The Arizona Beta Chapter of
Sigma Phi Epsilon
The University of Arizona
Brother Downer graduated from the University of Arizona in 1986, where he studied English, Communication, and Political Science. After graduation, Randy applied to the UA Law School and was denied admission. Randy considers this decision by the Law School to be one of the “greatest gifts” he has received in life because shortly thereafter he found his calling as a Private Investigator and ultimately created one of the most successful and innovative practices in the southwest.
Always a champion of the underdog, Randy spent five years as a Criminal Investigator Specialist for the Pima County Public Defender’s Office and in 1994, opened a solo practice, Inter-State Investigative Services. Over the years, Randy has built Inter-State into one of the largest investigative agencies in Arizona, and one of the most effective and cutting-edge investigative organizations nationwide.
Currently, Randy is a prominent figure in the Southern Arizona legal community.
In almost thirty years of practice, Randy has worked with Arizona’s brightest legal minds on many of the highest profile criminal and civil cases in Arizona. Randy is a founding member and consultant for The Arizona Justice Project and is a frequent speaker at local legal associations and institutions, including the James E. Rogers College of Law.
As a U of A alumnus, Randy has been highly active in SigEp, and now serves as the President of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Arizona Beta Educational Foundation. In this role, Randy has been able to spend time with fraternity brothers of all ages and especially enjoys being able to generate donations and award scholarships to deserving young members of SigEp. Randy worked with David Sobel to create the April 23, 2022, Arizona Beta reunion for members from the 80’s; an event that won’t soon be forgotten.
Randy is deeply grateful to be inducted into the SigEp Arizona Beta Hall of Fame. SigEp has played an important role in Randy’s life and to this day a significant number of his friendships stem from his time in the fraternity.
Randy’s wife, Sherry Janssen Downer, has a solo legal practice in Tucson and the couple enjoys being able to work in the same field. The Downers have been local real estate investors for years and Randy has spent many pleasant weekends remodeling and refurbishing investment properties.
Randy and his wife enjoy spending time together with their marvelous daughter, Ava Lee, 12, who attends St. Michael’s Parish Day School, where Randy serves as the current Chairman of the School Board. The Downer family loves to ski and travel, and just a few short years ago took their daughter on a memorable trip to Cuba.