Arkansas Winter 2017 Issue by Arkansas Alumni Association

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

Winter 2017 Vol. 67, No. 2

Exclusively for Members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc.

Winter 2017 Vol. 67, No. 2

ARKANSAS

ALUMNI

A VISIONARY GIFT

A $120 million gift has endowed the School of Art and will send ripples across campus and the state.

FAITH ON CAMPUS

Several dozen registered student organizations attend to the spiritual side of life on campus.

SPEAKING OUT

Student activists have always spoken their mind. Administrators can learn how best to channel that energy for change.

IN TIMES OF NEED

U of A students, faculty and alumni pitch in to help those affected by natural disasters.

#AMBASSADORS

Alumni become social media ambassadors, sharing the campus with the world. Campus View On the Hill Profile Association Greek Life Razorback Road Yesteryear From Senior Walk Last Look

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Winter 2017 Exclusively for Members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc.

photo by Whit Pruitt

ON THE COVER The School of Art, newly endowed with a $120 million gift and national accreditation, is poised to become one of the top art schools in America.

C A M P U S V I EW

ARKANSAS Publisher Arkansas Alumni Association Executive Director Brandy Cox ✪+ MA’07 Editor Charlie Alison ★ BA’82 MA’04 Creative Director Eric Pipkin Photo Editor Russell Cothren ✪

University Relations photo

Photographers Whit Pruitt ★

Jim Coleman ★

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs One student at a time. You’re going to hear that phrase a lot in the coming months and I hope it becomes embedded into the campus vernacular. With the release of the university’s academic strategic plan, we identified our top priority for the year: advancing student success. Engaging students where they are, “one student at a time,” is the foundation for moving forward on this priority. I think of student success as having two dimensions. One dimension is chronological. It starts with our interactions with students before they enroll, evolves to helping them transition to the university, supports their persistence toward on-time graduation, and finally facilitates their placement in graduate school or entry into careers. The second dimension is more holistic and is built upon four foundational elements: a student’s academic success; their financial stability; their sense of belonging and engagement with the university community; and their health and wellness. We have a range of programs across the university that support student success in both of the chronological and holistic dimensions. Although these programs are successful, we also know that there are areas that could be strengthened by new efforts, and that coordinating and integrating efforts across units can make us more effective and ensure that we are flexible enough to meet the individual needs of our students. We recently made several administrative changes to facilitate this enhanced perspective on student

success. Associate Vice Provost Trevor Francis is now the director of student success, and he has been charged with working with his team to develop an integrated campus plan. Another key step will be the development of a student success center, first at a satellite location this year, and later, we hope, at a permanent facility. We will also launch new strategically designed pilot programs this year. One is the Arkansas STEP (Student Talent Enrichment Program) to Success program, which is aimed at improving the retention of students who have financial need or those who might benefit from peer mentoring. Another program is called “Bounce Back” aimed to assist students facing academic suspension. Traditionally, these students have been sent off campus to attend community college and may return to the university after improving their grades. But this has not been very effective. Students facing academic suspension who want to stay on campus will now be invited to take an eight-week course focused on resilience and the development of essential academic skills. Ultimately, our goal is to be more proactive, involved and assessment-based in our approach to student success. And by taking an approach that views and values our students as individuals with very different needs and challenges, we believe we will make real progress on our retention and graduation rates – and we’ll do it one student at a time. n

Writers & Contributors DeLani Bartlette B.A.’06 M.A.’08 Amanda Cantu Kendall Curlee Sam Cushman Scott Flanagin Jennifer Holland ★ M.Ed.’08 Brandon Langlois Bettina Lehovec Andra Parrish Liwag Darinda Sharp BA’94 MS’99 MA’05 Camilla Shumaker BA’01 MFA’09 Kevin Trainor ★+ B.A.’94 M.A.’05 Steve Voorhies ★ M.A.’78 Heidi Wells B.A.’88 M.A.’13 H.A. Young M.F.A.’04 Advertising Coordinator Catherine Baltz ✪+ BS’92 MED’07 MEMBERSHIP SYMBOLS ★ Member ★+ Member, A+ ✪ Life Member ✪+ Life Member, A+ 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. 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, Exclusively for Members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc. (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 now $55 per household and 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 Winter 17-244 All photos by University Relations unless otherwise noted. Cover photo by: Novo Studio Please recycle this magazine or share it with a friend.

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

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ON THE HILL

Interdisciplinary Team Receives Grant to Fund Transition Education A new $1 million grant to University of Arkansas graduate certificate program with a specialization faculty from the U.S. Department of Education will in transition for people with high-need disabilities. be used to prepare 36 graduate students in special The graduate certificate will be for graduate students education and communication disorders to improve and professionals working in six areas: special transition services for high school students who have education, speech-language pathology, educational disabilities, helping them move into the workforce or leadership, school counseling, social work and post-secondary education. vocational rehabilitation. The project also includes a The College of Education and Health Professions research component to study the effectiveness of the and J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences preparation of practitioners. put together an interdisciplinary team to write the Beginning with the fall 2018 semester, the grant grant proposal. The team will continue to collaborate will provide tuition and book stipend funding with school districts and communities throughout for graduate students in special education and the five-year life of the grant. Suzanne Kucharczyk, communication disorders. Students will also receive From left, Lynn Koch, Suzanne an assistant professor of special education, is the funding to attend a summit sponsored every other Kucharczyk, Ed Bengtson, Peggy primary investigator of the grant project along with year by Arkansas Transition Services, and, in the Schaefer Whitby, Johanna Thomas Peggy Schaefer Whitby, associate professor of special and Kimberly Frazier make up the alternate years, the U of A will offer a transitioneducation, and Kimberly Frazier, associate professor focused symposium for individuals with disabilities, interdisciplinary team that will of communication disorders. Other members of focus on transition services. Kristi families, U of A students, educators, and community Perryman is not pictured. the team are Ed Bengtson, associate professor of organizations. Upon graduation, students who receive educational leadership; Lynn Koch, professor of funding through the grant will be expected to work in counselor education; Kristi Perryman, assistant Arkansas schools and will be linked with an Arkansas professor of counselor education; and Johanna Thomas, assistant Department of Education transition consultant. professor of social work. “Teachers may not always think of pulling other people into the “This award is in recognition of the significant need to prepare process of working with a student with a disability,” Whitby said. “Our professionals in these disciplines to work together as they transition project will increase awareness of the need for an interdisciplinary team, students with disabilities through high school to adult life,” Kucharczyk and we will emphasize collaboration in our graduate courses.” said. “It is also recognition of the incredible team of school leaders, “Through education, we also hope to push the community to be community providers, university scholars, state and national leaders we more creative on establishing places for young adults to work and learn have assembled who are ready to support this important work.” after high school,” Whitby said. The first year of the grant will be devoted to planning and developing The U.S. Department of Education ranked the U of A proposal first graduate courses that focus on an interdisciplinary approach to serving among the 112 applications, 30 of which the agency funded. Only two youth with disabilities. The project team will create an interdisciplinary other proposals focused on transition services. n

U of A Offering In-State Tuition to Students from Hurricane Maria-Damaged Schools The University of Arkansas will offer in-state tuition to academically qualified undergraduate and graduate students in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been displaced from their universities by the damage from Hurricane Maria. Chancellor Joe Steinmetz and Provost Jim Coleman made the decision in early October to offer these Emergency Relief Awards, after consulting with Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment management, and Dean Kim Needy in the Graduate School and International Education. “In a time of a natural disaster like this the University of Arkansas has

a responsibility to reach out to those in higher education who are trying to put their lives back together and move forward,” said Chancellor Steinmetz. “The U of A offered similar assistance following Hurricane Katrina, and it was very helpful to both students and their institutions.” The in-state tuition will be offered to these students for the Spring 2018, Summer 2018 and Fall 2018 semesters. The U of A will also waive application fees. Enrollment services and the graduate school will also work with students whose academic records are not immediately available due to damage at their institutions. n

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Endowment Reaches Milestone, Provides Perpetual Campus Support The University of Arkansas endowment holdings reached a record high in October, crossing the $1 billion mark for the first time, thanks to Campaign Arkansas and an impressive rate of return during the past fiscal year. Only a select group of colleges and universities in the United States have achieved similar milestones, helping them provide muchneeded future support to students and faculty on a consistent basis. “This is a major milestone and to be celebrated because the health of our endowment is an indicator of future success and security for the university,” said Chancellor Joe Steinmetz. “The endowment is our nest egg, our insurance that we can continue to provide scholarships and fellowships, support the excellent work of faculty, and keep programs thriving regardless of external forces. It’s more important than ever to have a strong endowment as we aim to keep tuition as low as possible and redouble student success efforts.” The university’s endowment provides critical support for the Fayetteville campus and is essential to realizing the university’s goals – particularly its ability to recruit and retain nationally competitive students and faculty – and supports the facilities and programs that enable students and faculty members to thrive. In fiscal year 2017, the pooled investments managed by the UA Foundation had an impressive rate of return of 15.4 percent. As of June 30, 2017, the endowment stood at $996 million, and in early fiscal year

2018, additional private gift support generated by Campaign Arkansas — including $110 million in endowed funds from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation’s $120 million gift to the School of Art — pushed the total over the $1 billion-mark. The university’s goal in endowment management is to invest endowed gifts so they maintain their value in real terms over time. The university invests the initial gift and spends only a portion of the average annual investment return. The remaining income is added to the principal as protection against inflation. These funds are often earmarked for specific purposes and are used in accordance with guidelines agreed upon by the university and its donors. The university’s endowment provides a perpetual source of income for scholarships, graduate fellowships, faculty chairs and professorships, and academic programs. Each gift to the endowment ensures a greater degree of financial stability to the university and encourages future enrichment of educational programs. All endowed gifts made during Campaign Arkansas, which runs from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2020, will help ensure accessibility for students – particularly across Arkansas. As educational costs continue to rise nationally, students are drawn to opportunities that include scholarship support to ease their financial burdens. n

Parnell Named Chair of National Academy of Engineering Study

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look at ways government and industry can work together to improve safety in offshore oil and gas operations. They will focus on regulations, compliance, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the operators, contractors and regulators. The goal will be to modify inspections to focus on risk, enhancing safety, and to ensure compliance with regulations. In addition, the offshore oil and gas practices of international regulators will be studied including Norway, the United Kingdom, Australia and Mexico. Parnell also serves as the director of the Master of Science in Operations Management and director of the Master of Science in Engineering Management programs within the Industrial Engineering Department. n University Relations photo

Greg Parnell, research professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering, has been named chair of a Transportation Research Board/National Academy of Engineering study on the safety and risks associated with offshore oil and gas operations. The committee will review safety progress since the Macondo Well Deepwater Horizon Blowout in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The committee is composed of experts in petroleum engineering, offshore operations, offshore safety and regulation, safety management systems, risk assessment, organizational psychology, and remote sensing technologies. The study, requested by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement in the Department of the Interior, will

ON THE HILL

Rom Selected as International Education Association Presidential Fellow senior international officer. Rom will be mentored by Bailian Li, the senior vice provost for Global Engagement at North Carolina State University. Li has served as the institution’s chief international officer for more than 10 years and has decades’ worth of experience living and working in foreign cultures. “I am honored to have been selected by my peers as a recipient of this prestigious fellowship, and I am thrilled to be mentored by Dr. Li, who brings extensive knowledge and experience to his role as a leader in international education,” Rom said. “This fellowship experience will lead to strengthened international education at the University of Arkansas and in our state.” The University of Arkansas is home to more than 1,460 international students from 120 countries. Additionally, the number of students studying abroad is at a record level. Nearly 1,100 students studied abroad during the 2016-17 academic year. n University Relations photo

Alumnus Curt Rom ✪+B.S.A.’80, associate dean for International Education, has been selected as an Association of International Education Administrators 2017-18 Presidential Fellow. The fellowship program is a highly competitive mentoring initiative for senior international officers in the first three years of their position. The Presidential Fellows are matched with mentors who will provide guidance on issues of professional interest. Fellows are given a small stipend to fund a visit to their mentor’s campus to observe how experienced senior international officers and their institutions address international education challenges and solve problems. Fellows will also learn about national and international issues and how they affect individual campuses, and they will become members of a national network which can serve as a resource beyond the Presidential Fellows program. Rom, a University Professor, is in his 29th year at the University of Arkansas and in his second year serving as the campus’

Doctoral Student Earns Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Scholarship

amazed by the passion they had for making the world a better place,” Hare-Redcorn said. “That one summer of exposure to indigenous youth in agriculture really opened my eyes and made me see we need to get the next generation involved in learning about food and food policy.” Hare-Redcorn is advised by Brinck Kerr and is mentored by Janie Hipp, director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the School of Law, as part of the research scholarship program. The initiative has a national multi-year food and agriculture code project underway, and Hare-Redcorn will be involved in that project. While in the public policy program, she will also develop high-level leadership skills through professional coaching, mentoring, networking and an advanced leadership curriculum. As a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar Hare-Redcorn will join a diverse group of scholars to collaboratively tackle persistent health challenges by creating innovative solutions through research. “This new cohort of scholars is committed to research that challenges long-held notions about the health of our communities,” said Harolyn M.E. Belcher, director of the Health Policy Research Scholars program, director of the Center for Diversity in Public Health Leadership Training and a professor at Johns Hopkins University. “I am thrilled to work alongside them as they continue to develop into the kind of leaders who can enact real change and ultimately build a culture of health.” n University Relations photo

Electa Hare-Redcorn, a doctoral student in public policy, was named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar. She is one of only 40 students selected for the prize nationwide. Hare-Redcorn plans to focus her research on indigenous food sovereignty, health and agriculture policy that will benefit ancestral and contemporary tribes and communities in Northwest Arkansas and the greater region. She hopes to identify knowledge gaps and policy considerations that will help combat chronic disease and obesity related to classic food systems in those tribal communities. “I want to help tribes realize they can adopt their own food and agriculture codes,” she said. “It’s about getting back to the understanding that we all have a role to play in our food systems and understanding that we all deserve healthy foods and access to healthy foods.” The award is valued at $120,000 and is disbursed over a five-year period. Hare-Redcorn, a member of the Pawnee Nation and an Oklahoma native, earned a bachelor’s degree from Cameron University and a master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. She chose to change her career path and pursue a doctoral degree after serving as a mentor at the University of Arkansas Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative Youth Summit. “I was amazed at the level of knowledge of these young people and

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

New Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion Assumes U of A Duties reporting on the success of a campus diversity plan. The university’s strategic plan also calls for actions to develop a campus-wide inclusion and diversity plan, increase enrollment of Arkansans to reflect state demographics, and improve recruitment and retention of talented and diverse faculty and staff. Murphy-Erby plans to work closely with Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for student affairs, who oversees a number of programs aimed at recruiting, enrolling, retaining and graduating a diverse student body. As they coordinate those efforts, she plans to direct resources from her office towards increasing diversity and inclusion of faculty and staff. “There is an urgency for our campus to move forward in the area of diversity and inclusion. To make real and meaningful progress will require total campus engagement,” she said. “I think the U of A is ready for that level of engagement. My goal is to provide the leadership we need to bring our separate efforts together to develop new ideas and approaches and to work towards real, meaningful and measurable progress.” Murphy-Erby believes this progress requires organization and a process aimed at addressing structural, institutional and systemic challenges while also focusing and building on the many strengths and assets that are already present. “Diversity and inclusivity matter in efforts to recruit and retain faculty and staff. Diversity and inclusivity matter in teaching and service as well as in research and leadership. They matter to the success of our university priorities and to our responsibility as a land grant and flagship institution for our state.” n University Relations photo

Yvette Murphy-Erby ★, the former director of the University of Arkansas School of Social Work and former associate dean in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, started her new duties as vice provost for diversity and inclusion this fall. She said the biggest surprise in her first week was learning that many faculty and staff on campus are already engaged with or active in an effort related to diversity and inclusion. “There is great work being done, much more than I realized,” she said. “The challenge that I see is the lack of a mechanism to centralize the many great efforts. As such, one of my early tasks must include facilitating a process to provide a central location for diversity related efforts. A central location will help to break down silos and enhance opportunities to share information and knowledge efficiently.” As vice provost for diversity and inclusion for the U of A, MurphyErby will report to Jim Coleman, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Yvette Murphy-Erby has a detailed knowledge of the University of Arkansas from her perspective as a social work faculty member, administrator and accomplished researcher. Her service across the state and her training as a social work professional has allowed her to develop a deep personal passion and understanding for the state of Arkansas and a strong desire to lead the university in achieving its goal to become a more diverse and inclusive place,” said Coleman. “I’m excited to work with Dr. Murphy-Erby to ensure that diversity and inclusivity of people and ideas fuels our academic excellence.” Murphy-Erby will work closely with both Coleman and Chancellor Joe Steinmetz to provide leadership in developing, implementing, and

Future of Transportation Is Up in Air “Flying cars are coming,” says Jim Rankin ★, vice provost for research and innovation. Rankin is also a faculty member of the electrical engineering department, and he has more than 35 years of experience in avionics research and design. He recently shared his expertise on a panel at the Digital Avionics Systems Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida. The panel, which was called “Flying Cars: Have the Jetsons Arrived?,” also featured panelists from Uber and Lockheed Martin. Rankin and the other experts discussed the benefits and challenges of this type of transportation. Rankin explained that flying cars would solve the problem of congested roads. According to current plans for flying car systems, commuters would use traditional transportation methods to travel a

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

short distance to a flying car station, where they would board a flying car that would take them to another station near their destination. Rankin and graduate student Sara Ghayouraneh have been investigating the policy and technical issues raised by cars that fly. For example, where would flying cars fit into the current system of air traffic management? Would they be regulated like drones, or like aircraft, or would there be a third set of regulations for this new technology? What kinds of electronics would be needed in the car and in the flight control location in order to ensure that these cars are safe and efficient means of transportation? Flying cars would be more than just a fun futuristic way to get around. They have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and travel. n

ON THE HILL

World Trade Center Arkansas Celebrates Decade of Global Trade The World Trade Center Arkansas celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a reception in September at the World Trade Center in Rogers. The center hosted friends, supporters, diplomats, foreign government officials, educators, businesses and trade leaders. Sen. John Boozman and Rep. Steve Womack spoke at the event, which was attended by diplomats from around the world. “The World Trade Center Arkansas has played a skillful role in connecting Arkansas businesses with international partners, which has in turn meant greater economic benefits for our state,” said Sen. Boozman. “I’m proud to help show the world what Arkansas has to offer and look forward to its continued success.” In addition to the celebration, the center conducted multiple meetings with Arkansas businesses, university leaders and the diplomatic delegations to grow the bilateral trade and educational relationships between Arkansas and the visiting countries. The World Trade Center Arkansas was launched as the vision of Boozman in 2007. He recognized that international trade was crucial to Arkansas’ economic development, and that there was a strong need to establish a center focused on trade development to expand Arkansas manufactured, agricultural and service industry exports. During the past 10 years he has traveled with center representatives on trade missions to Peru, Brazil and Panama in addition to statewide road trips to promote international trade.

