11 from the University have made the '40 Under 40' list
The honorees will be recognized at an event on Dec. 6.
Karla Cruze-Silva, Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives
David Brown, Eller College of Management
The University once again made a strong showing on the annual "40 Under 40" list, which recognizes Tucson professionals under the age of 40 for leadership, character and service.
Eleven University employees are on this year's list, which is presented by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Daily Star and Snell & Wilmer. The honorees will be recognized on Dec. 6.
"We absolutely love seeing so many Wildcats being celebrated in our 2022 class of 40 Under 40 honorees," said Rob Elias, president and CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Having 11 honorees from the University speaks volumes about its culture, and the leadership team should take great pride in knowing that these individuals will be recognized for their selflessness."
Among the honorees is Karla Cruze-Silva, associate director of the Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives office. She credits her mentors and supervisors for encouraging her to pursue her passions in and out of the office.
"I like to work in the community," Cruze-Silva said. "I'm a mom, and up until recently I was a student. My time and efforts are spread among a lot of places and having supervisors who holistically support me has contributed to a lot of my success."
David Brown, who holds the Brian and Clara Franke Endowed Chair in Finance in the Eller College of Management, says support from his college has allowed him to get creative in developing his curriculum, which reflects his passion for finding interesting ways to teach Excel – a crucial but often challenging tool for finance students.
"Instead of fighting with Excel to get some spreadsheet put together for your boss, let's think about games that we can play," Brown said. "Can you solve Battleship in Excel? Can you solve tic-tac-toe?"
The other employees on this year's list are:
- Veronica Atondo, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Engagement and Belongingness, Undergraduate Programs, Eller College of Management.
- Erika Hamden, Assistant Professor, Department of Astronomy and Assistant Astronomer, Steward Observatory.
- Noel Hennessey, Director, ENGineering Access, Greater Equity and Diversity program, College of Engineering.
- Nick Hilton, Assistant Director, Office of Government and Community Relations.
- Nicole Kontak, Assistant Dean for Curricular and Academic Affairs, College of Applied Science and Technology.
- Namoonga Mantina, Program Administrator, University of Arizona Cancer Center.
- Gabrielle Morlock, Limited Term Adjunct Professor, James E. Rogers College of Law.
- Emily Ross, Executive Director, Recruitment and Enrollment Marketing, Office of Admissions and New Student Enrollment.
- Carlos J. Vargas, Assistant Professor, Department of Astronomy, and Assistant Astronomer, Steward Observatory.