EVAN CARAVELLI/Arizona Daily Wildcat Joseph Fu, a molecular and cellular biology and philosophy freshman, is the youngest person ever appointed to the governor's arts commission. Fu was also inducted as an ASUA senator yesterday.

UA student Joseph Fu was appointed by Gov. Janet Napolitano Friday to serve on the Arizona Commission on the Arts, a statewide governing board.

The 19-year-old molecular and cellular biology and philosophy freshman is the youngest person ever selected for the position.

Fu, who was inaugurated as an Associated Students of the University of Arizona senator yesterday, was originally one of the four finalists for next year's student regent.

But instead of receiving the student regent position, he was appointed to the Arizona Commission on the Arts, an organization that serves to enhance the artistic development of all Arizona communities, arts organizations and artists.

"Joseph Fu is not only a talented musician in his own right. He has a passion for taking musical arts to young people who have no access to it," Napolitano said. "He is a remarkable young man who will bring his love of the arts to the commission and to Arizona as a whole."

As a student at Mesa's Dobson High School, Fu created Music Outreach, an organization comprised of high school students who gave musical performances at hospitals and child care centers, and acquired grants to buy musical instruments for low-income students.

Fu, a Flinn Scholar, also plays the violin and piano, and has participated in regional competitions.

"I was told that the governor has really high standards, so I am flattered that she chose me, and I am really grateful," Fu said.

He also said he was happy he wasn't selected as student regent since the position would require him to leave his spot as ASUA senator.

"I am pleased that it turned out that way," he said.

"Now I am able to do both positions and have both experiences."

Fu said he is not quite sure yet what the job entails or how many hours he will have to devote.

Fu will be one of the 15 commission members appointed by the governor of Arizona who are responsible for awarding grants and formulating policies regarding art in Arizona. He will serve a three-year term.

Fu said he probably will be working on promoting and funding arts in Arizona. He said he will also work with the new Mesa Arts Center.

But he said he made sure to have a relatively light load with classes next year so he could fulfill both duties of ASUA senator and member of the arts commission.

Fu's term on the board of the arts commission begins July 1.