The Galileo Circle is a community of engaged individuals whose support is vital to the continued excellence of the University of Arizona's College of Science.
As a member, you are supporting student scientists as well as groundbreaking research by distinguished faculty. Nurture the future of science today!
Your Galileo Circle Membership Supports:
Galileo Circle Student Scholarships
The Galileo Circle awards scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who show exceptional potential in the physical, mathematical, environmental, cognitive, or life sciences.
For more than 20 years, over 2,000 bright minds have been empowered through the Galileo Circle scholarships - representing more than $2 million invested in discovery and innovation.
Each scholarship you fund connects you personally to a student’s journey. You will have the opportunity to meet your scholar at the annual Galileo Circle Scholars Celebration each fall - where generosity and ambition unite to shape the future of science
Galileo Circle Faculty & Staff Awards
Annually, the College of Science Galileo Circle proudly honors 5 - 7 extraordinary faculty and staff who go above and beyond in teaching, research, mentoring, outreach, and overall excellence.
These awards represent some of the highest distinctions the College can bestow, celebrating individuals who inspire students and advance scientific discovery in profound ways.
Galileo Circle members make this happen. Since 2004, more than 100 extraordinary faculty and staff have been honored at the annual Galileo Circle Awards Dinner - a meaningful celebration of impact, connection, and a shared commitment of advancing scientific research and education.
Membership Options:
All memberships allow two people to participate in member benefits.
Join an elite community committed to shaping the future of science. The Galileo Circle stands as the cornerstone for recognizing exceptional faculty and staff and fostering student achievement. Your contribution to the Fund for Excellence powers these initiatives, with remaining funds dedicated to scholarships that open doors for tomorrow’s leaders.
Champion both discovery and opportunity by supporting the Galileo Circle Fund for Excellence and funding a $1,000 student scholarship in the College of Science department of your choice. Each $1,000 creates an additional scholarship, empowering more students to move forward in their academic journey. (Scholarships start at a minimum of $1,000 each.)
Start exploring what makes the Galileo Circle special! Enjoy a complimentary one-year membership and join us for exclusive events and experiences with the College of Science.
$100,000 or more to the Galileo Circle Fund for Excellence or Galileo Circle Scholarship Fund
$1,000,000 or more to any College of Science fund
Your exceptional generosity earns your lifetime membership in the Galileo Circle. Through endowments or estate gifts, your support creates lasting impact, funding scholarships and recognition programs that empower students and faculty to lead in discovery and innovation. As a Lifetime Member, you help ensure the future of Galileo Circle Scholarships and expand the reach of science for years to come.
Membership Benefits:
All Galileo Circle members receive exclusive invitations to special engagement opportunities including College of Science presentations and special events. We have three signature Galileo Circle events:
Galileo Circle Scholars Celebration
This event honors our outstanding students, selected by their department, as Galileo Circle Scholars.
It’s an opportunity for scholars to meet and engage with the Galileo Circle members and patrons who make these awards possible.
The evening includes a student poster session, drinks, dinner, remarks from Dean Carmie Garzione, and special student presentations.
College of Science Lecture Series Opening Night Galileo Circle Reception
Held backstage at Centennial Hall, this exclusive event provides a unique opportunity to interact with the four renowned University of Arizona faculty speakers of the series, College of Science Leadership and Department Heads, University of Arizona Leadership, and Lecture Series sponsors before the commencement of the 2026 Lecture Series.
The evening includes heavy appetizers, drinks, remarks from Dean Carmie Garzione, and reserved seating in Centennial Hall.
Galileo Circle Faculty and Staff Awards Dinner
This event celebrates exceptional faculty and staff whose outstanding contributions to teaching, research, mentoring, outreach, and overall excellence are supported through the generous funding of Galileo Circle members.
This evening offers a special opportunity for Galileo Circle members to come together and honor the extraordinary individuals we recognize as the epitome of excellence in the College of Science.
The evening includes cocktail hour, dinner, and awards program.
Questions about the Galileo Circle?
Sonia Burnett
Assistant Director, Donor Relations and Alumni Engagement
College of Science
soniaburnett@arizona.edu
(520) 621-2562
