TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona football letterwinner and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback Nick Foles and his wife Tori, a UA volleyball letterwinner, have committed a $250,000 gift to assist with the construction of the C.A.T.S. Academic Center.
“We're thrilled that Nick and Tori made the decision to support the construction of our new academics center,” said UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. “They've been great representatives of Arizona Athletics since departing Tucson and it's a wonderful thing to see former student-athletes invest in the success of the department.”
The new facility will primarily provide support for academic needs such as tutor rooms, study areas and a computer lab but will also include life skills, sports psychology and personal development services along with other student-athlete amenities. The project site will be located on the south side of Enke Drive to maintain close proximity to McKale Center locker rooms, coaches and administration. To learn more about the project, click HERE.
“The University of Arizona and the athletics department mean so much to Tori and I,” Foles stated. “We had such a tremendous experience and our time there prepared us well for the future. We decided this project was the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation. We know this will have a positive impact on all the current and future Wildcats and we're happy to join forces with everyone who is supporting the new academics center.”
Foles is entering his fifth season in the NFL after being drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012. He's appeared in 39 games, starting 35, for the Eagles and Rams. He's thrown for 8,805 yards and 53 TDs during his professional career. During his three seasons at Arizona, Foles threw for a school-record 10,011 yards and 67 TDs, which is tied for first on UA's all-time list. He also holds single-season records for attempts, completions, yards and TDs. The former Tori Moore spent four seasons on the UA volleyball team and played in 30 matches as a setter.
The C.A.T.S. Academic Center will streamline the support provided by the C.A.T.S. Academics department. Instead of the less-than-ideal set-up the academic staff currently works under, the new Center will help Arizona Athletics academic initiatives operate in a fluid and functional manner. The additional space and the diversification of that space will allow for more one-on-one interactions with student-athletes, while providing an increase in private locations to work and study.
C.A.T.S. Academics is comprised of 14 full-time staff members, including six academic counselors, four learning specialists and administrative staff. In addition, the full-time staff is supplemented by six part-time assistant learning specialists and approximately 50 student tutors/mentors. C.A.T.S Academics is open six days a week and facilitates approximately 600 academic appointments each week.
Arizona Athletics receives no state appropriations, but does receive 315 tuition waivers annually, authorized by the Arizona Board of Regents. Tuition waivers are also granted to ASU and NAU. The athletics department is responsible for the cost of room, board and books to supplement the tuition waivers and is responsible for generating revenues to cover the department's annual operating costs and budgetary obligations. Additionally, all funds required for new facilities and renovations are provided through the continued support and generosity of athletics department ticket buyers and donors.
Learn more about this capital campaign for the University of Arizona by calling the Wildcat Club at (520) 621-2582. Learn more about the Arizona NOW campaign for the University of Arizona at arizonanow.org.
