Arkansas: Spring 2014

Spring 2014 Vol. 63, No. 3

Exclusively for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc.

$6.00

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YOU can travel with us.

ANYONE can travel with the Arkansas Alumni Association, member or not!

Grab a friend and see the world with Razorbacks on Tour!

Colorful Caribbean

March 15-22, 2015

Discover the colorful wonders of the Caribbean while cruising to enchanting tropical ports on Oceania Cruises’ elegant Riviera, exploring sun-drenched landscapes, intriguing Mayan ruins and storied cultures.

Fares from $1,999 per person, double occupancy include round-trip airfare.

Mystical Andes & Majestic Fjords February 2-23, 2015

Behold the awe-inspiring fjords, mystical mountains and enchanting cities of South America, as you cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, on an incredible 20-night voyage to historic ports in Chile, Peru, Uruguay and the Falkland Islands.

Starting at $5,999 per person, double occupancy, the program includes round-trip airfare from gateway cities and 2-for-1 cruise fares!

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Razorbacks on Tour For details on these and other great tours, contact

Julie Preddy 479.575.6368 • jpreddy@uark.edu

arkansasalumni.org/travel Follow us on Facebook: (RazorbacksOnTour) Twitter: (@RazorbacksOnTour)

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Documenting an EAGLE

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Graduate student Marla Steele has developed her own migration route, from Arkansas to Mongolia and India, to research Pallas’s eagle, an endangered Asian species.

Commitment to Nation

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When President Barack Obama convened representatives of universities that are leading the way in helping at-risk students, those who lack financial or other resources, Chancellor G. David Gearhart was among those invited to offer stories of success.

R&D Top 100

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Research by faculty at the University of Arkansas is not only theoretical but is consistently being used to bring products to market, including two technologies that have hit the R&D 100 list.

Campus View Letters Picture This On the Hill Profile Associations Razorback Road Yesteryear Senior Walk Last Look

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Spring 2014

Exclusively for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc.

On the cover The Pallas's fish eagle, found from Mongolia to India, is endangered and graduate student Marla Steele wants to find out why. Page 18.

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CAMPUS VIEW

ARKANSAS Publisher Arkansas Alumni Association Editor Charlie Alison BA’82 MA’04 Associate Editor Tammy W. Tucker ✪+ BA’97 MA’03 Creative Director Amanda Cothren ✪

Global Campus guides through online instruction Alumni walking across campus can see the modern dorms, remodeled classroom buildings and new facilities planned and built at the direction of administrators prepared for the expected growth in total student enrollment.

What is not as evident is the virtual construction done to accommodate students who study online.

New physical facilities will enhance the learning environment for about 96 percent of the record-setting enrollment of 25,341 students last fall, a 32 percent increase since 2008. A growing segment of that enrollment, though, requires a different type of classroom.

Perhaps the greatest single area of growth last fall was in online enrollment. More than 6,100 students took at least one online class in the fall semester, a 74 percent increase over the previous year and a 399 percent increase since 2008. More than 1,000 of these students studied exclusively online.

University administrators and faculty were prepared for the growth in distance education, too. Academic colleges and schools added six new online programs last year – for a total of 27 – and more undergraduate and graduate programs are in development. This means alumni who want to earn master’s or doctoral degrees or certificates from the University of Arkansas now have more online options.

Online learning provides flexibility and access to those who cannot come to the Fayetteville campus every day because of their locations or family or work obligations. Online students use computers and technology to access classes and connect with the university’s faculty. In most cases, material, lectures, assignments, projects, discussion groups and other course content are exchanged via the Internet instead of face to face.

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Students who earn their degrees online – just like those who study on campus – receive University of Arkansas diplomas. The reason is the university’s academic departments and faculty develop online degree programs and courses, and they control the quality. Faculty establish online learning expectations and outcome measurements based on the university’s high standards.

As the vice provost for distance education, I have the privilege of working with all of the academic colleges, schools and their faculty.

I see the progress the university has made to modernize teaching strategies across the campus and promote rethinking of the teaching paradigm, whether faculty are teaching online or face to face.

Faculty are combining their time-honored teaching skills with technology and new strategies to prepare themselves to teach the next generation of students. These students are accustomed to smart phones and constant Internet access. They are tech savvy, and they will benefit from access to learning opportunities delivered in different formats.

We are proud of the university’s progress in teaching innovation and its desire to keep pace with student expectations. We invite you to explore this progress at online.uark.edu, a website devoted to online education.

photo submitted

Building virtual classrooms

Photo Editor Russell Cothren ✪ Writers & Contributors Chris Branam ★ MA’11 Kendall Curlee Robby Edwards Jr. Scott Flanagin Jennifer Holland ★ MED’08 Jennifer Rae Hartman Matt McGowan Camilla Medders BA’01 MFA’09 Darinda Sharp BA’94 MS’99 MA’05 Kevin Trainor ★ BA’94 MA’05 Steve Voorhies ★ MA’78 Feature Designers Laura Bennett Amanda Cothren ✪ Eric Pipkin Advertising Coordinator Catherine Baltz ✪+ BS’92 MED’07 MEMBERSHIP SYMBOLS Key is located on the first page of Senior Walk.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor are accepted and e­ ncouraged. Send letters for publication to Arkansas Magazine, Office of University ­Relations, 200 Davis Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701 or by e-mail to editor@uark.edu. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and may be edited for length.

Typewritten letters are preferred. Anonymous letters will not be published. Submission does not guarantee publication.

Arkansas, The Magazine of the Arkansas Alumni Association (ISSN 1064-8100) (USPS 009-515) is published quarterly by the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc. at 491 North Razorback Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Annual membership dues are $45 (single) or $50 (couple) of which a portion is allocated for a subscription to Arkansas. Single copies are $6. Editing and production are provided through the UA Office of University Relations. Direct inquiries and information to P.O. Box 1070, Fayetteville, AR 727021070, phone (479) 575-2801, fax (479) 575-5177.

Periodical postage paid at Fayetteville, AR, and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address corrections to P.O. Box 1070, F­ ayetteville, AR 72702-1070.

Arkansas Alumni Association Mission Statement The Arkansas Alumni Association connects and serves the University of Arkansas Family.

Vision Statement The Arkansas Alumni Association will be nationally recognized as a model alumni relations program.

Value Statement The Arkansas Alumni Association values: • service • excellence • collaboration • relationships • diversity • learning • creativity Arkansas Spring 14-002 All photos by Russell Cothren unless otherwise noted.

Please recycle this magazine or share it with a friend.

Javier Reyes vice provost for distance education

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Learning Never Stops Lifelong learning, personal growth and well being make retirement living at BTV just that – truly living.

Respecting Tradition. Embracing Tomorrow.

Lewis E. Epley, Jr. U of A '61 B.S.P.A. U of A '61 LL.D.

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1923 E. Joyce Boulevard Fayetteville, Ark. 479.695.8012 butterfieldtrailvillage.org

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Letters

ARKANSAS

ALUMNI Officers President John Reap, ✪+ BSBA’70, Dallas, TX President Elect Stephanie S. Streett, ✪ BS’91, Little Rock Treasurer Tom Dorre, ✪ BSBA’68, MBA’81, Fayetteville Secretary Deborah Blume ✪+ BSBA’08, Fayetteville BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011-2014 Ben Beaumont, ★ BA’04, Little Rock Leslie F. Belden, ✪+ BARCH’79, PHD’05, Fayetteville Judy Drummond Covert, ✪+ BA’83, Bel Aire, KS Dewayne Goldmon, ✪ BS’85, MS’87, Pine Bluff Kay Collett Goss, ✪+ BA’63, MA’66, Alexandria, VA Anthony Lucas, ★ BA’99, MA’04, Little Rock Carla Martin, ★ JD’04, Pine Bluff Heather Nelson, ✪+ BSBA’94, Little Rock Melissa Pianalto, ✪ BSA’88, MS’90, Springdale Chuck Roscopf, ✪ BSBA’79, JD’83, Helena 2012-2015 Kenneth Biesterveld, ★ BSBA’05, MBA’10, Bentonville John L Colbert, ✪ BSE’76, MED’81, Fayetteville John W. Cole, ★+ BSBA’76, MBA’78, Springdale Rita Geiger, ✪+ BA’66, Oklahoma City, OK Teena Gunter, ✪ JS’92, LLM’97, Oklahoma City, OK Sharon Hunt, ★ BSE’73, MED’75, Fayetteville William L. Kerr, ✪ BA’88, Tampa, FL Terry Rasco, ✪+ BARCH’71, BA’72, Little Rock Joel G. Wood, ✪ BSBA’74, Germantown, TN

To our alumni and friends:

Unprecedented student enrollment and transformational campus construction reflect growth in the state's flagship campus in recent years. Both the student growth and the new buildings came about because the University of Arkansas is routinely recognized nationally as a best value, balancing excellence and expense. We've worked hard to earn our place as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 10 “Up and Coming” universities.

To share our great news with you, we've produced a new publication, Transforming the Flagship, that catalogs the tremendous success and progress of the University of Arkansas in recent years. This publication was recently sent to all alumni, and we hope you'll use it to share the good works of the students, faculty and staff on campus.

The university has reached numerous new milestones and records, and the campus community has set an ambitious goal of becoming a top 50 public research university by 2021. More than 690 public universities across the nation are vying for that honor, so we still have our work cut out for us.

Our mission to educate and empower Arkansans means we must be accountable to our stakeholders: The people of Arkansas and the alumni who have supported us. This publication demonstrates how public and private support for the University of Arkansas is transforming education in this state.

To see an online copy, go to http://www.uark.edu/features/transforming-the-flagship.php.

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2013-2016 John Forrest Ales ✪, BA’02, McLean, VA Emanuel Banks ✪, BSCE’87, North Little Rock Don Eldred ✪+, BSBA’81, Houston, TX Susan Gilbert Kemp ★, BSHE’73, MS’75, Mountain View Charlene Reed ✪+, BSHE’74, MS’77, Marianna Lott Rolfe IV ★, BSE’94, Maumelle Jeffrey M. Stephens ✪+, BSIE’86, Hot Springs Roger H. Sublett ★, BSE’64, MA’65, Mason, OH Brandon Timbes ✪+, BSBA’98, Charlotte, NC STAFF Senior Director of Marketing and Resource Development Terri Dover ✪+ Director of Finance and Administration Debbie Blume ✪+, BSBA’08 Director of Outreach and Engagement Angela Mosley Monts ✪, BA’80 Director of Communications Tammy W. Tucker ✪+, BA’97, MA’03 Carolyn Baltz ✪+ BA’03, Associate Director of Membership and Marketing; Catherine Baltz ✪+, BS’92, MED’07, Manager of Strategic Marketing; Kelly Bostick ✪, Assistant Director of Marketing; Heath Bowman ✪, MED’11, Associate Director of Regional Programs; Stella Clark ✪, Records and Membership Assistant; Deb Euculano ✪, Associate Director for Special Programs; Kabrina Amey ★, BA’10, MED’13, Outreach Support Supervisor; Felicia Garner ★, Executive Assistant; Ashlee Gloede ★, Assistant Director of Facilities and Special Events; Robin January ✪, BSBA’98, Scholarship Coordinator; Ryan Miller ✪, BSBA’07, MED’09, Assistant Director of Young Alumni and Student Programs; Julie Preddy ✪ BA’04, Associate Director for Lifelong Learning; Tiffany Robinson ✪, Fiscal Support Analyst; Alyssa Strodel ★, BSBA’12, Student Programs Graduate Assistant; Elizabeth Tipton ✪, Records and Membership Assistant; Chris Wallen ✪, Alumni Records Manager

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Makeyour business our business.

f o s k n a r e h t Join

21 ALUMNI friendly businesses

All Around Storage BKW Transformation Group CBI+Sunbelt Business Advisors of the Ozarks City Drug Company, Inc. Courtyard by Marriott Fayetteville Data Forms, Inc. Felix Jones 2, LLC Fleetwood Tool & Gage, Inc. J. L. Jean Farm and Timber J & M Foods, Inc. Koontz Electric Company, Inc.

Lifecard Plans Natural State Electric, LLC Project Repat Strother-Wilbourn Land Title Company The Halbrook Law Firm, P.C. The Razorback Foundation, Inc. Ozark Cleaners and Laundry, Inc. UBS Financial Services, Inc. Wilson-Bennett Technology, Inc. Woodmen of the World

Hog all the business and become a business member today! arkansasalumni.org/businessmembership ARKANSAS

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photo by Sarah Kiner

Picture This

International Outreach by Student Group Students with the university's Arkansas Engineers Abroad traveled to the town of More Tomorrow in the Central American country of Belize. Their intent was to conduct a health and sanitation survey of the small community, and what they found was that villagers were sick more frequently during the rainy season, often from mosquito-borne or water-borne diseases. The family above was described as the neediest, their small house in the marshiest part of town. The students plan to create a drainage system and drill a well for clean drinking water in the coming year.

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Jeff Palmer, Indiana University

On the Hill

Scientists Reveal Driving Force Behind Mitochondrial ‘Sex’ in Ancient Flowering Plant A new study has uncovered an unprecedented example of horizontal gene transfer — the acquisition of foreign DNA from different, unrelated species — in a South Pacific shrub that is considered to be the sole survivor of one of the two oldest lineages of flowering plants.

The research also shows, for the first time, that an organelle genome has captured an entire foreign genome, in this case, at least four of them. It is also the first description of a land plant acquiring genes from green algae.

A full description of the study of Amborella trichopoda will be published in the Dec. 20 issue of the journal Science, in an article titled, “Horizontal Gene Transfer of Entire Genomes via Mitochondrial Fusion in the Angiosperm Amborella.”

Andrew J. Alverson, an assistant professor of biological sciences in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been working on this project since his arrival at the University of Arkansas in 2012. The study, led by scientists at Indiana University, also included researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy, Pennsylvania State University and the Institute of Research for Development in New Caledonia, an archipelago located 750 miles east of Australia where Amborella is endemic.

Alverson performed the computational analyses that identified the many donors of this foreign DNA, which includes entire mitochondrial genomes from three green algae and one moss. Amborella is the “last man standing” in one of the two oldest flowering plant lineages. The other lineage comprises the remaining 300,000 species of flowering plants.

Alverson and his colleagues found that the plant’s mitochondrial genome is enormous, consisting of nearly 4 million nucleotides, which is about 240 times larger than a human mitochondrial genome.

“The Amborella mitochondrial genome is huge, and most of its DNA is foreign, acquired from the mitochondrial genomes of other plant species,” Alverson said. “We’ve never seen horizontal gene transfer at this scale. It’s not acquiring genes or bits of genes in a piecemeal way.

It’s been swallowing up whole genomes. One of our main tasks was to determine the ancestry of its several hundred ‘extra’ genes.”

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Alverson

The plant’s mitochondrial genome is unusual for at least three reasons, Alverson said.

“Ecologically, it has greater exposure to the foreign mitochondria of epiphytes and parasites than most plants,” he said. “Developmentally, Amborella has a greater chance of incorporating this DNA in a new germline due to the plant’s propensity to respond to wounding by forming new germlines (meristems) and branches (called suckers).

Molecularly, there is a greater chance of keeping this DNA due to its exceptionally low rate of DNA loss.

“One of the really interesting things about Amborella is that although it is loaded with all of this extra DNA, most of it is junk,” Alverson said. “The genes are degenerated and nonfunctional. Amborella is a hoarder. Its genome is a museum of dead DNA.” Scientists are interested in the mechanisms behind horizontal gene transfer as an evolutionary force, and in this case, the role that mitochondrial fusion — the merger of two mitochondria within a cell — plays in horizontal gene transfer between mitochondrial genomes, Alverson said. Mitochondria are structures within certain cells that convert chemical energy from food into a form that cells can use.

The research group determined that the large amount of “junk DNA” in Amborella provides evidence that mitochondrial fusion in plants is incompatible with the way mitochondrial fusion occurs in animals or fungi, Alverson said.

“The Amborella mitochondrial genome is like the old lady in the song who swallows a fly, and then a spider, a bird, a cat, etc., all the way to a horse, at which point, finally, ‘she’s dead of course,’” Palmer said.

“Likewise, the Amborella genome has swallowed whole mitochondrial genomes, of varying sizes, from a broad range of land plants and green algae. But instead of bursting from all this extra, mostly useless DNA, or purging the DNA, it’s held on to it for tens of millions of years. So you can think of this genome as a constipated glutton, that is, a glutton that has swallowed whole genomes from other plants and algae and also retained them in remarkably intact form for eons.” ■

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Image courtesy of the Remnant Trust, Inc.

View a Page From the First Printed Book and Many More Rare Documents

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The University Libraries, the Division collection of manuscripts and first and early of Student Affairs and the School of edition works in original form.

Social Work are hosting an exhibit of rare The Wisdom of the Ages Athenaeum The Remnant Trust in Winona books and materials from the Remnant provides the public with the opportunity to Lake, Ind., is a place where Trust in Mullins Library through May view seminal works that changed the world 12. The Wisdom of the Ages Athenaeum

by Aristotle, Augustine, Cicero, Copernicus, everyone – from scholars to exhibit represents a once-in-a-lifetime Galileo, Hippocrates, Newton, Ovid, Plato, school-age children – can opportunity for visitors to view and Virgil. The exhibit also contains such extremely rare materials, ranging from notable documents as a page from the first handle, read, and learn from a cuneiform tablet dating to 2200 B.C. printed book, the Gutenberg Bible (1455), to the first printing of the Emancipation the wisdom contained in their Queen Marie de Medici’s personal copy of Proclamation in 1862.

Archimedes’ Opera (1675), the Articles of extensive collection of rare If you’re visiting campus this spring, Confederation (1789), the Magna Carta check with librarians at the main (ca. 1350), an Egyptian scroll fragment of materials representing ideas information desk on the lobby level of the Torah (ca. 1600), a Koran manuscript that span over 2,500 years.

Mullins Library for assistance in examining from the late 18th century, Shengji Ti’s the documents.

The Illustrated Life of Confucius (1592), Collections of this magnitude and Marco Polo’s Travels (1627), Thomas Paine’s quality are usually found deep in the Common Sense (1793), and Karl Marx’s archives of prestigious institutions, under Communist Manifesto (1848). lock and key and accessible only to a privileged few. However, the The Remnant Trust in Winona Lake, Ind., is a place where everyone Remnant Trust exists to elevate educational standards and the public’s – from scholars to school-age children – can handle, read, and learn understanding of individual liberty and human dignity through the from the wisdom contained in their extensive collection of rare precedent-setting, hands-on availability of the world’s great ideas materials representing ideas that span over 2,500 years. Segments of in their original form. With the guiding principle that great ideas the collection are loaned to universities, colleges, secondary schools, belong to everyone, the Remnant Trust offers for display a world-class and other venues to host multidisciplinary exhibits. ■

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courtesy Carol V. Ward, University of Missouri

on the hill

Newly Discovered Bone Shows Early Evolution of Human Hand A recently discovered bone from the hand of an East African hominin provides the earliest record of a structural feature related to tool use. At 1.42 million years old, the bone is evidence of the evolution of a distinctive feature of modern hands more than half a million years earlier than previously known.

“Modern human hands are specialized to hold tools, but hand bones are difficult to find, and we haven’t known when modern human hands developed,” said J. Michael Plavcan, professor of anthropology at the University of Arkansas. “With this discovery, we have the earliest evidence of the structural changes of the hand that are associated with tool use.”

The bone was discovered by Fredrick Kyalo Manthi of the National Museums of Kenya at the Kaitio site in Kenya, and it was analyzed by a team including Plavcan, Carol Ward of the University of Missouri, Matthew Tocheri of the Smithsonian Institution and Francis Brown of University of Utah.

When the team examined the third metacarpal bone, they found that it displayed a styloid process, a curved projection at the end of the bone.

The styloid process is important to a hand that uses tools with both dexterity and precision. The styloid process locks in place with the other wrist bones and assists in resisting the forces that result from holding tools and applying pressure.

Stone tools date back at least 2.58 million years, yet until this discovery, the earliest evidence of structural characteristics related to tool use dated back just 800,000 years.

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In an article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, the researchers wrote that the newly discovered bone “suggests that an increased reliance on manipulatory behaviors indicated by the archeological record early in the Pleistocene selected for the modern human hand early in the evolution of the genus Homo.”

“There’s still a huge gap in our understanding of the evolution of the hand,” Plavcan said. “We need to find even earlier bones to determine just when structural features of the hand appeared.”

