ARKANSAS
Summer 2015 Vol. 64, No. 4
Exclusively for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc.
$6.00
Exclusively for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc. Summer 2015 Vol. 64, No. 4
Legacy
Leaving a Chancellor G. David Gearhart ‘s 20 years at the University of Arkansas
Special Edition: Thank you for your continued support of the University of Arkansas. For membership information, please refer to page 11.
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† You will qualify for $100 bonus cash rewards if you use your new credit card account to make any combination of Purchase transactions totaling at least $500 (exclusive of any credits, returns and adjustments) that post to your account within 90 days of the account open date. Limit one (1) bonus cash rewards offer per new account. This one-time promotion is limited to new customers opening an account in response to this offer. Other advertised promotional bonus cash rewards offers can vary from this promotion and may not be substituted. Allow 8-12 weeks from qualifying for the bonus cash rewards to post to your rewards balance. The value of this reward may constitute taxable income to you. You may be issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) that reflects the value of such reward. Please consult your tax advisor, as neither we nor our affiliates, provide tax advice. By opening and/or using these products from Bank of America, you’ll be providing valuable financial support to the Arkansas Alumni Association. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association, and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. BankAmericard Cash Rewards is a trademark and Make every day game day, Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. ©2015 Bank of America Corporation
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A LEGACY OF EDUCATION
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Chancellor G. David Gearhart, set to retire at the end of July, leaves behind a university in strong financial shape with higher academic standards, top research metrics and a vastly improved physical plant.
THE DEPTHS OF RESEARCH
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Arkansas professors research in every corner of the surface of the globe. Matt Covington, one of only six speleophysicists in the world, researches hydrology deep beneath the surface.
MISSION MOZAMBIQUE
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Arkansas broadens its service projects abroad, committing to help members of a farming community in Mozambique develop economic resources that improve their own standard of living.
arkansas photo submitted
University Recreation Outdoors recently offered a new event for the UA community called the Vertical Mile Challenge. The Vertical Mile Challenge encourages participants to attempt climbing a mile during a full month. A total of 62 climbers participated and 8,585 laps were recorded. That is equivalent to climbing over nine Mount Everest ascents.
Campus View
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Letters
4
On the Hill
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Profile
12
Associations
28
Razorback Road
48
Yesteryear
50
Senior Walk
54
Last Look
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Summer 2015
Exclusively for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc.
ON THE COVER The growth in the university’s stature during Chancellor G. David Gearhart’s tenure is cause for a broad smile. More on page 14.
CAMPUS VIEW
ARKANSAS Publisher Arkansas Alumni Association Executive Director Brandy Cox ★ MA ‘07 Editor Charlie Alison ★ BA’82 MA’04 Creative Director Amanda Cothren ✪
Looking Back, Yet Moving Forward For every season there is a change At the end of the summer, Chancellor G. David Gearhart will retire as the fifth chancellor of the University of Arkansas. It has been my privilege to work alongside him for the past two and a half years and see the transformation he has shepherded on our campus. He and his wife, Jane -- who are both alumni -- have truly left our great university better than they found it. A pioneer in our campus fundraising efforts, David Gearhart was our champion through the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century and led us in our efforts to raise more than $1 billion. In fact, throughout his tenure at the university, he has overseen the raising of more than $2 billion. As vice chancellor for university advancement, he literally wrote the book on fundraising and, as chancellor, he encouraged us to dream bigger. One of the most important projects we’ve worked on together for the last two and a half years is Campaign Arkansas. Still in the quiet phase, this campaign will build upon the successes of our last capital campaign, which concluded ten years ago. It will propel our efforts to be recognized nationally as a top 50 public research university and spark interdisciplinary collaborations between the colleges and schools we have on campus. It will create additional transformations begun by our last campaign – not only in some of our existing programs but also in the lives of our students and faculty. Our campus depends heavily on private gift support, so despite the chancellor’s retirement, Campaign Arkansas should and will go on. We must continue to put our students first and support initiatives that will enhance their academic experiences, including hiring exceptional faculty who inspire them through innovative teaching and research.
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Always leading by example, Chancellor Gearhart surprised us at our spring Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee meeting when he and his wife announced that they were donating $1 million to the campaign. Giving back has always been important to him and his family, and it moved many to tears to see him living this firsthand. Not surprisingly, many of the chancellor’s friends and supporters have also felt inspired to give back in recognition of his accomplishments. The G. David and Jane Brockmann Gearhart Endowed Scholarship was announced at our spring meeting and is a fitting tribute to the chancellor’s legacy of putting students first and promoting access to higher education for all. Created with an original fundraising goal of $500,000, the scholarship has already surpassed $1.5 million, thanks to many generous contributions. Why am I sharing all of this? Because a change in leadership does not equal a change in heart. And with your help, the university can make some incredible strides through Campaign Arkansas as we lead up to our sesquicentennial in 2021. Stay involved with us. Renew or upgrade your membership to the Alumni Association, or join for the first time. Make a gift through the annual fund. Attend our events. Your support will help shape how our campus is viewed in the future.
Photo Editor Russell Cothren ✪ Photographers Matthew Reynolds Logan Webster Writers & Contributors Chris Branam ★ MA’11 Amanda Cantu Robby Edwards Scott Flanagin Jennifer Holland ★ MED’08 Matt McGowan Darinda Sharp BA’94 MS’99 MA’05 David Speer BA’75 Lindsay Larson Smith BA’07 Heidi Stambuck BA’88 MA’13 Kevin Trainor BA’94 MA’05 Tammy W. Tucker ✪+ BA’97 MA’03 Kalli Vimr Steve Voorhies ★ MA’78 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 encouraged. 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 72702-1070, 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 Summer 15-108 All photos by University Relations unless otherwise noted. Cover photo by Matthew Reynolds. Please recycle this magazine or share it with a friend.
Chris Wyrick ✪ Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Simply the best. Come discover for yourself why Butterfield Trail Village has been repeatedly recognized as Northwest Arkansas’ BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY by regional media outlets. Call today to learn more about the Summer 2015 Move-In Promotion and to schedule your Village tour!
1923 E. Joyce Blvd.
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Fayetteville, Ark.
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479.695.8012
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butterfieldtrailvillage.org
The Arkansas Alumni Association is proud to announce
a new way to tailgate for the 2015 Razorback football season!
Take the hassle out of football weekends and reserve your Hog Wild Tailgate tickets today! (Walk-ups are limited.)
The best tailgate in town just got better! Our guests have always loved... • The Razorback Marching Band • U of A Cheerleaders (Spirit Squad) • Student athlete visits • A catered meal* • Being steps away from Donald W. Reynold’s Razorback Stadium • Climate controlled tailgating Now everyone can enjoy: • Free admission • Live music outside upstairs • Food truck court • Tailgate games • Big screens to cover the big games Membership Appreciation Day - October 31, 2015 -Members get a special gift!
All are welcome to stop by the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House and re-connect with friends and family before the game! Hungry or thirsty? Food and drink tickets are available for purchase on game day and food trucks will be located upstairs.
Registration:
Game day meals* are reserved with your pre-registration. Meals are available to walk-ups as supplies last. Pre-Register** Members: $15 Non-Members: $25 Ages 13-17:$15 Ages 2-12: $10
Walk-Up Members: $20 Non-Members: $35 Ages 13 – 17: $25 Ages 2-12: $15
* Catered meal ticket includes: water, lemonade, tea, 1 Shakes ticket and 2 drink tickets for wine or beer. ** Pre-registration closes the Tuesday before each home game
Your Connection Starts Here
www.arkansasalumni.org/hogwildtailgates 1-888-275-2586 • events@arkansasalumni.org
October 25-31, 2015
Calling All Alumni! Come back to The Hill for a full week of exciting events.
Color Those Hogs 5K October 25, 2015
Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally October 30, 2015
Hog Wild Tailgate October 31, 2015
ALSO FEATURING
Membership Appreciation Week! Check HOMECOMING.UARK.EDU for the latest details.
ON THE HILL
Ferritor to Return as Interim Chancellor; Appointments Fill Vacancies While Searches Begin
The university has announced several short-term replacements for administrative officers on campus to replace those who have recently announced that they will be retiring or leaving for other positions. Along with the retirement of Chancellor G. David Gearhart, Provost Sharon Gaber and Dean Eli Jones of Walton College have announced that they have been offered positions at Toledo University and Texas A&M, respectively. President Don Bobbitt announced that former Chancellor Dan Ferritor will serve as interim chancellor after the end of Gearhart’s tenure, which runs through the end of July. A search committee will conduct a nationwide search for the next permanent chancellor. Ferritor previously led the university as chancellor from 1986 to 1997 and has served most recently as the vice president of learning technologies. Including his teaching career, Ferritor has served the University of Arkansas for 32 years. Ashok Saxena, former dean of the College of Engineering and current head of the department of biomedical engineering, has been selected to serve as University of Arkansas provost upon Provost Sharon Gaber’s departure. He will serve in this role until a new chancellor can appoint the next provost. “I am pleased to have such a distinguished faculty member, administrator and person help out the U of A in this time of need,” said Ferritor. “To have someone who has the breadth and depth of experience and understanding of the University of Arkansas and its
goals and objectives will buoy our academic affairs during this time of transition. Dr. Saxena is not only a Distinguished Professor, but also a nationally recognized engineer, former dean, vice chancellor of a new university in India and the founding chair of the biomedical engineering department. Indeed, we feel very fortunate that he has agreed to serve.” Ferritor said he expects Saxena to be in the role up for to 18 months, depending on the timeline for hiring the next chancellor. The provost serves as second to the chancellor of the university and serves on the chancellor’s executive committee. “I am both delighted and honored to be invited by Chancellor-designate Ferritor to serve in the role of provost,” Saxena said. “I very much look forward to contributing to the academic mission by working with the wonderful faculty, staff and the student body of this great institution. “Thanks to the innovative Gearhart-Gaber leadership of the past six years, the university is in a very strong position,” he continued. “Nonetheless, we have lots of work to do and big shoes to fill in consolidating these gains and continuing on the path of improvement. With help from the leadership team consisting of the vice provosts, the deans and the department chairs, I am excited about the future.” Matthew A. Waller, chair of the Supply Chain Management Department has been named interim dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. Waller was appointed by Provost Gaber. He will take over as interim dean when Eli Jones leaves to become dean of the Texas A&M Mays Business School. ■
U of A Research Team Invents Electrical Power Converter for Renewable Energy Engineering researchers at the University of Arkansas have invented a novel electrical power converter system that simultaneously accepts power from a variety of energy sources and converts it for use in the electrical grid system. Doctoral student Joseph Carr developed the system with his adviser, Juan Balda, University Professor and head of the department of electrical engineering.
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Innovations in this field are critical as the United States moves toward integration of renewable energy sources to the national power grid. The U.S. Department of Energy pursued and was granted a U.S. patent for the technology and is now seeking licensing opportunities for potential commercialization. The research was sponsored by a Department of Energy grant.
“It is very gratifying when doctoral students who invest many hours working on various research ideas are rewarded with a patent,” Balda said. “At the same time, it is an indication of research work that several faculty members and their students are doing in the field of future energy systems.” continued at right
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
NASA Team Tells Story of Apollo 13 Unfinished Mission In April, James Lovell (above center) and Fred Haise (above right), the two surviving members of the three-man Apollo 13 team, and lead flight director Gene Kranz (above left) spoke about the aborted mission to the moon as part of the 2015 Distinguished Lecture Series. A crowd of several thousand listened at Bud Walton Arena to the story of survival against odds when the Apollo 13 crew had to abort a mission to land on the moon. Lovell, Haise and Jack Swigert were more than two days into their space flight, the third mission intended to land humans on the surface of the moon. Just before hour 56 an oxygen tank aboard the service module exploded, blowing a section of the exterior off the module. A second tank also began leaking its oxygen into space unbenownst to the crew. They were 205,000 miles from earth. Haise told a press conference earlier in the day that his initial and primary reaction was not fear. That’s the question he was asked most often. “Adult audiences would ask ‘Did you think you would make it back?’” Haise said. “But kids would ask it straightforwardly, ‘Did you think you would die?’” Instead of fear at the perilous situation, Haise said, that what he felt was a sense of nausea at the recognition that they would not be landing on the moon. Whatever else happened, the loss of the oxygen tank meant that they would have to forgo a lunar landing. The next thought throughout NASA was how do we get back.
The space craft consisted of three modules: the now-crippled service module, the command module and the lunar module, a two-piece structure intended to get two astronauts to the lunar surface and back. Lovell said, “We were all test pilots before we became astronauts, so we were all very familiar with solving problems.” Kranz, who was back on earth guiding the mission, said, “For the first several minutes after a crisis, you try to avoid doing something dumb.” To help prevent a dumb decision, the astronauts logged hundreds of hours in simulators prior to the real mission, while all manner of contrived “accidents” were thrown at them by trainers, a “rather devious group,” as Lovell put it. The training paid off. Between Lovell, Haise, Swigert, Franz and the rest of the command control in Houston, NASA figured out how to get the team back to earth, using oxygen from the lunar module, conserving power throughout the craft, and continuing their flight path to the moon to use its gravitation pull to sling the modules back toward earth. Twenty-five years later, in 1995, the movie Apollo 13, starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise and Ed Harris, was released to a new generation. Now on the 45th anniversary of the moonshot – a failure in its stated objective but triumphant in its test of human ingenuity and teamwork – the team still receives accolades for everything that it did right. ■
RESEARCH continued from left
The availability and use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, geothermal and wind, and their associated harvesting systems increase the need for new power converters that can efficiently convert diverse energy sources to work across modern electrical grid systems. Current renewable energy conversion systems are bulky, inefficient and struggle to accept multiple inputs from diverse sources. The researchers’ high-frequency matrix converter addresses these shortcomings. Its simplified control system uses power converters to allow connection of a variety of power
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
sources to a small, high-frequency transformer. Then, using a high-frequency matrix converter, it produces stable electricity ready to be supplied to the electrical grid system. Carr received his doctorate from the university in 2011. He was a Distinguished Doctoral Fellow from 2005 to 2009 and co-authored nine articles published in journals and presented at international conferences. He now works for ABB, a power company in Raleigh, North Carolina. Balda has been a professor at the university since 1989. His main research interests are
power electronics, electric power distribution systems, motor drives and electric power quality. He is a senior member of the IEEE and member of the Power Electronics and Industry Applications Societies. As associate director of the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission, a 7,000-square-foot, $5-million power electronic test facility at the University of Arkansas, Balda is at the center of a critical corps of U of A researchers investigating solid-state solutions for the nation’s electric power grid. ■
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ON THE HILL
Cigarettes and Soviets: Historian to Write Book on Russian Smoking Culture Russians like to smoke. Trailing only China, Russia is the world’s second-largest cigarette market, with about 60 percent of men and 25 percent of women who smoke. The Russian government enacted significant anti-tobacco legislation almost two years ago, including indoor smoking bans in most public buildings and launching education campaigns, but many residents push back against the laws. The resistance doesn’t surprise University of Arkansas historian Tricia Starks, an expert on the history of tobacco use in modern Russia. “The Soviets were the first government in the world to attempt a national attack on tobacco use in 1920, but they failed,” said Starks, an associate professor of history in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. “The resurrection of anti-tobacco initiatives in the 1970s also collapsed. As a result, Russian smoking is a major public health problem.” The National Institutes of Health awarded Starks a $121,250 grant to complete the researching and writing of her book, Cigarettes and Soviets: The Culture of Tobacco Use in Modern Russia. The grant came through a program aimed at supporting scholarly works of value to U.S. health professionals, public health officials, biomedical researchers and historians of the health sciences. About 400,000 Russians die from smoking-related illnesses each year – more than two times the number of smoking-related deaths per capita in the United States. In 2009, the U.S. and Russia created a Bilateral
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Presidential Commission that coordinated programs between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Russian Ministry of Health and Social Development. Smoking cessation in Russia doesn’t have the same cultural buy-in that exists in the United States, Starks said. She hopes her investigation into the past smoking culture of the Soviets – where the state was both producer of and antagonist to tobacco – will give current policy makers a beneficial understanding of the history of Russia’s tobacco problem. “When Russians first heard that there would be health warnings on their cigarette packs, they were more concerned that the cost was going to go up than if smoking led to cancer,” Starks said. Tobacco use in Russia is mirrored by the country’s alcohol consumption. The World Health Organization estimates that 20 percent of Russian men die due to alcohol-related causes, compared to about 6 percent of men globally. “In Russia, the culture is much more accepting of alcohol abuse,” Starks said. “That and smoking are a massive public health problem for the Russians. As a result, Russia is in a prolonged period of negative population growth. In 1991 there were 148 million Russians, but they are projecting that to drop to 109 million by 2050.” Starks is the author of The Body Soviet: Hygiene, Propaganda, and the Revolutionary State (2008) and co-editor of Tobacco in Russian History and Culture from the Seventeenth Century to the Present. She is the co-editor of Russian History through the Senses: From 1700 to the Present, scheduled for release in 2016. ■
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Woodward Talks of Watergate, Clinton, Obama and Clinton Famed journalist Bob Woodward told students about the presidents whom he has covered for the Washington Post during the last 40 years, from Richard Nixon to Bill Clinton to Barack Obama, with some speculation that even Hillary Clinton “might be running for some political office, too.” That last line was delivered facetiously to laughter from a full crowd of students, faculty, staff and alumni each of them well versed in all things Clinton and enjoying history from Woodward’s perspective at Hillside Auditorium at the University of Arkansas. Woodward was speaking as a distinguished lecturer but also as the Roy Reed Lecturer, brought to campus by the Distinguished Lecturers Committee, the Walter J. Lemke Department of Journalism and the Fayetteville Public Library. He also spoke at the Fayetteville Public Library as part of the FPL Author Series. Woodward told the university crowd that his measure of a president was how well that president moved the country toward a new good, whether in the context of a particular time that meant toward a better economy, through a war or by providing health care to its citizens.
In talking with journalism students prior to the lecture, Woodward told them that it was “interesting to think about Bill Clinton in the context of today.” He suggested that President Obama suffered because he tended not to make as much connection with the people whom he needs in pushing his own programs. In essence, he should take Human Relations 101. “As you know, Bill Clinton invented Human Relations 101.” Woodward reiterated that theme, telling the crowd about an interview he conducted with Clinton early in his term about the budget. “His eyes. He never blinked,” Woodward said. “He’s looking straight at you, and he never blinks. All his attention is on you. He left me thinking he understood the brilliance of my questions.” Woodward and his colleague, Carl Bernstein, are probably best known as the reporters who unraveled the threads of the Watergate scheme and eventually exposed the criminal acts being organized by the Nixon White House, which in turn brought Nixon’s resignation. His contribution to the journalistic record of America since, both in reporting and authoring of books, has been and continues to be prolific. ■
Environmental Dynamics Graduate Student Studies Carbon Storage at Civil War Battlefield Dorine Bower, a doctoral student in the Environmental Dynamics program at the University of Arkansas is compiling data that will help officials at Pea Ridge National Military Park make decisions about the preservation of the Civil War battlefield. Bower is studying the biological way that nature captures and utilizes carbon in our atmosphere through plants at four sites at the park. She is examining the different biological components in the grasslands and forests in the 4,300-acre park, to see which of them store the most carbon. “The biological storage of carbon helps to mitigate the deleterious effects of the increasing concentration levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere,” Bower said. “With the information from my research, we will be able to quantify where the most carbon can be found in the park – among the trees, grasses, coarse woody debris, fallen leaves,
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
twigs or soil, even down to the nut. This will aid the decision-makers at the park as they manage the park and its natural resources.” Steve Stephenson, a research professor of biological sciences and Bower’s dissertation adviser, said, “Until her research project, there was no quantitative data on the total amount of carbon stored in any of the different types of vegetation in Northwest Arkansas. One other important aspect of her project is that she is looking at how the vegetation and thus the amount of carbon being stored have changed since the 1940s. “This is important because we simply need to have a better handle on how the earth ecosystem ‘works’ and what we need to do to keep it working or make it work better,” Stephenson said. “It isn’t too different from the cars we drive, just on a much larger scale.” ■
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ON THE HILL
Maxwell Named Director of Diane D. Blair Center of Southern Politics and Society Maxwell is the author of the critically acclaimed book The Indicted South: Public Criticism, Southern Inferiority, and the Politics of Whiteness (University of North Carolina Press, 2014) and is currently working on a new book with Oxford University Press, tentatively titled The Long Southern Strategy. She is the editor of the new edition of Ralph McGill’s A Church, A School (University of South Carolina Press, 2012). She is co-editor of Unlocking V.O. Key, Jr.: Southern Politics for the Twenty-First Century (University of Arkansas press, 2011) and The Ongoing Burden of Southern History: Politics and Identity in the Twenty-First Century South (Louisiana State University Press, 2012). Her research has also appeared in the academic journals Southern Cultures, Social Science Quarterly, Race and Social Problems, and the Journal of Black Studies, among others. Maxwell serves as co-chair of the Politics and Policy Caucus of the American Studies Association, has been a featured author at the Arkansas Literary Festival and has made multiple appearances on MSNBC programs. A Harry S Truman Scholar, Maxwell received a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from the University of Arkansas and a doctorate in American studies from the University of Texas. She received the Arkansas Alumni Association 2014 Young Alumni Award. Maxwell replaced Todd G. Shields, dean of Fulbright College, who has served as the center’s director since 2003. ■
raska,
Alumna Angie Maxwell, the Blair Professor of Southern Studies and an assistant professor of political science, was named director of the Diane D. Blair Center of Southern Politics and Society in April. As director of the Center, Maxwell will organize the Blair Legacy Conference on Southern Politics and Society, manage the Blair Center-Clinton School Poll and oversee the new minor in Southern studies that begins this fall. “Diane Blair was an expert in Southern politics, an activist and a role model who helped forge a path for women in academia,” Maxwell said. “I am proud that we are able to continue her legacy of scholarship and civic engagement through the Blair Center, and I am grateful to Jim and Nancy Blair for their continued, unwavering support of the center.” The Blair Center was established by an act of U. S. Congress in 2001, making it one of the rare research centers in the country to be established by congressional appropriation. It was named in honor of Diane Divers Blair who taught in the Department of Political Science in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences for 30 years. The Blair Center reflects her academic model and strives to approach the study of the American South from a variety of angles, attempting to reveal the undercurrents of politics, history and culture that have shaped the region over time.
