Honoring the Trailblazers. Inspiring Future Generations.
A permanent tribute to the students whose leadership helped shape the University of Arizona and laid the foundation for generations of Wildcats to come.
Join us for Los Universitarios Mural Dedication
November 6, 2026
RSVP HERE
The legacy of Los Universitarios is an important thread to the story of the University of Arizona and Tucson. This new mural celebrates that history and brings the story of Los Universitarios into a public space where students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members can learn from and connect with this legacy.
We hope you will join us for this special celebration! Come see the mural, hear the stories behind its creation and symbolism, and help us honor the people whose vision and commitment helped shape our campus and community.
RSVP HERE
About Los Universitarios
Los Universitarios formed in the early 1950s as a social club for Mexican-American students, many of which were the first to attend college from their families and searching for belonging on the University of Arizona campus. The group created a scholarship fund for students, awarding the first scholarship of $250 to a UofA student. The scholarship formed the foundation of the University of Arizona Hispanic Alumni, which was created in 1982 and included several members of Los Universitarios. Many members of Los Universitarios went on to become educators, doctors, lawyers, military officers, and civil servants.
To learn more, visit The University of Arizona Libraries Special Collection of Los Universitarios
Other articles about Los Universitarios:
Meet the Artist
RUBEN URREA MORENO
A multi-disciplinary Chicano artist born and raised in Tucson, AZ. His work has been included in group and solo exhibitions in El Paso, L.A., San Diego, Phoenix, Mexico, and on the International Mexican American border itself. His work is in the permanent collections of the Tucson Museum of Art and El Paso Museum of Art, and Austin Museum of Art. Ruben currently works as a full-time museum professional with the Arizona State Museum.
Ruben's work examines themes of human rights, cultural issues, political plights, the struggles of immigrant communities, and healing.
About the Mural
To honor the legacy and spirit of Los Universitarios, this mural shows the legacy of knowledge-seeking going all the way back to our shared Mesoamerican cultures.
- The Book and Tree of Heritage: At the base of the mural, a book emerges from a tree of heritage, represented as an Ancestor. Together, they symbolize the transmission of wisdom, knowledge, and cultural legacy across generations.
- The Mesoamerican Glyphs: The pages of the book feature meaningful Mesoamerican symbols. On the right, the Ometeotl symbol, featured in the Florentine Codex, reflects concepts of duality and balance within Mexica thought. On the left, the Nahual Ollin represents a concept rooted in 16th-century Mexica cosmology, often translated as "four movement" and associated with the four directions. Over time, the symbol has taken on diverse interpretations and has been embraced within various ethnic studies traditions.
- The Quetzal and Key: A quetzal bird, historically associated with royalty, wealth, and cultural significance, holds a key representing success and opportunity. The University of Arizona's beloved "A" appears at the end of the key, connecting the imagery to the institution and the educational pathways it represents.
- The Students: Flanking the central composition are two young college students whose expressions convey pride, curiosity, and eagerness to learn. Holding knowledge in their hands, they represent students actively shaping their futures through education and embody the continuing legacy of Los Universitarios.
Donate Today!
Be part of the legacy and donate today! Your contribution helps support educational programming, student engagement, and storytelling inspired by Los Universitarios. Every gift helps keep their legacy alive for future generations.
Donate to HSI Initiatives
Donate to directly support mural maintenance and ongoing engagement and learning opportunities connected to the mural.
Donate to UAHA
Donate directly to support the UAHA scholarship fund.