Three large red ribbons were cut in a ceremony yesterday to honor a UA family that has contributed more than $100 million to the university.
James E. Rogers, a UA alumnus and the namesake of the James E. Rogers College of Law, and his family now have three other locations on campus named after them.
The ceremony, located in the Student Union Memorial Center, unveiled the James and Perry Rogers Plaza, James E. Rogers Circle and James E. Rogers Way, all located on the north side of the student union.
Over the years, Rogers has donated between $100 million and $150 million to various departments at the university, said President Peter Likins.
"Though it's an incredible amount of money, that's not what this is all about," Likins said.
Rogers' example and passion for higher education are the things to be honored, Likins said.
"This is a way to celebrate Jim's commitment not to a single program in the university, but to the university itself," Likins said. "I've been deeply influenced by him, and I've learned what it means to be truly dedicated to the advancement of higher education."
Cade Bernsen, ASUA president, spoke on behalf of the students and expressed their appreciation for the benefits they have received from the Rogers family contributions.
"Our goal as students is to leave this place better than we found it," Bernsen said. "The Rogers family has left this campus better than they found it, and the students at the U of A are very appreciative of it."
Thomas Christiano, professor of philosophy and law, mentioned specific interdisciplinary programs the Rogers have helped create, such as high quality conferences, a workshop series and a small grants program to fund research.
"This has opened up new avenues for the future of research at the University of Arizona," Christiano said.
Provost George Davis and Perry Rogers, who is James Rogers' son, also spoke about the great things the family has done for the university.
After the speeches, the ceremony moved outside of the Student Union North Ballroom onto the Diamondback Terrace where attendants watched the ribbon cutting and unveiling from above.
The UA pep band provided music and drum rolls as Rogers, faculty and administrators cut the ribbons.
"Thank you for all of these honors, but I'll say that I should really be honoring you," Rogers said. "Thank you very much. We will continue to do great things."