The Fred and Barbara Borga Award was established in honor of Fred and Barbara Borga through the generosity of their son Dr. Ross Schwartzberg. The award supports outstanding undergraduate students at the University of Arizona who are majoring in Religious Studies with a concentration in Religious Studies for Health Professionals.
Religious Studies is thrilled to announce the following winner of the 2025 Fred and Barbara Borga Award: Arturo Padilla, Religious Studies for Health Professionals major.
Arturo Padilla writes:
"Studying Religious Studies for Health Professionals has really opened my eyes to how much religion, spirituality, and culture impact the way people understand health and healing. As someone who's Catholic and reconnecting with my Yaqui background, this major has helped me think about how I can better support Native and Latino communities in ways that respect their beliefs. I've really enjoyed learning how religion shows up in healthcare settings and how important it is for providers to be aware of those dynamics.
"This scholarship means a great deal to me. It has lifted the financial burden, allowing me to focus more fully on my future and how I can give back to my communities—both the Arizona community as a whole, and specifically the Native and Latino populations within it. Thank you for this incredible opportunity."