2025 has been a transformative year for SARSEF! We introduced two new programs: PRISM and GALS, with resounding success and excitement to continue to work to make these programs accessible and and engaging for all students. For the first time, SARSEF also partnered with Mentorship and Education in SCIence for Tucson (MESCIT) at the University of Arizona to bring a hands-on stem camp learning to Native American students. We asked SARSEF staff to share their favorite moments from 2025. Discover wonder, curiosity, and excitement through each favorite moment with SARSEF!
“My favorite moment was seeing generations of alumni, supporters, and advocates come together to celebrate SARSEF’s 70th Anniversary. Hearing everyone’s stories and learning what their SARSEF experiences meant to them was a moment of community I won’t forget.”
Julie Euber, CEO
“I loved helping the winners as they came off stage at the SARSEF Fair. Some were jumping and squealing with joy, some were stunned and a little dazed, some were crying with joy- but all were overcome with the realization that their hard work paid off. It was magical!”
Liz Bowman, COO
“I got to see all of the students and mentors interview each other during the PRISM orientation. Everyone came in open and curious to learn more about each other and the science that they are interested in.”
Cindy Bujanda, Education Director: High School
“My favorite part of the last year was watching SARSEF Summer STEM Campers present their work at our family showcases. Seeing students be proud of their work and brave enough to share their experience was really impactful.”
Katherine Larned Ortega, Education Director: PreK-Middle School
“My favorite moment was the 70th celebration last February! I got to meet SARSEF Fair participants from across the decades and dive into the impactful history of this amazing organization.”
Dani Wright, Chief Programs Officer
“My favorite SARSEF memory from the last year was seeing the Top Schools presentation at the STEM Expo. All of the students excitedly ran to the stage, cheering, and shared a moment of celebration for all of their hard work.”
Nick Balderston, Digital Service Designer
“I got to see our community and supporters come together at the annual report impact party and ‘become’ a SARSEF student for the night!”
Claire Gibson, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
?My favorite moment was when a volunteer at AZ STEM Adventure asked a student if they wanted to be an engineer one day and the student said “Oh, I am one”. The volunteer and student shared a pretty great high five after that!”
Chelsea Bowdren, Chief Development Officer
“This year I oversaw the organizing and managing of the sponsored awards, so I had the privilege of helping to pass them out and it was truly an amazing feeling. Being able to see the looks of their parents/ loved ones faces as their child received an award was the most heartwarming feeling and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it.”
Kayla Miranda, Program Specialist
“I got to see students that were from previous Afterschool sessions enrolled in some of our other programs and were so happy to see me again!”
Jasmin Lopez, Afterschool Specialist
“I served as an interview judge at Racing the Sun race day and witnessing firsthand the impressive technical skills and dedication these high school students demonstrated through their kart designs. Seeing them successfully engineer and race their creations gave me tremendous confidence in the talent and work ethic of the next generation.”
Ciara Hull, Executive Assistant