Arizona Historymakers
In 2001, Stevie and Karl were honored as “Arizona Historymakers” by the Historical League of Arizona. The program honors outstanding Arizonans who have distinguished themselves with noted achievements in diverse areas as well as community service and philanthropy.
Arizona Centennial
In February 2012, Stevie and Karl chaired the fundraising effort for the Arizona Centennial for the entire state.
Barrow Neurological Foundation
In 2013, Stevie and Karl gave a major gift to Barrow Neurological Foundation to enhance the Goldman Auditorium with 3D technology. The Ellers have made many contributions to Barrow over the years including funding for the Eller TelePresence, a teleconference system that allows observers to watch live neurosurgeries in a conference room.
Historical Ambassador of the State
In 2011, Stevie was one of ten Arizona women honored as Historical Ambassador of the State.
Trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
In 2011, Stevie was appointed Trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. by (then President of Center) Michael Kaiser.
Regents Award
Stevie and Karl Eller have demonstrated their lifelong commitment to higher education through deep investments in the University of Arizona, from which they both graduated in the 1950s. Their generosity of time and resources exemplifies what concerned and dedicated private individuals can do to enhance higher education opportunities for residents across the state of Arizona. For over 25 years, Karl Eller has been instrumental in enhancing the development and growth of the college now known as the Eller College of Management. In addition to the millions of dollars the Ellers have provided to support the College’s programs, Karl Eller has served on the judging panel of the annual business plans competition since its inception in 1985 and solicits the participation of the Anheuser-Busch Entrepreneur-in-Residence each year. Stevie Eller is also involved with the Eller School of Management, including the annual presentation of the Stevie Eller Enterprise Creation Awards, scholarships given to undergraduate and graduate MBA students who have excelled academically and who show promise as future entrepreneurs and community leaders. Eller’s love of dance, which was fostered as a member of Orchesis while a student at the UA, prompted her to become a lead supporter of the UA’s School of Dance. This support resulted in her gift that helped create the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre in 2003.
American Heart Association
In the late sixties, Stevie was very involved with the American Heart Association and spearheaded the “Heart Sunday” program. This had organized volunteers spend Sundays knocking on doors to raise contributions for the Association. She recruited the star power of Dick Van Dyke to also help with the campaign.