Native American Students to Plant Heirloom Seeds in Bumpers College Community Garden The Native American Student Association at the U of A partnered with the GroGreen Club in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Science in May to plant heirloom seeds in the club’s campus community garden. The Native American Student Association obtained heirloom seeds from the Cherokee Nation’s Seed Bank at the W.W. Keeler Complex in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. This will be the first time heirloom seeds will be planted on campus.
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Heirlooms come from seeds handed down through generations in a certain region and are pollinated by insects or wind without human intervention. Association President Elise Clote, an agricultural business major, said the group planted corn, squash, beans, gourd and others in the garden. The garden is located in the courtyard area of the Maple Hill dorms, and is maintained by the GroGreen and Horticulture clubs, and other students. GroGreen focuses on
vegetables while the Horticulture Club pursues mainly ornamentals. The garden includes a 50-foot by 10-foot bed, and three 10-foot by five-foot beds. Some of the food from the community garden is used to stock the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry on campus. If some of the food from the heirlooms cannot be eaten due to disease or other problems, it will be used for academic study, according to Clote. ■
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Chancellor and First Lady Announce $1 Million Gift to University Chancellor G. David Gearhart and his wife, Jane, surprised a group of fundraising volunteers on April 10 when they announced they were making a $1 million gift to the University of Arkansas’ upcoming campaign efforts. The campaign, known as Campaign Arkansas, is still in the organizational phase and will become public at a later date. “David Gearhart is a fundraising pioneer, and he and Jane have always believed in the importance of private gift support,” said Chris Wyrick, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Their announcement brought tears to the eyes of our volunteers and made us all proud to have him as our leader. He will be greatly missed by them and all of university advancement, but we take heart in knowing that he will be cheering us on and standing behind the mission of our upcoming capital campaign.” Campaign Arkansas volunteers Robert and Sandra Connor of Little Rock and Dallas presented the chancellor with a resolution commemorating his retirement, and the Gearharts were recognized for the impact they made on the campus. “It has been a privilege to work with Chancellor Gearhart on
Yes!
his vision for the future of fundraising at the university,” said the Connors. “He and Jane leave behind a tremendous legacy, and their ‘Students First’ philosophy will continue to propel the university’s fundraising efforts throughout the upcoming campaign. We were incredibly touched by their announcement; it was an outstanding example of his leadership and devotion to the University of Arkansas.” During the announcement, Gearhart called his wife to the podium and commented on their commitment to the university’s future. “Jane and I wanted to make this gift to show our support for the University of Arkansas and our belief in higher education,” said Gearhart. “It is our hope that, through leading by example, others will follow suit and step up to support the flagship campus of Arkansas. “This university has been a major part of our lives, and this gift pays tribute to what it has meant to us. We are honored that it is a part of our past and look forward to seeing what it achieves in the future.” Gearhart will retire as chancellor July 31. The gift is being made with cash and a deferred commitment, and its purpose will be determined at a later date. ■
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PROFILE
Jane Rogers ★ BSE’68
Bringing Solutions to the Table A life spent serving the public good is in character for trustee by Bob Whitby A term on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees is an honor. Trustees guide and shape higher education, and make decisions that affect tens of thousands of students, faculty and staff at 17 universities, community colleges and institutes. It’s also a heavy responsibility. One 10-year term should be enough for anybody. Which makes Jane Rogers’ 13 years on the board, including a year as the board’s first female chair, exceptional. It’s right in character for Rogers, however, who has spent her career in public service. “I look at it as what I can give, what can I do to help certain situations,” she says. “I’m looking at what can I bring to the table to help solve problems. What can I do to make sure more Arkansans get an education.” Rogers, 69, graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1968 with a degree in secondary education and home economics. Her first job out of school was teaching sixth grade at Holy Souls Catholic School in her native Little Rock. “I have always enjoyed working with and being with young children and young adults,” she says. “I get some energy from young adults and being around them.” After taking time off to raise a family, she went to work in 1983 running Riverfest, a then small, family-oriented arts festival held at Julius Breckling Riverfront Park in Little Rock. There were a few teething problems that first year, she recalls. “They were putting the sod down and they got it down the afternoon the festival opened. People were sitting on the hillside and they were sliding down the hill.”
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From those humble roots (and lack thereof), Riverfest has grown into a multistage music and art festival and the single largest annual event in the state. Rogers, who has been an advocate for public art throughout her career, stayed on as the executive director for seven years. When Gov. Mike Huckabee asked her to run the Arkansas Department of Heritage, she saw a new challenge and accepted. “I was called out the clear blue and asked if I would do it,” she says. “It was a new regime and there was quite a bit of work to do, coming at the job from a different philosophy from the past.” Learning how the state runs from the inside was an eye-opening experience, she says, and after two years she was ready to let someone else take on the job. “I enjoyed it while I did it. I got to meet a lot of state leaders and learn a lot about management,” she says. She’s also spent many years working for Chi Omega fraternity, which was founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas and is now the largest women’s fraternal organization in the world. She served on the Chi Omega governing council in the late 1980s, and is now in her second term as the president of the fraternity’s national foundation. The Chi Omegas donated about $1 million toward the renovation of the Greek theater on the Fayetteville campus. To paraphrase the pseudo-Chinese proverb, Rogers’ tenure on the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees has spanned interesting times. Of all the issues examined by board
members in the last 13 years, two stand out for Rogers: increased enrollment in Fayetteville, and higher costs system wide. In 2003, when Rogers was first named to the board, enrollment at the Fayetteville campus was at about 16,000. In the fall of 2014, it surpassed 26,000. While administrators created the strategies to house, feed and educate thousands of new students, trustees oversaw the planning. Rogers is quick to give credit where it’s due. “I have witnessed the expert and precise planning it took for this increase to accommodate the number we have today as opposed to 10 years ago,” she says. “It was fascinating.” Paying for it all is the less glamorous side of the job. As state appropriations to the system have stagnated or fallen in relation to number of students, it is up to the board to determine how to maintain quality while cutting costs. “If you pay the bills at home, you know the cost of everything has gone up,” she says. “It comes down to the question of where the money comes from. Even if you hold everything to the same level as the year before, where does the extra money come from?” Rogers admits that the financial side of running the University of Arkansas System is not her strong suit. But as she’s learned throughout her career, good leaders don’t need to know it all. “After 69 years I have figured out that I need help,” she says. “As a leader I find people who have strengths then let those people do their jobs. It works for me.” ■
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
photo credit
photo by Beth Hall
FEATURE
A Legacy of Action:
A look back at Chancellor G. David Gearhart’s 20 years on campus In April 2015, Chancellor G. David Gearhart sat down for an interview with Vice Chancellor Chris Wyrick to talk about his tenure as chancellor and previously as vice chancellor.
Chancellor G. David Gearhart (GDG): So ask me anything. No dumb questions. Vice Chancellor Chris Wyrick (CW): No dumb questions. So your administration took off just as the nation fell into one of its most serious recessions… GDG: That’s the dumbest question. (Laughter) CW: …but the university held steadfast. Reflect on that period of time and what the university did correctly. GDG: I remember when I got a phone call from Don Pederson, and he said ‘I need to see you immediately.’ And Don was never the type of person who does that. He’s pretty calm and collected. He came down and informed me that we may not be able to make payroll. What had happened was we had some money in the common fund and because of the downturn in the economy and stock market, we were under water. They were saying we couldn’t get the money out. It was about forty-some-odd million dollars. So it was pretty tense, you know. I don’t know
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if there was ever a time when the university hasn’t met payroll, and we didn’t have a whole lot of reserves back in those days that we could tap. Fortunately we made payroll, and we were able to get some of our money out, but it was a really tense time. Of course, all over the country, you know, people were doom and gloom, and fundraising was more difficult. And so that taught me two things: one to be conservative fiscally, but also put some money back, and we did. We ended up with a high of about $50 million that we had put in reserves just in case we had something like that happen again. I’m kind of proud of the fact that we were able to finish that fiscal year and make our [fundraising] goal when all over the country philanthropy was falling off. CW: You heard the student leaders on Friday talk about how you held tuition the same during that really rough period of time. You heard them talk about undocumented students. GDG: You know this concept of ‘students first’ really is something I have been passionate about. I felt that when I came back to the university in 1998 that we could be a lot more gentle with our students, that we could be more accommodating. I’m not sure we were doing that as well as we could. So we set about to send a message out to everybody on campus: The reason that we’re here, primarily, is to educate.
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
2002.
photo Larry Trussell
Cheerleaders hold up placards with $500 million during the first milestone of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century.
1984. David Gearhart, then-director of development, meets with John Harrison, director of libraries, during the university’s 1983-84 Campaign for Books.
2005.
1998. Gearhart returns to the university as vice chancellor for university advancement after being gone since 1985.
I think we turned that around, and what I hear that makes me so proud is when people say: ‘This is a great place to be. We love it here. People are so kind to us here.’ And I feel it wasn’t anything I did but it was what we all did to make that happen. On the Dream Act and undocumented students, to me, it’s just terribly unfair to a person who grew up in Arkansas, went to school in Arkansas and to tell them now they can’t go to college because they’re prohibited because they can’t afford outof-state tuition. It just doesn’t make any sense to me. You know they don’t want to come here free. They just want to come here and pay tuition for in-state students in a place where they grew up. What really bothers me more than anything is unfairness. I think this is just terribly unfair to these people. I mean, how can you blame somebody for wanting to better themselves and just get an education? We have plenty of room. We want to grow. So I just find it insanity. CW: What would you hope would be said about David Gearhart as chancellor and, really, before that as vice chancellor? GDG: Legacy is one of those things that other people write about. It is what it is, and there’s nothing I can do to impact or affect that. Who knows what people will say 10 years from now? What I hope they say is that he left the university better than when he found it. And I hope that’s true. I’m very proud of the fact that we have increased our
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
At the end of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, staff thanked benefactors of the university, who provided gifts totaling more than $1 billion, the largest capital campaign in the history of Arkansas.
enrollment. We were not right-sized. We were chugging along at 15,000 students, 17,000, 18,000 when I took over. We needed 10,000 more students. So getting the right mix in the admissions office, the personnel there – Suzanne McCray has done such an incredible job – and being more student friendly, I think has helped that a lot. Some people say, well, you’re taking more students from out of state. Well, that’s true, but we’ve done that for years. We did that for 14 years before I took over, so it’s not just about the out-of-state students. I think we’re a better university than we were, and I think students want to come here. We’re the institution of first choice to many students. Improving faculty and staff salaries, we tried to do that. I’m a little disappointed we haven’t done enough of that, but we have made some progress. I just got a memo a couple of days ago that showed that our faculty salaries have increased and are now in much better shape than seven or eight years ago. We’ve tried to do that in a down economy and I’m proud of that. I’m very proud of the physical transformation that has taken place. We’ve got some buildings that were in very bad shape back seven or eight years ago that we just had to do something about, either tear them down or fix them up. And, fortunately, alumni and friends had supported adding money to the facility fee, and we’ve been able to do $500 million-plus worth of
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FEATURE
2008. The U of Board of Directors unanimously appointed Gearhart to be chancellor of the university during a meeting at Little Rock.
2005. For the first time in the university’s history a clock was installed in the South Tower of Old Main.
2006. Then-Chancellor John A. White dedicates the University House conference room in the name of then-Vice Chancellor Gearhart
renovation. We have a beautiful campus, but we can do more. I think a beautiful campus is very important when parents come on, when alumni come on. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments from board members, from alumni who think the campus looks really good. I’m very proud about the continued fundraising we’re doing at the university, and the way you’ve taken that on. We haven’t missed a beat even though we had some very tough times in Advancement. I’m proud of our athletic program. I think we’ve got a great program. One of my regrets is that I won’t be around [as chancellor] to see us win a national championship in football and basketball. I think that’s going to happen down the road. I hope. CW: Let me ask you this. What is that scorecard for a chancellor and how would you rate yourself? GDG: You know, that’s probably hard to do because I’m not one who worries a whole lot about that. You can look at several indicators. I don’t know how important they are. You can look at enrollment. You can look at finances. You can look at renovations and new buildings. You can look at the physical plant and all of that. To me, the one thing that I guess speaks louder than any of that is faculty and staff morale. I have felt in my heart that morale of our faculty and staff has been pretty darn good here over the last seven or eight years. I think they feel that when they called up here to this office,
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2008. As chancellor, Gearhart sat down for a discussion about the campus with Jose Lopez on UATV.
we reacted and we tried to get them an answer. We tried to be helpful. You try to build a feeling that we’re all in this together. We’re all part of the same team. I guess that’s what makes me proud. CW: So let’s go over that. The facilities? Better than when you found them? GDG: I think so. CW: Enrollment? Higher than when you started? GDG: Yes. CW: The endowment? Larger than when you started? GDG: Yes. CW: Fundraising? More robust than it’s ever been? GDG: M-hmm. [nodding yes] CW: Students? Satisfaction with ‘Students First’? GDG: M-hmm. [nodding yes] CW: Number of applications and the grade point of the students? GDG: M-hmm. [nodding yes] CW: Is diversity…? GDG: Charles [Robinson] has done a great job. CW: OK, there’s no doubt that morale is as high as it’s ever been. With all of that being so great and the scorecard being outstanding, why retire now? GDG: Jane and I never thought we would work into our late 60s or 70s. The big thing that kept us thinking about spending a longer time
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
2008. Jane and Dave Gearhart welcome guests to Fowler House, a new home on campus to be used by the chancellor to entertain campus visitors, celebrate the academic achievements of students and honor faculty and staff for their contributions to the university.
was the campaign, because you know it plagues me that we started that and then didn’t finish it. Finishing things is very important. But you know that would mean I would have to go until I was 68, 69. And I wanted to – like my son Brock says – go out like Seinfeld. Quit when people want more. Seinfeld doesn’t resonate with all the students these days. [laughter] We sat down and we said, look, things are good, we won the [Texas Bowl] ballgame. People are feeling good about things. The basketball team is doing well. Is this a good time to end so that you feel that people want more. I’ve known a lot of presidents who stayed too long. These kind of jobs – if you do them right, and not everybody does them right – but if you do them right it’s 24/7. And it does wear you out. I mean, you know, we generally have something every night, something that we do. And on the weekends. And you get very little time. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it. I did, but I’ve never defined myself by being chancellor. So giving it up, while I’m sure will be sad when we walk out, the only thing I want to do is make it a better place. We think we’re leaving on a high. You never know from day to day. It’s kind of like a friend of mine, Roy Shilling, who used to be president of Hendrix College and was president of Southwest University, a very dear friend, he told me, you can
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
2008. As chancellor, Gearhart put on tennis shoes and helped freshmen students move into residence halls.
2009. Chancellor Gearhart checks conditions in front of Old Main after the region’s worst ice storm, which cut power and closed the university for four days.
get up in the morning and feel cheerful and everything’s great. You come to the office. You look out your window, and there’s Mike Wallace from 60 Minutes standing out front. [laughter] You never know what challenges you’re going to have. So you start thinking what’s important in life. Are the battles – being chancellor – more important than having a less hectic life? I’m not going to give up everything. I’m really looking forward to teaching. I’ve done that, did that at Penn State, and I think that’ll be really enjoyable. CW: You’ve been blessed and have done well. You made a gift to the campaign, you and Jane. The amount of that gift, in all honesty, that is a very significant gift. What message do you hope that sends? GDG: Well, we debated it long and hard. Of course, we’ve known for some time that we were going to be expected, and should, to make a gift to the campaign. But, you know, life’s been good to me and we’ve saved our money. I made some money when I consulted and put a lot of money away during our consulting years, so from a financial standpoint I’m in OK shape. I’m not a wealthy man, but I’m in good shape. The market’s been good. Fortunately, I’ve got a son in the business of investment, and he’s done well for us. We sat down and talked about it, and you know, the biggest thing for us, and mainly really for Jane, was is this going to seem showy? It’s not our style. And I talked to our daughter, and I
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FEATURE
2012.
The chancellor turns 60 and receives a Razorback jersey with an unretired number 60.
2011. The chancellor welcomes his Holiness, the Dalai Lama to campus as a guest lecturer. With them are Thupten Dorjee and Sidney Burris.
talked to our son. They both were very supportive of it, and I asked my son to really give me an analysis of what I have and would this be possible. It’s a stretch for us, but, you know, I wanted people to know that even though I’m leaving a little earlier than people expected, that I have a great feeling for this university. I love this University of Arkansas. I do have two degrees from here and all my family went here. Jane and my parents and her parents and my brothers. We love Fayetteville and we love the University of Arkansas, and it just seemed to be the right thing to do. I hope, that others who are wealthier in terms of their monetary situation, if they see us doing it – I tell people well I’m just a school teacher – maybe people that are captains of industry, they’ll do more. And interesting thing, I’ve had lots of people come up to me after we made our announcement of the gift say to me, well, now I know I’m going to have to do more, or you’ve inspired me to give more. That’s been a great feeling, to hear people do that. I’ve been asking people for money for 38 years. I’m surprised when they see me coming they don’t turn the other way. Some do. [laughter] It just seemed to me that I needed to put my money where my mouth is. You know. I’ve been saying to people you need to give generous gifts to the University of Arkansas. So that’s a big part of it, too, wanting people to know that I do believe what I preach.
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2012. Standing in front of a picture of Old Main, Chancellor Gearhart talks with members of the Campaign Arkansas steering committee at the beginning of the university’s next capital campaign.
2012. Gearhart moderated a panel discussion about difficulties of living in America as an undocumented student and the prospect for passage of the Dream Act, which would allow a path to citizenship.
So, we’re happy with the gift. We’re pleased. You know, I think it was the right thing. Our kids were good with it. I may have to work a little bit longer to pay it off, but that’s OK too. CW: Many of the people I’ve talked to say we know we’re losing a tremendous leader in Dave Gearhart, but I don’t think people really truly understand the passion and involvement of the first lady, Jane Gearhart. Talk about her role on this campus and maybe particularly some of the great things she’s done. GDG: Well, she’s been at my side and with me, and I’ve been at her side now for 45 years. I think she’s been a fantastic first lady. She cares passionately about the university. She loves the place. She went here to school. Most of her friends, all of them are University of Arkansas graduates. So you know, this place is really, really important to her. And she’s attended countless, I mean, who knows how many events she has attended and planned them. There were some weeks where we had something at the house every night. You know, she’s just really been a trooper. The great thing about Jane is she’s her own person. You know, if she doesn’t want to do something, along time ago I figured out, she’s going to be her own person. She loves the role that she’s played. She’s been really a great role model. You know she had her own career. She was a newspaper reporter. She’s worked in a lot
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
2013. Ozark Hall is rededicated for use by the Graduate School and Honors College. The university has invested a half billion dollars in renovation and expansion of facilities during Gearhart’s administration.
2014. 2014. Gearhart supports Student Alumni Board members with a new tradition on campus: official BEAT shirts for the Auburn game.
of other things, but she put all that on hold. She used to be a teacher in the public school system, because she knew that this was going to be a full-time job for her. The other thing that’s great about Jane is that she has such a passion for philanthropic things. And one of her passions is hunger and food security. And, you know, she really is the one who got the food pantry started. That was something that she pushed hard, and I remember when they got started she came to me and said they didn’t have any space, and I said we’ll find some space. And she would go around saying, ‘It’s good to be married to the chancellor.’ [laughter] But she really feels very passionate about that. Jane is a good person. You know. I have to say she’s a lot better person than me. She’s a good, good person, and I think she’s done an extraordinary job and she’s really going to be missed. She’s going to be missed more than me by a lot of people, I tell you that right now. CW: Three pieces of advice that you would give to an incoming chancellor at the University of Arkansas? GDG: You know the chancellor doesn’t really run the university. We try to set policy, but it’s the people that are in the major positions – the deans and vice chancellors and vice provosts, department heads – that really make the place tick. So spend a lot of time getting to know the players.
