Two PAFA alumni, designer Elana Haglar (MFA '07) and sculptor Phebe Hemphill (Sculpture '87), created the depiction of astronaut Dr. Sally Ride on a new quarter released this year. The artists are employed at the US Mint as "Artist Infusion Program" Designer and "Medallic Artist" respectively, and were called upon for the American Women Quarters Program, supporting the four year effort to honor "the accomplishments and contributions of trailblazing American women."

The US Mint describes Dr. Sally Ride as "physicist, astronaut, educator, and first American woman to soar into space," also noting the design depicts Dr. Ride by a space shuttle window, inspired by her quote, "But when I wasn't working, I was usually at a window looking down at Earth."

"Dr. Ride, who died at 61 in 2012, 'would be so moved by this great honor,' her partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, said in a statement, adding that 'this tribute reflects Sally’s legacy not only as a trailblazing astronaut but also as a champion of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.'"—New York Times