Plavcan is professor of anthropology in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. He is a principal member of the West Turkana Paleontology Project, working with Manthi, the project leader, and Ward. Plavcan’s fieldwork is centered on Kanapoi, the type site of Australopithecus anamensis. The project draws on the expertise of an international team of researchers to understand the fauna and environment of the Kanapoi site, which is crucial to understanding the origins of the australopithecines and, ultimately, humans. Plavcan’s research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Wenner-Gren Foundation, the Leakey Foundation, the National Institute for Dental Research, Sigma Xi and several university grants. ■

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Naseem Named Fellow of National Academy of Inventors Hameed Naseem, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of Arkansas, has been named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.

Naseem is the first faculty member from the university to be elevated to fellow status by the academy. He and nearly 150 other fellows in the class of 2013 were recognized with a full-page announcement in The Chronicle of Higher Education on Jan. 17, 2014, and in forthcoming issues of Inventors Digest and Technology and Innovation – Proceedings of the National Academy of Inventors.

Election to NAI Fellow status is a high professional distinction accorded to academic inventors who have demonstrated a highly prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society, according to the academy.

“I was really pleased to hear that I had been elected fellow of the National Academy of Inventors,” said Naseem, who is named on eight issued patents to the U of A and was initiated into the academy last spring. “This recognition is a great honor for me, as all my academic life I have emphasized the awakening the ‘inventor spirit’ in my graduate students. In all my patents and patent applications students are co-inventors with me.

“The University of Arkansas provides a research environment conducive to quality research and a very supportive technology licensing office,” he said.

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Naseem, who came to the U of A in 1985, directs the campus’ Photovoltaics Research Lab. Through the last two-and-a-half decades he and his graduate students have found ways to increase sunlightto-electricity conversion efficiency and reduce the cost of expensive materials needed for solar-cell production.

The U of A is a charter member of the National Academy of Inventors, a nonprofit organization founded in 2010. In December, the academy named 143 innovators, including Haseem, to NAI Fellow status.

Collectively, the new fellows hold more than 5,600 U.S. patents.

Included in the 2013 class are nine Nobel laureates, 69 members of the National Academies, 23 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and 23 fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

The NAI Fellows were inducted on March 7 during the third-annual Conference of the National Academy of Inventors in Alexandria, Va., at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office headquarters. A plaque listing the name and institution of each NAI Fellow will be on permanent display at the patent and trademark office.

“The 2013 NAI Fellows and their creative accomplishments showcase the continued excellence of academic innovation and invention,” said Paul R. Sanberg, president of the National Academy of Inventors. “Their work has brought great benefit to the world and we are proud to honor them as fellows.” ■

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image by Adel Vaughn and Mary Nell Patterson

on the hill

Honors Students Win Little Rock Design Contest Adel Vaughn and Mary Nell Patterson, two Honors College students, won the Student Award in the Envision Little Rock 2013 Ideas Competition, which challenged Arkansas designers to develop an iconic gateway to the city of Little Rock. Vaughn and Patterson are third-year landscape architecture students in the Fay Jones School of Architecture.

Their ambitious design, “Silver Spire,” calls for shimmering ribbons of aluminum that spiral 250 feet high around a transparent elevator shaft that would offer visitors expansive views of the city. A ribbon would also flow through the surrounding park to nearby attractions such as the Capitol building, the River Market, the Clinton Library and Heifer International Headquarters. A glass reflecting pool with a grottolike information center below completes the design.

Landscape architect Bob Callans, Keep Little Rock Beautiful and StudioMain organized the competition to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of John Nolen’s “City in a Park” master plan for Little Rock. Vaughn and Patterson were awarded a $1,500 prize funded by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In their comments, the competition jury praised the spire for providing “a stunning and modern counterpoint to the State Capitol on

the Capitol Avenue axis. … If built as designed, it will be iconic in the best sense of the word.” The jury also praised the concept of using the silver ribbon as a wayfinding device to connect downtown landmarks.

Vaughn and Patterson originally tackled the design as a supplemental honors project in a second-year studio led by Judy Brittenum, associate professor of landscape architecture. Work began with a trip to Little Rock, where they documented the considerable challenges and opportunities presented by the competition site, which anchors the eastern end of Capitol Avenue.

“It’s a rundown, abandoned area, with decaying building stock from the ’50s and ’60s – not very inviting,” Mary Nell Patterson said. “Then you go two blocks over and there’s Heifer International and the Clinton Library, beautiful places where people want to be.” Nearby Interstate 30 also contributes a healthy dose of vehicular noise.

“We needed something tall enough so that you could look past the highway; the idea is that you could see the spire from places around the city,” Adel Vaughn said. “We also put trees around the perimeter of the park to help soften the sound from the highway. When you’re in an urban park, though, those city noises tend to be comforting because they strengthen the sense of place.” ■

National Pan-Hellenic Council Named Top in Nation The National Pan-Hellenic Council at the University of Arkansas was recently honored as the Outstanding Collegiate Council during the NPHC National Convention in Houston, Texas.

“It was a bit of a surprise when we got the news, but it’s been a long time coming,” said Cameron Woods, president of the U of A National Pan-Hellenic Council and a senior from Magnolia. “It has been the efforts of the previous executive boards that have made this all possible and we are extremely grateful! We are excited about this prestigious award and plan to continue to strive for excellence in all that we do!”

The Outstanding Collegiate Council award is based on undergraduate councils whose total programming efforts occurring

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between October 2012 and October 2013 best exemplifies the purpose of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. This includes, but is not limited to, its campus and community involvement in political, social, educational or economic thrusts. Universities and colleges from across the country competed for this award.

“This is an incredible honor for our students! This award speaks volumes regarding their efforts to provide quality programming as well as gain valuable leadership experience as student leaders,” said Parice Bowser director of Greek Life. “I am truly grateful to be able to work continued on page 63

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Leen-Feldner

Psychologists Launch Program to Support Families, Improve Children’s Mental Health Ellen Leen-Feldner and Matthew Feldner, associate professors in the department of psychological science in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, have launched a new program to help families cope with stressful situations.

The Equipping Families to Work on Relationships for Kids Program (the Families W.O.R.K. Program) is designed to gain a better understanding of how families function following stressful or difficult experiences. With funding from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, the research team intends to help parents who struggle with day-to-day stressors and mental health problems following difficult experiences. Other members of the team include Nathan Parks, assistant professor in the department of psychological science at the University of Arkansas, and Joshua Cisler, assistant professor in the Psychiatric Research Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

“The main goal of our program is to improve our understanding of how families function following challenging experiences so we can help these families in the best way possible,” said Leen-Feldner. “We want to understand how parents’ emotional struggles affect the psychological

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health of their children and create tools to help families communicate and function better, particularly in times of stress or conflict.”

The Families W.O.R.K. Program is currently running a study to learn more about how parental stress and parental smoking affect adolescents. The researchers are seeking participants, including children between the ages of 10 and 17 years and their parents. Whether or not parents have recently experienced severe stress or are smoking is not a prerequisite for participation. All participants will be compensated for their time. For more information about the study, contact Sarah Bilsky at 479-575-5329.

Leen-Feldner, a developmental psychopathologist, chairs the Experimental Graduate Training Committee and directs the Arkansas Interdisciplinary Sciences (ArKIDS) Laboratory at the University of Arkansas. She is also on the board of directors for the Family Network Agency.

Feldner, a licensed clinical psychologist, is an adjunct associate professor at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research and directs the Intervention Sciences Laboratory (ISL) at the University of Arkansas. ■

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on the hill

Alumnus Wins Marshall Scholarship Mike Norton, a 2013 honors graduate from the University of Arkansas, has been named one of 34 Marshall Scholars for 2014 by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission. Norton, from Lincoln, Ark., majored in both poultry science and agricultural business in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, and was a member of the Honors College. He will pursue a master’s degree in politics at Oxford University.

“The Marshall Scholarship is one of the most prestigious in the country,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “It is on par with the Rhodes and the Gates Cambridge Scholarships. In order to receive a Marshall, a student must be outstanding academically and must have a demonstrated ability to enact positive change. Mike Norton is a perfect choice for this recognition and for this life-changing opportunity. With the support of dedicated faculty, Mike made a significant difference on our campus, and he is currently working in Washington, D.C., making an important contribution there as well. I look forward to his return to Arkansas after his studies in Oxford and to following what promises to be a very distinguished political career.”

In the spring of 2012, Norton was selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar, which provided a $30,000 scholarship to assist paying for graduate school in the U.S. Norton will use the Truman Scholarship should he decide to pursue a doctorate after completing his master’s degree at Oxford.

“I am extremely excited and humbled to receive the Marshall Scholarship,” said Norton. “I look forward to starting graduate studies at the University of Oxford. The political science program is one of the best in the world and will provide an excellent foundation for a career in public service. I am really grateful to the University of Arkansas and to terrific faculty like my research mentor, professor Lanier Nalley, for providing graduates with the tools they need to succeed. I believe this prestigious award is a reflection of the achievement of both my alma mater and the state it serves.”

Norton is the former president of both the Arkansas Future Farmers of America Association and the University of Arkansas Collegiate Farm Bureau. In summer 2011, Norton interned with the World Cocoa Foundation in Accra, Ghana, where he gathered primary data and met with the farmers to assess the program’s success. Norton was also instrumental in securing the necessary funding so the U of A Full

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Circle Campus Food Pantry could purchase refrigeration units. Since graduating in May, Norton has worked in Washington, D.C., as an intern for the White House, the Delta Regional Authority, and the office of Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack.

“I am very pleased for Mike Norton,” said Mike Vayda, dean of Bumpers College. “He is one of the most multi-dimensional students whom I have encountered in my 30-year academic career. Mike is committed to making a difference and has applied himself fully no matter the task at hand. I fully support the Marshall assessment of Mike — that he is destined to be a leader and to make a difference in the world.”

More than 1,200 top students applied for the nationally competitive Marshall Scholarship. Other Marshall recipients include students from Stanford, Yale, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Cornell, Georgia Tech, University of California-Berkeley, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy. The only other school from the Southeastern Conference to have a Marshall Scholar this year is Auburn.

Commenting on the 2014 class of Marshall Scholars, British Consul General Andrew Millar said: “These students are exceptional young women and men who are very deserving of such a prestigious scholarship. We’re delighted to offer them an opportunity to study at a British university and expect the 2014 Marshall Scholars to become accomplished leaders in their respective fields with life-long links to the U.K.” The Marshall Scholarship allows recipients one to three years of graduate level study at any university in the United Kingdom.

Recognizing the work of Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the scholarships are an expression of Britain’s gratitude for economic assistance received through the Marshall Plan after World War II. Marshall Scholarship winners are selected for their potential to excel as scholars and leaders and as contributors to improved understanding between the U.S. and the U.K. The University of Arkansas has had six previous Marshall Scholars including Ben Hood (2002), Megan Ceronsky (2001), Warwick Sabin (1998), Charles King (1990), Lisa Pruett (1989), and John Edie (1960).

The university’s office of nationally competitive awards assists U of A students and recent alumni who are competing for national fellowships and scholarships. ■

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photo submitted

Full Circle Campus Food Pantry Wins National Volunteer Service Award The University of Arkansas received an award from the Points of Light organization in recognition of work done by the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry.

The student-run emergency food assistance program was established in February 2011 through the Volunteer Action Center at the U of A. The program distributes food and personal products to all members of the University of Arkansas community in need.

“The pantry is honored to receive this recognition and we couldn’t have accomplished any of this without our amazing volunteers and donors,” said, Rachael Pellegrino, chair of the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry. “This award will not only shine some light on the food justice programs and the strong community at the University of Arkansas, but also on the larger issue of food insecurity on college campuses.”

Student volunteers take weekly food requests, fill bags, and serve more than 200 students, staff and their families. The student volunteers also fundraise, take donations and meet with funders on an ongoing basis to ensure the continued success and stability of the pantry. This year alone, they have received more than $50,000 and more than 37,000 pounds of food for the pantry.

The food pantry was recognized by Points of Light as the “Daily Point of Light” Dec. 16. Points of Light was founded in 1990 as

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an international nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to solving serious social problems through voluntary service. President George H.W. Bush created the Daily Point of Light award in 1989 to recognize ordinary Americans from all walks of life taking direct and consequential voluntary action in their communities.

“The Points of Light Daily Award is a wonderful recognition for our students who continue to do great work meeting the needs of students and staff who are hungry,” Angela Oxford, director of the Center for Community Engagement said. “It places them beside other civic leaders from around the country who are doing their part to be what President Bush called the ‘thousand points of light.’ They inspire other students to find ways to serve those in our community who are in need, I’m very proud of them.”

“We have two ways that students can get involved with volunteering at the pantry and really play an active role in strengthening the university community. We have volunteers who commit to two hours each week for a semester. These weekly volunteers help run the pantry by filling orders, sorting donations and portioning food,” Pellegrino said. “Another way to get involved is through the extra hands list, which the pantry uses when we need extra help for an event.”■

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Profile

Frances James Ph.D.’70

Ornithological Observer

Pioneer in statistical analysis of relationship between birds and their habitats

By Darinda Sharp BA’94 MS’99 MA’05

During the fall commencement, the university awarded alumna Frances Crews James, one of the most highly regarded ornithologists and ecologists of the past 50 years, with an honorary degree. An innovative scholar in her research, James has inspired her peers since earning her doctorate from the University of Arkansas more than four decades ago.

James’ fascination with nature, and particularly with birds, began while she was growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, joining in bird watching and other nature projects in high school.

She earned a bachelor of science in zoology from Mount Holyoke College (1952) and a master of science in zoology from Louisiana State University (1954). She interrupted her graduate studies to marry, move to the Fayetteville and raise three daughters, while staying active in conservation projects and studying the birds of the state.

She entered graduate school at the University of Arkansas in 1965, and in 1970 she became one of the first two women to receive a doctorate in zoology.

James moved to Washington, D.C., in 1973 to work for the National Science Foundation. In 1977, she joined the faculty at Florida State University as an associate professor of biological science and curator of birds and mammals, becoming a full professor in 1984 and establishing a balance between highly regarded teacher and respected researcher. In 2000, she was named the Pasquale Graziadei Professor of Biological Science, a position she has held as an emerita since her retirement in 2003.

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James has authored or co-authored more than 150 scholarly papers. She was the first woman to serve as president of the American Ornithologist’s Union and also served as president of the American Institute of Biological Sciences.

She has served on the board of directors of the World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservancy, on various committees with the National Research Council and the Recovery Science Review Panel of the National Marine Fisheries Service and as an instructor to Boy Scouts learning how to build birdhouses.

During her graduate career, James began working on two topics that she continued throughout her career: species-specific habitat relationships in birds and geographic variation in morphology and plumage.

She had recently earned her doctorate and was working as a researcher at the University of Arkansas Museum in 1971 when she authored a paper that is considered a classic in avian ecology.

That work led to transplant experiments with red-winged blackbirds in the United States and Mexico, along with tests of the theoretical assumptions underlying selection models.

She pioneered the use of complex statistical analysis, combined with meticulous fieldwork and observation, to make discoveries into the relationships between birds and their habitats.

James developed a reputation for pushing the boundaries of current ornithological research, which has made her a prominent scholar. Her approaches and findings challenged commonly held views and led to more realistic analysis of neotropical migratory bird population trends, leading researchers to focus on a relatively small

subset of species for which the conventional hypotheses likely held true.

James has stayed active since her retirement from Florida State University in 2003 – now focusing on the relationship between birds and dinosaurs.

In addition to being the first person to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award from the U of A department of biological sciences, James has been recognized by many for her lifetime achievements in ornithological research. Her work has garnered the highest awards given by the American Ornithologists’ Union, the Ecological Society of America and the Wilson Ornithological Society.

She was named an Eminent Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America in 1997, received the 1999 Margaret Morse Nice Medal from the Wilson Ornithological Society, was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2001 and was awarded the 2009 Loye and Alden Miller Research Award by the Cooper Ornithological Society.

Perhaps among her most valued accolades is the support of others, including students, who have advanced her work. Following a study of the distribution of birds in relation to the structure of the vegetation in their habitats, three others took the study further.

She is known to many as more than an award-winning and trail-blazing scholar, serving as a role model and mentor. Her contributions have not only strengthened scientific societies and advanced understanding, but also influenced the careers of many others – contributions that continue a decade after her official retirement. n

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photo credit

GOOD photo

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Feature

Looking Out for Pallas’s Fish Eagle Graduate student’s research aims to document Asian eagle, build effort to save it

photo submitted

by Chris Branam ★ MA’11

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On the morning of Jan. 1, 2012, Marla Steele stood on a mountaintop on the outskirts of Jim Corbett National Park in northern India.

There she saw a Pallas’s eagle for the first time.

photo submitted

photo submitted

“I had never heard these birds’ call,” Steele said. “I had never seen them outside of pictures. The nest was so well concealed by the side of the river it took me a moment to find it. I hear this wonderful, obnoxious cry that sounds like a combination of creaky fishing tackle and a laughing seagull. There it is. I could see this Pallas’s fish eagle just gliding right over the river and coming straight to the nest.”

Steele, a biological sciences graduate student in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences who is researching the endangered eagle, described the day as a “huge success” in her field notes. She also wrote: 9:30 am, ~10-15 C, Adult flew into nest with reported two chicks (one confirmed so far). Nest is located in the apex of three large branches out from the main trunk of the red silk cotton tree, alongside the Kosi River. A single call was heard. No clear indication of chick’s age, but natal down can be seen.

This success, both in her personal research and the propagation of Pallas’s fish eagle, belies another story. The Asian raptor continues to disappear, and Steele wants to know why. She is one of a handful of people in the world who are studying the Pallas’s fish eagle, a large fishing eagle that is mainly dark brown, with a light brown to white head and neck. It breeds in Central Asia.

The eagle is classified as “vulnerable,” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Fewer than 10,000 adults are known to exist.

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Feature

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“We can’t work on conserving a species that we don’t know anything about. The bird used to be one of the most common raptors along waterways about 100 years ago. Their range extended from Russia to Myanmar, from the Caspian Sea to the middle of China. They’ve been extirpated in almost all those countries.

We really don’t know what happened.”

– Marla Steele Kua la Lum p u r

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photo submitted

W ellington

It is the most poorly studied eagle in the northern hemisphere, Steele said.

“There have not been any detailed migration studies, there is almost nothing known about what their non-breeding habitat requirements are, and from what I have seen, there hasn’t been a complete survey for that species conducted in the last 30 years,” she said.

Steele hopes to fill those gaps with her fieldwork in India and Mongolia, which she will use for her dissertation. This winter she surveyed Pallas’s fish eagle populations in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern India.

“I’ve been dodging an extremely large number of water buffalo, rhinos and elephants,” Steele wrote in an email in early February. “I actually had some traps trampled by an entire herd of elephants.”

Steele also traveled to India in the spring of 2013, where she studied the birds for a month in addition to collecting fish on which the eagles feed. Local farmers may be polluting the wetlands with pesticides,

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causing a precipitous drop in the eagle’s population there, she said.

“We need to see what’s in the fish,” she said. “It’s a bioaccumulation.

The eagle is an apex predator, so when the eagles die off that’s an indication that something is wrong.”

Steele traveled to Mongolia in the summer of 2013 to continue her fieldwork and also to trap two Pallas’s fish eagles. She attached electronic tracking units to them that transmit data to her computer. She recently discovered that one of the eagles, which she named Chinggis, had traveled nearly 1,900 miles, including racing across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia in less than two days.

“The goal right now is to provide a baseline study from which future researchers can take information,” she said. “We can’t work on conserving a species that we don’t know anything about. The bird used to be one of the most common raptors along waterways about 100 years ago. Their range extended from Russia to Myanmar, from the Caspian Sea to the middle of China. They’ve been extirpated in almost

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n a f ut i

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all those countries. We really don’t know what happened.”

Douglas James, a University Professor of biological sciences and an expert on ornithology, said Steele’s research concerns a “very important topic.”

“Knowing where the eagle overwinters is essential to conserving the species,” he said. “Marla Steele is an amazing person because of her enthusiasm, determination and inexhaustible energy.”

