The University of Arizona Press
October 27, 2025
Thank you to everyone who attended the celebration of John P. Schaefer’s memoir, A Chance to Make a Difference, on October 21!
If you weren’t able to attend, there’s another opportunity to hear John speak about his book as part of the Tumamoc Author Series on Tumamoc Hill, November 12, at 6 p.m. More details are available at the events page on our website.
Below, check out some photos from the event:
Thank you to all of the Tucson community members who came out to celebrate and make this event so special! Check out our website’s events page for information about the next opportunity to meet our wonderful authors.
About A Chance to Make a Difference: A Memoir
John P. Schaefer was only thirty-six years old when he assumed the role of fifteenth president of the University of Arizona in 1971. The son of hardworking German immigrants, Schaefer grew up in Queens, New York, where childhood centered on sports, academics, and the great outdoors.
Earning a PhD in chemistry in 1958, Dr. Schaefer’s career skyrocketed through the ranks of academia, moving him from junior faculty to university president in a mere decade. As president, he led the University of Arizona through a transformational period of growth and is credited with securing the university’s status as a top-tier research institution.
A Chance to Make a Difference recounts poignant, eye-opening, and often humorous stories from childhood to presidency, revealing the characteristics of an inspiring university leader.
