At Graphic Impact, we take great pride in producing nearly all of the University of Arizona’s awards and plaques right here in-house. Whether celebrating academic excellence, athletic achievements, or distinguished service, our custom-designed awards are crafted with precision, creativity, and over three decades of experience. These are not your standard catalog trophies — they’re uniquely designed pieces of art that make a bold, lasting statement.

Why In-House Fabrication Matters

Fabricating awards and plaques in-house gives us total control over the production process, ensuring faster turnaround times, tighter quality control, and a truly customized result. Unlike many vendors who rely on third-party suppliers or generic templates, we design, fabricate, and finish everything in our Tucson facility using state-of-the-art equipment and a skilled design team. This hands-on approach is a key reason why the University of Arizona entrusts us with their most prestigious recognitions.

Custom Techniques That Set Us Apart

Each award is created using the technique best suited for its design and purpose. Here are just a few of the methods we use:

• Laser Engraving: For fine detail, clean typography, and lasting impressions on materials like wood, acrylic, or glass.
• Routing: Ideal for dimensional signage and intricate lettering, especially when incorporating university logos or 3D elements.
• 3D Fabrication: We go beyond the flat surface by embedding real-world objects such as medals, sports items, or memorabilia for added visual impact.

Awards That Reflect University of Arizona Pride

Whether it's recognizing a top-performing student, honoring faculty excellence, or commemorating a championship win, UArizona awards are designed to evoke pride and represent the traditions of the university. Many incorporate elements like the “Block A” logo, university colors, and themed backgrounds that showcase each department’s identity. These aren’t off-the-shelf awards — they’re handcrafted, high-impact pieces meant to be displayed with honor.

Academic and Athletic Honors

The University of Arizona celebrates excellence across a wide range of disciplines, and our plaques and awards are tailored to each achievement. Academic awards may feature custom-etched glass and elegant walnut bases, while athletic plaques might include full-color photos, etched medals, and bold designs representing school spirit. We understand the importance of each honor and strive to make every piece as meaningful as the moment it represents.

One-of-a-Kind Designs

Unlike mass-produced awards that can feel generic, our pieces are fully customized from the ground up. We collaborate closely with departments and university representatives to capture their vision. Do you want a plaque shaped like the Arizona stadium? Or an award embedded with a laser-cut replica of a research project? We can do that — and more.

Materials That Make a Statement

We work with a wide range of materials including:

• Acrylic: A modern, versatile material perfect for laser engraving and layered effects.
• Wood: Classic, warm, and ideal for more traditional awards or those recognizing long-standing service.
• Metal: Brushed aluminum and other metals offer a sleek, professional look for faculty and leadership awards.
• Glass: Sophisticated and transparent — often chosen for academic milestones and major recognitions.

Technology Meets Tradition

What makes Graphic Impact different is our ability to blend modern fabrication technology with timeless design. From UV printing and CNC routing to laser engraving and color-matching, our tools allow us to execute on even the most complex creative visions. When a department wants to try something never done before, we have the tools and experience to bring it to life.

Rapid Turnaround, Local Support

Being a local Tucson-based company gives us a unique advantage. We can respond quickly, provide face-to-face consultations, and deliver results on tight deadlines. Need an award produced last-minute? We’ve done it many times. That’s the advantage of choosing a company that builds everything under one roof, right here in Southern Arizona.

Thirty Years of Experience in Award Excellence

Graphic Impact has been serving the University of Arizona since 1989. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, creativity, and excellence. Our long-standing relationship with the university means we understand its standards, its brand, and its values — and we reflect them in every plaque, trophy, and award we produce.

Let’s Create Something Memorable Together

If you’re looking for awards that go beyond expectations, work with a team that specializes in making the extraordinary possible. Whether you need a single award or an entire recognition program, we’re ready to help. Let us put our experience, technology, and design skill to work for you.

Contact Graphic Impact today at 520-795-7446 to schedule a consultation or see samples of our University of Arizona award creations. We’re proud to be the local partner trusted by the U of A — and we’d be honored to work with you too.