Steele came to the U of A in 2010 after earning a bachelor’s degree in natural resource ecology and management from Oklahoma State University. As an undergraduate, she presented a paper on Japanese raptor migration at the Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network’s annual meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

“The book Raptors of the World by James Ferguson-Lees and David Christie initially inspired my interests in this majestic bird,” Steele said. “While reading the section on Pallas’s fish eagle, I came across something I had never seen before: a home range map covered in question marks. The more I tried to uncover regarding this unusual

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photo submitted

On the map of Asia, the red dots show where Marla Steele has worked in the field to observe Pallas's fish eagle. Above and at left, Steele captures a Pallas's fish eagle on the plains of Mongolia and fits it with a transmitter that will help researchers track the bird's movement while Bayasaa, an undergraduate at the National University of Mongolia, and their driver watch.

lack of information, the more apparent it became that this bird remains misunderstood.”

Steele came to the University of Arkansas to study under James because of his expertise.

“I was looking for somebody who would be crazy enough to take on a graduate student who would come in and say, ‘I want to do this research and by the way, I want to do it on the other side of the world,’” Steele said. “It’s a pretty tall order.”

Last year, Steele created a crowd-sourcing website to get people to pitch in to fund her fieldwork, which features a short video she titled, Where in the World are Pallas’s Fish eagles? She recently created a new crowd-sourcing site, which can be found at pozible.com/mongolia.

“The main point is to try to get people as excited about this project as I am,” she said. “Most of the time, people think that we are just going out in the middle of the woods and staring at birds. I wanted to show how really important and wonderful our work is.” n

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Feature

Chancellor Gearhart Attends

THE WHITE HOUSE Education Summit

By Steve Voorhies ★ MA’78

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istockphoto.com

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design by Eric Pipkin

The University of Arkansas was one of 80 colleges and universities invited to take part in a White House summit aimed at increasing access to higher education for “at-risk” students — those lacking financial or other resources and “at risk” of not getting into college and of not succeeding if they do attend. The event took place Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 15 and 16, in Washington, D.C. 23

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image courtesy of the White House

Feature

Chancellor G. David Gearhart represented the university at the summit. The U of A earned its invitation with a demonstrated record of working with low income and underrepresented students and by committing to develop at least three additional programs to improve the access and success rates for these students.

“It is a major commitment,” Gearhart admitted. “But the University of Arkansas was founded as an institution for the sons and daughters of the working class. We are a land-grant university. We are here to serve the state. So it’s a commitment we take very seriously.

“People who come from at-risk families are just as smart, just as talented as anyone else, and should have the same opportunities,” he continued. “A flagship, land-grant university s hould take this responsibility. It’s a big obligation but it’s one that is part of our heritage.”

Gearhart said the summit was excellent. When asked to rate it on a scale of one to 10, he didn’t hesitate.

“I’d give it a 10,” he said, and went on to explain that the event was very worthwhile on several levels.

“It wasn’t all just talk,” he said. “I think the people who took part in this summit really have a commitment and want to make these programs work. I think the summit will ultimately have a great impact on the nation.

“I felt very good that our university was one of the 80 invited to attend, and I thought that was very prestigious for the

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university, Gearhart added. “It profiled the University of Arkansas in a special way.”

The event began Wednesday evening, with a private, “off the record” discussion between the higher education leaders and members of the Department of Education and the National Economic Policy Council.

Gearhart said it was an opportunity to share ideas and talk about the programs that worked.

The following morning the educators were joined by about 60 business, state government, foundation and non-profit leaders for a series of workshop meetings to continue a discussion of the issues and solutions. Late in the morning they heard from their official hosts: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

“It was very interesting,” said Gearhart. “Mrs. Obama spoke first and was very inspiring, as was the president. They both came across as very committed to this goal. And I got the same feeling from everyone who attended this summit. We were all on the same page regarding increased access for at-risk students.”

The University of Arkansas currently has four programs specifically aimed at preparing these students for college. The ACT Academy brings high school students to campus for five days during the summer to help prepare them for the ACT exam and the college admission process.

The Academic Enrichment Program provides low-income and underrepresented students with academic support such as tutoring,

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image courtesy of the White House

“People who come from at-risk families are just as smart, just as talented as anyone else, and should have the same opportunities”

workshops, early intervention advising, peer and faculty mentoring and other learning opportunities.

A two-week summer program called iBridge offers incoming freshmen an intensive orientation to college-level literacy, mathematics, science and technology courses; a similar program for engineering students, the Engineering Career Awareness Program, provides gap funding support and uses rigorous academic retention strategies for each year’s group of incoming freshmen.

Tutoring, advising, mentoring and orientation are available to all U of A students. However, these programs are targeted, and go further Gearhart said, because the students’ needs are different and more intense.

“Many at-risk students want to go to college but don’t really know how to go through the process of taking the ACT or filling out financial aid forms, or even applying to a school,” he explained. “In Arkansas some of these students have never been out of their county – some not even out of their town – and coming to the University of Arkansas is a big, big deal to them. We need to be open to helping these students, to make sure they have the same opportunities as everyone else.”

The chancellor praised Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for diversity and community, for creating the current programs. Robinson said the credit belongs to the faculty and staff of the seven units under his division, who oversee these programs as well as others programs that actively reach out to students in elementary, middle

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school and high school, encouraging them to prepare for a college education. Robinson and his staff have also been instrumental in developing the new programs that Gearhart committed to during the White House summit.

These include an expanded Summer Bridge program on campus that would involve students taking for-credit courses as a transition to the college experience; a University Perspectives course targeted to the needs of at-risk students, with intensive advising, career coaching, enhanced tutoring support, as well as discussions of financial aid literacy and cultural sensitivity; and a new pilot program, Commitment to College Completion. This program is being funded with a $2.1 million gift from the Walton Family Foundation and will provide financial resources along with academic enrichment and peer and faculty mentoring.

“Ultimately, we want to think about developing a ‘cradle to the grave’ relationship with all our students,” Gearhart said. “Our goal is to reach out to them early in their lives, help guide them to the resources they need to prepare for college, give them the support they need to do the hard work it takes to succeed in college and graduate; we also intend to offer career counseling to help them find jobs or move on to graduate school, then stay in contact with them, as alumni, throughout their lives.

“We want every Arkansan to have access to the American opportunity system, and that begins with access to higher education.” ■

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Feature

THE OSCARS

Innovation

OF

RED CARPET OF R&D 100

BECKONS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

By Chris Branam ★MA’11 Since they began in the 1960s, winners of the national R&D 100 awards — known as the “Oscars of Innovation” — have included such cutting-edge technologies as the flashcube, the automated teller machine, the fax machine and high-definition television.

Breakthrough ideas that began in the laboratories at the University of Arkansas have been named to the R&D Magazine’s annual list twice in the last five years, adding to the national recognition of the university’s research efforts.

In 2009, a high-temperature silicon carbide power module developed through a partnership led by the U of A was named to the R&D 100.

The module, which can greatly reduce the size and volume of power electronic systems, was the product of a collaboration of the university, Arkansas Power Electronics International Inc. and Rohm Co. Ltd. Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering, was one of the principal investigators on the module. He said the R&D 100 award has been “an asset in breaking the ice with people new to our program.”

“It establishes our credibility and impresses people that we’ve been independently vetted,” Mantooth said. “I think it opens the eyes of people who simply don’t have any idea of the quality of research we perform at the University of Arkansas.”

Last year, Tufftek — a trademarked coating technology developed and commercialized by NanoMech, a company affiliated with the university — made the R&D 100. NanoMech was the only company from Arkansas to earn the honor in 2013. The public-private partnership between NanoMech and the university benefits mechanical manufacturing, a top economic sector in Arkansas.

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Tufftek is a suite of advanced cutting tools coated with nanoengineered materials that greatly decrease wear, reduce heat resistance and improve precision for machining. The technology behind it was invented by a research team led by Ajay Malshe, a Distinguished Professor of mechanical engineering, and patented at the university and licensed to NanoMech for its commercialization and continued development.

Malshe founded NanoMech in 2002 as Arkansas’ first nanomaterials and manufacturing company. The firm maintains offices at its manufacturing plant and laboratories in Springdale, Ark., and a research division at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park in Fayetteville.

NanoMech employs nearly 35 employees — 80 percent of whom graduated from the U of A in various disciplines, including the sciences, engineering and business — and the company recently announced a doubling of its manufacturing facilities.

“NanoMech is just one way that the University of Arkansas is stimulating economic activity, creating jobs and improving the state of Arkansas,” Chancellor G. David Gearhart said at a ceremony in December honoring NanoMech for its R&D 100 award. “This research was nurtured on the University of Arkansas campus and helped through the commercialization process at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park. New ventures based on university research serve as a key way to keep highly skilled science, engineering and business graduates right here in Arkansas. What NanoMech has done for Arkansas and the University of Arkansas is truly phenomenal.”

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TINY STUFF, BIG BUSINESS A physics graduate, Malshe became a professor in India and then came to the United States to teach at Ohio State University in the early 1990s. He moved to Arkansas to work at the U of A’s High Density Electronics Center, and in 1995 he accepted a tenure-track position teaching and researching materials science, manufacturing and mechanical engineering.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s Malshe recognized the outsourcing of U.S. manufacturing jobs in science and engineering. He began to see a place for high-tech innovations, both in research and in “smart” manufacturing.

A few years after Malshe established NanoMech, he found himself sitting in a small room in the Engineering Research Center at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park, describing the potential for growing the nanomaterials business. Accompanying Malshe was Wenping Jiang, who is now NanoMech’s senior vice president of manufacturing. Their audience was Jim Phillips, a technology entrepreneur who had traveled to Fayetteville after hearing of Malshe’s innovations.

“I still remember that day, Wenping and me, excitedly entertaining somebody who quietly listened to us,” said Malshe, NanoMech’s chief

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technology officer. “We poured out our hearts, telling him what it could become, why it was important for the University of Arkansas and our nation. Jim said, ‘I believe,’ invested and brought in outside investors from around the country to help advance this technology to full commercialization. NanoMech would not be here without that investment of capital, know-how, reputation and Jim’s experience. You need to have the right idea at the right time at the right place, and you need to have business leaders who take calculated risks.”

NanoMech’s breakthroughs in nanomaterials and manufacturing include the world’s first commercial cubic boron nitride coating for machine tools and advanced nano-engineered lubricants. As an internationally competitive nanomaterials science and manufacturing company, NanoMech’s products have applications in machining and manufacturing, lubrication and energy, sustainable protective coatings for textiles and other consumer products, strategic military applications and biomedical implant functional coatings.

The University of Arkansas installed NanoMech’s R&D 100 plaque in the lobby of the U of A’s Institute for Nanoscience and Engineering.

At that event, Phillips said the potential sales for Tufftek could mean “hundreds of millions” in sales for NanoMech.

design by Laura Bennett

NanoMech chairman and CEO Jim Phillips (from left), University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart and Ajay Malshe, Distinguished Professor of mechanical engineering, pose in front of the R&D 100 award, known as the "Oscar of Innovation" and awarded for Tufftek — a trademarked coating technology developed and commercialized by NanoMech, a company affiliated with the university.

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Ajay Malshe (left), Distinguished Professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas and founder of NanoMech, addresses a crowd gathered for the installation of the R&D 100 award at the university's Institute for Nanoscience and Engineering. Jim Phillips (above, from left), chairman and CEO of NanoMech, Malshe and University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart unveil the R&D 100 plaque at the ceremony.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Tufftek,” said Phillips, who became chair of NanoMech in 2008 and added the title chief executive officer in 2011.

“It is an invention that creates new ways to manufacture a whole new generation of better products that are more durable because they are based in nanotechnology. They are lighter, stronger and more durable.

There are thousands of products coming to market right now that are nano-engineered and nano-manufactured that are going to be good for America and good for the world. Winning the R&D 100 is huge, not only for our company but for the University of Arkansas.”

Malshe holds the Twenty-First Century Endowed Chair in Materials, Manufacturing and Integrated Systems, which was endowed with $1.5 million from the historic $300 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to the university in 2002. Throughout his career at the U of A, Malshe has received national and international awards and secured millions of research dollars from federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

POTENTIAL OF POWER Mantooth, a Hot Springs native who was co-valedictorian of his Jacksonville High School graduating class, holds two degrees in electrical engineering from the U of A: a Bachelor of Science in 1985 and a Master of Science in 1986. After earning a doctorate at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1990, he worked for eight years with a technology company in Oregon. He joined the College of Engineering faculty in 1998.

In 2005, Mantooth helped establish the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission, the highest-powered power electronics test facility at any university in the United States. The 7,000-square-foot center, located at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park, features

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large testing bays and a control room. The center’s goal is to develop and accelerate power electronics technologies for the electric power grid and to serve as a resource for researchers and industry.

The genesis of the silicon carbide power module began when a visiting professor from Kyoto University in Japan sought to work with Mantooth on silicon carbide device technology and modeling. Their collaborations led to introductions to scientists at Rohm and then mutual introductions to Arkansas Power Electronics International, which is headquartered at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park.

“Rohm expressed a desire to build power modules using their newly developed silicon carbide power semiconductor devices,” Mantooth said. “They wanted to demonstrate their devices in motor drive applications. They funded the U of A and APEI to develop the concepts further into a prototype demonstration.”

Silicon carbide can operate at temperatures up to 600 degrees Celsius, unlike any other currently used materials, which operate at 125 degrees. APEI markets the power module as the world’s first commercial high temperature, silicon carbide-based power electronics module.

Winning the R&D 100 award in 2009 has opened doors to new funding opportunities, said Mantooth, who now oversees two other power-related research centers in addition to the university’s National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission.

“My research is not basic, but more on the applied side and therefore is more ‘transition ready’ to industry,” he said. “As a result, it has greater direct impact on the economy, both through startups and on the companies that I work with as our ideas and techniques make it into their products.”

In the last five years, Mantooth has been the principal investigator on research grants totaling $10.4 million, including a National Science Foundation EPScoR grant for $6.6 million and other NSF grants totaling $1.6 million. Mantooth said his research operation spent $2.1 million in the last fiscal year. ■

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photos this page: Stephen Ironside

“Our centers employ five full-time staff members and 25 graduate students,” he said. “My research has supported three additional staff members almost full-time at the university’s High Density Electronics Center for the last three years. All of these people spend their money here in Arkansas, so I’d say that is a pretty substantial impact economically.”

Mantooth holds the Twenty-First Century Chair in Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Design and Computer-Aided Design, which was endowed with $1.5 million through the Walton gift.

Top, Alex Lostetter (left) of Arkansas Power Electronics International Inc. holds the casing while Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering at the University of Arkansas, displays the high-temperature silicon carbide power module. Above and right, the device, is being considered for use in Toyota hybrid vehicles.

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University of Arkansas Points of Pride • The National Pan-Hellenic Council at the University of Arkansas was recently honored as the Outstanding Collegiate Council during the NPHC National Convention in Houston,Texas.

• The University of Arkansas Full Circle Campus Food Pantry was recognized by the Points of Light Foundation as the “Daily Point Of Light”for Dec. 16. Points of Light was founded in 1990 by thenPresident George H.W. Bush.

• The National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission is celebrating its five-year anniversary.The center, which is the highest-powered power electronics test facility at any university in the country, develops and accelerates power electronics technologies for the U.S. power grid.

• AlliedHealthWorld.com, a health information website, has included the University of Arkansas on its list of “10 Schools Driving Healthcare Innovation.”

• Best College Reviews ranked the Arkansas Union as one of the “25 Most Amazing University Student Unions.”The rating for the Arkansas Union, which turned 40 years old this year, is based on factors such as architectural style and student satisfaction.

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• Four University of Arkansas nursing students were elected to offices, including president and vice president, in the Arkansas Nursing Students’ Association at its annual convention in Little Rock.

• Out of 81 University of Arkansas School of Law graduates taking the Bar Exam, for the first time, 72 graduates (88.9 percent) passed.

The state average for first-time takers for the July 2013 exam was 78.1 percent.

• Accounting Today named Karen Pincus, professor of accounting at the Sam M.Walton College of Business, one of the 100 most influential people in accounting for 2013.

• The University of Arkansas has moved up four places in the ranking of public universities, from 67th to 63rd place, in this year’s U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2014.”

• Faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas reported 42 intellectual property disclosures in the recently completed fiscal year, a record for the state’s flagship campus.

• The online Master of Science in Engineering degree is ranked No. 4 in the nation.The program has been offering online degrees since

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•

• •

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2009. It is a fully-accredited program taught by graduate faculty from the College of Engineering.

A graduate program in the College of Engineering and several programs in the College of Education and Health Profession were ranked in the Jan. 8 release of the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Programs.

Hameed Naseem, a professor of electrical engineering, has been named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.

Rita Littrell, director of the Bessie B. Moore Center for Economic Education, received the Abbejean Kehler Technology Award from the National Association of Economic Educators.

Arkansas will be home to the 2016 Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Regionals, the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in 2015 and an NCAA Gymnastics Regional in 2017. ■

‘Like’ the

Arkansas Alumni Association Facebook page

facebook.com/arkansasalumni

and we will donate

$1 toward scholarships until we reach

10,000 ‘Likes.’

Membership Begins with You As I reflect on my nine years on our national board of directors and 13-year involvement in the Dallas Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association, one major issue keeps “slapping me in the face” as the toughest and the most critical: How do we convince alumni to join the Arkansas Alumni Association; how can we be relevant and stay relevant? Did you know that less than 25 percent of our living alumni are members of our Association?

As it relates to the global topic of membership, here is my “Cliff Notes” sermonette, refined and edited after years of careful thought and consideration.

“Anchors” in one’s life I define as significant circumstances, experiences, convictions/beliefs. My anchors are: faith, family of origin, spouse and family, profession and primary college/university.

One may say “why college and university?” It was there that the following happened…for some alumni maybe all of these; for others just a few: professional education, met spouse, met best friends, established primary business networks for the adult world, awesome social experiences, awesome experiences around sports, the place where you “grew up;” created unique and lifelong relationships with professors.

Accordingly, one should place significant value in their college experience to include ongoing interest in the equity of their degree. Pride is fostered and fed, first and foremost, toward the University of Arkansas by maintaining AWARENESS about the school, its activities and achievements. All kinds of pride is created as we examine the long list of these activities and achievements that are constantly headlined throughout this magazine, Arkansas. Hearing about these through your alumni association’s membership can cause “pride-driven” actions such as: 1) Volunteering time to your specific college.

2) Jumping at every opportunity, socially and professionally, to promote and sell the U of A. 3) Student recruitment: selling prospective students and their parents, friends, and relatives on the U of A and referring them to our admissions office.

4) Financial commitment.

5) Involvement in events sponsored by the university.

All of these activities are not time grabbers and result in making our school better, thus further enhancing pride…degree equity rises.

Encourage membership to your alumni friends and associates who are not members. The field is fertile. A lot of these folks are out there. It is easy; it is not costly and takes hardly any time. Please go to www.arkansasalumni.org/join.

We have a very good major public university that is constantly growing and changing for the better. Our commitment as an association is to consistently provide programs, services and products to make the membership experience as meaningful as it can be … to provide the AWARENESS THAT CREATES PRIDE! Go Hogs!

John C. Reap ✪+ BSBA’70 President, Arkansas Alumni Association

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Left to right: 1- Anastasia Lofton shows off her official ring certificate.

2- Graham Stewart, former executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association, congratulates ring recipient Seth Caldwell.

3- University of Arkansas students Nathan Mehan, Amy Paul and Steven McChristy attend the fall 2013 official ring ceremony at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.

Ringing in the New Grad

by Harrison Grimwood BA’14 In 2002, the University of Arkansas launched the Official Ring program, offering an official design on rings issued to graduating seniors, according to Ryan Miller, assistant director for young alumni and student programs at the Arkansas Alumni Association.

Class rings were presented to students who graduated in fall 2013 at the traditional ring ceremony on Dec. 19, 2013. The Arkansas Alumni Association hosted the ceremony at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.

“The ring ceremony is a great way to end a college career,” Miller said. “It’s a symbolic representation of the end of the college experience and a way to be forever tied back to the university – to physically wear the connection to the campus.”

The ceremony opened with a short speech from the association’s executive director, Graham Stewart. He said, “When you walk away from here today, you can share your pride and share the stories affiliated with the ring.”

After the speech, Stewart presented rings to the graduates-to-be while Miller announced their names.

The class ring symbolizes the goals achieved by graduates of the University of Arkansas and the tradition of “fostering loyalty, pride and recognition among graduates and alumni,” according to the University of Arkansas’ website. “The official ring’s symbolism emphasizes the common bond and shared experience of all University of Arkansas graduates.”

In previous years, graduating students had the option of customizing class rings, adding different symbols and words. In 2002, the current class ring was officiated. “I wouldn’t say it’s a young tradition; it’s an old tradition that’s been reborn,” Miller said.