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
During No-Shave November, Gearhart dons a red mustache to help raise funds for awareness of prostate cancer
2015. Jane and David Gearhart unveil the official chancellor’s portrait that will hang in Old Main.
I would probably say don’t try to set the world on fire, all at first. Again, I had a little bit of a leg up because I had been here and I knew, I think I knew, what needed to be done. A new person coming in, if they’re not an internal candidate, they got a learn a lot. They have to listen a lot. I read an article years ago that said that a new president, a new chancellor should make any major changes for a year. I don’t believe that at all, but I don’t think you want to be a bull in a china closet either. You want to survey the situation and get an idea of what’s happening here and then make decisions based on that. And that’s going to take some time to do that. I think listening would be the thing that is so important. I guess the other thing I would say as advice would be to get out of the office. You know there’s a tendency – and I’m probably bad at this – you get stuck behind this desk because you get hundreds of emails a day and you get letters and stuff you have to do, and you never get away from it. There’s always something else to do. And you tend to sometimes get closeted in the office. And I wish that I spent more time walking the campus, and getting to know people, being seen across campus. And I would just say to the new person, be sure that you’re visible and that you’re out there, and make sure that people know that you want to know what they have to say. And that you’re listening to them. ■
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FEATURE
University of Arkansas professor Matt Covington is
1 of 6
Studying Hydrology SPELEOPHYSICISTS in the world from the Inside Out by Bob Whitby Mixing Profession with Avocation
Snow still blankets the ground on this 30-degree February afternoon as Matt Covington prepares to crawl through mud beneath the earth’s surface. The empty parking lot at Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista allows him to suit up without attracting attention. First he dons long underwear, followed by a neoprene wetsuit and a pair of dark green coveralls — a sacrificial layer intended to prevent the wetsuit from being shredded on sharp rocks. He tops it off with a helmet, boots and gloves. He’s ready. Covington, an assistant professor in the University of Arkansas Department of Geosciences, and his assistant Alex Breeding, a senior geology major, are making a monthly visit to change batteries and download data from devices placed throughout the 8,000-foot long cave. The devices gather data on air and water temperature, as well as carbon dioxide levels for a variety of research projects Covington oversees with his undergraduate students. The cave is a laboratory you have to wriggle into. The pair open the locked gate that keeps casual spelunkers out and hoist themselves over a flat, waist-high rock. They drop down into a running stream and belly-crawl through the muddy water. Headroom is tight at first, but the cave opens up further in, where they’ll walk through chest-high water to access their equipment. It would be a stretch to call this just another day at the office.
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Like many professors, Covington spends most of his time teaching. Caves are both a profession and an avocation for him. He’s managed to do what many of us only dream about: Combine his work and his hobby. Covington studies the mechanical and chemical processes of erosion and the relationship between springs and the internal structure of aquifers. Such relationships are most complex in karst topography, which is characterized by sinkholes, underground drainage systems and caves. Understanding the intricacies of karst can help municipalities manage water resources and deal with the hazards of pollution and spills. As a spelunker and adventurer, he’s been on expeditions probing the world’s deepest caves in places as far flung as Mexico, Peru, Sumatra and China. He’s discovered and mapped caves, camped underground for days, scuba-dived in lakes hidden deep in the earth and put himself through physical trials only the truly obsessed would endure. In 2008, while exploring Lechuguilla Cave in New Mexico, he fell and broke his arm two days into an eight-day trip when an anchor popped loose during a climb. He set his own arm deep in that cave and passed out from the pain. When he awoke, Covington climbed for 13 hours through the cave to make it out without a rescue team. “I just like being outside,” he says. “But the thing that is particular about caves is the exploration aspect. It is really about the only thing an average person with an average budget can do and explore new places that people haven’t seen before. My other options would be going to space or the bottom of the ocean. And even the bottom of the ocean is mapped.”
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
photo Jason Gulley
Assistant Professor Matt Covington descends into the Hansbreen Glacier in Norway. Left: Covington prepares to climb into a cave at Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista, Arkansas.
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
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Assistant Professor Matt Covington walks through the Hansbreen Glacier in Norway. As one of just six speleophysicists in the world, Covington studies the life of caves and their interaction with water sources.
Diving into Speleophysics
Covington grew up camping and hiking in Northwest Arkansas and credits his family with cultivating his love of the outdoors. He’s also a third-generation University of Arkansas faculty member; his grandfather, Jess Covington, was the chair of the journalism department, and his father, David Covington, was a professor of engineering. With that lineage, it was almost a foregone conclusion that he would do his undergraduate work in Fayetteville. He graduated in 2002 with bachelor degrees in philosophy and physics. While he meshed with qualitative principals of philosophy, Covington was also drawn to the quantitative nature of physics. He was good at the math and enjoyed building the predictive models physicists employ to perform research. With quantitative research in mind, he went on to the University of California, Santa Cruz, and, studying galaxy mergers, earned his Ph.D. in physics. He was a year away from finishing that degree when a thought occurred to him: Geology can be quantitative too. It’s a field often considered qualitative because it attracts people who like science but not necessarily math. But once Covington realized that didn’t have to be the case, the light bulb clicked on. “There was a day when I was sitting in a lecture on galaxy formation and the guy was talking about a statistical technique he was using, and somehow it hit me,” he recalls. “I wondered if I could use that technique to think about how caves form.” That moment led to Covington becoming one of only six speleophysicists — cave physicists — in the world. While on a break from an astrophysics conference in Germany, Covington traveled to Slovenia to find Franci Gabrovšek, a geologist
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he’d met at a caving conference in Texas. Gabrovšek had a background in physics. “We talked all day about being a physicist studying caves,” Covington recalls. “He convinced me that it wasn’t crazy.” Covington’s geology training was limited to a few classes he’d taken as a grad student, however. He was willing to head back to grad school and earn a second Ph.D., but instead landed two NSF Earth Sciences Fellowships, one studying karst hydrology in Minnesota and the other at the Karst Research Institute in Postojna, Slovenia. When a faculty position came open in the University of Arkansas’ Department of Geosciences, Covington readily applied. “Normally when you are getting an academic position somewhere, it’s not in your hometown,” he says. “It’s wherever you can find one. I had seen enough of the rest of the world and was happy to come back here to live close to family.”
Water on the Move
A relatively large amount of U.S. water resources, perhaps 20 percent, are found in aquifers that contain caves. That poses a water management problem. “They are basically like pipe systems that run through an aquifer that allow water to travel very quickly over long distances possibly in difficult-to-predict directions,” says Covington. Aquifers are underground water sources contained in porous rock and are often intersected by caverns or underground streams that move water quickly through an area. Aquifers also depend on the filtering effect of the layers of soil and porous rock above them to clean the water. But caves create
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
photo Jason Gulley
FEATURE
The thrill Isn’t Gone
photo Marcia Gala
Turning an avocation into a living is risky. What if you end up burned out on both? “I wondered if it was dangerous to my hobby and my career,” he says, “like caves are just not going to be fun anymore.”
Working deep in a cave in Mexico.
Instead, science has given him a new way of seeing the world underground, one that involves mathematical modeling rather than pushing physical boundaries. And there’s satisfaction knowing that time spent rappelling down waterfalls, squeezing through cracks and wading in knee-deep mud could have real-world implications. Being on the team that lays claim to the world’s deepest cave will be an achievement akin to conquering the world’s tallest mountain. Understanding the hydrology of karst topography could mean safer water supplies for cities around the world. But, like a mountain climber who becomes a guide to extend his days at elevation, Covington still feels the tug that got him hooked in the first place. In 2013, on trip to J2, a deep cave in Oaxaca, Mexico, Covington spent most of his time collecting data instead of probing for passages that would extend the cave’s known depth. “It was a little bit sad for me,” he recalls. “I was no longer out there at the edge. I was working, measuring the sizes of potholes and trying to download data from my data loggers. It was still fun to be down there, but it was a change.” He hasn’t given up exploration entirely. In the summer of 2015 he’s planning a return trip to Slovenia for another look around a cave he discovered there while on a Sunday afternoon hike. “My relationship to caves and caving has changed,” he says. “There are good things about that. Expedition caving is hard on your body. Science is a way I can still interact with caves in a much less physical way. It is more sustainable.” ■
Diving into a Florida spring.
photo Tom Johnson
pathways for water and, like a pipe, can move it and any contaminants that water may contain along too fast for filtering to take effect. So understanding how caves form and predicting where they take water can be beneficial to resource managers. At Blowing Springs, Covington is focused on the dynamics of carbon dioxide. He’s interested in how the cave’s airflow patterns influence the level of carbon dioxide in both the air and water. Carbon dioxide is a catalyst for dissolution of rock, and levels of it vary greatly by the season. Covington’s data shows that carbon dioxide levels are up to 10 times higher in the summer than the winter. That helps him understand how and when caves erode. It’s a line of research that hadn’t been much explored until now. “No one has collected a dense enough data set to say much about it,” he says. Until recently, it wasn’t easy to even collect data on carbon dioxide levels in water. Covington had to modify an air sensor by wrapping it in a waterproof membrane to get the data he wanted. “For the first time, we have study data of CO2 concentrations in cave water,” he says.
FEATURE
MOZAMBIQUE by Charlie Alison ★ BA’82 MA’04
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ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
photo Elise Clote
Learning through service in
photo Elise Clote
On a rise of land
between the Rio Monapo and Rio Meluli in Mozambique, several dozen rural families have joined in a project to produce high-quality poultry products. The project is aimed at improving their lives as well as the lives of their urban counterparts in the nearby town of Nampula. In 2012, students from the University of Arkansas also joined the project, begun by a poultry company called New Horizons. The university’s contribution is an interdisciplinary service program that mixes skills in agriculture, business and engineering to improve the Mozambique poultry operations. The goal is to use what works well in Nampula as a model for agribusiness development across eastern Africa. Arkansas students learn first-hand, working side by side with the people of Mozambique, about the challenges of creating a business in what had been an inhospitable environment. Nearly 60 percent of the people of Mozambique live on income of $1 per day. Life expectancy is only 53 years. The infant mortality rate is nearly 9 percent. Finding a way to improve those statistics offers students in poultry sciences, economics and engineering a deep and rewarding challenge. The Mozambique project is starting its fourth summer, but it’s not the first international service project pursued by the university. The University of Arkansas, as a land-grant institution, pursues three prongs simultaneously: teaching, research and service. The first are more visible and better known, but during the last decade, the university has consistently pushed forward the service aspect of college. The university is well known for being the first in the country to pursue
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
an international agricultural mission, a project that helped develop agricultural extension services in Panama back during the 1950s. More recently, the university has pursued long-term service projects in Belize, where students have helped designed water filtration systems for rural communities, and Vietnam, where students pursue a variety of projects that help with agriculture, business and oral histories of the Hoa An community. The international service projects are part of an even broader effort on campus to develop service, from volunteer projects through the Center for Community Engagement to curricular identification of courses with service-learning elements already embedded. In Mozambique, the rewards are already beginning to pay off: • Five times as many houses have tin roofs now. • The number of families that consume meat at least once per week has nearly tripled. • Those eating three meals a day has more than tripled. • Before the project, only 21 percent of those in the community felt confident in their ability to provide for their family. Today, 95 percent of the participants feel confident. One participant, Ramaino, said, “Poverty motivated me to work harder and involve my entire family. … Before poultry, we had to borrow money for the hospital, but now we have savings.” Another, Genito, described his outlook: “I thought poultry farming would be risky at first, but after the first group made it, I realized I could make it. … With crop farming, you can make a profit, but it takes time. With poultry farming, a profit is made after the first cycle.” ■
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photos Elise Clote
FEATURE
26
Students who served in Mozambique, helping families develop their agricultural offerings, documented their project with photographs of the families whom they met, the cultural setting in which they found themselves and, of course, the occasional selfie to show that they were part of the process. The four-week program has helped created several hundred jobs and boosted sources of affordable protein for the people who live in and near Nampula, Mozambique
“
The Roads Scholarship means an opportunity to be able to enrich my life through education and the different experiences I have everyday on the campus. The scholarship is allowing me the opportunity to be able to make my future brighter and better, by pursuing my dreams.
�
Sarah Covert
Sheridan, Arkansas Sophomore Chemistry/pre-pharmacy
ARKANSAS
ALUMNI More than $750,000 in scholarhips are awarded annually to U of A students through the Arkansas Alumni Association Scholarship Program. Show your
U of A pride on your ride!
Any Arkansas resident can purchase one! See how at:
WWW.HOGTAGS.COM
and continue to drive home support for students like Sarah.
ASSOCIATIONS
Membership Matters
photo submitted
In early May, the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors met for our spring meeting in Fayetteville where we had the opportunity to engage with outstanding current students, and work on fulfilling our mission to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family. Beginning with its founding in 1878, the Association has played a significant role in campus growth, by securing financial support, establishing and endowing scholarships, and providing inclusive alumni programs. Traditional fixtures such as Homecoming, the UA Foundation, the Annual Fund, the University Ring, the Razorback license plate program and privately funded scholarships originated with the Association. You can continue these traditions and help support the growth of the organization by participating in our membership program. Every gift – no matter what amount – makes a difference to our students and our initiatives. Alumni giving is also a factor in calculating the University’s ranking in U.S. News and World Report which impacts University recruitment, development, and adds value to your University of Arkansas degree. To learn more about the influence of the University on the state, read the Impact Arkansas feature on page 30.
Last year, the Alumni Association awarded more than $1 million dollars in scholarships to 450 impeccable students and expects to surpass that in 2015. Since its creation in 2009, the Membership Scholarship Fund has provided over 140 scholars with $314,000 in scholarship funds and are awarded each year to upperclassmen based on academic performance, merit, and need. What does your alumni membership do for you? Your membership connects you to campus news and keeps you “in the know” through exclusive membership publications such as Arkansas magazine, the monthly @Arkansas e-newsletter and Membership Matters. Members can enjoy Membership Appreciation Day, priority registration for travel, discounted entry to alumni events like Hog Wild Tailgates and access to more than 40 membership perks that anyone can use no matter where you live! To see a full list, visit www. arkansasalumni.org/perks. I hope you will take advantage of these “perks” and help give back to the University we all hold so dear. On behalf of the Arkansas Alumni Association, thank you for your dedication to our students and alumni. Remember, Your Connection Starts Here. To become a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, join today at www.arkansasalumni.org/join. With Razorback Pride, Stephanie S. Streett ✪+ BA’91 President, Arkansas Alumni Association
photo submitted
The National Board of Directors for the Arkansas Alumni Association, comprised of 33 members from diverse areas of expertise and geographic locations, represent and serve as a voice for all alumni. The National Board of Directors welcomes the six new members at right. ■
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ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Class of 2018 National Board of Directors
Kristen Allbritton ★ BA’04 Graduating in 2004 with a broadcast journalism degree, Kristen Allbritton moved to New York City to pursue a Master of Science degree in journalism at Columbia University. She served as the public relations and proofreading chair for the New York Review of Magazines. Allbritton currently works as a senior administrative associate for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. While at the U of A, she was a four-yeaar Alumni Scholar and she served as executive vice president for the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and now serves on the Alumnae Association as directory chair. She also served as vice president of programs for the Student Alumni Board during her time on campus. After graduation, her involvement in the Alumni Association led her to serve as president of the Dallas Chapter. Ashley Whisenhunt Harris ✪+ BA’95 Ashley Whisenhunt Harris, a 1995 University of Arkansas graduate, worked for the U of A for more than a decade in student recruitment, student leadership development and alumni relations. Her professional career began on Capitol Hill, where she worked for an Arkansas congressman. While in Washington, D.C., Harris served on the chapter alumni board. When relocating to Little Rock, Harris served in the Capital Chapter as an active member. She returned to Fayetteville in 2000 and is vice president for Mitchell Communications Group in Fayetteville. Harris has remained active in the Arkansas Alumni Association and other alumni organizations such as the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society and the Kappa Kappa Gamma House and Alumni Board. Kristin Kaufman ✪ BSBA’83 Kristin Kaufman of Dallas, Texas, is the founder of Alignment Inc., a unique consultancy formed in 2007 to help individuals, corporations, boards of directors and other similar groups find alignment within their organizations. Kaufman brings 25 years of corporate experience to bear, including executive positions at Hewlett-Packard, Vignette Corp. and United Health Group. An active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae association since 1984, she served on the board of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
She was a member of the 2007 class of Leadership Texas, the top 100 leaders of Texas. A prolific writer, Kaufman’s latest book, Is This Seat Taken? It’s Never Too Late to Find the Right Seat, was released in January. Dustin McDaniel ★ BSPA’94 The Honorable Dustin McDaniel became the 55th attorney general of Arkansas in 2007 and was sworn in to his second term in January 2011 after being re-elected with strong support across the state. He served in that position until January 2015 and now practices law at McDaniel, Richardson & Calhoun PLLC. McDaniel graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1994, and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He received his law degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law. He is a trust adviser for the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After law school, he practiced law at his family’s practice before being elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2004. Drake McGruder ★ BSBE’06 MSE’12 Drake McGruder began his involvement with the Arkansas Alumni Association as a four-year Alumni Chapter Scholar and vice president for outreach programs on the Student Alumni Board. Since graduating in 2006 with a degree in biological engineering, he received his master’s degree in engineering in 2012. McGruder provided leadership and guidance to the Fort Smith Chapter, Young Alumni Board and now the Alumni Campaign Arkansas committee. McGruder is also involved in the United Way and was the Day of Caring project leader. He is also a member of Young Emerging Leaders in Fort Smith and serves on the U of A College of Engineering Advisory Board. He currently works for Kraft Foods Group Inc. as the safety, security and environmental manager. Charles Redfield ★ BSBA’89 Charles Redfield is executive vice president of merchandising for Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, inc. Redfield was a member of 2007 Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s 40 under 40. He is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, the Walton College Alumni Society and has been a speaker for Sam M. Walton College of Business events, including the M.B.A. Alumni Reconnect 2013. Redfield is a supporter of the Boys & Girls Club in Benton County and served as the co-emcee at the 2014 Youth of the Year celebration. Redfield also supports Arkansas Children’s Hospital and was keynote speaker at the 2014 Color of Hope Gala. ■
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photos submitted
The Arkansas Alumni Association is proud to announce the Class of 2018 National Board of Directors. These alumni have agreed to serve a three-year term beginning on July 1, 2015. In addition, four board members – Bill Kerr, Kenneth Biesterveld, Teena Gunter and Sharon Hunt – were selected to serve a second three-year term. The Class of 2018 board members include:
ASSOCIATIONS
Impact Arkansas
making our state stronger 1,470* ARKANSANS participated in #HogsCare Week 2015
* 679,147 social media
MAKING AN
Impact: profiles feature
impressions from #HogsCare Week 2015.
northeast Arkansas this issue
709
* Arkansas Alumni
Volunteer, time and social media icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com
Association VOLUNTEERS IN STATE
9,081* HOURS
67%
invested by those 709 AAA volunteers
of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors is from Arkansas *Approximate numbers
M
embers of our University of Arkansas alumni family make a difference in our home state every day. Throughout the year, we’ll be showcasing just a few of our incredible alumni, students, and supporters who are making an impact in the Natural State. In this issue, we’re looking to the northeast region of Arkansas. Home to the newly formed Jonesboro Area Chapter and a long-established alumni chapter in Batesville, both serving an alumni base of over 1,500 combined, this corner of the state has been a hotbed of activity for the flagship recently. 30
In addition to our spotlight on northeast Arkansas in this issue of the magazine, the Arkansas Alumni Association will be hosting an ‘Alumni Scholar Celebration’ in Jonesboro in July. Every Razorback can make an impact on the University and the state. Contact Heath Bowman, director of outreach and chapters, at habowman@uark.edu to get involved with the Arkansas Alumni Association.
