US Airways - December 2012 - (Page 85)

L ocals refer to it as “the heartbeat of Tucson,” or “Tucson’s town square.” Certainly, the University of Arizona, perched on 390 acres, is a literal oasis. innovation — synonymous with the American West. And with nearly 40,000 students, 20 colleges, and more than 300 academic programs, it’s an intellectual and cultural one, too. Students and residents alike flock to lectures, seminars, concerts, plays, poetry readings, and athletic events while UA researchers develop innovative solutions to the greatest challenges of the 21st century: the sustainability of the planet’s food and water supply, the need for alternative energy sources, and the mysteries of the cosmos. Little wonder the UA, with $600 million in research funding, ranks 18th among all U.S. public research institutions. But the acknowledgment comes as no surprise, given the school’s spirit of creativity, exploration, and View to a Thrill “Building a telescope is a little like building a cathedral,” says Roger Angel, PhD, University of Arizona professor of astronomy and optical sciences, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences since 2000. But instead of working with stone and stained glass, the key materials are mirrors. It’s a slow, methodical process requiring patience and meticulousness among the scientists and engineers uniquely qualified to work at Steward Observatory Mirror Lab (SOML), which lies beneath Arizona Stadium, home of the UA Wildcats. SOML is a stark contrast to the fury of the Clockwise from left: Steward Observatory Mirror Lab is unique in the world with its engineering expertise and manufacturing capability; students outside Herring Hall, built in 1903; the Wildcats take the field at Arizona Stadium photos (clockwise from left) courtesy of ua steward observatory mirror lab, courtesy of ua marketing/scott kirkessner, courtesy of ua athletics usairwaysmag.com DECEmbEr 2012 85 http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - December 2012

Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: New Year's Eve
Hub Crawl: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Wine & Dine: Holiday Spirits
Wine & Dine: Beaudevin Wine Bar, Charlotte, NC
Adventure: Creek Ranch, Florida
Adventure: Palm Springs Golf
Great Escapes: Universal Orlando® Resort
Gear Up: Gifts for Good
Travel Feature: Into the Yucatán
Mapping It Out: US Airways' Route Planning Department
University Spotlight: University of California, Berkeley
Great Tastes: College Eats
Celebrate Tucson, AZ
Must Read: The Socialstructed World
Special Section: Kentucky
Great Dates
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - December 2012