Arkansas Magazine Summer 2016

$6.00 Exclusively for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc. ARKANSAS

Summer 2016 Vol. 65, No. 4

Exclusively for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc.

Summer 2016 Vol. 65, No. 4

Thank you for being a proud member!

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ALUMNUS DESIGNS WWI MEMORIAL

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Joe Weishaar was selected to design a memorial in Washington, D.C., to those who served during World War I.

GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT

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University Recreation offers a weekly pick-up game for wheelchair athletes.

PLANET X

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A University of Arkansas professor ran the math 30 years ago and theorized that there might be another planet out there. Now science is catching up to him.

A RIVER DIVIDES LIFE

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Dustin Campbell went kayaking on the Hailstone of the Buffalo River and lived to tell about it, barely.

arkansas

Letters

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On the Hill

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Profile

12

Associations

30

Razorback Road

42

Yesteryear

47

Senior Walk

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Last Look

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Summer 2016

Exclusively for members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc.

ON THE COVER A design for Joe Weishaar’s WWI memorial proposal in D.C.

C A M P U S V I EW

ARKANSAS Publisher Arkansas Alumni Association Executive Director Brandy Cox ★ MA’07

photo by Matthew Reynolds

Editor Charlie Alison ★ BA’82 MA’04

The Heart of the Matter University of Arkansas students are at the center of everything we do in Enrollment Services, making sure we hit the right size and balance in the freshman class, providing support through scholarships and financial aid, connecting them to the campus through orientation, and guiding them throughout their four (sometimes five) years through UAConnect, UASuccess, and CLASS+.

Serving as the vice provost for enrollment and dean of admission with such a dedicated team of people is exciting. Even as freshman cohorts have grown, we join other offices in engaging with students on their own terms, meeting them individually and finding the right fit for them and often for their families. Service is in our name and in our organizational DNA. Most enrollment managers in this country would recognize that picture. What many of my colleagues would find unusual is that I have approximately 250-300 appointments a year with students who are applying for nationally competitive scholarships like the Rhodes, Marshall, Gates Cambridge, Goldwater, and Truman Scholarships, and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships.

I am in a privileged position to be able to work with students while they are still in high school, recruiting them to come to the U of A and reviewing incoming scholarship applications of top students, and then to engage with some of these same students as they look for national funding to do exceptional work with issues like food insecurity, water scarcity, or immigration. I learn something new with every meeting.

But what I have learned overall in connecting these two halves of my life – enrollment and nationally competitive scholarships – is that students who have strong financial support coming in are most often those same students who win these amazing awards a few short years later. It is

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not that they all have high scores or high grades.

They may have scholarship funding for a variety of reasons, but whatever the reason, a scholarship coming in gives energetic students precious time to devote to a double major, to study abroad, to research, and to pursue service.

Students working 25-40 hours a week while going to school learn many good lessons as well, but they often don’t have these same opportunities to explore academically, to serve in their communities, and to engage in discovering new knowledge through research.

Following the careers of students who receive our awards is fun. Just last year one recipient did special research on low-cost medical equipment that could be easily used in understaffed and undertrained clinics in developing countries. She went on to receive a Harvard Amgen Scholarship, and she was a Marshall Scholarship Finalist. Gifts like the many named Chancellor’s and Honors College Academy Scholarships; the Bodenhamer, Boyer, and Sturgis Fellowships; and the Access Arkansas awards have been transformational for our students. It has been amazing to watch.

Just this year U of A students received support from incredibly competitive scholarship foundations like Gates Cambridge, Goldwater, Truman, National Science Foundation, and Fulbright – over $2 million in national awards.

As an Arkansan and U of A alumna, I am so pleased to see our students continue year after year to excel at the top of whatever they choose to do.

And we as a community of University of Arkansas supporters should feel really proud of our part in making that happen.

Associate Editors Ashley Batchelor ★ BA’07 Bob Whitby Creative Director Eric Pipkin Photo Editor Russell Cothren ✪ Photographers Matthew Reynolds Emma Schock Designers Laura Bennett Ross Maute Writers & Contributors Chris Branam ★ MA’11 Kendall Curlee Robby Edwards Scott Flanagin Katie Helms Jennifer Holland ★ MED’08 Matt McGowan Andra Parrish Liwag David Speer BA’75 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 16-111 All photos by University Relations unless otherwise noted.

Cover photo by Matthew Reynolds.

Please recycle this magazine or share it with a friend.

– Suzanne McCray Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

IF OUR BANK WAS ANY CLOSER,,

WE’D BE IN CLASS, TOO. Make banking convenient for your college student.

ASK ABOUT Free Checking WITH Mobile Banking!

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Home on the Hill

Come back to your

University of Arkansas Homecoming: October 9-15, 2016

Oct. 9

O c t . 14

Color Those Hogs 5K

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Class of 2015 Senior Walk Dedication

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Homecoming Parade & Pep Rally

Hog Wild Tailgate at the Hembree Alumni House

O c t . 14

Alumni Awards Banquet

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Razorback Football vs.

Ole Miss Rebels

HOMECOMING.UARK.EDU

Hog Wild Tailgates

September 3, 2016

Louisiana Tech September 17, 2016

Texas State October 8, 2016

Get ready to cheer on those Hogs!

All are welcome to stop by the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House and enjoy Hog Wild Tailgates for Fayetteville home games. Hungry or thirsty? Food and drink tickets are available for purchase on game day and food trucks will be located in the west alumni parking lot.

Tailgates begin two and one-half hours before kickoff and conclude 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

Alabama Ride Mr. Buckingham at the tailgate

October 15, 2016

Ole Miss Homecoming November 5, 2016

Florida November 12, 2016

LSU

Check www.arkansasrazorbacks.com to confirm game time.

• Live Music: Silvershakers and others • Big Screens to watch the big games

• Food Truck Court: Razordaddy’s, Tyler’s Craft BBQ , Baller, Puritan Brew (coffee), El Lagunero

Catered meals: Game day catered meals* are reserved with your pre-registration. A small number of meals are available to walkups as supplies last.

• Razorback Marching Band • U of A Spirit Squads

Pre-Register** Members and guests:..............$15 each Non-Members and guests:....$20 each Ages 12 and under:...................$10 each

• Special guests throughout the season • Climate Controlled Tailgating

• Catered meal option*

Walk-Up Members:.....................................$20 each Non-Members:...........................$25 each Ages 12 and under:...................$15 each

* Catered meal ticket includes: 1 “Hog Pen” meal, water, lemonade, tea, 1 ice cream ticket and 2 drink tickets for wine, beer or bottled sodas. ** Pre-registration closes the Tuesday before each home game

www.arkansasalumni.org/hogwildtailgates 1-888-ARK-ALUM or 479-575-2801

ON THE HILL

Students in 26 Arkansas Counties to Benefit from $2.4 Million Gift The Accelerated Student Achievement Program is being established at the University of Arkansas thanks to a $2.4 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation. The program will serve first-generation and low-income students in 26 Arkansas counties and is a joint effort by the offices of diversity affairs and enrollment services at the university. It is a four-year pilot initiative designed to accelerate academic success, college completion and career readiness among students from the Delta region and other Arkansas communities.

“We are very grateful to the Walton Family Foundation for their generous support of this summer bridge program,” said Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for student affairs. “It is great to partner with an organization that shares our passion and commitment to enhancing the college retention and completion rates of these very deserving Arkansas students.”

The Accelerated Student Achievement Program will serve the following counties: Arkansas, Ashley, Chicot, Clay, Craighhead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, Randolph, St. Francis, White and Woodruff.

Program staff will identify all students from those counties who are

first-generation to attend college or low-income and who qualify to be admitted to the U of A. Staff will then randomly select 100 students as ASAP Scholars for the pilot program.

During the four years of the program, schools in the region served

by ASAP will receive targeted outreach tailored to their needs regarding college admissions counseling and college readiness support. Eligible students will also receive help with early advising and financial and college planning. They will also attend new student orientation at the U of A as a group.

The students selected as ASAP Scholars will earn the opportunity to complete three courses during a summer session at the university.

Students will take a one-hour course designed to increase successful college transition and completion and two freshman-level courses in partnership with the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. ASAP Scholars will engage in regional cultural enrichment and experiential learning opportunities, as well as social programs led by student mentors. They will continue to receive priority advising and course registration throughout their first and second years on campus.

As sophomores and beyond, these scholars will be encouraged to serve as leaders and mentors to their younger peers. n

Journalism Professor’s Documentary Airs on Baseball Network

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emeritus James Greeson. It is available on DVD from Amazon.com.

Among highlights in the film: • The story of the 1886 Chicago White Stockings, the first team to travel to Hot Springs for spring training, an event that was chronicled in the first edition of The Sporting News.

• John McGraw’s 1901 effort to get around the unwritten color barrier by trying to pass off African American infielder Charlie Grant as an American Indian named Chief Charlie Tokahoma of the Cherokee Nation.

(Charles Comiskey of the White Sox foiled the plan.)

• Tales of what the players did in Hot Springs during the spring training heyday, including gambling, betting at the Oaklawn Park horse racing track, ostrich races and trips to the alligator farm to watch gators eating chickens.

• Stories of Negro Leagues stars who trained in Arkansas, including Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson and Oscar Charleston.

• Rare 1934 sound film of Rogers Hornsby. n Image submitted

The First Boys of Spring, a one-hour documentary by journalism Professor Larry Foley, was shown twice in February on the Major League Baseball Network. The documentary is narrated by Academy Award winning actor Billy Bob Thornton and recounts the origin of spring training in the Arkansas resort town of Hot Springs.

Spring training in Hot Springs started in 1886 and continued there for almost eight decades. The film features tales of baseball hall of famers who worked out, gambled and partied in Hot Springs, including Cy Young, Satchel Paige, Honus Wagner and baseball’s first superstar, Mike “King” Kelly. The young Babe Ruth is there too, belting a 573-foot home run into the Arkansas Alligator Farm while trying to convince Boston Red Sox management to play him every day, even though he was already the game’s dominant pitcher.

The documentary was written and produced

by Foley, who is also the chair of the Walter J. Lemke Department of Journalism in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

It was shot by Jim Borden, edited by journalism Professor Dale Carpenter, and the original musical score was composed by professor

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Image by Matt Reynolds

NSF Grant Helps Researchers Improve Wear Resistance of Teflon University of Arkansas researchers will receive a $450,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to further their study of a novel approach that significantly improves wear resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene coatings. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is better known by its trademarked brand name: Teflon.

“Obviously, PTFE is a great material with many wonderful applications,” said Min Zou, professor of mechanical engineering. “But its coatings are easily worn because of their poor adhesion to substrates, and this severely limits its applications.”

The funding will support the work of Zou and Jingyi Chen, assistant professor of chemistry in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Zou and Chen are investigating a novel approach to improve wear resistance of PTFE coatings by incorporating polydopamine as an adhesive under layer. As part of the same project, to increase adhesiveness, the researchers are also studying the integration of polydopamine-coated nanostructures in both the under layer material and the PTFE coating.

The new approach will allow thin, wear-resistant PTFE coatings to be deposited on any substrate material without changing the underlining surface topography. Achieving this could promote the execution of a wide range of properties – such as self-cleaning, antifogging, anti-icing, anti-corrosion and others – that rely on surface topography and chemistry for proper function.

PTFE is used not only in cooking tools, but also has various applications in the energy, aerospace, automotive, oil and natural gas, health care and biomedical industries.

Zou, who holds the Twenty-First Century Professorship in mechanical engineering, serves as director of the statewide Center for Advanced Surface Engineering, which was created last summer with a $20 million NSF/EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) grant and an additional $4 million matching funds from the state. The center promotes statewide scientific progress by establishing partnerships with government, higher education and industry. n

Students Provide Health Care for Rural Communities in Nicaragua Twenty-eight students spent their spring break in Nicaragua on a seven-day trip to help the less fortunate.

Global Medical/Dental Brigades, a registered student organization at the University of Arkansas, aims to improve global equality and individual quality of life through student-led health services and programs.

Accompanied by physicians, dentists, pharmacists and community health workers, the student volunteers helped provide health care in under-served communities while fostering local cultures in these areas.

“For most of the residents we serve, this is the only opportunity for medical care they will have all year,” said junior Justin Miles, president of Global Medical/Dental Brigades.

Global Brigades is the world’s largest student-led global health and

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

sustainable-development organization, offering programs to countries in need. The group offers services in rural communities that have limited access to resources such as health care.

“We provide many of the same services that you would expect to find at a walk-in clinic here in the United States,” Miles said. “In addition to preventive care and wellness services, we will also have obstetrician/ gynecologist, general dentistry and health education services available.”

While the trip focused on health care, the group also got the chance to assist with the Global Brigades Water Project.

“Simply accessing clean water is an ongoing issue for people in this area, which is why we were excited to be able to spend one of the days of our brigade assisting with the Global Brigades Water Project,” Miles said. n

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ON THE HILL

Walton College Tied for No. 1 in World in Information Systems Research Productivity The Sam M. Walton College of Business is ranked in a tie for first in the world in research productivity in information systems.

The ranking by the University of Texas at Dallas is based on a count, adjusted for publication frequency and number of authors, of publications during 2013-2015 in the top two research journals in the field of study: MIS Quarterly and Information Systems Research. The rankings listed 13 publications by Walton College researchers over that period.

“We have consistently ranked among the top five in research in information systems, and it is an honor to be again (after 2013) ranked first in the world,” said Rajiv Sabherwal, department chair and the Edwin and Karlee Bradberry Chair in Information Systems.

Walton College researchers from the information systems

department had three publications in MIS Quarterly during 2015 – articles authored or coauthored by Hartmut Hoehle, an assistant professor in the department, and Viswanath Venkatesh, Distinguished Professor and George and Boyce Billingsley Endowed Chair; one by Tracy Sykes, assistant professor; and another by Sabherwal.

“I am grateful to our faculty for their strong commitment to excellence in both research and teaching,” Sabherwal said. “Their research contributions are evident not only in terms of the rate of publication but also the tremendous impact of those publications on business and research.”

The University of Arkansas tied with University of Texas at Dallas for first place worldwide. Others in the top five included Georgia Tech, City University of Hong Kong, and Temple University. n

Arkansas Students Win National and International Awards University of Arkansas students were named recipients of some of the most prestigious fellowships and scholarships in the country this spring.

Ryan DuChanois, an honors civil engineering major from the town of Greenland, was selected as one of 35 U.S. Gates Cambridge Scholars. He will use the scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to earn a master’s degree in engineering for sustainable development at the University of Cambridge. He is interested in addressing water scarcity issues.

“Ryan DuChanois is a remarkable engineering student, who has conducted extensive research in green roofs, water treatment, harvesting and recycling, and much, much more,” said John English, dean of the College of Engineering. “He has traveled extensively, and he has already made a significant difference in water access for communities like those he focused on in Ethiopia that are most in need. This is not the first time he has received significant recognition – just last year he held an EPA Greater Research Opportunity Fellowship. He will certainly make the most of this new opportunity, and I look forward to reading about his many accomplishments in the years ahead.”

Two honors students, Wilson Guillory and Karla Morrissey, were awarded highly selective Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships. These scholarships are the most prestigious undergraduate award for science and engineering students who intend to pursue careers in those fields.

Guillory is from Eureka Springs and is an honors biology major in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Morrissey is from Beebe and is an honors chemical engineering major in the College of Engineering.

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Two Honors College juniors, Victoria Maloch and Danielle Neighbour, were selected as recipients of the 2016 Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Maloch is from Magnolia and is an honors agricultural business major with a minor in agricultural communications in the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences.

Neighbour is from Lenexa, Kansas, and is honors civil engineering major with a minor in Spanish in the College of Engineering and the Fulbright College.

Eight students – four undergraduates, three graduate students, and one recent graduate – received National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships for the upcoming academic year. The highly competitive awards are made to students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and recognize academic excellence and the potential contribution that each student will make to his or her field and to society at large.

These NSF Graduate Research Fellows are: • Gabrielle Abraham of Jonesboro • Stephanie Cone of Little Rock • Ryan DuChanois of Greenland • John Kenneth George of Farmington • Craig McLean of Kingwood, Texas • Michael Reinisch of Düsseldorf, Germany • Heather Sandefur of Fayetteville • Meredith Swartwout of Troutville, Virginia.

Each fellowship is worth $34,000 per year. n

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Image by Matt Reynolds

NSF Awards Nearly $750,000 to WattGlass for Coating Technology The National Science Foundation awarded a $746,366 grant to WattGlass, LLC, to further develop the University of Arkansas’ patent-pending coating technology that makes glass anti-reflective, selfcleaning and highly transparent.

The nanoparticle-based coating will increase the efficiency of solar panels and reduce their cleaning and maintenance costs, said Corey Thompson, chief technology officer for WattGlass, a Genesis Technology Incubator client at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park.

“Solar panels collect dust, dirt and grime, which reduces output and increases the cost per watt,” said Thompson, who founded the start-up company while a graduate student at the U of A in 2014. “With our anti-reflective and self-cleaning coating, more light penetrates the glass to be turned into electricity by the solar cells.”

The coating’s nanostructure causes a self-cleaning effect on the glass by changing the way water reacts to its surface, Thompson said.

“When you put a drop of water on a normal piece of glass, the drop forms a bead and doesn’t generally move,” he said. “With our coating, that drop of water spreads rapidly and when it does that it picks up dirt and other contaminants from the surface and literally pushes them to the edge of the glass. A light rain that would normally create mud on the surface of the panels suddenly is able to clean off the majority of the dirt.”

The National Science Foundation Phase II grant came through the Small Business Innovation Research Program, which allows federal agencies to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening small businesses that meet federal research and development needs. n

U of A Retains Highest Research Classification Among U.S. Universities The University of Arkansas has once again been rated in the highest research classification possible by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The category is defined as a doctoralgranting, research university with very high levels of research activity.

The university first received the rating in 2011; in February, the Foundation released its 2015 Update of the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education, reaffirming the U of A’s place among just 2 percent of institutions nationally.

“I know everyone involved at the university worked very hard to achieve this rating,” said Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz. “Maintaining your Carnegie classification is not a given, but evidence of deliberate scholarly work and productivity. This demonstrates our commitment to the highest levels of research, for the benefit of the people and the state of Arkansas.”

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

The classification is based on a range of quantitative data related to the number and nature of doctoral degrees awarded annually, the amount of research grants and activity occurring, and other measures of scholarly productivity.

“I would like to congratulate the faculty and students of University of Arkansas for earning this distinction for the university and the state,” said Ashok Saxena, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“As the provost of the university who oversees all things academic, it is heartening to see that the hard work of our faculty and students is recognized in this fashion.”

The Carnegie Classification is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. It is based on analysis of data on 4,633 colleges and universities, reassessed every five years. n

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Image by Matt Reynolds

ON THE HILL

Chancellor Steinmetz Goes ‘All In’ as the U of A Raises Over $168K on Giving Day Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz and his wife, Sandy, contributed $25,000 to student scholarships through the University of Arkansas’ first online giving day – “All in for Arkansas” – which celebrated the 145th anniversary of the U of A’s founding. The event hosted by the Office of Annual Programs raised $168,404.75 during a 1,871-minute period March 29-30, in honor of the university’s founding year, 1871.

The gift from the Steinmetzes added to an earlier $25,000 commitment they made to scholarships shortly before coming to the university.

The $100,000 goal initially set for the event was met less than 11 hours after it began at 6 a.m. March 29. To celebrate, the university raised the goal to $145,000.

“We want to show our alumni, donors, faculty, staff and students that we are excited about the future of the University of Arkansas,” said Chancellor Steinmetz. “Whether by birth or by choice, we are all Arkansans and should show our support for the state’s flagship when we can. I hope our gift encouraged others to consider how they can support the university in the future.”

Participation was key to the success of All in for Arkansas, and numerous challenges were issued throughout the day to encourage gifts of all sizes. The university did most of the promotion through its social media channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Preliminary reports showed 993 donors participated in the event.

“We’re nearing the public launch of Campaign Arkansas and the sesquicentennial of the U of A, and we hope All in for Arkansas continues to propel enthusiasm and excitement for our great university,” said Chris Wyrick, vice chancellor for university advancement. “I know I represent the entire Division of Advancement when I say that we’re honored to have Chancellor and Sandy Steinmetz step forward with a lead gift for this effort. Their commitment to the university speaks volumes.”

In addition to the social media efforts that took place throughout the day, the university also held a birthday bash for students, staff and faculty at the Central Quad. The event was hosted by the Student Alumni Association. n

Researchers Help Capture Lifecycle of Roman Pottery Why are University of Arkansas researchers studying ancient Roman ceramics at the University of Missouri?

The answer involves one of the most important museums in Rome, a power company, a research reactor, and Rachel Opitz, a research associate at the University of Arkansas’ Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies who specializes in high-resolution 3-D imaging.

Hidden Treasure of Rome, a collaboration of the Capitoline Museum and the University of Missouri, is providing information about 2,000to 2,400-year-old artifacts in the Capitoline’s collection. These objects, stored in the museum for more than a century, are from unknown

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locations. Crucial to the project is neutron activation analysis, a technique that provides information on the clay material used to make the ceramic vessels.

