The University of Arizona Press

“A Chance to Make a Difference offers a compelling glimpse into the multifaceted life of a true Renaissance man. It provides a fascinating account of a university president who adeptly navigated the social and political challenges of his era, making bold and transformative decisions despite facing opposition. Schaefer shares how his passion for birdwatching, photography, and conservation seamlessly coexisted with his pursuit of academic excellence, while also embracing a diverse range of other interests. This memoir is a powerful testament to the value of unwavering discipline in professional pursuits and boundless curiosity in personal life.”—Anne Breckenridge Barrett, Director Emeritus, Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona

“Like a quarterback phenom, John Schaefer was built for big moments. We learn how this came to be, and we experience some singular big-picture moments! This is legacy reading for Tucsonans, U of A faculty, and university presidents. For John, magnetic north is unwaveringly research—indispensable for making a difference in serving students and society.”—George Davis, Provost Emeritus, University of Arizona

“Superb storytelling that weaves the tale of a legendary figure at the U of A and beyond while opening a window on twentieth-century America and how the son of German immigrants made his mark on a unique intellectual journey from New York to the Midwest to the West Coast.”—Shan Sutton, Dean of University of Arizona Libraries

“An intimate and entertaining autobiography of the son of German refugee immigrants, supplemented with revelations of the machinations of academia. In a remarkable career, Schaefer prospered in the post–World War II American culture of mid-twentieth-century New York City, finagled his way through the U.S. education system, became the youngest president of the University of Arizona, shaped the university into a top-tier research institution, and founded the university’s Center for Creative Photography.”—David Yetman, producer of In the Americas with David Yetman

“From growing up in 1940s New York as a child of German immigrants, to chasing birds in Brazil, to meeting people as diverse as Ansel Adams and the shah of Iran, to setting a dumpster on fire as a new chemistry professor, Schaefer takes us on an entertaining ride through a life well lived. And that’s only the half of it: He became president at age thirty-six. A beautiful, well-written journey you must read to believe.”—Ken Lamberton, author of Chasing Arizona

“Schaefer provides a fascinating account of his life from early childhood through his remarkable presidency at the University of Arizona, all neatly packaged in chapters dealing with major events for easy reference. Certainly an amazing record of making a difference that should be required reading for anyone in academic administration seeking to do so.”—Peter Strittmatter, Regents Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona