25th Anniversary Gala

25 Years of Public Health Innovation
From the Desert to the World

November 7, 2025

Welcome to the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health 25th Anniversary Celebration!

We are thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating a remarkable milestone — the 25th anniversary of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health! Over the past quarter-century, our college has been a driving force in public health education, research, and community engagement. We’ve come so far, and it’s all thanks to the incredible individuals — students, faculty, staff, alumni, donor and community members — who have been part of our journey.

Join us on Friday, November 7, 2025, at El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort, as we celebrate the Zuckerman College of Public Health’s 25th Anniversary and all we've achieved together. 5:00pm Cocktail Reception, 6:00pm Dinner.

Whether you’re a friend, an alum, a faculty, a staff or a student of the college, we look forward to celebrating all we’ve achieved together—and the bright future ahead.

5:00PM – Cocktail Reception
6:00PM – Dinner

El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort
Turquoise Ballroom

Cocktail Attire

Registration closed on Friday, Oct. 31.

For questions contact Amber Richmond, amrichmond@arizona.edu

A 25th Anniversary Message from Dean Iman Hakim

Welcome to the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
25th Anniversary Gala!

It is my distinct honor and joy to welcome you to the 25th Anniversary Gala of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Please join us on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the beautiful Hilton El Conquistador, where we will come together to celebrate a quarter-century of impact, resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing public health for all.

Over the past 25 years, the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health has grown from a bold vision into a thriving, mission-driven institution that continues to shape the future of health in Arizona and across the globe. As Arizona’s first and only accredited college of public health, we have remained dedicated to promoting health and well-being through education, research, and service. We proudly prepare globally minded professionals who are equipped to lead in a complex and rapidly changing world.

To meet the future, we are responding to new environmental and community health challenges and finding innovative ways to use digital tools and AI for public health goals. Our strategic approach empowers our faculty, students, and partners to create transformative solutions that improve lives.

This year, we are proud to launch the Ending Pandemics Academy—an initiative that will train future leaders to stop global pandemics before they spread, and to build systems to prevent future public health crises. With more than 7,000 alumni making an impact in communities near and far, our college stands as a proud testament to the Zuckerman legacy—a legacy of compassion, commitment, and a deep belief in the power of public health to build a better world.

Our 25th anniversary is more than a milestone, it’s a celebration of resilience, growth, and possibility. It’s a launchpad for the future and a testament to the strength and heart that have defined our journey and will continue to guide us forward. We look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with gratitude, connection, and a sense of shared purpose.

Thank you for being a cherished part of our story. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Warmly,

Iman A. Hakim, Dean
Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

Meet Our Gala Co-Chairs

The Co-Chairs of our 25th Anniversary Gala Committee, Neelam Sethi and Randi Dorman, invite you, your family, and your friends to join us for this special evening of celebration!

The college is deeply grateful for the dedication and support of these two compassionate philanthropic leaders in the Tucson community.

Neelam Sethi

Randi Dorman

Gala Planning Committee

JoAnna Westcott
Chairwoman,
Community Advisory Board

Community Advisory Board

Kim Bourn

Kate Breck Calhoun

Robert Guerrero

Jan Konstanty

Lupita Murillo

Edye Riharb

Christine Wiggs

Amy Zuckerman

Nicole Zuckerman

College Members

Natalie Bedolla

Iman Hakim

Paula Hayes

Kurt Peterson

Shipherd Reed

Amber Richmond

Greg Wakefield

Overview of six sponsorship tiers for the 25th Anniversary Gala

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support the future of public health while showcasing your commitment to community well-being.

Learn More >

Dean Hakim with group of student ambassadors

Program Details

Experience an inspiring evening filled with special tributes, artistic performances, and more.

Learn More >

Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

Founded in 2000, the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health was established to address critical health challenges facing Arizona, the Southwest, and the world. It became the first—and remains the only—nationally accredited college of public health in Arizona. With campuses in both Tucson and Phoenix, the college is a vital part of the University of Arizona Health Sciences, advancing health equity and improving lives through education, research, and community engagement.

Home to five academic departments and numerous centers of excellence, the college prepares students to become bold, solutions-driven public health professionals. We are consistently ranked among the top five U.S. public health schools for enrollment of Hispanic/Latino and Native American students and host more returned Peace Corps Fellows than any other college at the University of Arizona—demonstrating our commitment to service and global citizenship.

With more than 7,000 alumni making a difference across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, 40 countries, and six continents, our impact is far-reaching. Our researchers generate over $43 million in annual funding to tackle some of the most urgent issues of our time—from pandemics and chronic disease to environmental health, mental health, border health and indigenous health equity.

As we celebrate 25 years of advancing public health, we remain focused on building healthier communities—locally and globally—for generations to come.

Gala Sponsors

A huge thank you to the partners who make this incredible event possible. Your support helps shape the future of public health and demonstrates your dedication to creating a healthier future for all.

Zuckerman Legacy