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Class ring recipient Michael Thurmond, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics and agricultural business, said, “It means a lot to me. It shows I went to the University of Arkansas and that I am proud of that. It’s always important to show where you come from; it’s very prestigious to go to the University of Arkansas. I’m the first of my family to graduate college, so for me it’s a big deal to show that I’ve been here and done it.”

Heath Bowman, associate director of regional programs for the Alumni Association, said, “The ring ceremony is important because it emphasizes one of our most well-known traditions, which is the class ring. It gives us the chance to talk with students and their families before they leave campus as a graduate.”

Bowman said he purchased his ring to support and grow the young university tradition. “It also creates a community outside, away from campus that you can identify with; it’s a unique identifier,” he said.

Clinton Mash graduated with a Master of Science in environmental engineering and said, “I’m hopefully done with my university career here, for at least a while, but it was also a big thing for my dad. He said ‘man, you have got to get a ring – it’s a tradition, it’s something you have to do.’ He was right.”

Following the ring ceremony, the Alumni Association hosted a Graduate Farewell reception for all graduating seniors and their families. During the event, seniors picked up their official Senior Walk T-shirt, signed the Senior Walk banner, took photos with friends and family in the photo booth, and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, cake and a special toast to graduates. ■

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An Official Program of the

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New Staff The Arkansas Alumni Association is proud to welcome four new members to its staff.

Ashlee Gloede, assistant director of special events and facility, joined the association in November after serving as the assistant education and outreach coordinator at the University of Iowa’s Museum of Natural History. In her new position, Gloede is responsible for events held in the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House, as well as facility management.

Felicia Garner serves as the administrative support supervisor. Joining the association in November, Garner is responsible for maintaining the reception desk, serving as an assistant to the executive director and providing customer service to guests of the Alumni House.

Ryan Miller, former assistant director of the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business Conference Services, has joined

the association as its new assistant director of young alumni and student programs. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Miller has a bachelor’s degree in small business and entrepreneurship, and a master’s degree in higher education. His responsibilities include leading and coordinating the Student Alumni Board and Student Alumni Association, as well as the association’s Young Alumni Board.

A student at the University of Arkansas, Tiffany Robinson serves as the association’s part-time fiscal support analyst. Pursuing a degree in accounting, Robinson aids the director of administration and finance with budget items and financial needs.

The Arkansas Alumni Association welcomes Ashlee, Felicia, Ryan and Tiffany and looks forward to a promising future for the organization. ■

We want you!

The Arkansas Alumni Association knows how much our alumni like to reconnect with old friends and find new contacts. We don’t want to publish a new alumni directory without your updated information. Please help by responding when Publishing Concepts Inc. contacts you via mail, email or phone.

For more information about the alumni directory project, visit www.arkansasalumni.org/newdirectory.

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I

chose to go to the University of Arkansas

photo submitted

at the end of high school. I was going to high school in Virginia, and my family was transferring to an airbase in Portugal. So, that meant I wouldn’t have any family in Virginia while at college.

I had family in Fayetteville – an aunt, grandma and several cousins. So I changed my decision to Fayetteville; I wanted a support system.

My first degree there was in English, so I pursued a pre-med/English major and graduated in 1970. I was certified as a teacher after working at Van Buren High School. I wanted to go into counseling, so I went straight for my master’s in counselor education, graduating in 1973. I retired after 41 years of teaching at Marianna schools.

My wife, Margie, went to the University of Central Arkansas, which was SCA in the old days.

She’s a Razorback fanatic. We started taking our kids to Razorback games before they could walk. She and I have a joint membership with the Arkansas Alumni Association.

One of my cousins returned from the Navy and was a postmaster for several years. He got a degree in The Rodriguez family celebrates their fifth child’s graduation from the theology from the university and is a preacher now. He University of Arkansas. The Rodriguez family, top to bottom of stairs: went to night classes to get his degree while working as Christopher, Sarah and Margie, Rachael and Michael, Kristin and Laura. a postmaster.

Graduation celebrations are a family affair.

My oldest daughter, Sarah, received a Bachelor of Arts in biology from the university in 2001. She I’ll end up with Sarah, who’s an occupational therapist; received another bachelor’s degree from the University of Rachael, who is a dentist; Kristen, who’s in allergy Southern Indiana. She’s an occupational therapist now. testing and may end up counseling; Laura is a nurse; and My second daughter, Rachael ’02, got her degree in Christopher, dentist number two. I also have two sisters who kinesiology; she went to dental school and runs a dental clinic in were teachers, and my wife, of course, who was a first-grade North Little Rock now. teacher. So my kids come from a family of education and Kristen ’07, my third daughter, graduated with a degree in were stressed its importance. biology. Now she is working on her second master’s degree I’m proud of a lot of students from Marianna schools. Many in counselor education. She also works full-time performing of them went on to be dentists, doctors, teachers, mechanics and allergy testing in a doctor’s office, so she works full-time, goes truck drivers. I loved teaching in the Delta and I love the people to school full-time and does tutoring on the side. of the Delta, often encouraging kids from the area to go to the My fourth daughter, Laura, got her nursing degree; she’s University of Arkansas.

— Michael Rodriguez ’70, ’73 a registered nurse. Her fiancé, Chase, graduated top of his class in architecture from the University of Arkansas and is currently at Harvard.

My last kid, Christopher, graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He’s in dental school now, and is planning to follow in Rachael’s footsteps, practicing dentistry in Arkansas.

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Kabrina Amey, left, and LaKendra Spates, both University of Arkansas graduates and former scholarships recipients, have established a scholarship for students in their hometown.

Alumnae Establish Scholarship for Helena Grads

by Harrison Grimwood BA’14 Recent graduates from the University of Arkansas, with their powers combined, have established a scholarship to help young high school graduates from one of Arkansas’ poorest cities reach the state’s flagship university in Fayetteville – the University of Arkansas.

Kabrina Amey, 24, and LaKendra Spates, 25, are both U of A graduates and former scholarship recipients. Amey and Spates felt compelled to give back to their university and home community. To do this, they started a scholarship, mere years after graduating.

“Every little bit helps, even though I had a full scholarship my books were not covered,” Spates said. “Even though the scholarship is small, it is still money that can lessen the financial impact.”

The “Breeding Razorbacks” Scholarship will be available for the fall 2014 semester for students graduating from Central High School in Helena. It is a $500 scholarship and will be given to a promising student who contributes to the diversity of the University of Arkansas campus. The scholarship will be administered by the Arkansas Alumni Association’s Black Alumni Society. Spates and Amey are funding the scholarship, starting small to get “their foot in the door.”

“We’ve both reaped so many blessings from our home community in Helena to here, Fayetteville,” Amey said. “It’s something we felt we could do, something we could manage in order to make an impact on our community.”

Helena, the hometown of Spates and Amey, is seated in Phillips County, one of the poorest counties in Arkansas. About 42 percent of Helena’s population lives below the poverty line and an estimated 55 percent of its youth population, people under 18, lives below the poverty line.

“My mom and I, we really didn’t talk about college too much. We

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had a few conversations when I told my mom where I wanted to go,” Spates said. “I was never concerned about being able to succeed in college. I was, however, concerned about the financial burden.”

Amey’s story is told similarly. “I wanted to go to college after high school,” she said. “My parents couldn’t afford to send me, so I had to find what made the most financial sense,” she said.

Amey, without applying for either scholarships or admission to the U of A, received the Silas Hunt Distinguished Scholarship for full tuition for four years. The Silas Hunt Scholarship is given to students with academic and leadership promise who are from under-represented communities.

Spates was also a recipient of this scholarship, as well as several others, including the Arkansas Alumni Association’s ‘Roads Scholarship.’

Amey graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts and obtained a Master of Education in 2013. Spates graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in education from the College of Education and Health Professions. Spates obtained a Master’s of Health Services Administration in 2013 from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Robin January, scholarship coordinator for the Arkansas Alumni Association, said Spates is the first former recipient of an alumni scholarship to set up a scholarship with the Arkansas Alumni Association.

“LaKendra is an example for all of our scholars,” January said. “We see our scholarships as an investment, and we see this one coming full circle because now she’s investing in the next college generation.”

Spates and Amey said they want to have the scholarship endowed someday but decided to start small. “We wanted to create something to help the young individuals from our city,” Amey said.

“The scholarship is the first step toward that, it’s the foundation to a larger dream.” ■

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Volunteer Spotlight: Cathy Haynie Roe ★

photo submitted

One of the best friends of the Arkansas Alumni Association may still be teased about “not being a Hog, and instead being a Rebel,” but that doesn’t stop this friend from dedicating much of her time to the Arkansas Alumni Association.

Cathy Haynie Roe, volunteer, mother of two, Chartwells employee and a strong community member, never received a degree from the University of Arkansas.

However, that has never been an issue when volunteering her time.

“I really believe if you are going to be part of a university community you should be involved, regardless if you graduated from that university,” Roe said.

Roe moved to Arkansas with her husband, Dr. Larry Roe, of the University of Arkansas mechanical engineering department and U of A Space and Planetary Sciences Center, 19 years ago. She said she has been involved with the association for almost 17 years.

Her interest was piqued when she made friends with people already involved with the Arkansas Alumni Association. “At that time, the NWA Chapter was doing one big fundraiser a year to support their scholarships – that is one thing I truly love is making opportunities for kids to go to school,” she said.

Now, Roe is a Northwest Arkansas Regional Network board member and an annual member of the Arkansas Alumni Association. She has made her home in Northwest Arkansas and offers her time to organizations she thinks are deserving, but also still remains connected to her alma mater, Ole Miss. “I still work with my own university’s alumni association, mostly club leadership and special events/ fundraising, sharing information,” she said.

She has been a lifelong volunteer, putting in time and effort wherever it was needed. Starting as a young girl volunteering at her church, she said it wasn’t until college that volunteerism really took hold. “I really got involved when I was in college – I’m a Zeta,” Roe said. “Their

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philanthropy has always been my big interest.” Some of the Zeta’s philanthropy efforts include Breast Cancer Education and the Think Pink Campaign with Professional Sports. The Zetas are also the national sponsor for Race for the Cure survivor events.

Roe has served as an adviser of her former sorority on four different campuses with four different chapters. She first joined Zeta Tau Alpha as an undergraduate at Ole Miss.

From there, she graduated with a degree in marketing and management.

“It’s important that if you’re not one of those people who can write that $25,000 check, get in the trenches and give your time because that’s what usually makes these things successful,” she said.

Roe is one of the people responsible for the Pig Sooie Par-Tee event that preceded the Pig Sooie Scramble.

The Pig Sooie Scramble is a golf tournament hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Regional Network each year.

The tournament is a four-person, 18-hole scramble; the proceeds fund scholarships awarded by the Northwest Arkansas Regional Network each year. The Par-Tee is an opportunity for non-golfing supporters to get involved and donate.

“I suggested that we bring back a social event combined with an auction to thank our sponsors and volunteers, but it would bring in the non-golfers as well,” said Roe. In addition to her volunteerism, Roe has been a prolific traveler. She’s traveled across and lived in many parts of the United States. She tries to travel or take a trip every 12 or 18 months and has visited several countries across Europe. However, her favorite is France and she has taken an exceptional liking to French cuisine.

She has, in addition to the Arkansas Alumni Association, volunteered for the Walton Arts Center, sat on the Panhellenic board, served on the board of the University of Arkansas Women’s Club and helped raise funds for numerous children’s organizations. ■■

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Alumni Groups

Alumni Association Chapters and Societies Transition into Regional Networks and Affiliated “Hog” Groups As the calendar flipped to 2014, the Arkansas Alumni Association introduced a new structure for the constituent groups – chapters and societies – to better serve alumni all around the world.

The Alumni Association transitioned away from the traditional alumni chapter model and launched six regional networks in January – Northwest Arkansas, Little Rock, Dallas, Mid-South/Memphis, Tulsa and Houston. The mission, however, remains the same: The Arkansas Alumni Association connects and serves the University of Arkansas family. These new regional networks engage students, alumni and friends through a wide array of events and programs, including: student recruitment efforts, family-friendly programming, parent programming, community service and volunteerism, lifelong learning programming, business networking opportunities and young professionals networking opportunities.

Smaller chapters that didn’t transition into a regional network were rebranded into affiliated groups with names such as Wichita Hogs and Fort Smith Hogs. The services the Alumni Association provides to these group also was streamlined. These groups continue to plan events and programming for their alumni, but much of this is now supported through online tools and resources.

The two major catalysts driving this decision were the Arkansas Alumni Association restructuring that required the association to find ways to offer more diverse programming with a more self-sufficient model and the upcoming University of Arkansas capital campaign.

“In light of these recent developments, we started asking how we can create a more positive experience for our alumni and our chapter leaders, while also being more strategic in how we utilize the association’s human resources and financial capital,” said Heath Bowman, associate director for regional programs.

Similarly, the Alumni Association’s academic, affinity and special interest societies have been re-restructured into a tiered system that offers a menu of alumni and/or student engagement activities. The tiers give other alumni groups the opportunity to form societies and to increase the number of societies while building a financial structure that can accommodate the increasing needs of alumni. The second goal is to give alumni groups the opportunity to gather and interact based on the structure they feel will best serve their constituents’ needs. The societies will continue to be established based on academic, affinity and special interest societies.

“We want to continue giving alumni who share a common academic background or special affinity a way to connect while best serving their needs,” said Angela Mosley Monts, director of outreach and engagement. “Our goal is to also increase the number the societies to engage more alumni.”

For more information about the regional networks or affiliated groups, contact Heath Bowman at habowman@uark.edu. For more information about societies, email societies@arkansasalumni.org. ■

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-1Members of the Mid-South/Memphis Regional Network were Helping like Hogs when they volunteered to wrap gifts at Booksellers of Laurelwood on Dec. 12, 2013.

The group collected nearly $150 in tips, which will be deposited into the group’s scholarship fund.

-2More than 65 alumni and friends in the Hot Springs area gathered for the Annual Garland County Fundraiser on Nov. 16, 2013. Dr. Don Bobbitt, University of Arkansas System president, attended the event as guest of honor. The event raised nearly $3,500 for the group’s scholarship fund.

-3LaTonya Henderson, communications chair for the Dallas Regional Network, volunteered at the Dallas-Fort Worth Area Helping Like a Hog event at DFW National Cemetery in honor of Veteran’s Day 2013. (photos continued on next page) -4The Wichita Hogs hosted a banquet on Nov. 25 to recognize local alumni leaders and longtime board members. Judy Covert, president of the Wichita Hogs, presented attendees with handwritten notes and certificates of appreciation in honor of their contributions.

-5The Northwest Arkansas Regional Network sponsored a hole at the First Tee charity Halloween golf tournament in Lowell on Oct. 26. Left to right: Paul Bryant, Jannette Epps, Sean Salazar, Rebecca Martel and Melanie Barnes.

-6The Baltimore Hogs helped welcome members of the 188th Security Forces Squadron from Fort Smith, Ark., as they arrived at Baltimore Washington International Airport on Nov. 27, 2013. Thirteen soldiers stopped over in Baltimore from Qatar before returning home to Arkansas.

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Alumni Groups -7Members of the St. Louis Hogs manned a “cheer station” and helped support more than 2,600 runners in the annual Girls on the Run charity event on Nov. 16.

-8Aricka Lewis, Ethan Segura and Brandi Galloway, all Black Alumni Society Scholars, enjoy the Shades of Ebony event.

-9Ayana Gray, left, and Aricka Lewis, both Black Alumni Society Scholars, attend the Shades of Ebony event at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. The event was hosted by the Black Alumni Society.

-10The Law Alumni Society hosted Hilary Chaney, author of “Through the Open Door: A Bipolar Attorney Talks Mania, Recovery, and Heaven on Earth” during the 2014 Law Alumni Reunion Weekend.

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-11Engineers from the Fort Smith Hogs, Drake McGruder and John Riordan, spoke to Cindy Allen’s career orientation eighth-grade classes at Chaffin Jr. High School in Fort Smith on Nov. 20, 2013.

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-12Amilcar Medina, president of the Latino Alumni Society, welcomes guests to the third annual La Pachanga.

-13The Latino Alumni Society hosted the third annual La Pachanga on Oct. 19, 2013, at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. The event, which included awards, dinner and dancing, raised money for the LAS Scholarship Fund. Pictured are the LAS board members and the award recipients.

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Razorback Road

Bev Lewis to retire ≠After serving the University of Arkansas “For more than 30 years, a Razorback. My husband, Harley retired three as a coach and an administrator for more years ago, and I am looking forward to spending Bev Lewis has made a than three decades, Bev Lewis has announced time with him at our home on the White River she will retire on June 30, 2014. The former Mountain Home and summers in Michigan meaningful difference in near director of Women’s Athletics and current where I grew up.” the lives of thousands associate vice chancellor and executive associate As associate vice chancellor and executive athletic director, Lewis has been at the forefront associate athletic director over the past six of student-athletes of creating opportunities for all Razorback years, Lewis was instrumental in the seamless student-athletes, especially those competing in combining of the men’s and women’s athletic and helped shape women’s sports. departments into one unified department. the success of “I came to the University of Arkansas as a She serves as the coordinator of a five-member young energetic first-time head coach with sport administrator group that provides dayRazorback Athletics.” lots of visions for my future in intercollegiate to-day administrative support for each of – Jeff Long athletics,” Lewis said. “Who would have Arkansas’ 19 sports. In addition to overseeing guessed that I would spend my entire career the sport administrator group, she serves as a Razorback? What a wonderful career I have had to be a part of the as sport administrator for men’s and women’s cross country, men’s remarkable growth of women’s sports in the 1990s, to work through and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s golf, gymnastics, the transition to the Southeastern Conference and to play a role in softball and volleyball. In addition, Lewis has overseen media relations, the overall development of our athletic department. Professionally it oversees and coordinates the Razorback Performance Team, including has been very rewarding to work in a capacity ranging from building the strength and conditioning programs, nutrition, psychology, fantastic facilities to the opportunity to work with great coaches, staff athletic training and sports medicine for both men and women. and student-athletes.

She also stays involved in fund raising and serves as the athletic “My time as a Razorback is so special. I have worked with so many department liaison to the faculty senate and the faculty athletic great people, watched our students excel both in the classroom and on committee, and coordinates the department’s Title IX compliance. the athletic field, and I have built lasting relationships with friends, fans “For more than 30 years, Bev Lewis has made a meaningful and athletic professionals. I will always treasure the opportunity to help difference in the lives of thousands of student-athletes and helped shape coaches and student-athletes achieve their dreams and I will always be the success of Razorback Athletics,” said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and

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Arkansas • Spring 2014

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courtesy Razorback athletics

director of athletics. “As a coach and an athletics administrator, Bev has continued to be a leading advocate for expanding opportunities and enhancing the student-athlete experience. As the’ longtime director of Women’s Athletics, she was instrumental in the growth and success of women’s sports not only at our institution but throughout the country.

“She also played a pivotal role in helping combine the previously independent men’s and women’s athletic departments into a successful unified program serving more than 460 student-athletes in 19 sports.

We are extremely grateful for her many contributions to Razorback Athletics and the University of Arkansas. We all look forward to working with her in the final few months of her remarkable career and wish her the very best in her upcoming retirement.”

Lewis spent 19 years (1989-2007) as the director of Women’s Athletics. The hallmark of that stint was the overall excellence of the entire women’s athletics program. During her tenure, the University of Arkansas has moved to increase athletic participation for women with the addition of volleyball, golf, gymnastics and softball. All four sports competed in NCAA post-season competition by each inaugural recruiting class’ senior season and have established themselves as nationally competitive programs. Every Razorback women’s sport achieved a new athletic performance pinnacle under her leadership.

As a result of her strong emphasis on the classroom, Razorback female student-athletes received numerous academic honors including national academic All-American of the year, team academic national titles and the university’s first two SEC/H. Boyd McWhorter ScholarAthletes of the Year.

Her leadership was also a part of the success of the university’s Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. Lewis directed Women’s Athletics to over $11.5 million in direct support for women’s teams including gifts for facilities like the Huntley Gymnastics Training Facility and Sutton Strength and Conditioning Center as well as more than tripling the number of named and endowed scholarships for female student-athletes.

During the campaign, Lewis received one of her greatest personal honors as Bob and Marilyn Bogle requested that Arkansas’ new facility be named the Bev Lewis Center for Women’s Athletics. Lewis’ leadership was also key to the construction of Bogle Park and Razorback Field, the home to Razorback softball and Razorback soccer, respectively.

