The da Vinci Circle

 


Fostering Renaissance in Engineering

Named for the great innovator Leonardo da Vinci, the College established the da Vinci Circle in 2005 to recognize and nurture 21st-century renaissance in science and engineering powered by discoveries in microtechnology, nanotechnology and biotechnology.

About 300 individuals and corporations participating in the da Vinci Circle over the last decade have provided tremendous support to the college which has been vital to the success of students and faculty.

Read on to learn more about a community of supporters who play a major role in advancing the College as a world leader in engineering education and research, and join the da Vinci Circle today.

 

Support > Faculty Fellows > Scholars’ Fund > Annual Commitments >

 

Nurturing 21st-Century Renaissance in Engineering

Watch the video and see what students, faculty, staff and donors have to say about the Da Vinci Circle.

“Your support is critical in creating an adaptive learning environment that will prepare the next generation of engineers and innovators to tackle new and unprecedented challenges.”

David W. Hahn, Craig M. Berge Dean

Da Vinci Circle Support

The da Vinci Circle now exclusively supports faculty fellows, student scholars and exceptional student leaders. Cumulative gifts totaling $2,500 made to the da Vinci Circle Fund or the Dean’s Engineering Fund between July 1 and June 30 qualify a person as a member of the da Vinci Circle.

Make a Gift!

Dynamic Duo

"This is a very complex world we are living in, and every day we seem to have more and more problems. The best insurance policy anybody can give is to provide a better education for future generations.”
– Sylvia Burton, Da Vinci Circle supporter

Erin Ratcliff: 2023 da Vinci Fellow

Annual Gift Commitment

Innovators – Donors who provide an annual unrestricted gift of $2,500 to $4,999

Pioneers – Donors who provide an annual unrestricted gift of $5,000 to $9,999

Visionaries – Donors who provide an annual unrestricted gift of $10,000 and up

UA Recognition Societies
All da Vinci Circle donors are also members of The President’s Club.

Make A Gift!

 

Special da Vinci Circle Engagements

 
Innovators ($2,500-$4,999)

  • Exclusive newsletters from the College of Engineering
  • Special recognition at the Homecoming Engineers’ Breakfast
  • Opportunity to engage with the da Vinci Fellows and Scholars at the annual Dean's Donor Appreciation Dinner

 Pioneers ($5,000-$9,999)

All of the above benefits plus…

  • Opportunity for VIP engagement at the Craig M. Berge Design Day
  • Opportunities to join the dean and other distinguished faculty and friends for special University, College, athletic and regional events

 Visionaries ($10,000+)

All of the above benefits plus

  • Opportunities for VIP engagement with the da Vinci Fellow
  • Access to campus concierge service – assistance with parking, arranging tours, and other campus needs – through the College’s development office
Annual Membership Gift Levels

Da Vinci Scholars

Talented and resourceful faculty advance academic programs and research in the College of Engineering. Generous da Vinci Circle supporters select one member of the faculty each year as a da Vinci Fellow, and recognize the awardee with a one-time grant of $10,000. Michael Arnold, chair of the da Vinci Circle board, helped establish the da Vinci Scholars Program in partnership with the Community Finance Corporation to reinforce the College’s dedication to providing student scholarships.

 

2024 Da Vinci Scholars

Obaida Albarghash
Katie Renee Dionne
Kevin A. Garcia
Cameron John Frost Meehan
Dylan Jorge Molina
Sierra Lynn Speranza

 

College of Engineering da Vinci Fellows
  2024 Philipp Gutruf 2013 Eniko Enikov
  2023 Erin Ratcliff 2012 Young-Jun Son
  2022 James Field 2011 Jennifer Barton
  2021 Roberto Furfaro 2010 Paul Blowers
  2020 Hao Xin 2009 Bane Vasic
  2019 Dr. Marvin Slepian 2008 Supapan Seraphin
  2018 Armin Sorooshian 2007 Barry Ganapol
  2017 Janet Roveda 2005 Achintya Haldar
2016 Larry Head
 Charles Higgins
2015 Wolfgang Fink
 Anthony Muscat
  2014 Kim Ogden
 2004 Pamela Vandiver

Scholars' Fund

Michael Arnold, chair of the da Vinci Circle board, helped establish the da Vinci Scholars’ Fund in partnership with the Community Finance Corporation to reinforce the College’s dedication to providing student scholarships. As a da Vinci Circle supporter, we invite you to make an additional annual gift of $1,000 to the fund.

Da Vinci Scholars
Juliana Ordine, Class of 2019

Juliana Ordine

Class of 2019

“I was able to focus all my time on schoolwork and my research, which has been truly enlightening. If it weren’t for the financial support, I likely would have had to find a job unrelated to my field.”

Juliana Ordine, Class of 2019, chemical engineering

2022 da Vinci Fellow

To request a transcript or a captioned version of this audio material as a disability-related accommodation, please contact communications@engr.arizona.edu.