Arizona Bilingual News

The Best Of Two Worlds

Joel D. Valdez. by Katrina Valdez

Joel D. ValdezDear Friends and Family,

My name is Katrina Valdez, granddaughter of Joel D. Valdez, former UA Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and former Tucson City Manager. I have deep respect and admiration for my grandfather (“tata”) and for this reason I would like to see his accomplishments memorialized. In order to do this, I need your support. I have engaged a local sculptor to create a head and shoulder bust in bronze of my tata that will be placed at the Student Union. I am raising $15,000 to pay for the bust and the ceremony. I have raised over $8,000, to date, and I’m hoping you’ll be able to help by donating any amount to help fulfill my goal. I’m approaching individuals whose lives were touched by my tata to be a part of this project. It would be somewhat easy to raise the full amount from one of the many corporations my tata helped. However, I feel it is more meaningful for individuals to contribute personally to feel a sense of giving back to a man so important to the university, his friends and his community.

It is impossible to encompass the full value of his expertise and counsel. While at the University of Arizona, he guided a major campus rebuilding program through nearly two decades of state budget cuts, three economic recessions, and under four university presidents. In addition, he provided immeasurable support of diversity on campus through hiring, mentoring, educating, and encouraging employees and students to achieve their full potential.
He has been a public servant for 52 years and is the most selfless person I know. I am truly blessed and honored to be his granddaughter and I would absolutely love to see this project come to fruition. If you would like to be a part of this project to honor my tata, your generosity would be greatly appreciated.

This is a surprise for a man who has always done for everyone and has never asked for anything in return. It is my dream to show him how much he is appreciated and loved. I think it is so important that we get this project done now while he is still here with us. Please feel free to email this letter to friends and family.

Please make checks payable to: Joel D Valdez Project Fund and mail to:
2009 W. Calle Pacifica, Tucson, Arizona 85745
Any remaining funds will go towards The Joel D Valdez Scholarship Fund.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my letter.

Sincerely,
Katrina Valdez

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