Mechanical engineering alum commits $10M to cancer research, student scholarships

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In biomedical engineering assistant professor Shang Song’s lab, undergraduates Ethan Taylor (left) and Lucas Mellinger stand by as a 3D bioprinter creates living cells.

In biomedical engineering assistant professor Shang Song’s lab, undergraduates Ethan Taylor (left) and Lucas Mellinger stand by as a 3D bioprinter creates living cells.

Bill Lucas, a 1973 mechanical engineering graduate, committed $10 million to support the University of Arizona’s Cancer Engineering Initiative and to create the William Lucas and Gracie Becker Endowed Scholarship, which will be available to Arizona residents in 2026. 

“I wanted to help kids with financial need,” said Lucas.

The William Lucas and Gracie Becker Cancer Engineering Endowment is dedicated to his late wife, Grace Ann “Gracie” Becker.

“I think she'd be very happy knowing the endowment will help move technology forward in a very positive manner.”

Lucas lived in Arizona for nearly 70 years. After graduating from the U of A, he embarked on a 40-year engineering career that included two decades as an engineering superintendent with Tucson Electric Power.

“I enjoyed my last 20 years at TEP. It's one of those jobs where you would do some hands-on work,” said Lucas. “I took a certain pride in getting something done that felt tangible.”