the Wildcats’ first ever games against the Buffaloes but have now won
Arizona will take on the Baylor Bears in the Wildcats’ final home matchup of the season. In the lone game that occurred between the two programs on Dec. 31, 1992, Arizona fell in a 20-15 away loss in El Paso, Texas. This time, the Wildcats look to secure a win in the final matchup at Arizona Stadium.
Week 12: Territorial Cup vs. ASU on Friday, Nov. 28
Mountain America Stadium will hold the 99th Territorial Cup between Arizona and ASU. On Nov. 28, Arizona looks to secure a rivalry victory against the Sun Devils to claim the trophy. A win on that Friday would allow the Wildcats to be 3-2 against ASU in the last five matchups. The Sun Devils aim to maintain their competitive edge; the most recent rivalry matchup resulted in a 49-7 loss for Arizona at home on Nov. 30, 2024. Despite the upset, Arizona plans to make a comeback against its rival, hoping to find a way to stop ASU.
MASON KUMET | THE DAILY WILDCAT
THE ARIZONA DEFENSE SWARMS the Hawaii ball carrier for a negative play at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 30. The team totaled five sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
MULTIMEDIA
Arizona football surges over Hawaii in season opener
BY
The University of Arizona football team (1-0) dominated in the opening game of the season 40-6 over the University of Hawaii at Mānoa on Aug. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Arizona Stadium.
Former Arizona wide receiver and No. 8 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft Tetairoa McMillan and former defensive back Randy Robbins were inducted into the Arizona Football Ring of Honor.
The Wildcats’ defense put the Hawaii offense in a blender. Arizona forced five turnovers, sent pressure, mixed up coverages and broke up passes with hard hits. At the end of the night, Quincy Craig, the transfer from Portland State University, finished with seven carries, 125 yards and one touchdown, averaging almost 18 yards per carry.
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT
GAVIN HUNTER CELEBRATES AN interception against Hawaii at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 30. This was Hunter’s first career interception.
MASON KUMET AND CHARLIE RAMIREZ
The Daily Wildcat
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT
TIAOALLI SAVEA (#98) AND Julian Savaiinaea (#41) celebrate a defensive stop against Hawaii at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 30. The Arizona defense recorded five sacks.
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT FORMER WILDCAT TETAIROA MCMILLAN waves to the crowd at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 30.
MASON KUMET | THE DAILY WILDCAT QUINCY CRAIG MAKES A run against Hawaii at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 30.
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MASON KUMET| THET DAILY WILDAT
NOAH FIFITA POINTS TO the sky after his first rushing touchdown of the year against Hawaii on Aug. 30 at Arizona Stadium.
MASON KUMET | THE DAILY WILDCAT
KENDRICK REESCANO SCORES THE first points of Arizona’s season with a rushing touchdown in the first quarter against Hawaii at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 30.
MASON KUMET | THE DAILY WILDCAT
THE ARIZONA DEFENSE SWARMS the Hawaii ball carrier for a negative play at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 30. The team totaled five sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
OPINION: An ode to public libraries
BY ANDRES F. DIAZ
The moment I step into the Phoenix Central Library, I’m pulled back to 2004 — to being 11 years old, newly arrived in the United States with my father, both of us carrying more questions than answers. We had come from Colombia with a little more than hope, unsure of what this new country might hold for us.
In those early days, space was limited. We shared our first apartment with three other families, and while I was grateful to have a roof over my head, privacy was hard to come by, and quiet even harder. So instead of going home after school, I would walk across the street to the South Manatee County Public Library and wait for my father to finish work.
It was there, in the quiet hum of turning pages and glowing computer screens, that I found my first refuge. On the few days my father left work early, we would meet at the library and together would wander the aisles, checking out books neither of us could fully understand, watching films on the library’s computers and finding, for a few hours, a life richer than what we could afford.
Only later did I understand that the library had given us not just comfort. It also offered us possibility. In a world that often reminded us of what we lacked, the library reminded us of what we still had: a right to knowledge, to space and to dream. It was one of the few places that asked for neither money nor documentation, only curiosity and community. For families like ours, it was a sanctuary of health, safety and dignity — a quiet promise that our lives could grow beyond their margins.
At the library, I watched neighbors gain confidence in a new language, build résumés and access essential services. The library served as a bridge connecting people to opportunity and a brighter future. Without realizing it at the time, I was witnessing a profound form of social mobility, where access to knowledge opened doors that poverty and circumstance had closed. It was in that space, among books and community, that I first came to believe in equity and in the
transformative power of service.
Public libraries are among the last truly democratic institutions in our society, offering free and open access to knowledge, resources and refuge for all who seek them. Yet, despite their undeniable role in fostering education, social support and health equity, they are increasingly under attack. Across the country, libraries face budget cuts, staff shortages, book bans and even closures, depriving communities — especially marginalized ones — of vital services.