The World Trade Center Arkansas was established as a part of the University of Arkansas with support from Hunt Ventures (formally Pinnacle Group), the city of Rogers, the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the RogersLowell Chamber of Commerce and what was then the Arkansas Department of Economic Development (now the Arkansas Economic Development Commission). It occupies a 6,000-square-foot, first-class office in the top floor of the World Trade Center Building owned by Hunt Ventures in Pinnacle Hills. “The World Trade Center Arkansas was incredibly productive over the past 10 years,” said Dan Hendrix, president and CEO of the World Trade Center Arkansas. “We’ve taken Arkansas businesses and agricultural producers on dozens of trade missions to foreign countries. We’ve helped grow the state’s exports and developed strong commercial diplomacy with many of our trading partners.” These trading partners include Mexico and Canada — Arkansas’ most important economic partners — Cuba, Japan, Korea, Argentina, Chile, Belarus, South Africa, India, China, Vietnam, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Malaysia, Panama and more. The center has welcomed current and former foreign presidents and former U.S. presidents, U.S. secretaries of state and treasury as well as ambassadors, consul generals, trade ministers and foreign business leaders. n

Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub Opens Near Fayetteville Square

investments to build their businesses, which employ hundreds of Arkansans. As a powerhouse research institution with a land grant mission, the University of Arkansas has a major opportunity, and I would argue obligation, to seed the virtuous cycle between commercialization and new avenues of discovery. The Entrepreneurship Hub will greatly accelerate our ability to drive that cycle.” The Entrepreneurship Hub will feature regular programming for students and alumni, including invited guest lectures and networking luncheons, as well as office hours provided by experts in fields such as marketing, design, accounting and law. The services are designed around the needs of entrepreneurship program alumni, who participated in a feedback forum earlier this year led by Reeves. To foster collaboration between disciplines, as well as between the university and community, the Entrepreneurship Hub will provide full-time office space to a variety of university groups. Anyone in the university community, including alumni, who has an interest in entrepreneurship qualifies for membership at the Hub. n image submitted

University of Arkansas student, alumni and faculty entrepreneurs gained a new home base when the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub opened its doors this semester. The facility is housed in the former Chamber of Commerce building just off the historic Fayetteville Square. The hub will serve as an interdisciplinary collaboration venue, co-working space, and training center for new and early stage entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas. The facility, made possible by gifts from Jerry, Kay, Clete and Tammy Brewer, builds on the success of the university’s entrepreneurship program, which boasts more victories in national business plan competitions than any other institution in the world – more than 22 since 2009. “I’m amazed by what our students have accomplished since the entrepreneurship program began ten years ago,” said Carol Reeves, associate vice provost for entrepreneurship and holder of the Cecil and Gwendolyn Cupp Applied Professorship in Entrepreneurship in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. “Together they have now raised more than $60 million in

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

Two U of A Documentary Films Picked for Hot Springs Film Festival 2017 are picked and distributed for retail. The film even shares a strawberry shortcake competition — that’s sure to make viewers crave the tasty dessert. The film was produced in cooperation with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Center for Agricultural and Rural Sustainability. The second film is Mike the Birdman and was produced by journalism graduate students John Erwin, Paige Murphy and Ninette Sosa. Over the course of three months, the trio followed reclusive bird watcher Mike “The Birdman” Mlodinow to various bird watching locations in and around Fayetteville. Mlodinow refers to himself as “the birdman” when he calls people, which is rare since he does not own a phone; he also does not have internet at his home or a car. The documentary looks at the daily life of a man who basically lives off the grid, but can tell you about nearly every bird that flies over the sky in Northwest Arkansas. n photo submitted

Two University of Arkansas documentary films were chosen for screening at the 2017 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival in October. Both films were produced by the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, formerly the Lemke Department of Journalism. The Favored Strawberry is a one-hour documentary produced by the Emmy Award-winning team of Larry Foley and Dale Carpenter, and is narrated by Academy Award winner Ray McKinnon. Others involved in the film include director of photography Hayot Tuychiev, art director Tom Hapgood and original music score by James Greeson. The documentary was filmed in eight states including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina and California. The story explains the process of growing strawberries on big, small and family-owned farms. From there the film explores how strawberries

First Chancellor’s Fund Research Grants Awarded for 10 U of A Faculty Proposals More than 30 University of Arkansas faculty have been awarded the first 10 research grants from the Chancellor’s Discovery, Creativity, Innovation and Collaboration Fund. The Chancellor’s Fund was established last year to promote faculty research that addresses several of the U of A’s guiding priorities: to enhance the university’s research and discovery mission; build a collaborative and innovative campus; promote innovation in teaching and learning; and strengthen graduate education. The university is investing up to $1 million a year in the research grants, the bulk of that money coming from SEC Network and television revenues allocated by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. There were 75 proposals submitted to the competition, which were reviewed by a panel of 20 faculty and administrators, chaired by Provost Jim Coleman, the executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. The Chancellor’s Fund projects that were selected cover a broad range of research: from finding a way to improve Arkansas’ rice crop to determining if broccoli can strengthen an infant’s immune system; from developing a new way to study the brain to bringing greater public attention to the work of Arkansas architect Fay Jones; from bringing

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food to those who need it to establishing the link between smartphone use and neck pain. Several of the projects use “big data” analysis or the latest in technological and research developments, but all have practical applications and benefits for people in Arkansas. “The panelists and I were impressed with the quality of the proposals we received,” said Coleman. “Some of these proposals were the crucial first steps for potentially ground-breaking work, others were collaborations that would not happen without this particular funding, and all of them showed the talent and resources of the University of Arkansas and our faculty. It seemed the only real limitation we faced was the amount of money we had available.” The winning grant proposals came from faculty representing 24 academic departments in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Education and Health Professions, the Sam M. Walton College of Business and the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. Researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute are also collaborating on two of the projects. n

P RO F I L E

photo by Russell Cothren

A R K A N S A S â€¢ Winter 2017

Meredith Green B.S.N.’07 M.S.N.’14

U of A Graduate Moves Quickly Into Hospital’s Top Nursing Leadership Post By Heidi Wells B.A.’88 M.A.’13 A little more than 10 years ago, Meredith Green graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and began working as a floor nurse at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. Now, Green is senior vice president and chief nursing officer of the hospital that employs about 800 nurses. The hospital announced Green’s appointment to the position in late August, and she is spending time getting to know all of the departments and people. “As chief nursing officer, I want to ensure we meet the hospital’s mission of providing highquality care,” Green said. “The community is our family. We don’t see a patient in a hospital bed; we see our family member.” Green came back to the U of A Eleanor Mann School of Nursing to earn a Master of Science in Nursing that allowed her to receive credentials as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in adult and geriatric health. She had been working at Washington Regional a few years when she moved into a clinical educator role, teaching other nurses. In 2012, she was chosen for a Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society

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leadership program in which she developed a course to teach nursing staff advanced cardiovascular life support techniques for obstetric emergencies. “It’s important to consider how care should be tailored to each individual’s needs,” Green said. “We want to ensure we deliver the best care to each patient.” Green has served in various leadership roles throughout the hospital, including as administrative director of Women and Infants Services. In that role, she helped to plan the five-story Women and Infants Center that opened at Washington Regional last year. “We added more than 100 new staff members,” Green said. “It’s a hospital within a hospital. We had to make sure we had the equipment we needed and that the staff had the education they needed.” A Prairie Grove native, Green said she became a nurse because she felt a calling to serve others. She discovered a love for teaching after she began working at the hospital. And, she was given the chance to build her administrative skills. “Washington Regional invests in the staff,” she said. “There is room for advancement and

growth. The culture brings you back every day.” Green advises students to understand the importance of continually learning, whether on the job or on their own time. “Don’t put limits on yourself,” she said. “Challenge yourself to learn and be involved in professional organizations. Stay active and current. It is important to know the standards and guidelines of your profession.” Her peers at the hospital selected Green as Director of the Year in 2017 and 2016 and as Nurse of the Year in Women’s Services in 2009. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences presented her the ANGELS Award for Outstanding Service to Obstetrical Nursing. Nursing is about using evidence to guide your practice, Green said. Sometimes, it is about not being satisfied with the status quo. Nurses often spend a lot of time with patients and their families and, in addition to caring for physical needs, also empathize with and educate them. “A lot of times, it’s unexpected when you go to the hospital and the patient and family can feel vulnerable and afraid of the unknown,” Green said. “One of our roles is to be a steady, constant caregiver, a helper in time of need.” n

F E AT U R E

Visionary Gift Creates School of Art

A R K A N S A S â€¢ Winter 2017

Transforms Access to Art in Arkansas and Beyond

photos by Novo Studio

By Andra Liwag

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Although the University of Arkansas has been offering art classes for the past 142 years, up until this fall the Natural State didn’t have an accredited, collegiate-level school of art. That all changed when a visionary gift made the university’s former Department of Art’s natural progression into a school possible. “Growing from a Department of Art to a School of Art was exactly that – a natural and needed next step – that shows the university’s commitment to art education and to expanding the arts community across our region,” said Todd Shields, dean of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, which houses the new School of Art. Shields said the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation made the $120 million gift, which is the largest ever given to a U.S. university to support or establish a school of art, in August 2017. The school is now also the first and only university-level school of art in the state of Arkansas. The aim of this gift, Shields said, is to propel art education and research in the state forward while also providing unparalleled access and opportunity to students. School of Art faculty are already working on a new strategic plan, new curriculum, new programs and program expansions that will grow the school and transform it during the next 10 years, said Jeannie Hulen, the school’s interim director and former chair of the Department of Art. “With this tremendous financial support, we’re taking the foundation already built over our 142-year history as an art program and expanding it in an intentional and strategic way that will help position the School of Art as a center of excellence in art education, art history, graphic design and studio art curriculum,” she said.

Hulen said the department received approval to become a school from the University of Arkansas System’s Board of Trustees in fall 2016 and soon afterward achieved accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design in April 2017. Accreditation by the national association meant the school joined the ranks of 359 accredited institutions of higher learning, of which only 59 are public institutions of comparable size. “This is the culmination of five years of intense work by the entire art faculty and staff,” Hulen said. Currently, the school has 36 faculty and staff members and more than 350 students. It offers four degree options, including a Bachelor of Arts in studio art, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, and a Master of Fine Arts in studio art. Proposals by the school to upgrade concentrations in studio art and art history to full-fledged majors are heading to the Board of Trustees this year. The studio art program’s media areas include ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. Thanks to the Bentonville-based Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation’s gift, during the next five years Hulen said the school anticipates doubling its enrollment and adding 26 new faculty members, including 11 endowed professorships. Additional priorities will include the development and growth of new M.A. and Ph.D. programs in art education and art history, the new graduate degree in graphic design, and a focus on securing highprofile visiting professorships. Significant student scholarships, travel grants and internship opportunity funds will also support growth in the quality and number

of students, and — as matching gifts are secured — the campus’ Edward Durell Stone Fine Arts Center and Fine Arts Library will be renovated and expanded to serve as the academic and research hub for the School of Art. “Growth will definitely be a primary first focus for the school’s new director,” said Hulen, who will step down from the interim position once the search for a new director is completed. Meanwhile, she has already joined Fulbright College’s central administrative team as associate dean for fine arts. “Because of the strong current faculty, programs and students, the new director will have a solid foundation of achievement to build from,” she said. “This opportunity requires a futurist, a storyteller, and a results-oriented leader. We can’t wait to have the new director in place.” Hulen said the school hopes a new director will start in early 2018, and that recruiting a preeminent advisory board will be another early priority for the new director. The long-term vision for the director and school will be to become a catalyst for excellence in the arts and to achieve increased rankings for the school and its individual programs, as well as an increased reputation and presence within national and international circles. Former U.S. Sen. Kaneaster Hodges Jr., president and board member of the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation and University of Arkansas Law School alumnus, said establishing the school underscores the importance of art education. “The School of Art will be constructed as a model for inclusion and diversity,” he said. “It will be built with elements from the top schools and institutes across the country.”

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photos by Novo Studio

Undergraduate students participate in one of the School of Art’s graphic design courses, left, and in painting and drawing classes, right top and bottom.

Alice Walton, chairwoman of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s board, agreed. “The School of Art will shape a new generation of artists, historians, designers and teachers with a unique understanding of the hope art can bring to communities,” she said. “The unparalleled access to meaningful American art will connect the heartland to the world.” Joseph E. Steinmetz, chancellor of the University of Arkansas, agreed, and said the university is grateful for such a transformative gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation. “The newly endowed School of Art will transform the university and region into an international hub for the study of art,” Steinmetz said. “The School of Art will also have an immediate, resounding positive effect on the culture of our entire state, and its imprint will be seen across the nation and beyond.” Steinmetz said the school will also place a strong emphasis on American art and art of the Americas, which uniquely complements the mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in nearby Bentonville. “The vision to create the School of Art could not have come to fruition without the cooperative, close and mutually beneficial relationship between the world-class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the university,” he said. “With an emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaborations and signature outreach efforts with the museum, and a focus on student, faculty and staff diversity, the school will be uniquely positioned to develop programs to rival the top competitors in the field.” Additionally, the school will continue to be housed within the university’s J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, whose

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Fine Arts Center Ten million dollars of the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation’s gift will go toward a complete renovation of the 117,000-square-foot Fine Arts Center, after matching funds are raised for the project. The Fine Arts Center, which houses the new School of Art, was designed by the noted architect Edward Durell Stone, an Arkansas native. Opened in 1951, it was one of the first educational facilities in the country to combine the fine arts under one roof. Initially, the Departments of Art, Architecture, Music and Theatre shared the classroom wing of the building, while the Fine Arts Gallery occupied the space between the University Theatre and Concert Hall on the first floor. Stone also designed original furniture pieces for the building as well as secured a series of eight mobiles by the inventor of the technique, internationally renowned sculptor Alexander Calder. Stone, who was friends with Calder, tried to include the artist’s work in all public and many private commissions as well. The Calder mobiles were intended to hang under a unique mesh ceiling in the Concert Hall, above wall sconces at either side of the room. They were designated as light fixtures to make sure that they were not excluded as an “alternate deductible” in the project. Stone himself designed what has come to be called the “ploughback” chairs and chaise lounges in the center. The chairs were built by Fulbright Industries in Fayetteville, owned by the family of former university president and Arkansas Sen. J. William Fulbright, namesake of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. The center is also home to the Fine Arts Library, which maintains all materials relating to art and architecture, and the Fine Arts Center Gallery, which is a contemporary gallery geared toward exhibiting academic and interdisciplinary artwork and installations. Additionally, the University Theatre and the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall are a part of the center, and will also benefit from the renovation.