Lewis served collegiate athletics at the highest level as an administrator, as a member of the NCAA Management Council, the NCAA Championship Cabinet and the Southeastern Conference Executive Committee.

Lewis helped bring national attention to Arkansas by hosting numerous SEC Championships as well as the 1994 NCAA Women’s Basketball Mideast Regional, the 1994 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championship and the 2006 NCAA Gymnastics Regional.

As a former track coach, Lewis was instrumental in the University’s hosting of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships at the Randal Tyson Track Center 12 times during her tenure at Arkansas. In addition, Lewis assisted in attracting the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament and SEC Gymnastics Championship to Central Arkansas.

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Razorback Road

In 1998, she was voted into the University of Arkansas Hall of Honor for her contributions as a coach and administrator. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Lewis was named to Arkansas Business magazine’s “Top 100 Women in Arkansas” in 1996, 1997 and 1998. The publication also named her to their 2010 “Women of Influence” in Arkansas. Lewis was a member of the “40 Under 40,” which highlighted the achievements of business leaders in Arkansas who were under 40 years old during those same years Prior to assuming the duties of athletic director, Lewis’ Razorback women’s cross country and track teams had six top 20 national finishes, and she coached Team USA at the 1990 World Junior Cross Country Championships. Her Arkansas coaching milestones were numerous.

Under her direction, cross country achieved three notable Lady Razorback firsts. On Oct. 4, 1984, her cross country team became the

first women’s team to achieve a national ranking. She added the first top 10 finish to her resume in 1986 as cross country finished 10th at the NCAA Championships and backed it up with a ninth-place finish in 1987. Her coaching was instrumental in establishing Arkansas’ perfect record of sending a team or individual to every collegiate national meet since the program’s inception.

Lewis also coached Arkansas’ first women’s conference championship team at the 1988 Southwest Conference Cross Country Championships. As a result, her peers voted her SWC Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. She also was named SWC Outdoor Track Coach of the Year in 1989.

Lewis earned her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan in 1979 and followed it with her master’s degree from Purdue prior to her arrival at Arkansas in 1981. ■

Razorback Student-Athletes Exceed 3.0 GPA for Eighth-Consecutive Semester Razorback student-athletes earned a 3.17 grade point average in the fall 2013 semester, marking the eighth consecutive semester student-athletes competing for the University of Arkansas have exceeded a 3.0 GPA. A total of 261 Razorback student-athletes, including student-athletes representing all 19 sport programs, earned a spot on the department academic honor roll by posting a term GPA of 3.0 or better. The total marked an increase of 20 student-athletes (241) from the fall 2012 semester. A total of 45 student-athletes earned Academic Champion honors by earning a perfect 4.0 term GPA. In addition, 34 Razorback student-athletes graduated from the University of Arkansas in the fall.

With the latest term GPA, the cumulative average of current Razorback student-athletes for all semesters of their collegiate careers is 3.165, which nearly matches the department’s goal set in 2008 of reaching a cumulative GPA of 3.2 for all Razorback student-athletes by 2015.

“I am extremely pleased that our student-athletes’ fall semester academic performance has placed our program in position to reach our academic goal a full year ahead of our projected timeline,” said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “We still have some work to do, but we have made tremendous progress. That is a credit to our coaches, our Student-Athlete Success staff and most importantly to the more than 460 Razorback student-athletes who have committed themselves to achieving academically while competing in their respective sports. It is also a reflection of the loyal support of Razorback Foundation members who are helping us fulfill our

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mission of developing student-athletes to their fullest potential through intercollegiate athletics.”

Fourteen of 19 teams posted a team GPA of 3.0 or higher including men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, men’s golf, women’s golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, women’s indoor track and field, women’s outdoor track and field, and volleyball. Men’s golf posted the highest men’s team GPA with a 3.49 GPA while women’s golf paced women’s sport programs with a 3.71 GPA. In addition, 91 Razorback student-athletes earned an academic Personal Best in the fall of 2013. A Personal Best is achieved when student-athletes post a semester GPA higher than their previous cumulative GPA. The program encourages student-athletes at all academic levels to continue to focus on academic improvement each semester while advancing toward graduation.

“Personal Bests play an important part in our Student-Athlete Success program,” Long said. “While every student-athlete may not earn a 4.0 GPA, we want them to continue to set and reach academic goals that will help them as individuals as well as keep them on track to the ultimate goal of graduation.”

In all, 10 teams improved their GPA from fall 2012 to fall 2013, including men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football, gymnastics, women’s golf, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, women’s track and field, women’s volleyball and women’s cross country. ■

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Razorback Road

50th Anniversary Celebration Headlines 2014 Razorback Football Game Days The 50th anniversary celebration for the 1964 Football National Champions will be paired with the home game against Alabama, according to a release made public this afternoon by Razorback Athletics.

As part of the 2014 schedule, the Razorbacks will play six games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, one game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, and will return to Arlington, Texas, for the Southwest Classic matchup against Texas A&M at AT&T Stadium.

“Our 2014 schedule will allow the Razorbacks to play in three different home stadiums, which is a one of a kind experience for our fans and student-athletes,” said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “With seven home games in the state of Arkansas, Razorback fans will have the opportunity to see key SEC games as well as nonconference matchups featuring first time football opponents NIU and Nicholls State. We are excited about some of the traditional events that we will celebrate along with our fans along with the new elements that we are moving forward with for the upcoming season. Our goal is to provide a first-class sports entertainment experience for all Razorback fans who support us in Fayetteville, Little Rock and Arlington, as well as on the road.”

The home opener against Nicholls State on Sept. 6 will be the debut of a new event titled Day of Champions, where Razorback Athletics will recognize spring and summer youth sports champions from around

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the state on the field during halftime. This will also be the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor Weekend. The honorees for the Class of 2014 will be voted on and announced this summer.

Parent’s Weekend will accompany the second home game of the season as the Razorbacks play host to Northern Illinois on Sept. 21. This will also be Hometown Heroes Day, as Razorback Athletics recognizes the Armed Forces and First Responders with a special ceremony.

The 50th anniversary celebration of the 1964 Football National Championship is scheduled for Oct. 10-12, the weekend Arkansas hosts the Alabama Crimson Tide. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks as we welcome back Arkansas’ first national title winning Hogs back to campus.

Homecoming 2014 will come against UAB on Oct. 25 while the Battle for the Golden Boot returns to campus on Nov. 15. LSU game day will also be the culmination of Razorback Foundation Appreciation Week.

The final special event of the season will come on Nov. 22 in the SEC home finale against Ole Miss, when the 2014 Razorback seniors will play their final home game in cardinal and white at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Kickoff times will be determined and announced in the fall per television arrangements. The first game against Auburn is scheduled to be broadcast on the SEC Network. ■

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photo submitted

2014 Arkansas Razorbacks Football Schedule Date

Opponent

Weekend

Site

Sept. 6

Nicholls State

Hall of Honor Weekend Day of Champions

Fayetteville

Sept. 13

Texas Tech

Sept. 20

Northern Illinois

Parent’s Weekend Hometown Heroes Day

Fayetteville

Sept. 27

Texas A&M*‡

Southwest Classic

Arlington, Texas

Oct. 11

Alabama*

1964 National Championship Celebration Weekend

Fayetteville

Oct. 18

Georgia*

Oct. 25

UAB

Nov. 1

Mississippi State*

Nov. 15

LSU*

Battle for the Boot Razorback Foundation Appreciation Day

Fayetteville

Nov. 22

Mississippi*

Senior Day

Fayetteville

Nov. 29

Missouri*

Aug. 30

Auburn*

Auburn Lubbock, Texas

Little Rock Homecoming

Fayetteville Starkville, Miss.

Columbia, Mo.

* SEC game ‡ Game played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

A Message from A. G. Russell

Arkansas Veterans Folder Purchase an Arkansas Veterans knife and support the University of Arkansas. $10 from the sale of each Arkansas Veterans knife is being donated to support the University of Arkansas Veterans Resource and Information Center.

For more information: visit http://www.agrussell.com/arkvet or call 800-255-9034.

Retail Price: $19.95

Because of the War On Troop Boredom program we established in 2004, Goldie and I were asked to serve on the board of the Veterans Resource & Information Center (VRIC) at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The VRIC is the point of contact for prospective or current student veterans needing assistance with admissions, applying for benefits and scholarships, and needing referrals to academic departments. As we attended those board meetings, the need for an Emergency Fund for the student veterans quickly became apparent.

This fund will be used for UofA student veterans in Fayetteville who have sudden financial problems. While most have access to some funds provided through the GI Bill, those funds are limited and often take a long time to reach them. Meanwhile, there are meals to put on the table, cars that quit working, and medical and other emergencies that might cause the Vet to drop out.

The VRIC Emergency Fund is administered by the VRIC at the UofA in Fayetteville.

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YesterYear

1874

• The American Association of University Professors censures the U of A for the 1959 departure of professor John L. McKenney, who left after the enactment of state Act 10, which required all college professors in the state to sign affidavits listing the organizations to which they belonged.

• Arms arrive for the military science department in January provided by Gov. Elisha Baxter, and are seized in May by forces loyal to gubernatorial rival Joseph Brooks, leading to the Brooks-Baxter War, fought primarily in Little Rock.

1924

1974

• Fire sweeps through half a block of houses on East Ida and Arkansas Avenue, leaving nine university professors, their families and several students without homes.

• The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees creates a new law department at the university, and Julian S. Waterman is named to lead the department.

• Election fraud voids student elections.

• The J. Geils Band, the Temptations and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band play Barnhill Field House during the year.

• The Uarkettes prepare for a European tour during the summer.

1984

1974 Razorback

• Three years and $14M after its 1981 ground breaking, the HPER opens its doors on May 21. The 1934 facility provides an Olympic • John Temple Graves II is the size pool, weight rooms, jogging commencement speaker for the 283 track, dance studios, raquetball 1974 caption: " In the Spring — a young man's fancy lightly turns students earning degrees. courts, gymnasiums, and a human from thoughts of studying … to thoughts of love … or maybe he • Students could watch performance lab. would enjoy stumping his toes on the hurdles… or a little exercise Clark Gable starring Men in White • David Halberstam, a Pultizer on the baseball diamond … then the fancy might turn to a refreshing at the Ozark Theater or Frederic Prize-winning journalist, speaks dip in the pool—maybe … But chances are the average young man March in Death Takes a Holiday at about U.S.-Japan relations during will take his ease like the distinguished gentlemen here—because the Palace Theater. the Fulbright Symposium. spring fever is quite contagious."

• Students can purchase a new suit, • Ossie Davis and Rubie Dee 1954 made to measure, for $18.50 at LaNier’s perform at the Continuing Education Center • Students form a 25-member committee in Cleaners in Shulertown. on the Fayetteville Square. hopes of abolishing all forms of segregation 1944 1994 on the U of A campus.

• The Razorback yearbook arrives before • The Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team • The North Central Association, the the end of the school year despite wartime wins a national championship under the accrediting organization, approves the shortages and red tape, according to editor coaching of Nolan Richardson.

University of Arkansas for doctoral programs.

Caroline Roberts.

• The university cracks down on unlicensed • Nearly 600 students receive their degrees • Air Corps trainees prepare to leave items bearing the University name after a during commencement. the campus. rash of products bearing the Hog logo hit • Drivers parking illegally at the U of A get • Dr. Hampton Adams and banker the market following the national basketball tickets ranging from 50 cents to $1.

Benjamin Wooten are the commencement championship.

1964 speakers as 225 seniors receive their degrees.

• President David Mullins adopts a new 2004 • Capt. Maurice “Footsie” Britt receives • The Northwest Quad and Pat Walker athletic ticket policy with the hope of ending the Medal of Honor during ceremonies at Health Center were dedicated. students’ camping out before games.

Razorback Stadium. Britt is believed to be • The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranks the • The Arkansas Traveler warns students the most decorated officer of World War II. University of Arkansas among the top 25 against taking “keep awake” pills during finals. fundraisers in the United States. n • 800 people receive degrees.

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Arkansas • Spring 2014

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Lost Alumni If you have any information on the whereabouts of these alumni and former students from the Class of 1965, please contact the Arkansas Alumni Association at 1-888-ARK-ALUM so that we may update our records.

Henry Vestal Dean Sue Kendrick Corbin James Russell Roberts Jr. Irene Harris Gladys L. Deckelman Thomas C. Lewis C. Louise Barden Ronald L. Taylor Frank Willard Peek Yuo Chyung Lin William D. Elliott Janet Hale Frances Thomas Johnson Donald R. Slack Charles R. Wickard James R. Fuhr Ellen Yeager Cargile Vivian M. Munday James Niles Sanders Teddie Alderman Lafley Howard Sheppard Jr. John Calvin Hargus Aviva Gesl

Roberto David Stadthagen-Vogl John H. Dye John J. Shimek John Lionel Sullivan A. Sharon Lane Sallie Jo Ward Mary Jane Webb Bell Ruth Deason Ronald James Rozell Jack C. Pringle Reba Posey Moore Charles Kenneth Pannell David Ross Ruble Judy Wilson Harris Suzanne Eason Linda Loriane Slocum Leonard A. Wiggins Emil S. Lynch Sheila Dian Jennings Rasalind Joan Jarrett Lawrence L. Rudel Virginia Beth Greenland Sharon Campbell Estes

Charles L. White Ronald H. Nelson Donald H. Sanders Travis Carroll Snyder James C. Fields Ronald E. Coiner Kathye Caldwell Mashek Beverly Harl Green Clyde Randall Thompson Illa Dean Harris James Lloyd Chandler Jefferson Hughes Martin Cheryl Sue Martin Royce W. Herndon Milton Lewis Feltch Jr. Stanley M. Robinson June Sellick O’Conner Patricia I. Graham Lora Ann Hanson William Dale Clapp Thomas S. Moore Donald Joseph Isbell Frances Ellis Barrack

John W. Shaw Sidney C. Roberts Oliver L. Peters Robin T. Blaylock Rodriguez Mary Russell Beachem Larry M. Wilson Clifford W. Nelson Kenneth Duane Wells Hurshell D. Qualls Harold R. Smith William D. Johnson Roslyn McCollum William Henry Justice Warren C. Cook Patricia McCoy King Linwood Griffin III Edward Cleveland Payne Robert A. May Elmer Dwain Houck John G. Nicks Billy Carl Donnell Forrest W. Cox James Edward Stripling

Your classmates want to know, and we want to know about your milestones and anything else you’d like to share about your life. To be included in Senior Walk, the most-read section of Arkansas, complete this form and mail to the Arkansas Alumni Association. Feel free to attach additional pages or newspaper clippings.* Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Include maiden name or nickname, if applicable)

Class, year and degree___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ E-mail address__________________________________________________________ What’s the news? (new job, promotion, wedding, new baby, award, retirement, etc.)__________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ARKANSAS Mail to: Arkansas Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1070, Fayetteville, AR 72702; E-Mail : records@arkansasalumni.org

ALUMNI

* Since the next issues of Arkansas are already in production, it may be a few issues before your news item appears.

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$2.1 Million Grant to Benefit Arkansas Delta and Charter School Students

Kevin Brown, center, with friends Regina and John Goodwin, wife Marie Brown and daughter Sydney Brown-Chua at the 2011 College of Engineering Alumni Awards.

Houston Couple Endows $3 Million Department Head Chair Originally from North Little Rock, Kevin Brown decided to attend the University of Arkansas after receiving an academic scholarship sponsored by The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.

His experience at the university impacted his ability to be effective in the business climate in which he now works. Brown serves as senior vice president, refining for LyondellBasell Industries in Houston, the third largest independent chemical company in the world. “What I learned at the U of A – both life lessons and in the classroom – helped me after graduation,” he says.

“I learned a set of principles that I could then apply to any given situation. I learned critical thinking, questioning alternatives and how to relate to others who were not engineers.”

Brown and his wife, Marie, made the decision to invest in the College of Engineering after being asked to support the department of chemical engineering. A graduate of the program, Brown felt the need to give back.

He stated, “I have a strong affection for the University of Arkansas.” Marie understood the importance of the university in their lives and supported the decision. “She’s been a big part of why we’ve been able to do what we’ve done,” says Brown.

The couple’s gift of $3 million is being used to establish the Kevin W. and Marie L. Brown Department Head Chair in Chemical Engineering and comes at an ideal time. Dean John English commented, “Any time we receive a multimillion dollar gift such as this, it makes a crucial impact to our college. Kevin is a remarkable alumnus of ours and has done exceptionally well throughout his career. We are honored that he takes the time to give back to his alma mater by serving in many capacities in the college. In addition, his financial support is a significant contribution toward the success of the college and a testament to how much our alumni value their engineering education.” n

The Walton Family Foundation announced a $2.1 million grant to the University of Arkansas to fund several programs within the College Access Initiative and the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education. These funds will directly benefit students from Phillips County, Arkansas, and those who have graduated from public charter schools around the state.

This grant, the largest in university history going to diversity programs, will impact both current and future university students. As part of the program, university officials will expand ACT training for high school students and will also increase recruiting efforts at these schools. Additionally, students who are admitted to the university will be eligible for tutoring, mentoring and summer enrichment programs designed to increase both retention and graduation rates.

Charles Robinson is the university’s vice chancellor for diversity and community and is thrilled at what this grant means for these students.

“Ensuring students from economically depressed areas of Arkansas, like the Delta, are supported in their academic careers is a top priority for CMDE,” he said. “This gift will allow our team to build relationships with these students and their school administrators while the students are still in high school in an effort to ensure long-term success. This is a great win for the university and our current and future students.”

When Sam and Helen Walton launched their modest retail business in 1962, one of their goals was to increase opportunity and improve the lives of others along the way. This guiding principle has played a pivotal role in the phenomenal growth of their small enterprise into a global retail leader. This principle also drives the philanthropic mission of the Walton Family Foundation, a longtime and significant supporter of the University of Arkansas. Today the foundation is more focused than ever on making life better for individuals and communities alike. n

Mid-year numbers show that the University of Arkansas is on track to have another excellent fundraising year!

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The past.

The present.

The future.

JoAnne Mazur ★ BA’77 MED’79, looks through her Razorback yearbook from 1977 with her granddaughter, Jade. Future Razorbacks like Jade benefit from philanthropy to the University of Arkansas thanks to the legacies left by planned gifts.

These are all good reasons to be proud of the University of Arkansas and include us in your philanthropy.

As an alumnus or friend of the university, you are a part of our history. You shaped us into what we are today and built the foundation for future generations. Together, we share proud memories of fight songs, pep rallies and late night study sessions. And while the past is behind us, it is still a part of our present.

Our present is one of energy and enthusiasm. We are growing, attracting quality students and providing more opportunities than ever. We are opening doors to brighter futures. And your involvement in this is paramount.

Our future is racing toward us faster than ever. With your help, we’ll be even better prepared for what comes next. And when you invest in the University of Arkansas, you connect your campus experiences from the past with the successes of future generations of Razorbacks.

Please consider keeping us in your plans for future philanthropy. You can do so in many ways: • Renew or upgrade your membership with the Arkansas Alumni Association • Say “yes” when a student caller asks for a pledge • Remember us in your will • Make us a beneficiary of part of your retirement plan

s

Whether you’re giving for the past, the present or the future, be assured your gift will impact the University of Arkansas for generations to come.

Contact the Office of Planned Giving today: David C. Hall • (800) 317-7526 • legacy@uark.edu

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senior walk

Class Notes Let us know about your milestones and anything else you would like to share with your classmates – births, marriages, new jobs, retirements, moves and more. Please include your degree, class year, and when applicable, your maiden name. To provide the most thorough coverage of alumni news, we publish notes about members and non-members of the Arkansas Alumni Association and will indicate membership status for reference. You may send us news or simply update your information. Since the next issues of Arkansas are already in production, it may be a few issues before your item appears.

Mail: Senior Walk, c/o Tammy Tucker, Arkansas Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1070, Fayetteville AR 72702 E-mail: records@arkansasalumni.org These symbols indicate Alumni Association membership:

★ Member ★+ Member, A+ ✪ Life Member ✪+ Life Member, A+

’37 ’44

Marie E. Crouch ★+ BA’37, Springdale, celebrated her 102nd birthday on Feb. 23.

Janive Segraves Blanchard ✪+ BSHE’44 MED’67, Russellville, welcomed her first great-grandson on Dec. 5, 2013.

His parents are Chip BSBA’02 and Leslie BA’03 MA’05 Blanchard of Russellville. She also has three greatgranddaughters.

