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Proposed rendering of the Skaggs
Pharmaceutical Science Center
With enhanced infrastructure, Mansour believes
she and her fellow pharmacy faculty, working in
collaboration with other UA researchers, can put superior
medicines in pharmacies.
“To file with the FDA, you have to formulate and A HUB FOR INNOVATIVE
test on a bigger scale. This will give us that space. And
you have to partner with companies. When they see an RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
academic lab with cutting-edge facilities, it really helps
them come on board,” she says.
The Skaggs Challenge: $31.5 million campaign
A Gift 50 Years in the Making
Ken Coit’s vision is to help the College of Pharmacy // Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, the College
lead the world in every area, including recruitment of top of Pharmacy’s first building, was built with the support
students and faculty members. And, he says, “We need of Utah businessman L.S. “Sam” Skaggs 35 years ago.
great facilities, not just good ones. You have to be the best
to compete.” Now The ALSAM Foundation, established by the
Coit, together with his wife, Donna, donated $2 Skaggs family, has reinvested in the building with the
million to the Skaggs Challenge. $10 million challenge grant, the largest commitment in
Coit has been a generous pharmacy supporter over the the college’s history, to renovate the space and expand
years and has served on the college’s National Advisory it from 12,000 square feet to 31,500.
Board for the past decade. This is his largest gift to date;
he was motivated by the matching challenge grant — and
by gratitude. Fundraising Deadline: Dec. 31, 2017
“I have a real soft spot in my heart for the university
and the time I spent there,” he says. // Donors are being asked to commit $11.5 million to the
Coit changed careers after a few years as a project, which will trigger fulfillment of the $10 million
pharmacist and now owns Coit Financial Group, a real pledge from The ALSAM Foundation. The UA will also
estate investment firm that manages more than 8,000 contribute $10 million.
apartment units in California.
“I believe my first responsibility is to take care of Nearly $23 million has been raised through
my clients, and I think that’s been the foundation of my
success. It makes sense to give back to the college for the challenge so far.
teaching me that value,” he says.
This year, Coit has reached out to his Class of 1967
classmates with invitations to attend their 50th reunion
and to give to the Skaggs Challenge and their class gift.
Every gift made this year by members of the class will
count toward the total, which will be announced at Learn more about the Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center
Homecoming.
“I’m stepping up to get more alumni to help the Challenge at pharmacy.arizona.edu/skaggs-challenge
university that helped all of us get where we are today,”
he says.

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