UA News

The University of Arizona Eller College of Management has established the Charles M. Pettis Scholarship Endowment in honor of the longtime business and community leader, who turned 80 on April 20. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a marketing student who demonstrates excellence in sales.

"Chuck is an extraordinary salesman and marketer whose contributions to the real estate industry are legendary," said Bob Lusch, head of Eller's marketing department. "Linking the Pettis Scholarship Endowment with our renewed emphasis on the sales process was a fabulous opportunity to recognize him while rewarding our best students."

Pettis, a Tucson real estate broker for more than 40 years, was president and CEO of Tucson Realty & Trust from 1982-87. He has served as a real estate consultant to The University of Arizona Foundation (UAF) since 1988.

"Chuck Pettis has done a magnificent job of managing University and Foundation real estate transactions. He's probably the best individual to work with ever," said Karl Eller, president and CEO of The Eller Company, who has known Pettis for 50 years. "His personable approach to negotiations creates a high level of integrity and trust that allows for all parties to be successful."

Craig Barker, UAF vice president of financial services, worked with Pettis colleagues Schuyler Lininger and Ralph Silberschlag to create the scholarship endowment to coincide with Pettis' 80th birthday. The trio quietly solicited the help of Foundation board members, the Tucson Conquistadores and other community leaders to launch the fund. Pettis was informed about the endowment at a recent birthday gathering.

"It was a complete surprise. It's not really about me, it's about the students," said Pettis, who avoids public recognition for his many civic contributions. "As long as the scholarship is helping students, I'm comfortable with it."

The Eller College plans to award the first scholarship funded by the endowment in fall 2008. Currently, the endowment is more than $44,000, but officials expect that figure to increase now that the scholarship is public.

"The great thing about an endowment is that it lasts in perpetuity," Barker said. "Students for many decades to come will be inspired by Chuck's life, just as his peers have been."

Pettis' current service includes the board of directors for Arizona Open Land Trust, Empire Ranch Foundation, Dioceses of Tucson and the Tucson Children's Museum. Pettis also serves on Pima County's Conservation Acquisition Commission, which determines bond-funded open space purchases.

Pettis' past community leadership activities include being a founding member of the Conquistadores, past chairman of the Arizona Nature Conservancy and past president of the Tucson Board of Realtors.

"It is hard to find someone in Tucson who Pettis has not positively impacted directly or indirectly," said Silberschlag, a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch and UAF board member. "He's played a role in a number of our community's most important land decisions that have helped shape what Tucson is today and will be tomorrow."

Individuals interested in making a gift to the Pettis Scholarship can call or e-mail Jane Prescott-Smith, senior director of development, Eller College, at (520) 621-2301 or jprescott@eller.arizona.edu. Checks made payable to UAF – Pettis Scholarship Endowment may be mailed to Jane Prescott-Smith at McClelland Hall, 1130 E. Helen St, Tucson, AZ, 85721.