’49

James Edward Stice ★+ BSCHE’49, Austin, Texas, was awarded the Benjamin Garver Lamme Gold Medal by the American Society for Engineering Education. The medal is the oldest award that the society confers, in recognition of distinguished contributions to the advancement of engineering education.

’52

Martin Monroe Scroggin Jr. ★ BSEE’52, Huntington Beach, Calif., retired from Hughes Aircraft Co. after 33 years of service as the system engineering manager.

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’53

Emma Duke and James E. Duke ✪+ BS’53, Texarkana, Ark., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 30, 2013.

They have three children, Jane, Kelly and Carol, all graduates of the University of Arkansas. Dr. Duke retired in 1990 as a colonel after serving 44 years active and reserve military service. He practiced dentistry in Texarkana for 35 years, retiring in 2000.

’60

Ernest Cunningham ★ BSBA’60, Helena, has been reappointed to the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.

Judson N. Hout ✪ MD’60, Camden, has retired from private practice of medicine, but remains the medical director of the chemical dependency unit of Ouachita County Medical Center.

’63

Jerry R. Rogers ★ BSCE’63 MSCE’64, Houston, Texas, has received the John A. Focht Jr. Citizen Engineer Award. He also has retired from the University of Houston after 43 years of service.

’66 ’67 ’69

Joe E. Tarvin BSCE’66 MSCE’70 and Carol Tarvin ADN’78, Fayetteville, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 31, 2013.

Charles D. Cotten ✪ BA’67, Odessa, Texas, is the associate director of the John Ben Shepherd Public Leadership Institute on the campus of University of Texas Permian Basin.

Phillip K. Feeney ✪+ BSCE’69 MSCE’71, Leesburg, Va., retired as senior vice president at the national environmental consulting firm of Brown and Caldwell where he served as project manager, client service manager and southeast business unit manager.

’71

Steve L. Nipper ✪+ BSBA’71 MBA’73, Magnolia, retired from Bancorp South where he served as the community bank president.

He retired with 24 years of banking service.

Kit Williams ★ BA’71 JD’76 and Emily Evans Williams ★ BA’84 MED’90, Fayetteville, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Dec. 19, 2013.

’72 ’76 ’80

Louis B. Jones Jr. ★ JD’72, Fayetteville, has been reappointed to the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board.

Harold Gene Pharr BSA’76, Lincoln, has been elected to a fouryear term on the board of directors for Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, an agricultural credit association with 20 branch locations.

Donald Bobbitt ✪ BS’80, Little Rock, has been appointed to the Vision 2025 Legislative Commission on the Future of Higher Education.

Wyley A. Elliott MBA’80 and Stephanie L. Elliott, Bentonville, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Dec. 3, 2013.

Greg Lacki ✪+ MS’80 MBA’83, Memphis, Tenn., a risk and safety manager at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, was named the 2013 President’s Award winner for the best overall safety program for all casino properties in the Boyd Gaming Corp.

Curt Rom ✪+ BSA’80, Fayetteville, has been appointed to the Food Systems

Arkansas • Spring 2014

2/28/14 2:52 PM

Upgrade to LIFE… ARKANSAS

ALUMNI

AND NEVER PAY DUES AGAIN!

www.arkansasalumni.org/lifemembership

Life Members ✪ By becoming Life Members, the University’s friends and alumni help form a strong foundation on which to build the future of the Arkansas Alumni Association. We welcome the newest Life Members, listed in order of membership number: 7171 7172 7173 7174 7175 7176 7177 7178 7179 7180 7181 7182 7183 7184 7185 7186 7187

David Schaefer Humphrey ’02 Debbi Owen Bowlin ’73 Charles E. Bowlin Philip Wayne Talbert ’86 Lisa Perry Talbert ’86, ’87, ’00 Bob Petrik ’74 Betty Petrik Marilyn M. Bogle Philip Andrew Shell ’08 Jeffrey Paul Wingo Dr. Thomas D. Jensen ’77, ’80, ’82 Dr. Jeffrey Scott Jones ’08 Danny Stuart Smith Pamela Hillman Smith Dr. David Gerald Tanner ’70 Robert Brent Zelinski ’99 Tonia R. Jones ’75

7188 7189 7190 7191 7192 7193 7194 7195 7196 7197 7198 7199 7200 7201 7202 7203 7204

David C. Jones Timothy J. O’Donnell Lindsay Duckworth ’07 Daniel Kurt Lambeth ’84 Calvin Mott ’97 Ann Burton Portis Dr. Charles A. Taylor Rachael M. Taylor Lauren E. Labuda ’03, ’04 Robert Warren Bodenhamer ’91 Dr. Eric Jason Wright ’04, ’05 Amanda Billingsley Wright ’04 William C. Floersch ’67 Alice Barnett Floersch ’67 Trey Toller Rick Fleetwood Dennis P. Halter ’77

7205 Dr. Julian P. W. Archer ’60 7206 Jane G. Archer 7207 Dr. William F. McComas 7208 Dr. Kim Krusen McComas ’11 7209 Kenneth Theodore Bo Dougherty ’08 7210 Miguel Gonzalez Cardona ’12 7211 Vernon E. Lee ’73, ’77 7212 Kathryn N. Sparks ’82, ’09 7213 Joe M. Euculano 7214 Larry Boccarossa ’72, ’74 7215 Joyce D. Jennings-Goff ’67, ’70 7216 Sterling Dwayne Williams ’80, ’87 7217 Susan L. Atkinson 7218 Daryl R. Atkinson 7219 Patricia Jones Edstrom ’73

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’88

Spotlight Mo Elliott ★ BSBA’11 A true outdoorsman and native of Dallas, Texas, Mo Elliott moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas and pursue a degree in management from the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Little did he know that with the help of his professors in the entrepreneurial program, and with a catchy nickname for Fayetteville, his pursuit to create a brand for outdoor sports would become a reality with his company, Fayettechill Clothing Co. “In 2009, during the summertime, a buddy of mine who I was visiting in Dallas asked when I was going back to Fayettechill? That was the nickname he had for Fayetteville and it stuck. I liked it and told him I would use that one day,” he said.

A student on the U of A campus, Elliott realized that “there wasn’t a brand that represented the outdoor sports community.”

He began formulating ideas and plans for a brand that would represent Fayetteville and the larger Ozark region, he said. Since mountains and rivers make up much of the region, the area presented Elliott with an opportunity to capitalize on a market that has been untouched by many, yet, presents intrigue to those who have a passion for outdoor activities.

The 24-year-old enjoys everything from mountain biking to fly fishing to climbing, and has built a business centered on apparel for outdoor enthusiasts. Admitting that the Ozarks provide the ideal setting for a business such as Fayettechill to thrive, the idea came to fruition in part due to an entrepreneurial program at the U of A. “Connections from the business school really helped propel this project. I still keep up with all my professors from the entrepreneurial program. Mark Zweig and Jeff Amerine helped develop the company,” he said.

Starting the company online, Elliott’s brand went on to be featured at Walker Brothers and Lewis & Clark. In August 2012, he opened his own storefront in Fayetteville on West Street. “Right now, we really focus on this area, but we’re expanding into more retailers in the region,” he added.

In an effort to expand the brand and reach out to local organizations in the area, Elliott and his staff have worked with the Buffalo River Foundation, Arkansas Climbers Coalition, Trout Unlimited, Ozark Outdoor Cyclists and ForgottenSong.

“We’re working on developing what’s beyond the clothing company. We are trying to develop the outdoor area.” n

photo submitted

photo submitted

Leadership Institute for a two-year program. The institute is an executive leadership development program for academia, industry and government, and enhances personal and professional development by emphasizing leadership competencies, skills for organizational change, and a broad, interdisciplinary perspective of food systems.

Melissa Harwood Rom ✪+ BA’80, Fayetteville, has been promoted to the new dean of students. The dean of students position separates student affairs from the duties of vice provost.

Charlotte A. Taylor ✪+ BA’80, Fayetteville, was named the outstanding fundraising executive of 2013 by the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

’82

Jack P. Dewald Jr. ✪+ BSBA’82, Collierville, Tenn., president of Agency Services Inc., received the 2013 Douglas Mooers Award for Excellence from the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies. The award honors distinction in brokerage and is given to an individual most committed to furthering independent life brokerage as a distribution system, along with exemplary community service.

Mary L. Lowe JD’82 EDD’89, Fayetteville, was elected to the board of directors of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

’83 ’84 ’85 ’87

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Mary E. Kerley MA’83 and Marlin Kerley, Bella Vista, celebrated their 65th anniversary on Nov. 19, 2013.

Erna L. Boone MED’84, Cabot, has been reappointed to the Arkansas Respiratory Care Examining Committee.

Richard Lang Zimmerman ✪+ BS’85, Mountain Home, was elected vice chair of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

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Robert Ragland ✪ BSME’88 MSE’93, Rockville, Md., was promoted to emergency response coordinator within the Division of Nuclear Security and Incident Response, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from his former position as project manager.

Kent McAllister ✪+ BSCHE’87 is the vice president of offshore operations at Jacobs Engineering.

’89

Melanie Nickles Russell BSA’89, Springdale, is the senior vice president of purchasing for Tyson Foods Inc. She oversees all packaging and indirect purchasing, along with accounts payable and purchasing systems.

’93

Marc Richard McCune JD’93, Van Buren, was presented the Sidney S. McMath Sword of Justice Award by the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association.

McCune is the prosecuting attorney for the 21st Judicial District.

Phillip Rumrill PHD’93, Munroe Falls, Ohio, has co-authored the book “The Sandwich Generation’s Guide to Eldercare: Concrete Advice to Simultaneously Care for Your Kids and Your Parents.” The book shares insight and advice with the “sandwich generation,” those struggling to care for their elderly loved ones while raising their own children.

’94

Derek Ridenoure BA’94 MBA’05, Springdale, is the host of the weekly talk show “Saturday Morning Meeting with 8th & Walton” focusing on the Walmart community. He is responsible for engaging and leading thoughtful and informative conversation about the retail and supplier community.

’95

Laura Herzog Jacobs ✪ BA’95 MED’05, Fayetteville, has been named associate vice chancellor for University Relations at the University of Arkansas. She oversees a department that is responsible for all university communications and media relations.

Arkansas • Spring 2014

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Matthew T. Crawford ✪ BA’97, Dallas, Texas, was promoted to chief master sergeant in the Texas Air National Guard for the 221st combat communications squadron.

Chris Madison BA’98, Little Rock, has been appointed to the Arkansas Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics Advisory Board.

Samuel Timothy Sicard BSBA’98, Fort Smith, has been appointed to the Vision 2025 Legislative Commission on the Future of Higher Education.

’05

Timothy Jarmoluk Smith BSME’05 and Anne Long were married on Sept. 21, 2013, and reside in Little Rock.

Jordan B. Mourot ★ BSCHE’05 and Valerie Mourot announce the birth of their son, Jake Avery, Aug. 3, 2013, in Houston, Texas.

’06 ’07

Andrew Lee Doss BSBA’06 and Sarah Stricker were married on Oct. 18, 2013, and reside in Berlin, Germany.

Dan Harris ★ BA’07 and Jennifer Lane Masten were married on Sept. 28, 2013, and reside in Dallas, Texas.

Kristen Collier Wright ★ BA’98 JD’01, Memphis, Tenn., has been promoted to senior vice president, general counsel and secretary of customer satisfaction for AutoZone.

Cody P. Villar ★ BA’07, Fayetteville, an information technology services security analyst at the University of Arkansas, has earned the designation of certified information systems security professional.

’99

’08

Jamie C. Brandon ★ MA’99, Magnolia, has been reappointed to the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.

M.J. Maddox ★ MA’99 PHD’04, Fayetteville, has returned as editor to DailyWritingTips.com.

’00

Richard L. Condra ★ BSA’00, Church Falls, Va., has joined National Cooperative Bank as the new vice president, advocacy and government programs. He will be an advocate for the bank’s members, working closely with key government agencies and representatives on different enterprises that support the cooperative sector.

Angela Gleghorn ★ BA’00 MED’04 and Nathan A. Gleghorn ★ BSME’02 welcomed their second daughter, Claire Emerson, on Nov. 20, 2013 in Chicago, IL.

’01

Gregory Leding BSBA’01 and Emily R. Ironside MA’11 were married Sept. 6, 2013, and reside in Fayetteville.

Adam Esquenazi Douglas BA’08 MFA’12, Brooklyn, NY, has been named a finalist in New York City’s Downtown Urban Theater Festival.

Eli Adam Efird BSE’08 and Nevada Jones were married on Sept. 21, 2013, and reside in Fayetteville.

Seth Ryan Jewell BA’08 JD’11 and Chelsea R. Jewell BSE’09 MAT’10 announce the birth of their twins, Seth Ryan and Sara Elizabeth, on June 14, 2013, in Little Rock.

Michael Christopher Johnson BSBA’08 and Jordan Christina Johnson BSE’09 announce the birth of their son, Abraham Oliver, born on Jan. 14, 2012, in El Dorado. Michael also has been promoted to category merchandise specialist at Murphy USA. Anna Kathryn Morgan BSE’08 and Derek A. Abrams BA’10 were married on June 29, 2013, and reside in Little Rock.

’09

Nate C. Looney ✪ BA’09, Jonesboro, has been appointed to the Vision 2025 Legislative Commission on the Future of Higher Education.

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’96 ’97 ’98

Niki Cung JD’96, Fayetteville, has been reappointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

Spotlight Michael Hartman ★ BA’13 The University Libraries’ special collections department recently awarded honors alumnus Michael Hartman the 2013 Lioneld Jordan Fellowship in Labor and Working Class Studies.

The award will support Hartman’s research into the impact of the post office murals that were produced during the Depression era and funded by the New Deal’s Work Projects Administration. Twenty-one of the 1,500 murals were created for post offices in Arkansas. The scenes depicted were meant to inspire hope and restore faith in broken financial and political systems.

The working title of Hartman’s research is “An Exception to the Rule: Natalie Henry’s Local Industries Mural.” He will focus on the ways in which Henry’s Local Industries mural diverges from the typical WPA mural, particularly conditions affecting local workers and the industries depicted in the mural during the Great Depression. Local Industries originally was located in the U.S. Post Office in Springdale, and currently resides at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale.

The idea for the project emerged from a term paper Hartman wrote for a class, American Art from 1900 to 1975, taught by Leo Mazow, associate professor of art history.

The fellowship awarded a stipend to Hartman for study in special collections through April 2014.

Hartman is the McDermott Curatorial Intern for European Art at the Dallas Museum of Art. He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in art history and German from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences in May 2013. He was the recipient of a Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship for undergraduate students to conduct in-depth research from the Arkansas Department of Education, the Honors College Study Abroad Grant from the University of Arkansas Honors College and the Sturgis Study Abroad Grant from the Fulbright College Honors Program.

The Lioneld Jordan Fellowship in Labor and Working Class Studies was established to honor the leadership and vision of Lioneld Jordan, the current mayor of Fayetteville. Jordan was an undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas, a carpenter with the university department of facilities management for 26 years, president of Local 965 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, president of the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council and is an advocate for the interests of working families. n

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’10

Joel Lynn Eikenberry BFA’10 and Mary C. Kordsmeier ★ BSA’11 MS’13 were married on Oct. 5, 2013, and reside in Fayetteville.

Spotlight

photo submitted

Katie Fisher BSN’10 and Bo D. Dutton were married on Sept. 21, 2013, and reside in Fayetteville.

Adam Esquenazi Douglas MFA’12 Adam Esquenazi Douglas, a 2012 graduate with a master of fine arts in drama, has been named as a finalist in New York City’s Downtown Urban Theater Festival for the third year in a row. His play, Forever 27, is one of 29 chosen from 140 submissions.

“Having a recent master of fine arts graduate included in this esteemed list of finalists is a testament to the quality and dedication of both our students and faculty here at the University of Arkansas department of drama,” said Michael Riha, professor of drama and chair of the department. “Adam has been proudly representing himself and our department since he moved to New York City over a year ago and has already established himself as a vital and talented New York playwright.”

“With the Downtown Urban Theatre Festival, as with every success I’ve had as a playwright, I must give thanks to my time in Fayetteville,” said Douglas. “As a student in the University of Arkansas drama department under the tutelage of its impeccable faculty, and especially Dr. Roger Gross, I learned many things: dedication, bravery, resilience, malleability, and so very much more. But, most importantly, it had a leading role in making sure I was armed with the most valuable tool for any artist: having a purpose. Oh, and to never forget to love every second of it all.”

In addition to domestic submissions, the festival also has an international category, which included works from Canada, Egypt, Iran, Israel, United Kingdom, Rio de Janeiro and Romania. The finalists were chosen by a team of reviewer that included Reg E. Gaines, the festival’s artistic director and Tony-nominee for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical for Bring in da Noise Bring in da Funk. After one-on-one interviews with the playwrights, the field of 29 finalists will be narrowed to 16 plays for the festival’s 12th annual season, which will be held in spring 2014.

Downtown Urban Theater Festival was founded in 2001 to “build a repertoire of new American theatre that echoes the true spirit of urban life and speaks to a whole new generation whose lives defy categorizing along conventional lines.” Through the festival, more than 100 writers have created and refined their work for the stage. ■

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’11

Brett Gilbert ★ BSCE’11 and Lyndsay McReynolds were married in June 2013, and reside in Houston, Texas. Brett also accepted a position as a drilling and completions engineer with Statoil in January. He graduated with a master’s of engineering in petroleum engineering in May 2013.

’12

Erin Johnson ★ MED’12, Fayetteville, has been named the 2013 English Teacher of the Year for Secondary Level Education by the Arkansas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts.

Jenna Leigh White MED’12, Anchorage, Alaska, was named 2013 Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Alaska affiliate of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

’13

Michael Taylor Norton ★ BSA’13, Prairie Grove, has been named one of 34 Marshall Scholars for 2014 by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission. In order to receive the prestigious Marshall, a student must be outstanding academically and must have a demonstrated ability to enact positive change.

Friends Elizabeth Ross Chambers ★ and Carlton L. Chambers ★, Harrison, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 6, 2013.

Frank Broyles ✪+, Fayetteville, was the recipient of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce’s “Lifetime Pillar Award.”

Melanie Monts ★ announces the birth of her daughter, Audriana Leigh, Dec. 16, 2013, in Fayetteville.

In Memoriam Margaret Latture ★ BSE’39, Springdale, Sept. 26, 2013. She was a member of the Springdale School faculty and was the librarian at Elmdale School for many years. Survivors: one daughter, one stepson, four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

Claudine Thomas Pickard BSHE’40, Germantown, Tenn., Dec. 5, 2013. She was a supervisor of school food service.

Survivors: two daughters, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

T. Knighten Starnes BSBA’41, Little Rock, July 29, 2013. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a fighter pilot with the 69th Fighter squadron in the Pacific Theater and achieved the rank of captain. He was a sales representative for Miles Laboratories and finished his career as sales manager/vice president of Archer Drug Company. Survivors: one daughter, one son, two grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Evelyn Thurlby Valley BSE’41, Grass Valley, Calif., Oct. 7, 2013. She taught at Hennessy School until her retirement after 27 years of teaching. Survivors: one son, one daughter, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-grandchild.

Analee R. Jewell BSE’42, Little Rock, Oct. 9, 2013. She was a devoted homemaker. Survivors: one daughter and two grandchildren.

Jean Mitchell Jernigan BSBA’44, Little Rock, Oct. 15, 2013. She worked for the law firm of McMath, Leatherman & Woods and was a secretary and administrative assistant to U.S. District Judge Henry Woods. Survivors: two daughters and two grandchildren.

Jacqueline Dobbs Harris BSBA’46, Baton Rouge, La., Oct. 18, 2013. She initiated sight and hearing screening for the parochial schools. Survivors: five sons, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mary Ellen See Joslyn BA’47 MSW’85, Leawood, Kan., Dec. 14, 2013. She was a social worker, working with the elderly and families at Village Presbyterian Church. Survivors: one son, three daughters, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Arkansas • Spring 2014

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Joe Lanier Matlock BSBA’47, Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2013. Working for several companies in the 1950s and 1960s, he eventually worked his way up the ladder to President of Parts Inc., a Memphis-based firm. His franchise ideas were incorporated into the successful Parts Plus, a company that spread throughout the country in the 1970s and ’80s.