Undergraduate students in the new School of Art work on projects in painting and drawing, left, and ceramics in Adam S. Posnak’s class, center.

namesake is the former University of Arkansas president and U.S. senator known for recognizing the power of effecting global peace through international understanding and education. Steinmetz said this will further serve to catalyze and augment international art exchange programs throughout the Americas. Naturally, doing this will also involve enhanced community outreach and engagement, and service to the local, state and regional community, said the college’s dean, Todd Shields. Shields said a fully integrated partnership with Crystal Bridges — and its internationally recognized collections, exhibitions and education programs — will provide the groundwork for the school to create signature programs grounded in object-based teaching. This framework is also anticipated to build a unique ecosystem to benefit students, faculty, research, and K-12 and community outreach, he said. Additionally, the school will seek to enhance its national and international reputation through other potential partnerships, including those with institutions, museums and cultural organizations. Within the college and university, Shields said, he anticipates the school will spur new internal and external collaborations that promote interdisciplinary projects and experimentation. “Through a culture of collaboration, the school will motivate, inspire and redefine possibilities of experimentation by breaking down barriers across disciplines and with unexpected players,” Shields said. Collaborations with other colleges on campus, like the Sam M. Walton College of Business, the College of Engineering and the College of Education and Health Professions, will also be encouraged by the creation of the school. “Growing the department into a school also allows us to deepen the connections across campus, such as those between art and education,

and graphic design and marketing,” he said. “This potential for intersection will create the opportunity for bringing Arkansas to the world and the world to Arkansas through the education of and exposure to art.” The Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation has supported other colleges in the university in the past as well, with a $50 million gift to the Sam M. Walton College of Business in 1998 – the largest ever to an American school of business at the time – and $300 million in 2002 to establish the Honors College and create endowments for the Graduate School and University Libraries. Shields said he also anticipates that the gift to form the new School of Art will have a positive impact on the college’s Departments of Music and Theatre as well. Both programs will benefit from a renovation of the Fine Arts Center, with the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall and the University Theatre facilities located in the center receiving restorations. Likewise, having Hulen as an associate dean of fine arts will give them a stronger advocate on campus. “Additionally, seeing an organization like the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation invest in the future of the arts in Arkansas will spur more donors to support the performing arts here as well as the visual arts,” Shields said. Ultimately, Shields said, the school will also benefit all the university’s students, the surrounding community and beyond. “This is the way we begin to develop the school’s reputation as a top School of Art regionally, nationally and internationally. And this is the way our community continues to grow as a destination for art and a hub for artists,” he said. For more information about the School of Art at University of Arkansas, visit art.uark.edu. n

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photos by Novo Studio

History of the School of Art The School of Art in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences traces its origin back to 1874, when instruction in drawing and painting was first offered at the University of Arkansas for nondegree credit. In 1885, the Board of Trustees voted to promote a program focused more on the industrial arts by hiring an instructor of “Drawing, Designing and Book Keeping” who offered “Ladies Industrial Art Studies.” But by 1889 this program — and the Department of Art — were abolished by the board. However, in 1894, the Art Department was re-established by the Board of Trustees, and the university catalog stated that in the art program, “Patience and perseverance, rather than talent, are the qualifications essential to success.” The department prospered. In 1897, a four-year, non-degree course of study in art was introduced offering, “charcoal, crayon, pencil, pen and ink drawing, oil, watercolor, pastel, tapestry and china painting.” Also offered were, “special classes in industrial designing and illustrating, ornamental and decorative work.” Between 1903 and 1913, the Conservatory of Music and Arts was established at the university as a more professionally oriented school. It offered a four-year program of study leading to a diploma, but not a college degree. The Conservatory was later abolished when the College of Arts and Sciences formed in 1913. At that time, the Art Department, along with Music and Expression (a forerunner to Theatre), became part of the Department of Fine Arts. The first major art program of study leading to a bachelor of arts

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degree was introduced in 1929, and a concentration in art history was added in 1976. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree was instituted in 1982, and the Master of Fine Arts graduate degree – one of the first such programs in the country – was initiated in 1952. More recently, the program experienced a pronounced period of growth during the past 15 years, with a more focused direction resulting in a significant increase in student enrollment – currently at 400 majors. While 48 undergraduate art degrees were awarded in 2010, by 2016 the amount increased to 75, a more than 50 percent growth in only six years. Additionally, M.F.A. student enrollment more than doubled, increasing from 10 to 24 students, faculty tenure-track position lines also rose from 10 to 17, and instructor faculty positions from eight to 23. This recent growth affected the school’s facility space as well, with the addition of a new 33,000-square-foot complex, located on Hill Street in south Fayetteville, in 2016. Designed by architects with Modus Studio in Fayetteville and El Dorado Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri, it was constructed for studio and workshop needs for the sculpture area, and includes additional graduate student studios and foundations classroom space.

photo by Whit Pruitt

F E AT U R E

By Bettina Lehovec Candles flicker at the front of the Wesley Center worship space. A simple cross transforms a wooden table into an altar. Students sing, swaying to the music, some with eyes shut, a few with arms raised overhead. Song lyrics fill the large screen behind the stage. The student band leads “Your grace is enough.” After several years off campus, the Wesley College Ministry is on campus again, meeting in a new worship space on Lindell Avenue. The Wesley, as it is called, is among about 35-40 registered student organizations listed as religious groups on the University of Arkansas campus. These range from the Al-Islam Student Association to Young Life College, and like other student organizations, new ones form during a semester and others disband. Many share the goals summarized in the Wesley mission: “Connect. Grow. Bear fruit.” Jill Jagmin, alumni and development coordinator for the Wesley Center, put it this way: “Our mission is to connect people with each other and our campus. Grow them in their faith, so they deepen in their walk with Christ. Bear fruit by going out and sharing their faith, planting those seeds – feeling that they’re confident enough in their faith to serve others.” Wrestling with Faith The young adult years are a crucial window for spiritual development, said Emily Burch, pastor of the Wesley Center ministry. Away from home for the first time, students are questioning the

traditions they grew up with while making decisions – about career, marriage and vocation – which will impact the rest of their lives. “We want to be up close to that,” Burch said. “We want students to hold onto their faith lives in such a way that they make these major life decisions from that perspective, with their faith commitment and their relationship with God really informing and shaping those decisions.” Campus ministries strive to reach students in a variety of ways: weekly worship services, Bible studies, small groups, fellowship over meals and opportunities for service. Students are encouraged to assume leadership roles, mentoring younger students through their service and example. Parker Schramme found the Wesley Center when she was a freshman and the ministry was still meeting at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. Like many new college students, she was looking for the fellowship she’d experienced in her church youth group in Dallas. “At first, it was just about community, being with people who have the same faith that I do,” Schramme said. “Now, it’s claiming that faith for my own, finding what works for me.” Schramme has grown along with the ministry, which moved into its new building in spring 2016. As a student leader, she extends hospitality to newcomers while modeling the depth of engagement mature faith requires. “I can have the hard conversations,” she said. If she’s experiencing turmoil in a friendship, for example, it helps to have someone to talk it through, “with God in the picture.” Students who don’t do the work of making their received faith their own suffer from what Burch terms “stunted faith.”

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“They never make the transition from being a consumer of Christianity to being an actual disciple,” she said. “Real adult life has many challenges. It has suffering. You need a more adult, informed, nuanced faith to live in adult life than you needed as a youth. “We want the wrestling to happen. We want to help them really think,” Burch said. “We have an intellectual task to do here that is as significant as the task that happens on campus. We come alongside and help them think intellectually about this area of their life, while all the other intellectual work is going on – and how to dialogue between the two. “This is a place of hospitality and community and relationship. But more than that it’s a place of spiritual nurture, of spiritual growth, of wrestling. We have a culture of call — and that’s broadly understood — to really help students discern.” Growing Student Leaders Another focus of campus ministry is preparing students to step into leadership roles when they graduate. “We see the college years as a launching pad for the rest of their lives,” said Tim Casteel, campus director of CRU. “Our hope is that when students graduate CRU, they would understand how to read the Bible in a way that it comes alive; that they would make God the center of their lives; and that they would be equipped to lead Bible studies, to reach out and pursue people, in a spiritual way, and encourage the people around them to pursue God.” CRU, formerly called Campus Crusade for Christ, is celebrating 50 years at the U of A. Former students have gone on to launch influential regional ministries, including Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers and Fayetteville, and Family Life, a marriage and parenting ministry associated with CRU. CRU is one of the largest ministries on campus, with some 300 students attending weekly worship services and involved in small group study. CRU emphasizes discipleship through site-specific Bible studies, with staff members leading studies in most residence halls and Greek houses. There also are Bible studies geared toward athletic teams, international students and African-American students. “We try to appeal to each of those pockets of campus — try to contextualize our Bible studies and what we do for each one,” Casteel said. Alumnus Jordan Tharel BA’06 came to the U of A conflicted about how to reconcile his passions for military service and mission work. As an ROTC cadet, he wondered how to continue serving God in his career. “CRU opened my eyes and helped me realize that those weren’t mutually exclusive things,” he said. “God puts those drives in our hearts to be effective in different places. They can each be stronger if they’re woven together.” Tharel entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant, sharing his faith by example during five deployments over 10 years. “Once you see how much God has done for you, you just want to share that,” he said. “I want to be the same kind of servant leader that Jesus demonstrated, putting others first. People notice that there is a difference. When they ask about it, there’s an opportunity to share what that difference is.”

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Tharel, who now serves with the National Guard in Fort Smith and flies for Tyson Foods, hopes to encourage current ROTC cadets to find their own identity in Christ in the military. He is loosely involved in helping organize a Bible study for ROTC cadets. Sharing Minority Faith Not all students on the U of A campus are Christian, of course. Lindsey Oppenheimer came to Fayetteville fearing the loss of the Jewish community she’d known in the Kansas City area. Her parents made sure there was a Hillel Jewish Student Association on campus before she came. Oppenheimer, who is now president of the U of A Hillel, was surprised to find that her faith thrived in the minority atmosphere. “Being down here has made me more Jewish,” she said. “I’m the only Jew a lot of people have ever met. They have questions, and the fact that I can teach people about Judaism makes my Judaism stronger.” There are about 30 students on the Hillel Listserv, with 10 or so actively involved, Oppenheimer said. The group plans a mix of secular and religious activities designed to reach non-practicing as well as practicing Jews. One week they might meet at the roller skating rink and another for a worship service at Temple Shalom, the Jewish synagogue in Fayetteville, for example. After years of meeting in a house a few blocks from the U of A campus, Hillel now has a dedicated room at Temple Shalom. Similarly, Naseer Naseem, president of the Al-Islam Student Association, said his group’s primary role is one of education and awareness. The group was founded in 2002 to counteract the fear of Islam that spread after 9/11. About a dozen students are currently involved. “There are a lot of misconceptions about Islam, about what being Muslim is,” Naseem said. “We want to show a different face. The purpose is to encourage students to be accepting of everyone’s faith and background, and to educate about Islam.” The group hosts two main events each year – a 9/11 memorial blood drive in the fall and a seminar on some aspect of Islam in the spring. Naseem also visits sociology and other classes, providing a personalized view of Islam. More than 300 people lined up to give blood this year, generating more than 245 pints. A large portion went to Florida and Texas in the wake of the recent hurricanes, Naseem said. “Islam is about giving back to the community. We want to show that,” he said. Improving public perception was also part of the intent of another student group called Occam’s Razor, named after the philosophical principle that among competing hypotheses the one with the fewest assumptions is best. The group was secular in nature “for non-religious, atheists, agnostics, and otherwise secular students” and part of its mission has been to improve public perception of the non-religious population through outreach and education. Opposite page: CRU holds weekly worship services at the Walton College of Business Reynolds Center on Tuesday nights. Between 100 and 150 students typically attend.

Changing Times

objectively and externally,” Armstrong said. “That affects all parts of their lives.” But young people still have the same basic need to wrestle with the big questions of life. “Students are still going through major transitions, asking questions and making decisions that will affect the trajectory of their lives,” Armstrong said. “It’s a time to make their faith their own, to wrestle with questions and ideas, for the first time, away from the influence of others, and grasp all that for themselves.” Christ on Campus reaches about 120 students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including a number of international students. The

Mike Armstrong, pastor of Christ on Campus, a nondenominational Christian ministry that meets in the Rock House on Dickson Street, celebrated 35 years of ministry on the U of A campus last spring. Much has changed since he came to the campus in 1982, Armstrong said. Fewer students come in with a church or religious background, and more students struggle with anxiety and depression. The way students process the concept of truth has changed, too. “They think about truth more subjectively and personally than

University of Arkansas Student Organizations Thirty-five student organizations on campus describe themselves as having a primary purpose of providing information and activities related to religious and spiritual dimensions of life. As always, though, if students don’t spot a student organization that matches what they want, they can start student organization No. 36 to fit the bill.

photos submitted

Al Islam Student Association: Al Islam Student Association strives to familiarize the local and university community with customs, cultures, history and faith of Muslim people with the aim of reducing misunderstandings, biases and prejudices.

Campus Ministries Prayer: A co-ed community group meets last fall in one of the university housing units. CRU leads weekly community groups in each of the campus dorms, as well as groups focused on Greek houses, athletic teams and African-American students.

Association of Baptist Students: The purpose of the Association of Baptist Students shall be to provide a Christian Campus organization wherein the students of the University of Arkansas can enjoy fellowship and the fruits of Christian service. Baptist Collegiate Ministry: The Baptist Collegiate Ministry offers a place for students to grow in their faith, building stronger disciples and leaders. Camp War Eagle: The purpose of the Camp War Eagle student group is to provide structured but casual fellowship and ministry for past, present and prospective summer staff and campers of Camp War Eagle. Catholic Campus Ministry: Catholic Campus Ministry, based at St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish, is a ministry dedicated to the students, staff and faculty offering Mass, Bible studies and other activities each week. Chi Alpha: Chi Alpha describes itself as a ministry reconciling students to Christ, transforming the university, the marketplace and the world. Christ on Campus: Christ on Campus is a student group made up of various cultures, passions and church traditions. The student organization provides worship and Bible studies, and organizes mission trips and local volunteer projects. CoExist: CoExist meets monthly and provides a space for students to learn about different religions and discuss current problems related to religion. CoExist welcomes anyone who wants to join, regardless of religious affiliation or beliefs.

Campus Ministries Rock House: The CRU leadership team meets in the Rock House on Dickson Street last fall. The historic building is home to Christ on Campus ministries, a nondenominational ministry that has been serving the campus since 1982.

Collegiate Discipleship Ministry: Collegiate Discipleship Ministry strives to help students build their faith, develop a closer walk with God, encourage fellowship with other Christians, and deepen insights in the Biblical truths. Cross Church College: Cross Church College is a campus organization affiliated with Cross Church Fayetteville. The organization meets weekly to worship, dive into God’s word and build community.

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church places an emphasis on community service, with members recently pitching in to help at Seven Hills Homeless Center in Fayetteville, do inner-city work in Dallas and raise money to help a Dominican student whose home was destroyed in Hurricane Irma. “This church is such a blessing,” said Ashlene Lightbourne, who came to campus from the Bahamas in fall 2016. She didn’t know anyone when she arrived, but quickly found a community of support at the Rock House. “Christ on Campus is like a family away from home,” Lightbourne said. “They will help you in any way you need — a ride to the grocery store, encouraging your school work, listening when you need to talk.”

Lightbourne looks forward to Sunday worship services, when she knows she will be recharged for the week ahead. “Mike is so encouraging and full of wisdom,” she said. “I come in feeling the pressures of the week and receive such a refreshing word every time. The ministry ensures we are spiritually fed in the best way possible.” The most difficult part of campus ministry for Armstrong is knowing the students he mentors will be gone in a few years (although many stay in touch from all areas of the world). “We’re always in the process of developing leaders,” he said. “The ones you develop move on into leadership in other places — which is what is supposed to happen.” n

CRU: CRU is a network of students and staff on thousands of college campuses in the U.S. and around the world. The organization exists to facilitate spiritual awareness on campus by introducing students to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Muslim Students Association: The Muslim Students Association is dedicated to building the Muslim community on campus and helping educate the surrounding community about the role of Islam.

Fellowship College: Fellowship College is an extension of Fellowship Bible Church’s Fayetteville College Ministry.

New Heights College: Students in New Heights College student organization serve other people through ministries like Jesus Junction and Potter’s House and join a Discovery or Community group.

First Baptist Church Fayetteville Collegiate Group: The First Baptist Church Fayetteville Collegiate Group is a community of students committed to growing in faith, reaching campus and the world. Gateway to Hope: Gateway to Hope is a student organization for students to know Jesus Christ through the study of the Bible. The organization encourages and edifies students through fellowship and building of relationships. Hillel Jewish Student Association: The University of Arkansas Hillel Chapter aims to welcome Jewish students and encourage a Jewish community on the University of Arkansas campus. Hindu Students Association: The Hindu Students Association aids its members in gaining spiritual knowledge, provides a Hindu voice in the interreligious dialogue taking place on campus, takes part in community service in the Northwest Arkansas area, and clears misconceptions about the religion. If Gathering: IF Gathering is a student group inspired by Jennie Allen, an Arkansas alumna and author. For one hour each week the student organization laughs, prays and fellowships. International Student Christian Association: The International Student Christian Association’s intent is to impact the world by empowering its next generation of leaders. Studying the Christian faith in an attempt to evaluate its tenets and to determine its validity. International Students Inc.: The aim of International Students Inc. is to serve Christ’s love with international students on the University of Arkansas campus. InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a multiethnic evangelical organization that is part of a national campus mission serving students and faculty on college and university campuses nationwide. Latter Day Saints Student Association: The Latter-day Saint Student Association provides students who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and non-members a place for spiritual and educational needs. Light of Love: The Light of Love student organization is affiliated with the Christian Seventh-Day Adventists and spreads the Advent message through open campus activities, fellowship and Bible discussions regardless of race or religious background.

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Razorbacks for Christ: Razorbacks for Christ is a non-denominational Christian organization that provides students with Bible studies, fellowship and worship opportunities on campus. Reformed University Fellowship: The Reformed University Fellowship describes itself as reaching students for Christ with a gospel of grace and equipping students to serve others in love. Rooted U of A: The Rooted U of A organization helps to bridge gaps between different student organizations, student ministries, and social spheres through small groups, fundraisers, worship nights and an annual conference. Simple Truth: The Simple Truth student organization offers informational Bible discussions, opportunities to serve at a soup kitchen each week and campus devotionals. Student Mobilization: Student Mobilization is a campus organization that helps students grow in their leadership, character and spiritual lives. The Navigators: The Navigators student organization provides one-on-one discipleship, small group Bible studies, large group events, summer training programs and missions. Thrive Student Ministries: Thrive Student Ministries is part of the nationwide network of Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship, a student-led ministry with the goal for students to grow together in their faith. U of A Wesley: The mission of U of A Wesley is to help students connect, grow and bear fruit in their life in Christ during their college years. United Campus Ministries: United Campus Ministries provides an ecumenical ministry and fellowship for students from the Presbyterian and Disciples of Christ denominations. University Baptist Church: The University Baptist Church student ministry is focused on service, fellowship and furthering the gospel throughout campus, Northwest Arkansas and the world. Young Life College: Young Life College is a place for students to have open communication about God and to develop genuine relationships and close community.