The Missouri University Research Reactor is a world leader in this method as applied in archaeology, so it was essential to transport the ceramics to the university’s Museum of Art and Archaeology. When the ceramics arrived in Missouri last year, the research team reached out to Opitz, an expert in 3-D capture for archaeology, and assembled a team of researchers from the U of A and University of Bourgogne-FrancheComte to expand the Hidden Treasure of Rome project. n

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Three Alumni, Two Supporters Honored With Silas Hunt Legacy Awards The 2016 Silas Hunt Legacy Awards were presented to three pioneering alumni and two outstanding supporters who have helped the university advance diversity programs at the U of A. The awards were presented during a black-tie event in Little Rock in April. The honorees were recognized for their impact on the university and the state: • Sharon E. Bernard of Detroit • Dr. Harold B. Betton of Little Rock • Dinah G. Gant of Milwaukee • Richard E. Greene of Lowell • The Walton Family Foundation of Bentonville Silas Hunt was the first African American student since Reconstruction to attend a major Southern public institution of higher education. He enrolled, without litigation, in the University of Arkansas School of Law on Feb. 2, 1948. Hunt, who grew up in Texarkana, was a World War II veteran and earned his undergraduate degree at Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He died in the spring of 1949 before finishing his law degree.

“The University of Arkansas remains committed to honoring Silas Hunt for his strength and conviction and for his legacy in the struggle

for equal rights,” said Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz. “We are proud to recognize that legacy by recognizing our trailblazing alumni and friends who understand and support the importance of diversity on our campus.”

The Silas Hunt Legacy Award was created by the U of A in 2005 and first awarded in 2006. This year’s recipients were nominated and selected by a volunteer selection committee of University of Arkansas faculty, students, professional staff and former recipients.

“The alumni recognized this year can truly be called trailblazers,” said Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for student affairs. “They each endured and persevered through isolation, prejudice and overt racism – both in Fayetteville and at the University of Arkansas. Their experiences and success, however, provided a template for the future. They demonstrated the value of mentoring and emotional support for students who find themselves in a minority on campus.

“These alumni showed the university why diversity is important and what had to be done to meet our goals. The benefactors we are honoring had the vision to see the value of diversity, to step up and make it possible for us to provide the support and encouragement that our underrepresented students need.” n

Professor’s Newest Book Receives National Honors

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

unique role the Blair Center plays within this field.”

The Holman Award was established in 1985 by the Study of Southern Literature Executive Council, and is named for the late and highly esteemed scholar of Southern literature, C. Hugh Holman, who taught at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Former winners include such notable southern literary scholars as Michael O’Brien, Elizabeth Fox Genovese, and Louis D. Rubin.

In January, Maxwell and her book also received the national V. O. Key Award for Best Book in Southern Politics at the Southern Political Science Association national meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Indicted South has received praise from foremost experts in the field, and was featured on MSNBC news show, The Cycle. It has also garnered accolades from publications including the Journal of American Studies, American Studies, the Journal of American History, Arkansas Historical Quarterly, Journal of Southern History, the Middle West Review, and Choice, a magazine that reviews current publications for academic libraries. n Image submitted

For the second time this year, Angie Maxwell, the Blair Professor of Southern Studies and associate professor of political science, has received a national award for her book, The Indicted South: Public Criticism, Southern Inferiority, and the Politics of Whiteness (University of North Carolina Press, 2014).

Maxwell was honored during the March 10-12 Society for the Study of Southern Literature 2016 Conference in Boston, receiving the C. Hugh Holman Award, Honorable Mention. The award is annually presented to the best book of literary scholarship or literary criticism in the field of southern literature.

“I’m honored such a prestigious organization selected my book, particularly because it’s not often that the same book receives recognition on a national scale for both the political and literary aspects of the work,” Maxwell said. “I am delighted and humbled by this experience, and hope that the attention brings more focus to the scholarly importance of Southern studies and the

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Photo submitted

P RO F I L E

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A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Cordia Harrington B.S.H.E.’76

A Certain Stick-to-itiveness

Never taking “no” for an answer, Arkansas alumna builds multi-million dollar business

By Ashley Batchelor B.A.’07

Alumna Cordia Harrington was the first person in her family to graduate college, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1976. Now she runs a multi-million dollar enterprise.

Harrington, founder and chief executive officer of The Bakery Cos., traveled from her Tennessee home to visit the university campus in April as the Arkansas Alumni Association’s 2016 Johnson Fellow. Harrington is the Alumni Association’s seventh Johnson Fellow, named for Dr. Jeff Johnson, B.A.’70, and his wife, Marcia. The Johnsons endowed the program in 2009 with the specific purpose of bringing esteemed alumni back to the University of Arkansas campus to engage and inspire students.

“Being named a Johnson Fellow turned out to be one of the most interesting and exciting experiences of my life,” Harrington said.

Harrington toured the food science lab and research facility, interacted with members of the Student Alumni Board, and spoke to students and faculty in food science, international trade, supply chain, broadcast and the student group Students Acquiring Knowledge through Enterprise. She said it was very rewarding to speak to hundreds of students in different environments and answer their questions about business.

“I got so much more out of it than I was able to give to the program. It was fantastic,” she said. “The joke is that I’m used to being ‘one of the guys’ in the board room, and now I’m a fellow!”

“Having Cordia on campus was an honor for our students and the university as she presented to classes in varying fields,” said Brandy Cox, associate vice chancellor and executive director of the Alumni Association.

“Her spirit and energy were radiant as she related difficult and complex business

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

decisions with humor and charisma.”

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Agriculture – now the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences – at the U of A in 1976. She said the most important thing she learned at the university was having relationships with a variety of people from different backgrounds.

During her time in college, she was an exchange student in Osaka, Japan, and she only applied to the program to learn how to interview properly, never dreaming she would actually get picked. Her first airplane ride ended up being that flight to Japan.

The experience as an exchange student was life-changing for her, so today she finances scholarships for students to study or do mission work abroad.

Harrington is an entrepreneur who has excelled in manufacturing, transportation, the quick-service restaurant segment, real estate and construction. She decided to create The Bakery Cos. in 1996, formally called The Bun Companies, because she was a single mom, working in a 24-hour-a-day business as the owner of three restaurants, she didn’t have much time to spend with her kids. As a restaurant owner, she visited with suppliers who she felt were professional people in great facilities, and she thought she would have more time with her children if she founded a supply company. In 1996, she bought her first bakery.

“I had one customer – McDonald’s – and that’s how we started,” she said.

The Bakery Cos. brought in $4 million in the first year, and this year took in more than $120 million, Harrington said. The Bakery Cos.’ family of businesses include The Tennessee Bun Co., which has four plants and six product lines serving elite customers in the United States, Caribbean and South

America; Bakery Express, a trucking firm; and Cold Storage of Nashville, a freezer facility. Harrington’s focus on regulations, sustainability, employee policies and development have led the company to grow organically into a state-of-the-art business, winning Wholesale Bakery of the Year in 2010. Elite customers include McDonald’s, O’Charley’s, Sara Lee, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and ConAgra.

In 1989 Harrington graduated from McDonald’s Hamburger University as a registered applicant and purchased a McDonald’s franchise, and its success earned her the opportunity to build two additional McDonald’s restaurants.

“Cordia Harrington is a dynamic leader and businesswoman. Her career journey is an inspiration,” Cox said.

Harrington’s recent awards include Entrepreneur of the Year Southeast Program

by Ernst & Young in 2015, Most Admired CEO by Nashville Business Journal in 2013 and 2015, Leadership Award by McDonald’s Corp. in 2014, Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s Hall of Fame in 2012, Press On Award by McDonald’s Corp. in 2012, Beta Gamma Sigma Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012 and University of Arkansas Citation of Distinguished Alumni in 2009.

Harrington’s advice for students and entrepreneurs on how to succeed in business is “perseverance and stick-to-itiveness.” If they have a dream and vision of what they want to do, she said, don’t take no for an answer.

If they have problems, they have to figure out solutions, she added. “In other words, be resourceful and be committed to the goal, and they’ll reach it.” ■

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A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Honors Architecture Alumnus Joe Weishaar, 25, to Design

National WWI Memorial

Image by Russell Cothren

Image submitted

By Kendall Curlee

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

A phone call from the Chicago Tribune was the tip off: Joe Weishaar, a 25-year-old University of Arkansas alumnus from Fayetteville, learned from a reporter that he had prevailed in an international design competition that drew more than 350 other entries.

Weishaar, a 2013 graduate of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design and the Honors College, has been selected to design the first national World War I Memorial located in Washington, D.C. His project, titled “The Weight of Sacrifice,” will be located in Pershing Park, just yards from the White House grounds on Pennsylvania Avenue. It is hoped that the memorial will be ready in November 2018 to mark the 100-year anniversary of Armistice Day, which ended the Great War.

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“It’s amazing – I never expected this in a million years, and it’s the best feeling ever,” Weishaar said, reached by phone after a whirlwind 24 hours of talking to reporters around the country. “It’s almost impossible to describe how much this is going to change my life – moving forward, this will be a big transition.”

Weishaar is currently putting in long hours as a project architect and intern at Brininstool+Lynch in Chicago. He worked nights and weekends to come up with his design proposal. “The Weight of Sacrifice” calls for the creation of a raised central lawn supported on three sides by walls, each cubic foot of which represents a U.S. soldier who died in the war: 116,516 in all. The walls will feature bas-relief sculptures of scenes from the war, punctuated by quotations from politicians and soldiers. The plan also calls for a freestanding sculpture that is “still on the boards,” Weishaar said.

Edwin Fountain, vice chair of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, praised Weishaar’s proposal as “a very intriguing design,

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in that it combines both classical and modernistic elements … in its approach to landscape it takes a fairly modernist landscape design, it’s very orthogonal, it uses open planes, but in the memorial elements, they’re very neoclassical.”

That classical/modern hybrid informed Weishaar’s strategy from the get-go: “The landscape design is very modern, recognizing elements of the existing park,” he said. “The sculpture has taken on a very classical Right: Another design helps illustrate the effort by Weishaar and his team to create a memorial that contains classical elements with a modern sensibility, at once of this period but harkening back a century to the period when the people of world believed that they had fought a war to end all wars.

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

“The Weight of Sacrifice”

Images submitted

Joe Weishaar’s proposal for a World War I memorial included drawings such as this, tying together the monumental epic with the personal stories of veterans who served during the Great War.

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      

Pershing Memorial Wall of Rememberance Brothers-In-Arms Relief Wheels of Humanity Sculpture Central Lawn Civic Plaza Allee

Above: An overview of Pershing Memorial Park on Pennsvylvania Avenue, where the World War I memorial is planned to be built.

“I couldn’t have done this project without my experience at the U of A, in no way, shape or form.”

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look and feel, to relate to the time period of the war. Also, very figural sculptures are going to tell the story a lot better than the abstract figures.

I really hope the design will win over both crowds – the classicists and the modernists.”

Weishaar is very young to tackle such a high-profile project, but has adopted a collaborative approach to get the job done. After being selected as one of five finalists in August, he turned to veteran New York City sculptor Sabin Howard for assistance in developing his design.

“He dropped all of his other work to sign on, and he’s one of the best neoclassical sculptors in the country, if not the world,” Weishaar said.

Others included on the professional design team are the Baltimore architectural firm GWWO Inc.; Phoebe Lickwar, an assistant professor of landscape architecture at the University of Arkansas; and engineering consultants Henry Adams LLC, Keast & Hood and VBH. Weishaar is quick to credit his professional architectural training and honors studies at the University of Arkansas in preparing him for this monumental task. “I couldn’t have done this project without my experience at the U of A, in no way, shape or form,” he emphasized.

Thanks to support from an Honors College Academy Scholarship and an Arkansas Governors Distinguished Scholarship, Weishaar traveled the world. He studied landscape design and urban space in the Fay Jones School’s Mexico Urban Studio, and his second place win in the

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Images submitted

2011 Lyceum Fellowship Competition also funded urban studies in the University of Arkansas Rome Center and points across Europe. “This helped me understand what urban space means to people around the world,” he said.

Weishaar’s honors thesis, which focused on architectural forms and urban space in ancient Pompeii, also helped him in developing a design proposal rooted in history and located in one of the most august public spaces in the nation.

The proposed site in Pershing Park has stirred up controversy. Critics, chief among them Charles Birnbaum of the Cultural Landscape Foundation, say that the new memorial would destroy the 1981 design by M. Paul Friedberg. The next steps hinge on whether or not the park is added to the National Register of Historic Places, as well as fundraising. The project is expected to cost $30-$40 million, to be raised from private funds.

“I think the final selection will really help with fundraising,” Weishaar said. “Now people can see what the monument will look like.” Just a day after getting the good news, Weishaar was preparing to fly to Washington, D.C., to meet with the commission and plan the next steps. His late nights dwelling on the past have propelled him into a very bright future. n

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Above: Drawings by Sabin Howard, one of the best neoclassical sculptors in the country, depict scenes from the war that will be created in the walls of the memorial.

“It’s almost impossible to describe how much this is going to change my life – moving forward, this will be a big transition.”

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Game On Wheelchair basketball players gain new perspectives on a familiar sport

By Katie Helm “Is Tony talking trash again?”

Josh Ford smiles as he strides onto the court for some pickup basketball in Gym 1 of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation building. “Tony” refers to Tony Boyd, who is warming up with just enough of a grin on his face to make everyone wonder what might be up his sleeve.

Elsewhere on the court, other players start to converge and get organized for the upcoming game. Alex Shell and Ryan Grant practice layups, while Ashley Hunter ties her shoe. The players give welcoming hand-slaps to one another, and Hunter issues the call: “Ball in!”

With that, 40 wheels whoosh onto the court, and the game is in full swing.

Trying Something New

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Image submitted

Most of the players on the court happened upon the game while they were in the UREC facility for other reasons. The first time he noticed the wheelchair

game, Alex Shell, a junior philosophy major from Benton, was intrigued. “I had to try it,” he said when he saw chairs rolling around on the court rather than the familiar two-legged players.

“I came here to play basketball anyway, so I hopped in,” agreed Ryan Grant, a junior psychology major from Joplin, Missouri.

The two friends, who come to the HPER building regularly to utilize the Fitness Center and Climbing Wall, decided to join the weekly pick-up wheelchair basketball game one Wednesday, despite never having played the game before, much less ever being in a wheelchair. And just like that, they were hooked.

“The first time we played, we talked about it for days,” Shell says. “It makes you think about the game differently.” Before long, he started getting calluses on his thumbs and re developed his shot. “I drive to the basket more,” he muses, considering the adjustments he’s made to his game. “It’s a lot of give and go,”

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Buster McCall shoots while Tony Boyd, in the foreground, maneuvers for a rebound during a break from action in a wheelchair basketball game at the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building on campus. While disabilities can affect a student’s ability to participate in some sports, the department of University Recreation works with students to develop competition and recreation that serves all students.

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

Grant adds. “The more you can move the ball, the better.”

Grant agrees that not having the use of his legs requires a bit of strategizing. “Defense becomes easier, in a way,” he notes, adding with a conceding grin, “those are Rob’s signature moves.” Robert Harrison, who has coordinated the University Recreation program for the last few years, accepts the compliment readily.

He knows the effectiveness of a good screen.

Clank! One of those screens hits home as Boyd is stopped from his run to the basket, and Ford has to look elsewhere to pass. “Sometimes it’s like a combination of basketball and bumper cars,” Boyd acknowledges.

Don’t underestimate the physicality of the game just because it’s seated, all of the players agree. “It’s a lot of cardio,” Boyd says, “I’m sweating by the end of the hour.” Shell agrees that shooting is one of the more challenging differences in the sport. Being seated results in a greater distance between the ball and the goal, as well as limits the use of lower-body muscle groups that players rely on to shoot. “I felt my shoulders the next day,” Boyd laughs.

A Welcoming Environment While spirited competitiveness may manifest during the regular Wednesday night game, players agree that what draws them in is a feeling of fellowship. “There’s a lot of good sportsmanship on the court,” Grant says. Boyd agrees.

“I come because it’s fun. It’s a nice place to spend an hour. No judgment, a lot of camaraderie.”

Then with a smile, he adds, “I

can even get some shots off once in a while.”

Boyd is a regular participant now, but he acknowledges that it took a step outside of his comfort zone to get started. He quickly follows up, however, with how included he felt from the beginning, and how much fun he has had since he started playing the game. Cody Collins, a junior recreation and sport management major from Tyler, Texas, credits Harrison with making him feel welcome. “I was a little hesitant because it was new,” he says. “Rob tries to explain that we’re all learning, developing skills.” Collins and Ford, a senior kinesiology major from Bentonville, are UREC studentemployees who work with Harrison to facilitate the weekly program. Ford notes that the fun of the game is a draw that keeps players coming back. “If we can show them that they can do it, they are having a good time,” he says. “It’s the same skills, they just have to use them in a new way.”

“The best part is the people,” says Ashley Hunter, a senior elementary education major from Fritch, Texas. “There is a consistent group who comes every week, but also a lot of new people. The best part is developing those relationships.”

The program has served as a healthy forum for students to play together, but also for students to interact with faculty and staff. Grant regularly plays with Buster McCall, his University Perspectives instructor from freshman year. “I hadn’t seen him since last year when I took the class,” he notes, adding that being able to follow

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up with McCall was a nice outcome of participating in a simple recreational activity. Boyd is also a University of Arkansas staff member, having worked at Printing Services since 2000. He enjoys interacting with students and watching them try out their wheels. “To see them lose their apprehensions, get drawn into the game and start having fun is gratifying.”

Considering Disabilities

particularly the notion that a specific disability in one area does not mean that the concept of “disabled” applies to the whole person. Rather, all individuals are made up of diverse levels of ability in many different areas.

He refers to an exhibition game against the Northwest Arkansas Wild Wheels, a competitive wheelchair basketball team that plays regional exhibition and competitive games around the area. “The game against

the Wild Wheels was an eyeopener towards differently abled individuals. We thought we were good, but they put us in our place,” Boyd says. “There is a lot we can do, no matter how abled we are.”

While the game itself may be simple, the players acknowledge an expansion of their ideas regarding the concepts of ability

and differences. Harrison considers the weekly pick-up game as broadening participants’ viewpoints in other areas of ability consideration, not just sport. “I didn’t feel comfortable talking to a person with a disability before” is one sentence that he hears frequently. He likes the way that the game puts people of different ability levels on the same team

Boyd notes that he now thinks differently about disabilities,

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A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

is the only player who uses a wheelchair in everyday life.

However, he emphasizes that the sport is for everyone. “In the end, it’s about having fun,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if you have a disability or not.” And for Shell, that’s the exact reason he continues to play. “Honestly, it’s just so much fun.”n

For more information about University Recreation, visit urec.uark.edu.

For more information about the Northwest Arkansas Wild Wheels: www.nwawildwheels.com; nwawildwheels@gmail.com.

Image submitted

with a common goal. “When they see someone different, they don’t mind. They just want to challenge each other.”

Harrison does not want participants to think that the sport is only for persons with disabilities. On this particular evening, Harrison, having been born with cerebral palsy,

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Back From the Brink U of A researcher’s 30-year-old theory linking the elusive Planet X to regular mass extinctions is suddenly relevant again

By Bob Whitby

An artist’s depiction of how a distant view from the hypothetical Planet X might appear looking back toward the sun. (Art by R. Hurt/Caltech-IPAC)

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A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

The fossil record is like a history book of the Earth, and in 1984 two paleontologists who knew how to read it came across something odd: Every 27 million years or so, species die off in mass. out the sun. Temperatures dive as the skies darken. Plants that depend on sunlight for photosynthesis die. Animals that depend on the plants die, and up the chain it goes.

For every comet that hits the Earth, many more sail past toward the sun and disintegrate into cosmic dust, further reducing the amount of light that reaches the Earth. The result of all the chaos is mass extinction, a phenomenon that paleontologists now believe has occurred 19 times in the last 470 million years.

But if comets explain mass extinctions, what explains the comets? Where are they coming from? In 1985, Daniel Whitmire and John Matese, then astrophysicists at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, devised a possible answer: Planet X. They hypothesized that the presence of an undiscovered celestial body orbiting the furthest reaches of the solar system, beyond Neptune and past Pluto. As it circles the sun, its tilted orbit slowly rotates, causing it to pass through the Kuiper belt of comets, knocking some of them into the inner solar system where they rain down on Earth and other planets. By their

calculations, Planet X should be one to five times the mass of the Earth, and about 100 times more distant from the sun.

Whitmire and Matese didn’t invent the Planet X theory; astronomers have been looking for a planet beyond Neptune for 100 years. And the search has involved no small measure of false hope and outright quackery.

“People roll their eyes when the topic comes up,” says Whitmire.

Their contribution was tying the elusive planet to mass extinctions. And much has happened in the 30-plus years since they published their theory in the journal Nature. Both men retired from Louisiana-Lafayette.

Whitmire, 73, now teaches in the mathematics department at the University of Arkansas, and Matese no longer publishes.

More importantly, perhaps, their theory has taken a step toward plausibility with new research by astronomers at the California Institute of Technology indicating that Planet X might be real.

“They are saying there’s a 90 percent chance there is something out there,” Whitmire said. “For me, that’s very positive because in the past no one was excited about this.”

Image submitted

Extinctions happen throughout geologic time; local climates change and species can’t adapt, predators get the upper hand, evolution puts a species at a disadvantage.

Millions of species going extinct on a predictable schedule, however, points to something big. But what?

“We favor extraterrestrial causes,” University of Chicago paleontologists David Raup and Jack Sepkoski wrote in their 1984 paper.

That naturally sparked the interest of astrophysicists, who as a group favored comets as the engine of mass extinction.

