The Friends of HSP Endowment fund has surpassed the $1 million milestone, which will support the long-term interests and continuity of the UA’s premier adult education series.
Founded in 1984, the Humanities Seminars Program has enrolled more than 21,000 community members in 367 classes, in a wide range of subjects, taught by top University of Arizona professors.
The Friends of HSP Endowment launched on Aug. 27, 2009 to raise funds that will ensure the quality and variety of courses remain as the program continues to grow.
With support from 952 unique donors, including substantial gifts from HSP founder Dorothy Rubel and her friend and fellow student Margot Panofsky, the Endowment surpassed $1 million in January 2018
“Reaching this important milestone demonstrates the engagement and commitment of current students to the Humanities Seminars Program and to the vital role of the humanities in our community. These stewardship efforts will be essential to continue the program’s success and mission in the future,” said HSP Board Chair Janet Hollander.
The Endowment’s growth paralleled growth of the program itself, as HSP student enrollment expanded from 461 in 2008 to 2,009 in 2017. There were nine courses in 2008 and 25 courses in 2017, with the addition of night offerings in 2015 and the first HSP classes off-campus in 2017 with the expansion of the program to Oro Valley.
Among the champions of Friends of HSP Endowment was the late Ted Taubeneck, a longtime board member and voracious student, who was taking his 121stand 122nd Humanities Seminar courses when he passed away last year at the age of 91. In his memory, the annual award to outstanding seminar instructors will be renamed the Ted and Shirley Taubeneck Superior Teaching Award.