F E AT U R E

Student Activism

Part of University’s History By DeLani Bartlette B.A.’06 M.A.’08 grandparents and other family members dedicated themselves to public service, he said, including activism. “They instilled in me the value of public service, and of doing your best to make the world a better place,” he said. Tolliver comes to the U of A from northeastern Louisiana, where he said there were many issues such as violence, crime and one of the highest drop-out rates in the country. “I had a passion,” he explained, “needing to learn how to resolve those issues.” The overall intent of the book, as Tolliver writes in the introduction, is to frame activism as something more than a single, isolated episode, and rather as something more like a process or system that can be at times controlled and at times used as an educational tool for student learning. Tolliver said that, to gather his data, he researched past student activism and asked, what were the issues that caused it? He said he also

Razorback yearbook images

Students on campuses across the nation are making headlines – both positive and negative – with their activism. Two U of A researchers, David Tolliver and Michael Miller, have studied this activism and placed it in a historic context in their recently published book, Student Activism as a Vehicle for Change on College Campuses. Student activism, they say, is not a bad thing, but rather, an important part of students’ education and development. The book was published this summer by IGI Global as a volume in its Higher Education and Professional Development series. Seeing that the issue was very timely, IGI Global asked Miller and Tolliver to work on a very shortened deadline: only five months. “It was a challenge,” said Miller, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, “but it was also kind of a good thing.” Tolliver, a doctoral student in public policy, said he was interested in the topic because his family has an activist background. His parents,

Past protests and marches by students have included, clockwise from top, a student strike in 1913 calling for reinstatement of 35 expelled students; alumnus Gerald Jordan holds a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. during a memorial service and march in 1969 on the first anniversary of King’s death; another image of the 1913 marchers coming up Dickson Street; and a protest against campus censorship of a student literary magazine in 1968.

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University Relations photos

looked into the lives of student activists at campuses across the country and how their respective campus cultures affected them. He also looked at public policy, as well as how universities’ governing structures impede or help students trying to make changes in university policy. University policies, however, are not the only issues that students are passionate about. Big-picture social issues, such as sexual assault, equality and racism have inspired student activism for over 50 years, and continue to do so. At the University of Arkansas, the first major student demonstration came more than a century ago in the winter of 1913. Back then, due to the law of in loco parentis, which recognizes the responsibility of an institution to take on the responsibilities of a parent, students did not have any rights to freedom of speech, assembly or anything else. They were, in essence, treated as minor children with the university acting as their guardian while they were at school. In what was later referred to as “The X-Ray Incident,” a group of students became frustrated that the official student newspaper, The University Weekly, would not publish their criticisms of faculty and administrators. So they surreptitiously published their own paper, The X-Ray. In it, they printed harsh commentaries on several topics, including student discipline, spending on athletics and the prices charged by local stores. The publishers remained anonymous, calling themselves only “the Iconoclasts.” The X-Ray was mailed throughout the state, including to state elected officials and U of A trustees. Publishing The X-Ray was a bold act of defiance. U of A policy at the time forbid unauthorized publications. John Tillman, the university president at the time, expelled 36 students involved in the paper’s printing. On Feb. 26, in support of the expelled students, nearly the entire student body, about 700 students, went on strike, gathering on the steps of Old Main and refusing to attend class until their fellow students were reinstated. For six days, they struck, parading up Dickson Street, to professors’ houses, around the square and gathering at the Ozark Theatre. Many Fayetteville citizens, shopkeepers and even some faculty — including economics professor Charles Brough, who would go on to be elected governor in 1916 — supported the Iconoclasts. The strike prompted then-Gov. Donaghey to come by train to Fayetteville, where he talked with both sides. In essence, he determined that the faculty had properly followed its rules but that the rule requiring expulsion for publication of an unauthorized newspaper was too onerous. He recommended that the students be readmitted. On March 2, the Board of Trustees did just that, and President Tillman announced his retirement shortly afterwards. In looking back at that controversy, Tolliver said that while he understood the U of A’s position because of the state law requiring the university to act as the “parent” of the students, “the governor did the right thing.” He called the actions of the governor “very supportive.” “That [dialog] is an occurrence that needs to happen more today,” Tolliver said. “Leaders need to have dialog and understand what issues students are having and what students’ beliefs are. Students are the lifeblood of the university.” He called the governor’s actions, of coming

David Tolliver, left, a doctoral student in public policy, and Dean Michael Miller of the College of Education and Health Professions co-authored a book about student activism designed for college administrators to understand how best to deal with activists.

to Fayetteville to hear both sides, “an example of really trying to have resolutions” and “a great example of what should be happening now.” Tolliver and Miller both believe that student activism is actually an opportunity to impact student learning and development, rather than a negative consequence that needs to be punished. “Activism … can be seen as a reflection of students making a stand or public choice about something they believe in,” they write. They describe it as a “positive and healthy manifestation of self-exploration and commitment.” Student activism probably reached a peak in America during the 1960s and early 1970s. On the University of Arkansas campus, numerous demonstrations and marches occurred related to the Vietnam War, freedom of student publication, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights protection. The nation has seen a resurgence of student activism during the last two years, with well-publicized protests and counter-protests on campuses such as the University of Missouri-Columbia, the University of California Berkeley and the University of Virginia. In fall 2016, six members of the university’s women’s basketball team took a knee during the national anthem of an exhibition basketball game to protest police brutality against people of color. The student-athletes faced a barrage of criticism on social media from many quarters. Critics called the display disrespectful and demanded that players be disciplined while others supported the players’ right to freedom of speech and expression. Tolliver said conflicts involving universities and the differing perspectives of the many stakeholders they serve are common. At the time the protest occurred, the women’s basketball coach and the athletics director defended the student-athletes’ right to express themselves while not agreeing with the platform used to do so. “This was a really teachable moment,” Tolliver said. “It was a moment for people to listen and understand why the student-athletes knelt.” He said it wasn’t just about basketball players, it was about them using their platform to bring attention to those whose voices may not be heard. “As campuses get more diverse, the students are going to have different needs and beliefs,” he said. Tolliver advises campus leaders to ask, “How can we help these students see the world by understanding their identity development?” He said universities need to be responsive to students’ needs. “We need to be engaging with students in ongoing opportunities to listen and change.” n

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Carly Mott and Ryan Plath, nursing students at the U of A, volunteer at a shelter for evacuees in Conroe, Texas.

A University Comes Together By University Staff When hurricanes hit Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and a major earthquake struck Mexico, students, staff, faculty and alumni responded from across campus to provide emergency relief, conducting fundraisers, hosting food drives and — when appropriate — giving a helping hand in person. The university community has responded similarly in past crises such as the major tornados that hit Joplin, Missouri, in 2011 and the Mayflower and Vilonia area in 2014. Most recently, the university announced that it would allow Puerto Rico students to enroll in the University of Arkansas for in-state tuition. The university provided similar help after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, leaving many of the institutions of higher education unable to continue classes during the fall semester.

Hurricane Across the South Within a week of Hurricane Harvey hitting the region surrounding Houston, the U of A Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Department of Athletics organized RazorbackRelief to gather nonperishable food, personal care products, cleaning supplies and similar products from fellow students and fans. The Razorback athletes, coaches and Spirit Squads loaded trucks provided by Little Guy Movers at the Fayetteville Square and the Northwest Arkansas Mall to deliver to Houston. “Few things are more important right now than my fellow studentathletes and supporting those affected by Hurricane Harvey and this drive is small way to show that we care,” Taliyah Brooks, president of the committee, said at the time.

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Meanwhile, the Al-Islam Students Association dedicated its annual blood drive on Sept. 11 to help those in Houston affected by Hurricane Harvey. The Al-Islam blood drives have provided more than 1,000 pints of blood over the course of their operation. This fall, the student organization’s blood drive was again held next to the Fulbright Peace Fountain and included speeches by Chancellor Joe Steinmetz, Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan and Angela Oxford, director of the university’s Volunteer Action Center. “By the gift of life through the donation of blood, the campus community brings together peoples of different faiths, creeds and nationalities uniting as a community to give back to our community in recognition of the lives lost on this fateful day,” a statement from the student organization said. Less than a week later, the student-athletes were back at the trucks to load supplies for families in Florida who were affected by Hurricane Irma. For the Florida operation, Truck Centers of Arkansas donated a truck and J.B. Hunt Transport provided drivers to deliver all collected items to Florida. The student-athlete’s previous projects have included hunger relief in Haiti, recovery and clean-up efforts following tornadoes in Central Arkansas and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and massive flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While student athletes were working in Northwest Arkansas, the Dallas Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association was busy in Texas as well, using a Razorback watch party to raise more than $1,600 for the American Red Cross that was subsequently matched by a Walmart relief initiative. “This is so incredible,” Lisy McKinnon, associate director of chapter programs for the Arkansas Alumni Association, said after hearing about the fundraiser. “The enthusiasm of the Dallas Chapter is inspirational. They are an example of the best that we have to offer.” Greek Life Hustles Help As soon as word came out about the devastation in Texas and then Florida from powerful hurricanes, several Greek Life organizations stepped in to help. They quickly set up collection sites for donations of nonperishable food, medical supplies, personal hygiene items and money. “Arkansas Greeks love serving and giving back to our local community and beyond,” said Greek Life director, Parice Bowser. “We strive each day to make a difference because that’s what being Greek is all about!” Along with a donation to the American Red Cross from the Interfraternity Council, other Greeks set up collections on campus and within their individual organizations. Here’s how they helped: Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha sorority members collected clothes, hygiene products, bedding, canned goods, diapers, and etc. In addition, the sorority took in donations for victims of the earthquake in Mexico on Sept. 19, during Sigma Iota Alpha Week. The Kappa Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha hosted Change for Change in September and asked pedestrians on campus to donate loose change and toiletries for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. The event was held outside of the Arkansas Union.

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“Along with the chapters at the University of Central Arkansas, University of Kansas and Emporia State University, our chapter started our own Brother Fund where each member donated money,” said Phi Iota Alpha president, Rolando Rodriguez, “and this was donated to our brothers in the Houston area.” Sigma Phi Epsilon president, Cade Kennedy said, “One of our former fraternity sweethearts is a nursing major who is involved with an organization supporting the hurricane victims. We helped her out by donating medical supplies, toiletries, socks, underwear, diapers and bottled water.” Arkansas Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi collected donations and sent them to the American Red Cross to help hurricane victims in both Texas and Florida. Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority president Landri McGregor said, “Nationally, we are supporting our Kappa sisters in the Houston area through our Rose McGill Fund. The fund, set up in 1922 for McGill, who was a Kappa in Toronto, provides collegians or alumnae financial aid during emergencies and in times of dire need. “It is such a tough time for the city of Houston and we are definitely sending our thoughts and prayers,” McGregor said. Alpha Chi Omega collected medical supplies and basic hygiene items along with bottled water, gift cards, diapers, socks, and underwear. Chapter president, Megan Mikkelsen said, “We have been collecting and sending items for the victims, and we are also giving our support to the Alpha Chi Omega chapter at the University of Houston, which has been affected by flooding.” Omega Psi Phi president Noah Thomas said his fraternity has made donations to the hurricane victims in both Texas and Florida. “We believe in making a difference on a daily basis, touching as many lives as possible – whether it be as small as lending a helping hand or collecting money to donate to hurricane victims.” “Zeta Tau Alpha sorority has been assisting hurricane victims by directing our funds to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund established by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner,” said chapter president Ellie Parker. “We also have encouraged members to purchase the Texas Forever shirt presented by Magnolia Farms. All proceeds from the shirt go directly to relief efforts.” Kappa Alpha Order participated in an all-Greek effort to raise food and clothing donations for hurricane victims. Chapter president Zack Williams said, “We have several guys in our chapter from Houston that were directly affected, so I am happy that Greek Life as a whole has been working together to help out.” Sigma Alpha Epsilon hosted a dodge ball tournament in October for all fraternities and sororities with proceeds benefiting the hurricane victims. In the Thick of Things After a major storm, the university’s Volunteer Action Center often receives requests from members of the university community who want to go to the affected area to help. Invariably, the center counsels them to stay home for now: untrained volunteers dropping into such chaotic

conditions prove to be hindrances to the trained rescue workers. Two University of Arkansas nursing students followed that guidance and began calling disaster relief organizations to see if they could get plugged into the relief effort in Houston Carly Mott wanted to help relief efforts as soon as she saw the news about the storm, and Ryan Plath, whose family lives in Houston, joined her. After the two spent about 10 days calling more than 75 disaster relief organizations, emergency service agencies, emergency medical response teams, churches — and collecting more than $3,500 in donated supplies over two days’ time — Mott received an email telling them how to volunteer at a shelter for evacuees in Conroe, Texas. What they learned is that they are sure of their career choices. After their notification, they packed Plath’s truck and off they went after their clinical rotation was over on Sept. 6, arriving in Houston at 2 a.m. They spent the next three days, with very little sleep, providing medical assistance at the shelter and then helping clean a flood victim’s home. “My mindset has been emergency medicine, helping in trauma settings,” Plath said. He and Mott both will graduate in December. “The impact nurses have on those situations is monumental. A group of nurses can make a difference at a situation. We were the two primary caregivers at the convention center (used as a shelter). “In nursing school, we learn not just how to care for physical injuries but communication skills,” he continued. “You have to support people emotionally. They don’t know where to turn, and the resources we provide can be life-changing.” Mott has worked as a volunteer on several mission trips and has helped the homeless in the Kansas City area since she was 13. These experiences have strengthened her ability to think quickly and have made her willing to take initiative, to go from an idea to action. “I love crazy,” she said. “I don’t get enough crazy in my service hours, and I don’t get enough crazy in my internships.” Mott said she learned more about three aspects of herself during the Houston trip — the professional aspect, the emotional aspect and the medical aspect. “I never cry,” she said. “I hold a lot of things in, although no service trip has affected me as much as this one. I have never had anything weigh on my heart like this. It was seeing how thoughtful and selfless people in Houston were after they lost everything. They were so grateful for what they had left and never expressed, ‘Why me?’ “ With their graduation just a few months away, Mott and Plath are researching jobs with organizations that would deploy them to emergencies wherever medical assistance is needed. “You use your skills and you collaborate,” Plath said. “Our time in Houston was the most comfortable I have felt in any health-care situation.” Both encouraged their fellow U of A students to get involved in helping others, saying there are many ways to help besides offering medical assistance. They also emphasized the need for everyone to be prepared for emergencies. “Some people can’t go but they provided unbelievable support,” Mott said. n

Looking Back for Answers Beyond the initial relief efforts, researchers at the university are often called to help look at an emergency and find ways to improve responses or prepare for future emergencies. U of A researchers headed to Houston and Mexico after Hurricane Harvey and the earthquake that struck Mexico City and Puebla.

Resiliency During Hurricane An interdisciplinary team made up of professors from sociology, geosciences and communication is conducting research on those residents in the Houston region who have been displaced from their homes. Their project will investigate the role of social ties and resources in helping citizens recover from Hurricane Harvey. Social ties and resources in neighborhoods — at work, through religious organizations, and through other social groups — are vital for helping individuals and families navigate their daily lives. When disaster strikes, though, these resources can be severely disrupted. The damage caused by Hurricane Harvey was intense, causing flooding of catastrophic proportions and prompting the

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displacement of more than 50,000 people and tore apart the fabric of social resources. Kevin Fitzpatrick, the principal investigator for the U of A team, said, “Stabilizing the shock to local and regional systems of social capital represents a significant challenge and requires immediate scientific investigation of different aspects of citizen well-being, including the nature and extent of social ties/resources, anxiety, depression, adaptation and resiliency, in order to address a host of social, economic, psychological, housing, and health-related challenges.” Fitzpatrick said he and his colleagues hope that the findings will be used to “inform communities as to how they might better prepare for such disasters and their aftermath by clarifying the role that various forms of social capital play in the assimilation of persons into new communities.” Along with Fitzpatrick, Xuan Shi of geosciences and Matthew Spialek of the Department of Communication are researching the issue.

Understanding the Earth Clinton Wood, a civil engineering professor, traveled to Mexico City and Puebla, Mexico, to study the Mexican earthquake’s impact on buildings and infrastructure. He was part of a geotechnical

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

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Photos from professor Clinton Wood, above, depict some of the destruction that occurred in central Mexico to buildings and bridges, parts of which couldn’t withstand the stress waves created by the earthquake in September. The photo at lower right, for instance, shows a building in which one midlevel floor collapsed but the remainder of the building survived.

reconnaissance team funded by the National Science Foundation. “Early in our trip, we spent two days in a neighborhood of Mexico City called La Condesa, where several areas had a number of buildings either collapse or sustain heavy damage, while other areas of Mexico City were relatively unaffected,” Wood wrote in an account of his experience. “Teams assessed damage to each building, documented building type and recorded settlement and/or crack measurements.” He measured shear-wave velocity, the speed of a subsurface wave created by the earthquake through different elements, to help understand the role that underlying soil played in the observed damage. Different types of soils allow different frequencies of waves, a little bit like strings on a guitar. Wood compares a fat bass string, which has a wave frequency that produces a lower note, to the thin single strands that have a frequency that creates a higher note when plucked. When the frequencies in the underlying soil and an aboveground building match, a much higher seismic demand is often placed on the building during an earthquake as the waves through the soil are amplified and then fed straight to the building. Understanding the character of the soil and its natural shearwave velocity will contribute to design of buildings that can better withstand various stresses created by earthquakes.

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From Anywhere, With Love Social media ambassadors give back and create a buzz for annual giving day By Jennifer Holland ★ M.Ed. ’08

Marco Barker ✪

Joy Robertson Fountain ✪

Hometown: Osceola, Arkansas Present Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Graduation Year: 2000

Hometown: Russellville, Arkansas Present Location: Springfield, Missouri Graduation Year: 1986

“As a student, I valued that the University of Arkansas was able to meet me where I was and transform my life. As an alumnus, I’m impressed by the expansion, involvement and work being done. There’s great momentum.”

“Do what you can. There are a lot of young people out there who are counting on us to make their experiences the best they can be.”

