Cancelled: John Schaefer at Tumamoc Hill in Tucson

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED–WE HOPE TO RESCHEDULE

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Time: 6 p.m., MST

Where: Tumamoc Hill Boathouse, 1675 W Anklam Rd, Tucson

Go behind the scenes at the University of Arizona with John P. Schaefer, former president of the U of A. In this conversation about his new book, A Chance to Make a Difference: A Memoir, find out how Schaefer’s passion for photography and conservation seamlessly coexisted with his pursuit of academic excellence. He will also tell stories of the cutthroat competition that is birdwatching in Tucson and explain why Arizona has a longer bird checklist than any other landlocked state. He will be in conversation with Ken Lamberton, author of Chasing Arizona.

This event is also part of our celebration of University Press Week, November 10-14.

This talk will be held at the boathouse, at the base of Tumamoc Hill. The event is presented by Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill, The University of Arizona Press, and The Southwest Center, and is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase, and the author will be available for signing following the talk. Reserve your spot here (not required but helps us know how many people to expect).

About the book:

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.