The idea is that every 27 million years or so, comets rain down on the Earth for hundreds or thousands of centuries, wreaking havoc on the planet and raising continentspanning dust clouds that block

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The Solar System Census

Photo by Russell Cothren

Ancient Greeks knew of seven “wanderers,” including the five visible to the naked eye – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – plus the moon and the sun, which fit the ancient definition. (“Planets” is Greek for “wanderer,” meaning celestial objects that move relative to the fixed stars.) Earth joined the party in the 16th century – a little late, it seems in retrospect – when Copernicus postulated that it circled the sun instead of being at the center of the universe.

That brought the count to six: the five visible planets plus Earth. (The moon and the sun were kicked out of the club in the same play.) In the 17th century, astronomers at the eyepieces of their newfangled telescopes added other celestial bodies to the count, but none rose to planetary status until amateur astronomer William Herschel saw what he thought was a comet in 1781. He’d actually found Uranus, planet No. 7. Subsequent observations revealed discrepancies in Uranus’ orbit, which astronomers believed might be caused by the gravitational pull of yet another wanderer. Rival teams of planet hunters in France and Britain ran calculations, racing to find the most likely place in the sky to look, and Frenchman Urbain Le Verrier notched the victory in 1846 with the discovery of Neptune, the eighth planet.

Whitmire

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Pluto came along in 1930, discovered by American astronomer and erstwhile Kansas farm boy Clyde Tombaugh, who was continuing the search for Planet X begun by eccentric millionaire Percival Lowell, the namesake for Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Lowell spent his later years and a good deal of his personal fortune pursuing the theory that Mars was lined with canals, which he was uniquely qualified to see.

When his campaign proved scientifically futile, and personally embarrassing, Lowell turned his telescope to the search for a ninth planet to rescue his reputation.

He died 14 years before Tombaugh found Pluto.

And thus the solar system remained until 2006, when Pluto was unceremoniously demoted to the status of dwarf planet, a nice way of saying it’s one of millions of icy objects that make up the Kuiper belt beyond Neptune.

In 2003, Caltech astronomer Mike Brown found Sedna, an icy world slightly smaller than Pluto, whose perihelion, or closest point to the sun, was beyond the Kuiper belt. It’s strange, tilted orbit suggested gravitational influence. Subsequent discoveries of similar objects implied two things: that Pluto was nothing special, and something was tugging on all the little ice worlds, causing their orbits to cluster.

In January, Brown and colleague Konstantin Batygin published research stating that the possibility of that happening by chance was just .007 percent.

They concluded that Planet X is doing the tugging.

Brown is known in astronomy circles as the guy who demoted Pluto – he wrote a book about

it called How I Killed Pluto and Why it Had it Coming – so his conclusion carries gravitas.

“He’s pretty famous for all that,” Whitmire said. “He’s a very conservative scientist. This prediction has been made by a couple people in the past four years, but [Brown and Batygin] did a better and more detailed analysis.”

An Old Theory Is New Again Comets and extinction were big news back in the early 1980s. Whitmire and Matese’s original 1984 paper was featured prominently in a 1985 Time magazine cover story titled “Did Comets Kill the Dinosaurs? A Bold new Theory About Mass Extinctions,” and reported in several scientific journals.

Interest in the theory waned, however, because there was a relatively high probability that the 27-million-year extinction intervals did not occur as regularly as the statistics indicated.

Without the intervals, Whitmire and Matese’s theory was a blind alley, a scientific curiosity.

“The stats weren’t that great,” Whitmire said, “so it got put on the back burner. And that’s where it stayed until a couple years ago.”

That’s when paleontologists, using refined geologic data, were able to show that the time periods not only held fast for the last 250 million years, they held for twice that long and were more regular than previously believed. The new data eliminated competing theories about what could have caused the regular comet showers, and suddenly scientists were very interested in Planet X again.

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Image submitted

The six most distant known objects in the solar system with orbits exclusively beyond Neptune, are shown in magenta. They all mysteriously line up in a single direction. Moreover, when viewed in three dimensions, they are all tilted nearly identically away from the plane of the solar system. Such an orbital alignment can only be maintained by some outside force. In a recent paper, Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown showed that a planet with 10 times the mass of the earth in a distant eccentric orbit anti-aligned with the other six objects, and whose hypothesized orbit is in orange, would be required to maintain this configuration, an idea similar to the one that Dan Whitmire, now an instructor at the University of Arkansas, put forward with a colleague more than 30 years ago. (Diagram by R. Hurt/Caltech-IPAC)

No wonder. If the evolutionary clock is essentially reset every 27 million years or so, with some species flourishing while others are wiped away, the implications for biology, evolution and our understanding of life on Earth are profound.

Back at the University of Arkansas in January, Whitmire, working without the retired Matese, published a freshened version of their 1985 theory in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The improved geological data, along with Brown and Batygin’s evidence that Planet X really does exist, brought his own work back

from the brink of extinction.

It’s worth noting that Brown and Batygin’s prediction of Planet X is not exactly the same as Whitmire and Matese’s prediction; the former is more massive and distant from the sun than the latter. And if Brown and Batygin are correct, Whitmire’s numbers don’t work.

But there are uncertainties in their estimates. Both teams could be predicting the same planet, because a smaller, closer planet can have the same or greater gravitational effect than a larger, more distant one.

“Even if they found exactly what they are talking about, it

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still doesn’t rule ours out. There could be another one there, in fact the discovery of any one planet increases the probability of two, or more.”

And in any case, finding Planet X is what’s really exciting for Whitmire, who has been fascinated with exploring the universe since he was 10 years old.

“I’ve been part of this story for 30 years,” he said. “If there ever is a final answer I’d love to write a book about it.” n

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“What’re We Gonna Do Now, Son?” A treacherous run on the Hailstone of the Buffalo National River divides life into the before and the after

Photo by Emma Schock

By Matt McGowan In May, Dustin Campbell completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from the College of Education and Health Professions. He was the first member of his family to attend college, a sojourn that was almost eliminated during a river outing on April 11, 2011. Dustin Campbell’s second life started when he came out of a “washing machine.”

On Easter day, Campbell and the man who raised him, his stepgrandfather Olen Marshall, parked their truck at the bottom of Forest Service Road 414, a steep and narrow track – and former logging road – leading down to a place called Dixon Ford, the only spot to cross the Buffalo River between its headwaters and the Boxley bridge about 16 miles downriver. In two inflatable kayaks, they put on the water there and whooshed down the Hailstone, the name for the notorious upper section of the river in southwest Newton County.

Leading up to the trip, there had been heavy rainfall, part of a record month of accumulation and severe flooding in Northwest Arkansas.

Campbell and Marshall knew it would be a wild ride, but they were prepared. Although they hadn’t floated the Hailstone, Campbell had thoroughly scouted the section, and both he and his grandfather had extensive white-water experience. Marshall, 62 at the time, had floated Ozark streams his whole life and had run some of this country’s great rivers – the Colorado, the Green, the upper section of the Arkansas, the Snake, the Ocoee in northern Georgia and the New in West Virginia.

Campbell, after taking his first float trip when he was only six months old, strapped into a custom seat rigged by Marshall, started kayaking solo when he was eight.

Before launching, Campbell took several pictures. The river at Dixon Ford was raging and brown, full of sediment washed down from the hills, but it didn’t look deadly. In other shots, though, if you look closely at areas where the river leveled out, which wasn’t often, you can see water up in the trees.

Two miles in, Campbell’s kayak flipped. He thought then, for the first time, that they might have bitten off more than they could chew.

The next several miles flew by without incident, but trouble started again when they encountered a fallen tree. Campbell got tangled up in the branches and lost his paddle. Marshall retrieved the paddle and managed to get it back to his grandson, but neither it nor anything else could have saved Campbell from what happened next.

The already tight valley pinched even more, and the enormous energy of the river swept Campbell off course, pinning him against a large boulder. When the rushing water relented, releasing Campbell from the rock, he slid down into a churning eddy and disappeared. The downward force of this “washing machine” pushed him to the bottom,

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12 feet below the surface, holding him there for at least 30 seconds. In other words, an eternity.

“You hear about these people who see their lives flash before them,” says Campbell. “I know this sounds silly, but that’s exactly what happened. I started seeing pictures of me when I was a boy. And you know, it made me feel good, like everything was OK.” He shifted then at the bottom, and the downward force relented. As the washing machine thrashed him around, he saw moving shadows, which he soon realized were large rocks sweeping by. Eventually, the water shoved him back up to the surface, thrashed him some more, and he bobbed there like cork.

The water tossed him back toward the boulder and Campbell grabbed it. His grip was tentative at first, but he clung to it and eventually mustered enough strength to pull himself out of the washing machine.

Although the worst part was over, his and Marshall’s Easter outing had only begun. The river took charge, because Mother Nature will do that, and grandfather and grandson ended up separated, yelling back and forth to each other from opposite sides of the river. “‘What’re we gonna do now, son?’ I yelled, because that’s what I would say to him when I wanted him to solve a problem,” says Marshall, who had sponsored Campbell in Boy Scouts and had taught him wilderness survival training. “‘Walk out,’ he yelled back, and that was the right idea.”

Because the river and its tributaries were bloated and because the forest undergrowth was already dense and lush, walking out took forever. They lost track of each other. Marshall spent one night in the woods and Campbell two before a search-and-rescue helicopter spotted him about a mile and a half from the Boxley bridge.

“It was the roughest night of my life when he was out there by himself,” Marshall says. “We always did everything together. All I could do was pray. God gave him to us, and he was the greatest blessing in our lives.”

It would be an understatement to say the experience fundamentally changed Campbell. His memory is sharp and thorough, and he talks about that day – but only if asked – like it happened last week. It changed everything, his whole attitude and outlook.

“It’s like I’ve lived two lives,” he says, “one before the river, and one after. Really, I don’t even remember much of my life before that happened.”

Now Campbell is five years older, a grown man and college graduate.

In August, he will begin a course of study leading to a doctorate in chiropracty from Parker University in Dallas. And after that, if he has his way, a life of serving others. n

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President’s Message:

Achieving Milestones Together

photo submitted

Serving as president of the Arkansas Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors for the last two years has been an incredible honor. I was proud of the day I graduated from the University of Arkansas and was finally able to add my name to Senior Walk alongside that of my grandparents, parents, siblings, and numerous other family members. I am mindful of the opportunities that were given to me as an undergraduate, as well as how those opportunities prepared me to pursue the career of Stephanie S. Streett my dreams. I have loved the opportunity to work alongside the amazing staff of the Alumni Association, two chancellors, and a host of other stakeholders to increase collaboration, communication, cooperation and coordination.

Together, we have reached new milestones with advances in scholarship, growth of the association and student achievement.

I firmly believe one of the most important initiatives of the Alumni Association is our scholarship program. In 2013, we reached an important milestone providing more than $1 million in scholarship funds to more than 400 students. I am extremely proud that the association, with the continued generosity of its members, has continued to grow this essential program.

I want to congratulate Executive Director Brandy Cox and the staff for their extraordinary accomplishments including recently receiving the Outstanding Emerging Organization at the regional conference of the Council for Advancement in Support of Education. The Alumni Association’s focus on students has long inspired members, but recent advances in our Student Alumni Association (SAA) are building a pipeline of current students into lifelong members. The SAA membership has grown from around 300 student members in 2014 to more than 3,500 to date. In this year’s Associated Student Government election, there were a record 16 candidates, of whom 13 were SAA members. I am pleased to report the four new officers, President Conner Flocks, Vice President Maggie Benton, Treasurer Shelby Cormack, and Secretary Jase Rapert, are active SAA members. I am confident that our continued investment in students will lead to a stronger future for our university.

The quality of our student body has never been stronger. More than one in six of our incoming freshmen scored at least a 30 on their Continued on page 36

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Past Presidents of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors 1923-24 Joseph Kirby Mahone ✪ BA’07 1924-25 Robert Hill Carruth BA’11 1925-26 James E. Rutherford ✪ BA’22 1926-27 Winston Lee Winters BSCE’06 1927-28 J.L. Longino BSEE’03 1928-29 Alfred Boyde Cypert BA’12 1929-30 James William Trimble BA’17 1930-31 G. DeMatt Henderson BA’01 LLB’03 1931-32 Dr. Jasper Neighbors MD’18 1932-33 Scott D. Hamilton BA’24 1933-34 Charles A. Walls BA’07 1934-35 Arthur D. Pope BA’06 1935-36 John C. Ashley BA’11 1936-37 Beloit Taylor BA’19 1937-38 John P. Woods ✪ BA’09 1938-39 Glen Rose ★ BSE’28 MS’31 1939-40 Claude J. Byrd ★ BSA’25 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 1954-55 Beloit Taylor BA’19 1955-56 Louis L. Ramsay Jr. LLB’47 LLD’88 1956-57 Stanley Wood ✪ BA’23 1957-58 A.L. Whitten MS’40 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 1965-66 P.K. Holmes Jr. ✪ BA’37 LLB’39 1966-67 William H. Bowen ★ LLB’49 1967-68 Guy H. Lackey ✪+ BSBA’49

1968-69 Robert P. Taylor ✪+ BSBA’47 MS 1948 1969-70 John Ed Chambers BA’39 LLB’40 1970-71 Chester H. Lauck ’25 1971-72 Nathan Gordon ✪+ JD’39 1972-73 Charles E. Scharlau ✪+ LLB’58 1973-74 Carl L. Johnson ★ BSBA’47 1974-75 R. Cecil Powers ✪ BSBA’30 1975-76 J.C. Reeves ✪ ’25 1976-77 Elizabeth (Sissi) Riggs Brandon ✪+ BSE’55 1977-78 Roy Murphy ✪+ BSIM’49 1978-79 Fred Livingston ✪ BSBA’55 1979-80 Tracy Scott ✪ BSE’53 1980-81 Edward W. Stevenson ✪+ BSBA’60 1981-82 Fred Livingston ✪ BSBA’55 1982-83 Don Schnipper ✪+ BA’63 JD’64 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 1995-96 Jack McNulty ✪+ BSBA’67 JD’70 1996-97 Sylvia Boyer ✪+ BSE’63 1997-98 Morris Fair ★ BSBA’56 1998-00 H. Lawson Hembree IV ✪+ BSA’83 2000-02 Jeffery R. Johnson ✪+ BA’70 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

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Arkansas Alumni Association honors Senior Honor Citation winners glad that I took advantage of these resources and that the university has recognized my efforts. This is a great motivator to continue my ambition of making a global impact.”

Haileyesus was president and co-founder of the U of A chapter of Engineering World Health.

After completing her graduate studies, Haileyesus plans to obtain a doctorate in biomedical engineering to design inexpensive technology that will revolutionize the way medicine is practiced, enhancing the quality of health in developing countries.

Bone, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international business with a concentration in economics, was president of the Associated Student Government, vice president of sponsorship on the Student Alumni Board and treasurer of Phi Delta Theta.

Bone said “it was humbling and honestly surprising” to find out he was awarded the Senior Honor Citation. He added that receiving this honor is a direct result of the investment that many have made in him over the years.

“I have been challenged and encouraged by so many peers and mentors throughout my time as a student here, and the opportunities I have had on campus and in the community is because of them. The Razorback community is special, and my receiving the Senior Honor Citation is a reflection of so many who have been such an influence on me.” n Russell Cothren

The Arkansas Alumni Association is proud to announce the winners of the 51st Senior Honor Citation. Ailon Haileyesus* and Tanner Bone* were awarded the honor May 5 during the Cardinal & White Banquet at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.

This honor recognizes the top two seniors on campus. The award was announced at the conclusion of the banquet by Vice Chancellor Chris Wyrick and they received honor cords from Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz.

Haileyesus and Bone received a life membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association, permanent recognition on a plaque at the alumni house and are invited back for events, including speaking at their class’ Senior Walk Dedication.

Haileyesus, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the College of Engineering, said she was surprised and elated upon hearing she was one of the Senior Honor Citation recipients.

“Receiving this recognition is a tremendous honor. I would like to extend my gratitude to professors, friends, and family on campus and across the world. I have been very blessed by these people – including my academic adviser Dr. Michelle Kim and research mentor Dr. Kartik Balachandran – who have challenged me and been instrumental in equipping me to push forward,” Haileyesus said. “The University of Arkansas has provided many opportunities for students in research, international travel, student organizations, and much more; I am

Hog Tags have generated more than $4.4 million toward scholarships. Show your pride and support the Arkansas Alumni Association Scholar program today.

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

Show your support and get your HOG TAG today!

WWW.HOGTAGS.COM 31

Image by Russell Cothren

A S S O C I AT I O N S

The Arkansas Alumni Association named the 2016 Class of Razorback Classics this spring.

These students were selected as the top 11 male and female graduating students at the University of Arkansas. This is the pinnacle of the Arkansas Alumni Association awards program that started with over 500 nominations in the fall. The selection committee of almost 100 alumni and administrators, who were previous winners or members of the Arkansas Alumni Board of Directors, read through each application.

The students are judged on academic excellence, leadership and campus or community involvement. This award looks at the entire student experience, said Ryan Miller, associate director for student and young alumni outreach. Seventy-one graduating seniors were selected as the 2016 Class of Seniors of Significance and then 22 students rose to the top as this year’s Class of Razorback Classics.

The 22 students were recognized at the Cardinal & White

Banquet on May 5 in Boyer Hall of the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. During this dinner and ceremony, each recipient and mentor were honored. The mentors are any current faculty or staff members that have made an impact on the students. Each applicant selects a mentor when he or she applies, Miller said. All of the Razorback Classics recipients will be featured in the Razorback Yearbook and Arkansas magazine, and receive a free membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association.

Additionally, the top two seniors on campus from the Class of Razorback Classics were announced at the conclusion of the banquet and awarded the Senior Honor Citation. Guests at the Cardinal & White Banquet included the parents of the honorees and the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors. n

To find out more information, visit www.arkansasalumni.org/students

32

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

The 2016 Class of Razorback Classics are: Top row left to right.

John Grant Addison*

J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, Cabot

Joshua Anderson*

J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, Rogers

Flavia Araujo

Sam M. Walton College of Business, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Haley Birch*

J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, Malvern

Hannah Birch**

Sam M. Walton College of Business, Malvern

Teni Butler**

College of Engineering, Signal Mountain, Tennessee

Andrew Dixon*

J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, Russellville Middle row left to right.

Ryan DuChanois*

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College of Engineering, Greenland

Michael Franzetti*

J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, Little Rock

Daniel Fritsche*

College of Engineering, Greenwood

Toni Jankovski

Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food, and Sciences, Kriva Palanka, Macedonia

Stephanie Long*

J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, Fayetteville

Hannah Pavey

College of Education and Health Professions, Trabuco Canyon, California

Andrew Pisechko**

Sam M. Walton College of Business, Webb City, Missouri Bottom row left to right.

Elizabeth Pittman*

Sam M. Walton College of Business, Coppell, Texas

Rachel Reece** Sam M. Walton College of Business, West Memphis John Mark Vaughan College of Engineering, Wheatley

Seth Washispack*

College of Engineering, Conway

Margaret Watermann*

J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, Leawood, Kansas

Kelsey Wheelhouse*

Sam M. Walton College of Business, Bentonville *Honors College student; ** Honors College Fellow

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

1923 E. Joyce Blvd. | Fayetteville, Ark. 479.695.8012 | butterfieldtrailvillage.org

A S S O C I AT I O N S

Submitted Image

2016 Student Alumni Board

Message from the President Each year, the Student Alumni Board grows, expands, and exceeds expectations on campus. Presently, the board is widely recognized as the flagship student involvement organization on campus, with our awareness, importance, and involvement increasing exponentially each year.

At the end of the calendar year when the Arkansas Alumni Association is looking to fill

new board positions, the talent, ambition, and enthusiasm of the students involved is truly astounding. Time after time, we have recruited the top leaders on campus, which helps to ensure the board’s integrity.

Now that the Student Alumni Board has reached 75 members, and the Student Alumni Association’s 3,500 plus, we have grown our events to be the biggest and best on campus.

From the University of Arkansas 145th Birthday Celebration to the board’s biggest event, Homecoming, we are creating new positions

Administration Team

Blake Griffin, president, Mountain Home Nancy Smith, vice president of Administration, Marianna Rebecca Schamel, assistant to the VP for Administration, St. Louis, Missouri* Townsend Warren, assistant to the VP for Administration, Marion

Programming Team

Ashlyn Smith, vice president for Programming, Harrisburg Alex Smith, assistant to the VP for Programming, Russellville Jessica Loechler, assistant to the VP for Programming, Kansas City, Missouri*

Alumni Relations Team

Madison Cole, director of Alumni Relations, Conway* Madison Kolb, Hearing from a Hog chair, Little Rock* Wil LeCompte, Mentor Program chair, Cassville, Missouri Kelsey Furr, Senior Walk Dedication co-chair, Van Buren Justin Gattis, Senior Walk Dedication co-chair, Charleston Logan Grosenbacher, committee member, Boerne, Texas Rachel Hall, committee member, Collierville, Tennessee*

34

and growing our programming every day.

The overall goal of the Student Alumni Board and Student Alumni Association is to increase the strength of the bond students have with the University of Arkansas, and help in building meaningful relationships with the Arkansas Alumni Association. This year, the Student Alumni Board has made a goal to reach 4,000 members of the Student Alumni Association.

