Drachman, a member of one of Arizona's pioneer families, was born in Tucson and attended local schools and the UA. His association with the UA has been long and generous, including funding the development of the Roy P. Drachman Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at AHSC. He is co-owner of the Roy Drachman Realty Company, established in 1946, and was one of the original partners who founded Ramada Inns.
When completed, Roy P. Drachman Hall will serve as a gateway to the AHSC and provide a permanent home for the new UA College of Public Health, which is spread among 19 sites on campus. Drachman learned of the building at the UA Foundation's recent annual event in La Jolla, Calif. Drachman celebrated his 95th birthday three days later.
The new structure also will consolidate state-of-the art instructional facilities for the UA Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health, providing space to expand these academic programs in response to the national shortage of health care professionals. To foster greater interdisciplinary collaboration, these colleges will share Drachman Hall's classrooms, computer labs, conference rooms and student center. Drachman Hall also will be home to many of the colleges' Centers of Excellence as well as AHSC administration, making it a natural welcoming point for community members to access AHSC health programs and information.
Canyon Ranch founder Mel Zuckerman is playing a significant role in the project. A large portion of his $10 million gift to the College of Public Health, as well as contributions from Drachman's friends, will match funds from the UA to complete the financing of this innovative, public-private partnership.
For more information on Roy P. Drachman Hall, please contact Lisa Fahey at (520) 626-7766.
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