Workplan | Chronology| Kick-off | State Celebrations

Arizona's 50th Anniversary Celebration

The WICHE celebration luncheon in Arizona took place at the Flinn Foundation in Phoenix on Jan. 15. Guests included Northern Arizona University President (and WICHE Commissioner) John Haegar and over 20 state senators and representatives, including House Minority Whip Linda Lopez of Tucson, as well as regents, educators, and administrators.

Jack Jewett, president of the Board of Regents, spoke on the “Changing Directions” project. Arizona is one of nine states participating in the project, which is funded by the Lumina Foundation for Education and managed by WICHE with the goal of examining how to structure financial aid and financing policies and practices to maximize student participation, access, and success.

WICHE Commissioner Linda Blessing, executive director of the Board of Regents, related Arizona’s history with WICHE; and David Longanecker, WICHE’s executive director, addressed “the perfect storm” in the West, how it will affect higher ed, and how WICHE can help Arizona weather it.