– Blake Griffin, president

Taylor Smith, committee member, Tulsa, Oklahoma* Jourdan Sturges, committee member, Edmond, Oklahoma* Janet Wagner, committee member, Austin, Texas*

Traditions Team

Madeline Wagnon, director of Traditions, Shreveport, Louisiana* Matt Hansen, Ring Ceremony co-chair, Fayetteville Victoria Maloch, Ring Ceremony co-chair, Magnolia* Jennifer Boyer, Ring Promotion chair, Kechi, Kansas Jake Smith, Traditions Tour chair, Paragould Ellie Bigler, committee member, Little Rock Connor Flocks, committee member, Fort Smith Taylor Johnson, committee member, Edmond, Oklahoma Matthew May, committee member, Dallas, Texas Clark Story, committee member, Marion

Membership Engagement Team

Hannah Bell, vice president of Membership, Mena* Luke Humphrey, Beat Shirts chair, Alma Landri McGregor, SAA Events chair, Lakewood, Colorado* Colman Betler, SAA Days chair, Plano, Texas*

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Membership Recruitment Team

Erin Smith, co-director of Member Recruitment, Harrisburg Regan Burgess, co-director of Member Recruitment, Tulsa, Oklahoma* Lauren Landwehr, recruitment team, Warrensburg, Missouri* Morgan Norvell, recruitment team, Bentonville Sophia Scalise, recruitment team, Springdale* Jodi Simeon, recruitment team, Sultan Estate, Dominican Republic* Ashton Yarbrough, recruitment team, Bentonville

Homecoming Steering Committee

Sarah Covert, director of Homecoming, Sheridan* Nikki Anderson, assistant director: Athletic Pride, Fayetteville* Carson Alsup, assistant director: Spirit Chair, Gravette* Natalie Koster, assistant director: Philanthropy, Bartlesville, Oklahoma Mitchell Edwards, assistant director: Logistics, Jonesboro Brooke Taylor, assistant director: Volunteers, King City, California Sophia Storkov, assistant director: Campus Outreach, Rogers* Anna Watson, assistant director: Community Outreach, Farmington, Missouri Emma Buckner, Steering Committee member, White Hall** Sarah Jane McClary, Steering Committee member, Maumelle Hunter Paddie, Steering Committee member, Little Rock Timothy Reynolds, Steering Committee member, Pine Bluff Kennedy Rickard, Steering Committee member, Rogers* Savannah Stagg, Steering Committee member, Fayetteville Danielle Zapata, Steering Committee member, Arlington, Texas

Senior Experience

Natalie Counce, director of Senior Experience, Fayetteville* Anna Faulkner, Senior Celebration co-chair, Springfield, Missouri* Will Watkins, Senior Awards chair, Arlington, Texas* Maggie Benton, committee member, Jonesboro Shelby Cormack, committee member, Van Buren Alexa McLain, committee member, Fort Smith Trey Smith, committee member, Fayetteville Zachary Spero, committee member, Arlington, Texas

Sponsorship Team

Brandon Downer, vice president of Sponsorships, Austin, Texas Erica Brewer, sponsorship team, North Little Rock* Isamar Garcia, sponsorship team, Springdale Brock Haegele, sponsorship team, Lincoln Sam Harris, sponsorship team, Greenbrier* Kaci Mack, sponsorship team, Fayetteville Daniel Shimer, sponsorship team, Fayetteville* Lawson Vassar, sponsorship team, Little Rock

Marketing Team

Anna Kay Hilburn, vice president for Marketing & Communications, Kennett, Missouri Erin Nelson, Graphic Design chair, Hackett* Ashley Hopson, marketing team, Roe Manny Mejia, marketing team, Springdale Chloe Mills, marketing team, Austin, Texas Tiffany Taggart, marketing team, Searcy Rhommell Williams, marketing team, Little Rock * Honors College student; Honors College Fellow

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

Any student can join by attending one of our events or by visiting www.arkansasalumni.org/students

35

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President’s Message continued from page 30

ACT exam and nearly half had a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher.

Through increased collaboration across campus, the University has come together to provide a nationally recognized college experience.

The University of Arkansas moved up seven places in the ranking of national public universities and six places among all national universities to remain a top-tier national university in the 2016 edition of “Best Colleges” published by U.S. News and World Report, attaining a ranking of 62nd best national public university. Additionally, the university continues to be rated with the highest research classification possible by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, reaffirming the U of A’s place among 2 percent of institutions nationally.

During my tenure, I had the distinct privilege of working with two dynamic chancellors, Dr. G. David Gearhart and Dr. Joe Steinmetz.

I will always appreciate Dr. and Mrs. Gearhart’s commitment to our school. Whether it was the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century or creating the Full Circle Pantry, the Gearharts have left a lasting legacy that will improve the lives of all future students and our state as a whole. Currently, Dr. and Mrs. Steinmetz are making a concerted effort to immerse themselves in our culture and meet alumni, friends and other stakeholders from communities across Arkansas. Dr. Steinmetz has had more than 75 meetings on campus with students, faculty, administrators and other campus organizations. Additionally, Dr. and Mrs. Steinmetz made a generous gift of $25,000 to kick off a day of giving on the 145th Birthday of the University of Arkansas. With his steadfast commitment to collaboration, I am certain Dr. Steinmetz will develop an inclusive strategy that will lead us to strong growth and development in the University’s next chapter.

I want to thank the Arkansas Alumni Association for the opportunity to serve as your president. The association has a unique purpose: building a bridge between honoring our alumni and traditions while supporting the students of today and tomorrow. Supporting this worthy purpose has been an honor and I especially want to thank my husband Don Erbach and our three wonderful daughters, Olivia, Katherine, and Caroline, for their patience, love and encouragement during my tenure.

With Razorback Pride,

Stephanie S. Streett ✪+ BA’91 President, Arkansas Alumni Association

609 W. Dickson St. | Fayetteville, Arkansas Randy Werner | 479.287.4599 lifestyle@the-dickson.com

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE

The Arkansas Alumni Association needs your help!

•

KOSOVO

• •

SANTORINI

•

• ARCTIC CIRCLE •

• YANKEE STADIUM •

• SAN FRANCISCO •

•

AFRICA

•

Cut out the Razorback flag on the previous page, and send us photos from around the world with family and friends wearing their Razorback Red loud and proud. If you’re feeling really ambitious, send us a video of you all doing the Hog Call!

All photo submissions will be entered for a chance to win a signed football by Head Razorback Football Coach Bret Bielema.

Please email your submissions to photo@arkansasalumni.org

by Aug. 1, 2016.

38

ARKANSAS

ALUMNI

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

CHAPTERS

-1-

Photos submitted

-2-

-3-

-1The Mid-South – Memphis Chapter cheered on the Hogs from behind home plate as they took on the Memphis Tigers on April 6 at FedEx Park.

-2The Young Professionals group in Central Arkansas has been meeting to socialize and network at their Happy Hour Speakers Series.

-3Alumni in the Omaha area gather to cheer on the Razorbacks. Go Hogs!

-4Kim Needy, dean of Graduate School and International Education at the University of Arkansas, spoke at the Oklahoma City Scholarship Banquet March 8. Alumni and friends gathered for dinner and good company to hear about what is happening around the U of A campus. All proceeds benefit the Greater Oklahoma City Scholarship fund, which supports local students who attend the University of Arkansas.

-4Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

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GREEK LIFE

Above: Parice Bowser, director of Greek Life, and Paul Adams, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, advises the Omega Psi Phi chapter.

Photos submitted

Right: More than 50 students representing Greek Life attended the Association of Fraternity Leadership and Values.

Numbers Gender

63% female

40

37% male

Greek Life population has grown by more than 43 percent since 2010.

States Represented

2015 – 8,328 2014 – 7,840 2013 – 7,033 2012 – 5,970 2011 – 5,299 2010 – 4,732

44.7% – Arkansas 31.4% – Texas 8.4% – Missouri 5.5% – Kansas 10% – Other States A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Greek Life Wins National Recognition at Association of Fraternity Leadership and Values Conference More than 50 Greek Life students attended the Association of Fraternity Leadership and Values conference this past fall and were honored with several national awards.

Gamma Sigma Alpha, the National Greek Academic Honor Society, received the Outstanding Scholarship Fall 2015 for Top Greek Community in the region.

Panhellenic Council received awards for Academic Achievement, Council Management, Membership Recruitment, Philanthropy and Community Service, Public Relations, and Self-Governance and Judicial Affairs.

National Pan-Hellenic Council received awards in Council Management, Leadership and Educational Development, Philanthropy and Community Service, and Public Relations.

Interfraternity Council received awards in Council Management, Leadership and Educational Development, and Membership Recruitment.

In addition to the student awards, a University of Arkansas professor received an award.

Paul Adams was recognized as the 2016 recipient of the “AFLV Wilford A. Butler Outstanding Alumnus Award.” Adams, who is an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry as well as cellular and molecular biology, advises the Omega Psi Phi chapter and mentors many other students within the University of Arkansas Greek community.

“Being recognized with the Wilford A. Butler Outstanding Alumnus

Generation

86% non-first generation

Award by the 2016 Association for Fraternal and Leadership Values (AFLV) Conference has only strengthened my desire to continue on my chosen path professionally, both as a researcher and a teacher here at the U of A,” Adams said. “However, this award is also a symbol to me that I do not have to sacrifice the quality of my scientific research, or my teaching in order to be a positive role model and/or mentor to all of my students. This honor has also strengthened my belief that I do not have to sacrifice my character, which is engrained in helping others, as I continue my quest to reach my professional goals.”

Because of Adams’ commitment to Greek life and his outstanding example of inter-fraternalism, UA Greek councils donated $1,000 in his honor to the AFLV Foundation as a way to give back as he has given for so many others.

Parice Bowser, director of UA Greek Life and Chair of AFLV leadership, said participating in the AFLV conference is about more than just competing for national awards.

“The Association of Fraternity Leadership and Values provides our students the opportunity to learn, grow, network and connect with other Greek leaders from around the country who are working to advance the fraternal experience,” Bowser said. “It provides us with the opportunity to become stronger than we are today, challenging us to become better as we lead together.”

For a full list of awards and story, please visit the Division of Student Affairs Blog found at UA4student.uark.edu. n

Ethnicity

14% first generation

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

88% – Caucasian 2% – African American 5% – Hispanic 1% – Native American 3% – Multiple 1% – Asian American

Freshman Retention Rate 2014 – 89.5% 2013 – 92% 2012 – 97% 2011 – 92.5% 2010 – 93%

41

Photos courtsey Razorback athletics

R A ZO R B AC K ROA D

Track Teams Finish No. 2 at National Indoor Championships The Arkansas women’s track and field team returned even stronger on day two of the 2016 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship in Birmingham, Alabama. An all-around successful weekend for the Razorbacks the final day of the NCAA meet was highlighted by a goldmedal performance by Lexi Weeks in the pole vault. Arkansas capped the indoor season as the second best team in nation.

The runner-up finish is Arkansas’ second highest finish and third NCAA indoor top three performance in program history.

In her NCAA Championship debut, Weeks stunned the crowd at the Birmingham Crossplex, claiming the pole vault national title in an NCAA meet record of 4.63m/15-2.25. The Cabot native posted perfect attempts over four heights before going to head-tohead against fellow NCAA co-leader Megan Clark of Duke. An SEC Champion one week earlier, Weeks emerged as the outright No. 1 following a clearance over 4.60m/15-1. She capped the night with a new personal record of the aforementioned 4.63m/15-2.25 becoming the first freshman in the 18-year history of the NCAA pole vault to earn the national crown.

Weeks is the fourth pole vaulter in Arkansas history to win an NCAA Championship and the 28th Razorback to do so.

The Arkansas men’s track and field team collected a phenomenal 25 points on the final day of the 2016 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship in Birmingham. Two Razorbacks won their respective events – Clive Pullen, who placed first in the triple jump, and Jarrion Lawson, who placed first in the long jump.

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Arkansas’ runner-up finish marked its fifth consecutive NCAA indoor top-three performance since the 2012 season.

Leaping to SEC gold one week earlier, Pullen returned to the runway as the No. 4 best collegian in a talented triple jump field. The Kingston, Jamaica, native opened up the day fouling a big first attempt but maintained confidence in his abilities. Pullen got in the board on his second attempt, marking a distance of 15.95m/52-4 to keep a spot inside the top eight. Finally finding his rhythm, Pullen exploded off the board on his third jump leaping to 16.64m/54-7.25 to move into first place and the Arkansas history books. The mark earned Pullen his first national title – Arkansas’ first in the event since 2008.

Not an ordinary long jump outing for the Texarkana, Texas native, Lawson began the day with a leap of 7.58m/24-10.5. A contender in the 60-meter dash as well, Lawson took a brief hiatus from jumping to race the dash. Following a new personal record of 6.61 at 60 meters the 12-time All-American was back in action on the runway. He improved to a mark of 7.67m/25-2 on his third jump which was good enough to place him fourth heading into the finals. Fouling two big jumps in a row, Lawson finally marked a clean attempt leaping into first off 7.95m/26-1.

With Lawson (long jump) and Pullen’s golden efforts, Arkansas successfully swept the horizontal jumps at the NCAA meet for the eighth time in program history.

Both teams went into the outdoor track and field competition highly ranked with outdoor national championships slated for June. n

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Photo courtsey Razorback athletics

R A ZO R B AC K ROA D

Women’s Tennis Team Headed to National Championships The Razorbacks women’s tennis team was headed to the NCAA Division I Women’s Tennis Championship as the magazine went to press. Arkansas senior Yuliya Lysa also earned a bid to the singles championships.

For the second-consecutive season, No. 32 Arkansas (16-13, 5-8) headed to regional competition, the first step toward winning the national championship. The Razorbacks were to take on No. 29 Tulsa (21-4) in the first round on May 13 at the Oklahoma State Regional.

The winner was to advance to play the winner between No. 15 host Oklahoma State (23-4) – who was the country’s No. 12 seed overall – and Albany (14-7) in the second round. The winner of that match would earn a spot in the NCAA Championship’s round of 16, which

44

was to be held May 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Arkansas held a 24-5 advantage over the Golden Hurricane in the alltime series, dating back to 1980. Tulsa defeated the Razorbacks 6-1 in Fayetteville earlier this season.

The selection marked the program’s 14th all-time NCAA Championship bid. Last season, the Razorbacks fell 4-1 to No. 27 Arizona State in the first round.

Lysa, who was ranked No. 22 nationally, compiled a 13-6 dualmatch singles record on the season en route to earning All-SEC First Team honors. She was especially dominant during Southeastern Conference play, posting a team-best 9-4 mark that included four victories over top-25 opponents. n

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Razorbacks Exceed APR Benchmark in All 19 Sports For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Arkansas exceeds the benchmark Academic Progress Rate (APR) multiyear rate of 930 in all 19 of its intercollegiate sport programs.

Arkansas’ 19 programs averaged a rate of 973.2, marking the fifth straight year the program average has exceeded 970. All 19 programs eclipsed the benchmark by at least 14 points with 15 of the 19 besting the 930 benchmark by 20 points or more.

The Razorback women’s golf program earned an NCAA Public Recognition Award for ranking among the top 10 percent of women’s golf teams nationally. The program scored a perfect 1,000 multiyear rate. It was the seventh NCAA Public Recognition Award earned by women’s golf. The University of Arkansas has now earned a total of 12 public recognition awards in the past four years. Other top scoring programs include women’s gymnastics (995), women’s volleyball (995), men’s tennis (994) and women’s swimming and diving (993).

“Our APR performance continues to reflect the progress we have made academically and our continued focus on graduation,” said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “All 19 of our programs are well above the APR benchmark. Several programs, including football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball, have made significant improvements on their multiyear rates in just the last few years. That is a credit to our coaches, our Office of Student-Athlete Success staff, but most of all to the young men and women who are committed to their own personal development athletically, academically and socially.

We will continue to work each and every day to provide our studentathletes with the resources and, most importantly, the opportunities for them to succeed in all aspects of their student-athlete experience.”

Football made a 14-point gain in its multiyear APR to earn a 952 in the most current listing.

It is the highest multiyear rate recorded by the football program since APR was implemented and eclipsed the previous record (938) set in 2011-12 and matched in 2013-14. Earlier this year, football led all SEC schools and set a program record with 40 members on the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll. Arkansas also led the league in overall academic honor roll selections in SEC sponsored sports with 90 student-athletes.

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

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In addition to football, women’s basketball (+24) and softball (+14) also saw double-digit point improvements in APR multiyear rates.

Women’s basketball posted back-to-back perfect 1,000 single-year rates for the first time in program history.

Men’s basketball exceeded the benchmark for the fourth consecutive year and posted its second-best multiyear rate ever (954). In the past six years, the men’s basketball multiyear rate has improved by 68 points.

In 2015-16, a total of 102 Razorback student-athletes graduated in the fall or were on target to be eligible to participate in spring commencement ceremonies. Razorbacks Athletics has averaged 100 graduates per year in each of the past two years.

Last fall, Razorback student-athletes combined recorded a program-record cumulative GPA of 3.25.

The APR is based on academic eligibility and retention of studentathletes in each athletic program. This report’s multiyear scores are based on the 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic years. n

45

WHERE’S JOE?

Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz, his wife Sandy, and a variety of other university leaders took a week-long bus tour of Arkansas in May, meeting with state residents and university supporters.

Steinmetz, who came to Arkansas in January, has been learning what Arkansans want from the University of Arkansas and how the institution can better serve the state.

During the trip, the group met with students in El Dorado and Helena-West Helena and checked out agricultural products such as watermelons at Hope, rice at Stuttgart, Yarnell’s Ice Cream at Searcy and Post wine at Altus. The group stopped in Little Rock to meet with state leaders as well.

From Fort Smith to Texarkana to Newport, the tour gave the new chancellor a breadth of information about the state that couldn’t be learned in Fayetteville.

The tour occurred as the summer magazine was going to press, and we will have a full report of the bus tour and its success in the fall edition.

46

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Y E S T E RY E A R

1876

positions on campus are held by women. The commission also showed that female faculty members and female staff members made less than their male counterparts.

• Of the 2,535 students who earn degrees, only 499 participate in the commencement ceremony.

• Professor Benjamin J. Borden is described as one of the best teachers in America, and the Board of Trustees approves his hiring.

• University President George M. Edgar orders that male and female students remain separated during class, while changing classes and at all other times.

1916

• Professor David Yancey Thomas, head of the history department, attends a conference dedicated to stopping the practice of lynching.

1926

• Florenz Ziegfield of the Ziegfield Follies judges the university’s most beautiful female students for the Razorback yearbook.

• Engineering students construct the Toonerville Trolley – 1,000 feet of rail, 350 ties and more than 1,000 spikes – as part of Engine Week. The trolley runs between Old Main, the Engineering Building and the Engineering Shops. It was disassembled and rebuilt two weeks later for the Apple Blossom Festival in Rogers.

• Carnall Hall’s governing board, which intends to uphold the highest standards of honor, scholarship and loyalty to the university, imposes financial penalties on women who violate the “lights-out” and “silence” policies.

1936

• Drawings for a new field house to be built on Garland Avenue are unveiled. Today the building is the James and Joyce Faulkner

In 1966, the fraternities of Greek Life brought the classical period back to life with chariot races on track at Razorback Stadium. There were a few modifications, of course. Charging stallions were replaced with pledges.

To the victors go the laurels.

Performing Arts Center.

• A University of Arkansas student is the youngest member of the state legislature.

• Holy Day services are held on campus for the first time for the Jewish New Year and the Day of Atonement. The observance was organized by University Hillel with help from the Arkansas Jewish Assembly.

1946

• C.R. Gilbreath, the only surviving member of the first graduating class of the university, returns to campus to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the university.

• Temporary housing is erected to house the booming increase in student population as a result of GIs returning from World War II. Three temporary housing villages – Lloyd Halls, Camp Leroy Pond and the Veterans Village – use temporary barracks moved to the university.

1956

• A Canadian band called the Crew Cuts stops its concert at the Field House to get a student named Ronnie Hawkins up

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

on stage because he looks like Elvis. Hawkins, who would put together his own band in the future, sang “You Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog,” a showstopper of its own.

• Students who need a break from summer school studies find their way to George’s Majestic Lounge on Dickson, which offers air-conditioning and a new fangled color television.

1966

• Gray Hall, a men’s residence hall built in 1906, is demolished to make way for construction of Mullins Library.

• Alan Sugg, manager of the Student Union and later a president of the university, outlines plans for building a new student union on campus.

• The National Council of Chi Omega Society donates $13,500 for renovation of the Greek Theater.

1966 Razorback Yearbook

1886

1986

• Hussein Hemmati, president of the U of A International Club, welcomes guests to the annual international banquet, which features Chinese lemon chicken, spring potato salad from Peru, beignet fritters from Senegal, ratatouille from France and baklava from Iran for dessert.

• Faculty, staff and students pledge $150,000 to begin a yearlong fundraising drive for the renovation of Old Main. Costs for restoration were expected to be $7 million.

1996

• People from around the world come to Fayetteville for a ceremony unveiling a new postal stamp commemorating the Fulbright International Exchange Program.

2006

• Using a planetary environmental chamber at the university, Julie Chittenden, a graduate student in the university’s space and planetary sciences program, shows that liquid water could have existed for considerable times on the surface of Mars. n

1976

• The Commission on the Needs of Women meets with university President Charles Bishop to find out why only four of the top 108

47

Look to the Future with Planned Giving There are many ways to make an impact at the University of Arkansas with a planned gift. Creating a gift annuity is just one easy option.

