Pamela Wagner: A champion of employee creativity, mental health
Pamela Wagner, operations coordinator for the Department of Family and Community Medicine in the College of Medicine – Tucson, Arizona died Feb. 24, 2025 at 56 years old.
Pamela Wagner, Exhibit Coordinator for "On Our Own Time" and Operations Coordinator, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Wagner was the driving force behind the university's "On Our Own Time" art exhibition and competition, which just marked its 15th year. The program, funded entirely through the National Arts Program, encourages the artistic expression of employees, retirees and their family members. This year's exhibition brought in submissions from 120 artists, which was a significant increase over the previous year.
Wagner was part of the steering committee that oversees Arizona Palooza, a yearly family-friendly mental health resource fair. This year's event is May 3. She was also active in the University of Arizona Staff Council, serving on the Employee Recognition Committee.
"Pamela represented staff in shared governance with thoughtfulness, enthusiasm and a generous spirit," said Melanie Madden, program manager in the Office of Curricular Affairs and Staff Council chair. "Her positive energy, perfectly expressed in her email signature, 'Have an AWESOME day,' will be truly missed.
In recent years, Wagner had also pursued a personal passion: publishing a children's book titled "Hollis Saves Halloween!"
Wagner's family held a celebration of life event earlier this month. The Department of Family and Community Medicine is planning a celebration event in April and will release details as they are finalized.
Pamela "Pam" Cannons Wagner was born April 27, 1968 daughter of Victor E. "Vic" Cannons and Dorothy "Dottie" (Hanna) Cannons. A local celebration was held at the White Oaks Event Center, Noble, IL with burial in Hanna Cemetery, Noble, IL