Survivors: his wife, Sally, two daughters, two sons, one stepson, three stepdaughters, 11 grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Jule Bolio BA’48, Richmond, Va., Dec. 11, 2013. Serving in World War II, he navigated P61 Black Widow airplanes during the war as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war, he pursued a career in advertising, becoming the advertising director for First and Merchant’s Bank. He then became president of the Richmond office of Brand Edmunds Bolio.

Survivors: his wife, Nancy, one daughter and two grandchildren.

William M. James Jr. BSCHE’48, Arkadelphia, Nov. 20, 2013. He was a chemical engineer. Survivors: one son, one daughter, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

George W. Kok ★+ BSE’48 MS’51, Louisville, Ky., Oct. 5, 2013. He became the first athletic director at Pleasure Ridge Park High School and spent 24 years teaching at the school. He was in the Hall of Fame for many different schools, including the University of Arkansas, Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame and Pleasure Ridge Park High School Hall of Fame. Survivors: his wife, Lucille, two sons, two daughters, seven stepsons, five stepdaughters, four grandsons and four great-grandchildren.

Shelburn Lee ✪+ BSA’48 MS’55, White Hall, Nov. 1, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II where he was an aviation metalsmith. He made parts to repair the Chance Vought Corsair, the carrier capable fighter aircraft flown by the Navy and Marines. He taught agriculture at Dumas for 11 years. He established the Lee Company in Pine Bluff to sell power tools and lawn equipment until his retirement in 1992. Survivors: three sons and seven grandchildren.

J.W. Lemay Jr. MS’48, Bartlesville, Okla., Dec. 3, 2013. He performed civil service jobs before joining the U.S. Navy in 1942. In 1948, he went to work for Phillips Petroleum Company and founded the Naval Reserve Petroleum Unit #8

and became an administrative officer. He retired from the company in 1982 as an international tax specialist. Survivors: two daughters, one son, one brother, three sisters and seven grandchildren.

Peter A. Makris BSBA’48, Pine Bluff, Dec. 22, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked at Simmons First National Bank for several years before joining the family business and managing MK Distributors for many years. Later, he worked for Arkansas Institutional Foods as a manager until his retirement. Survivors: one sister

“THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE a Razorback tailgate party.’’

Maurice Edward Calaway BS’49, Houston, Texas, Sept. 12, 2013.

Survivors: two daughters, two sons, six grandchildren and one great-grandson.

James E. Scroggs ★+ BA’49, Fayetteville, Nov. 17, 2013. He dedicated his professional career to the University of Arkansas as professor and chairman of the mathematical science department. Survivors: his wife, Jane, two sons, one stepson, one stepdaughter, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Bill Bass BSBA’50, Boulder City, Nev., Dec. 7, 2013. Bass was a retired U.S. Air Force veteran. Survivors: one daughter, four sons, nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

ONLY IN ARKANSAS We know Arkansas, because we’re only in Arkansas. We’ve been cheering on Arkansas since 1932, investing in local communities and taking care of our own. When it comes to hometown – or home state – pride, Arkansas always wins.

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Charles L. Gray MS’50, Benton, Dec. 8, 2013. He was a World War II veteran, serving as a lead navigator for the 305th Bomb Group, 366 Squadron and 8th Army Air Corps. He worked 39 years in Arkansas education in several school districts. Survivors: four sons, one brother, two sisters, nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-grandchild.

James W. Marsh Sr. ✪+ MD’50, Warren, Sept. 21, 2013. He served during World War II in the U.S. Army, Company B 153rd Infantry and the Army Air Corps. He practiced medicine in Warren for more than 50 years and was inducted into the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Hall of Fame. Survivors: his wife, LaDonna, two sons, five daughters, 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Martha Moore BA’50, Osceola, Oct. 4, 2013. She taught in the Osceola School system for many years and was the director of the Osceola office of Mississippi County Community College, now Arkansas Northeastern College. Survivor: one sister.

#PrideOfOurHearts fOr Life

www.arkansasaLumni.Org/LifemembersHiP

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Bank Better.

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Senior WAlk

In Memoriam

Mary, two daughters, one son, two sisters and eight grandchildren.

Walter A. Wright BSA’51, Weslaco, Texas, Sept. 8, 2008.

Walter Lee Brown, professor emeritus of Fayetteville, died Jan. 17, 2014, at age 89. He was one of Frank and Alice Brown’s seven children, born in Coryell County, Texas.

A World War II veteran, he served proudly in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After his time in the service, Brown obtained a doctoral degree from the University of Texas. An esteemed member of the University of Arkansas faculty, he taught history in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences from 1954-1990.

Brown inspired his students well beyond the classroom, instilling a lasting love of learning. He was instrumental in establishing the U of A’s reputation as the flagship University for Arkansas.

Brown was the editor for the Arkansas Historical Quarterly from 1958 to 1990. The Quarterly published some of the earliest literature on Arkansas’ African-American and civil rights history under his leadership. He was a prolific writer, authoring many journal articles and periodic publications. Brown wrote the definitive biography of Albert Pike, A Life of Albert Pike, a colorful figure of central importance to the politics and culture of antebellum and Civil War-era Arkansas. He also wrote and published several editions of Our Arkansas, the Arkansas history textbook used in Arkansas Public Schools for many years.

In retirement, Brown and his wife, Jane Richart Brown, kept up a small farm and raised collie dogs in Fayetteville. He is survived by his wife, Jane, two sons and seven grandchildren. n Stanley W. Fast LLB’51, Hot Springs Village, Sept. 14, 2013. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 and served in the China Burma India Theater until the end of World War II. He worked as a claims attorney in the insurance business in Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma and retired from Silvey Insurance in 1985. Survivors: two sons, one sister, two grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Jack L. Gibson BS’51, Kirkland, Wash., Nov. 20, 2013. Gibson enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II before going on to serve 25 years in the military, retiring in 1971. After retirement, he became a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine in the Department of obstetrics and

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Walter Lee Brown

gynecology. Survivors: two sons, three daughters and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joe E. Keeling BSA’51, North Little Rock, June 20, 2011. In 1965, he started Keeling Company, a distributor of irrigation equipment for commercial, residential and agricultural markets that now has 28 locations in five states.

Survivors: his wife, Helen, three sisters, two sons, one daughter, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Bruce B. McDonald BSCHE’51, Monroe, La., Nov. 19, 2013. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, McDonald worked as a chemical engineer with Columbian Chemical until his retirement. Survivors: his wife,

Jesse M. Coker BSA’52 MED’61 EDD’65, Rogers, Nov. 26, 2013. He was a retired college professor, having taught at the University of Arkansas at Monticello for many years. He was a decorated U.S. Army veteran of the New Guinea and Philippines campaigns in World War II. He earned the Purple Heart, a battlefield commission, and a Bronze Star for his gallantry and outstanding service. Survivors: one daughter, two granddaughters and three great-grandchildren.

Frank Fischel BSE’52 MED’61, Crane, Mo., Nov. 28, 2013. He flew a torpedo bomber in the Philippines Theatre of World War II. He was a teacher and administrator for 30 years. Survivors: his wife, Wanda, one son, one daughter and three grandchildren.

Pauline Sanders MS’53 EDD’72, Welling, Okla., Nov. 7, 2013. She dedicated her life to education and worked extensively from Oklahoma and Arkansas. Survivors: one son, one daughter, two sisters, four brothers, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

James V. Cash BSA’54 MED’75, Pine Bluff, Dec. 8, 2013. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. A long-time educator, he worked in a number of school districts as a teacher, principal and superintendent. Survivors: his wife, Joyce, one son, two daughters, one brother, nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Nancy Ross ★+ FS’54, Rock Hill, S.C., Dec. 9, 2013. A dedicated volunteer, Ross performed “meaningful community service” as a Girl Scout troop leader, an officer in the Junior League, a hospital volunteer and PTA president. A world traveler, she and her husband, Rudd, spent 58 years seeing the world. Survivors: four daughters, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

R. Henry Mills JD’52, Fort Smith, Dec. 22, 2013. Survivors: one son, one daughter, one stepson, one stepdaughter, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jayne Poore Ripley BA’52 MED’59, Bedford, Ind., Nov. 12, 2013. She dedicated her life to a career in education, working as a reading teacher in Mitchell Community Schools from 1970 until her retirement in 1995.

Survivors: four sons, two grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.

Blake H. Albritton MS’53, Farmerville, La., Oct. 13, 2013. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For more than 30 years, he served in the Union Parish Schools as a classroom teacher at Farmerville High, assistant principal at Farmerville Middle, principal at Farmerville Elementary and director of the General Educational Development program. Survivors: two daughters and two granddaughters.

Joe H. Jamell Jr. BSIM’53, Fort Smith, Nov. 12, 2013. He was a lieutenant colonel in the Arkansas Air National Guard 188th Fighter Wing, where he served from 1963-1981. He also co-owned and served as secretary treasurer of Arkansas Casket Company until 1989. Survivors: one daughter, one son, one sister and three grandsons.

Paul D. Kelly BA’53, Pueblo, Colo., June 8, 2013.

K. Eugene Kerr ✪+ BSA’53 MS’57, Lubbock, Texas, Dec. 14, 2013. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he purchased Smallwood’s in 1996.

Survivors: his wife, Alice, three sons, five daughters, 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers and one sister.

Shirrell K. Halbrook MED’55, Paragould, Oct. 22, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He spent 38 years in the educational system in the roles of teacher, coach, counselor and superintendent. He retired as the director of Pines Vocational Technical School. Survivors: his wife, Evelyn, two sons, two daughters, one brother, two sisters, eight grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.

Wanda F. Whittington ★+ BSE’55, Charleston, May 13, 2013. She was a retired elementary school teacher, having taught in the Charleston and Waldron public schools. Survivors: her husband, Paul, three daughters, one sister and six grandchildren.

Minter F. Appleberry BSA’56 MS’68, McGehee, Nov. 21, 2013. He worked for the University of Arkansas Extension Service for 17 years and then began farming full-time in 1971.

Survivors: his wife, Shirley, one son, one daughter, one sister, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Arkansas • Spring 2014

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James C. Blackburn ★ LLB’56 BA’58, Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 23, 2013.

He practiced law in Memphis for more than 40 years. Survivors: his wife, Carole, one daughter, one son, one brother and four grandchildren.

William G. Cartwright BSPH’56, Little Rock, July 7, 2013. He served during the Korean Conflict. He was a pharmacist for more than 50 years. Survivors: his wife, Beth, one son, two daughters, one brother and one grandchild.

R. N. Van Frank BARCH’56, Sanford, Fla., Nov. 15, 2013. He was a senior partner with JMGR Architects of Memphis for more than 30 years. He served in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in Fort Jackson, South Carolina from 1954-56. Survivors: his wife, Phyllis, one son, two daughters, one brother and seven grandchildren.

Robert L. Harlan BA’56, Fayetteville, Oct. 10, 2013. He served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and the Arkansas National Guard. He retired from the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission after 31 years as a regional planner. Survivors: his wife, Valerie, two sons, two sisters and one grandchild.

Jimmy G. Shirrell ★ FS’56, Southlake, Texas, Jan. 2. He owned Shirrell Painting Co. and The Media Market Inc. in Batesville. He served the City of Batesville for 20 years from 1971-1990, including 10 years as a city councilman and 10 years as mayor. Survivors: his wife, Martha, one son and three grandchildren.

Fletcher B. Smith BS’56, Little Rock, Sept. 16, 2013. He traveled the world for the Beloit Corporation, and oversaw the construction of a pulp mill in Indonesia. Survivors: his wife, Shirley, two sons and one grandson.

George W. Warren ✪ MS’56, Abbott, Texas, June 8, 2006.

Homer A. Brady BSA’57 MS’58, Rogers, Dec. 17, 2013. He was a World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps and the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He taught chemistry at Rogers High School until his retirement in 1996. He then taught chemistry at NorthWest Arkansas Community College until 2012. Survivors: one son, one daughter and one sister.

Jack Cavness ★+ BSA’57 MS’58, Bella Vista, Oct. 16, 2013. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served three years in the Hospital Corp during the

Korean War, including two overseas tours. Survivors: his wife, Julia, two sons, one sister, two brothers and three grandchildren.

James L. Connaway BSBA’57, Heber Springs, Nov. 28, 2013. His working career was spent mainly in the health and life insurance field in Little Rock. Survivors: his wife, Carolyn, two daughters, one stepdaughter, two grandsons and one step-granddaughter.

Jimmie L. Parkerson BS’57, Farmington, Dec. 4, 2013. He was a medical technologist at the City Hospital, Washington Regional, retiring from the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville.

Survivors: his wife, Eutha, one daughter, two sons, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lennox F. Pruitt ★+ BSBA’57, Fayetteville, July 13, 2013. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a claims actuarial and product development director in the corporate office for Prudential Insurance before retiring.

Patsy J. Weaver ★+ MED’57, Magnolia, Sept. 18, 2013. She was an alumni and placement director at Southern Arkansas University from 1978 until she retired in 1987. She received the SAU Distinguished Alumni Award in 1995.

Sam Anderson ★ BSBA’58, Little Rock, Dec. 13, 2013. Serving in the U.S. Navy, he became a second lieutenant before moving to Little Rock and working with Arkansas Careers, a firm assisting other veterans in finding employment. He later joined the real estate firm Rector Phillips Morse and worked in sales. In 1971, he helped form Barnes Quinn Flake and Anderson, a commercial real estate firm. Survivors: his wife, Ann, two sons, two stepsons, one stepdaughter, one brother, five grandchildren and six step-grandchildren.

John P. Cheek Jr. BS’58, Dallas, Texas, Sept. 19, 2013. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-63, stationed at MacDill Air Force Base during the Bay of Pigs crisis. He opened his private dermatology practice in Dallas in 1966, at which time he was the first person in Texas to perform the Mohs procedure for the treatment of recurrent skin cancers. Survivors: his wife, Alicia, three sons and five grandchildren.

Joan Holloway ✪ BSSW’58, Gassville, Oct. 7, 2013. She was an elementary school teacher in Little Rock

Spring 2014 • Arkansas

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Senior WAlk Public School for 20 years and for two years at The Anthony School.

Survivor: one sister.

B. Valine Mayer BA’58, Bryant, Sept.

7, 2013. She retired as advertising layout director from Dillard’s after a career of 35 years. She learned from her parents about the importance of community service and took it to heart as a lifelong activist. Survivors: one daughter, one brother and two grandchildren.

Dan Blasingame ★ MED’59, North Little Rock, Dec. 17, 2013. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He worked for the Little Rock School District for more than 30 years, most recently as assistant principal. Survivors: two sons, three daughters, one grandchild, three brothers and one sister.

James W. Bryant BSBA’59, Fayetteville, Nov. 28, 2013. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War. Survivors: one son, three daughters, two brothers, two sisters, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

William K. Harrod BSA’59, Caldwell, Dec. 15, 2013. A U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean conflict, he was a retired agriculture teacher of 30 years at Warren High School. Survivors: his wife, Gerry, two sons, one sister and two grandchildren.

M. Rose Hogan MS’59, Cabot, Nov. 25, 2013. She was the director of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Library for 24 years.

Harold R. Standefer BARCH’59, Oak Ridge, March 5, 2013. He retired from Lockheed Martin, where he was an architectural engineer. Survivors: one son, three daughters, three sisters, six grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Bettye Edwards Tidd BSHE’59, Acworth, Ga., Oct. 18, 2013. She set up a new home economics department at a new school in Ohio where she lived and enjoyed participating as president in several of the cities that had “newcomer” organizations.

Survivors: her husband, John, one son, one daughter and five grandchildren.

Max David Porter BSBA’60, Fayetteville, Nov. 12, 2013. He served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant. He worked for many years in the car industry.

Survivors: his wife, Susan, two daughters, one son, one brother, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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Donald L. Kyle ✪ MBA’61 PHD’69, Houston, Texas, Sept. 4, 2013. He was a professor of accounting at University of Houston Clear Lake. Survivors: his wife, Pat, one son, one daughter, two stepdaughters, one grandson and three step-grandsons.

William M. Morton ✪ BSA’61, Palm Beach, Fla., Nov. 10, 2013. He owned and operated a successful nursery in Delray Beach, Fla., for more than 35 years.

Wendell Jones BSE’62, Henderson, Nev., Sept. 21, 2013. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he worked at the Democratic National Committee before going on active duty.

His 25 years in the military included serving in Vietnam, Europe and many states with the U.S. Later, he was appointed to tenured faculty at West Point where he taught computer science in the early ’80s. He retired from the U.S. Army as a full colonel and held many corporate senior management positions for various businesses before becoming a management professor at Stetson University in Florida and the University of Southern Nevada.

Survivors: his wife, Grace, two sons, one daughter and seven grandchildren.

Robert Glenn Miller BS’62, Searcy, Dec. 3, 2013. He practiced dentistry in Searcy for 40 years. Survivors: his wife, Marjorie, two sons, two daughters, two brothers, three sisters and 10 grandchildren.

Bettie V. Niswanger BSBA’62, Little Rock, Sept. 15, 2013. She worked for many years as the legal secretary to Judge Henry Woods in Little Rock. Survivors: one son, one daughter, one sister, one brother and four grandchildren.

Phillip W. Crume LLB’63, Hot Springs, Oct. 11, 2013. He had recently retired after 18 years as a certified instructor at the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center.

Survivors: one son, five daughters and 12 grandchildren.

Earnest William Fant BSIE’63, Fayetteville, Nov. 7, 2013. He was an associate professor of industrial engineering at the University of Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Army and the Texas National Guard. Survivors: his wife, Georgie, one daughter, one son, one sister, one brother, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Ed Hogaboom ★ BSBA’63, Hot Springs, Sept. 10, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserves, retiring in 1991. He enjoyed a long career as a certified public

accountant. Survivors: his wife, Lynda, one daughter, one son and one sister.

stepdaughter, one sister, one brother and four grandchildren.

Ronald L. Smith MS’63, Cottonwood, Ariz., Aug. 27, 2013. He served in the U.S. Army military police in West Berlin, Germany, German Democratic Republic until 1956. He worked for a number of companies including General Motors, Burlington Industries and General Electric, where he was awarded a patent for his work with silicone. He was vice president and technical director at Insta Foam Products, Inc. Survivors: his wife, Joyce, two daughters, two sons, three sisters, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Bascom B. Freeman Jr. ★ BSBA’67, Montgomery, Texas, Sept. 13, 2013. He served in the U.S. Army. He retired from Texaco Oil Company in 2000. Survivors: his wife, Sharon and one brother.

Eddie N. Christian Sr. BA’64 LLB’67, Fort Smith, Dec. 16, 2013. He practiced law for more than 45 years. In 1989, he was named a special justice with the Arkansas Supreme Court. Survivors: his wife, Betty, two daughters and two grandchildren.

Toby J. Armellini BSCE’65, Tulsa, Okla., Nov. 18, 2013. He worked in Tulsa for natural gas processing companies including Cities Service and Crest Engineering before forming his own company, Armellini Engineering Inc. Survivors: his wife, Sylvia, one daughter, one sister and two grandsons.

Betty L. Barton BSE’65, Nixa, Mo., Nov. 5, 2013. She taught school for 29 years in all grades, first through sixth, in many schools systems in Arkansas and Missouri. Her passion was teaching remedial reading. Survivors: two sons, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

John Bell Jr. BA’65, Fort Smith, Nov. 8, 2013. As an artist, his work was important to the region, because he memorialized buildings well known to our region. Survivors: his wife, Maxine, one daughter and one brother and one granddaughter.

Howard A. Nobles ★ BA’65 MED’71 EDD’74, Benton, Dec. 15, 2013.

A U.S. Navy veteran, he was an educator in Benton and wrote three books of poetry. Survivors: his wife, Brenda, his mother, two sons, two sisters and four grandchildren.

Larry A. Shell BSBA’65, Centerton, Oct. 21, 2013. He retired after 23 years from Willis Shaw Express in Elm Springs where he worked as an accountant and controller, and later shared in ownership as vice president of finance. Survivors: his wife, Joy, one daughter, one

Joseph E. Keithley Jr. BSCE’67 MSCE’69, Grand Valley Lakes, Tenn., Oct. 19, 2013. He served his country four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. For 29 years, he worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he retired as chief of the Geo Technical Branch.

Survivors: his wife, Gelene, mother, two daughters, one brother, two sisters and five grandchildren.

Jeffery L. Kennington BSIE’68, Dallas, Texas, Nov. 26, 2013. He was a university distinguished professor at Southern Methodist University in the department of engineering management, information and systems at the Lyle School of Engineering. Survivors: his wife, Carolyn, mother, one daughter, one son, one brother and one grandson.