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Wanette Baker grew up in the North Little Rock area and graduated from Jacksonville High School. Her parents attended Arkansas College (now Lyon), but their education was interrupted by World War II. They worked hard and it was understood that she and her brother (Dwight McKee BA’74) would attend college. “I set my sights on the University of Arkansas and really didn’t consider any other institution,” Baker said. The education, experiences and leadership opportunities prepared her for professional and volunteer endeavors. Baker served as a Cooperative Extension Service clothing specialist in Kentucky and Arkansas before moving to Batesville where her husband, J. R. Baker, B.S.B.A. ’71 M.D. ’76, began his family medicine practice. She has been active in community activities and served on the Batesville School Board and UACCB Board of Visitors. “My first experience with the Arkansas Alumni Association was as a student employee,” Baker said. “Under the guidance of Andy Lucas, I wrote the class notes and personals for Arkansas magazine. I have been involved with our local Independence County Alumni Chapter and honored to serve on the national board of directors and the Bumpers College Society Board. I have always been proud and amazed about the excellent educational, research, and leadership offerings on ‘The Hill.’” “Our local chapter has two main priorities: student recruitment and scholarships. It has been a privilege to work with dedicated alums who have the same love for the U of A and want to see students in our area have the same opportunities. We established a scholarship endowment of more than $50,000, enabling us to award scholarships to entering freshmen annually.” Each fall the chapter sponsors a student recruitment activity for juniors at Batesville High School and an event for juniors and their parents of all schools in the county. In August, the chapter hosts a student send-off dinner for entering freshmen and families. The chapter also assists the White River Razorback Club with “Hog Bash” yearly. “J.R. likes to tell people that the first Razorback football game we attended together was The Big Shootout, Arkansas vs. Texas, 1969,” Baker added. “He’s realizing now most who he tells were not even born then! Our greatest sense of pride has come while seeing our three children and a daughter-in-law graduate from the U of A – Dr. Erica Baker BS’02; Andrea Baker Weaver B.S.B.A.’04; Clark B.S.A.’08 and Rachel Baker B.S.’07. Their life memberships were Christmas present one year!” ■
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
Lonnie Williams ✪ BSBA’78 MEd’83 EdS’91 EdD’01 Lonnie Williams’ active involvement with the Arkansas Alumni Association began in 1989 with the initial discussion and planning for the first Black Alumni Reunion in 1990. From that point he coordinated the Black Alumni Reunions until 2003. In addition, he was part of the group that formed the Black Alumni Society. He served a three-year term on the AAA National Board of Directors and received the Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award. “I have stayed connected to the University of Arkansas because of my associations formed over the years,” Williams said. “From 1976 to 2003, I was a part-time student and full-time staff member. During those years, a lot of friendships developed and connections were formed with colleagues and students that I still maintain today.” His service to the Alumni Association through the Black Alumni Society and its impact have helped endow and create scholarships for students; increased the number of African American members of the AAA from less than 100 prior to 1990 to more than 800 at its highest point; and increased the number of African Americans serving on the AAA Board of Directors from fewer than three prior to 1990 to three serving at one time beginning in 1990. “Prior to 1990, there were only two endowed scholarships by African Americans for African Americans. Since 1994, the BAS has awarded 357 scholarships totaling $499,597. In addition, I still serve as mentor to colleagues and students that I recommend to the university. I am often contacted by alumni or friends of alumni requesting information about the university and my university contacts. A first-generation college student, Williams said he is very fortunate to have four degrees from the university. In addition to advancing up the ladder to associate vice chancellor at Arkansas State University, his education has assisted him with co-publishing a book, co-writing an article and co-publishing an award-winning magazine. “My favorite U of A memory would probably be from my membership on the charter line of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1974,” he said, adding it was the first historical black fraternal organization founded on the U of A campus. “It wasn’t so much the pledging that is memorable. It was the close friendship formed with my fraternity brothers prior to and since the process. We are still very close today. It was amazing being a part of that first on the campus and seeing it continue today.” ■
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photos submitted
Wanette McKee Baker ✪+ BSHE ’70 MS ’71
ASSOCIATIONS
Impact Arkansas
making our state stronger Nate Looney ✪ BA’09
Many of Maggie Benton’s positive memories during her first two years at the University of Arkansas involve the Student Alumni Board. She was elected to serve on the Homecoming committee as a freshman, and this past year, Benton served as the SAB vice president of marketing and communications. “I get to take what I am learning in the classroom as a communications/advertising and public relations major and apply it to a real-life scenario. I’ve gained invaluable experience and got to see firsthand how much of an impact the media has on events.” She says the 2014 Homecoming has been one of her proudest memories as she worked on the chili cook-off and the parade. “The parade was like the last hooray of Homecoming, the finale,” she said. “At the end of the parade, I got to ride in the last car in the parade and see all the hard work we put in pay off. It was cool to think of how many people we affected and brought joy to. Benton knows she made the right decision in choosing the U of A, but it took some convincing. She grew up in a family that never missed a Razorback football game. “Growing up so close to the university, I didn’t want to go there because it already felt like home,” she said. “Coming to Fayetteville didn’t feel like enough of a challenge.” She was all set to attend Auburn University when a friend convinced her to come to the U of A. “I think I wanted her to convince me to come and change my mind,” Benton said. ”I just didn’t want to admit it.” Since then she has “never thought twice” about her decision. “This experience taught me that one person really can make a difference and was my reason for becoming a student ambassador my freshman year. “The University of Arkansas is so much more than a place to take classes; it is about being a part of something bigger than yourself, about being part of a system that gives so much back to so many people. We live in such a bubble in Fayetteville sometimes we forget how important the University is to so many people. The U of A is everything.” ■
Nate Looney, an attorney with the law firm of Waddell, Cole & Jones, PLLC in Jonesboro, says he would not be where he is today without the University of Arkansas and the connections he made. “While in college, I had several people that mentored me and many of these were UA alumni,” Looney said. “These folks had a significant impact on my personal development and on my career. Right out of college, I had the opportunity to work for a short time for the Markham Group, a political consulting firm in Little Rock. The partners for this firm all had UA connections. I got recommended for the job by an associate in their firm whom I had classes with at the University of Arkansas.” Looney says he was lucky enough to get connected with the Alumni Association even before he arrived on campus. During his senior year of high school, he was selected as one of two Alumni Association endowed scholars along with Cody Kees. “I was shocked when I heard the news—I remember thinking that they must have made a mistake,” Looney said. “Not only did this scholarship help ease the financial burden associated with higher education, but it helped introduce me to the campus community. I also had the chance to get to know Cody Kees. Cody and I are opposites in many ways; however, this scholarship brought us together. We developed a great friendship as a result. We are still close and talk regularly. “Because we were recipients of this scholarship, the Arkansas Alumni Association constantly put before us opportunities to be involved. We had the chance to give campus tours to alumni, speak at board luncheons and do countless other things. I was also involved in the Student Alumni Board and met wonderful people. We had a great time working together. Currently, a group in Jonesboro is working to establish a Greater Jonesboro Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association. I’m pleased to work with this group. We hope this chapter will afford alumni living in Northeast Arkansas an opportunity to connect with each other and give them ways to serve their alma mater.” One of the reasons Looney stayed in Arkansas after college was to participate in the joint-degree program at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and UALR Bowen School of Law. While an undergraduate, he met Skip Rutherford – the current dean of the Clinton School, a huge influence on his life and great friend. ■
photo submitted
Maggie Benton ★
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ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Title
Left to right: Melissa Pianalto, a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors, writes a thank you letter to show appreciation during Hogs Care Week.; University of Arkansas student Walker Wiggins wrote a thank you note and tweeted “I wish to thank the faculty at the U of A for making my everyday life easier!”; Teena Gunter shows her Razorback spirit during Hogs Care Week.
Hogs Care Week a Chance to Pay It Forward Photo credit
Donating activity books to a senior center. Shoveling snow on an icy sidewalk outside a residence hall. Giving a stranger a free first-class upgrade on a flight. Brightening co-workers’ mornings with coffee and doughnuts. These were just a few random acts of kindness that caption during the third annual Hogs Care Week, Feb. 23-28, hosted occurred by the University of Arkansas Center for Community Engagement and the Arkansas Alumni Association. Participants were asked to post their random acts of kindness on the real-time HogsCare.com website using #HogsCare. University of Arkansas students, faculty/staff and alumni posted 515 random acts of kindness on the HogsCare.com website throughout the week, generating 746,315 social media impressions. Posts originated from seven states – Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Oregon, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina – and Canada. “HogsCare this year was a success! We had more new registered student organization partners than we have had in the past that sought us out to be involved and had great participation from campus,” said Callie Cole, graduate assistant for the U of A Center for Community Engagement. “The buttons were a hit with the students and many students caught on and did their own acts as well!” Meanwhile, on-campus student organizations gave out sweets, free Scantrons and “loving lollipops.” The Student Alumni Association provided Hogs Care thank you notes to show appreciation for the U of A facilities management staff. “Hogs Care went really well this year,” said Hannah Bell, a Student Alumni Board member. “Last year, we passed out water bottles to students passing by in the Union, but we were looking for something a little more impactful for 2015. When we told students we were making thank you notes for maintenance staff, we got a lot of great feedback. Lots of students were more than happy to take a few minutes out of their day to say thanks to members of the U of A family that are often underappreciated.”
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
U of A student Sarah Bradley was surprised and excited to receive a special care package from the St. Louis Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association. Bradley is the recipient of the chapter’s scholarship. The Mid-South|Memphis Chapter got into the spirit of Hogs Care Week by supporting Price Hancock, a huge Razorback fan who is battling cancer. Chapter members, as well as the Memphis-East Arkansas Razorback Club, gave Hancock some Razorback swag, including a football signed by Coach Bret Bielema and a baseball signed by Coach Norm DeBriyn. The chapter also donated time making burritos for the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry. This year, the Alumni Association also took Hogs Care Week to a community level. The Alumni Association has many valued perks partners nationwide. This year, five lucky businesses in the Fayetteville area were chosen to participate in some surprise events throughout the week of Feb. 23 – the UA Bookstore on Garland, Fayettechill on Dickson Street, Starbucks on Martin Luther King Boulevard, Puritan Brew Co. on Dickson and The Mustache Goods and Wears on Block Street. “We were honored to take part in Hogs Care week, thank you so much for including our business! We loved getting to pay it forward and see all of the smiles and happy faces on the customers we were able to take care of ... thanks for doing great stuff in our community!” said Brian Bailey, owner/manager at The Mustache Goods & Wears. “We were honored to be selected as a retail partner for Hogs Care Week 2015. On Feb. 26 Hogs Care Week came to our location and not only did the selected customers have fun, but our employees had a great time with the event as well! We are looking forward to Hogs Care Week 2016!” said Ali Sadeghi, U of A Bookstore director. Visit HogsCare.com to see all of the social media posts from Hogs Care Week 2015. ■
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photo submitted
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ASSOCIATIONS
photo submitted
Black Alumni Society Reunion The Black Alumni Society Reunion, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the first reunion, was a fun-filled week of events for all ages. The week kicked off with the Presidents and Students Farewell Dinner as BAS president John L Colbert prepared to conclude his term. The week’s events continued with career development with “Navigating Your Career” featuring male and female consortiums. Throughout the weekend, several hundred alumni attended the Welcome Back Reception, the Old School Party, the cookout, the “Back to the Hill” Classic Step Show and played in the scholarship golf tournament. The capstone event was the BAS Awards Gala at the Fayetteville Town Center followed by two Old School Parties. During the awards gala, nine alumni and friends were recognized as for career achievements and lifelong successes. The awardees included: Young Alumni Award – Ulanda Terry, director of diversity and leadership development at Tyson Foods Inc. Honorary Alumni Award – Reverend Curtiss P. Smith, Saint James Missionary Baptist Church Community Service Award – Kabrina Alyss Amey, family service worker, Washington County Department of Human Services Alumni Service Award – Monica Jones, advisor at Pulaski Technical College Wyatt Weems Memorial Award – Carolyn Henderson Allen, dean of the University Libraries at the University of Arkansas Citation of Distinguished Alumni – Dr. Charles Donaldson, vice chancellor emeritus/emeritus associate professor of higher education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Tennille Adams, Howard University head women’s basketball coach; and Sytia Messer, Baylor University assistant women’s basketball coach Dr. Lonnie R. Williams Lifetime Achievement Award – The Honorable Rodney E. Slater, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation ■
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ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
The Student Alumni Board has expanded this year to more than 50 members serving on various committees. While there was some retention among its top leaders, the SAB has recruited some new top students at University of Arkansas. With these new members and increase in size, the Student Alumni Board has been able to foster University of Arkansas traditions through its programs such has Hearing From a Hog, the Mullet Party and the Senior Ring Ceremony. While adding or increasing these new programs, the SAB has also been able to enhance its long-lasting programs such as its perks partnership and is already planning for Homecoming beginning on Oct. 25. Our overall goal as the SAB is to build meaningful relationships with the Arkansas Alumni Association and the more than 135,000 University of Arkansas alumni. – Alex Chaffin, President
2015 SAB Executives
Student Alumni Board
Bailey Hart, Vice President of Programming Tanner Bone, Vice President of Sponsorships Brittany Brunson, Vice President of Membership Maggie Benton, Vice President of Marketing
Connor Flocks, Vice President of Board Development Hannah Bell, Member Engagement Director Blake Griffin, Homecoming Director
Blair Peterson, Razorback Spirit Director Nancy Smith, Alumni Relations Director Grant Addison, Traditions Director
Marketing Committee: Natalie Counce, Communication Chair Marykatherine Deem, Communication Chair Brandon Downer, Communication Chair
Razorback Spirit Committee: Regan Burges, Beat Week Co-Chair Lexi Colavecchia, Beat Week Co-Chair Danielle Martinez, Beat Shirt Chair Astrid Buckner, Committee Member Trey Smith, Committee Member Tiffany Taggart, Committee Member
SAB General Board Alumni Relations Committee: Patrick Erstine, Hearing From A Hog Chair James Will LeCompte, Mentorship Chair Madeline Wagnon, Senior Walk Chair Hunter Paddie, Committee Member Jake Smith, Committee Member Christine Tan, Committee Member Homecoming Committee: Nick Beyer, Logistics Chair Sara Bryant, Philanthropy Chair Kim Remp, Spirit Chair Anna Kay Hilburn, Community Engagement Drew Seal, Volunteer Coordinator Carson Alsup, Committee Member Sarah Covert, Committee Member Anna Faulkner, Committee Member Dara Gaines, Committee Member Madison Kolb , Committee Member
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
Membership Committee: Madison Cole, Events Chair Erin Smith, Recruitment Chair Ashlyn Smith, Assistant Engagement Hannah Pavey, Committee Member Scott Sims, Committee Member Sponsorship Committee: Paul Marsh, Chair Lawson Vassar, Chair Erica Brewer, Committee Member Brock Haegle , Committee Member
Traditions Committee: Matt Hansen, Ring Ceremony Chair Ethan Tisdale , Ring Promotion Chair Addie Alexander, A-Book Co-Editor Erin Nelson, A-Book Co-Editor Sophia Scalise, Committee Member DeAnna Snyder, Committee Member Will Watkins, Committee Member Taylor Watson, Committee Member ■
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ASSOCIATIONS
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ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
2015 Senior Honor Citation Awards The Arkansas Alumni Association established the Senior Honor Citation 50 years ago to recognize a senior man and woman who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, leadership and campus and community involvement. The citation includes a life membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association and a permanent recognition in the student honor wall at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. This year, a new tradition was born. The top 22 students from the Class of 2015 were invited, along with parents, mentors, campus officials, and past award winners to the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House for the Cardinal & White Banquet on April 21, 2015. Top students were recognized as Razorback Classics (pg. 38) along with the announcement of this year’s Senior Honor Citation winners. Presenting your 2015 Senior Honor Citation recipients:
Kyle “Ranger” Guillory J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, B.S. in Chemistry Hot Springs, Arkansas • Chief Justice, Associated Student Government Judiciary • Chancellor’s Scholar • Chancellor’s List • Global Medical Brigades, Trip to Honduras • Health Teams Abroad – Sweden • Treasurer, Arkansas Booster Club • Beta Theta Pi Fraternity • Undergraduate Research in Chemistry & Biochemistry Kyle “Ranger” Guillory says he has enjoyed every single moment during his time at the University of Arkansas. Now, he embarks on a new adventure as he plans to start medical school in the fall to become an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose and throat specialist. An Honors College student, his extracurricular experiences at the University of Arkansas have equally prepared him for his future career goals. He has had the opportunity to get involved across all areas on campus, which he says has greatly strengthened his time management skills. Through opportunities at the U of A, he has served his community and peers, met many new people and had fun along the way. His volunteer work within the Northwest Arkansas community has included Washington Regional Hospice and Hope Cancer Resources. His extracurricular experiences at the University of Arkansas have equally prepared him for his future career goals. He has had several hands-on experiences in the medical field, ranging from volunteering in Fayetteville and abroad, studying and traveling abroad and undergraduate research. The U of A has provided him several opportunities to travel and study abroad. Through the Honors College, he studied the healthcare systems in the United States and Sweden, after which he traveled to Paris, France, for fun. He has also served an underprivileged community in Honduras through the Global Medical Brigades, a registered student organization.
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
Kelly Hudnall Sam M. Walton College of Business, B.S. in International Business: Marketing; J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, B.A. in Spanish Rogers, Arkansas • President, Kappa Kappa Gamma- Outstanding Panhellenic President • Associated Student Government- Director of Academic Affairs, Director of University Funding & Administration, & Deputy Chief of Staff • Model UN Distinguished Delegation • Order of Omega- Outstanding Sophomore • Beta Gamma Sigma • Walton Honors Student Executive Board • Chancellor’s List • Study Abroad to Spain & India • Intern, Walmart Global Sourcing in India • Intern, Henkel • MBA Student Advisory Board Because Kelly Hudnall has always been taught the importance of “giving more than you take,” she has made a concerted effort to give back to the University of Arkansas. She has met students from all over the world by traveling with the chancellor to Board of Trustees meetings as the director of funding for the Associated Student Government, representing her sorority at leadership forums across the nation, representing the University at Model United Nations in New York City and studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, on an Honors College grant. Some of Kelly’s most rewarding endeavors include serving as a liaison for international students and helping them transition to life on campus and abroad, serving on the ASG in various positions from director of academics to deputy chief of staff and serving as president of her sorority. In January, she began classes in the accelerated Master of Business Administration program through the Sam M. Walton College of Business. As part of the MBA graduate program, she will soon study abroad in India for three weeks and then stay there as the first intern from the U of A in the country of India, working in the Wal-Mart Global Sourcing office in Bangalore. It is her ultimate goal to live and work overseas. ■
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ASSOCIATIONS
Razorback Classics Beginning in 2013, the Arkansas Alumni Association worked to reestablish naming top students as Razorback Classics; a tradition started by the Razorback yearbook. These students were selected over a year-long process from over 400 nominated students. For complete details, visit www.arkansasalumni.org/RazorbackClassics. (Profiles are listed left to right, by row.) 38
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Row 1: Brooke Atwell Sam M. Walton College of Business, B.S. in International Business: Marketing Hometown: Rogers, Arkansas Julia Kucherich Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences, B.S. in Human Nutrition & Hospitality Innovation; College of Education & Health Profession, D.S. in Kinesiology Hometown: York, Pennsylvania Monica Miller Sam M. Walton College of Business, B.S. in Business Administration: Marketing Hometown: Little Rock Cicely Shannon J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, B.S. in International Economics Hometown: Texarkana Amy May West Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences, B.S. in Agricultural Business Hometown: Westcliffe, Colorado
Row 2: Nikki Daniels Sam M. Walton College of Business, B.S. in Business Administration: Marketing Hometown: Wichita, Kansas Padma Mana J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, B.S. in Biochemistry Hometown: Rogers Amy Moorehead Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences, B.S. in Agricultural Education, Human Nutrition and Hospitality Hometown: Little Rock Jordan Sooter Sam M. Walton College of Business, B.S. in Business Administration: Accounting & Finance Hometown: Little Rock Kelly Williams College of Education & Health Professions, B.S. in Nursing Hometown: Fort Smith
Row 3: John Carradini College of Engineering B.S. in Biomedical Engineering Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma William Hanson Sam M. Walton College of Business, B.S. in Business Administration: Management Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas Robert D. Lee J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, B.A. in Political Science Hometown: West Fork Philip Meek Sam M. Walton College of Business, B.S. in Business Administration: Finance, Accounting, and Economics Hometown: Fort Smith Sean Stewart Sam M. Walton College of Business, B.S. in Business Administration: Finance Hometown: Georgetown, Texas
Row 4: William French J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, B.S. in Biology Hometown: Hot Springs Thanh Le J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, B.A. in Political Science Hometown: Fort Smith Daniel McFarland Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences, B.S. in Animal Science Hometown: Keithville, Louisiana Mohammad “Zia” Siddiqui J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, B.S. in Biology Hometown: Little Rock Matthew Watters College of Engineering, B.S. in Civil Engineering Hometown: Arkadelphia ■
ASSOCIATIONS
photo submitted
Dr. Jeff and Marcia Johnson, who endowed the Johnson Fellows program, with Stephen Darr and members of the Student Alumni Board.
