HU Arizona Receives Mayor’s Award

At the Peoria Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary and Awards Banquet on June 14, Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat announced that this year’s Mayor’s Award recipient is Huntington University Arizona!

The Mayor’s Award is one of several annual awards that honor businesses, organizations and individuals who have a positive impact on the Chamber of Commerce and the Peoria community. Every year, the Chamber asks the mayor of Peoria to select a recipient for and present the Mayor’s Award.   

Mayor Carlat selects her chosen recipient by focusing on those businesses, organizations and individuals who have an exceptional impact on the community, elevate the community and serve Peoria’s residents well. 

“Receiving the Mayor’s Award on behalf of Huntington University Arizona was really exciting and encouraging,” said Jeff Berggren, director of Huntington University Arizona operations. “Our mission as a Christ-centered university is to be active in our community and partner with a number of organizations to help bring positive changes. This is an important calling even when things are going well, as is the case with Peoria’s leadership and the growth of the city.”

"Huntington University is an incredible community partner,” said Mayor Carlat. “Since opening their doors in Peoria, the HU Arizona team has stepped up and involved themselves in many ways, by supporting our City and supporting many non-profits throughout the Valley. I’m grateful they made the decision to become a part of our Peoria family, and it is an honor to present them with the Mayor’s Award. Congratulations, HUAZ!”

“The city has been such a wonderful partner,” said Berggren, “and to have Mayor Carlat recognize our partnership in this manner is such a meaningful statement to our faculty, staff and students. In fact, it inspires us to do even more!” 

Huntington University Arizona opened its doors in 2016, welcoming students seeking a degree in digital media arts. The facility, a 30,000 square-foot building, houses bachelor’s degree programs in animation, film production, broadcast media and graphic design. The facility features film and TV studios, high-end computer classroom/labs, private editing suites, a state-of-the-art TV control room, Foley pit, a host of EFP and cinema cameras, and lighting gear for student production work.