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2018 ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS:
JEFF AND SHARON STEVENS
Award bestowed at UA Commencement, May 11

by Liz Holaday

eff and Sharon Stevens met while
Jthey were University of Arizona
students in the early 1980s. Since
their student days, they have been
quintessential Wildcats — proud
ambassadors for the university, role
models in their fields and generous
philanthropic supporters.
Sharon grew up in Tucson with
deep family ties to the UA. Her
grandfather had football season
tickets, which have remained with
her family for more than 80 years.
Her father was the dentist for UA
student-athletes and staff for nearly
40 years.
Sharon graduated with
dual degrees in accounting and
management information systems.
She continued in that field as a
certified public accountant for
a national tax accounting firm. UA President Robert C. Robbins, Sharon
Currently, she serves as the and Jeff Stevens, and Melinda Burke
/ Chris Richards photo
treasurer for the Board of Visitors, Sharon and me and our families. The Stevenses admire the
Arizona’s oldest women’s charitable It always will remain a very special donors who have been there for the
organization, which is dedicated to place for us.” Jeff was part of the UA, saying, “Clearly they have been ‘The University
the health care needs of women, recent presidential search advisory very generous and have made a big
children and the elderly. committee and co-chaired the difference to the university. They of Arizona has
A native of Phoenix, Jeff has successful Arizona NOW campaign. are role models for our generation.”
worked his entire career in the He is passionate about the They continue to support many meant so much
petroleum industry. In 2000, importance of strong relationships needs throughout the university in
he became one of the founding between the business sector, alumni ways that will benefit students for to Sharon and me
partners of Western Refining Inc., and the university, and works to years to come.
where he recently served as chief encourage community and alumni The Alumni Achievement Award, and our families. It
executive officer. Western Refining engagement. established in 1943, is the highest
is now Andeavor, which was The Stevenses also are honor the UA Alumni Association always will remain
purchased by Marathon Petroleum generous financial supporters of can bestow upon alumni. For their
in April. Jeff is a member of the the university. In 2009, Jeff and dedicated service to and exceptional a very special
board of directors at Andeavor. Sharon committed the lead gift to support of the university, the UA
He also serves on the board of launch the campaign for the north Alumni Association is proud to place for us.’
directors for Vomaris Innovations end zone facility at Arizona Stadium, honor Jeff and Sharon Stevens with
Inc., a privately held medical device now called the Lowell-Stevens this award. They are a true Wildcat
company. Football Facility. The gift was the for Life family.
Jeff and Sharon have never largest single donation to Arizona
lost their connection to the UA. Athletics and among the largest in
As Jeff notes, “The University of UA history.
Arizona has meant so much to
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