Being a social media ambassador for All In was exciting for Marco Barker because it gave him an opportunity to become involved in a larger movement and connect with former classmates. “I enjoyed being a part of a coordinated effort because there was a greater sense of social responsibility,” he said. One of the aspects he appreciated most was seeing posts from across the world that carried a unified focus. Barker believes alumni should be thoughtful about their experiences at the U of A and consider how the university has made a difference in the lives of so many. “Who we are today is partly due to the experiences we had at Arkansas,” he said. “We have an obligation to recreate that experience for other students.”

Joy Robertson Fountain describes Fayetteville as an artsy, exuberant college town full of Razorback spirit. “I love the atmosphere,” she said. “It’s a beautiful environment.” Her involvement as a social media ambassador allowed her to feel like she was a part of the celebration and reconnect with this atmosphere from miles away. “I enjoyed seeing my posts get noticed and making them creative,” she said. “It was fun and a great way to be involved.” For Fountain, the experiences she had at the university, the friends she made and the education she received all motivate her to give back. Today, her daughter is applying for admission, and Fountain hopes that will give her even more opportunities to visit her favorite college town.

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to engage their personal networks. The results are clever and impactful. Most importantly, they help the university raise critical support for students, faculty and programs all across campus. Distance is no boundary for these social media superheroes, as their love for the university spans state lines (and even an ocean). Together, they pack a powerful punch of positivity and promote the importance of giving back. Want to get in on the fun? Sign up to join the social media ambassador team at allinforarkansas.uark.edu or email giveback@uark.edu for more information.

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For the last two years, the University of Arkansas has celebrated its birthday in a big way by hosting a day of giving called All In for Arkansas. Lasting 1,871 minutes, this year’s “party with a purpose” will unite all who love Arkansas, all around the world, in an epic outpouring of support and display of U of A pride April 4-5, 2018. It could not happen without a team of social media ambassadors, who put on their creative thinking caps and ready their smartphones for an all-out social media blitz to encourage others to go All In. Armed with a social media toolkit and a confetti-filled care package, these alumni and friends take to their feeds with energy and enthusiasm as they amplify the university’s own message and create unique content

Timothy R. Williams ★

Carol Wood ✪

Hometown: Gurdon, Arkansas Present Location: West Lafayette, Indiana Graduation Year: 2014

Hometown: Aurora, Missouri Present Location: Kapaa, Hawaii Graduation Year: 1987

“Giving back is a full circle and benefits the entire university. I’m always looking for ways to serve the U of A.”

“What’s not to love about the university? It’s like home to me. I always wanted to be a Razorback, and it always felt like home.”

Timothy R. Williams loves the opportunities the university provides and its focus on putting students first. He describes it as a blessing. The Arkansas native – who now works at Purdue University – took the initiative to host his own birthday party for the U of A during All In for Arkansas and invited other alumni who work at Purdue. Together, they gathered to share their mutual admiration of the university and posted their party pictures on social media. “Arkansas has my heart,” he said. “Being involved was a humbling experience that I look forward to every year. It was absolutely fun.” Williams’ favorite part of All In was seeing so many people give back to the university that, in his words, “gives so much.”

Carol Wood has the distinction of being the social media ambassador who participated from the farthest distance, and her posts featuring waterfalls and scenic beaches made everyone stop and take notice. Participating in this way was something Wood had never done before, but she admitted it was very easy. “It was a great way to share my love for the university and its importance in my life,” she said. Wood believes the university provides a foundation for all alumni that helps shape their future. “Everyone should give back,” she said. “It’s the foundation for future generations.” n

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A S S O C I AT I O N

President’s Message

A year ago, I wrote to you about the Arkansas Alumni Association’s goals to: 1. i ncrease membership and engagement and 2. r aise endowed and nonendowed gifts, largely for scholarships (the AAA’s commitment to Campaign Arkansas). This letter updates you on our progress and plans, seeks your continued support, and offers some thanks.

Membership and Engagement Our efforts to increase membership and engagement, which we brand Arkansas Everywhere, have included: • Simplifying the membership structure. • Using analytics for a targeted membership acquisition effort. • Deploying additional resources to chapters and societies. • Investing in the Student Alumni Association. In 2017, the AAA hosted 15,847 participants at 226 events. These engagement metrics represented an 81% increase in events and a 201% increase in participants. The number of Annual and Life members also increased year over year, but was more than offset by the phase out of three year memberships. Total members (excluding students) decreased from 20.2k at June 2016 to 19.3k at June 2017, while total alumni increased from 143.5k to 147.9k over the same period. We will be evaluating and adjusting our efforts to retain current members and engage new ones as a result of these trends. Endowed and Non-Endowed Gifts Progress has been made in increasing non-endowed funds available for scholarship. The AAA awarded $980k in scholarships for the 2016 – 2017 academic year and has offered $1.1m to students for the 20172018 year. Higher funds are expected in the future, in part as a result of the accomplishments outlined below: • Utilize unrestricted assets: The Alumni Association Board of Directors implemented a process whereby 2% of the average investment balance will be invested in scholarships as long as the investment accounts earn at or above expected rates. This action is expected to be enduring. • Grow Hog Tags: Each Hog Tag license plate provides $25 per year towards scholarship. The number of tags in Arkansas grew from 34.8k at June 2016 to 36.5k at June 2017. The results outlined above will provide an additional $70k per year towards scholarship. At last year’s average award, this amount represents more than 30 students whom we otherwise could not have helped. As of June 2017, the AAA’s endowed and non-endowed gift receipts and commitments totaled $6.6m. With three years remaining in the Campaign, this amount is somewhat below a ratable level of achievement.

Future Plans As the campaign moves forward, accelerating the pace of gifts will remain our focus: • Endowed gifts: The Alumni Association staff, National Board of Directors, and partners from across campus will continue to promote opportunities and reach out to alumni who seek to give toward the mission of the association. • Increase strategic allocations of membership dues: This fiscal year, the Board will evaluate the overall allocation from membership dues to scholarship and programming. • Improve Hog Tags promotion and access: We are exploring opportunities to better promote Hog Tags, including working with auto dealers to increase buyer awareness of the program at the time of purchase. 2019 will be the 25th anniversary of Hog Tags. I thank the Honorable Ralph Wilson Jr. who first conceived of the program and, along with others, championed and implemented it. Their legacy has helped thousands of deserving students. It is a great way to “ride with pride” and do good work at the same time. How You Can Help As noted above, you can help us in one or more of a variety of ways: • Make a gift to AAA scholarships, Senior Walk preservation, or other programs. • Join the AAA or upgrade to a Life membership. • Purchase Hog Tags in Arkansas, Missouri, or Texas. • Support one of our societies or your local alumni chapter. • Organize or attend tailgates, watch parties, community service projects, or other events. • Mentor and network with other Razorbacks. Please also encourage your family and friends to do the same. The gifts of your time, talent, and treasure make a difference in the lives of students and to so many others. Thanks Let me offer a few final “snout outs” before concluding. The AAA’s Campaign Committee has been led in turn by Lawson Hembree and now Dr. Jeff Johnson. Kenneth Biesterveld, who serves on the Board and as Treasurer, also has been instrumental in developing and implementing our scholarship growth plans. I expect these men would be the first to acknowledge it takes a team. Many other highly committed Campaign committee, advisory board, and AAA staff members have worked hand in hand to deliver against our objectives. Their efforts have been supported by many of you. The association’s mission is to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family. Achieving our goals will support our mission and the University’s ongoing transformation. As you have read, we have much more work to do, but I am grateful for your commitment and efforts to date. The eight-year Campaign’s “fourth quarter” begins July 1, 2018. Let’s go get a win! Woo Pig, Don Eldred ✪+ BSBA’81 President, Arkansas Alumni Association

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Your Connection Starts with the Arkansas Alumni App

the

ARKANSAS

Stay connected to the University of Arkansas with the Arkansas Alumni App!

ALUMNI

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• Campus news updates • Events calendar for alumni and fans • Social media and video streams • Timely and targeted push notifications • Digital membership card with access to benefits and discounts • Exclusive app benefits

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

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1966-67 William H. Bowen ★ LLB’49 1987-88 Rebecca Shreve ✪+ BSE’60 MED’63 1967-68 Guy H. Lackey ✪+ BSBA’49 1988-89 Robert T. Dawson ✪+ BA’60 LLB’65 + 1968-69 R obert P. Taylor ✪ BSBA’47 MS48 1989-90 G regory B. Graham ✪+ BSBA’70 JD’72 1969-70 John Ed Chambers BA’39 LLB’40 1990-91 Blake Schultz ✪+ BA’51 1970-71 Chester H. Lauck ’25 1991-92 Chuck Dudley ✪+ BSBA’76 MBA’77 1971-72 Nathan Gordon ✪+ JD’39 1992-93 Harriet Hudson Phillips ✪+ BA’72 1972-73 Charles E. Scharlau ✪+ LLB’58 1993-94 R ichard Hatfield ✪+ BSBA’65 LLB’67 1973-74 Carl L. Johnson ★ BSBA’47 1994-95 Jenny Mitchell Adair ✪+ BA’62 1974-75 R. Cecil Powers ✪ BSBA’30 1995-96 Jack McNulty ✪+ BSBA’67 JD’70 1975-76 J.C. Reeves ✪ ’25 1996-97 Sylvia Boyer ✪+ BSE’63 + 1976-77 Elizabeth (Sissi) Riggs Brandon ✪ BSE’55 1997-98 Morris Fair ★ BSBA’56 1977-78 Roy Murphy ✪+ BSIM’49 1998-00 H. Lawson Hembree IV ✪+ BSA’83 1978-79 Fred Livingston ✪ BSBA’55 2000-02 Jeffery R. Johnson ✪+ BA’70 1979-80 Tracy Scott ✪ BSE’53 2002-04 E dward Bradford ✪+ BSE’55 MED’56 1980-81 Edward W. Stevenson ✪+ BSBA’60 2004-06 Brian M. Rosenthal ✪+ BSBA’84 1981-82 Fred Livingston ✪ BSBA’55 2006-08 Kenny Gibbs ✪+ BSBA’85 1982-83 Don Schnipper ✪+ BA’63 JD’64 2008-10 Gerald Jordan ✪+ BA’70 1983-84 Mary Trimble Maier ✪+ BA’49 2010-12 Steve Nipper ✪+ BSBA’71 MBA’73 + 1984-85 Bart Lindsey ✪ BSBA’67 2012-14 John Reap ✪+ BSBA’70 1985-86 W. Kelvin Wyrick ✪+ BSE’59 2014-16 Stephanie S. Streett ✪ BS’91 + 1986-87 Larry G. Stephens ✪ BSIE’58

A S S O C I AT I O N

Scholarship Program Continues Steady Growth; Engages Alumni and Students

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Scholarship Timeline 32

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1990 Alumni Association awards first scholarships to Shane Benbrook and Kristin Cooper Maris.

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The Arkansas Alumni Association scholarship program has been supporting students and engaging alumni for more than 25 years. Scholarships have grown from the first two alumni endowed scholarships totaling $3,200 in 1990 to more than $1.1 million awarded to 481 students in 2017-18. The total impact to date has been 4,892 awards totaling $8,959,408. Alumni scholarships reach diverse populations across the country through 50 different scholarship accounts supported by chapters, societies, individuals, and memberships, as well as funds received from Hog Tag programs in Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. Alumni scholarships are offered to both incoming freshmen and currently enrolled undergraduate students. Scholarship recipients are actively engaged in the alumni association and the community through volunteer service hours, mentoring lunches, and opportunities for leadership through the Student Alumni Association. In 2016-17, 71 freshman scholars logged 1,240 volunteer hours, and 77 junior scholars logged 1,084 volunteer hours on campus and within the Northwest Arkansas community. This program is also a great opportunity for alumni to be engaged and active on campus. Alumni volunteers set aside time each spring to review hundreds of applications. These alumni have the opportunity to get to know todayâ€™s incoming students and the outstanding caliber of future Razorbacks. The association adheres to strict criteria when selecting students for scholarships. However, alumni scholars are more than just a standardized test score. Grade point averages are calculated into the overall point system but only account for a small portion of the overall scoring. Alumni volunteers are encouraged to score a student based on leadership qualities, academic history and overall character. n

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1992 Houston Chapter establishes the first chapter endowed scholarship.

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1994 State of Arkansas establishes specialty Hog Tag.

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2002

Five Ways to Support Alumni Association Scholarships 1. Volunteer for Scholarship Review

2. Ride with Razorback Pride

4. Give to a chapter or society scholarship

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2002 The first society scholarship was awarded by the Black Alumni Society.

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5. Establish an endowed, named scholarship

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2009 Membership scholarships established.

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3. Join the Arkansas Alumni Association

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2013 Arkansas Alumni Association celebrates first year of $1 million in awards.

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2017 The Arkansas Alumni Association awards more than 450 scholarships annually.

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A S S O C I AT I O N

Razorback Road Trip: Southwest Classic event in Fort Worth during the Southwest Classic weekend. More than 100 people attended, including special guests Chancellor Joe and Sandy Steinmetz. On the morning of Sept. 23, approximately 250 people gathered at 1010 Collins Event Center for the ultimate Hog Wild Tailgate. The tailgate featured appearances by the Razorback Marching Band and University of Arkansas mascots and spirit squads. n

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The Arkansas Alumni Association and the Razorback Foundation hosted a Razorback Road Trip with 51 travelers for the Southwest Classic. They also hosted a series of events for the travelers, alumni and fans during the weekend. The events began on Sept. 22 with the Southwest Classic Weekend Kickoff Party at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas. This was the first time that Razorback Road Trips hosted an

Hog Wild Tailgates head coach Jason Watson, and gymnastics head coach Mark Cook and the team. Buckingham was greatly entertaining to all ages on Sept. 9 and NWA Photo Bomb kept the pictures exciting on Oct.21. Tusk made an appearance at the Nov. 18 tailgate, which was co-sponsored by Bank of America. The newly expanded Alumni Alley hosted approximately 500 people each game. It served as the game-day shooting location of KNWA’s Pig Trail Nation. Also making an appearance in Alumni Alley were sponsors Centennial Bank and VCC. Thank you to all the alumni and fans who visited the Alumni House and Alumni Alley on game-day. See everyone next year and Go Hogs! n

Arkansas Alumni Association photos

Hog Wild Tailgates at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House are a football game-day tradition for many alumni and fans. This year, the tailgates featured multiple food options including catered meals by Catering Unlimited, food trucks, assorted beverages, and Yarnell’s Ice Cream. Once again the Razorback Band and Spirit Squads led everyone in a pep rally at the tailgate. The season also included live entertainment provided by the Wranglers and the School of Rock. Hog Wild Tailgate attendance averaged between 400 and 500 people per game. Special guests included representatives of many of our women’s athletic teams including women’s basketball coach Mike Neighbors, softball head coach Courtney Deifel and the team, volleyball

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The Arkansas Alumni Association hosted its 73rd annual Alumni Awards Celebration at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Fayetteville Town Center. More than 340 people attended this signature event benefiting the Arkansas Alumni Association scholarship program. This year’s awards honored the accomplishments of 12 outstanding alumni, faculty and friends. The honorees were: • Citation of Distinguished Alumni – Sharon E. Bernard ★ B.S.L., ’69, J.D.’69, attorney (Retired) • Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award – John L Colbert ✪ B.S.E.’76, M.Ed.’81, Ed.D.’17, associate superintendent for Support Services of Fayetteville Public Schools • Citation of Distinguished Alumni – Terrence R. Dake ★ B.A.’66, General, US Marine Corps, Ret. •H onorary Alumni Award – Denise Garner ✪ founder/president at Feed Communities and publisher of Edible Ozarkansas •H onorary Alumni Award – Dr. Hershey Garner ✪ radiation oncologist for Highlands Oncology Group • Young Alumni Award – Theresa Fette B.S.B.A.’99, M.Acc.’00, J.D.’03, CEO and co-founder of Provident Trust Group •C ommunity Service Award – Jawanda Mast ★ B.S.H.E.’84, M.S.’89, disability advocate • F aculty Distinguished Achievement Award for Service – Tiffany Murphy, J.D. associate professor at the U of A School of Law • F aculty Distinguished Achievement Rising Teaching Award – Kate Shoulders, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences •C itation of Distinguished Alumni – Mark Waldrip ✪ B.S.A.’77, chairman of Big Creek Bank Shares, LLC • Charles and Nadine Baum Faculty Teaching Award – John A. White, Ph.D. ✪ Chancellor Emeritus and distinguished professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering in the College of Engineering

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

University Relations photos

Arkansas Alumni Association Hosted 73rd Annual Alumni Awards

• Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award for Research – Ranil Wickramasinghe, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering in the U of A College of Engineering The alumni association hosted its second Homecoming Online Auction from Oct. 27-Nov. 10. The online auction raised more than $16,000 for the alumni association scholarship program. The event sponsors included silver sponsors Butterfield Trail Village and Fidelity Investments; online auction sponsor First Security and media sponsors CitiScapes and KUAF.

