2025 AOY Honorees, Donald Powell, James E. Rogers College of Law - Class of 1969, 1972 and Susan Powell, James E. Rogers College of Law - Class of 1971
During international travel, Donald and Susan Powell were exposed to young people in many countries. The couple’s intellect, desire to learn, global perspectives and admiration for the United States resulted in the Powells creating annual scholarships for international students at the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law and W.A. Franke Honors College as well as an endowment for the Wildcat Mentor Society.
Don and Sue were raised in families where volunteerism was stressed. Empathy was a priority, as were community service and giving, and the Powells remain committed to these principles. The University of Arizona continues to inspire Don and Sue through its rich traditions, campus beauty, strong academia, energy and prestige.
Don’s U of A activities include serving as president of the Law College Association and the Phoenix Alumni Chapter. He also has served on the Franke Honors College Advisory Board, the Foundation Board, the Alumni Advisory Council and the National Leadership Council. Don has been honored as a Wildcat Mentor Society Mentor of the Year and with the Slonaker Service Award. His professional involvements include serving as president of the Senior Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Arizona, the Volunteer Lawyers Program Advisory Committee of Community Legal Services and the Maricopa County Bar Foundation. He has been named the Arizona Supreme Court Pro Bono Attorney of the Year and Arizona Bar Foundation Top Pro Bono Attorney.
Sue has served as a court-appointed special advocate for children in court proceedings; as director of Odyssey of the Mind; on the board of WINGS, which supports Phoenix Children’s Hospital; as a supervisor for children’s plays; and as an Arizona Cancer Center weekly volunteer. She also has served as president of an inner city family center and a National Charity League chapter.
