TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona alumni Andrew and Kirsten Braccia have committed a $2.5 million leadership gift to assist with the construction of a new academic center for UA student-athletes. In addition, Dr. David Lapan and his family have committed a $1 million gift. These gifts will be grouped with $500,000 of Steve and Margot Kerr’s previously announced $1 million donation, a $500,000 anonymous gift, other gifts and athletics department funding to make up the $7.25 million project. The facility will be known as the C.A.T.S. Academic Center.
“We’re pleased and honored that the Braccias and the Lapans have decided to provide this very significant level of support for Arizona Athletics,” said UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. “Andrew and Kirsten transitioned their time at the UA into extremely successful careers and we appreciate their focus on the growth of both our academic and athletic success. The Lapans have also played a major role in enhancing the student-athlete experience and we can’t thank them enough for their support. This group’s generosity will go a long way in helping us provide a first-class experience for our current and future student-athletes.”
The new facility will primarily provide support for academic needs such as tutor rooms, study areas and a computer lab but will also include life skills, sports psychology and personal development services along with other student-athlete amenities. The project site will be located on the south side of Enke Drive to maintain close proximity to McKale Center locker rooms, coaches and administration. A ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12.
"As proud University of Arizona graduates, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to a project that is aligned with two of our core passions: Arizona Athletics and academic achievement,” the Braccias said in a joint statement. “The C.A.T.S. Academic Center will help further the intellectual and personal development of Arizona student-athletes as they prepare for their lives after graduation."
Andrew Braccia graduated from the University's Eller School of Management and spent the first decade of his career as a technology executive at Yahoo!, Inc. He later joined Accel Partners, a leading Silicon Valley Venture Capital firm that focuses on early stage technology investing. Currently, Andrew is one of the Managing Partners at Accel, where he spends his time leading investments in emerging internet and software businesses. Kirsten Braccia graduated from the University’s College of Nursing and worked as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital on the Stanford University campus. Andrew and Kirsten currently reside in the Bay Area with their four children.
“We’re excited to assist with this project,” Lapan stated. “The implementation of a new academic center directly aligns with the mission of our organizations. In building a state-of-the-art academic center, Arizona’s student-athletes will have an even greater chance of reaching their academic potential and that is something we’re committed to supporting.”
The Lapan Charitable Trust focuses on providing money for education and supports a number of charitable organizations dedicated to education. Lapan is a cardiologist and helped start Pima Heart Associates, which is the largest cardiology group in Southern Arizona. He, his wife Krista, and their children Lisa, Dana, Kasey, Katie, Tyler, Zach and Kobie have been supporters of many UA sports teams and projects focused on the educational pursuit of all student-athletes.
“The University of Arizona has a proud tradition of student-athletes succeeding in the classroom as well as in competition, and the Braccias and Lapans’ remarkable generosity underscores that tradition and its impact on our campus community,” UA President Ann Weaver Hart added. “It is also a wonderful moment when successful members of the Arizona community choose to give back to the UA by supporting the educational opportunities of those who come after them. The Lapans and Braccias are helping to create a wonderful new learning facility for our student-athletes that reflects the UA’s commitment to academic success.”
The C.A.T.S. Academic Center will streamline the support provided by the C.A.T.S. Academics department. Instead of the less-than-ideal set-up the academic staff currently works under, the new Center will help Arizona Athletics academic initiatives operate in a fluid and functional manner. The additional space and the diversification of that space will allow for more one-on-one interactions with student-athletes, while providing an increase in private locations to work and study.
C.A.T.S. Academics is comprised of 14 full-time staff members, including six academic counselors, four learning specialists and administrative staff. In addition, the full-time staff is supplemented by six part-time assistant learning specialists and approximately 50 student tutors/mentors. C.A.T.S Academics is open six days a week and facilitates approximately 600 academic appointments each week.
“These gifts are another example of the incredible generosity of the University of Arizona family,” said John-Paul Roczniak, interim president and CEO of the UA Foundation. “The Braccias and Lapans have not only expressed their pride and passion for the University through their extraordinary philanthropic support, they are also investing in future Wildcats. Supporting students is a priority of the $1.5 billion Arizona NOW campaign, so the timing of this gift is truly appreciated.”
Arizona Athletics receives no state appropriations, but does receive 315 tuition waivers annually, authorized by the Arizona Board of Regents. Tuition waivers are also granted to ASU and NAU. The athletics department is responsible for the cost of room, board and books to supplement the tuition waivers and is responsible for generating revenues to cover the department’s annual operating costs and budgetary obligations. Additionally, all funds required for new facilities and renovations are provided through the continued support and generosity of athletics department ticket buyers and donors.
Learn more about this capital campaign for the University of Arizona by calling the Wildcat Club at (520) 621-2582. Learn more about the Arizona NOW campaign for the University of Arizona at arizonanow.org.