Stephen Darr Inspires University of Arkansas Students as the 2015 Johnson Fellow by Tammy W. Tucker ✪+ BA’97 MA’03 Stephen E. Darr graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1977, but he has stayed connected ever since whether it’s through Peacework, the nonprofit organization he founded, or through his Arkansas Alumni Association life membership. Darr proudly said he has been an Alumni Association member since the day he walked off campus as a graduate. “It’s the connection back to the institution that was such an important part of my life. It’s institutional loyalty.” He discovered new connections when he visited the U of A campus in April as the Alumni Association’s 2015 Johnson Fellow. Darr was the sixth Johnson Fellow, named after Dr. Jeff BA’70 and Marcia Johnson, who endowed the program with the purpose of bringing prominent alumni back to campus to engage and inspire students. Darr interacted with study abroad participants, the Student Alumni Association and students in non-profit management, international relations and sustainability classes. Growing up in Little Rock as a Razorback fan, it was natural fit for Darr to attend the University of Arkansas. His aunt, Mary Alice Darr, a 1933 graduate who always talked about the university, he said, also influence his decision. He started out as an architecture major but later changed his degree path to psychology. “I remember distinctly after working in the basement of the architecture building, that this was an enormous opportunity to be here,” Darr said. “Being here, you don’t realize you can do anything. The world is yours. People who came before us have done amazing things. As I walk around campus, I think about how the next Clinton, Hunt or Fulbright could also be walking on campus.” In addition to his degree from the University of Arkansas, Darr holds a Master of Divinity from Duke University and additional studies at Georgetown University and Virginia Tech. “I’ve always been a bit of a contrarian,” he said. “After Duke, I kept thinking about what students could do to make a difference in the world and applying that.” The result was Peacework, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Peacework manages partnerships between organizations with unique resources and communities and villages in developing countries, often between academic institutions and corporations in a variety of
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fields that match local development standards and objectives. The organization seeks to alleviate poverty and economic disparity and build bridges of global cooperation by bringing people in these developing countries together with colleges, universities and corporations. Peacework has partners in 25 countries and has managed projects for departments or programs at more than 60 institutions of higher learning and corporations. Darr said Peacework has one fundamental aspect – the volunteers don’t go into any community to help. “Our mission is to go into an area and work alongside the community to support resource development,” Darr said. “It’s important to listen to needs and teach people to use the resources.” “If you help, it’s one and done,” Darr said. “The community provides leadership. Peacework volunteers go in and build schools and gardens; they build curriculum while working alongside the community. We’ve had grad students who’ve come into the program who’ve never been out of their hometown. It makes a difference in their lives and the community.” Darr is especially proud of his decade-long collaboration with the University of Arkansas and ongoing affiliation with the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange, including expansion of the Belize program and creation of the Vietnam program for U of A students. Many of the universities look to the University of Arkansas as a role model, Darr said. In July 2012, Peacework and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service established a fellowship to promote international field service education. The organization’s director of academic engagement is housed in Little Rock at the Clinton School. Half of the 30-member staff of Peacework are U of A alumni, described by Darr as intentional. “Going to the University of Arkansas was the foundation,” he said. “I couldn’t have done anything else without having gone there. I had so many opportunities beyond the classroom to work with social and global concerns. “The success of the organization is greatly based on the incredible staff,” Darr said. “They do the on-site planning, evaluation and day-today onsite management. I’m their cheerleader and supporter.” ■
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
photo submitted
More Bang for Your Buck Buck
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Michael Elkins and Jodi Nimmo, both of Fayetteville are the recipients of the Arkansas Alumni Association Non-Traditional Student Leadership Award for 2015. Partnering with the office of Off Campus Connections, the award was created in 2011 and recognizes nontraditional undergraduate students who must demonstrate excellence in achievement while balancing and engaging in life circumstances and issues. The recipients receive a $500 check and a commemorative clock. “I am grateful to the Alumni Association for granting awards like this one,” Nimmo said, “It feels incredible, as a non-traditional student, to be recognized not only for academic merit, but also knowing that there is an understanding of the additional accomplishments made by those who have additional responsibilities and that those accomplishments are every bit as meaningful to many of us as our academic accomplishments.” Nimmo majored in sociology and is the founder of Students for Gender Equality. Since the establishment of the registered student organization in 2012, the group has partnered with organizations across the U.S. to expand its networks to a national level. But Nimmo’s most important role is being a mother. Nimmo returned to school to be a better role model for her daughter in her understanding the importance of education. “Family life is very tricky when balancing it with a full-time education, but with the help of a good partner, and seeking out mentors in the social and academic community, I have found the support I need not only to succeed, but to thrive,” Nimmo said. The co-recipient of the award, Elkins, started working on his biochemistry degree from the U of A in spring 2013 and has been placed on the Dean’s and Chancellor’s List each semester since. After beating cancer, he decided to leave behind years of working at and managing a department of Wal-Mart to pursue a career of serving others through medicine. In addition to transitioning to an academic mindset, Elkins also stayed involved in extracurricular activities such as volunteering to be considered a competitive candidate for medical school. Elkins is employed by Sam’s Club and has also completed the highest level of volunteer training at Washington Regional Medical Center, where he volunteers twice a week. His goal is to take what he learned from having experienced cancer firsthand to become a physician who emulates the care he received. “This award will help me pay off the last of my fees for the U of A, and also help me finance the moving process to Little Rock to begin medical school in the fall,” Elkins said. ■
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
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ASSOCIATIONS
Since 1990, the Alumni Association has provided opportunities for many future alumni through scholarship support. To date the Association has awarded just under 4,000 scholarships totaling $6.9 million. And for the second consecutive year, the Association awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 450 University of Arkansas students! This past February, 40 alumni volunteers assembled to select the Association’s 26th class of freshman scholarship recipients. From 745 applicants, two students rose to the top and were named as our Alumni Endowed Scholars. Each student will receive a $6,500 renewable scholarship from the Association. Matthew May Matthew doesn’t let anything hold him back. Whatever he puts his mind to will get accomplished, no matter what obstacles are thrown his way. Matthew was raised in a single-parent home and his mother was diagnosed with cancer not once, but twice. Most individuals would let this bring them down, but it took Matthew sky high. He grew up wanting to be a pilot, and that dream became a reality when Matthew was only 14 and a local flight school gave him a job in exchange for flight time. He has since completed his solo flight, thus earning him his private pilot’s license. “I hope to be a professional pilot, and earning my degree from my dream school is one step toward that goal,” May said. Matthew has also stayed busy at JJ Pearce High School, taking numerous Advanced Placement courses. Matthew was a member of the National Honor Society, on his school’s tennis team and a part of Young Americans for Freedom. He volunteered his time at the Ronald McDonald House to ease the burden of families going through situations similar to what he and his mother dealt with. He is the son of Elise May. “I feel very honored to be a Freshman Alumni Endowed Scholar. This scholarship will lessen the financial burden and allow me to focus more on my goals,” May said.
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Alumni Endowed Scholars
May Mejia
Jose “Manny” Mejia Manny invested in Springdale High School’s Delta Program for local youth, allowing him to mentor at-risk students and serve as a positive role model influencing behavior and educational success. Manny knows firsthand the difference he can make in another student’s life and credits his own mentors for pushing him to achieve dreams. In addition, Manny took Advanced Placement and college courses; ranking first in his class. He is active in the community; volunteering at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, being the high school intern for Tyson Foods, Inc., as well as at his school through National Honor Society, cross country and Future Business Leaders of America. Manny plans to major in information systems with a concentration in enterprise resource management, and has already been working on University of Arkansas Latino diversity initiatives. He has received certificates of recognition for writing and high school achievements. “Being awarded the Arkansas Alumni Association’s Alumni Endowed Scholarship was a huge highlight to my senior year. This scholarship will make a huge difference in financing my college expenses and will allow me to continue a path towards academic achievement at the University of Arkansas.” Manny is the son of Ruben Mejia & Maria Ruiz. ■
LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE YEARS The current president and the past presidents of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors gathered for a luncheon on March 31 in Little Rock. They heard the latest news from the University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Alumni Association.
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Left to right; top row:, Chuck Dudley, Brian Rosenthal, Charles Scharlau, Eddie Bradford, Steve Nipper, Jack McNulty Middle row:, Larry Stephens, John Reap, Lawson Hembree, Harriett Phillips, Greg Graham Front Row, Don Schnipper, Stephanie Streett (current president), Jenny Adair, Sissi Brandon, Kenny Gibbs, Kelvin Wyrick ■
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
ARKANSAS
ALUMNI OFFICERS President Stephanie S. Streett ✪ BS’91, Little Rock Immediate Past President John Reap ✪+ BSBA’70, Dallas, TX Treasurer Don Eldred Jr. ✪+ BSBA’81, Houston, TX Secretary Deborah Blume ✪+ BSBA’08, Fayetteville BOARD OF DIRECTORS Class of 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 Class of 2016 John Forrest Ales ✪ BA’02, McLean, VA Emanuel Banks ✪ BSCE’87, North Little Rock 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 Amy Tu ★ JD’96, Seattle, WA Class of 2017 Ben Beaumont ★ BA’04, Little Rock John Berrey ★ BA’91, Sperry, OK Marvin Caston ★ BA’00, MED’03, Fayetteville Judy Drummond Covert ✪+ BA’83, Bel Aire, KS Latonya Foster ★ BA’96, Springdale Steven Hinds ✪+ BSPA’89, MED’92, Fayetteville Jordan Johnson ✪ BA’00, Little Rock Carla Martin ★ JD’04, Pine Bluff Melissa Pianalto ✪ BSA’88, MS’90, Springdale Molly Rapert ★ BSBA’85, MBA’87, Fayetteville STAFF Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Executive Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association Brandy Cox ★ MA ‘07 Senior Director of Marketing and Resource Development Terri Dover ✪+ Director of Administration Debbie Blume ✪+, BSBA’08 Director of Constituent Engagement Angela Mosley Monts ✪, BA’80 Director of Finance Ross Baldwin ★ Director of Outreach and Chapters Heath Bowman ✪ MED’11 Carolyn Baltz ✪+ BA’03, Associate Director of Membership and Marketing; Catherine Baltz ✪+ BS’92, MED’07, Manager of Strategic Marketing; Stella Clark ✪, Records and Membership Assistant; Deb Euculano ✪, Associate Director of Program Development; Felicia Garner ★, Executive Assistant; Johanna Hall ★ BA’11, Assistant Director of Communications; Robin January ✪ BSA’98, Scholarship Coordinator; Ryan Miller ✪ BSBA’07, MED’09, Assistant Director of Young Alumni and Student Outreach; Tiffany Robinson ✪, Fiscal Support Analyst; Amanda Schoenbaum ★ BSB’12 MED’14; Alyssa Strodel ★ BSBA’12, Student Programs Graduate Assistant; Elizabeth Tipton ✪, Records and Membership Assistant
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
Past Presidents of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors 1923-24 Joseph Kirby Mahone ✪ BA’07
1965-66 P.K. Holmes Jr. ✪ BA’37 LLB’39
1924-25 Robert Hill Carruth BA’11
1966-67 William H. Bowen ★ LLB’49 1967-68 Guy H. Lackey ✪+ BSBA’49
1925-26 James E. Rutherford ✪ BA’22 1926-27 Winston Lee Winters BSCE’06
1968-69 Robert P. Taylor ✪+ BSBA’47, MS 1948
1927-28 J.L. Longino BSEE’03
1969-70 John Ed Chambers BA’39, LLB’40
1928-29 Alfred Boyde Cypert BA’12 1929-30 James William Trimble BA’17
1970-71 Chester H. Lauck ’25 1971-72 Nathan Gordon ✪+ JD’39
1930-31 G. DeMatt Henderson BA’01, LLB’03
1972-73 Charles E. Scharlau ✪+ LLB’58
1931-32 Dr. Jasper Neighbors MD‘18
1973-74 Carl L. Johnson ★ BSBA’47
1932-33 Scott D. Hamilton BA‘24
1974-75 R. Cecil Powers ✪ BSBA’30
1933-34 Charles A. Walls BA‘07
1975-76 J.C. Reeves ✪ ’25
1934-35 Arthur D. Pope BA‘06 1935-36 John C. Ashley BA’11
1976-77 Elizabeth (Sissi) Riggs Brandon ✪+ BSE’55 1977-78 Roy Murphy ✪+ BSIM’49
1936-37 Beloit Taylor BA‘19
1978-79 Fred Livingston ✪ BSBA’55
1937-38 John P. Woods ✪ BA’09
1979-80 Tracy Scott ★ BSE’53
1938-39 Glen Rose ★ BSE’28, MS’31
1980-81 Edward W. Stevenson ✪+ BSBA’60
1939-40 Claude J. Byrd ★ BSA’25
1981-82 Fred Livingston ✪ BSBA’55 1982-83 Don Schnipper ✪+ BA’63, JD’64
1940-41 Charles Frierson Jr. ‘29 1941-42 John B. Daniels BSA‘33 1942-44 G. DeMatt Henderson BA’01, LLB’03 1944-45 Dr. M. L. Dalton MD’32 1945-46 Jack East ✪ BSE’24 1946-47 Steve Creekmore ★ BSBA’11 1947-48 Maupin Cummings ✪ BA’32 1948-49 Roy Milum BA’04, LLD’58 1949-50 Paul Sullins ✪ JD’37 1950-51 Francis Cherry LLB’38 1951-52 J.C. Gibson BA’24, MS’38 1952-53 George Makris ✪ BSBA’37 1953-54 Edward B. Dillon Jr. ★LLB’50
1983-84 Mary Trimble Maier ✪+ BA’49 1984-85 Bart Lindsey ✪+ BSBA’67 1985-86 W. Kelvin Wyrick ✪+ BSE’59 1986-87 Larry G. Stephens ✪+ BSIE’58 1987-88 Rebecca Shreve ✪+ BSE’60, MED’63 1988-89 Robert T. Dawson ✪+ BA’60, LLB’65 1989-90 Gregory B. Graham ✪+ BSBA’70, JD’72 1990-91 Blake Schultz ✪+ BA’51 1991-92 Chuck Dudley ✪+ BSBA’76, MBA’77 1992-93 Harriet Hudson Phillips ✪+ BA’72 1993-94 Richard Hatfield ✪+ BSBA’65, LLB’67 1994-95 Jenny Mitchell Adair ✪+ BA’62
1955-56 Louis L. Ramsay Jr. LLB’47, LLD’88
1995-96 Jack McNulty ✪+ BSBA’67, JD’70 1996-97 Sylvia Boyer ✪+ BSE’63
1956-57 Stanley Wood ✪ BA’23
1997-98 Morris Fair ★ BSBA’56
1957-58 A.L. Whitten MS’40
1998-00 H. Lawson Hembree IV ✪+ BSA’83 2000-02 Jeffery R. Johnson ✪+ BA’70
1954-55 Beloit Taylor BA’19
1958-59 W.R. “Dub” Harrison BA’20 1959-60 E.M. “Mack” Anderson ✪+ BA’32 1960-61 Warren Wood ✪ LLB’32 1961-62 Owen Calhoun Pearce BSBA’41, LLB’41 1962-63 James C. Hale BA‘33 1963-64 Jack East Jr. BSBA‘48 1964-65 J. Fred Patton ✪+ BA’29, MA’36
2002-04 Edward Bradford ✪+ BSE’55, MED’56 2004-06 Brian M. Rosenthal ✪+ BSBA’84 2006-08 Kenny Gibbs ✪+ BSBA’85 2008-10 Gerald Jordan ✪+ BA’70 2010-12 Steve Nipper ✪+ BSBA’71, MBA’73 2012-14 John Reap ✪+ BSBA’70
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CHAPTERS / SOCIETIES -1Members of the Jonesboro Area Chapter held a chapter launch party and watched the Razorback Men’s Basketball team play Texas A&M on Feb. 24 at Upper Crust.
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-2The Greater Oklahoma City Chapter hosted its annual chapter banquet on Feb. 12. They were joined by special guests Curt Rom, interim dean of the Honors College, and Melissa Hardwood-Rom, dean of students, from the University of Arkansas. The event at Bricktown Brewery also honored a group of Golden Graduates, those who graduated at least 50 years ago from the U of A. -3The Central Arkansas Chapter hosted 80 alumni and friends at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock to watch the Razorbacks take on the Memphis Tigers. Alumni enjoyed a barbecue picnic inside the park, beautiful weather and they called those Hogs in a close game on March 24. -4The Seattle Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association gathered to cheer on the Hogs as they took on the University of Kentucky on March 15 in the SEC Basketball Championship. -5The Mid-South | Memphis Chapter volunteered with the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry and Memphis First United Methodist Church to feed and serve city’s homeless on Feb. 28 as part of Hogs Care week 2015. They prepped burritos and packed up beverages to be distributed to those in need by bicycle. To learn more about this project visit www.ubfm. org or urbanbicyclefoodministry.blogspot.com. -6The St. Louis Chapter sent a care package to senior Alumni Scholar Sara Bradley. Bradley is the Gateway Hogs’ scholarship recipient and will graduate in May. She is planning to return to St. Louis to accept a job with the St. Louis Sports Commission as the development and special events manager.
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ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
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-11Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
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-7Dale Carpenter and Professor Gerald Jordan congratulate Zeek Martin, recipient of the Lemke Alumni Society Scholarship. -8The Walter J. Lemke Journalism Department awarded more than $90,000 in scholarships at the annual Scholarship Awards Reception. -9Bob Woodward, left, was the guest speaker for the Roy Reed Lecture Series during the Lemke 60th J Days celebration and activities. He is pictured with Ray Minor and Professor Larry Foley, department chair. -10Emeritus professor Roy Reed, left, was recognized for his teaching, mentoring and work as a journalist during the Lemke J Days Celebration. Professor Gerald Jordan presented the award. -11Professor Larry Foley, left, presented an award to Rick Stockdell, KUAF station manager, to celebrate the radio station’s 30th anniversary. -12Alumni, friends, faculty and staff of the University of Arkansas Bands gathered in the Hart Atrium to celebrate the Wind Ensemble’s tour to Dallas on March 9. Dr. Christopher Knighten, director of bands, remarked that the success of this tour would not be possible with the strong support of the Fulbright College dean’s office, the Razorback Band Alumni Society and the Arkansas Alumni Association. The reception provided an opportunity for RBAS Board members to speak with parents of current members, prospective students and other alumni about the importance of building the alumni community. The reception was followed by the wind ensemble’s performance that included the entire wind and percussion faculty of the department of music. “Tonight was probably one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in life so far, and even though I spent the weekend battling illness, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything,” said Jacob Hilton, senior music major. ■
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GREEK LIFE
Alpha Phi Alpha
K A F S A WYF
CeDale M. Smith, Chapter President Senior, Computer Engineering St. Louis You are celebrating an anniversary. Tell us about your organization. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. is the first intercollegiate Greekletter fraternity established for African Americans in our nation. Founded December 4, 1906, at Cornell University, seven college men recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in this country. Thus, this great fraternity was born! Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. Today, we are recognized as advocates of educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African Americans. At the recent 69th Southwestern Regional Convention, the Kappa Kappa chapter earned four regional awards: Best Scrapbook, Brother with the Highest GPA for Claude Ruboneka (3.959 GPA), Collegiate Scholars Bowl Champions and Step Show Competition Champions. The Kappa Kappa chapter here at the University of Arkansas is celebrating 40 years of ad infinitum service and advocacy for Fayetteville and the Northwest Arkansas community. This chapter is led and advised by one of its founding charter members here at U of A, Brother John L Colbert. How does your organization give back to the community through philanthropy or service? On a national level, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. has universal philanthropy and service for all of the chapters all over the world. These include “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” (a political awareness program), “Go-to-High-School, Go-toCollege” (concentrates on the importance of completing secondary school and college), “My Brother’s Keeper” (advocating and improving the quality of life for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. brothers) and “Project Alpha” (concentrates on the importance of teen pregnancy and STDs).
