Eller College Dean and Finance Department Head Receive University of Arizona Foundation’s Eugene C. Sander Faculty Fundraising Award
Karthik Kannan, dean and Halle Chair in Leadership and Kathy Kahle, Ann Griffin Endowed Chair in Finance and finance department head in the Eller College of Management, have both been selected as 2023-2024 recipients of the University of Arizona Foundation’s Eugene C. Sander Faculty Fundraising Award.
The Sander Faculty Fundraising Award was established by the Foundation Board of Trustees in 2008 to honor faculty who set examples among their peers for upholding high standards of performance in fundraising and development efforts.
The award is named after former University President and Dean of the College and Agricultural Life Sciences (CALS) Eugene G. Sander—an early advocate and leader of faculty involvement in the fundraising process.
“Kannan hit the ground running, engaging with Eller’s top donors even before he had arrived in Tucson as Dean. PAE leadership appreciated the opportunity to support his transition to the University,” says JP Roczniak, president and CEO of the UA Foundation. “Eller’s future is bright under his leadership, and we look forward to continuing to partner with him to help the College continue to Fuel Wonder.”
Kannan and Kahle were selected for the award because they are exemplars of academic partners who uphold high standards of fundraising and collaborative development efforts and the foundation wishes to recognize the thoughtful and effective donor-relations manner along with their commitment to working strategically with UA Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (PAE) colleagues.
“As head of the Department of Finance, Kathy has prioritized funding and built strong relationships with new supporters while also deepening relationships with existing donors,” says Roczniak. She has inspired donors who are passionate about making an impact at the University and Eller and has helped secure significant philanthropic support for Eller Finance, and for that, our team is grateful.”
Kannan and Kahle will be presented the Eugene C. Sander Faculty Fundraising Award at the University of Arizona Foundation’s Board of Trustee’s reception on Thursday, May 2 at the new Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine facility.