In 1996, the University of Arizona department of Intercollegiate Athletics created the Ruby and Sapphire Awards to recognize the top male and female student-athletes. These awards are the highest honors bestowed upon current University of Arizona student-athletes. They are given to senior student-athletes who have achieved exceptional athletic success, and excelled in academics, personal development and community service. The H.N. and Frances Berger Foundation, a private family foundation, was established in 1961 by Nor and Fran Berger of Santa Barbara, who attained success and accumulated wealth from real estate and business ventures throughout California. The Berger’s believed that the future rests in the hands of our youth and created their creed, “helping people help themselves.” Nor Berger passed away in 1988, and Fran Berger three years later, but their foundation continues their vision and good work. The Berger Foundation has contributed approximately $4.5 million to the University of Arizona Foundation for support of University programs and is pleased to have developed the H.N. and Frances Berger Endowed Athletics Scholarship Fund.
AWARD NOMINEES
Freshman Female Athlete of the Year
Freshman Male Athlete of the Year
Sophomore Female Athlete of the Year
Sophomore Male Athlete of the Year
Junior Female Athlete of the Year
Junior Male Athlete of the Year
Ruby Award
Sapphire Award
Support Services Staff Member of the Year Nominees
Additional Recognitions & Awards
Wildcat Way Awards
2017-2018 Academic Champions
Academic Team Awards
Valedictorian
Individual Community Service Awards
Athletic Director’s Cup of Community Service
Unsung Hero Award
Inspiration Award
A-Club Silver Anniversary Award Recipients
Michelle Fernandez Wells, Gymnastics
Michelle Fernandez Wells is originally from Denville, New Jersey. She came to the University of Arizona in 1990 and received an athletic scholarship as a member of the Arizona Gymnastics Team. After competing as a Gymcat and enduring two ACL knee surgeries, Michelle transitioned into a coaching role for the program. She majored in Communications with a minor in Health with career aspirations to work in sports marketing. While a student-athlete, Michelle earned the Mary Roby Academic Award for her success in competition and in the classroom. Michelle graduated in 1994 and accepted a full time marketing position in Major League Baseball as the Marketing Director for the San Diego Padres. She later went on to work for the Milwaukee Brewers before relocating to Las Vegas with her husband Greg Wells of 22 years. While raising her three boys, she has been heavily involved in the local community in Las Vegas, volunteering and supporting such organizations as, Shade Tree, Make-A-Wish Foundation, SoleHealers and many others.
Greg Wells, Baseball
Greg Wells is originally from Maxwell, California. He came to the University of Arizona in 1992 after earning an athletic scholarship while attending Butte Community College in Northern California. He was an outfielder on the 1992 Pac-12 Championship Arizona Baseball team, and majored in Economics while graduating in 1994. Following graduation, he worked for a financial services firm and in 1996 became Branch Manager. In 1999 Greg and Michelle relocated to Las Vegas. For the past 19 years Greg has worked in various real estate development and investment functions and is currently the President of Investments & Real Estate at Marnell Companies. Greg is very active in the Las Vegas community by serving with many local and national organizations including, Community Education Advisory Board for the City of Henderson, Tuscany Research Institute, Shakey’s USA and several other small startup companies.
Greg and Michelle have three sons, Austin (19), Carson (17) and Mason (15). Austin is a current member of the Arizona Baseball Team and is continuing his parents’ legacy of Wildcat excellence.