Please visit our website to learn more, or call or email us for a free illustration that demonstrates how a gift annuity can benefit you.

Fund an annuity by transferring cash to the University of Arkansas Foundation while creating lifetime payments for yourself, you and another person, or as a gift for someone special. Your gift will make a difference now while providing you with security for your future.

Office of Planned Giving (800) 317-7526 legacy@uark.edu http://plannedgiving.uark.edu

Other benefits of a charitable gift annuity include: · Income tax savings · Capital gains tax avoidance · Possible tax-free payments

We CARE About Putting Arkansas Students First The University of Arkansas is committed to increasing the number of Arkansans with bachelor’s degrees and providing opportunities for in-state students to stay and study in our home state.

Enrolling students from across our state adds to the

MYK AYL A BO W S E R Freshman from West Memphis, AR

“My CARE scholarship opens me up to more experiences and gives me access to programs and resources that I might not have.”

diversity of our campus and remains a top priority.

It is absolutely essential for students to learn in an atmosphere that is reflective of the diverse world in which we live.

The CARE Endowed Scholarship addresses this need and was created for students who excel in academics, involvement and engagement and also demonstrate financial need. Growing the CARE program bolsters access to the university for incoming freshmen who hail from the Natural State and it specifically targets hard-working high school

TORI MI NOR Freshman from Cherry Valley, AR

“I definitely want to see the world, but will come back to Arkansas. I will have a permanent address one day in Cherry Valley.

I want my own kids to graduate from the same high school I did.”

seniors from Arkansas.

Consider a gift to this incredible scholarship and help bring more students from our own backyard into the warm and welcoming Razorback family fold.

Give instantly at onlinegiving.uark.edu or contact the Office of Annual Giving at (479) 575-2944 to make your gift totday.

JOE BRADL E Y Freshman from Little Rock, AR

“I grew up loving the University of Arkansas, and I have always wanted to serve Arkansas. I want to make Arkansas better.”

F RO M S E N I O R WA L K

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, Arkansas Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1070, Fayetteville AR 72702 E-mail: records@arkansasalumni.org These symbols indicate Alumni Association membership:

’50

John F. Cross ★ BSA’57, with Cornerstone Bank celebrated his 61st year in January and earned a Milestone Award as the longest tenured banker in the state of Arkansas by the Arkansas Bankers Association.

’60

Linda Drake Wells★+ and George W. Wells III ★+ BSBA’66, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Frank Abbott Trice ✪ BSBA’67, was selected as one of the 40 under 40 Macedonians living all over the world to have made a difference for the United Macedonian Diaspora 2015.

John B. Dixon Jr. ★ BSBA’68, and wife, Judy L. Dixon ★ BSE’68 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Montine Bowen McNulty ✪+ BSE’68 was inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame.

’70

for Qualcomm.

50

Barbara Alexander Stiles ✪ BS’70 MS’71 was elected to serve on the Board of Directors

Gary C. George ✪+ BSBA’72, chair of George’s Inc., was one of the six people inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in March at its 28th annual luncheon.

Christopher R. Johnson ★ MPA’75 retired after 28 years as a U.S. District Clerk for the Western District of Arkansas.

’80

Melody Merrick Timinsky BS’80, joined the leadership team of United Way of Northwest Arkansas as vice president of development, vice president of gift-inkind operations and vice president of community impact.

Jawanda Barnett Mast BSHE’84 MS’89, Olathe, Kansas, March 21, was named the manager of grassroots advocacy for the National Down Syndrome Society.

Jesse W. White ✪ BSE’86 MED’88 EDS’95 retired from Hampton City Public Schools in Hampton, Virginia, where he was the career and the chemical education director, STEM education director and Governor’s and Career Academies director.

Photo by Roy Cordell

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

Michael L. Murphy ★+ BA’83 JD’86 was elected to the Arkansas Court of Appeals on March 1 and will take office January 1, 2017.

Janie McKinney ✪+ BS’87, was featured in January’s issue of Compliance Today. McKinney is a compliance coordinator and IRB coordinator for Washington Regional Medical Center.

’90

Robert M. Koenig ✪ BARCH’90, became a John G. Williams Fellow as a continuation of his support and dedication to the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas.

David Eugene Shinn ★ BSEE’90, received a Federal Civil Service promotion to the GS 15 grade serving as the research directorate’s senior project portfolio manager at NASA Langley Research Center. He has been with NASA more than four years after serving 15 years as a federal civil servant with the U.S. Air Force and six years in consulting engineering.

Rachel Redman Brittain ★+ BS’91 is now the field logistics manager for the Southwest Region for Relypsa, a small biotech pharmaceutical company based in Redwood City, California.

Michael Douglas Gillette ★ BSE’95 has been named the 2016 Boerne ISD Teacher of the Year. Gillette is noted for his teaching of Advanced Placement U.S. History at Champion High School, where he has taught since 2008.

Heath Bebout BSEE’95 MSEE’97 was honored and inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Electrical Engineers.

Allison L. Elko ★ BA’93 JD’98 was recently added to the Bell Nunnally and Martin LLP as senior counsel within the Dallas office.

Jennifer Lynn Stewart ★ BA’98 graduated with a master’s degree in higher education and later accepted the position of community education director with Pulaski Technical College in Little Rock.

’00

Amanda Billingsley Wright ✪ BS’04 and husband, Eric Jason Wright ✪ BSA’04 BS’05 BA’05, announce the birth of their daughter, Eloise Hazel Wright, born Aug. 3, 2015.

Courtney B. Calloway ✪ BSBA’05 and husband, Ben, announce the birth of their first child. Born on Feb. 1, 2016, Cab Benjamin Calloway.

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Upgrade to LIFE…

AND NEVER PAY DUES AGAIN!

ARKANSAS

ALUMNI

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: 7730 James Michael Burnett ’93

7748 Heather Gornick Jorgensen ’97, ’12

7766 Dr. Aretha Faye Marbley ’98

7731 Traci Lynn Burnett

7749 Todd Gene Jorgensen ’04

7767 Randall E. Pope ’78

7732 Dr. Betty Houchin Winfield ’59

7750 April Nicole Burkett

7768 Jeanette L. Pope

7733 Dr. Barry I. Hyman

7751 Max Arthur Wernick ’74, ’77

7769 Elizabeth Ann Tanner

7734 Kayln N. Etoch ’14

7752 Mary Ann Wernick ’74

7770 Benjamin M. Koontz ’72

7735 Dr. Erik D. Johnson ’06, ’12

7753 Martha Pendleton Callaway ’75

7771 Paula K. Koontz

7736 Brandon Cogburn ’99, ’02

7754 Melissa A. Matuska ’00

7772 Sue O. Hale ’87

7737 John Lane Berrey ’91

7755 Dr. Joseph Carl Jensen ’12

7773 Connie Lewis Lensing ’74, ’77

7738 Joseph Michael Roblee ’90

7756 David E. Nelson ’69

7774 Stacey Sturner ’97, ’12

7739 Candace Ginn ’15

7757 Joanne F. Nelson ’70

7775 Jan William Sturner ’97

7740 Jim D. Bradley ’70

7758 Mary Jane Anderson ’71

7776 Brian Davis ’98, ’00

7741 Linda K. Bradley

7759 James V. Anderson

7777 Steve R. Kelly ’91

7742 Dr. Ro Di Brezzo

7760 John O. Pickett Jr.

7778 Jenna Leigh Kucginski ’15

7743 Ronald O. Fowler ’66, ’70

7761 Robin R. Pickett

7779 Richard Lang Zimmerman Jr. ’15

7744 Kay Evelyn Fowler ’67

7762 Dr. Joseph E. Steinmetz

7780 Michael F. Lax ’80, ’83

7745 Frederick S. “Rick” Spencer ’70, ’75

7763 Sandy Steinmetz

7781 Billie M. Lax ’83

7746 Anne Dyke

7764 Rinse A. Brink ’82

7782 Kathleen D. Alexander ’69, ’78

7747 September Fowler-Mayes

7765 Cecile Brink

William W. Watt ★ MBA’09, was recognized in Arkansas Life magazine as a 2016 top lawyer.

In Memoriam William Clyde Whitley Jr. BSBA’41, Bald Knob, March 1. In 1941 he supervised a chemical factory in Maumelle. During World War II, he enlisted in the Navy. He was the executive officer of his ship and attained the rank of lieutenant while docked at Pearl Harbor. He later operated the Bald Knob Lumber Co. Survivors: two sons, two daughters, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Betty B. Baker BA’43, Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 26. Survivors: her daughter, son, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth Bilheimer ✪ BA’43 MED’68, Little Rock, Feb. 9. She taught English at Arkansas School for the Blind and later served in the Arkansas Department of Rehabilitative Services.

Survivors: her son, John, daughters, Ann Bilheimer Grimes ✪ BSE’69 MED’72, and Helen, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Florence Byrd Stevenson BA’43, Schertz, Texas, Jan. 25. She spent much of her career working in higher education such as the dean of women at the University of Tulsa, UCLA, George Washington University, and many other institutes. She also established her own businesses including habit control clinics and the Count Pulaski bed and breakfast. Survivors: her two sons.

Harvey H. Howington Jr. ✪+ BSA’43, Lake Providence, Louisiana, Feb. 22. He was a crop farmer for many

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

years and also raised cattle. He also served for nine years on the local ASCS committee. Survivors: wife of three years, Peggy, two daughters, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

William L. Steele BS’45, Alexander, Dec. 19, 2015. Steele served in the military from 1942 until 1949. He graduated from the School of Aviation Medicine. He was attached to the 4-7-11 Troop Carrier Squadrons as flight surgeon and served in Air Rescue Operations and crash investigations. He received a commendation for an Alaska assignment and participated in the first jet-assisted take off at McChord Field, Washington. He was a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Survivors: wife, Donna, four children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Cecil Dale Hutson BSA’47, Southside, Feb. 21. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in World War II. Survivors: wife of 64 years, Joy, two daughters, two sons, five grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, two sisters and a brother.

Howard Prichard BSA’47 MS’54, Hope, March 22. Retired agriculture teacher. Survivors: a nephew and two nieces.

J. L. Lancaster ★ BSA’47, Fayetteville, March 2016. He served in the U.S. Army as second lieutenant in the 75th Infantry Division as a platoon leader in a cavalry reconnaissance platoon. He received the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He later became a professor in medical and veterinary entomology. He served until his retirement in 1993. Survivors: wife of 69 years, Virginia P. Lancaster ★ BSHE’47, children, Donn M.

51

F RO M S E N I O R WA L K

Lancaster BSA’72 PHD’84,Richard and Susan, six grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren, two sisters and a brother.

Margaret Gerig Martin ✪+ BA’47, Kilgore, Texas, Feb. 29. She served on the Kilgore Independent School Board for 12 years. In 1952, she and her husband founded Martin Gas. They also founded Paula Martin Jones Charities that provides daycare for low-income families. Margaret had two children’s books published, “Robin’s Rhymes” and “Robin’s World.” Survivors: her two sons, Ruben S. Martin III ✪+ BSIM’74 and Scott Martin ★+ BSBA’87, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

William E. Davis BS’47, Little Rock, Feb. 13. He joined the Navy Reserves in February 1942. He later qualified as a naval aviator and received his wings in November. Later becoming lieutenant, Davis performed 104 carrier combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

Al Eason Jr. ✪+ BSBA’48, Bermuda Run, North Carolina, April 22. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was later president of Eason and Company, a general insurance agency established in1888 by his grandfather. He was also president of the Arkansas Savings and Loan League and trustee of the U.S. Savings and Loan Foundation. Survivors: his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Hoag Eason ✪+ BSBA’49, son, Stephen A. Eason BSBA’79, daughter, Melinda and five grandchildren.

Allen L. Mallioux BSBA’48, Fayetteville, Dec. 11, 2015. He served in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves from 1946 to 1953. He later began his career in the construction business retiring after 25 years. In 1998 he was elected justice of the peace and served on the Boone County Quorum Court for over 14 years. Survivors: his wife of 63 years, Mary, his son Ross Mallioux ✪ BSBA’84, and one grandson.

George Dalton Jennings BA’48, Little Rock, Jan. 12. He was a bomber pilot during World War II, who flew B24s and B29s in the Pacific theater, and cargo planes in the Korean War. Dalton served for 28 years in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1970. He was also a recipient of the first Presidential Award of the American Nursing Home Association.

Survivors: two sons and two daughters.

52

Leah D. Keith BA’48, Little Rock, Jan. 24. She served as chair of the Bargain Box, which opened in 1962 and had 15 years of being the major source of revenue for the community. Survivors: three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Peggy Leal White ★ BSHE’48, Osceola, April 12. She worked at the State Capitol Building for many years. Survivors: three children, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a brother.

Powell Woods ✪ BA’48, Siloam Springs, Feb. 18. He was a veteran of the U.S Army where he served in the South Pacific Theater in World War II. In 1958 he practiced law under his father.

Survivors: son, John, daughter, Lola L. Dobson ✪+ BA’82 BM’83 BA’97, two grandchildren and brother.

Robert Warren Dyess BA’48, Memphis, Feb. 22. From 1948 to 1961 he farmed his family’s property near Luxora and operated a cotton gin and a farm equipment company. He later owned a drapery and upholstery business in Arizona. Survivors: his two children, five grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Sam Hauert ✪ BSBA’48, Tucson, Arizona, Jan. 28, 2016. In 1945 at the age of 19, Sam earned his wings and a second lieutenant commission. In 1948, he became a partner in Grant Road Lumber Co., later becoming sole owner in 1999. Survivors: wife, Sara, two sons, one daughter and his grandchildren.

Alice Cardwell Gaylean BSHE’49, Collierville, Tennessee, Sept. 11, 2014.

Survivors: her loving husband, William O. Gaylean Jr. BSBA’49 and her brother, James.

Betty Medlock BSE’49, Austin, Texas, February 2. She taught elementary school and later became president of the Austin Association of Teachers in 1974. Survivors: her son, daughter, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Cletis O. Overton BSA’49, Malvern, Feb. 29. He was a member of the Army Air Force from 1940 to 1945. He also worked in the U.S. Department of Agriculture as head of the Department of Home and Loans. Survivors; his wife of 11 years, Adrienne, four children, four grandchildren, sister and brother.

David R. James Jr. ✪ BSBA’49, El

Dorado, Feb. 24. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, graduating from Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia, as a lieutenant. He was assigned first Fort Still, Oklahoma, and then shipped overseas for active combat in World War II. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He worked as manager of the Randolph Hotel, later becoming a Holiday Inn franchisee. He then opened the first Holiday Inn Hotel in El Dorado. Survivors: his wife, Jane, two sons, five grandsons and nine greatgrandchildren.

Elizabeth Haugen Yates MA’49, Seattle, Oct. 22, 2015. She taught English and journalism at Garfield and Rainier Beach high schools in the 1960s and 1970s. Survivors: her son, Zane and her grandchildren.

Gwen M. Oakes BSHE’49, Waldron, Feb. 18. She was a teacher in Texas and Arkansas. Survivors: her husband of 69 years, Gerald Oakes BSA’50, granddaughter, three great-grandchildren, one great-greatgranddaughter and one sister.

Joe B. Crouch BSA’49, Fayetteville, Dec. 25. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He later worked as a county extension agent in Arkansas and Missouri, owned a broiler operation in Texas and was a field salesman for poultry feed additives. Survivors: his son, Allen, three grandsons, his sister and several nieces and nephews.

L. Z. Watson BSA’49, Glenwood, March 14. He was an Army Air Corp veteran of World War II. Survivors: his son, daughter, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mary Browning BS’49, Decatur, Jan. 28. Survivors: four daughters, five grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.

Otis L. Parham BSBA’49, San Antonio Texas, Aug. 12, 2009.

Paul A. Kormondy ✪+ BSME’49 BSIE’50, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Feb. 4. Paul proudly served as a section leader and forward observer in the U.S. Army for an 81mm Mortar Heavy Weapons Company in the 345th Infantry Regiment of the 87th Division.

He was honorably discharged as tech sergeant. He later transferred to Omaha where in 1951-52 he was involved in the development of equipment to manufacture Swanson’s first frozen meat

and fruit pies and “TV dinners.” In 1955 Swanson’s merged with Campbell Soup Co. and he was promoted to manager of engineering and maintenance for three plants in Nebraska and one in Minnesota. He retired in 1986.

Survivors: wife of 68 years, Shirley, three children, five grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren and one brother.

Vera Langford Swaim BSSW’49, Waldron, March 6. She worked several years for the Arkansas State Welfare Department’s Child Welfare Division.

Survivors: a brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

William H. Gullette BSA’49, Carthage, Texas, Jan. 18. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a navigator and bombardier during World War II. He later taught biology at Panola College for many years and was instrumental in starting the vocational and technical programs. Survivors: daughter, two sons, two grandsons and two sisters.

Worth Wesley Gibson BA’49 MA’50, Jonesboro, Jan. 17. He served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer. He later earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1981. He was also a pastor of Arkansas churches for 38 years.

Survivors: his wife, Betty, two sons, two daughters, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Buddy R. Packard BSBA’50, Camden, March 23. He served during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was assigned to the Pacific Division, Air Transport Command. He later founded Packard’s Inc., an office supply and printing business, and served as its president and owner until his retirement. Survivors: his daughter, two grandchildren, two great-grandsons and his sister.

Gerald Oakes BSA’50, Fort Smith, March 28. He worked on B52s during World War II. He was awarded three Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Metal. He later taught vocational education for 38 years. During his teaching career, he received the Texas Ag Teacher of the Year Award.

Survivors: granddaughter, three great-grandchildren, a great-greatgranddaughter and a brother.

Harley W. Goodman Jr. ✪+ BSME’50, Little Rock, Feb. 18. He served in the Army Signal Corps as platoon leader in the Korean War. For four years he was a sales liaison for a

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

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F RO M S E N I O R WA L K

company that manufactured parts for the oil business in Texas. He later was employed by his father’s wholesale plumbing and HVAC product business, Goodman Supply Co. He later started his own consulting engineer firm in Fort Smith in 1960. Survivors: his wife Molly A. Goodman ✪+ BA’57, his three children, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Photo submitted

Henry C. Doshier Jr. ★ BSBA’50, Sherman, Texas, April 13. He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was the manager of the Montgomery Ward department store in Greenville, Texas, for a number of years and following that, he was the manager of K. Woolens department stores in Denton, Texas.

Survivors: his son, two granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

Spotlight Elizabeth Underwood ✪ MED’05 PHD’12 University of Arkansas alumna Elizabeth Saxman Underwood has been named one of the most powerful women in Arkansas by AY magazine.

Underwood is the associate vice chancellor for government and university relations at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. In her role, she oversees government relations between the university and the Arkansas Legislature and manages the offices of Public Relations and Marketing and Communications.

She previously worked at the Arkansas Alumni Association, starting as a graduate assistant in 2003. She worked her way up to Associate Director and departed in 2010.

Additionally, she serves on the board of directors with Medical Supplies Network Inc. and with the Rotary Club of Fort Smith.

A Winslow, Arkansas resident, Underwood earned a doctorate in public policy from the University of Arkansas in 2012. The interdisciplinary doctoral degree program is housed within the Graduate School and International Education.

Underwood credits an experience she had while in graduate school with helping propel her to where she is today.

“Working on my dissertation at the Library of Congress is when I realized that my doctorate was truly obtainable, and that I can overcome any obstacle by thinking creatively,” she said. ■

Marjorie T. Ward MS’50, Lake Charles, Louisiana, March 29, 2015.

She taught Civics at La Grange High School for many years. She later began her second career for the state of Louisiana surveying crops on local farms.

Survivors: her many nieces and nephews.

Ralph Curtiss Patterson BSE’50, Miami, Florida, Jan. 5. He taught at Village Green and Greenglade Elementary Schools. After retiring from teaching, he found his passion as a Realtor in the Kendall/ Village Green area of Miami. He was named “Top Salesman” numerous times. Survivors: his wife of 64 years, Barbara, his three children and his six grandchildren.

Robert L. Frantz BSCHE’50, Fort Smith, Jan. 20. As a young man, he served with the 89th Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operation during World War II. He later went on to become employed by Union Carbide in Texas City in 1950, retiring from there in 1986 as senior staff engineer.

A registered professional engineer, he served as chair of the worldwide Vinyl Chloride Safety Association.

Stewart E. Rogers ✪ BSCHE’50, Benton, Feb. 9. He worked for Reynolds Metal Company as plant manager for many years. He also managed the assignment in Jamaica until his retirement. Survivors: sons, Stewart Rogers Jr. BSBA’75 and Bill Rogers, six grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.

Thomas P. Thomas Jr. BSME’50, El Dorado, April 6. He was a veteran of

54

World War II with the U.S. Navy on U.S.S. Le Hardy and U.S.S. Navasota in the Pacific Theater. Survivors: two sons, three grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren and his sister.

Arthur Eugene Ray ★+ BSEE’51, Hot Springs, Dec. 22, 2015. At the age of 17, Ott began serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a radio operator, RM3. After the war ended, he later became an electrical engineer in 1950 and later retired from Entergy as a district manager after 37 years of service.

