Plans to Remember Professor Tom Meixner

Sept. 26, 2023
Robert C. Robbins

Dear Students and Colleagues,

Nearly a year ago, the University of Arizona community suffered a profound loss with the death on October 5, 2022 of Dr. Thomas Meixner. Professor and Head of the world-renowned Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, Dr. Meixner was beloved by his students and colleagues, both here at the University and around the world. His tragic killing left a lasting mark on our campus and in the hearts of those who knew him.

As we approach October 5, I want to share information about the University’s plans to remember Professor Meixner. A planning group has partnered with Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences to develop these plans, in accordance with the wishes of Dr. Meixner's family. 

Public Gathering, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Service at noon

The University remembrance event will take place at the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, 1615 E. 2nd Street.

The Newman Center, which is a Catholic organization, has graciously offered to host a non-denominational gathering for our community in which all are welcome to visit and reflect.

  • From 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., members of University community are welcome to come to Newman Center, and there will be various means available for attendees to honor Dr. Meixner.
  • A service will be held at noon. The service will be livestreamed, with more information available soon. 
  • Mental health support will be available. For employees, counselors will be on-site from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For students, CAPS will have representatives on site to assist with connection to mental health resources. (More information below). 
    At approximately 5:00 p.m., the Newman Center will hold its regular prayer and daily mass, which will be dedicated to Dr. Meixner, who was a parishioner in this community as well as St. Cyril of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church in Tucson.

Light Installation 

The College of Science, the home of the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, has worked with Facilities Management and will install a spotlight, shining vertically in Dr. Meixner’s honor for 24 hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5.

Dr. Thomas Meixner Memorial Fund

Last fall more than 150 people contributed a total of $85,000 to a fund honoring Dr. Meixner. The endowed fund will be based out of the College of Science and will support graduate students studying subsurface hydrogeology in the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences.  

Anyone interested in supporting the Dr. Thomas Meixner Memorial Fund can donate online. 

Counseling and Mental Health Support

As noted above, if you attend the gathering at the Newman Center, employee support services will be available on-site and students can speak with CAPS representatives about available services.

Additional services include: 

  • For employees: two counselors will be available via telephone. Individuals seeking virtual support on can call (484) 222-0246 or (212) 946-1583 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to speak with a counselor.  Please know that if the line is busy and you are asked to leave a confidential message that you will receive a return call.
  • Students in need of mental health support can contact Campus Health Counseling and Psych Services by calling 520-621-3334, schedule online or drop in at one of CAPS locations during operating hours. Visit the CAPS website to learn about available help. CAPS will have additional capacity to support students on this day.

Communications Pause 

We are asking our campus colleagues to pause mass communications during the period from 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3 through the end of the day Friday, October 6. Central Communications will reach out to marketing and communications professionals with details and to address any questions.

In addition, the “Bear Down” fight song that plays at noon across campus every day will be turned off on October 5.

I want to thank those who have worked on these plans. I encourage everyone in our Wildcat community to take the time you need every day, and especially on October 5, to remember Tom Meixner and to honor his legacy.

Sincerely,

Robert C. Robbins, M.D.

President
The University of Arizona

This email was sent to: all students, faculty, staff, and DCCs.