An earlier version of this story had incorrect dates of Schaefer's death and memorial event.
University of Arizona cultural icon Helen S. Schaefer died Sept. 1 at age 89.
Along with her husband, UArizona professor emeritus John P. Schaefer, Helen Schaefer was the namesake of the Poetry Center's Helen S. Schaefer Building, which was dedicated to her in 2004. The Center for Creative Photography is named for John.
The Schaefers supported arts and cultural organizations for more than six decades.
"Dr. Helen Schaefer was a powerhouse – a scientist and teacher, community leader, and mother of two," said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins, in a statement. "The University of Arizona community has lost a true champion and leader who spent her life in exploration and in service to others. I know I join many in the Wildcat family who will remember her fondly. My thoughts and condolences are with John and their family."
The Schaefers donated more than $500,000 to the University of Arizona Foundation over the years. Helen Schaefer was a member of the foundation's National Leadership Council, the President's Club and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences' Magellan Circle.
The college's Women in Science Engineering Program, known as WISE, offers a scholarship in Helen Schaefer's name.
A memorial event in Helen Schaefer's honor will take place at 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Helen S. Schaefer Building, 1508 E. Helen Street.
She was survived by John, as well as her twin sister and daughters.
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Phil Villarreal is the senior real-time editor for KGUN 9. He is also a digital producer and host of "Phil on Film" seen weekly on Good Morning Tucson, Phil moved to KGUN after 17 years with the Arizona Daily Star. He is married and has four children. Share your story ideas and important issues with Phil by emailing phil.villarreal@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