Survivors: his wife of 64 years, Cora Lee Ray ★+, their two daughters, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Charles L. Brown BSA’51, Siloam Springs, January 13. He served in the U.S Army near the end of World War II in Japan. He also owned and operated The Insurance Office in Siloam Springs, and Charlie Brown Insurance Agency in Bentonville for many years prior to his retirement. Survivors: his son, Charles, daughter, Lydia, five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Dick Hampton ★ BSA’51, Beaverton, Oregon, March 6. He conducted research on viruses and viral diseases at Washington State University, best known for his research on viruses of legumes but also worked on viruses in fruits, hops and vegetables. Survivors: his wife, Willa, son, daughter and granddaughter.

James Linville Webber BSBA’51, Longview, Texas, March 14. He served in the military during the Korean War from 1951 to 1952. Survivors: his wife of over 60 years, Sylvia, his four children, eight grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.

Ray Marion McIntyre Jr. BS’51, Oct. 19, 2015.

Sarah Rodgers Foster BSHE’51, Knoxville, Tennessee. Aug. 15, 2013.

Thomas J. Eby Jr. BS’51 MS’52, Little Rock, April 17. He worked for Texas Pacific Oil Co. and Terra Resources before becoming an independent petroleum geologist. Survivors: his wife of 65 years, Julied Price Eby BSBA’51, two sons and four grandchildren.

W. D. Southworth BS’51, DeQueen, Nov. 10, 2014.

Wayne E. Stuckey LLB’51, Little Rock, March 13. He worked for the U.S. Civil Service Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

of the Inspector General in Texas and Arkansas. He was in charge of the Little Rock Audit Office of the Inspector General from 1969 until retirement in 1983. Survivors: his wife, Mary, two sons and a sister.

& Associates, which became the largest and most successful broker dealers in the Southwest at the time with offices in Dallas and New York. Survivors: wife, Gail, three children, 10 grandchildren and his sister, Helen Willms BS’45.

David T. Harrel ★+ BSBA’52, Texarkana, Texas, April 1. He joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps and served in Korea. He was later an accountant and was the chief financial officer of Walsh Lumpkin Drug Co. Survivors: two daughters, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

William G. Roberts BSCHE’52, Enterprise, Oklahoma, March 30. He worked for Phillips Petroleum Co. for 34 years before retiring in 1986.

Survivors: his wife, Shirley, daughter, son, eight grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Frank W. Gill BSBA’52 MBA’56, Ozark, Feb. 22. He was a retired certified public accountant for Federal Securities and Exchange Commission. He was also a U.S Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. Survivors: wife, Christiane, a daughter, son and two grandchildren.

Gene Guinn BSA’52 MS’57, Mesa, Arizona, Feb. 11. In 1970 he worked in the Western Cotton Research Lab in Phoenix where he remained for the rest of his career. Survivors: wife of 60 years, Mary, son, daughter and four grandchildren.

Thomas W. Murrey BSBA’52, Jonesboro, Jan. 20. Upon graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. He served as a first lieutenant for 13 months during the Korean War. He later served as a staff officer with the 196th Field Artillery Battalion of the Tennessee National Guard. Later, working in banking, he eventually became a senior commercial loan officer and president of a leasing company for a Memphis bank. Tom was also an excellent teacher and taught for the American Institute of Banking, the Small Business Administration and the Continuing Education Department at Memphis State University. Survivors: his wife of 57 years, Betty, two sons and four grandchildren.

Vernon Peel ✪ BSA’52, Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Feb. 21. He served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Survivors: his many children and grandchildren.

Wallace L. Hall Sr. BSBA’52, Dallas, Texas, March 4. He was an officer in the U.S. Air Force in 1952 during the Korean War. He had a long career in the brokerage business. In 1962 he and several of his friends launched their own firm: Weber, Hall, Cobb & Caudle Inc., later becoming Weber, Hall, Sale

Billie Moore Messer BSE’53, Hot Springs, March 3. She taught high school in Neosho, Missouri, for many years. Survivors: her four daughters and eight grandchildren.

Bob L. McGinnis ✪+ BSA’53, Memphis, Dec. 23, 2015. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 until 1956.

He completed his service as a first lieutenant. In 1959, he began farming and continued for 40 years, raising cotton, rice and soy beans. Survivors: his wife, Barbara, three daughters, including Susanne McGinnis Sorrell ★ BA’81, three grandchildren and his brother.

Craig Benson MS’53, Palatka, Florida, July 2, 2011.

Ellen J. Reinold ✪+ BA’53, Tomball, Texas, March 12. She earned a teaching certificate and taught elementary school in Louisiana. Survivors: three children, five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Francis M. Wilson MS’53, Jonesboro, Dec. 11, 2015. In 1940, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps for six months. He helped set up a hospital in San Francisco. He served as a medical corpsman in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He later became a surgery resident at United Mine Workers Hospital in Kentucky. Survivors: his wife, Dorothy, his five children, 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and his sister.

Herbert A. White MS’53, Monticello, Jan. 8. He was a veteran of World War II serving as lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy and nine years in the Navy Reserve. He was also a retired teacher and administrator. Survivors: three daughters, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Jerry Stebbins Floyd ★ BSSW’53, Little Rock, March 16. She was a

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

dancer and teacher with the Dorothy Donaldson Dancers. She later worked as a psychiatric social worker at Fort Roots Veteran’s Hospital. She also worked as a supervisor of students of social work at Washington University. Survivors: her three children and her two grandsons.

Jesse Claude Deen MS’53, Rocky Mountain, Louisiana, Dec. 7, 2015.

He joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He later became principal of Rocky Mountain High School and served until his retirement in 1972. Deen was also a distinguished public servant, serving 12 years on the Bossier Parish Police Jury from 1960 to 1972. He was elected to the House of Representatives for the Louisiana State Legislature in 1972 and served until 1988 from District 9. Survivors: four children, 12 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.

Joe D. Woodward ✪+ LLB’53, Magnolia, March 3. Practiced law in Magnolia since 1955, serving as the deputy prosecuting attorney for Columbia County and was elected as the prosecuting attorney for the 13th Judicial District in the 1960s. He also served in the U.S. Army where he was a Judge Advocate General Corps lawyer during the Korean War. Survivors: his wife of 64 years, Deane Reid Woodward ✪+, two sons, A. Reid Woodward and Davis Woodward and grandchildren, and Dean Woodward.

Pat Dumas ★+, Fayetteville, February 11. She was an active volunteer in churches, hospitals and libraries.

Survivors: her son, Scott and her many nephews.

Anne Ratliff Smith Roberts BSE’54, Jonesboro, Feb. 20. She was a school teacher in Fort Smith for many years.

Survivors: two daughters, son, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Charles R. Lasiter MS’54, Fordyce, April 29. Charles was a retired principal and educator from the Fordyce School District and served our country heroically as a Navy radar man on the U.S.S. Intrepid during World War II. Survivors: two sons, one daughter, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and two sisters.

out teaching home economics for Mabelvale High School and later worked for the Pulaski County Cooperative Extension Service. She also worked as a home economist for the Arkansas Dairy Association and also opened the Homestead Gift Shop in 1975.

Survivors: her husband, Ralph Jack Burcham ★ BSCE’57, daughter and two grandsons.

George W. Clifford BSE’54, Oklahoma City, Feb. 2. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 in 1943 in the 670th Field Artillery. He left teaching and began his 35-year career at Boeing. Survivors: his wife of 63 years, Gaye, his son, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Hiron D. Knight BSA’54, Springdale, Dec. 12, 2015. Knight served in the U.S. Navy and was a retired personnel manager for Tyson Foods Inc. Survivors: wife of 63 years, Mada, two children, five grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

Patricia Guthary Marts ★ BSHE’54 MS’76, Springdale, April 12. She taught high school home economics in Clarksville for six years, then later worked at the Johnson County Hospital as food service supervisor and held that position for six years. She also worked at Springdale Memorial Hospital for a total of 18 years. Survivors: husband of 57 years, Donald K. Marts ★, two sons, eight grandchildren, one great-grandson and a sister.

Robert E. Covey III ✪ BSBA’54, Dec. 31, 1999.

Robert Henry Dalton BA’54 MED’57, Key West, Dec. 27. He served for two years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Bob taught at Douglas Elementary, drove the Conch Train in Key West in the 1970s and ended his working years with Mosquito Control. Survivors: his wife of 55 years, Sandi Lewis Dalton BSE’69, three children, six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and one brother.

Duane A. Messer BSE’54, Hot Springs, April 2, 2011.

Thaddy B. Harvison ✪+ MED’54, Tucson, Arizona, Feb. 8. In 1945 he served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. Bill was later a teacher and administrator in the Tucson Unified School District for more than 30 years. Survivors: his two sons and seven grandchildren.

Fran Burcham ★ BSE’54 MS’57, Olathe, Kansas, March 13. She started

Virgil B. Perry BS’54, Blue Springs, Missouri, Jan. 25. He practiced medicine

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for 52 years in Pine Bluff. He served as chief of staff at Jefferson Regional Medical Center and as an associate professor for the University of Arkansas for Medical Science, teaching medical students through the AHEC program.

He was also a licensed pilot. Survivors: his wife, Gail, three children and five grandchildren.

Carolyn Jones ★ BSE’55, Houston, Texas, Feb. 9. She was a school teacher for many years. Survivors: two daughters, five grandchildren, one greatgranddaughter and a sister.

Clarence J. Raible BS’55 MS’59, Bartlesville, Dec. 10, 2015. Clarence joined the Bureau of Mines, the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as other private contractors. He also served in the Air National Guard as a navigator for 22 years, attaining the rank of major.

Survivors: his wife, Helen L. Raible BA’59, two children, one grandson, four nieces and nephews and two cousins.

George G. Vaught BSBA’55, Hot Springs, March 19. He was a Korean War veteran. Survivors: six children, seven grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren and his sister.

Leonard Venable Sr. ★ BSA’55, Little Rock, Jan. 14. He joined the U.S. Navy and traveled the world while serving aboard the U.S.S. Prairie; being honorably discharged, he settled down in Little Rock. Venable worked in real estate for the next several years then founded Terra Properties. He rose to the rank of vice president at First Federal Savings and Loan. Throughout his 60-year career, he continually established himself as a multifaceted businessman.

Survivors: his wife, Delores, three sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren and his brother.

Margaret Johnson Wood BSE’55, Mena, July 17, 2006.

Pat Bumpers ★ BSBA’55, Memphis, Feb. 27. Survivors: her son, her daughter and two grandchildren.

Howard E. Reeves Sr. BSBA’56, Meridian, Mississippi, Jan. 22. He was a senior account agent with Allstate Insurance for 33 years. Survivors: his wife of 62 years, Mary, four children, seven grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.

Robbie Wilford Parker BSCE’56, Lithia, Florida, March 12. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War,

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and he was later a registered professional engineer. Survivors: wife of 59 years, three sons, two daughters and 11 grandchildren.

Thomas W. Sullivan ★+ MS’56, Russellville, May 4. Survivors: wife of 35 years, Maggie L. Sullivan ★+, his stepchildren, two brothers and a host of many family members.

Elizabeth Whitten Meux MA’57, Denton, Texas, March 18. She was a teacher and taught first grade at the Arkansas School for the Blind, history and English at S.H. Rider High School in Texas and journalism and speech in Iowa. Survivors: her husband, John W. Meux MA’57, son, daughter, granddaughter, two grandsons and a great-grandson.

Eugene A. Joseph BA’57, Searcy, April 11. He practiced family medicine in DeQueen for 12 years, later retiring in 2010. He also served as chief of staff at Central Arkansas Hospital. Survivors: wife of 60 years, Mary, three sons, one daughter, 10 grandchildren, one greatgrandson and one sister.

George T. Newberry BSA’57, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jan. 26. He was an officer in the reserves and a U.S. Army veteran. Newberry served as assistant county agent in Crittenden County and retired as assistant general manager for the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Association. Survivors: his daughter and his brother and sister-in-law.

Harold Hurst BSA’57 MS’62, Leland, Mississippi, March 20. He worked for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. He later worked for 29 years for Mississippi State University as head of the state weed control research program and assistant superintendent of the Delta Branch Experiment Station.

Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Ann Milam Hurst BSHE’59, four children and six grandchildren.

Lorin Jones BSA’57, Noel, Missouri, Feb. 29. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1953. He later enjoyed a long career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Survivors: four daughters, two sons, 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Marilyn Kirby French ★ BSBA’57, Rogers, Feb. 3. Survivors: husband of 60 years, Robert H. French ★ BSBA’57, two children and one sister.

Willie Thompson MED’57, Little

Rock, March 1. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He served as principal and vice principal of many schools throughout Arkansas.

Survivors: his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Reed Thompson MED’66, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Cecil D. Platt BSE’58, Eagle Mountain, Utah, March 12. She began teaching kindergarten in Tulsa after graduating college. She later operated a busy daycare from her home for many years. Survivors: four children, four grandchildren, one great-grandson and a brother.

Edward L. Love MED’58, Bryant, April 12. He was a Korean War Army veteran and a retired school superintendent for the Bryant Public Schools. Survivors: wife of 49 years, Charlotte, son, daughter, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a brother.

J. Marion Posey ✪ BSBA’58 MBA’62 PHD’68, Birmingham, Alabama, March 22. He launched numerous successful accounting and business careers in both the public and private sectors, including academia. He also received many awards such as the Pace University Award for Teaching Excellence and he was the first to receive the Pace University Distinguished Service Award. Marion retired as a professor emeritus at Pace University in New York City. Survivors: his wife, Ann, five children, 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and his sister.

Mary Beth Cravens BSE’58, Little Rock, March 1. She was a physical therapist for over 40 years.

Paul Irvin Reis BSCHE’58, Lake Jackson, Texas, January 26. Paul was hired by Dow Chemical in 1957 and worked there until 1962. He later worked for Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Tech Center until 1970. He worked in many other plants before retiring in 1993, with 35 years of service. Survivors: his wife of 55 years, Lynn, four children and three grandchildren.

Benny A. Humphrey MA’59, Fayetteville, April 19. Survivors: several nieces and nephews.

Joe E. Kunkel BSCE’59, Bentonville, March 24. He was employed by Armco Steel Metal Products Division Houston.

He managed sales territories in Fort Smith, Tulsa and Dallas. He resigned in 1965 to be manager of building

construction for Fraser Construction, headquartered in Fort Smith. He later started his own business in 1968.

Survivors: wife, Lanita, one son, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Billy Gene Michael BSE’60, Columbia, South Carolina, March 4. He proudly served in the Army Reserves as a commissioned officer, first lieutenant, infantry until 1969.

He also coached thousands of young men through football programs at the University of Oklahoma, University of South Carolina, Purdue, University of Southern Mississippi, Oklahoma State University and University of North Texas. Survivors: four children, two grandchildren and his brother.

Donald Ryan LLB’60, Little Rock, Jan. 3. In high school Don was in the ROTC, later serving as captain in the U.S. Army and taught at Culver Military Academy. He practiced law for over 50 years in Little Rock. He was partner at Dodds, Kidd and Ryan, a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and American Board of Trial Advocates.

Survivors: his son, Thomas S. Ryan ★ BA’92.

Douglas O. Shumate BA’60, Warner Robins, Georgia, Nov. 28, 2015.

Retired after 40 years of civil service with the Air Force. Survivors: wife of 19 years, Sheena, three children and three grandchildren.

Howard Leroy Brooks BSA’60 MS’63, Manhattan, Kansas, Jan. 7.

Upon his graduation, he joined the faculty at Kansas State as an extension entomologist until his retirement in 2004. Survivors: wife of 53 years, three children, three grandchildren and one brother.

Jim Gooden ★ MBA’60, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sept. 9, 2015. Jim served in the Army from 1954 to 1957.

He later worked in construction in 1963, retiring in 1994. Survivors: wife, Jane Gooden ★ and son, John.

M. Dale Manning BARCH’60, Memphis, June 8, 2008.

Orie L. Pugh MED’60, Bartow, Florida, March 29. He was a science and physical education teacher for many years.

Survivors: his wife of 30 years, Nancy, five daughters, six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Paul E. Clay Jr. BSME’60, Overland Park, Kansas, Sept. 26, 2015. He served

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Wister Jean Cook MA’60, Atlanta, Jan. 13. She taught English at Georgia Tech for over 30 years. Survivors: her husband, David.

B. J. Hankins BSA’61 MS’68, Cabot, April, 10. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was an agronomist for 30 years researching and teaching as a professor and extension agent at Purdue University, all over Indiana and Arkansas. Survivors: his wife of 62 years, Ann, daughter, Laura Hankins Vaughn BSE’84, son, Jeff and five grandchildren.

Dena M. Winborn BSBA’61, Fort Smith, Jan. 30. She owned Dena’s Bazaar in Ozark, worked for Lord and Taylor and Neiman Marcus in Dallas and for American Express as a financial adviser. Survivors: three sons and three grandchildren.

Gary Standridge ★+ BS’61 MED’65 EDD’68, Rogers, Dec. 18, 2015. His career in education, spanning over 50 years, included classroom teacher, guidance counselor, director of special projects in the Fort Worth Independent School District, assistant superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools and special assistant to Chancellor John White at the University of Arkansas. Survivors: his wife of over 50 years, Louise, son, Stephen Gray Standridge ★ BSBA’87, daughter, three grandchildren, a brother and sister.

Gene D. Ring ✪ MD’61, Cleveland, Jan. 16. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a medical corpsman during the Korean War. He later moved his family to Dardanelle and became the city’s new primary doctor.

Survivors: wife of 56 years, Bonnie, two daughters, Kelly and Robin Ring Shaver BA’91, his four grandchildren and his brother.

Robert Victor Miller ★ MS’61, Nov. 12, 2015.

Roger Morrow Pitts ★ BSA’61, Lincoln, March 15. He spent 52 years farming. He also served on the Lincoln Consolidated School District of Education. Survivors: his wife of 57 years, Mary Alice, two daughters, nine grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Barbara Hancock Thurmond BSE’62, Little Rock, April 4. She taught high school in Paragould and she taught composition at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Survivors: husband, Russell, their three children and one granddaughter.

Bobby N. Williams BSE’62, Orlando, Florida, July 8, 2014. Bob was a teacher, coach and athletic director for over 41 years. Survivors: his wife of 55 years, Brenda, three children, four grandchildren, his brother and his sister.

Bruce Fullerton BSBA’62, Hendersonville, Tennessee, Dec. 19, 2015. As a veteran of the Vietnam War, Lt. Col. Fullerton flew the B52s, F4s, O2s, and A10s. During his distinguished 20-plus year career, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, as well as seven Air Medals. Following his military career, he worked as a financial adviser and as a volunteer tax preparer for a number of charitable agencies. Survivors: his wife, Bonnie, five children, eight grandchildren, one greatgrandchild and his sibling Jo. Emmons B. Lowe Jr. ✪ BSBA’62, Fort Smith, Dec. 15, 2015. He was a certified public accountant with Daughtery and Lowe. Survivors: one daughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

John D. Jones MED’61, Birmingham, Alabama, Jan. 14, 2011.

Jan Pinckney Kent MA’62, Tyler, Texas, Jan. 1, 2015. He joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and served for several years. He was later a language professor of Spanish, English and French at Texas A&M University and Tyler Junior College.

Survivors: one sister and one brother.

John R. Stovall ★+ BSIE’61, Clear Lake, Texas, Aug. 13, 2015. He joined the U.S. Army and later retired as a lieutenant colonel. He worked in the space industry for IBM as a part of the team that was responsible for the Apollo, International Space Station and shuttle missions. Survivors: wife, Lynn, two sons and three grandchildren.

Jerry W. Baber ★ BSBA’62, Temecula, California, Oct. 8, 2015.

He was a career Air Force officer and the director of Conrads for Lockhead Martin Aerospace. He taught the Air Force ROTC at the University of Arkansas in the early 1970s. Survivors: wife, Nora A. Baber ★, three children, eight grandchildren, and one brother.

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

Photo submitted

in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Survivors: wife, Elizabeth Brown Clay BSE’59, two children and eight grandchildren.

Spotlight Alumni Wed on Good Morning America University of Arkansas alumni Abigail L. Tucker, center, and Tyler S. Arnold, right, were married April 29 on Good Morning America.

Sam Champion, left, the officiant for the event, married the couple as part of “Wide World of Weddings,” a 24-hour live stream featuring 100 weddings around the world. Arnold and Tucker were one of 16 couples married in a group wedding at the show’s Times Square studio.

Arnold is a 2009 graduate of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and Tucker is a 2009 graduate of the Sam M. Walton College of Business. He is now a self-employed artist, and she works in the work management group at Entergy Arkansas.

Arnold described the experience of getting married on live television as amazing. “It was insanely fast paced and at times seemed chaotic, but with all the producers running around, it made the actual nerves of getting married and being on TV not so bad,” he added.

“All of the people from GMA made us feel very comfortable,” Tucker said, “so when the moment came where we actually said our vows, it really didn’t feel like anyone else was even in the room. The whole thing was just very surreal and it was such an amazing experience.”

Arnold and Tucker have known each other since 2005 and started dating five years ago. “I love everything about Tyler,” Tucker said, “but what I love most is how he genuinely cares about others. He has never met a stranger and would do anything for anyone without any hesitation. He is also the most talented and driven person I know. He makes me so proud to call him my husband.

“What I love most about Gail is her sense of humor mixed with her amazing drive and motivation,” Arnold said. “She will be dancing around the house with the dogs one minute and working on a 30-page business analysis the next. It’s mind boggling really!”