A S S O C I AT I O N

All Roads Lead Home to the Hill On Nov. 18, 1922, Arkansas defeated Southern Methodist University 9-0 in the first Homecoming game in school history. This year marks the 95th anniversary of Homecoming celebrations on our campus. This year’s theme was “All Roads Lead Home to the Hill.” The Homecoming Steering Committee was excited to see this foster an environment of collaboration, unity, and inclusion. Homecoming week was a time where all Razorbacks participated and showed their love for our great university. After months of planning, the Homecoming Steering Committee kicked off the 2017 Homecoming week with philanthropy. The 24th Annual Make a Difference Day hosted by the Volunteer Action Center featured collaboration among local agencies to host a variety of service projects across Northwest Arkansas. This year, 63 projects, with more than 1,200 volunteers and 2,500 hours, resulted in an economic impact of $84,827.96. The week continued with the Student Alumni Association’s second annual Fall Festival. Food trucks, festivities, and fun filled the Union Mall as students celebrated Halloween in the middle of Homecoming week. The Office of Annual Programs provided students an opportunity to show gratitude to our donors while University Programs celebrated inside with Boo Pig Spooky. The university was covered in red and white as Greek houses and student organizations decorated campus in celebration of Razorback spirit. The newly renovated Mitchell Street Sports Complex was home to the inaugural Homecoming Capture the Flag Tournament on Nov. 1. Students took a break from class to exhibit their athletic ability and win a coveted Intramural Championship shirt. At the same time, the Distinguished Lectures Committee hosted another new event, the Alumni Homecoming Lecture. Skip Rutherford ✪ B.A.’72, dean of the Clinton School of Public Service, served as the speaker in this new tradition. Proffessor Angie Maxwell B.S.’00, moderated the event. The week culminated in a busy Friday. The Class of 2016 Senior Walk was dedicated with many of the most recent graduates returning to see their names etched in stone. The longest-standing tradition in Homecoming – the Parade – was a success as student organizations and community members danced down Dickson on their way to the Chi Omega Greek Theater. The Homecoming Pep Rally was filled to the brim with Razorback fans as we prepared for the game on Saturday. Homecoming is more than just a football game. It is a celebration of the school, the far-reaching effects that graduates have had all over the world, and alumni returning to an institution that helped form them into the people they are today. The Alumni Association is already looking forward to next year’s Homecoming and continuing to build the tradition so no matter what roads life takes you down, you can always return Home to the Hill. n

Photos by Whitt Pruitt

Homecoming 2017

Campus Homecoming decorations illustrated that All Roads Lead Home to the Hill.

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

Fall Festival

Class of 2016 Senior Walk Dedication

Homecoming Committee Photo by Lillie Hancock; remaining photos by University Relations

Thank a Donor

Homecoming Committee

Homecoming week featured the SAA Fall Festival. Annual Programs hosted Thank A Donor Day. The SAB Homecoming Committee posed on the sidelines at the game.

On Nov. 3, members of the Class of 2016 and other members the University of Arkansas family celebrated the official dedication of the Class of 2016 Senior Walk.

See more of the entries at homecoming.uark.edu.

Coloring Contest Winners 3-5 Year Olds

6-8 Year Olds

9-11 Year Olds

1st

Name: Salem Moore Parents: Branton B.A.’92 and Sarah Moore B.S.B.A.’02 Hometown: Fayetteville, AR

Name: Yahya Sridjajamerta Parents: Teguh Sridjajamerta M.B.A.’99 and Keukeu Abdullah M.S.O.M.’08 Hometown: Fayetteville, AR

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

1st Name: Campbell Wood Parents: Michael and Heather Wood FS’94 Hometown: Hot Springs, AR

A S S O C I AT I O N

Parade and Pep Rally

Band and Spirit Squad photos from Parade are by Lillie Haddock. All other Parade and Pep Rally photos by John Baltz.

The Homecoming Parade featured 56 participating groups including the Razorback Marching Band, Razorback Spirit Squads, the Homecoming Court, past homecoming queens, registered student organizations and area businesses and organizations. It was immediately followed by the Homecoming Pep Rally sponsored by the Razorback Booster Club at the Chi Omega Greek Theatre.

Photo Credit: Lillie Haddock

2017 Homecoming Court

Photo Credit: John Baltz

The 2017 Homecoming Queen, Beau Broyles, and King, Brandon Mortiz, were crowned at half-time of the Homecoming game.

The 2017 Homecoming Court along with the 2016 Homecoming King and Queen. Featured from left are Moses Agare (2016 Homecoming King), Thea Winston, Will Watkins, Ali Ezell, Nick Beyer, Erica Brewer, Scott Sims, Beau Broyles, Brandon Mortiz, Roy Phillips Jr., Landri McGregor, Rachel Jackson, Triston Locke, Natalie Counce, Matt Hansen, and Shelby Cormack (2016 Homecoming Queen).

A R K A N S A S â€˘ Winter 2017

Student Alumni Association Highlights Welcome Weeks Hosted by New Student & Family Programs, the fall semester kicked off with three weeks of Razorback spirit.

Student Alumni Board members supported University Programs at their annual Freshmen Pep Rally – voted one of the best traditions nationally!

Official BEAT Shirts

Student Alumni Board members and ASG President Andrew Counce tabled at the annual Walton Picnic!

Setting up early for events like Razorbash helped the Student Alumni Board recruit almost 700 new members during Welcome Weeks!

Tie-Dye with Student Alumni Returning for its second year, SAA hosted a campus wide tie-dye event to spread the word about membership.

Board member Bethany Kasper with SAA volunteers Janet Wagner, Devin Kelley, and Grace Lehfeldt prepare for the first official BEAT shirt pass out of the year!

Hearing from a Hog Hearing from a Hog is an exclusive benefit of membership. Student Alumni Association members heard from Heba Abdelaal, D.C. Chapter president and Senator Boozman’s legislative aide, about a career on the other Hill.

Event organizers Erin Smith and Raygan Sylvester were jumping for joy with the amazing results.

More than 1,000 students participated in this annual event that helped increase membership and raise awareness for the association on campus.

Sam Harris, Erin Smith, Taylor Smith, and Shay Longmate encouraged students to take a break as they changed classes.

Over 30 gallons of dye were used as students decorated their shirts to kick off the fall semester.

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Advancement Ambassadors Student Alumni Board serves as the governing board for the largest student organization on campus while representing the university in an effort to support Campaign Arkansas.

SAB members welcome alumni professionals from every SEC school at the annual APSEC conference hosted by the Arkansas Alumni Association.

Members of the Student Alumni Board helped guide members of the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee at their fall meeting on campus.

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

CHAPTERS

–1– Get involved with Arkansas Alumni Chapters across the country! For more information, visit www. arkansasalumni.org/chapters. –2– The Atlanta Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association hosted a watch party for the Southwest Classic football game on Sept. 23.

–4– The Dallas Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association hosted a watch party for the Florida A&M football game on Aug. 31. While cheering on the Hogs they raised money for Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund! –5– Alumni, friends and fans gather at the watch party hosted by Houston Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association for the Southwest Classic football game on Sept. 23. –6– The Las Vegas Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association cheered on the Razorbacks as they took on Florida A&M on Aug. 31 and Texas A&M on Sept. 23.

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–3– The Chicago Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association pose for a team photo at the annual Chicago SEC Alumni flag football tournament.

–7– The Kansas City Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association hosted a watch party for the Southwest Classic football game on Sept. 23.

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–8– The Nashville Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association gathered fans of all ages to cheer on the Hogs for the opening game of the season on Aug. 31.

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–9– The New York City Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association gathered for a watch party during the Southwest Classic football game on Sept. 23.

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– 10 – The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association presented the annual Pig Sooie Par-Tee on Sept. 14 and Pig Sooie Scramble Sept. 15. Congratulations to the team of Geurin, Mosier, Thornton and Burks. They were the winning foursome for this year’s Pig Sooie Scramble. After 18 holes of tournament play, the linksters posted an amazing score of 52 to force an aggregate two-hole playoff with two other teams. All three teams were still tied after the first round of playoff, forcing a sudden death elimination on the 18th hole. The winning team will represent Arkansas in the 2017 Acura Alumni College Team Championship at Pinehurst in North Carolina.

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– 11 – The San Antonio Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association hosted a watch party for the Southwest Classic football game on Sept. 23. – 12 – The San Francisco Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association called the Hogs during a watch party for the Southwest Classic football game on Sept. 23.

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– 13 – The Seattle Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association show their Razorback pride during a watch party on Sept. 9.

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CHAPTERS & SOCIETIES

–2– The Dallas Chapter, the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society and the Nursing Alumni Society of the Arkansas Alumni Association kicked off the Southwest Classic events by hosting a Happy Hour at Katy Trail Ice House on Thursday, Sept. 21.

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–1– The Black Alumni Society, the Central Arkansas Chapter, the Civil Engineering Alumni Society, the MSOM Alumni Society and the Razorback Band Alumni Society of the Arkansas Alumni Association hosted a tailgate party in Little Rock before the first Razorback football game of the season.

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ASG ALUMNI SOCIETY BLACK ALUMNI SOCIETY CIVIL ENGINEERING ALUMNI SOCIETY DBCAFLS ALUMNI SOCIETY ENGINEERING EARLY CAREER SOCIETY GOLDEN TOWER SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI SOCIETY LATINO ALUMNI SOCIETY LAW ALUMNI SOCIETY LEMKE JOURNALISM ALUMNI SOCIETY MSOM ALUMNI SOCIETY NURSING ALUMNI SOCIETY PRIDE ALUMNI SOCIETY RAZORBACK BAND ALUMNI SOCIETY

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–2– The Black Alumni Society hosted its third annual SWC Blessing Bags Collection and Social Mixer on Friday, Sept. 22, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. BAS collected over 110 blessings bags. Keith Britton and Oliver Sims III, BAS Board of Directors and event organizers; Chancellor Joe Steinmetz, Sandy Steinmetz; Provost Jim Coleman; Adele Coleman; Mark Power, Vice Chancellor for Advancement; BAS alumni and friends delivered the bags to Tillie Burgin, Mission Arlington Metroplex. –3– Tymli Frierson, Civil Engineering Alumni Society president and the society Board of Directors, hosted a pre-game luncheon in Little Rock on Aug. 31 before the first Razorback football game of the season.

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–1– Get involved and connect with Arkansas Alumni Societies! For more information, visit www. arkansasalumni.org/societies.

–4– The Master of Science in Operations Management Alumni Society participated in the All Societies Tailgate hosted in conjunction with the Southwest Classic. Alfonso Camerlingo, president, and Edward Amass, vice president, and Barbara Amass were in attendance. –5– The Razorback Band Alumni Society held its annual board meeting on Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. Special thanks to Kim Rowan for serving as RBAS president. Alan Epley is the incoming president. Val Price, past president, was elected to the RBAS Board Emeritus.

GREEK LIFE

Greek Life Philanthropy Alpha Chi Omega The first women’s sorority to take on domestic violence awareness and prevention, Alpha Chi Omega locally supports the Peace at Home Family Shelter with both funds and volunteers. To raise funds for their charity, Alpha Chi hosts a pizza night, Pizza Pie with Alpha Chi, and a volleyball tournament, Volley Against Domestic Violence. The sorority also volunteers at the after-school program at LifeSource, a Northwest Arkansas charity that offers customized assistance to families in need. Alpha Delta Pi For their international philanthropy, Alpha Delta Pi supports the McDonald House Charities, which provides a home away from home for families with seriously ill or injured children. ADPi raises funds by hosting a picnic, ADPIcnic, with blankets, games and live music. Additionally, the sorority hosts a philanthropy dinner each semester. Locally, ADPi supports the Fayetteville Animal Shelter, Boys and Girls Club, World Changers, Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts and Meals on Wheels. Alpha Gamma Rho Alpha Gamma Rho supports the Farmer Veteran Coalition nationally, which assists and encourages military veterans to start or continue a career in agriculture. Locally, AG Rho hosts a fall golf classic benefit and a spring chicken wing cook-off to raise funds for the coalition. In addition, members support the education, scholastic and leadership needs of brothers by contributing to the Alpha Iota Scholarship Fund.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first Greek-letter organization established for and by college educated women of color. Members support their signature A.S.C.E.N.D. Youth enrichment program, which helps high school students reach their maximum potential. Locally, one of the largest fundraisers the Kappa Iota chapter hosts is Change for Change. “We set up a table on campus and ask pedestrians to donate loose change, and then we match the amount raised,” said chapter vice president Jessica Fuentes. Alpha Omicron Pi Alpha Omicron Pi supports the American Juvenile Arthritis Organization by raising funds and awareness with AOII Goes Blue Week. Highlights include their Strike Out Arthritis softball tournament, their Strike-aPose fashion show fundraiser. Following last year’s death of member Lane Mars, the sorority will hold a memorial 5K run to benefit the Pat Walker Health Center. Alpha Phi Alpha Alpha Phi Alpha is involved with the Northwest Arkansas community by supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure and several other non-profit organizations. Nationally, the Kappa Kappa chapter focuses on community outreach mentoring initiatives including Brother’s Keeper, a program which advocates for and improves the quality of life for Alpha Phi Alpha members, spouses, children and widows, the retired, elderly, disabled or medically challenged.

Beta Theta Pi Beta Theta Pi supports the B+ Foundation, which supplies financial assistance to families with children who are fighting cancer. “Pediatric cancer is a growing problem in the U.S. and isn’t going away,” said chapter president Zack Spero. “Whether you can donate money or not, spreading awareness is one of our main goals here at Beta.” Each spring, the fraternity hosts B+ Beach Week, featuring a charity volleyball tournament. Chi Omega Chi Omega supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants “wishes” to seriously ill children and their families. “ChiO won the Most Philanthropic Chapter Panhellenic award here at the university in 2016,” said Psi chapter president Beau Broyles. The sorority has also raised thousands of dollars with its #OneDayOneGoal campaign and their popular chili supper known as Chillin’ N’ Wishin’. Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Locally, Tri Delta ranks in the top five fundraisers chapters nationwide. “St. Jude is the heartbeat behind our organization,” Kelly Nefzger, chapter president, said. “With St. Jude, we won’t stop our efforts until the childhood cancer survival rate is 100 percent.” The chapter holds several fundraisers including 18 Holes for Hope golf tournament, Frats at Bat and Delta House of Pancakes. Delta Gamma Delta Gamma, through their national Service for Sight program, supports the blind and visually impaired. Locally, DG’s main fundraiser is Anchor

Splash, a multi-event water competition. “Being a new sorority, we have loved jumping right in, making relationships, and furthering our mission of Service for Sight,” Allyson Braggs, chapter philanthropy chair, said. In addition, the chapter supports Burls Kids, part of the Burlsworth Foundation. Burlsworth, a former Arkansas Razorback football player was drafted by the National Football League, but was killed in a car crash. Burl’s Kids provides tickets to a Razorback football game to underprivileged children and gives them game time recognition. Delta Sigma Theta Nationally, Delta Sigma Theta supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Locally, the sorority supports the Michelle Wilson Walk-a-Thon to raise funds for Lupus, an autoimmune disease. Michelle Wilson was a member of Delta Sigma Theta. The sorority hosts the Red Velvet Affair Casino Night and Crimson and Cream Scholarship Event to support their funds. Delta Sigma Theta also hosts Black History story time and crafts at both the Bentonville and Fayetteville Public Libraries. FarmHouse FarmHouse supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society nationally in honor of a brother from another chapter who died of leukemia. Locally, FarmHouse members sponsor Be the Match – a drive to help increase the network of bone marrow transplant options in the U.S. FarmHouse also teams up with Pi Kappa Alpha to raise money for their respective philanthropies. “A philanthropic nature is one of the most important things that someone can possess,” said chapter president Tucker Brown. “To us, giving back to our community is

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

the most fulfilling part of being a FarmHouse man.” Kappa Alpha Order Kappa Alpha Order supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Locally, KA raises MDA funds by hosting a fall festival, featuring a pumpkin carving competition, car smash, carnival games and food. In the spring, KA hosts a basketball tournament known as Dunk Fest. “We also hosted a dinner for some local families that are directly affected by muscle disease,” Zack Williams, chapter president, said. “It was uplifting to meet and talk to them and know exactly who we are fighting for.” Kappa Alpha Psi Locally, the Iota Tau chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., hosts one of its largest annual philanthropy events Dime Party to benefit the March of Dimes. “The Iota Tau chapter believes that philanthropy is something that can be incorporated in our daily lives,” said chapter polemarch (president) Marcus Hatley, II. “We plan to continue our efforts to inspire more service in the public interest and welcome new opportunities to continuously achieve.” Kappa Delta Kappa Delta is the first and only National Panhellenic Conference group to adopt the Girl Scouts as a national philanthropy. “Along with hosting about six events at our sorority house for local Girl Scouts, we have a one-on-one mentoring program that our members participate in,” Grace Shike, chapter president, said. “This helps build their confidence as they grow into teens and young adults.” Additionally, the sorority supports Prevent Child Abuse America and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia

Commonwealth University. Locally, the Zeta Gamma chapter hosts the annual Shamrock Paint Dodge Ball Tournament and Block Party to benefit the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Safety Center and Prevent Child Abuse America. Kappa Kappa Gamma Kappa Kappa Gamma’s national philanthropy is the Reading is Fundamental program, which benefits children who have few books at home and little exposure to libraries. Locally, Gamma Nu Kappas volunteer to read and tutor at Washington Elementary School in Fayetteville, AR. In addition, Kappas host a Reading Is Key week of philanthropic events, including the King of the Kourt basketball tournament and Breakfast for Books, a breakfast for dinner benefit at the house and a book give-away fun-filled at Grace Hill Elementary in Rogers, AR. Kappa Sigma Kappa Sigma backs the Kappa Sigma Military Heroes Campaign, an initiative focused on providing care for veterans and their families. Each fall, the local Xi chapter hosts a sand volleyball tournament. In addition, Kappa Sig cleans and helps maintain Evergreen and East Mountain Cemeteries in Fayetteville, AR. “The Xi Chapter of Kappa Sigma has given back to the university and the Northwest Arkansas community for over one hundred years,” said chapter president Colin Byrd. “We pride ourselves in continuing that tradition today and in the years to come.” Lambda Chi Alpha Lambda Chi Alpha hosts the annual fall Watermelon Bust benefit, which is a field day featuring watermelon themed events. Various U of A Greek organizations compete in several

