Robert Sarver

Suns owner, Sen. McCain to speak at commencements

Robert Sarver, a Sabino High School graduate and 1982 UA alumnus, will speak at this year's morning commencement ceremony to share his experience as an entrepreneur and businessman.

Sarver, 42, is a father of three who spearheaded an investment group that purchased the Phoenix Suns for an NBA record $401 million, according to the National Basketball Association's Web site.

Sarver is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Sarver Heart Center at the UA, which he helped build in memory of his late father, who was the first to undergo an experimental bypass surgery. Currently 40 physicians and researchers work in the building to help fight heart disease, the Web site stated.

"He is young enough to be my son, but every time we meet he gives me fatherly advice," said Dr. Gordon A. Ewy, director of the Sarver Heart Center and professor and chief of cardiology at the UA. "He's a very bright young man, and I can't say enough good things about him."

Sarver has said he is a Suns fan first and owner second, and the self-made entrepreneur and millionaire has shown just that by cheering on his team, complete with oversized purple foam "No. 1" finger.

FILE PHOTO/Arizona Daily Wildcat Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., debates Stuart Starky, his rival for the Arizona Senate seat, in the Gallagher Theater of the Student Union Memorial Center Oct. 15, 2004.

Sarver will speak at 9 a.m. in McKale Center.

While Sarver will speak at the morning commencement, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., will speak at the afternoon commencement.

The former Naval aviator will speak to grads during the afternoon commencement ceremony about his experience with public service and his role as a senator.

McCain is a father of seven and was elected to Congress in 1982 representing the first congressional district of Arizona. In 1986 he filled Barry Goldwater's shoes as an Arizona senator, according to his Web site.

He ran unsuccessfully, though a strong contender, for the Republican nomination for president in 2000.

McCain is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and serves on the Armed Services, Commerce, Science and Transportation committees, according to the site.

McCain will speak at 1:30 p.m. in McKale Center.