Arnold believes their differences balance each other out as a couple.

“In the last two years, we both have been through a lot with me losing my dad to cancer, getting engaged, buying a house and completely gutting it and remodeling it to now getting married. And we have really worked together great as a team to get through all of it.” ■

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John Dean Hale BSBA’62 MED’75, May 23, 2015.

Roy D. Baker BSBA’62, Henderson, Feb. 8. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Survivors: many family members and friends.

Tom G. Watson MA’62, Watson, Georgia, Dec. 27, 2015. He taught at the University of Southern Mississippi from 1962 to 1967. He later taught at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, and also Bridgewater State College. In 1973, he became director of the Library at Newberry College in South Carolina. He also served as president and on the Board of Directors for the Sewanee Civic Association from 1980 to 1983.

Survivors: wife of 52 years, Gail, two sons and four grandchildren.

Photo submitted

Allan W. Parse BSME’63, Little Rock, Feb. 7. Allan worked as an engineer for Exxon Co. USA for over 30 years before retiring in 1995. He was proud of his military service as a first lieutenant and engineer and served at three Army bases.

Spotlight Weston Lewey University of Arkansas alumna Weston Lewey of Forrest City is one of the most powerful women in Arkansas, according to AY magazine.

Lewey is the third-generation publisher at the Times-Herald Publishing Co. Inc. in Forrest City and works as owner/publisher of the Times-Herald, which serves St. Francis County, and the CourierIndex, in Lee County. The Times-Herald is one of two family-owned daily newspapers operating in Arkansas.

She is a member of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission and the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, among other civic activities.

Lewey worked in the editorial, advertising and accounting departments of the Times-Herald before taking over as its publisher.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the Walton College in 1985. Weston served on the Walton College Society Alumni Board from 2009-2012. ■

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Buford Autrey Newman BSPH’63, Arkadelphia, April 24. He was a retired pharmacist, veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S Air Force. Survivors: three daughters, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one brother and one sister.

G. E. Mann ★ BSME’63 BSCE’65, Little Rock, March 25. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by the College of Engineering. He began his career with the Boeing Co. in New Orleans, Louisiana, as a test engineer for the Saturn Five Booster. Survivors: wife, Virginia W. Mann ★ BA’64, two sons, his brother and a sister.

George Louis Peters BARCH’63, Charlotte, North Carolina, March 20.

Practiced architecture for over 25 years for J.N Pease Associates. Survivors: wife, Martha, four children, three granddaughters and his brother.

John Coy Caudle BSBA’63, Long Beach, Washington, March 5. He was employed with the U.S. government at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam for several years. John operated several successful retail businesses over a span of 40 years.

Survivors: his wife of over 50 years, Virginia, three children and a brother.

John R. Fletcher BARCH’63, Little Rock, October 20, 2015. He worked for prominent Little Rock architects Bruce

Anderson and Nolan Blass before joining Fletcher Miller Dean Architects in the early 1970s. John founded The Fletcher Firm Architects in Little Rock, which he owned and managed until his retirement in 2012. Survivors: wife of 34 years, Judy, two daughters, one son, seven grandchildren and one sister.

Mildred M. Jones ★ BA’63, Holiday Island, Dec. 10, 2015. Survivors: husband of 52 years, Lloyd T. Jones ★ BSBA’63, her two children, a sister and her grandchildren.

Billy Kay Knowles BSE’64, Heber Springs, April 2. After 25 years in education he retired from teaching math and science at the Cushman and Mountain Home School Systems.

Survivors: wife, Royce, son, six grandchildren, two stepsons, sister and brother.

David Earl Walston ✪ BSBA’64, McKinney, Texas, April 6, 2015.

Frank D. Long BSA’64, Salisbury, Maryland, March 16. He worked in the poultry industry his entire adult life. He also taught poultry science in his local community college for eight years. Survivors: his wife of 52 years, Evelyn, one son, three daughters, twelve grandchildren and two sisters.

Harvey K. Smith BSE’64, Hope. With a degree in education, he went on to have a highly successful 30-year coaching and teaching career, impacting the lives of numerous students and families.

Survivors: his wife of 56 years, Della, two daughters, a grandson, one sister and many nieces and nephews.

Marjorie Neuden Faucette MED’64, Little Rock, Feb. 21. Survivors: four daughters, two sons, 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Robert D. Selby BSA’64, Lake Village, Nov. 12, 2001.

Van Wayne Lee BSCE’64, Fort Smith, Dec. 9, 2015. After various positions in engineering and several years managing his own firm, Van became the director of engineering for the city of Fort Smith for 23 years. He was a former president of the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers. Survivors: wife of 53 years, Julia Ann Lee MED’82, two children, three grandchildren and his brother.

Anna F. Smead BSBA’65, Shreveport, Louisiana, Jan. 13. After graduating, she began her accounting career at Southwestern Electric Power Co. in

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Shreveport and served there until retirement. Survivors: her brother and four nieces.

Betty McConnell Hardin MED’65, Benton, March 24. She taught elementary and junior high in Benton and was a guidance counselor at Fayetteville High School and later retired after more than 30 years of service.

Survivors: her daughter, grandson, two granddaughters, four greatgrandchildren, her sister and brother.

Nonnie L. Vance BA’65, Lowell, Feb. 7. She worked for more than 30 years for Arkansas Department of Human Services. Survivors: two daughters, two brothers, one sister and two grandchildren.

Bill Provin II BSBA’66, Hot Springs, April 16. He was a lifelong entrepreneur and owned several businesses including a Maaco franchise in Little Rock. He founded EduCare of Central Arkansas and conducted industrial research for Industrial Research and Investment Center. For 26 years, he owned Bill Provin and Associates. He also worked in real estate as a broker specialist. He retired in 2015. Survivors: his wife of 20 years, Kathy, son, William Provin BSEE’94, daughter, Michelle, three grandsons and his brother.

Jimmy D. Stephens BSBA’66, Saint Paul, April 16. He was a retired electrical engineer for Standard Register Co. and an agent for Farmers Mutual Insurance Co. of Gentry since 1978. He was also a U.S. Army veteran. Survivors: his wife, Wanda, two sons, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a sister.

Kathryn Smith Brown EDD’66, Magnolia, March 13. She taught anatomy, kinesiology and physiology of exercise as well as many other courses at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia for 50 years. She retired at the age of 72. Survivors: her daughter, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and her brother.

Sue Davis BSE’66 MED’70, Little Rock, April 10. She was a retired Jonesboro Elementary School teacher. Survivors: two daughters, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, mother, two brothers and a sister.

Toppy Owens Jr. ★ BA’66, April 17.

He worked as a teacher, football coach and insurance agent. He spent the last 23 years of his career as owner of White River Insurance Agency with locations

in Mountain View, Fairfield Bay, and Clinton. Survivors: his father, Charles B. Owens, sons, David Michael Owens BSBA’94 MS’99, daughters, and seven grandchildren.

assistant principal at Strong Middle School. Survivors: his loving wife of 56 years, Katheryn, two sons, James Lenard Coleman Jr. BSEE’85 and Jon, four grandchildren and a brother.

Alice O. Young Hester MED’67, Phoenix, Arizona. In 1968, she joined the NAACP and was a registrar for election polls for 25 years. She was also the first black female to serve on the Board of Directors for the Helena Regional Medical Center. Survivors: three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Jerry W. McKelroy ✪ BSIM’67, Jonesboro, March 1. He served his country as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Betty F. Oliver ★ MS’67, Little Rock, April 9. She served for more than 57 years at the University of Arkansas. She received the Arkansas Home Economic Outstanding Educator Award. Survivors: her husband of 52 years, Robert D. Oliver ★ BSBA’56 and many nieces and nephews.

Ed Auffert BSE’67 MA’69, Little Rock, Dec. 27, 2015. He entered the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in May 1969.

He made captain in 1972 and was honorably discharged in 1977. He was later employed by Dillard’s Department Stores and worked in the corporate office from 1977 until his retirement in 2010. Survivors: wife of 48 years, Carolyn S. Auffert BSE’68 MA’69, daughters, Jacquelin Auffert Smith ★ BSHES’98 and Jennifer, two grandchildren, three sisters and one brother.

George Kara Caster BSCE’67, Marion, Feb. 20. He taught Sunday school for over 25 years and was a U.S. Army veteran. Survivors: wife, three daughters, three sons, 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Harold S. Adams BSBA’67, Morrilton, March 20. He was a U.S. Army veteran, certified public accountant, chief financial officer and treasurer at Fed Ex Corp., former president at South Conway County School Board, founder and organizer of the South Conway County School Foundation, president of the Morrilton Chamber of Commerce, and DHS chairman of the board.

Survivors: his wife, Susan, two children, three grandchildren, great-grandson and his brother.

James Lenard Coleman Sr. MED’67, Marianna, April 20, He was a football coach at Anna Strong High School and Lee Senior High School as well as the

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

John Lisle Jr. ★ LLB’67, Springdale, April 27. He was a lawyer and later a state senator. He served his country as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Survivors: his wife of 55 years, Lois Joan Lisle ★, three sons, Christopher James Lisle JD’92, Steve and Rex, five grandchildren, four brothers and one sister.

Marietta Glenn MA’67, Hot Springs and Fayetteville, Jan. 24. From 1968 to 1983, Marietta worked as a speech pathologist for the Fayetteville Public Schools. Later, in 1984 she was head of the Department of Speech Pathology at Washington Regional Medical Center until her retirement in 1996. Survivors: son, Stephen G. Glenn BA’76 MA’85, daughter, Suzetta, five grandchildren, and a sister.

Virgil R. Stonecipher MA’67, Olvey, February 24. He worked five years in different schools as principal, teacher and coach for high schools. He later became principal for 17 years at Woodland Heights Schools before retiring.

Carl C. Welch Sr. ✪ BS’68, Corinth, Mississippi, April 3. He was the director of laboratories at Magnolia Regional Health Center and the Tishomingo County Hospital in Iuka. Survivors: his wife, Mary Virginia, three sons, three grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Carol Ann Holl Lang ★+ BA’68, Enterprise, Oklahoma, Dec. 13, 2015.

She worked in multiple roles for the Kerr McGee Corp. over the course of more than 20 years. Survivors: one son, seven grandchildren, one sister, a nephew and a niece.

Crawford J. Mims EDD’68, Little Rock, April 1. He was a high school teacher and principal. He also coached basketball for men and women at high school level. He was an Army veteran of World War II and served from 1941 to 1945. Survivors: three children, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a sister.

David T. Kidd BSEE’68, Benton, April 17. He entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in 1969, served behind the Iron Curtain in Berlin, Germany, and received the Joint Services Commendation Medal. He received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1972. He was later the owner operator of TKI Computer Center for more than 25 years. Survivors: his wife, Sissy, his daughter, Anne, his grandson and his brother.

James R. Hannah LLB’68, Little Rock, Jan. 14. Hannah led the Arkansas Supreme Court as chief justice for almost 11 years. He served as a city attorney for six cities and also worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney. Hannah worked as a legislative aide for his mentor, Gov. Dale Bumpers. He was a state judge for nearly 20 years before running for the Supreme Court in 2000. Survivors: his sons, Craig Hannah BA’86 JD’90 and J. Todd Hannah BA’90.

Larry C. Alderman ★ BSME’68, Hot Springs, May 2. He began a 35-year career with Reynolds Metals Co., later working at the Patterson Plant for 18 years. He retired in 1986. Survivors: his wife, Elizabeth Fuhrman Alderman ★ BSHE’67, two children, two grandchildren and a sister.

Mayer D. Schwartz ✪ BA’68, Portland, Oregon, Dec. 2015. He served during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Navy as a meteorologist for the weather service. He was later hired by Tektronix as an R&D engineer, which started his 32 year professional career in the local high-tech industry. Survivors: wife of more than 46 years, Janet Rouse Schwartz ✪ BA’69, brother and sisterin-law and nephews.

Ann L. Pride ✪+ BA’69 MA’75, Feb. 23. From 1975 to 1991 she worked for David Pryor, first while he was Arkansas governor, then for 12 years while he was in the U.S. Senate. Pride joined Entergy in 1991 but took leave in 1992 to work as press secretary for Al Gore during the Bill Clinton-Al Gore presidential campaign. After the campaign, she returned to Entergy and remained with the company until the time of her death, when she was serving as director of public affairs, policy and strategy.

Ben Bakker ★ BSE’69, Conway, April 4. He worked for Gosnell Public Schools; the Arkansas Department of Education Chapter One. He served as a teacher, principal and superintendent

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at Mount Vernon Enola Public Schools.

Survivors: his loving wife, Polly Bakker ★ BSE’67, six children and one brother.

Joan G. Murphy MA’69, 2010.

Sandi Lewis Dalton BSE’69, Key West, Florida, Feb. 5. She was a teacher at Douglas elementary school for many years. She also worked at the Conch Train in the 1970s. Survivors: three children, six grandchildren and a greatgranddaughter.

William David Self BSBA’69, El Dorado, March 7. He served two years active military duty with one year in Vietnam. He served with the 4th Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne Division. He then worked for International Minerals and Chemical Corp. in Louisiana, Indiana and Illinois from 1971 to 1983. He eventually joined Energen Corp. in Birmingham, Alabama, as vice president for human resources. He later joined Royal Cup Coffee in the human resources department in 2012 and enjoyed doing private HR for many years. Survivors: his wife, Nancy, three children, five grandchildren, mother and sister.

Dan Dane JD’70, Midland, Texas, March 14. He served in the U.S. Army as a JAG officer in the Vietnam War. He was later elected prosecuting attorney for the 1st Congressional District of Arkansas.

He then worked for the FDIC. Survivors: his wife, Amy, two sons, daughter, three grandchildren and two sisters.

Donald E. Bishop ✪+ BSBA’70, Harrison, March 12. Don was an army veteran and an attorney. He practiced law in Harrison for 30 years. Survivors: his wife Sherry, children, grandchildren, his mother and two sisters.

Helen P. Arnn BSE’70, Indianapolis, Feb. 1. She taught sixth grade math in Indiana for many years. She later started a business selling antiques and handicrafts. Survivors: husband, Edgar G. Arnn BSAGE’60, three daughters, one son, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Allen B. Holden BSE’71 MA’85, Bella Vista, Jan. 28. He served in the U.S. Army with the military police.

He was a licensed practical nurse and was employed at several area medical facilities. Survivors: his wife, Mary Jean.

Elwayne Calloway ★ EDD’71, Fayetteville, Jan. 28. He was a coach,

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teacher, principal, school superintendent and college professor in a career as an educator that spanned over 38 years.

Survivors: wife, Pauline Ventrece Calloway BSE’68 MED’71, one daughters, one son, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Gloria J. King MA’71, Hot Springs, March 28. She spent 45 years in the education field and retired in 2010.

She put on 20 incredible shows in her lifetime including The Diary of Anne Frank and Harvey. Survivors: her sisterin-law and two nieces.

Janice Ederington BSHE’71, Fouke, Nov. 16, 2102.

Jim Hankton MED’71, Lake Village, March 9. He worked in education for 35 years. He taught agriculture from 1956 to 1970 at Reed High School and worked as assistant principal of Dumas High School from 1970 to 1987. He was a barber in Dermott for many years and was a devoted husband. Survivors: his wife of 65 years, Lucille Hankton MED’58, one son, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

John L. Ballard ✪ BSIE’71 MSIE’72 PHD’74, Fayetteville, April 29. He was the associate dean of the College of Engineering from 1994 to 2007.

Survivors: his wife, Kay, his two sons and his stepmother.

John Wayne Crawford BSBA’71, Hot Springs, Feb. 21. He was a long time employee of Anheuser Busch Corp.

Survivors: wife, Jill, brother, sister and three nieces.

Linda F. Langenbruch BA’71 MA’72, Bellmead, Texas, Jan. 16. Linda was an accomplished author, actress and teacher.

Survivors: her husband, three daughters, four grandchildren and her sister.

Marquetta Arnold MED’71, Rogers, April 19. She taught the first advanced English classes and was a director of the Speech and Drama Departments at the Pine Bluff High School. She also taught prep classes for GED certification. She later taught night and summer speech classes for 10 years at the Rogers branch of the North Arkansas Community College. Survivors: three daughters, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Michael Gregg Pritchard ★ BA’71, Fayetteville, Dec. 23, 2015. In 1974 he began his career as an attorney for the Wisconsin Indian Legal Services and continued it as a lawyer for the

Micronesia Legal Services. Later, he served as the executive director of the Ozark Legal Services, the Palmetto Legal Services and the Center for Public Transportation in Wisconsin. Survivors: his daughters, Irene and Cora, two grandchildren, father, Ross Joseph Pritchard ✪ BA’50, brothers, Vol and Mehran, and his two sisters.

Betty C. Skokos MED’72, Fort Smith, March 14. She taught public school for four years and served as a naval officer in the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service. Survivors: her husband, Fred, five children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Earnest Benson EDD’72, Temple, Texas, Dec. 19, 2013.

Gwynneth L. Ledbetter MED’72 EDS’75, Mallettown, Oklahoma. She taught in Arkansas and California for many years, retiring in 1995. Survivors: three children, six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jack Scott BSBA’72, Huntsville, March 2. He was a businessman owning and operating several businesses including a tank testing company, a title company, a real estate agency, a car wash and other enterprises. He was awarded Businessman of the Year for 2015 by the Huntsville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors: his wife, Patricia Scott BSE’72 MED’89 one son, one grandson and a brother.

John P. Wages MED’72, Center Ridge, Feb. 3. He served in the Korean War and taught school for over 22 years. He was also a contractor for Air Borne Express until he retired. Survivors: his two sons, two daughters, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three brothers.

Tilden P. Wright III ★ BSBA’64 JD’72, Fayetteville, Feb. 27. He was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in 1964 and received an honorable discharge in 1968 as captain, regular Air Force. His law career began in 1971 and included his 1977 admission to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He was also in the Fellow in the American Trial Lawyers from 1986 to 1997. He retired from law in 2006. Survivors: his wife of 51 years, Mary Sturgeon Wright ★, son, Jeff Wright ✪ BSBA’90, daughter, sister, and four grandchildren.

Wanda Horton Harbit ★+ BSE’72, Bentonville, March 23. She had careers as a public school teacher, interior designer and most recently as a real

estate agent. Survivors: her daughter, three sons, 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

David L. Kreider BSA’73 PHD’82, Springdale, Jan. 23. He was a retired member of the faculty of the Animal Sciences Department at the University of Arkansas.

Herbert H. Smith MS’73, Plano, Texas, Jan. 1. He was an officer in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He later worked and enjoyed his long career as a programmer and private consultant. Survivors: his daughter, Marisa, son, Barrett and brother, Bern.

Merle Dean Van Riper MED’73, Fort Smith, Feb. 1. He was a teacher in Clarksville School District and was principal on the elementary and high school levels. He also worked in the public relations department at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville.

Following his career in education, Dean worked and retired from Baldor Electric in Fort Smith. Survivors: his wife, Leamae, three children, one granddaughter, brothers and sisters.

Shirley JoAnn Dobson Whitlatch MED’73, Fayetteville, Dec. 30, 2015. She was a teacher at Butterfield Elementary School for many years. She was the first director of the NOARK Girl Scout Camp. Survivors: her son, Joseph, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Alice T. Kennedy BA’74, Fayetteville, Feb. 3. She was a talented artist and exceptional teacher. Survivors: husband, James, two brothers and her sister.

Connie Faye Foster BSE’74, Fayetteville, April 4. She taught for 14 years in Mount Ida and four years in the Tuba City Public Schools in Arizona.

Survivors: her son, one granddaughter, her brother, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

David J. Ellison PHD’74, Lincoln, Nebraska, Dec. 31, 2015. Ellison joined the faculty at Creighton University in 1981, as chair of the accounting department and served in that capacity for three years. He was also on the accounting faculty at both Kansas State University and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He is co-author of both Readings and Cases in Auditing and Solutions Manual. Survivors: his wife, Sandra, two daughters, two granddaughters and his siblings.

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

Faber D. Jenkins Jr. JD’74, Little Rock, May 1. He was an attorney for several decades. He was also an officer in the Navy and part of the JAG in the National Guard. He was a Golden Gloves winning boxer. Survivors: his daughter, youngest brother and former wife and caregiver.

Karyn S. Walker Averitt PHD’74, Houston, Dec. 26, 2015. After graduating, she started her pharmacy career in Kansas City, Missouri, later going on to manage Revco Drug Stores in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Afterwards, she started a real estate business, Averitt and Associates Real Estate Co. Survivors: two daughters, one brother, one niece and one nephew.

Marilyn Johnson MED’74, Bella Vista, Dec. 11, 2015. She was a teacher for 33 years, devoting many years to children with learning disabilities.

Survivors: her husband of 50 years, James, her son, Bradley Alan Johnson BSBA’98, her grandsons, her brother and her sister.

Byron L. Dickinson BSE’76, Lead Hill, Dec. 6, 2015. Survivors: two children, two granddaughters, brother and sister.

C.D. Wright ★ MFA’76, Barrington, Rhode Island, Jan. 12. In her lifetime she published many books and received numerous awards such as the John D. and Katherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant in 2004. She was also a finalist for the National Book Award in 2010 for her collection One With Others.

Survivor: her husband for over 30 years, Forrest Gander.

