UA Physics Welcomes Back Alumnus John Edwards After 64 Years
April 10, 2026
The University of Arizona Department of Physics recently welcomed a very special visitor: alumnus John Edwards, who returned to the department for the first time in 64 years, accompanied by his family.
Edwards was part of the first cohort of students to earn an Engineering Physics degree at UA, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1961. He went on to complete a master’s degree at the Stevens Institute of Technology in 1963, followed by a PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1970. His distinguished career included work at Bell Labs during its peak years, military service, and many years at Intel.
Now 87 years old, Edwards remains deeply engaged in service and mentorship. He is active with SCORE.org, where he supports nonprofit startup leaders by sharing his experience and expertise.
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During his visit to UA Physics, Edwards met with faculty members Shufang Su, Koen Visscher, and Weigang Wang, toured the department’s studio classroom, and visited FASTLab. As an expert in semiconductors, he was particularly interested in learning about FASTLab and the hands-on opportunities it provides for students preparing for careers in advanced technology fields.
Edwards also reflected on his time as a student at UA, recalling that he received no scholarship support and balanced two jobs, full-time studies, and family responsibilities while completing his degree. Because of those experiences, he has felt a strong desire to give back. For the past 25 years, Edwards has made annual contributions to UA Physics, supporting future generations of students.
His longstanding generosity and recent visit serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of a UA education and the enduring bonds between alumni and the department.
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