William K. Manning MED’68, Conway, Dec. 10, 2013. He served as superintendent of schools for the Vilonia and Mt. Vernon School Districts. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Marines. Survivors: his wife, Jo Ann, two sons, three daughters, 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Charles L. Randel BA’68, Maumelle, Dec. 5, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force before becoming a city planner for Metro Plan. Survivors: his wife, Charlott, two sons, one sister, one brother, three grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Linda Jeanne Setser BA’69, Gravette, Dec. 13, 2013. She worked for the state animal laboratory in Little Rock, the lab at Peterson Farms and at J.B. Hunt Company. In recent years, she helped her husband manage Jim’s Auto Services and Sales in Gentry. Survivors: her husband, Jim, her mother, one son, one daughter, one grandson and one brother.

Jack E. Smith EDD’69, Montgomery, La., Nov. 20, 2013. He served in the U.S. Army as a troop information and education specialist. He was a coach, a counselor, a teacher, a college professor, a principal, a superintendent and a vice president of a college. Survivors: his wife, Geneva, one son, one daughter and five grandchildren.

Arkansas • Spring 2014

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Joe L. Green EDD’70, Harrisonburg, La., Nov. 3, 2013. He was a lifelong teacher, coach and mentor to hundreds of professional educators. Survivors: his wife, Emmilee, one daughter, one son, one brother, one sister and two grandchildren.

Kennard J. Johnson BSBA’70, Harrison, Sept. 30, 2013. He owned Advanced Computer Services. He worked as an independent contractor for IBM in programming, development and troubleshooting. Survivors: his wife, Betty, one son, two daughters, one sister, two brothers and eight grandchildren.

Bob W. Wright BSIM’70, Fort Smith, Oct. 19, 2013. He was a retired vice president of Whirlpool Corporation.

Survivors: his wife, Judy, three daughters, two sons, one sister, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three greatgreat-grandchildren.

Wayne Meeks BSBA’71, Fort Smith, Dec. 31, 2013. He was a golf professional at Fianna Hills Country Club and Hardscrabble Country Club. Survivors: his wife, Margi, one son, one brother, one sister and two grandchildren.

Dennis Montgomery ★+ BSEE’71, Oklahoma City, Okla., Sept. 25, 2013.

He started working for Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company in 1970, as a power distribution engineer, later becoming the area engineer for power distribution, the supervisor of employment and manager of employee relations. He retired from Oklahoma Gas & Electric in 2006, where he was the manager/director of organizational development. Survivors: his wife, Barbara, two daughters and one grandson.

Guy F. Gardner BA’72, Little Rock, Dec. 9, 2013. He practiced otolaryngology for 24 years. He worked as a medical director for Arkansas Health Group and became the first chief medical officer for the Baptist Health System until his retirement in September 2013. Survivors: his wife, Brigita, one son, one daughter, one sister and four grandchildren.

Freeland Abbott MS’73, Barnstable, Mass., Sept. 8, 2013. He served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1988 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

He worked briefly for Logistics Systems Architects, and as an independent consultant for several defense contractors, before finding his true calling in local politics and community service. Survivors: his wife, Janet, one son, one daughter, one sister, two brothers and five grandchildren.

Willis H. Baston MED’73 EDS’75, Potts Camp, Miss., Oct. 14, 2013. He had worked as a primary school principal in Springdale. Survivor: his wife, Norma.

Susan Marley Curtis ★ BSE’73, Rogers, Sept. 30, 2013. She worked for many years as an FBI special agent, serving in Memphis, Chicago, Guam, Canberra, Australia and the Washington, D.C., headquarters. Survivors: her husband, Mark, mother, one brother and one sister.

Randy Wayne Kelly BSBA’73, Rogers, Dec. 7, 2013. He owned Home Gardeners Landscaping. Survivors: his wife, Jeanne, his father and stepmother, his grandmother, one son, two daughters and six grandchildren.

Jimmie B. Quinn MA’73, Pine Bluff, Oct. 22, 2013. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army as an armor second lieutenant. He served two tours in Vietnam and six years in Germany. He retired from Fort Knox as a full colonel, where he served as the comptroller, brigade commander and chief of staff after a total of 26 years of service. He served as director of the Workforce Development Center and Adult Education and as dean of finance and administration for SEARK College for a number of years. Survivors: his wife, Sandra, one son, one stepson and two grandchildren.

Jim Shoemaker EDD’73, Springfield, Mo., Sept. 20, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a lifelong educator and mentor. Survivors: his wife, Sue, two sons, one sister, one grandson and one great-grandchild.

John K. Warriner BARCH’73, Osceola, October 8, 2013. From 1976 he practiced actively as an architect in Mississippi County, first with the Cromwell Firm and later as founder and president of John Warriner Architect and Associates.

Survivors: his wife, Cheryl, two daughters, one stepson, one stepdaughter, one brother, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Randy Blalock MSCE’74, Houston, Texas, July 16, 2013.

John William Vinson BSBA’74, Maumelle, Oct. 12, 2013. He owned his own business, the Hi Fi House in Batesville. Survivors: his wife, Cecilia, one daughter, one son, one brother, two sisters and two grandsons.

Gregory J. Ward BSBA’74, Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 21, 2013. He served in

Spring 2014 • Arkansas

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In Memoriam Wally Cordes Wally Cordes, a long-time University of Arkansas chemistry professor, died Jan. 25, 2014, in Fayetteville. He was 79 years old.

Cordes joined the department of chemistry faculty in 1959, where he taught for more than 40 years focusing on X-ray crystallography in inorganic chemistry. During that time, he also served as the department chair and chair of the university’s Faculty Senate. His research included publishing more than 200 papers and the direction of numerous graduate students.

He was a charter member and past president of the university’s Teaching Academy. He also was the co-founder and two-time director of the Teaching and Faculty Support Center.

In 2002, the center was renamed The Wally Cordes Center for Teaching and Faculty Support in his honor.

He received numerous awards for his teaching, including the Arkansas Alumni Association’s Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching and Research. He also received the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Master Teacher Award, the Carnegie Foundation Arkansas Professor of the Year, the C.A.S.E. Arkansas Professor of the Year and the Innovative Excellence in Teaching Award from the International Conference on Teaching and Learning.

His survivors include his wife, Doris, of 57 years, their four children, David, Janet, Karen and Roger, and their eight grandchildren. n the U.S. Army as a military policeman at West Point and in Vietnam. He was safety, human resources and risk manager at Havens Steel, and most recently was working for Xact Data Discovery in Mission, Kan. Survivors: his wife, Marsha, one son, one brother and three sisters.

Donald D. Webb EDS’74, Van Buren, Sept. 24, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a retired public school administrator, retiring as the superintendent of Hackett Public Schools. Survivors: one daughter and two sisters.

Phillip L. Cato BA’75, Hope, Nov. 28, 2013. He was the founder and owner of About Vase in Little Rock.

Survivors: his parents.

Leon Earl Eldredge Jr. EDD’75, Jonesboro, Sept. 12, 2013. He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951-53 and the Army Nurse Corps from 1966-68. He was instrumental in starting nursing education programs at colleges and universities in Texas and Florida.

Survivors: one daughter, two sons, one sister and three grandsons.

William R. Guthrie JD’75, Dardanelle, Dec. 10, 2013.

Richard L. Maple MED’75, Shreveport, La., Dec. 5, 2007. He served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, during the Korean Conflict. He retired from the Little Rock School District, where he was the principal of Forest Heights Junior High, Central High School and the human resources director for

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Senior WAlk

In Memoriam David R. Banks ✪ B.S.B.A.’60

photo submitted

David R. Banks of Fayetteville, a leading volunteer during the Campaign for the 21st Century at the University of Arkansas, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in San Diego at age 76.

Raised in Harrison, Banks was widely recognized as a leader in the long-term care industry. In his early career, he joined the investment firm of Dabbs, Sullivan, Trulock in Little Rock in 1963, advancing to vice president and partner in 1967. His career in the long-term care industry began with Stephens Inc. in the early 1970s. His career culminated with his appointment as chairman and CEO of Beverly Enterprises Inc., one of the nation’s largest nursing home corporations. He retired from Beverly at the end of 2001, after unprecedented successes in the industry.

Banks served on the campaign committee from July 1998 to June 2005 and was chair of the campaign for the College of Education and Health Professions. He was also a member of the current Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee. He endowed two scholarships in the College of Education and Health Professions, and he also served on the college’s Dean’s Advisory Council.

He also most recently served on the board of directors for Post Foods, the Walton Arts Center and the Foundation for the Future of Aging.

He is survived by his wife, Rosamond Sample Brown Banks; two daughters, Melissa Gay Banks of Fayetteville; Billie Sunday Banks of Scottsdale, Ariz.; one son, John Michael Banks and his wife, Jamie, of Fayetteville; four grandchildren, Georgie Banks, Olivia Banks, Mary Helen Banks and David Banks II; two stepsons, Stewart Brown of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Garrett Brown of North Little Rock, Ark. n

the school district. Survivors: his wife, Martha, one son, two stepsons, one sister and two grandchildren.

Debra Sue Mock BSE’75, El Dorado, Oct. 22, 2013. She began her teaching career at West Woods Elementary School in El Dorado and taught at El Dorado High School, Southside Elementary and Murmil Heights Elementary. After her service within the El Dorado School District, she implemented and directed the Upward Bound Program at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, where she retired as director in July. Survivors: her

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Kathy Murry BSBA’78 MED’93, Bentonville, Jan. 4. She was the principal at J. William Fulbright Junior High School and spent 27 years serving the Bentonville School District. Survivors: her husband, John, her mother and stepfather, one son, three daughters, four grandchildren.

Patricia A. May BA’86, Fayetteville, Sept. 2, 2013. She was a category manager and market analyst for Church and Dwight Co. Before her business career, she was a journalist who served as an editor and reporter for several publications. Survivors: her parents and two brothers.

Barbara Elaine Netherton ADN’78 BSHE’89 MED’91, Springdale, Nov. 26, 2013. She worked as a registered nurse. Survivors: her husband, Lon, two sons, one daughter, one sister, two brothers, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Roy Samuel Noblitt MED’86, Conway, Dec. 3, 2013. He was a retired educator and construction manager. He was also a paratrooper and the recipient of numerous marksman accolades in the Vietnam War. Survivors: his wife, Ruth, one son, three daughters, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

John E. Sullivan Jr. ★ MBA’78, Nixon, Texas, Sept. 10, 2013. He was an officer in the U.S. Army for 23 years, serving in the Vietnam War as a Dustoff pilot, where he earned 16 awards, including the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Survivors: his wife, Diane, two daughters and two grandchildren.

Dana B. Mayo ASBT’79, St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 27, 2012. He served our country from 1973-78 and achieved the rank of sergeant. After completing his military service, he worked as a biomedical and X-ray service engineer.

Survivors: his wife, Deborah, parents, two sons, three sisters, two brothers and one grandson.

Russell H. Patton III BSBA’81, Jonesboro, Nov. 7, 2013. He worked as the Craighead County treasurer for more than 20 years. In 2012, he was honored to receive the James F. Gramling “Service Above Self” award from the Rotary Club of Jonesboro. The award described his life as he was committed himself to serving his family, friends and community. Survivors: his wife, Marie, his parents and three sisters.

Kaye Bee Wright BSE’86, Tulsa, Okla., Oct. 11, 2013. She taught English at Liberty Mounds High School and was an administrative assistant at Oklahoma State-Tulsa. Survivors: her husband, Marcus, her parents, two daughters, two sons and one brother.

Theresa A. Dorsch MBA’87, Clemson, S.C., Oct. 20, 2013. She was the office manager at Seneca Pediatric Endocrinology. Survivors: her husband, Michael, one daughter, one son, one sister and two brothers.

Joseph Alan Ruscyk PHD’87, Cordova, Tenn., Sept. 6, 2013. He served for 22 years in the U.S. Navy.

He was later a professor at the former Memphis State University, former State Tech Institute and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Later in life he worked for Memphis City Planning and Development. Survivors: his wife, Millie, one daughter, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Franklin M. Lockwood BS’84, Fort Smith, Nov. 14, 2013. He worked in electronics. Survivors: his father and stepmother.

Ray E. Sabin ★+ MS’87, Camden, Dec. 16, 2013. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was retired from Raytheon and was active on several boards in his community.

Survivors: his wife, Nancy, three sons, seven daughters, two sisters, 41 grandchildren, one great-grandchild.

Gary H. Glidewell BA’76, Fayetteville, Nov. 2, 2013. He worked in restoration for the National Parks Service. Survivors: his father and stepmother.

Roy A. Bratton Jr. BSBA’85, Richland Hills, Texas, Oct. 7, 2013. He was a programmer. Survivors: his parents, one daughter, two sons, one brother and two grandchildren.

Waunell Ruth Owen BSE’88, Springdale, Nov. 2, 2013. She was a firstgrade teacher at John Tyson Elementary School. She won the State Teacher of the Year. Survivors: her parents and two sisters.

Joseph W. Durden Jr. BSIM’77, Gillette, Wyo., Oct. 12, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy, aboard the USS Jason during the Vietnam War. He recently retired as an electrical engineer for Peabody Coal in Gillette. Survivors: one daughter, one son, one sister and one brother.

Janie L. Henry ADN’86, Fayetteville, Sept. 12, 2013. She was a registered nurse for Washington Regional Hospice. Survivors: her husband, Rick, mother, one daughter, three brothers and four grandchildren.

Leonard Garside Jr. MED’90, Gentry, Nov. 24, 2013. He retired from teaching in 2010 after 31 years of teaching experience. Survivors: his wife, Lynn, two daughters and one sister.

husband, Tommy, mother, two sons, two sisters and four brothers.

Arkansas • Spring 2014

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Jeff Kirkpatrick BSE’90, De Queen, Oct. 30, 2013. He was a supervisor at Pilgrim’s Pride. Survivors: his wife, Twana, his mother, two daughters and one sister.

Hughes Walmsley Lowrance JD’93, Athens, Ga., Sept. 27, 2013. He started his own business, Locos Grill & Pub, which has grown into a successful multi-store restaurant franchise in the southeastern United States, and a new restaurant concept, Keba Spitfire Grill.

Survivors: his wife, Sara, two sons and one brother.

Korinne M. Moore BSE’94, Lowell, Nov. 4, 2013. She worked as a certified medical coder. Survivors: her husband, Billy, her parents, one son, one daughter, one sister and two brothers.

Michael Colin Lea BA’96 JD’02, Johnson, Oct. 6, 2013. He was an attorney and a writer. Survivors: his wife, Amy, his mother and one sister.

Romonto L. Owens BA’00, Ann Arbor, Mich., Dec. 6, 2013. He was employed by Gerdau (MacSteel) in Jackson, Mich. Survivors: his mother and stepfather, one sister, two brothers, three stepsisters and three stepbrothers.

Derek F. Watson BSBA’01, Fayetteville, Oct. 23, 2013. Survivors: his parents, paternal grandmother, maternal grandmother and two brothers.

Heather Michelle Morris JD’03, Poplar Bluff, Mo., Sept. 14, 2013. She was an employee of Family Counseling Center. Survivors: her parents, her parental grandmother, her maternal grandmother and two brothers.

Benjamin Leigh Curtis BA’04, Clarksville, Tenn., Nov. 27, 2013. He was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry after graduating from the University of Arkansas. He served as a platoon leader and executive officer and deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom while serving with the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn while assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group. His awards and decorations include the Army commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Valorous Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one campaign star. Survivors: his wife, Amy and parents.

Diana Lyn Ponder BSHES’04, Springdale, Sept. 9, 2013. Survivors: her father and stepmother, his maternal grandparents, one son, one daughter, one sister and one grandson.

Ronald E. Brown MS’05, Cordova, Tenn., Oct. 9, 2013. He was a fire marshal with the Memphis Fire

Department. Survivors: his wife, Linda, his mother, two daughters and one sister.

Nathan Duckett Gray BSA’05, Little Rock, Oct. 13, 2013. He was employed as an environmental analyst at Entergy.

Survivors: his wife, Katy, parents, one daughter and one sister.

Carolyn S. Harris ★ PHD’08, Spiro, Okla., Oct. 12, 2013. She was an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Survivors: her mother, one daughter, two sons, two brothers and eight grandchildren.

Mark E. Whitley MSOM’08, Rogers, Nov. 22, 2013.

Alandrus Gale Barnes MSW’12, Rogers, Nov. 13, 2013. She was an LMSW oncology social worker at Hope Cancer Resources. Survivors: her husband, Rodney, one son, one daughter and two brothers.

Friends Billie Berry ✪+, Fort Smith, Nov. 12, 2013. Survivors: four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Paul M. Fiser ★, Little Rock, Nov. 20, 2013. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force for three years at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. He went

into private practice as an allergist for 30 years at the Arkansas Allergy and Asthma Clinic. He received the President’s Award for a Lifetime of Service to the Practice of Medicine from the Pulaski County Medical Society. Survivors: his wife, Debra, one daughter, three sons and one sister.

Bill G. Floyd ★, Little Rock, Nov. 12, 2013. He established The Little Rock OB/GYN Clinic, which became The Little Rock Gynecology Clinic when he confined his practice to gynecology for many years before retirement. Survivors: his wife, Jerry, one son, two daughters and two grandsons.

W. L. Humphries Jr. ✪, Little Rock, Oct. 26, 2013. He was a pioneer in pediatric dentistry. He was the first board registered pedodontist in the state of Arkansas. He practiced for more than 54 years. He taught at the University of Arkansas Medical School, University of Tennessee Dental School: Early Orthodontic Treatment, Baptist Hospital. Survivors: his wife, Sarah, three sons and four grandchildren.

Pamela A. Ward ✪, Southlake, Texas, Oct. 5, 2013. She was a Mountain Home High School teacher and owner of Dietrich’s Men Store. Survivors: her husband, Warren, her mother, three daughters, three sons, one sister and seven grandchildren. ■

Pan-Hellenic continued from page 12

with each individual, past and present that has contributed to the advancement of this undergraduate council over the years.”

“Our NPHC has garnered a significant award that brings honor to our campus and especially the Greek Community,” said Melissa Harwood-Rom, dean of students. “The members of this council can be proud of their accomplishments. It is inspiring and well-deserved.”

“There is much to celebrate in this recognition, including the student leaders and staff in Greek Life who give so much of themselves to the entire NPHC system,” said Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs. “The exceptional commitment shown by these students and staff is indicative of the belief they have in the tenets of the National Pan Hellenic Council.”

The University of Arkansas’ charter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Inc. was established in March of 1992. The member

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organizations at the U of A consist of the following chapters: Kappa Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Iota Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Kappa Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Lambda Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Phi Theta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and the Gamma Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. The council strives to uphold the principles of our individual organizations as well as working together as a whole through brotherhood and sisterhood to excel in academics, service, and being of support to one another. NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings, and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions. ■

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courtesy: Orcutt and Van Der Putten

Last Look

Well-Heeled Art The Difference Between Black and White, by artist Willie Cole and on loan to the university through the end of May, is one of several works of art displayed in the Hillside Auditorium. The work is 16 inches deep and more than seven feet in diameter. Cole is well known for using everyday items, such as shoes, and turning them into artwork that is at once ordinary and evocative. Another piece of his artwork, Infestation, is also currently showing in the lobby of Hillside Auditorium, one of several campus galleries that display artwork regularly. â–

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Arkansas • Spring 2014

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April 9-10, 2014

Lemke J-Days Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House www.arkansasalumni.org/events

April 22, 2014

Planting Seeds for the Future – Understanding Financial Services 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House Under 30? Register for this free event and gain priceless financial advice.

Celebrate Earth Day and start planting some seeds for your future!

Program Highlights Include: • How to choose a retirement package presented by Fidelity Investments • Investment Strategies presented by WealthPath Investment Advisors • Budgeting and using a credit card wisely presented by Bank Of America • Strategies to pay off student loans by the Office of Financial Aid • Insurance options for renters, homeowners and drivers and how to know what you need presented by Nationwide Insurance Register at: www.arkansasalumni.org/financialplanning

SAVE THE DATE: October 25, 2014

Homecoming Game We will be hosting Homecoming activities for the two weeks prior to the game. http://homecoming.uark.edu

SAVE THE DATE: April 17-19, 2015

Black Alumni Society Reunion “Honoring the Past, while Building the Future”

Your Connection Starts Here ARKANSAS

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