Ernest R. Godfrey Jr. BA’76 BSPH’79, Birmingham, Alabama, June 6, 2015. During his career, Boscoe maintained management positions with Owen Healthcare, Principle Pharmacy Group, and Comprehensive Pharmacy Services for the past 34 years. His final position was divisional vice president at CPS, serving as a leader and mentor to his colleagues. Survivors: his wife of 34 years, Vicki, two children and his two sisters.

Barksdale H. Taylor Jr. BSA’75 MS’76, Bald Knob, March 5. He was in the army as an infantryman from 1969 to 1971 in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor. He and his brother later farmed side by side along with their parents for 39 years.

Survivors: his wife of 36 years, Connie, son, Barksdale Holmes Taylor III BSCMP’04 MSCMP’05, daughter, Jennifer, three grandchildren, his parents and his brother.

Linda Irene ViaMartin BSA’76, Ola, March 11. She was a well-respected teacher in Sulphur Springs, Texas High School. Survivors: her husband, Edward and many close friends.

Bettye K. Moon MA’75, Bryan, Texas, March 17. Survivors: her husband of 65 years, five children, seven grandchildren, her brother and her mother.

Lee Olsen BSE’77, Mountainburg, Jan. 9. Lee was employed with Olsen Music and Photo Co. in Conway, Dillard’s in Fort Smith, and as chief of staff for Don W. Reynolds. Survivors: his wife of 21 years, three sisters, one brother and many nieces and nephews.

Robert E. Potts BS’75, Fort Smith, April 25. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. Survivors: his son, Dimitri, one brother, one sister, 11 nieces and 18 grandnieces and nephews.

Robert Y. Cohen II JD’75, Fort Smith, Dec. 23, 2015. Bob served his community through his membership and board of director positions with numerous organizations including University of Arkansas Fort Smith Foundation, city of Fort Smith Financial Tax Force, Western Arkansas Ballet, and many more. Survivors: his wife of 28 years, Lady, his brother and his wife, and his six nieces and nephews.

Mickey Warren Futch BS’76, Camden, Feb. 7. Mickey worked for the state of Arkansas Data Processing Department and for Walmart.

Survivors: brother, Fred, a nephew and a grandniece.

Cynthia Bishop ADN’77, Little Rock, June 25, 2013.

Marilyn R. Poole MS’77, Conway, Feb. 3. She was an elementary school teacher and later became a speech pathologist at Conway Human Development Center. She later worked for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Survivors: her daughter and son, seven grandchildren and her sister.

Randall Lockhart BSA’77, Bentonville, March 17. He served in the Army. Survivors: his wife of 35 years, Debbie, one son, one daughter, three grandchildren, his mother, two brothers

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

and one sister.

Bob Eubanks BSBA’76 JD’78, Little Rock, April 15. He spent weekends with the Arkansas Air National Guard. Bob served as Pulaski County deputy prosecuting attorney until his appointment by Bill Clinton as Arkansas state insurance commissioner. He then joined the Mitchell Law firm. He was later elected mayor of Cammack Village.

He leaves behind a multitude of friends.

Joan A. Besonen ★ BA’79, Fayetteville, March 1. She volunteered at Seven Hills Homeless Shelter. Survivors: her three children, sister and brother.

Paula C. Adkins BA’79, Mesquite, Texas, February 5. Survivors: her son, mother, brother and many nieces and nephews.

George Malcolm Lawrence ✪ BSBA’80, Benton, Feb. 27. He managed the family business for 20 years with his father and after his time at Benton Veneer Co., he pursued his love of computers and worked as a database administrator for the past 10 years.

Survivors; his wife, Alexis, three children, mother and three siblings.

Jack F. Young MS’80, Prairie Grove, April 26. Survivors: wife of almost 60 years, June J. Young, one son, one daughter, two grandchildren and one brother.

Mark Stephen Wampler BARCH’80, Austin, Texas, April 30, 2003.

Mike Scott BSBA’80, Hot Springs, Feb. 13. He worked with private client investments with Worthen Investments as branch manager and senior vice president in the Private Client Group from 1983 until his death. Survivors; wife, Laura, daughter, son, his parents, two sisters and brother.

Thomas Lee Hinson ★ JD’80, Memphis, Feb. 18. He worked for many years with the Shelby County Government as administrator of parks and ground maintenance. Survivors: wife, Ann, daughter, Jessica Ann Hinson BS’10, son Zachary, parents, brother and sister.

Donald Wayne Zimmerman BSE’81 MED’83, Fayetteville, March 13.

Survivors: wife, Kathy, three daughters, four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Dennis R. Creech BSBA’82, Rogers, March 10. Survivors: one sister, Teresa

Creech BSBA’79 MSA’80 and one brother, Stanley.

James M. Brown MED’82, Pine Bluff, Aug. 4, 2002.

Kenneth W. Sanders BA’82, El Dorado, April 15. He worked as a geologist for more than 35 years, most recently as a consulting geologist for Betsy Production Co. of Magnolia.

Survivors: his mother, Evagene Sanders, two brothers and a sister.

Mary L. Brown MED’82, Jonesboro, January 12. She taught first and second grade for the Watson Chapel School District before her retirement. Survivors: her daughter, son, three grandchildren, a sister and a brother.

Patricia Horner Haak BSHE’82, Springdale, March 25. Survivors: two sons and three sisters.

James P. Bellora BSIE’83, Fall Church, Virginia, Feb. 19, 2015. He obtained his professional engineering license shortly after graduation. He was also a published cartoonist. Survivors: his wife, Lisa and his daughter Francesca.

Mariethia M. Neal MED’83, Texarkana, March 31. Survivors: husband, two daughters, one grandson, two sisters and three brothers.

Joseph E. B. Mills BSBA’84, Fayetteville, April 28. He worked for Arvest Bank Group for 28 years where he was executive vice president and sales manager for Arvest Asset Management.

Survivors: his wife, Tracee Mills BA’84, two sons, Bryan A. Mills BSBA’10 and Christian, his mother and one sister.

David Dwayne Sparks BS’85, Benton, Dec. 21, 2015. He was a representative of the city of Benton as an alderman. Survivors: two daughters, son, two grandchildren, a brother and two sisters.

Frances Colene Bryant MED’85, Pea Ridge, March 7. She was a teacher for many years. Five of her years, teaching, she spent abroad with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Germany. She also served as administrator of Gifted and Talented Programs. Survivors: husband, Sonny, one son, one grandson and her twin sister.

Terry Wayne Huitt BSME’85, Bryant, Jan. 6.

Walt Klusmeier BA’85, Fort Smith, Feb. 6. He worked as an underwater

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welder in the Gulf of Mexico for many years. Survivors: his three children and his siblings, Carol Amerine BSPH’78, and Leigh Freeze.

In Memoriam Ray Thornton

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Richard Eugene Mayes II BA’87, Fayetteville, Dec. 16, 2015. He was a retired police officer after serving 20 years with the Springdale Police Department. He also served in the U.S. Reserves retiring in October 2013 as colonel. Survivors: wife, Karen, two sons and a sister.

Photo submitted

Ray Thornton, who served as president of the University of Arkansas Associated Student Government in 1956 and as president of the UA System from 1984-1990, passed away April 13, at the age of 87.

Thornton was born in Conway and grew up in Sheridan. He attended the University of Arkansas for two years before winning a scholarship to attend Yale University. He later returned to the U of A to attend the School of Law. In 1956 he ran a light-hearted campaign for ASG president as “Cowboy Ray” Thornton, the singing candidate. It was the first of many successful political campaigns. Later that year he graduated with a law degree, married Betty Jo Mann of Sheridan, and began practicing law.

He was elected attorney general of Arkansas in 1970 and served one term before successfully running for Congress. He represented the 4th Congressional District for three terms, during which time he served on the House Judiciary Committee that investigated the Watergate burglaries and drafted the articles of impeachment against President Nixon.

Thornton’s career in higher education began with four years as president of Arkansas State University, before being named the UA System president in 1984. During his tenure he facilitated moving the president’s office from Fayetteville to Little Rock, to provide more centralized leadership for the system.

He also appointed Dan Ferritor as chancellor.

“My first reaction upon hearing the news that Ray Thornton had died was that he significantly changed my life when he asked me to take the leadership role at the University of Arkansas,” Ferritor said. “When I had more time to think about it, I realized I was not alone, as he changed the lives of thousands of Arkansans every year serving as the Arkansas attorney general, U.S. congressman, president of Arkansas State University, president of the University of Arkansas System, U.S. congressman again and as an Arkansas Supreme Court justice.”

Thornton served three terms as congressman for the 2nd Congressional District in 1990, then was elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1996. He served as a justice for eight years, retiring in 2004.

Thornton and his wife returned to the U of A for a celebration after he donated his papers to the University Libraries’ Special Collections. ■

Peggy Probst BA’87, Fayetteville, February 24. Survivors: her brother and his family and her aunts.

Terry I. Stapleton JD’82, Olympia, Washington, April 1. He served two years in the U.S. Army from 1970-72.

He later joined the Washington State Public Utilities Commission in 1990.

Survivors: two sisters and three brothers.

Albert M. Douglas MS’88, Danville, Virginia, Jan. 25. He retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years as a Missile Maintenance chief warrant officer. He then worked for General Dynamics in California, Arkansas, Michigan and Saudi Arabia, where he retired after 16 years as a program manager. Survivors: his wife, Suzanne, two children, one granddaughter and his sister.

Larry Lynn Therrell MED’88, Little Rock, Dec. 11, 2015. He served several years in the U.S. Air Force. He also worked at the Department of Human Services and then taught adult education at Oil Belt Vocational School in El Dorado. He later served many years as supervisor for the Adult Education Division of the Department of Career Education. Survivors: his partner of 20 years, Thomas and one sister.

Mary Virginia Bishop MED’88, Springdale, Jan. 29. She was employed as a teacher for the Springdale School District for 25 years before retiring.

Survivors: husband of 55 years, Donald Ray Bishop MED’68, three children, three grandchildren, one brother and one sister.

George Wayne Rutherford MS’89, Judsonia, April 25. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force with 30 years of service. Survivors: his wife of more than 60 years, Sue, two sons and two grandchildren.

Sid Camp MS’89, Cabot, March 5.

He served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force until his retirement in 1986. He was a

Vietnam War veteran and attained the highest enlisted grade of chief master sergeant. He received the Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Commendation Medals and the Vietnam Service Medal. Survivors: six children, 14 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.

Darrell Samuel Vogt BSBA’92, Fayetteville, Feb. 19. Survivors: son, Zechariah, brother, Verlin Vogt, two sisters, Norma Willis and Mary, and several nieces and nephews.

Todd Bruns BSBA’92, Conway, Feb. 2.

He spent many years teaching, managing and supervising in a McDonald’s business environment, encouraging people to reach their goals in life.

Survivors: his girlfriend, his mother and father, his sister, two nieces and one nephew.

Gregory A. Willson AS’93, Springdale, Dec. 23, 2015. He graduated with a nursing degree in 1994. Survivors: one son, two daughters, three grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters.

Patrick Hunt Dudeck MBA’94, Heber Springs, Jan. 26. Pat was an executive broker at Crye Leike Brock Real Estate.

Survivors: his wife, Kerri, daughter, two sons, parents and his brother.

Jerry Lee Reed, Fayetteville, Jan. 20. Drafted into the U.S. Army, Reed served from 1972 to 1974. He later became a sportswriter and editor for his entire professional life. Reed worked for newspapers all over Texas and Northwest Arkansas. Survivors: two sisters and one brother.

Daniel Michael Wuchenich MS’96, Woodbridge, Virginia, Jan. 6, 2014. He was a retired lieutenant colonel from the Air Force Academy. Survivors: wife, Tessa and their daughter, Elly.

Willard James Ross MS’96, Memphis, Tennessee, Dec. 24, 2015. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in July of 2006. He later retired from Discover Financial Services in July 2010.

Survivors: three children, four brothers and three sisters.

Jill Elizabeth Byers ★ MSOR’97, Fort Smith, Jan. 1. She was an engineer for Baldor. She also taught college math, engineering and industry related courses for 14 years as an adjunct instructor.

Survivors: her brother, James.

Jason Robert Elsasser, Sherwood, Jan. 18. He was an electrical engineer

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

ARKANSAS

ALUMNI

OFFICERS President Stephanie S. Streett ✪ BS’91, Little Rock President-Elect Don Eldred ✪ ’81, Houston, TX Treasurer Kenneth Biesterveld ★ ’05, ’10, Bentonville Secretary Deborah Blume ✪+ BSBA’08, Fayetteville BOARD OF DIRECTORS Class of 2016 John Forrest Ales ✪ BA’02, Fayetteville 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, Tulsa, 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 Class of 2018 Kristen Allbritton ★ ’04, Frisco, TX Teena Gunter ✪ ’92, ’97, Oklahoma City, OK Ashley Harris ✪ ’95, Fayetteville Sharon Hunt ★ ’73, ’75, Fayetteville Kristin Kaufman ✪ ’83, Dallas, TX Bill Kerr ✪ ’88, Tampa, FL Dustin McDaniel ★ ’94, Little Rock Drake McGruder ✪ ’06, ’12, Fort Smith Charles Redfield ✪ ’89, Bentonville STAFF Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Executive Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association Brandy Cox ✪ MA’07 Associate Executive Director Dale Green ★ Director of Membership and Marketing Terri Dover ✪+ Director of Constituent Engagement Angela Mosley Monts ✪, BA’80 Director of Outreach and Chapters Thomas Ellis ★ BA’96, MA’98 Lisa Ault ★ Accounting Specialist; Catherine Baltz ✪+ BS’92, MED’07, Manager of Affinity Programs & Analysis; Shanna Bassett ★ Associate Director of Membership and Marketing; Ashley Batchelor ★ BA’07, Assistant Director of Communications; Debbie Blume ✪+ Board and Campaign Coordinator; Deb Euculano ✪ Associate Director of Alumni Special Events; Rachel Gray ★ Administrative Assistant; Jennifer Hudson ★ Fiscal Support Analyst; Ryan Miller ✪+ BSBA’07, MED’09, Associate Director of Student and Young Alumni Outreach; Wren Myers ★ Administrative Assistant; Amanda Schoenbaum ★ BSBA’12, MED’14, Manager of Chapter Programs; Julie Simpson ★ Assistant Director of Facilities and Special Events; Alyssa Strodel ★ BSBA’12, MED’15, Marketing Coordinator

for Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, then OSEC/Quintiq North American developing drones. Survivors: his parents, one sister and a niece and nephew.

Leslie Andrew Warr BSE’99, Jonesboro, Dec. 11, 2015. He taught automotive technology for 38 years.

Survivors: his wife, Nell, daughter and his brother.

Robin C. Stuttle BA’02 BA’09, Fayetteville, Jan. 25. She is survived by her parents, her brother and her grandmother.

Kevin Noel Smedley MSW’06, Henderson, Nevada, Dec. 27, 2013.

Thomas Alan Tougaw BA’10, Little Rock, Dec. 21, 2015. He practiced law at Hoskyn’s Law Firm. Survivors: his mother and father, his sister and his grandmother.

Friends

Ann Eddins Ryland, Indian Trails, North Carolina, Feb. 2. She worked as a secretary for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church where she retired after 36 years.

Survivors: many nieces and nephews.

Barney H. Hunter, Wallburg, North Carolina, Feb. 1. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a medic during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970. After re-enlisting into the Air Force in 1980, he served as lieutenant colonel with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree until retiring in 1996. He also served as director of pharmacy and clinical nutrition at High Point Regional Health Systems.

Survivors: his wife, two daughters, two stepsons and six grandchildren.

Bill Lauck Wood, Mena, March 22.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps Pilot Cadet program in 1943 and was called to active duty in January 1945.

After two years in service, he began his banking career at the Union Bank of Mena. Starting as a teller in 1951, he worked in virtually every position at the bank, eventually rising to president, director and stockholder. He served at the bank until his death; a period of 65 years. Survivors: four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bonnie Barney ✪+, Fayetteville, April 18. She worked as the scholarship coordinator for the Arkansas Alumni Association. She worked there until

Summer 2016 • A R K A N S A S

she retired. Survivors: her daughter, Rebecca Barney Goff BS’82 MS’89, two sons, R. Stuart and Robert, and six grandchildren.

Brett James Holzhauser, Elkins, Dec. 30. Survivors: his wife of 22 years, Cindy, their two children, his parents and his brother.

C. Dudley Bullard, March 2, 1997.

Candis Charlene Cohn, Siloam Springs, Jan. 4. Survivors: her two daughters, a sister and three grandchildren.

David A. Sidwell ✪, Papillion, Nebraska, June 30, 2015.

Edward S. Davis, Cabot, Jan. 4. He was employed by Root Petroleum Co. in El Dorado. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army/Air Force and was stationed in Casablanca in 1944. Afterward, he formed the Davis Oil Co. in Benton and Hot Springs. Survivors: two children, five grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.

Ellen L. Smith, Fayetteville, April 25.

She held several different positions over 29 years at the University of Arkansas.

She worked as the administrative secretary to the vice president, she was selected as secretary of the year by the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the National Secretaries Association. She was also named Woman of the Year six times. Survivors: her husband, Edwin, one daughter, Sharon Alice Smith Mitchell AS’86, two sons, Stephen and Frank, six grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren, a brother and sister.

of the Bulge. He later taught for 35 years at the University of Arkansas, 10 years at Florida Atlantic University and two years at Cali in Colombia, South America, as an aide for international development.

Survivors: his wife, Anita D. Van Patten ✪+ MED’74, and his brother.

Julienne Dow Hall ✪, Texarkana, April 17. She was a homemaker.

Survivors: her son, Richard V. Hall Jr. BSME’68, two daughters, Jeanne H. Milazzo ★+ BA’66 and Sue Ellen, one sister, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and six great-greatgrandchildren.

Mary Green Hewgley, Rogers, April 4. Survivors: her son and two daughters.

Mary Helm Cyphers, El Dorado, April 24. Survivors: her husband of 67 years, Dr. William, her son, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and her sister.

Samantha Kay Barnes, Lincoln, Dec. 28. She retired as captain from the Central EMS in Fayetteville where she was over the 911 Communication Center. Survivors: her husband, Kelly, her mother and her brother.

Steven Charles Jennings, Huntsville, Jan. 1. He was a steel worker and a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Air Force. Survivors: one son, three brothers and two sisters.

Van F. Mills, January 9, Dickson, Tennessee. In 1989 he moved to Dickson to practice family medicine and obstetrics. Survivors: his wife, Caroline, and two sons, Andrew and Ian. ■

F. Hal Stancil, Panorama Village, Texas, Nov. 17, 1998.

George M. West, Little Rock, Jan. 3. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, attending the Engineer School at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, serving with the 48th Engineers at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and the 30th Engineering Topographic Surveying Battalion, Presidio of San Francisco. He was a professional surveyor, being the owner of West Surveying in Jacksonville for 28 years prior to serving 13 years with the Surveys Division of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, before retiring in 2005. Survivors: his wife of 51 years, Brenda, his two sons, four grandchildren, and a sister and a brother.

James J. Van Patten ✪+, St. Louis, April 20. He was a Purple Heart veteran in World War II, fighting in the Battle

63

Photo by Matt Reynolds

L A S T LO O K

All in for Arkansas!

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas celebrated its 145th birthday this spring with its very first “day of giving,” a 1,871-minute long chance for students, faculty, staff, friends and alumni to make small donations over the course of one long day that added up to one big total: $168,404.75. The donations included a $25,000 gift from Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz and his wife Sandy, and the celebration – themed “All in for Arkansas” – drew nearly 1,000 donors as well as one scruffy hog who took the “all in” part of the festivities literally.

64

A R K A N S A S • Summer 2016

The Wolves of Yellowstone January 28 – February 3, from $3,795

Circumnavigation of Iceland - Land of Fire and Ice August 1-9, from $5,995

Island Life® Cruising Cuba January 31 – February 9, from $6,995

Baltic & Scandinavian Treasures – Copenhagen to Stockholm August 22 – September 2, from $4,299 includes economy flights from selected gateways

The Pride of South Africa • Namibia • Botswana • Zimbabwe March 31 – April 13, from $7,395 Adriatic Charms – Rome to Venice May 5-16, from $3,999 includes economy flights from selected gateways

Sorrento, Italy (Alumni Campus Abroad) September 13-21, from $2,795 Toronto to Vancouver by Via Rail October 2-8, from $5,495

Passage of Lewis & Clark – A Columbia & Snake River Cruise May 7-15, from $2,899 Vineyards & Vignettes – Lisbon to London May 23 – June 1, from $3,499 includes economy flights from selected gateways

Ancient Empires - A voyage from Malta to Rome October 7-15, from $5,695 featuring a special Rome post-cruise program option available for an additional fee

Symphony on the Blue Danube June 22 – July 1, from $3,695

Normandy, France (Alumni Campus Abroad) October 23-31, from $2,895 no single supplement for solo travelers

Thun & Villars, Switzerland (Alumni Campus Abroad) July 19-29, from $3,495

Eastern and Oriental Express – Bangkok to Bali November 6-18, from $5,995

NOTE: Prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. Airfare is not included unless otherwise noted. PRICES AND ITINERARIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

ARKANSAS

ALUMNI

For details on the 2017 Razorbacks on Tour trips visit www.arkansasalumni.org/tours or contact Catherine Baltz at travel@arkansasalumni.org, 800-775-3465, or 479-575-3151.

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