From the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program
The University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program is creating a scholarship in the name of the late Joseph F. Joyce Jr., a longtime horse racing executive and founder of the Arlington Million, the world’s first $1-million Thoroughbred race.
Joyce, who died in November 2006, had been involved with the RTIP since its inception and served on its advisory council for 32 years. His fundraising efforts were vital to getting the program started 34 years ago.
“Mr. Joyce was not only a great asset to the RTIP program as one of the original members of the advisory council, but he was also one of my mentors,” said Doug Reed, program director of the RTIP. “I learned a lot from him during the year of the 'Miracle Million,' as I was his racing secretary the year of the Arlington Park fire."
“The success of the RTIP meant so much to my father,” said Eugene T. Joyce, president and general manager of Turf Paradise. “He thoroughly enjoyed mentoring the students and giving back to an industry that was very good to him. The entire Joyce family is grateful that the University of Arizona has honored our request to name a scholarship in his memory.”
The scholarship will be administered by RTIP staff and will be awarded to a student based on academics, participation in the industry, and RTIP program activities.
For those wishing to donate to the scholarship endowment, checks may be made to the University of Arizona Foundation for scholarship holding account 02-11010.1360. The donor note should state the name of the honoree, Joseph F. Joyce, Jr., in the memo line of the check or the accompanying paperwork.
The addres is the Race Track Industry Program, 845 N. Park Avenue, Suite 370, Tucson, AZ, 85721