From top: Alpha Phi Alpha, 1982 Kappa Sigma, 1915
photos from Razorback yearbooks
Omega Psi Phi, 1981
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What is your organization looking forward to in the upcoming year? The Kappa Kappa chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha is looking forward to continue initiatives such as high school mentoring, scholarship pageants, donating Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets and assisting awareness events such as Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Relay for Life and Race for the Cure. We will continue to strive for thoughtprovoking educational programs such as police brutality, the identity of Blacks, and cancer and disability awareness. ■
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Kappa Sigma Neil Watson, Chapter President Junior, Supply Chain Management Fayetteville You are celebrating an anniversary. Tell us about your organization. Xi chapter of Kappa Sigma is coming together to celebrate and commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of our U of A chapter. Xi is the largest and oldest fraternity on the University of Arkansas campus and is its most storied chapter. Dr. Charles Richardson, John C. Futrall, Carl C. Miller, William A. Crawford, and William S. Goodwin founded the Xi chapter here at the University of Arkansas on May 29, 1890. Dr. Charles Richardson went on to found the first Chi Omega Chapter in the nation here at the University of Arkansas in 1895. First initiate, John C. Futrall, went on to become the first coach of the Arkansas Razorback football team and later went on to serve as president of the university for over 26 years. From its inception, Xi chapter has produced leaders, scholars and humanitarians. How does your organization give back to the community through philanthropy or service? At the heart of Kappa Sigma lie the fraternity’s Four Pillars, which guide our ambitions and successes: Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship and Service. Here at Xi we pride ourselves on our ability to serve others and give back to the community. Over the past several years Xi has recorded thousands of hours in community service and has raised thousands of dollars for charitable donations. This last year we hosted a chapter wide ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raising money and awareness for the ALS Association. In December, Xi raised a thousand dollars to donate to the CFF Breakfast with Santa at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. For the first time ever we teamed up with FarmHouse to host our Kappa Sigma/ FarmHouse Catfish Fry, in which together we raised close to $3,000. This money was donated to the Kappa Sigma’s Military Heroes Campaign, which honors and aids military veterans and the their families throughout United States and Canada. What is your organization looking forward to in the upcoming year? In the upcoming year, Xi will continue to serve its community and prepare for another great rush! Xi chapter looks forward to continuing its presence as the oldest and largest fraternity on campus. ■
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
Omega Psi Phi Cameron Boyland, Chapter President Senior, Business Management Little Rock You are celebrating an anniversary. Tell us about your organization. The Gamma Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity recently celebrated two 40th anniversaries. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University and was the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college. In December 1974, Omega Psi Phi became the first historically black fraternal organization founded on the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville’s campus with its charter line, known as “Genesis 10,” and received its official charter in February 1975. For the fall 2014 semester, Gamma Eta members earned the highest semester GPA among NPHC organizations on campus. In spring 2015, members also won two scholarships at the fraternity regional level and inducted six new members. How does your organization give back to the community through philanthropy or service? The fraternity was founded on four cardinal principles; Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. These principles are the bedrock for the mandated programs required annually to give back to communities. Each year the fraternity gives a minimum of $50,000 to historically black colleges and universities through contributions from each chapter. Our Health Initiatives, such as the Charles Drew Blood Drive and partnership with the American Diabetes Association and St. Jude Hospital, promote good health practices within communities. Voter registration, education and mobilization serve to uplift communities. Our Achievement Week programs recognize those who have contributed to the community along with sponsoring a high school essay contest. Our Social Action programs, such as Assault on Illiteracy, Habitat for Humanity, Highway Cleanup, serve to further uplift communities. Our annual Talent Hunt provides exposure, encouragement and financial assistance to talented high school students and college scholarships to members and non-members. What is your organization looking forward to in the upcoming year? The Gamma Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. is anticipating constant growth within the upcoming year. We are learning how to utilize all of our resources and how to become professional Omega men. Our current members are very ambitious and crave to have that “CREAM” that was once present on the University of Arkansas campus. We are well aware of what it takes to be a successful organization. We are not only concerned about building our fraternity, but we desire to see our chapter thrive in honor of our charter members and the founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. It seems as if the odds are always against us, but we will continue to see it through as we encounter other obstacles. ■
47
RAZORBACK ROAD
Women’s Track and Field Team Wins NCAA Championship Men’s Team Finishes Third in Nation The top-ranked University of Arkansas women’s track and field team made history in March with the program’s first-ever national championship. The victory is also the first at the Division I level for head coach Lance Harter and the first for any women’s program at Arkansas. The Razorbacks won three national event titles during the weekend at the Randal Tyson Track Center to score a program-best 63 points atop the team standings. The University of Arkansas men’s track and field team finished third in the weekend competition, behind Oregon and Florida. Prior to Saturday’s result, the women’s program had a previous high finish of third place at the 2000 national meet in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks entered the 2015 meet with a top-five finish in three of the previous four years before ascending to the top of the team podium Saturday. With 63 points, the Razorbacks posted the third-highest team total in meet history. Arkansas scored 50 of its points Saturday. Scoring Breakdown – 63 points Pts. Place Athlete – Event 10 1st Dominique Scott – 3,000m 10 1st Sandi Morris – pole vault 10 1st Kamilos/McKnight/Haiss/Scott – DMR 8 2nd Taylor Ellis-Watson – 400m 8 2nd Harper/McKnight/Williams/Ellis-Watson – 4x400m 5 4th Chrishuna Williams – 800m 5 4th Alex Gochenour – pentathlon 2 7th Diane Robison – 5,000m 2 7th Tamara Myers – triple jump 2 7th Taliyah Brooks – pentathlon 1 8th Tamara Myers – long jump Doubling back from Friday’s anchor of the victorious distancemedley relay, Scott claimed her first NCAA individual title with a firstplace run at 3,000 meters. The Razorback senior crossed the finish line
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to a standing ovation from the home crowd in a time of 8:55.19, more than three seconds ahead of the runner-up. Scott is the second runner in program history to win an indoor title at 3,000 meters, joining Sarah Schwald who won in 1995. Morris tied the NCAA indoor meet record in her victory in the pole vault, posting a final clearance of 4.60m/15-1. She was five-for-five to open the competition before her first miss at 15-1. She went on to clear the bar on the second attempt and win her first national title. With her result Saturday, Morris now has five winning clearance of 15 feet or higher this season. She joins Tina Sutej (2011, 2012) as a Razorback national champion in the pole vault. In her NCAA debut with the Razorbacks, Ellis-Watson clocked in with a personal-best time of 51.52 in a runner-up finish at 400 meters. She was back on the track in the final event of the weekend with Williams, Daina Harper and Sparkle McKnight to finish second in the 4x400-meter relay. The quartet combined for a school-record time of 3:28.70, knocking nearly one second off the previous record. That time also represents the seventh-fastest time in NCAA history. McCleod Sets Collegiate Record for Men Razorback Omar McCleod won the 60-meter hurdles, setting a new collegiate record, at the 2015 NCAA Indoor Championships at the Randal Tyson Track Center. The University of Arkansas men’s track and field team registered a third-place finish. With their showing, the Razorbacks have tallied a top-three NCAA indoor finish in fourconsecutive years, including a team title in 2013. The Razorbacks finished the two-day competition with 39 points, scoring in seven of the nine events in which they had national entries. In addition to McLeod’s win in the hurdles, Arkansas scored with Kemoy Campbell at 3,000 and 5,000 meters, Jarrion Lawson in the long jump, Andrew Irwin in the pole vault and its 4x400-meter and distance-medley relays. ■
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
2015 RAZORBACK FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
ON SALE NOW! STARTING AT $300
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YESTERYEAR 1885
• A University of Arkansas student dies of swamp fever in October. • Professor David Yancey Thomas attends a conference at the University of North Carolina dedicated to ending the practice of lynching.
1925
1915 Cardinal
1915
Built in 1906, Ella Carnall Hall was the first women's dormitory in the state of Arkansas. The only women's residence on campus, the caption accompanying this 1915 photo describes Carnall Hall's "pleasant homelike atmosphere" and calls it "an ideal residence for University women." Shown among the residents pictured is Mary Anne Davis, a professor of mathematics and English and the dean of women. The girls of Carnall Hall celebrated her 30th birthday annually with a dinner and dance, “Miss Mary’s Birthday Party,” starting Feb. 1, 1915. Davis is the namesake for the university building Davis Hall, at the corner of Maple St. and Garland Ave., which currently houses University Relations. Last used as a dormitory in the 1960s, Carnall Hall subsequently housed various academic departments as well as a fraternity before falling into disrepair and closing in 1991. Preservationists restored the building to grandeur and it reopened in 2003. Today, Carnall Hall is a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of campus and includes Ella's Restaurant, for fine dining.
• Female students begin wearing trousers for the first time, which worries authorities that male students will be distracted from their studies. • Irene Smith is the only woman in a 13-member industrial chemistry class. • The discipline committee of the girls’ dormitory is the Carnall Hall Governing Board, which is comprised of representatives of each class, elected by the girls who live in Carnall Hall. The committee hears reports on infractions of the “lights out” and “silence” rules and imposes the correct fines.
1935
• More than 100,000 college students nationwide leave their classes at a designated hour to protest increasingly aggressive warfare. • Earlene Upchurch of Fort Smith is the first woman at the U of A to play an instrument in the Razorback Band.
1945
• The Medal of Honor is bestowed posthumously upon Lt. Edgar Harold “Buck” Lloyd, a former U of A student and student government president who died in battle during World War II. • The U of A has more graduates holding the Medal of Honor than any university except West Point.
50
Red,” who served as the school’s live mascot. • The University of Arkansas Police Department, which up to this time did not carry sidearms, prepares to become an armed force. • A U of A law student breaks the world record for eating ice cream with 55 double scoops. • The U of A library is renamed the David W. Mullins Library in honor of the former university president.
1955
• Bob Steele, competing against the Razorbacks, becomes the first African American athlete to compete in the Razorback Fieldhouse. • Nancy McDonald and Jim Blair are named co-chairs of Religious Emphasis Week.
1965
• The Uarkettes, a 14-member group selected from the opera workshop, log in 30 performances, including an appearance at the closing session of the Arkansas Legislature. • The College of Arts and Sciences is the university’s largest college with an enrollment of 2,600 students. • Plans for the new University Library are unveiled. The plans call for demolition of Gray Hall and eventually Hill Hall.
1975
• Edward Durell Stone Jr.’s design of the plaza between the Arkansas Union and Mullins Library is finished. His father designed the Fine Arts Center on the south side of the plaza. • The Razorback Nation raises funds to find a new razorback hog to replace “Big
1985
• King Pizza (Ye Olde King Pizza) is voted the best pizza in Fayetteville. • Construction begins on an outdoor basketball court next to the Brough Commons area but Chancellor Willard Gatewood has construction halted because it conflicts with campus beautification policies.
1995
• The Arkansas Alumni Association breaks another record. Dues-Paying memberships in the association reach a new of 20,455. • History professor Elliot West is named the Burlington Northern Foundation’s outstanding teacher at the U of A.
2005
• Clockworks are installed in the south tower of Old Main, finishing installation of the building’s first clock and ending a timeless tradition. The original bell from the north tower is also moved to a display room with the clockworks on the fourth floor. • Robert McMath is named the first dean of the Honors College. • Students, faculty and staff celebrate the successful completion of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, which raised more than $1 billion, much of it added to the university’s endowment. n
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
LOST ALUMNI If you have any information on the whereabouts of these alumni and former students from the class of 1966, please contact the Arkansas Alumni Association at 1-888-ARK-ALUM so that we may update our records. Mr. William W. Allen Jr. Mr. Roger H. Anderson Ms. Linda Joyce Arroyo Dr. Judith Gott Arthurs Ms. Nora Louise Atlas Mr. Farouk Ahmed Bajour Ms. Maxie D. Bandy Ms. Elma O. Barker Mr. David Lee Barnes Mr. Paul W. Basinger Ms. Vola M. Beard Ms. Elma M. Beaver Mrs. Judith Benton Ms. Gwendolyn Georgia Sue Black Mr. Jerome Stephen Boak Ms. Leona Mae Boylan Ms. Susan Melinda Brown Mr. Donald Wayne Brown Mrs. Mary Judith Larimer Brown Mrs. Mary Helm Bryan Mr. Robert Wayne Buchanan
Mr. James C. Buell Ms. Pauline G. Bunch Ms. Brenda Gayle Burkett Mr. James Oliver Burnett Ms. Frankie Sue Burnett Mr. James Edward Burton Ms. Brenda Sue Burton Ms. Julia Coman Butterfield Mrs. Dina Cagle Mr. Darrell D. Campbell Mr. Allen Wayne Campbell Ms. Josephine Anne Campbell Mr. James R. Carney Mr. Ernest Gaylon Childress Mr. William W. Clay Mrs. Doris Gray Clingan Mr. Charles E. Cole Ms. Joy LaRue Cole Mr. Sidney Lou Combs Ms. Sarah Elizabeth Cook Mr. James Q. Cooper
Ms. Peggy A. Couch Mr. Gerald A. Craven Mr. Billy Joe Cude Ms. Fern M. Daniel Ms. Vivian Robason Davey Dr. Charles L. Dawson Ms. Sandra E. Smith Detwiler Mr. James W. Dobbs Mrs. Sarah Whitmore Dorland Mr. Abdul Wadoud Draki Dr. Blonie Dudney Mr. Jean F. Eberle Jr. Ms. Carolyn Rae Edwards Mr. Gary L. Elkins Mr. James Earl Ellis Mr. Jesse W. Emerson Mr. Herman G. Fowlkes Ms. Marilyn Jane Fulmer Mr. Victor H. M. Galvez Dr. Jon M. Gillock Mrs. Flo B. Glass
Ms. Karen Lynn Goode Ms. Sharon U. Grady Ms. Marilyn F. Graham Mr. John Samuel Graves Mr. Tommy Jo Green Mr. David W. Grounds Dr. William Conerly Groves Dr. Clark I. Guilliams Mrs. Virginia Hayes Gustafson Ms. Lorene Hampton Mr. Larry V. Harrell Mr. Luther Delbert Harris Ms. Imagene Key Harris Ms. Muriel G. Harris Mr. Seldon Ray Harris Mr. William T. Harrod Mr. Bick Yee Cheong Haw Mrs. Flossie French Herron Ms. Bonnie Jean Hodges Mrs. Geraldine F. Holt Ms. Mary K. Holt
“Consistent investment throughout my engineering career made it possible for me to fund the Robert H. Biggadike Endowment for Teaching in the College of Engineering.” – Robert H. Biggadike Alumnus Robert Biggadike (front center) utilized retirement accounts and other securities to create his endowment, which will provide unrestricted resources in support of teaching. In the fall of 2014, he was honored by the College of Engineering (above) to celebrate his gift. Designating the University of Arkansas Foundation as a beneficiary of your retirement accounts is a popular gift technique. Because of the double tax burden on these funds, retirement accounts are an excellent source of gifts to charity. Consider these benefits: • Avoid estate tax on your retirement accounts • Avoid income tax on your retirement accounts • Make a legacy gift to the university with the least cost to your estate Please consider this opportunity to make a lasting difference at the University of Arkansas.
We can tell you more – confidentially. For more information, contact Jim Harris Executive Director, Gift & Estate Planning. (800) 317-7526 • legacy@uark.edu • plannedgiving.uark.edu
uestions Q Answers &
Q: Why is the University of Arkansas advocating for a campaign? : The campus has been truly transformed by the previous campaign. Still,
the percentage of state appropriations that make up our budget have remained flat or gone down over time. Tuition alone cannot provide for the extras necessary for the level of education, experience and environment we provide. If state appropriations and tuition are the “cake,” then private giving is the “icing” that differentiates us.
Q: Why is the university aspiring to become recognized as a top 50 public research university? : Reaching top 50 isn’t about chasing the rankings. It’s about doing the right things for students, faculty and the state of Arkansas. Improving retention and graduation rates, enhancing our academic reputation and faculty resources, increasing our student selectivity and maintaining strong alumni giving will continue to propel the University of Arkansas forward.
Q: What will the campaign do to advance our goals? : Campaign Arkansas will raise funds for scholarships and fellowships, endowed chairs, capital projects, interdisciplinary academic programs and other priority areas that will advance the university’s goals and objectives.
Q: How will the campaign result in achievements for the state? : Long term, Campaign Arkansas will result in benefits for the entire state of Arkansas, through the economic impact and research productivity generated. The campaign will help the campus recruit and retain students and faculty, provide the margin of excellence expected by our stakeholders and elevate the university to the next level.
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 Johanna Hall, 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 ’75
Marie E. Crouch ★+ BA’37, Springdale, celebrated her 103rd birthday on Feb. 23.
Ben W. Wiley ✪ MBA’75, Kerrville, Texas, won first place in the senior grandmasters division of the 2014 Arkansas Grand Prix year-long race competition, including Road Runners Club of America 1- mile national senior champion in 5:48.
’76
Michael B. Vaughan BSIM’76 MBA’78, Ogden, Utah, provost and Academic Affairs vice president, received the Weber State University Alumni Association’s 2015 H. Aldous Dixon Award. Under Vaughan’s direction, WSU initiated 25 new degree programs, including six at the master’s level. Vaughan has influenced each of the university’s seven academic colleges, and WSU’s enrollment has grown from 18,000 to more than 25,000 students during his tenure as provost. He guided the establishment of an MBA program. In 2008 he was instrumental in creating the Dream Weber program, which covers tuition and fees for qualifying WSU students with a household income of less than $40,000.
54
’78
Larry E. Neuhart ★ BSBA’78, Fort Smith, retired as a principal agent for Nationwide Financial after 28 years. He is also retired from the U.S. Army Reserve after 24 years, having received a meritorious service medal.
’86
Stuart Ray Garrett BSIE’86, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a project manager for Burns & McDonnell in its Aviation & Federal Global Practice, specializing in the design of airport information technology subsystems and systems integration. His experience ranges from planning and concept development to final installation and system acceptance testing to improve the passenger experience at airports.
’90
Van Z. Hampton LLM’90, Topeka, Kansas, is chief judge of the 16th judicial district for a one year term. He has been a district court judge since 1995 and has presided over all types of cases in all six counties of his district. Before becoming a judge, he practiced law in Dodge City, Kansas.
’97
Kevin Thornton ★ BA’97 is the director of communications – Wal-Mart Technology, at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Tammy W. Tucker ✪+, BA’97, MA’03, Fayetteville, has accepted a position at National Crime Search Inc., in Fayetteville. This is her last issue as associate editor of Arkansas magazine.
’00
Marco Javon Barker ✪ BSIE’00, Durham, North Carolina, was recently appointed to the National Advisory Council for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education. NCORE constitutes the leading and most comprehensive national forum on issues of race and ethnicity in American higher education.
’10
Christa Cross ★ BSBA’10 and Dominique Wilkins BSBA’11 were married on May 3, 2014. They reside in Fayetteville. Amy Schlesing BA’10, Fayetteville, is the director of science and research communications for the Office of University Relations at the University of Arkansas.
Lauren ★ MED’14 and John ★ Gourlay ★ MED’14, Fayetteville, announce the birth of their daughter, Parker Elizabeth Gourlay on April 16.
Friends Ross Baldwin ★ is the director of finance at the Arkansas Alumni Association. Kelly Thornton Bostick ✪ and Tim Bostick ✪, West Fork, announce the birth of their son, Thomas Fox, born Feb. 21. Amanda J. Cothren ✪, Winslow, has launched her own business for design services. This is her last issue as creative director of Arkansas magazine. She is also the executive editor and creative director for Edible Ozarkansas, a quarterly magazine celebrating the local foods, farms, and culture of Northwest Arkansas. In March 2015, Edible Ozarkansas’ summer 2014 cover won EDDY awards for “Best Cover” in both the Reader’s Choice and Critic’s Choice categories. The EDDY Awards celebrate national excellence in food publishing as recognized by Edible Communities. This cover was selected from over 320 seasonal magazine issues published in 2014.
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
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: 7440 7441 7442 7443 7444 7445 7446 7447 7448 7449 7450 7451 7452 7453 7454 7455 7456 7457 7458 7459 7460
Al Green Jr. ‘81 Tina R. Green ‘83, ‘95 Joan Thompson Beard ‘68 Michael Aldon Clifford ‘10 Lisa A. Cavender ‘85 Susan McCain Hinger ‘75 Elton Ford Jr. ‘12 Sarah Ann Peterson ‘14 Charlene M. Springgate ‘46, ‘50 Cheryl A. S. Huntley William B. Brady ‘63 James Tillman Wilson ‘69 Linda Carol Wilson ‘69 Janice S. Wilkerson Rogers ‘72 Forrest Rogers Douglas J. McLoud ‘83 Linda E. Pinkerton ‘63 Michael B. Stiles ‘72 Patricia H. Stiles ‘70, ‘72 Rodney Mitchum Farmer ‘87 Dr. Anthony Borgognoni ‘84
7461 7462 7463 7464 7465 7466 7467 7468 7469 7470 7471 7472 7473 7474 7475 7476 7477 7478 7479 7480 7481
Gina Borgognoni Wade Allan Williams ‘87, ‘90 Elizabeth Hatfield Williams ‘90 Brent Akers ‘86 Steven Gray ‘12 John A. Dominick Jr. ‘87 Shelli Dominick ‘87 Brent Samuel Bennett ‘90 Kymberli Lance Bennett ‘89 Lynn Schuhknecht Firmin ‘75 Jerry L. Rice Margaret Elizabeth Warren ‘13 Mary Purvis ‘86, ‘93 Hoyt H. Purvis Anthony Bryant ‘85 Thomas C. Gean ‘85 Annette Gean ‘85 Jeffrey Benjamin Estes ‘89 Charlotte Burke Estes ‘90 Dr. Mike Gearing ‘70 Diane A. Gearing
7482 7483 7484 7485 7486 7487 7488 7489 7490 7491 7492 7493 7494 7495 7496 7497 7498 7499 7500 7501
Daniel F. Phillips ‘75 Susan B. Phillips ‘74 Cathryn Margret Barnes ‘14 Robert W. George ‘98 Robert W. George Don W. Karna ‘95 Joe B. Moore ‘71 Theresa Harris Moore Jason Lon Sheridan ‘96, ‘98 Nancy Jacobi White ‘75 G. Stephen White Julie R. Preddy ‘04 Dr. Greg E. Skulman ‘85 Paul L. Stephens ‘68 Elizabeth Claire Stephens Melissa Bond Keil ‘84 Matt Keil ‘82, ‘86 Greg M. Fair ‘80 Stephany Fair Curtiss P. Smith Jr.
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.
