Arizona couple donate $10M to Arizona PBS, the largest gift in the station's history
Sue Hart-Wadley and Searle Wadley have been supporters of PBS for decades, and when they discovered Arizona PBS’ broadcast tower needed replacement after decades of service, the couple decided to step up their giving. Their $10 million gift will help the station purchase and construct a new tower, fund a national science show and expand educational outreach in Arizona. Photo by Sydney Burdick/Arizona PBS
Sue Hart-Wadley and Searle Wadley have always loved PBS for its educational, entertaining and inspirational programming. After years of learning from its variety of offerings, the Arizona couple are looking to ensure future generations can do the same.
They’re doing so through a $10 million gift — the largest in Arizona PBS history.
The Wadleys’ gift will help the Arizona State University-affiliated station purchase and construct a new broadcast tower, fund a national science-focused series and expand educational outreach efforts throughout the state.
It’s a perfect fit for an institution dedicated to lifelong learning.
“We wanted to offer this gift when we could see the results of our giving and establish a legacy now rather than waiting for our demise,” said Searle, who along with his wife made the gift to ensure the station and its mission remains strong for decades to come.
“We’ve always had a soft spot in our heart for Arizona PBS. It’s a statewide treasure that we value, and it’s a resource that should not be lost.”
Sue hopes the gift inspires others to find ways to support their communities.
“Arizona PBS is a gem in the desert, and we hope to be an example to others, encouraging them to support an organization that can change lives and is accessible to everyone,” she said. “We are excited to watch our gift in action in this community we love.”
Searle said he and his wife have been supporters of PBS for decades, including when they lived in the Chicago area, where they worked in the pharmaceutical business — he was a microbiologist while she worked in human resources. Some of their favorite PBS shows include “Arizona Horizon,” “Masterpiece Theatre,” “NOVA,” “Hotel Portofino” and “PBS NewsHour.”
We’ve always had a soft spot in our heart for Arizona PBS. It’s a statewide treasure that we value, and it’s a resource that should not be lost.
Searle WadleyArizona PBS donor
When the couple moved to Arizona nearly 20 years ago, they not only continued their philanthropy but stepped it up when they discovered Arizona PBS’ tower needed replacement after decades of service.
“They (Arizona PBS) recognized that this was something that was urgently needed and convinced us of that, too,” Searle said. “The tower is something that will last for decades, and we found that very attractive to support.”
“This donation certainly sets an example for others to offer financial support to worthy causes,” said Lucile Oglesby, interim director of development for Arizona PBS at the ASU Foundation for a New American University.
“We are immensely grateful for the Wadleys’ generosity that will enable generations to come to enjoy all that Arizona PBS has to offer. The Wadleys are a great example of how people can leave a legacy that benefits everyone by investing in something they are passionate about.”
The $10 million donation underscores the Wadleys’ generosity to the station over the years, said Scott Woelfel, general manager of Arizona PBS. He called their gift “transformational.”
“Arizona PBS is fortunate to have one of the most engaged public television audiences in the entire country. Our robust, growing community of members continues to demonstrate the extraordinary commitment to supporting public media in Arizona,” said Woelfel, a media and journalism veteran with four decades of broadcast and digital production experience.
“This special gift from the Wadleys is the largest example of that support and sends a message Arizona PBS is their public television station, and they want to ensure it will be around to serve the residents of this state for years to come.”
Woelfel added the Wadleys’ historic gift will allow the station to continue its mission of serving not just the Valley of the Sun but the entire state with award-winning and educational programming.
The current broadcast tower, on South Mountain in Phoenix, has started to experience deterioration of some critical pieces, including the feed line that connects the tower to the transmitter, Woelfel said. The new tower will have a 30-foot triangular base and stand 297 feet high, topped with a 50-foot antenna. The tower, targeted to be fully operational in 2026, is in early planning stages with local permitting still pending.
The Wadleys’ donation will also help fund a planned science-based series with PBS host Miles O’Brien. The show will be focused on innovators tackling society’s most challenging problems.
“Science has always been helpful in my continuing education because there’s no end to it — it’s an infinite subject,” Searle said. “PBS has been really helpful in my understanding of science and how important it is to society as a whole. This new show is a natural fit and something that we are very excited about.”
The $10 million donation also means the station can expand the station’s already substantial educational outreach efforts.
Last year, Arizona PBS served more than 1.6 million children and 92,000 educators. Employees logged in approximately 55,000 miles across Arizona to deliver educational resources, including the distribution of 12,000 free books to children and underserved populations.
Sue Hart-Wadley said the work Arizona PBS and its employees perform on a daily basis is inspirational.
“I’ve been very impressed with all my interactions with Arizona PBS employees and their expertise,” she said. “They’re very enthusiastic in what they do … and that’s contagious.”
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