National budget cuts have eroded libraries’ abilities to serve their communities, stripping away the very resources that make them indispensable. These cuts do not merely reduce access to books — they stifle tutoring programs, after-school activities and résumébuilding workshops, among many other services acting as lifelines for those striving to improve their circumstances.
In Pima County alone, the public library system has lost 100 librarians since 2020 and now faces a weekly shortfall of over 1,100 staffing hours. As a result, officials have proposed closing or downsizing several branches. If enacted, these closures would not only displace students who rely on libraries as safe after-school spaces, but also eliminate vital services in neighborhoods already burdened by homelessness, mental illness and food insecurity.
Across Arizona, the situation is similarly dire. This year, a federal executive order cut funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, placing its entire staff on leave and halting grant processing nationwide. Arizona libraries — particularly small, rural and tribal branches — rely heavily on IMLS grants to support essential programs like summer reading initiatives, telehealth access, teen makerspaces and digital literacy classes. The Arizona Library Association warns that while some libraries may remain open through municipal support, many will operate with reduced hours and limited programming, especially in underserved regions.
Public libraries are also increasingly recognized as vital contributors to community health, offering a range of services that address both immediate and long-term public welfare needs. During extreme heat waves, many libraries function as cooling centers, providing air-conditioned spaces and hydration to protect vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses. In Arizona, libraries have been integral to the Heat Relief Network, a collaborative initiative aimed at mitigating the health risks associated with extreme heat events.
Beyond serving as cooling centers, libraries also offer access to mental health resources, substance abuse recovery programs and host social workers who assist individuals in navigating complex government services. The Pima County Public Library system, for example, provides behavioral and mental health services, including therapy and specialty groups for various age groups year-round.
Additionally, libraries often partner with health departments to provide free flu shots, diabetes screenings and educational workshops on nutrition and preventive care. The University of Arizona’s Primary Prevention Mobile Health Unit collaborates with libraries to offer free health screenings, targeting key community health concerns such as nutrition, obesity and diabetes.
Beyond financial constraints and growing limitations on their role as community health hubs, libraries are also facing ideological attacks that threaten their very purpose. In some places, efforts to ban books and restrict access to information have become increasingly common, often fueled by political and social agendas that seek to control narratives and suppress knowledge.
For example, in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Unified School District recently removed 16 books from its high school libraries after a conservative coalition challenged their content. The district cited legal analysis and low circulation as part of the rationale, but the challenge itself drew heavily from BookLooks.org — a site that rates books based on their alignment with specific political and moral values.
Among the titles removed were “Identical” by Ellen Hopkins and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews — books that explore themes of trauma, identity and adolescence with unflinching honesty. Two additional books, including “Sold” by Patricia McCormick, remain on shelves but are now only available with parental consent. Many of the targeted books address difficult yet deeply relevant topics, often reflecting the lived experiences of the very students these libraries serve.
These attacks are not just about which books sit on the shelves but about who gets to decide what knowledge is available to the public. For generations, libraries have stood as guardians of intellectual freedom, allowing individuals to explore ideas, understand their rights and seek knowledge without censorship or political interference. When books are banned and libraries are targeted, it is not just literary diversity that is at stake. It is intellectual freedom itself.
These threats to funding, to public health programming and to intellectual freedom strike at the heart of what libraries have always represented; access, safety and possibility. For so many of us, libraries have been indispensable not just in our education, but in our journey to becoming who we are. Their erosion is not abstract to me, but it is personal. Now, as an MD/PhD student at the University of Arizona, I find myself on a path undeniably shaped by the libraries that first nurtured my curiosity and sense of purpose. The same hunger for knowledge that once led me through the aisles of my childhood library now fuels my research and clinical work. In the sterile quiet of hospital corridors or the dense pages of scientific literature, I carry with me the most enduring lesson I first absorbed between library stacks: knowledge must be accessible, healing is an extension of service and no one should be left behind.
As I step out of the Phoenix Central Library, I feel the echo of that early refuge, the quiet corners, the glowing screens and the librarians who, knowingly or not, set me on this path.
Public libraries lifted me, and they have lifted countless others. They nurtured me not only by offering information, but by also offering belonging and the tools I needed to carve my own path. Now it is our responsibility to protect those tools for the students, the immigrants, the dreamers and the seekers who will walk through those doors next, looking for the same quiet promise that they, too, belong.
ANDRES F DIAZ | DAILY WILDCAT PUBLIC LIBRARIES ARE AMONG the last truly democratic institutions in our society, offering free and open access to knowledge, resources and refuge for all who seek them, reporter Andres F. Diaz notes. Yet, despite their undeniable role in fostering education, social support and health equity, they are increasingly under attack.
The Daily Wildcat
Fall in Tucson
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