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
55
SENIOR WALK
In Memoriam
Spotlight Marcia (Willis) Overby BSE’07, MEd’08, EdD’14 Marcia (Willis) Overby, a third generation employee of the University of Arkansas, received her Ed.D. in August of 2014. Her dissertation, “The Role of Trustees in a Capital Campaign at a Public Research University,” was something she was uniquely qualified to write. A native of Northwest Arkansas, Overby has worked in the chancellor’s office since 1993, when she was hired as an administrative assistant by then-Chancellor Dan Ferritor. She was later promoted to associate for administration despite not having the degree the position required, which always concerned her. “I started to feel bad about not having a degree even though I worked for an institution of higher learning,” she said. “And I wanted to be a good role model for our son, Hank.” So with the support of her husband, Bill, she decided to start taking classes in 2000, initially wanting to earn an art degree, though she soon changed her major to education. By the time she had earned her B.S.E. in 2007, graduating with high honors, she realized “how much I enjoyed going to class. So I decided to go on. It was so inexpensive for employees.” She received her master’s degree a year later, earning recognition as the Outstanding Master’s Student in Workforce Development. At that point, she began eyeing a doctorate in higher education administration. “It’s the world I watch every day,” she explained. “I wanted to learn more about the institution and how it runs.” Before applying, she decided to walk down the hall to pick the brain of the vice chancellor for advancement—a position then held by Dave Gearhart, who holds an Doctor of Education. “He convinced me to do it,” she said. A part of Overby’s position is preparing agenda items for the Board of Trustees. When Dave Gearhart moved into the chancellor’s office, along with Judy G. Schwab, associate vice chancellor for administration, her dissertation topic quickly came together. “I thought it would be crazy not to do something on fundraising,” she said, “since I worked with an office full of fundraising experts.” The relationships she developed over the course of her career gave her easy access to trustees, top fundraisers and executive committee members. Her ultimate conclusion: “The support of trustees is critical to the success of a capital campaign.” And who, one might wonder, gave recommendations for her graduate school application? None other than Dan Ferritor, John White and Dave Gearhart. “I was pretty sure I was getting in,” she said with the laugh of a person who has pleasantly surprised herself. ■
56
Archie Monroe ✪+ BSBA’31, Magnolia, Feb. 3. A U.S. Army veteran. He spent most of his life with a career in banking, serving as the president of the First National Bank of Magnolia (now BancorpSouth), and later becoming one of the five founders of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Magnolia. As he grew older, he became the unofficial historian of Magnolia and Columbia County. Survivors: two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Virginia Dudley Terry BM’37, Blytheville, Jan. 22. She was a real estate agent and earned the professional designations of CRS and GRI. Survivors: her daughter, two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. Helen Elvira Hughes BSHE’39, Chowchilla, California, March 1. She was a teacher. Survivors: two daughters, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Edgar C. Wood BSA’40, Hampton, Virginia, Feb. 13. A U.S. Army veteran. His military career was extensive and served 32 years of service. He also worked for Peninsula Office of Manpower. Survivors: his wife Betty, two children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Wanda Richards Underwood Spivey ✪ BSHE’41, Kerrville, March 25. She was a demonstration agent, teacher and a delegate for an in-service seminar in Washington, D.C. Survivors: seven children, 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren. Wallace Oliver Jr. BSCHE’42, Van Buren, March 28. A U.S. Army veteran. Survivors: his wife, Betty, five children and three grandchildren. Jean Herring Cherry BS’43 MED’69, Little Rock, March 2. She was a teacher. Survivors: two children, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. Mary Moore Cook BSHE’43, Albuquerque, Feb. 11. She was a science teacher. Survivors: three daughters and six grandchildren. Eugenia S. Lewis BSHE’43 MED’64, Fayetteville, Feb. 23. She was a teacher, worked for a produce company and later became superintendent of schools in Van Buren.
George A. Rummel Jr. BSA’43, Little Rock, Jan. 7. A U.S. Navy veteran, he spent his career as an agricultural loan officer and vice president for Simmons First National Bank. Survivors: one daughter, two grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Jacqueline Gentry Banks BSBA’44, San Antonio, Texas Jan. 14. She was a retailer and worked at the first and only Neiman Marcus store at the time. Survivors: two children and four grandchildren. Mildred Malone Gray ✪ BSE’44, Fayetteville, March 11. She was a teacher at several schools. She helped start the library at Butterfield Trail Village. Barbara Jones Isom ★ BSHE’46, Conway, March 17. She worked as a University Extension Service Home Economist. Later, she became an elementary teacher. Survivors: five children, 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. R. Weldon Larimore BS’46, Urbana, Jan. 13. He was a stream ecologist, Fulbright lecturer and worked with fisheries that took him all over the world. Survivors: his wife Glenn, three sons and three grandchildren. Troy E. Burris BSBA’47 MS’49, Russellville, March 18. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a longtime businessman and community leader. Survivors: two daughters, one sister, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. James H. Fiser BSAGE’47 MS’52, Memphis, Jan. 29. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked in education, manufacturing plant management and sales. Survivors: his wife, Betty, two children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Margaret Rawson Harris BSE’47, Hope, Jan. 21. She served as a teacher and past president of the Arkansas Women’s Medical Auxiliary. Survivors: her three children, brother, five grandsons and six great grandsons. Martha McCrary Oliver BSBA’47, Little Rock, Dec. 24, 2014. She was a homebuilder, mother and traveler. Survivors: one daughter, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Watson I. Smith BSA’47 MS’53, Shirley, Jan. 23. He was a teacher of various subjects and a coach. Survivors: three children, brother, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
LASEK RE-DISCOVER YOUR WORLD THROUGH
Jesse P. Wilson Jr. BSA’47, Fayetteville, Feb. 12. A U.S. Army veteran, he served as an officer in Patton’s Third Army. He was a Razorback basketball player and was captain by the end of his junior year. He spent his career as an agriculturist with a chemical corporation. Survivors: his wife Mildred, two children and four grandchildren. Chester Crow Jr. BSEE’48, Midland, Texas, Jan. 31. A U.S. Army veteran, he was an electrical engineer. He worked for American Oil Refinery and later, Amoco Pipeline. Survivors: his wife Patsy, four children, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren. William E. Davis BSBA’48, Alma, March 1. A U.S. Army veteran, he was retired from AOG after 36 years as chief accountant and vice president. He was also an ordained minister. Survivors: two children, one sister and one grandchild. Richard Smart ★+ BSIM’48, Pine Bluff, March 17. A U.S. Army veteran, he held six major golf titles in Arkansas and is in the Arkansas State Golf Association Hall of Fame. He worked in the service and sales department for Chevrolet, later becoming a dealer and ran the company. Survivors: three children, one sister, 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Gerald P. Brown ✪ BA’49 LLB’51, Paragould, March 10. A U.S. Army veteran, he was an editor, attorney and judge. Survivors: his wife, Lottie, three children, two sisters, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. William Joe James BS’49, Pine Bluff, Jan. 16. A U.S. Army veteran, he spent his career in the medical and education field. He established a practice in urology and later entered a practice in psychiatry. He served as associate professor of psychiatry for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff facility. Survivors: his wife Sunny, four children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mary Ellen Lockard BSE’49 MED’56, Cabot, Dec. 23, 2014. She spent her career teaching. Rebecca Jordan Ramsauer ✪+ BSBA’49, Hot Springs, Jan. 17. She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, opera and her family. Survivors: her husband Robert, three children and two grandchildren.
Richard Judkins Spades BSE’49, Little Rock, Feb. 28. A U.S. Army veteran, he taught math and science. Survivors: four children, one sister, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Jeanne Fuller Akins MS’50, Little Rock, Dec. 23, 2014. She had a career in insurance and was also a teacher in economics, insurance, office skills and physical education. Survivors: three children, one granddaughter and three great-grandchildren. Bill Block ★+ BSBA’50, Paragould, March 22. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked in insurance. Survivors: his wife, Katherine, two sons, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. James F. Bone BM’50 MA’56, Chicago, Dec. 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he was an artist. John LeGrande Brown BSBA’50, Wagoner, Oklahoma, March 6. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a manager for several stores and eventually became president of S.H. Kress. He later became a director of employee benefits for an international company. Survivors: his wife, Patty, four children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. George Caristianos MS’50, Hot Springs, Feb. 10. He was a devoted teacher, volunteer, traveler and tennis player. Survivors: five children, one sister and 11 grandchildren. Sue Ross Cross BSSW’50, Fort Smith, March 5. She was a teacher and raised sheep and cattle with her husband. Survivors: one son, one grandchild. Floyd B. Dickerson BSCE’50, Little Rock, Feb. 7. A U.S. Army veteran, he served in the 42nd Infantry Division during World War II. Survivors: his sons, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Jay Lynn Jones BSBA’50, Little Rock, Feb. 2. A U.S. Army veteran, he was an interior decorator, he joined the Peace Corps at the age of 67, after returning he was a philanthropist. Survivors: one brother. Grace Lawson BSE’50 MED’55, Springdale, Feb. 24. A U.S. Army veteran, she was a teacher. Survivors: two sisters. Austin A. Moore Jr. BSBA’50, Naples, Florida, Jan. 26. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked for Champion International for 39 years. Survivors: his wife Arlyn,
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
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SENIOR WALK four children, six grandchildren and their children. Odell Pollard ★ LLB’50, Searcy, March 12. Survivors: his wife, Imogene, three children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. J.O. Lide BSIE’51, Arkadelphia, Feb. 18. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked for Georgia Pacific until his retirement. Vim X Rye Jr. ✪+ BSBA’51, Bay City, Texas, Jan. 31. A U.S. Army veteran, he and his wife operated a jewelry store for more than 30 years. Survivors: his wife Marian, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. James Neill Smith LLB’51, McGehee, Feb. 11. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and a retired attorney, having practiced law for many years with his father and brother at Smith and Smith law firm. Survivors: wife, Barbara, three sons, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Joe W. Spencer BSA’51, Batesville, April 8, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, after raising chickens for a number of years, he worked for 40 years as a professional safety engineer in Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Australia. Survivors: his wife, Judy, four children, eight grandchildren.
Ruth A. Gibson BSBA’52, Little Rock, Feb. 6. She worked in the education field as a speech therapist. Survivors: four daughters, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Terry Kimbrough BSE’52 MED’70, Fayetteville, March 19. She was a teacher for more than 30 years. Survivors: two sons, two sisters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bernard Logan Hanavan BSE’52 MS’53, Chula Vista, California, April 20, 2010. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a school principal. Survivors: two children, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pat Morrison BSE’52 MED’57, Fayetteville, March 16. She was a teacher. Survivors: one sister. Randolph Murphy ✪ MD’52, Little Rock, Feb. 7. He practiced family medicine, taught at UAMS and practiced psychiatry. Survivors: his wife, Jewell, three children, one brother, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ethel Miller Roescheise BSBA’52, Little Rock, Jan. 30. She was a member of many leagues and clubs. She enjoyed golfing and loved animals. Survivors: two daughters.
Ruth E. Vickers ★ BA’51, Fayetteville, Feb. 3. She was a guidance counselor for more than 20 years. Survivors: three children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
James A. Vizzier BA’52, Fayetteville, Feb. 4. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a consulting planner for the University of Arkansas and an avid pilot. Survivors: one daughter and two brothers.
T. H. Wortham ✪+ BS’51, Little Rock, Jan. 20. A U.S. Navy veteran, he spent most of his career in the medical field. He ran a thriving family practice for 43 years and helped establish Rebsamen Medical Center. He was a catalyst for major improvements in prison healthcare. Survivors: two children and two grandchildren.
Silas E. Brewer MS’53 DAS’68, Berryville, March 22. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a teacher, principal and superintendent. Survivors: three children, two brothers, four sisters, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
R.E. Bell MS’52, Batesville, Jan. 3, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a teacher, coach and later became a dentist. He also built the first 18-hole golf course in Independence County with Howard House. Survivors: his wife, Polly, three sons, three siblings, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Louise S. Bond BSHE’52, Charleston, March 9. She pursued a career in education and then later became a dietician with a private practice and consulting service. Survivors: three children, one brother, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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Raymond T. Edwards BSBA’53, Lynchburg, Virginia, March 12. A U.S. Army veteran, he had a long career in business. Survivors: his wife, Coretta, one son and two grandchildren. Charles M. Hanson BSBA’53, Little Rock, Jan. 22. He spent his career as a certified public accountant and worked part-time at Arkansas State Employees Association and the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Survivors: his wife, Mary, one son, two daughters, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. John Loys Kalkbrenner BSCE’53, Pine Bluff, March 5. Survivors: his wife, Billie, two children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
James W. Newport BSBA’53, Fayetteville, March 20. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked in the Social Security Administration. Survivors: his wife, Mary Lou, two children, three siblings and two grandchildren.
Texas Tech University. He authored five books on American Drama Criticism. He was a member of Mensa, a group whose members rank in the top 2 percent of the IQs in the world. Survivors: his wife Lynn and two siblings.
Greyson T. Yetter ★+ BSCE’53, South Charleston, Jan. 16. A U.S. Army veteran, he served as a lieutenant colonel in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He spent his career in army engineering and later, construction. Survived: two daughters and four grandchildren.
Lynn Quillin ★ BA’55, Bay City, Texas, Jan. 21. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a U.S. Air Force pilot, Reservist and Air Force Academy admissions officer. He and his wife ran Bay City Office Supply for more than 40 years. Survivors: his wife Mary Jo, three daughters, two siblings and three grandchildren.
Carolyn J. Cole Elmore BSHE’54, McPherson, Kansas, Feb. 20. She was a teacher, worked for the Kansas Agriculture Extension Service, and later, a homemaker. Survivors, her husband, Paul, one daughter, two siblings and one grandson. Vealess F. Hudspeth BSCE’54, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Feb. 7. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a businessman for more than 40 years as owner of HNB Consulting Engineers. Survivors: his daughter, one brother, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Rupert R. Leohner Jr. BSA’54, Gig Harbor, Washington, Dec. 29, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he was the senior Army Instructor for the Army Junior ROTC program for Hamilton County High School in Florida and an overseas telecommunications contractor. Survivors: one son, three sisters and two granddaughters. Robert W. Newell ★+ BSAGE’54, Newport, March 27. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked as a professional engineer. Survivors: his wife, Bettye, three children and eight grandchildren. Maurce C. Sharp MED’54, Harrison, Feb. 9. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a teacher, Realtor and worked in agriculture services. Survivors: his wife Zella, his daughter, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Jerry W. Watkins LLB’54, Little Rock, Feb. 3. He served a career in law, he worked for the Arkansas Supreme Court and later as a corporate lawyer. Survivors: his wife Jill, one daughter and two grandchildren. Eugene H. Debell MED’55, North Little Rock, Feb. 9. A U.S. Army veteran, he spent his career in engineering. Floyd E. Eddleman ✪+ MA’55 PHD’61, Mena, Jan. 13. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, he was a professor of English at University of Colorado and
Alice Lee Voss MA’55, Athens, Jan. 8. She had a long career as a child psychologist, working primarily in the public schools and in programs serving children and families. She also started the Athens Antique Mall, a shop specializing in fine furniture, art, glass and collectibles. Survivors: her husband William, two children, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. JoAn Woody BA’55 MED’71, Fayetteville, March 16. She taught sixth grade for many years. Survivors: four children, one sister, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. John Bagby Jr. BSA’56, Germantown, Tennessee, March 24. A U.S. Army veteran. Survivors: three daughters and six grandchildren. William Albert Cowan Jr. BA’56, Rogers, Nov, 24. 2014. He was a sales representative for Jones Truck Line. Survivors: three children and two grandchildren. Rosemary J. Dyke ★+ BA’56, Little Rock, March 20. She was active in her community and involved in many organizations throughout her life. She later found interest in miniatures and became a craftsman of plants for the miniature world. She also opened Plumpretty dress shop, which successfully operated for 15 years. Survivors: two adopted children and two grandchildren. Jack C. Stivers BSME’56, Houston, Nov. 17, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked for Gulf Oil Corporation for 28 years and later did consulting work. Survivors: his wife, two sons and four grandchildren. James C. Breashears BS’57, Deberrie, March 19. He worked in the aircraft industry and owned a sod farm. Survivors: one brother.
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
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SENIOR WALK
In Memoriam
photo submitted
John Paul Hammerschmidt ✪+ LLD’11 John Paul Hammerschmidt of Harrison, who served in the U.S. Congress for 26 years, passed away April 1 at age 92. Hammerschmidt graduated from Harrison High School at age 15 and then, at age 16, attended The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. After one year at The Citadel, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis and later attended the U.S. Military Academy in West Point. During the interim period, he attended the University of Arkansas. He made the pivotal decision to forego West Point and join the Army Air Corps and begin pilot training. Afterward, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and promptly volunteered for missions overseas. He was assigned to the China-Burma-India Theater, where he flew 217 combat missions as a pilot for the Third Combat Cargo Group. He then served his country in the Air Force Reserves and retired as a major, after 20 years of service. After the war, he continued his college career at Oklahoma A&M College, now Oklahoma State University, until he took over the family lumber business. He married Virginia “Ginny” Ann Sharp in 1948, and they had one son, John Arthur. He ran Hammerschmidt Lumber Co. for 20 years before seeking public office. He was also active behind the scenes in the Arkansas Republican Party. By 1966, he was the chairman of the party and the party needed a candidate to oppose a 22-year Democrat incumbent in the 3rd Congressional District. He won the 1966 campaign with 53 percent of the vote, becoming the first Arkansas Republican sent to Washington since Reconstruction. Hammerschmidt served in the U.S. Congress during the administrations of six presidents, including George Herbert Walker Bush with whom he created a close friendship. He was well known for individual constituent service; his high voting and attendance records in Congress; and his legislative expertise in transportation infrastructure and in veterans matters. Among his many accomplishments in public office, he was the author and initiating sponsor of the public law preserving the Buffalo River as a free-flowing stream, adding it to the National Park System in 1972. He was also the original sponsor of congressional authorization for a national Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. In 1981, the Arkansas Alumni Association presented him with the Citation of Distinguished Alumni and then in 2011, the University of Arkansas awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws. ■
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Billy John Hallmark BSA’57, Jonesboro, Dec. 29, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked as consultant. Survivors: his wife, Gayle, three daughters and six granddaughters. Herman Bentley Harrison BSEE’57, Jacksonville, Feb. 26. A U.S. Army veteran, he spent his career providing electrical engineering to the General Dynamics and The Boeing Company. Survivors: two daughters, two sisters, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Rob Magruder BSBA’57, Fort Smith, Feb. 13. A U.S. Army veteran, he was an accountant, and later a businessman in the home building business and the natural gas industry. Survivors: one brother. William R. Mixon BSCHE’57, Knoxville, Jan. 22, 2015. Survivors: his wife Louise, two children, one sister and two great-grandchildren. Mary Mauzy Shelton BSE’56 MED’60 PHD’73, Starkville, Mississippi, Jan. 19. She was a teacher, musical director and administrator. She was extensively involved with the department of Special Education. Survivors: her husband Aubrey, one daughter and two granddaughters. Joe Edsel Smith BARCH’59, Van Buren, Feb. 25. A U.S. Army veteran, he was an architect and engineer. Survivors: five children, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. Frederick A. Spencer MS’57, Salem, West Virginia, Feb. 27. He opened a family practice clinic and served as team physician for Salem College. Survivors: two daughters, one sister and eight grandchildren.
Vance L. Broadaway BSME’58, Little Rock, Feb. 11. A U.S. Army veteran, he served as a deacon of the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ and spent his career in construction and special machinery development for road maintenance. Survivors: wife Donna, three daughters, one brother, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Jim Cathcart BSE’58, Arlington, March 14. A U.S. Army veteran, he played for the Razorback basketball team for four years and played five years of professional basketball. He worked as a coach and athletic director. Survivors: his wife, Julie, two children and three grandsons. Collin J. Hightower BS’58, North East Arkansas, Oct. 25, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he became a captain in Army Intelligence, and he was also taught at both the University of Colorado at Boulder and Denver. Survivors: two children, one sister and two grandchildren. Carlton D. Huitt ✪ MD’58, Lusk, Wyoming, Jan. 17. A U.S. Army Air Force veteran, he spent most of his career in the medical field and was a dedicated physician. Survivors: five children and eight grandchildren. Max S. Lamb BSCE’58, Vicksburg, Feb. 2. He was a river engineer. He was instrumental in developing new concepts in navigation design. Survivors: his wife Henrietta, two daughters and one grandchild. Shirley Anne Davis Bridges BSE’59, Fayetteville, Jan. 7. She was a teacher for many years. Survivors: her two children, one brother and three grandchildren.
Kay Terry Spencer BA’57, Little Rock, Dec. 27, 2014. She was an active volunteer. Survivors: three children, four siblings and two grandchildren. Robert V. Sullenger MED’57, Little Rock, Feb. 11. A U.S. Army veteran, he served as an educator, administrator and coach throughout his career. Survivors: his wife Beverly, daughter, one brother, one sister, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ray J. Barnett MED’58, Springdale, Feb. 5. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a teacher, counselor and administrator. Survivors: his wife, Dora, five sons, twin sisters, 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Ernest N. Goldman Jr. BSIE’59, Bryan, Texas, Jan. 10. A U.S. Army veteran, he held engineering positions at many different companies. Survivors: his wife Mary Jo, three children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. James F. Franz BSBA’59, Mena, Dec. 18, 2014. Virginia M. Langley BSE’59, Spearman, Texas, Jan. 30. She had a career in teaching. Survivors: her husband, Dean, two children, one sister and five grandchildren. Tommy Matthews MED’59, Maumelle, Jan. 10. He was an educator and administrator. Survivors: wife Patricia, two children, one brother and four grandchildren.
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Billye Morris MED’59, Memphis, Tennessee, Jan. 21, 2013. She was a school teacher and tutor. Darrall A. Richter ★ BSA’59, Hot Springs, Jan. 4. A U.S. Army veteran, he spent a career in agriculture. Survivors: his wife Annetta, two children, one sister, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Freddie Ellis Duvall BSE’60, Russellville, Jan. 2. He worked for American Express. He played for the Boston Red Sox for three seasons. He was a coach for youth teams for many years. Survivors: three children, five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter. Burl Hunt EDD’60, Oxford, Dec. 19, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he was an educator for many years. Survivors: his daughter, two grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Paula Murphy BA’61, Fort Smith, March 3. She worked in Dallas for Cullim and Borne. Survivors: her husband, George, two sons, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Thomas D. Murphy BSBA’61, Bentonville, Jan. 18. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a businessman, pilot and teacher. Survivors: his wife Laura, one son, two siblings, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. N. Glenn Sowder BSE’61, Dallas, Feb. 1. A U.S. Army veteran, he served our nation for well over two decades, eventually retiring as a medical service corps lieutenant colonel. Survivors: four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Jack C. White BS’61 MS’63, Albany, Feb. 12. He was geologist, researcher, teacher and mentor. Survivors: his wife Joan, two sons, three granddaughters and one great-grandson. Tom L. Bass BSME’62, Texarkana, Jan. 24. A U.S. Army veteran, he spent his career in construction in which he founded his own contracting company and additionally co-owned a distribution and tire company. He served as the president of the Texarkana Airport Board. He also had an instrumental role in the design and planning of the Road Hog Park. Survivors: his wife Patricia, two children, one sister, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Alfred B. Dawson BSBA’62 LLB’64, Sherwood, Feb. 1. A U.S. Army veteran,
he was an attorney. Survivors: his wife, Sara Beth, and one son. William B. Brady ✪ BSBA’63, Little Rock, Dec. 11, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he practiced law. Survivors: his wife Mary Anne, son, three sisters and one grandson.