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

categories including a canned food drive. Last year, more than 100,000 pounds of canned goods were donated to the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. Omega Psi Phi Omega Psi Phi support Omega Charities, a non-profit extension of the fraternity’s foundation, which helps improve the lives of black people. It provides quality programming to at-risk youth and advocates for education, professional mentoring, job training and referral, disaster relief for the disadvantaged and support to the elderly and homeless. Locally, the fraternity supports the American Diabetes Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Relay for Life, Make a Difference Day, Adopt-a-Street and Juneteenth Voter Registration, among other causes. “Our fraternity believes in getting involved with the community on a personal level and making a difference in as many lives as we can,” said chapter president Noah Thomas. Phi Beta Sigma Phi Beta Sigma was the first to develop a youth auxiliary group, which provides services to community youth in order to develop young leaders. Nationally, Phi Beta Sigma supports the March of Dimes. Locally, the fraternity raises funds by hosting bake sales and performing in step shows. Each spring, the chapter hosts Sigma Week, during which donations of clothing, shoes, non-perishable food items and toiletries are collected for the Seven Hills Homeless Shelter in Fayetteville, AR. Phi Delta Theta Baseball legend Lou Gehrig, who died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, was a Phi Delta Theta member and chapters are encouraged to connect with their local ALS

chapters. Locally, Phi Delts hold an annual Tommy May ALS Banquet. May, the former chairman and CEO of Simmons First National Corporation in Pine Bluff, was diagnosed with the disease in 2005. Phi Gamma Delta The fraternity began supporting Autism Speaks after a local alumnae’s son was diagnosed with autism. In addition, FIJI supports Champions Special Ministries, which was started by a member’s parent and helps children with disabilities. The fraternity’s main fundraising event is Carol of the Greeks that is held in December and in which all the sororities participate. FIJI also teams up with Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity to host Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Boil, featuring a variety of Cajun dishes and live music, to benefit Autism Speaks. Phi Iota Alpha Phi Iota Alpha’s national philanthropy is the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). This past semester the chapter sold popcorn on campus and hosted a percentage night at Saritas Tacos. “Giving back to the community is vital because we are able to use our abilities and skills to assist those who are not as fortunate,” said chapter president Rolando Rodriguez. “We are very thankful to have a platform through Phi Iota Alpha to gather quality men who strive to do just that.” Phi Mu Phi Mu supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with its fall Miracle Man competition. The male pageant pits men from U of A’s Greek Life and registered student organizations against each other in the categories of talent, Continued on page 63

courtesy Razorback athletics

R A ZO R B AC K ROA D

Flags, Football and Freedom By Kevin Trainor ★+ B.A.’94 M.A.’05

the excitement of the home team’s entry onto the field before a college football game. In 2016, Razorback Athletics initiated a program that welcomed United States and Arkansas state flags that had been flown by military personnel around the world to be donated for use in pre-game ceremonies at Razorback football games. As the Razorback football team runs ‘Through the A’ before each game, selected football student-athletes carry the Stars and Stripes of Old Glory and the Diamond and Stars of the Arkansas flag. The program is part of Razorback Athletics’ ongoing commitment to recognize the tremendous contributions of those who have served our nation. Earlier this season, flags were supplied by active military personnel serving in the Middle East. The U.S. Army’s Alpha Company 2-149th Aviation Task Force Rough Riders provided both a United courtesy Razorback athletics

By simple definition, a flag is a piece of fabric, cloth or a similar material, used as an emblem of a country or institution as a decoration during public festivities. Embellished by stars, stripes, bars and other adornments, a flag is more than just a collection of artistic elements, it takes on meaning as the most visible symbol of a particular state or nation and those who are represented. Each time the Razorbacks take the field, they carry that same type of symbolic significance for Arkansans. The University of Arkansas is the flagship institution of the state and for many Arkansans, the Razorback is far more than just a mascot, it embodies the spirit of the state. So what happens when these two recognized symbols combine in a way that honors those who are serving and have served to protect our freedoms at home and abroad? It is a moment that means much more than simply

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

Winter 2017 â€˘ A R K A N S A S

courtesy Razorback athletics

R A ZO R B AC K ROA D

States flag and an Arkansas state flag to be carried by Razorbacks onto the field at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium as part of Military Appreciation Day in Arkansas’ 42-24 win over New Mexico State. “It’s a pretty cool feeling to know the American and Arkansas flags we have been flying on our base and even on a few combat missions are going to be used by the team when they take the field,” U.S. Army Capt. Patrick Gunn said. “All of us have been Razorback fans our entire life so this will be something special for us to remember.” The flags were flown daily over a small base on the southern Syria and Jordan border. Once the unit was moved, the unit would include them in their aircraft when flying night combat missions over Iraq. “The soldiers here are very proud of Arkansas and we even have Hogs stenciled on the aircraft,” Gunn says. “Our higher headquarters is out of Austin, Texas, so we have some friendly rivalries. Being deployed with multiple SEC states, we take pride in flying our Arkansas and Hog flags high!”

Even amid the demanding schedule of active military service, Gunn and his unit still manage to keep up with their beloved Razorbacks. While time zones can present an inconvenience for stateside fans from time to time, accommodating kickoff overseas is much more of a challenge. “We watch the games by either finding it on live TV or streaming it,” Gunn says. “We are eight hours ahead, so we get creative with our schedules to accommodate the games. None of us mind waking up early to catch a Hogs game though!” So maybe the 11 a.m. kickoff for New Mexico State game was a fitting way to pay tribute to the men and women serving abroad. After all, the game was primetime viewing for Hog fans in Iraq and in that region of the world. Another chapter was written into Arkansas’ military tribute tradition when the Razorbacks took the field against Auburn. An Arkansas state flag flown over Camp Bondesteel, Kosovo, from July 19 to Sept. 19 this year made its way to the field as part of the team’s pre-game runout. The flag was flown in Kosovo to honor the contributions of the men and women of the Arkansas National Guard’s 39th Infantry Brigade Combat team (also known as Bowie Team). That weekend, it honored all those who have served our state and country with their military service. The Razorbacks are often referred to as the tie that binds the state together. In these cases, it is the tie that binds Razorbacks together all over the world. “We have appreciated all the support we have received from the state, family and friends during this deployment and a special thanks to the university for allowing us to participate in this program,” Gunn says. “Go Hogs!” n

Fourteen Razorbacks Inducted into SWC Hall of Fame A capacity crowd was on hand on Monday, Oct. 30 to welcome 14 Razorback greats into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame. The induction luncheon, held at the Embassy Suites in Little Rock, was hosted by The Texas Sports Hall of Fame (TSHOF), in conjunction with

images courtesy Razorback athletics

Jim Benton (football, deceased), a record setting Arkansas, Southwest Conference, NCAA and National Football League pass receiver who played from 1934 to 1937.

the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Little Rock Touchdown Club. The 2017 class included Razorback standouts in football, basketball and track and field as well as a legendary journalist who covered the Hogs. Six of the honorees were inducted posthumously.

Ron Brewer (basketball), an All-Southwest Conference athlete in 1977 and 1978 forever associated with Sidney Moncrief and Marvin Delph and Arkansas’ first trip to the Final Four.

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

All things Arkansas,

all in one place.

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fsban k .com • on lyin ark.com

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1540 Nettleship St. | Fayetteville, Arkansas | For more information or to arrange a tour, visit modern1540.com or call 479.287.4599

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

R A ZO R B AC K ROA D

Ronnie Caveness, (football, deceased), a firstteam All America selection in 1963 who was one of the last players to start both sides of the scrimmage line.

Edrick Floreal (track & field), a premier triple jumper who was a five-time national champion, sweeping the indoor and outdoor titles in 1989 and 1990.

Steve Little (football, deceased), a kicker and punter who was a two-time All-American in 1976 and 1977 and set the NCAA record 67-yard field goal against Texas. Cynthia Moore (track & field), who set indoor and outdoor records for the long and triple jumps while at the university from 1987 to 1991.

images courtesy Razorback athletics

Amber Shirey (basketball), the only player to score 1,000 points and give 500 assists, was the MVP of the 1991 Southwest Conference tournament and continues to serve the university as director of women’s basketball operations. Darrell Walker (basketball), a secondteam All-American in 1983 for the Razorbacks, went on to professional play, winning a NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls in 1993.

“The Southwest Conference played such an important part in our program’s history and we are pleased to once again recognize deserving individuals who helped make the Razorbacks’ tenure in that league so successful,” University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director Jeff Long said. “This year’s inductee class includes a diverse group of Razorback legends who enjoyed distinguished collegiate careers. And while they all competed or contributed to the success of different sports, they all share a common trait of representing the University of Arkansas and the Southwest Conference with great class and dignity.” The Southwest Conference Hall of Fame is one of four separate

Joe Ferguson (football), a quarterback with a rifle-like passing arm and who was the first Razorback to pass for more than 2,000 yards in a single season.

Orville Henry (sportswriter, deceased), a legendary sportswriter, editor and columnist for more than 60 years.

Fred Marshall (football), the only Razorback quarterback to lead a team to a national championship, guiding Arkansas through an 11-0 season in 1964. Wear Schoonover (football, deceased), the first official All-American football player from the Southwest Conference, named in 1929 who continues to hold two Razorback records. Billy Ray Smith Sr. (football, deceased), an All-SWC tackle who was part of Bowden Wyatt’s “24 Little Pigs” that won an SWC Championship. Dennis Winston (football), a standout from 1973 to 1976 who was named national Defensive Player of the Week by Sports Illustrated. He went on to professional football, helping the Pittsburgh Steelers win two Super Bowls. halls of fame housed within the Texas Sports Hall of Fame’s physical structure. They include the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and now, the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame. “We are once again delighted to work with the University of Arkansas in honoring another amazing class of inductees into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame,” said Cooper Jones, the President/ CEO of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. “Their accomplishments and dedication to their families and their schools set a high standard of excellence that exemplifies the very best of the Southwest Conference era, and has left a great legacy for all Razorbacks to be very proud of.” n

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

courtesy Razorback athletics

Hampton Named SEC Football Legend By Brandon Langlois Former Arkansas All-American and NFL star Dan Hampton has been named to the 2017 Southeastern Conference Football Legends class, the SEC office announced this fall. The 2017 Football Legends Class includes 14 former stars who excelled on the gridiron and helped write the rich history of the sport at their respective institutions. This year’s class includes All-Americans, All-SEC selections and Academic All-Americans. The group represents teams that won National and SEC Championships and are represented in state, school and college football halls of fame. Hampton was a four-year letterwinner at defensive tackle for the Razorbacks (1975-78). He played two seasons for Coach Frank Broyles (1975-76) and finished his career playing for Coach Lou Holtz (197778). Arkansas sported a 35-10-2 record during Hampton’s career, including a mark of 22-8-1 in Southwest Conference (SWC) play. Hampton totaled 239 tackles (126 unassisted tackles) in his career with 32 being behind the line of scrimmage while recovering six fumbles. He was an AFCA First-Team All-American in 1978 and helped Arkansas to finish third nationally after winning the 1978 Orange Bowl. Hampton was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the fourth pick of the first round in the 1979 NFL Draft. He played 12 seasons for Chicago and was the starting defensive end for the famed Chicago Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl Champions and was part of a unit that allowed only 198 points all season long. Hampton was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade team and in 2002 was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a member of the University of Arkansas’ All-Century team (selected in 1994) and the Arkansas All-Decade team for the 1970s. He is a member of both the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. n

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

Y E S T E RY E A R

1897

• Mopeds are everywhere on campus.

• Students begin publishing a yearbook titled the Cardinal.

• Riceland Foods creates a $100,000 endowment to honor former Riceland president, L.C. Carter.

1917

• About 150 university men — including students, faculty and alumni — answer the call to serve in military as America enters World War I. • Virgil L. Jones is appointed fourth dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

1937

• The university finishes construction of a new fieldhouse on Garland Avenue that provides space for basketball games, concerts, lecturers and commencements. Today, it’s known as the Faulkner Performing Arts Center. • The School of Business Administration becomes the College of Business Administration with a four-year curriculum.

1947

• For the first time, the ROTC and Razorback bands are separated. • A ring with a faceted, ninepoint ruby is adopted as the official Arkansas class ring. Cost is $23.50. • Enrollment is at its peak — 5,000 students — for the second year in a row. Students, many of them military veterans, complain about long lines for registration at the Field House.

1957

• KUA, a closed-circuit radio station run by students, hits the airwaves with daily broadcasts.

Razorback

1927

Members of an intramural basketball team lost their way and drove up onto the lawn of the student union, now Memorial Hall, in 1947.

• Construction of the fine arts building, the law building and the physics building as well as the remodeling of the chemistry building make more classroom and research facilities available. • The campus community doesn’t escape the Asian flu epidemic that swept the country as the infirmary overflows and the Zeta house becomes a sick ward. Three of the Homecoming royalty almost miss the big weekend due to flu, and seven members of the Razorback football squad miss practice while suffering from the flu. • Homecoming is marred by a 7-6 loss to Texas A&M.

1967

• Recognizing the need for safety and convenience, the U of A campus begins to install night lighting.

• Disabled students at the university begin a concerted effort to remove architectural barriers that prevent unimpeded mobility across campus.

1987

• Thomas “Mack” McLarty is elected president of the Associated Students in a three-opponent primary, a first in the history of the university. He would eventually become White House chief of staff, counselor to the president and special envoy for the Americas in the Clinton administration.

1977

• UA mascot Big Red III escapes from the Eureka Springs Holiday Island animal exhibit and is replaced by Regnar, a wild native Arkansas Boar. • Steve Little ties the NCAA record for field goals with a 67-yarder as the Hogs fall to Texas, 13-9, in a nationally televised game. • For the first time, athletics scholarships are made available to female athletes.

• The four-day period before final exams is cut to one day; dead week is now dead day.

• The men’s basketball team completes a 26-2 record, the second best in the nation and best ever for the Razorbacks.

• The Minute Man on Dickson Street offers a charcoal-broiled hamburger with two patties, cheese and the works for 75 cents.

• Homecoming events include a pep rally and the Arkansas Booster Club-sponsored house decoration contest.

• Lack of student interest forces the Razorback yearbook staff to send out letters in a last-ditch effort to save the school yearbook. • Part of Old Main’s roof blows off in a thunderstorm. • A KUAF fundraiser at George’s Majestic Lounge helps raise $50,000 needed to increase the station’s power from 100 to 100,000 watts. • Mullins Library staff members start comparing computer companies, the first step in getting the library automated. • The Bell Engineering Center is formally dedicated.

1997

• The university launches its first home page at www.uark.edu. • David Pryor, former U.S. senator and Arkansas governor, returns to the UA campus as a Fulbright Fellow of Law and Public Affairs. • Campus Council rejects a grading system that includes pluses and minuses.

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

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: 8184 Dr. Chuck E. Reeves Jr. ’98 8185 Kathy Cothren Reeves 8186 Ashley Lynne Jones ’05 8187 Dr. Freddie M. Bourland ’70, ’74 8188 Kathy Bourland ’71 8189 Jon Mark Erstine ’79, ’81 8190 Suzanne Erstine 8191 Thomas D. Brown ’86 8192 Carolyn Brown ’86 8193 Dr. Marquita Sheree Smith ’14 8194 David G. Sadnavitch ’75, ’82 8195 Arvid Bean ’80 8196 Mary S. Bean 8197 Andy Schaefer ’96, ’01 8198 Carol S. Adams ’74 8199 Gary K. Adams ’75 8200 Jeremy Walker Stewart ’13 8201 Allie Stewart 8202 Fred H. West ’75 8203 Rebecca Dickey Vaughn-Holsted ’76 8204 Reginald D. Cowling ’74 8205 Laurie J. Cowling 8206 Nathan A. Gleghorn ’02 8207 Angie Gleghorn ’00, ’04 8208 Deymond A. Gibbs ’96 8209 Laura Woolly Gibbs ’97 8210 Randal Scott Hamilton ’97

8211 Biccy Jane Hamilton ’97 8212 Stanley K. Wells ’75, ’77 8213 Jeanne E. Wells 8214 Jeanine Cecil Dendy ’70, ’72 8215 Nathan Aaron Espinosa ’04 8216 Elizabeth Ann Espinosa 8217 Sean C. Gentry ’06 8218 Lindsay Gentry 8219 Jeffrey Allen Netzel ’96 8220 Jill Dolen Netzel ’96, ’97 8221 Cassie S. Jean ’78 8222 Dr. Alan B. Jean 8223 David S. Brotherton ’82 8224 Luanne Brotherton ’82 8225 Merin A. Macechko 8226 Dr. Michael D. Macechko 8227 Randy Bynum ’82 8228 Brandy L. Tuft ’06 8229 Erik R. Tuft ’03 8230 Thomas John Bright ’02 8231 Debbie Bright 8232 Ellen L. Norvell ’85 8233 Tim A. Norvell 8234 Dr. Lisa Pruitt ’86, ’89 8235 David Herbert 8236 Christopher Maxwell Fergus ’01 8237 Victoria Leigh Fergus ’03

8238 Sarah I. Shirley 8239 Matthew R. Vick ’06 8240 Christina D. Vick ’07 8241 Kimberly J. Mapes 8242 Susan E. Mahnken ’68 8243 Ed R. Mahnken 8244 Michael A. Esch 8245 Janelle R. Esch 8246 Susan Linda Brown ’71 8247 Gary Dean ’67 8248 Robin Maddox Dean ’67 8249 Paul D. Williams ’91 8250 Melisa Ann Williams 8251 Richard L. Hall ’70 8252 Dr. Rodney K. Jamison ’70 8253 Jamie Jamison ’75 8254 Nancy A. Goben Branham ’84 8255 Keith L. Branham 8256 John Paul Pendergrass ’77 8257 Cissie B. Pendergrass ’76 8258 Donna S. Walker ’70, ’78 8259 Victor Walker 8260 Mitzi L. Moore ’77 8375 Elizabeth Tipton 8376 Joshua E. Tipton

• Sue E. and Pork Chop are added to the U of A mascot lineup to assist Boss Hog in his public relations duties.

book Ma’an Ganim. The drawing predates the earliest previously known description of a thermometer by 20 years.

