NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Cathy McGonigle, Associate Executive Director for Public Affairs
                  (602) 229-2528, Cathy.McGonigle@asu.edu

Arizona Board of Regents
Presents Awards for Outstanding Service

April 29, 2004 – During a luncheon ceremony at Arizona State University, the Arizona Board of Regents announced recipients of the 2004 Regents’ Award for Outstanding Service to Higher Education. The awards were presented to APS/Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, Don Budinger of the Rodel Foundation of Arizona, and Louise Solheim of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation. Board President Chris Herstam praised the honorees for their commitment and service to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. 

APS/Pinnacle West Capital Corporation was recognized for its steadfast support of higher education. Bill Post, Chairman and CEO of Pinnacle West, is a strong champion of the universities, and several APS and Pinnacle West officers serve on various university boards and committees. Since 1990, APS and the APS Foundation have donated more than $5 million to the three universities. In addition, APS donated the land for the Karsten Golf Course, scholarships, surplus computers, printing services, volunteers for special events, and other assistance. APS and its local representatives have also worked diligently to lower electrical costs at the universities through improved technology and conservation.

Don Budinger, chairman and founding director of the Rodel Foundation, was recognized for promoting involvement of the business community with education. He supports the premise that education can address every quality-of-life issue and that the business community bears a significant responsibility to help education do so. Mr. Budinger is a founding member of the board of the Rodel Community Scholars Program at ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, providing Business Honors Program students with opportunities for involvement in community issues as part of the undergraduate business experience. This program seeks to enhance the likelihood that students will remain committed to creating solutions to community problems and to increase the rate at which at-risk high school students graduate from state universities.

Louise Solheim, chairman emeritus of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, was honored for her influence in university intercollegiate athletics and business education and for her community service. The Solheim family donated $2 million for construction of the Karsten Golf Course and provides scholarships for student-athletes. The family has provided golf equipment and golf facilities and sponsored instructional clinics for Arizona State University and the University of Arizona golf programs. The Solheims also contribute to the ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Established by the Board in 1996, the Regents’ Award recognizes and honors individuals and groups for their outstanding service to higher education. Previous recipients include Raytheon Systems Company, Roy P. Drachman, Jim Click, The Flinn Foundation, Katherine and Robert Herberger, The Phelps Dodge Corporation, Frances B. McAllister, Donald N. Soldwedel, Ed and Nadine Carson, Dick and Alice “Dinky” Snell, Jerry Colangelo, Bennett and Jacquie Dorrance, The Honorable Clinton Pattea, and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Current and former Regents contributed to establish and annually present the awards, commemorated with a bronze art piece designed by Chandler artist and NAU graduate, Jeff Hoffman.

# ABOR #

The Regents | The Universities | For the Student |  For Faculty | For Parents | Special Programs |
 Administrative/Staff | Government/Legislative  | FAQ | Site Index/Map

Contact us
Arizona Board of Regents
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 230
Phoenix, AZ 85004-4593
Telephone: (602) 229-2500 / Fax: (602) 229-2555