Rise and Shine...
Henri Freyburger MA’63, Aiken, South Carolina, Feb. 10. He studied music, but was later forced into the German army and was captured and sent to the prisoner of war camp. After his release, he volunteered for the French Army. After he came to the U.S. he began a teaching career and was a professor. Tommy Wayne Burgess BSBA’64, Van Buren, March 13. He was a retired financial advisor for Trane Manufacturing. Survivors: his wife, Jane, two children, one brother, three stepchildren, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. E. Fletcher Jackson LLB’64, Little Rock, Nov. 19, 2014. He had a successful career in law, he was the youngest lawyer to ever appear before the U.S. Supreme Court and he later spent 40 years as an assistant attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Survivors: his wife, Jayne, and one sister. Thomas E. Tanner LLB’64, Central Arkansas, Feb. 6. A U.S. Army veteran, his career was spent in law, he served as a city attorney, deputy prosecuting attorney and political aide before entering private practice and founding several title companies. Survivors: two sons, one sister and four granddaughters. James R. Bona Sr. BSPH’65, Little Rock, Dec. 27, 2014. He owned a pharmacy. Survivors: his wife, Pat, one son and two grandchildren. Joyce R. Carter BSHE’65, Holt, Michigan, Jan. 30. She was a seamstress with a passion for fabrics, designing and making clothing. She developed a line of patterns and later worked as a sewing consultant for Bernina Sewing Machine Company. Survivors: her husband Frank, two daughters and five grandchildren.
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Armstead Milner Feland IV BSEE’65 MSEE’66, North Little Rock, Jan. 1. He worked in farmer cooperatives that reached across the Mid-South. Survivors: three children and 11 grandchildren. Paul W. Jackson BSA’65, Bray, Feb. 19. A U.S. Army veteran, he spent his career in agricultural services and entomology.
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
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609 W. Dickson St. | Fayetteville, Arkansas Randy Werner | 479.287.4599 lifestyle@the-dickson.com
SENIOR WALK Survivors: his wife Irene, three children and four grandchildren.
and a volunteer firefighter. Survivors: his wife, Rita, and three children.
Mary Helbron Kaylor BSE’65, Rogers, Feb. 3. She and her husband were best known for bringing Coys Place restaurant to Fayetteville. She served most of her career as an elementary teacher. Survivors: two children, one grandson and one brother.
Darrel W. Abshier BSBA’68, Colcord, Oklahoma, Dec. 30, 2014. He was a self-employed building contractor and later became a dairy farmer. Survivors: his wife Dorothy, three daughters, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
John Marschewski Jr. ✪+ BSEE’65 MSEE’70, Little Rock, Feb. 5. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a major in the 142nd Artillery Army National Guard. He worked 40 years in the electric utility business, ending his career as president of Southwest Power Pool. Survivors: his wife Mary Beth, three children and six grandchildren. Jack Alden Phillips BSA’65 BSE’67, Benton, Feb. 2. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a farmer, businessman and a teacher. Survivors: his wife Josephine, seven children, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Winona Dell Bierbaum MED’66, Hamburg, Feb. 27. She was a retired college professor having taught at Mars Hill University. Survivors: one sister. Stephen Jay Hull BS’66 MS’67, El Dorado, Jan. 14. Gladys Arnold McGee MED’66, Pine Bluff, March 2. She was a music educator and assisted her husband, a professor of music and Vesper choir director, with the choir. Survivors: one son, one grandchild and three great-grandchildren. Chester L. Pyle BSBA’66, Marietta, Georgia, Feb. 4. He worked in the field of animal health and was a salesman for many companies. Survivors: two children and nine grandchildren. Robert R. Williamson BA’66 MS’70, Fayetteville, Jan. 18. He was a science teacher and coach. He also spent many years as a primary care physician and emergency room physician. Survivors: two daughters and one sister. Forrest Ford BSBA’67, St. Louis, March 27. He had a career in computer programming. Survivors: his wife, Martha, two children, two siblings and four grandchildren. Jim Edward Standridge BSCHE’67, Beach City, Feb. 23. He was the former mayor of Beach City and served for eight years and an additional two-year term on Beach City Council. He was also a chemical engineer for an oil refinery
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David L. Green BSIM’69, Sherwood, Jan. 24. He spent a career in industrial management. Survivors: his wife Sharon, two children and two siblings. Diane Kay Newland BSE’69, Rogers, Feb. 13. She worked in real estate and construction. Survivors: three children, two siblings and four grandchildren. Jerry Otis Simmons ★ BSEE’69, Little Rock, Jan. 9. He spent his career in engineering. Survivors: his wife Sandy, one son and two grandchildren. Thomas D. Baber ★ BSBA’70, San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 25. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a pilot and worked in computers for Apple. Survivors: his wife, Janet, two daughters, two brothers and four grandchildren. Chandler M. Church BSBA’70, Jackson, Dec. 22, 2014. He was a commercial banker, guest service manager and lived in many places throughout his life. Survivors: his son and one brother. William Hal Wilson BSBA’70, Memphis, Mach 11. He worked as a marketing manager and ad agency. Survivors: his wife, Chris, one son and one sister. Lorraine H. Jordan MED’71, Little Rock, Feb. 21. She was a teacher. Survivors: two children. Patricia Snyder BSE’71, Tallahassee, Florida, March 22. She was an advocate for the American Army and was heavily involved in various groups and projects. Survivors: her husband, Nell, one son and one sister. Glenna L. Cosgrove MED’72, Conway, Dec. 3, 2014. She worked in the personnel office when the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Naval Hospital and Naval Air Field were built in Norman, Oklahoma, to train our soldiers to defend our country. She began her teaching career at Jacksonville High School, teaching distributive education. Survivors: five children, one brother, 20 grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren.
Munford Jeter MS’72, Boise, Idaho, Feb. 23. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a professor for Limestone College. Survivors: his wife Doris, one son and two grandchildren. Martin J. Willems BSME’72, Van Buren, Jan. 3. He was a mechanical engineer, he produced production machines and designed assembly lines. Survivors: his wife Janie, two children and four siblings. Barbara J. Faught MED’73, Fort Smith, March 31. She taught business courses. Survivors: her husband, Bill, three children and six grandchildren. Kurt Klinger BSE’73, Fayetteville, Dec. 10, 2014. He worked for the St. Petersburg Times. Survivors: two children and two grandchildren. Robert E. Neely MA’73, Rogers, Nov. 28, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a school teacher. Survivors: his foster son. Charles Claiborne Price MA’73 JD’75, Little Rock, Feb. 18. U.S. Army veteran, he retired as a colonel. He was an educator and attorney. Survivors: two sons, one brother and one sister. Bob L. Trogdon MS’73, Asheboro, North Carolina, March 11. U.S. Army veteran, he was a teacher, program director and assistant superintendent. Survivors: his wife, Nina, two daughters, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. Robert D. Ward ★ BSBA’73, Fayetteville, Feb. 28. He worked in the electric field. Survivors: his wife, Cody, four children, five siblings, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Abram Ross Wylie BSCE’74, Little Rock, Jan. 17. A U.S. Army veteran, he spent his engineering career in bridge design. His most notable design included the Wylie Ravine. Survivors: son, grandson, three brothers and one sister. Cinda K. Yelvington BA’75 MS’78, Little Rock, Jan. 7. She was a medical speech language pathologist, specializing in swallow studies. Survivors: her husband, Jimmy. Elizabeth C. Breslin MED’76, Belfast, Maine, Feb. 17. She worked for the Sunday editor of The New York Times, she later worked on political campaigns and as an office secretary to a U.S. senator of New Jersey. She was also a research assistant for Nelson Rockefeller in his political campaign for senator and U.S. president. Survivors: one brother. Kerry Pollard Walker BSE’76, Fayetteville, March 14. Survivors: one son and two brothers. Almut R. McAuley MFA’77, Cheney, Washington, March 17. She was an English instructor and later, a faculty adviser of the Wire Harp literary magazine. Survivors: two sons, two brothers and two grandchildren. Agnes McNutt MED’77, Harrison, April 1. She was a business teacher in the Harrison School District for more than 30 years. Survivors: two sons, two sisters and six grandchildren. Debra Whitsett BSPA’77, Van Buren, March 25. She was a homemaker and a floral designer. Survivors: her husband, Riley, two sons, two sisters and one brother.
James A. Carmody ✪ JD’74, Tomball, Texas, Dec. 6, 2014. He was an astute lawyer and arbiter. Survivors: his wife Tippy, two children, one brother and two granddaughters. Sara Rhoades Harris BSE’74, Fayetteville, Jan. 31. She was a teacher’s aide in the Fayetteville Public School system and a first-grade teacher. Survivors: her husband, Grover, three sons, four siblings and four grandchildren. Major E. Smith Jr. BA’74, Little Rock, Dec. 16, 2014. Survivors: his mother and one sister. Gwendolyn Beard Stockemer MED’74, Fort Smith, Jan. 31. She was a teacher and traveler. Survivors: her husband Paul, three sons and four grandchildren.
Sandra C. Jansen ADN’78, Springdale, Feb. 25. Her nursing career path led her to Washington Regional Medical Center where she worked in virtually every area of the hospital from the emergency room to pediatrics. Survivors: two children, two siblings and five grandchildren. Earl W. Lee MA’78, Pittsburg, Kansas, Feb. 19. He was an author and librarian. Survivors: his wife, Kathy, three children and three siblings. Jimmy Moore MED’78, Star City, Jan. 23. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a teacher, coach and principal. Survivors: wife Janice, two daughters, one brother and two grandchildren. Sandra L. Widdicombe BA’78, Rogers, Sep. 18, 2014. She was a Realtor. Survivors: one daughter and two siblings.
ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
David Barksdale BSPH’79, Texarkana, April 8, 2014. During his career he held various positions in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sales and marketing. Survivors: his wife, Sandy, one daughter and one grandchild. Constance R. New MED’79, Lake Village, Feb. 18. She was an educator and administrator. Survivors: four children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Charles W. Treanor MS’79, Seattle, March 5. A U.S. Army veteran, he was an engineer. Survivors: his wife, Marilyn, two daughters, one sister, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Michael Ray Brown BSE’80 BSIE’81, Harriet, Jan. 23. U.S. Army veteran, he worked as an industrial engineer. Survivors: his parents and one sister. Michael N. Compton EDD’80, Fayetteville, Nov. 29, 2014. He was a dean, pastor and mentor. Survivors: his two adopted sons and one sister. Lee Vernon Jernigan ADN’80, Hot Springs, Dec. 18, 2014. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked as a psychology nurse and later managed Jernigan’s restaurant. Survivors: his wife Shirley, his mother, an adopted son and six siblings. Ann E. Gray MED’81, Fayetteville, March 11. She was a teacher at several elementary schools and helped start the library at Butterfield Trail Village. Richard Larry Gray MED’81, Central Arkansas, Jan. 9. He was a teacher for 30 years. Following his retirement, he was heavily involved in volunteer work. Survivors: his wife Judy, three children, three sisters, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Robert W. Martin MED’81 EDS’86, Cabot, Nov. 23, 2014. He was a school educator for 39 years, including coaching, teaching, serving as a principal and administrator. Survivors: his wife, Tama, two sons, one daughter and two grandchildren. Doyne C. Clem ✪ MS’82, Conway, Feb. 27. A U.S. Army veteran, his Navy career spanned five decades and later worked in a Naval Hospital. Survivors: three children, four siblings, one grandchild, three great-grandchildren.
Teresa A. Simpson BSE’83, Huntsville, Nov. 28, 2014. She was a school teacher. Survivors: one son and two siblings. Geraldine A. Ford MED’85, Springdale, March 2. She was a teacher in schools and churches. Survivors: five children and 14 grandchildren. Patricia Ann Moore MED’86, Hot Springs, March 11. She was a teacher and counselor. Survivors: her husband, James, five children and four siblings. Ronald Lee Brawner MED’87, Fayetteville, Feb. 8. He was a teacher, coach and superintendent. Survivors: two daughters, two siblings and one grandson. Timothy Wood McDaniel BSBA’87, North Little Rock, Jan. 17. He was a pharmaceutical sales representative. Survivors: his wife Jennifer, four children, his mother and two brothers. Leonard E. Rice MED’87, Warren, March 7. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked in the family business, and was director of work alternatives for then Gov. Mike Huckabee. Survivors: his wife, Sharon, one son, three siblings and one grandchild. Toni D. Phillips MA’88, Hot Springs, Feb. 1. She was a Garland County election commissioner, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas in government studies, and a high school Spanish and English teacher. Survivors: two sons and two grandchildren. Brenda Broussard Scrimager ★ MED’89, Little Rock, March 10. She had a career in art education. She received licensure in deaf education. Her dream to teach art to children and adults with deafness came true when she was given the position of art coordinator at the Louisiana School for the Deaf and later, the Arkansas School for the Deaf. Survivors: her husband, Billy, her mother and one sister. Frankie K. Oglesby EDD’90, Marion, March 13. She was a professor at the Marion Military Institute. She taught reading and developmental English. Survivors: one brother. Jacob Wells BSBA’91, Little Rock, Nov. 7, 2014. He was a senior audit manager at JPMS Cox, PLLC with 23 years of public accounting experience. Survivors: his parents, his grandmother, one sister Heidi Stambuck ★ BA’88 MA’13, one son, two daughters and one granddaughter.
Summer 2015 • ARKANSAS
Michael Barrett Alexander BA’95 BA’96 MBA’98 JD’02, Van Buren, March 1. He was a former real estate manager for Walmart and most recently operated a private law firm. Survivors: one son, his parents and one sister. Sharon L. Jones BS’00, Fayetteville, Nov. 15, 2014. Survivors: three children and two grandchildren. Jayne Merl Kiner MS’00, Mandan, North Dakota, Jan. 19. She taught science and math in high schools and started her college teaching career at Bismarck State College. Survivors: her husband Gary, one daughter, two sisters and three grandsons. John E. Kaelin BSBA’01, Nashville, Feb. 7. He was a finance manager in the corporate office for Dollar General. Survivors: his parents, four sisters and two brothers. Raymond R. Gilkey BA’02, Bella Vista, March 10. He loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Survivors: his wife, Marilyn, one daughter and two sisters. Joshua D. Copher BSBA’03, Fort Smith, April 21, 2014. He was the founder and chief executive officer of Pure Charity. Survivors: his wife, Kristin, his parents and two brothers. L. Gail Palomino BSE’03, Ozan, Nov. 28, 2014. She worked for University of Arkansas Community College at Hope and owned and operated Palomino Farms. Survivors: one brother. Morgan Carl Bradley BSBA’06, Siloam Springs, Feb. 6. Survivors: his wife Traci, parents, one daughter, one brother and one sister. Frank A. Bailey MS’10, Bentonville, July 27, 2011. He was the disability counselor at Northwest Arkansas Community College. Survivors: his wife, PJ, one daughter, three grandchildren and two brothers. Andrew Poole BSBA’10, Maumelle, Jan. 3. He was a wireless engineer and an outdoor enthusiast. Survivors: his parents and two grandmothers. Mary Beth Harpell MSOM’12, Collierville, Tennessee, March 19. Survivors: two daughters and her mother.
Friends Roy A. Brinkley ★, North Little Rock, Feb. 11. A U.S. Army veteran, he began his practice in North Little Rock in 1958, later opening his internal medicine practice in Little Rock. In 1986, he left his medical practice to work as an emergency room physician and was an inaugural member of the Med Flight team at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock and Arkadelphia. Survivors: his wife Bobbye ★, four daughters, one brother, three sisters, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Jill Hardin, Fayetteville, March 5. When her children were school age, Jill returned to work and held positions with The Health Resource and the University of Arkansas. Most recently, she worked as the assistant director of development research at the U of A. She was a skilled writer, researcher and proofreader. Many of her ideas were implemented by the departments in which she worked. Survivors: her husband, Richard, two daughters, three grandchildren, one brother and two sisters. Sharon Kemp ✪+, Alma, Jan. 31. She was a homemaker. Survivors: her husband Wes, two children and one sister. Chris McCollum ★+, Decatur, Jan. 10. She was a nurse and an accomplished artist. Survivors: five children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Randel K. Price ★, Little Rock, March 15. A U.S. Army veteran, he served as a county agent in multiple counties for the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, he later became an Assistant Professor at the U of A. Survivors: his wife, Margaret, two sons, two siblings. Billie C. Smith, Van Buren, Feb. 25. She was a teacher at the University of Arkansas School of Nursing. Robert D. Ward, Fayetteville, Feb. 28. He worked in electrics and at the University of Arkansas. Survivors: his wife, Cody, four children, five siblings, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Myra L. Woody Rice ✪, Rogers, Jan. 12. She was a registered nurse. Survivors: her husband Jerry, four children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. ■
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photo Charlie Alison
LAST LOOK
Beacon of Hope Late on a springtime day, storm clouds move across the hills of Fayetteville and sunlight pierces a break, turning Old Main and the skyline into a silhouette of black. Old Main turns 140 years old this year. Opening of the newly finished hall was celebrated in August of 1875 with an all-day picnic spread upon workbenches and eaten in the shadow of the South Tower. As light faded that day, lanterns and bricks soaked in oil were lit and fireworks were fired to dedicate the first public building of higher education in the state of Arkansas. Today, Old Main remains a beacon of education in Arkansas and a temple of learning for students from around the world. â–
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ARKANSAS • Summer 2015
Razorbacks on Tour
• 2016 Alumni Travel Schedule •
❂ TANZANIA SAFARI January 18-29, $6995*
❂ CANADIAN ROCKIES PARKS & RESORTS August 4-10, from $4295*
❂ PACIFIC DREAMS OF THE TAHITIAN ISLANDS January 25-February 4, from $3999**
❂ COASTAL MAINE & NEW BRUNSWICK August 14-24
❂ TASMAN TREASURES February 21-March 9, from $6999** ❂ PERUVIAN AMAZON March 31-April 8, from $3995* ❂ RIVER LIFE ALONG THE WATERWAYS OF HOLLAND & BELGIUM April 13-21, from $2995* ❂ FLAVORS OF SPAIN April 16-24, from $4495* ❂ PALMS IN PARADISE: MIAMI TO SAN FRANCISCO April 24-May 10, starts at $3299** ❂ WATERWAYS OF FRANCE: PROVENCE TO NORMANDY May 19-30, from $4695* ❂ CLASSIC EUROPE GRADUATION TOUR May 22-June 4, from $2845* ❂ IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS: SCOTLAND • NORWAY • DENMARK May 24- June 1, from $4495* ❂ REGAL ROUTES OF NORTHERN EUROPE: LONDON TO COPENHAGEN June 13-14, from $3799** ❂ THE GREAT JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE June 25-July 5, from $4295* ❂ MEDITERRANEAN RIVIERA ABOARD AEGEAN ODYSSEY June 1-15, from $5195* ❂ ALASKA’S GLACIERS AND THE INSIDE PASSAGE July 9-16, from $3995*
ARKANSAS
ALUMNI
CUBAN DISCOVERY
❂ OXFORD & THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE-TOWN & COUNTRY LIFE Date TBD, from $3995* ❂ THE MAGNIFICENT GREAT LAKES & ST. LAWRENCE RIVER August 22-31, from $4999* ❂ SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS September 12-23, from $3595* ❂ OKTOBERFEST! RIVER CRUISE: VIENNA & BAVARIA September 9-18, from $3995* ❂ CANADA & NEW ENGLAND FALL MEDLEY: MONTREAL TO NEW YORK September 30 – October 12, from $4299** ❂ MEDITERRANEAN PATHWAYS & PIAZZAS October 14-22, starting at $2399* ❂ COUNTRY & BLUES: NASHVILLE TO MEMPHIS October 23-31, from $2799* ❂ CUBAN DISCOVERY November 10-18, approximately $5399‡ ❂ HOLIDAY MARKETS November 29-December 10, from $2995* ALL PRICES AND ITINERARIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE * Price per person, double occupancy, air not included. ‡ Price per person, double occupancy with round trip air from Miami. **Prices per person, double occupancy with 2-for-1 cruise fares and airfare included.
Members, alumni, friends & family – anyone can travel with Razorbacks on Tour! WWW.ARKANSASALUMNI.ORG/TOURS • 1.888.275.2586
YOUR CONNECTION STARTS HERE
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Don’t miss: Hog Wild Tailgate information on page 4
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