• Carlson Terrace, long a home to international students and students with families, is closed by University Housing.

• The Student Alumni Board and the Alumni Association plan and hold an alumni picnic for graduates and hold a drawing for door prizes. An assortment of Razorback memorabilia is distributed to the winners including a book highlighting the history of the University of Arkansas.

2007

• A complete renovation of the Chemistry Building is finished.

• The University Libraries move the Arkansas Periodicals Index online with an index of articles about Arkansas topics. Called “Index Arkansas,” the website allows quick searches for topics ranging from Rackensack to Razorback.• Several thousand motorcyclists form a motorcade through campus as part of the Bikes, Blues & Barbecue festival.

• Longtime coach and athletic director Frank Broyles announces his retirement.

• Stacy Lewis wins the women’s Division I golf championship at Daytona Beach.

• Philosophy professor Jacob Adler, while researching Spinoza, discovers the earliest known drawing of a liquid-in-glass thermometer in a 17th century

• The university names its new softball stadium Bogle Park in honor of Bob and Marilyn Bogle and the Bogle family, who made significant contributions to the university and athletic department.

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

• U of A researchers develop a nanowire coating for the surface of titanium implants such as hip joints that allows tissue and muscle fibers to adhere to the joint. • The 2007 Arkansas Poll conducted by the university shows that 35 percent of Arkansans said they would vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton for president if the election were held that day. Republicans Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani came in next with 8 percent each. A quarter of those polled hadn’t made a decision.

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. Submit Class Notes online at www.arkansasalumni.org/classnotes; by mail: From Senior Walk, Arkansas Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1070, Fayetteville AR 72702; or by email: records@arkansasalumni.org. These symbols indicate Alumni Association membership:

’50 ’60

Larry G. Stephens ✪+ BSIE’58, Hot Springs, has been awarded Engineer of the Year by the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers. Joseph J. Schenke ✪+ BSBA’63 and his wife, Judith ✪+, Fayetteville, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 7, 2017.

William H. Lacefield ★ BSEE’63 and Carole C. Lacefield ★ BSBA’64, Shreveport, Louisiana, celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Jesse Branch ✪+ BSE’64, Hot Springs Village, was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 16 in Springfield, Missouri. Vernon Dutton ✪+ BA’67, Little Rock, has published volume one of Assassins of History. This is his second publication.

’70

Gerald B. Jordan ✪+ BA’70, Fayetteville, is the recipient of the 2017 Barry Bingham Sr. Fellowship, presented by the American Society of News Editors.

Robert N. Wilkinson ✪ BSBA’76 JD’80, Fort Smith, was inducted into the Greenwood Education Foundation Hall of Honor.

’80

Gregory A. Mills ★ BSME’82, Cary, North Carolina, is president of Dewberry, an engineering consulting company. Mills has more than 35 years’ experience and serves as a senior associate and manager of the Raleigh office’s building systems department. John R. Clark ✪+ PHD’83, Fayetteville, received the National Association of Plant Breeders Impact Award during the NAPB Annual Meeting Aug. 7-10 in Davis, California. Frank A. Chernak MS’84, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, rejoined the Montgomery McCracken firm as a partner in its Labor and Employment practice in Philadelphia. He will also serve as chair of the practice group. Tory Gaddy BA’85, Springdale, is the associate director of development in the University of Arkansas School of Law’s Office of Development and External Relations.

photo by Whit Pruitt

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

Steven R. Hinds ✪+ BSPA’89 MED’92, Fayetteville, is the director of philanthropy and development for Ozark Guidance Center Inc. in Springdale.

’90

Charlie Eugene Daniel III BSBA’91, Collierville, Tennessee, is chief financial officer of Coverall North America.

Bruce Wayne Bryant ★ BSE’93, Searcy, was recently selected to serve on the National Advisory Committee for the School Leader Licensure Assessment administered by the Educational Testing Service. Michael Gerald McManus JD’93, Washington, DC, was named an administrative patent judge at the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker in Apr. 2016. Kathleen Roy Condray BA’94, Fayetteville, was honored with a Checkpoint Charlie Foundation Award at the national conference of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Wendy Dinning Stouffer ★ BA’94 JD’98, Rogers, is the associate vice

provost for enrollment services and assistant dean of admissions and financial aid at the University of Arkansas. Keri Moldenhauer Bruce ★ BA’97, Darien, Connecticut, is partner in the Entertainment and Media Industry Group at the law firm of Reed Smith LLP in New York City. Kevin A. Thornton ★ BA’97, Elm Springs, joined the board of directors of the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. Megan Moore and Kevin A. Thornton ★ BA’97 were married on Oct. 15, 2016, and reside in Elm Springs. Craig Canard ★ BSE’98, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is the vice president of investments of Wells Fargo. Beth Ann Fennelly MFA’98, Oxford, Mississippi, has published her book, Heating & Cooling 52 Micro-Memoirs, that captures particular moments while illuminating an entire life.

’00

Elizabeth Saxman Underwood ✪ MED’05 PHD’12, Asheville, North Carolina, is the senior director of alumni relations at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

’10

Lauren N. Pinkerton ★ BSE’11 and Josh Zylks were married on Nov. 12, 2016, and reside in Conway where she is employed by the University of Central Arkansas. Alexandra Michelle Wise ★ BSE’13 and Thomas Ehlers BS’13 were married June 11, 2016, and reside in Little Rock. Stephen Joseph Bauman MS’15, Fayetteville, has been awarded a 2015 Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics.

Friends Kelly Thornton Bostick ✪, Fayetteville, is the assistant director of training and support at Office of University Relations for the University of Arkansas. Elizabeth Tipton ✪+, is the gift services manager in Office of University Development at the University of Arkansas.

In Memoriam 1930s William S. Farris BSA’39 MS’46, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, April 23, 2015. He retired from the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University and was awarded the rank of professor emeritus. Survivors: two sons, seven grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. 1940s Mary Elizabeth Swisher Wilson ✪ BSE’40, Little Rock, Sept. 14. She taught for the Little Rock Public School district at Franklin and Forest Park Elementary Schools. Survivors: two daughters, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mildred White Davis BSHE’40, Denison, Texas, Feb. 1. Survivors: a son, six grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.

Betty Thompson Reed BSHE’43, Paris, Texas, Nov. 25, 2011. Reed taught at the high schools in Broken Bow and Idabel, Oklahoma, and later in Atlanta, Texas. Survivors: a son, a daughter and one granddaughter. C.T. Carrigan BSBA’48, Hot Springs, Jan. 16. He served as first lieutenant in the 3rd Combat Cargo Squadron in the Army Air Corps as a “hump” pilot in the China Burma India Theater and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Chinese National Air Medal, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic Pacific Campaign with two Bronze Stars and American Campaign medal. Survivors: wife, Janis D., two sons, a daughter, a step-son, five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. Verner E. Barnes BSBA’48, Houston, Texas, Jan. 3. Lloyd James Umberger BSBA’49, Farmington, Jan. 27. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in World War II. Survivors: a daughter, three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. 1950s Charles Cornelius Henry BSA’50, Hope, Feb. 2. He retired from the Soil Conservation in 1980 and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II serving on the USS Chub Submarine. Survivors: wife, Betty, a son, a daughter, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild. James A. Wooten MA’50, Keithville, Louisiana, July, 12, 2014. He was a corporal (E4) U.S. Marine Corps, World War II veteran, and retired FBI special agent. Miles W. King FS ’51, Little Rock, Jan. 27. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and worked as a real estate broker. Survivors: wife, Dorothy Due King BSE’53, two daughters and two grandchildren. Robert P. Tuttle BSEE’51, Cumming, Georgia, Jan. 3. Tuttle worked in the aircraft industry for 45 years, was instrumental in helping develop the radar systems for several vital military aircraft and had served in the South Pacific during World War II. Survivors: wife, Kathlyn, three sons, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Perry V. Whitmore LLB’51, North Little Rock, Feb. 7. He retired after serving 12 years as circuit judge for

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

photo submitted

David R. Wright ★ BA’08 MED’14, is assistant dean of student services at the University of Kentucky College of Law in Lexington, Kentucky.

Spotlight

Abby Graupner

Alumna Follows Universe’s Direction to Mongolia Mongolia was not what Abby Graupner had in mind when she joined the Peace Corps after graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2013. Though Graupner indicated on her Peace Corps application she was willing to go anywhere, she had always imagined herself in hot, humid environments. Instead, she received a 27-month assignment in Mongolia, a country with winters that can average 40 degrees below zero and last eight months. “I wanted the universe to direct me where to go,” Graupner said. “Even though I would have never chosen Mongolia, it was a really good experience to explore a country I never even thought about.” The U of A alumna was placed in Jargalant, Mongolia, as a community development officer and English teacher. She worked to develop women empowerment projects in the community and partnered with local teachers to implement interactive teaching methodologies. She said working with more than 500 students was not easy, but she found her reward in the support she received from the community and the growth she observed in many of her students. “I know not all 500 students learned English, but I saw an incredible increase in skill from several of the students,” she said. “Beyond English, there are girls there now who are pursuing real careers because they were exposed to women who are pursuing their dreams. I may not have had an impact on every student there, but if I made a difference in even a few people’s lives, that’s a pretty cool experience to have.” Graupner, who returned from Mongolia in late 2016, is already on another Peace Corps assignment. She began a 10-month position as a response volunteer in Guatemala earlier this year. While there, she will be working with a team of Guatemalan agricultural extension agents to teach local farmers about sustainable farming practices and food security initiatives. The native of West Fork, Arkansas, earned bachelor’s degrees in international business economics and Spanish. n

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

Nancy L. Matthews BA’53, Hot Springs, Dec. 10, 2016.

Walter G. Wright Sr. BSBA’55 LLB’57, Hot Springs, Jan. 21. He served as circuit judge for the 18th Judicial District (East) for many years and prior to that he served as a deputy prosecuting attorney and was subsequently elected as prosecuting attorney for 10 successive terms. His combined service in these positions was over 25 years. Wright also had a general law practice in Hot Springs for a number of years prior to his election as circuit judge. Survivors: wife, Judith Wright BSE’57, a son, two daughters and seven grandchildren.

William J. Smith BSE’53, Lowell, Jan. 14. He was a former vice president for Arkansas Western Gas before purchasing Town and Country Motel in Mountain Home in 1969 followed by his purchase of Riverlake Lanes in Mountain Home and Indian Hills Bowling Center in Ash Flat. Survivors: three sons, eight grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

John E. Atkins BSBA’56, Little Rock, Jan. 10. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 and after his service, he began his career with the Travelers Insurance Company, where he worked for 31 years, retiring as manager of the Little Rock office. John was also a real estate broker for 40 years. Survivors: wife, Jeanette W., a son, a daughter, a brother, and two grandchildren.

Bobby Glen Evers BS’54, Flint, Feb. 2. He was a geophysicist and did consultation with various oil and gas companies in several states. Survivors: wife, Yvonne, a daughter, a son, a brother, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

I. Aaron Brewer BSA’56, Hot Springs, Jan. 22. Brewer retired after more than 30 years as an insurance adjuster for Southern Farm Bureau. Survivors: a daughter and five grandchildren.

Pulaski and Perry counties and had served in the U.S. Army in Korea for which he was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and the Commendation Ribbon as Infantry Company Commander. Survivors: wife, Marjory, a daughter, three sons, a sister and two grandchildren.

photo submitted

Lois Thompson BSA’52, Little Rock, Dec. 27, 2016. Survivors: husband, Neil, a daughter and two grandchildren.

Spotlight

Kunhua Song

Alumnus Kunhua Song Receives Outstanding Early Career Award University of Arkansas alumnus Kunhua Song has been named an Outstanding Early Career Scholar by the University of Colorado Department of Medicine. The award comes with $75,000 annually for up to five years to support Song’s research and scholarly activities. Song is an assistant professor of medicine in the University of Colorado Division of Cardiology and in the Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology. His research focuses on heart development and disease. He plans to use the Early Career award to identify fundamental and innovative mechanisms linked to the development of cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disorder. Additionally, he hopes to build a platform for discovery and therapeutics for the disease. “Kunhua is an absolutely terrific choice for this award,” said Peter Buttrick, professor of medicine, head of the Division of Cardiology and senior associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “He is a visionary and fearless scientist whose work on cell lineage determination has already changed our approach to cardiac remodeling. His work will provide a solid cellular platform from which to study a spectrum of genetic diseases. We couldn’t be more pleased and are very grateful to the Department of Medicine for this recognition and support.” Song graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2002 with a master’s degree in cell and molecular biology. He also holds a doctorate in genetics and development from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. n

Worley Ruell Ferguson MS’54, Hot Springs, Feb. 11, 2015. He was a minister and preached for churches in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Survivors: two daughters, six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Gerald J. Hickman ✪ BA’54, Spring, Texas, Aug. 30. He was sports editor of The Arkansas Traveler, wrote for the university athletic publicity department, and was a principal on a radio sports program. He helped broadcast Razorback games as well. Survivors: wife, Anne Coppage, a daughter and family. Lila Viner BSHE’54, Pottsville, Jan. 29. She taught home economics in Danville and then at Mount Saint Mary’s Academy in Little Rock. Survivors: a son, a daughter, two brothers, five grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren. Wanda R. Wood ✪ MED’55, Naples, Florida, Jan. 29. Wood was a teacher at Seagate Elementary. She was also active in real estate. Survivors: husband, John R. Wood ✪ LLB’54, a son, two granddaughters and two greatgrandchildren.

Paul N. Morgan MS’56, Little Rock, Jan. 15. He trained and served as a medical corpsman on a seaplane tender until the end of WWII, after which he and his family saw duty around the world. Later he spent many years employed in medical microbiology at various hospitals and was a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science. Survivors: wife, Bobby Kay Bingham Morgan MS’74, a son, a daughter and five grandchildren. Eda C. Slabaugh ✪ BSE’56, Parkin, Feb. 7. She was the former mayor of Parkin and had taught in the Parkin School District. Survivors: two daughters, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Yum Y. King BS’57, Pine Bluff, Jan. 18. King served in the U.S. Air Force at Jacksonville, then San Antonio, Texas for flight school. He was a captain and a flight surgeon. He later spent many years as an ophthalmologist and was a pioneer in refractive surgery, performing the first radial keratotomy procedure in Arkansas and opening one of the nation’s first outpatient surgery centers devoted to ophthalmology. Survivors: a daughter, four sons, a step-son, a brother and eight grandchildren.

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

Winter 2017 â€˘ A R K A N S A S

Interested in a gift that pays you back for life? A charitable gift annuity is a gift made to the University of Arkansas Foundation that provides YOU with a secure source of fixed payments for life. The benefits of a charitable gift annuity include: • F ixed payments to you and/or another annuitant for life •A charitable income tax deduction for the charitable gift portion of the annuity • Payments that are partially tax-free

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

It’s a party with a purpose!

April 4-5, 2018 allinforarkansas.uark.edu

Mark your calendar for the 3rd annual All in for Arkansas giving day, and get ready to celebrate the U of A’s birthday with 1,871 minutes of fun and philanthropy!

Transforming Student Housing:

Illustrations submitted

An Innovative Design for Creative Living and Learning

opening the Stadium Driveand Residence Halls, University The newWith halls the embrace theofnative Oak Grove creates new student space Hall option available to them ofaArkansas students willwith havePomfret a new living on the south side of campus. These state-of-the-art facilities will offer several new Living Learning Communities (LLCs) for students involved in architecture, design and the visual and performing arts. Each of University Housing’s LLCs allows students to live alongside others who share their interests and participate in monthly activities that promote academic and personal success. Located close to the developing Art and Design District, the Stadium Drive Residence Halls will be important additions to the university’s growing design- and arts-centered population, providing an integrative approach to student life and creative work. Stadium Drive Residence Halls ally the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design with the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Art and the departments of music and theatre in a vibrant creative living-learning community, and positions the university as a national center of excellence in design and arts education. Private gifts greatly enhance these state-of-the-art facilities and will support Campaign Arkansas, the university’s $1 billion capital campaign. For giving and naming opportunities, please contact Sue Harris, director of development, at (479) 575-7408 or sgharris@uark.edu or Mary Purvis, director of development, at (479) 575-7384 or mpurvis@uark.edu.

Planned opening: Fall 2019 Number of beds: 708

The Cabin is the heart of the new residence halls, a familiar, warm and celebrated space

Location: Stadium Drive The residence halls are a collaborative effort between: • University of Arkansas Housing • Facilities Management • Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design • J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences • Division of Student Affairs The facilities will include: • Recording Studio • Flexible Design, Art and Maker Studio • Classroom Spaces • Gallery Spaces • Music Practice Rooms • Dance / Movement / Yoga Studio • Performance Venues (Interior and Exterior)

campaign.uark.edu

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

In Memoriam

Ed Stevenson ✪+ BSBA’60

photo submitted

Edward “Ed” Wallis Stevenson of Mena passed away Aug. 1 at the age of 80. He was born in Hatton, Arkansas, on Dec. 15, 1936, to Eugene and Nina Boyce Stevenson. Stevenson graduated from Van-Cove High School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. While enrolled at the university, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and Blue Key and served as the editor and sports editor of The Arkansas Traveler newspaper. During this time, he also married Dorothy Ann Spratlin of DeWitt, Arkansas. Stevenson began his post-college career at his family’s timber business, Hatton Lumber Co. The company had been established by his father and grandfather in 1932. Steven and his parents continued operating the company until 1987 and he remained engaged in the Polk County lumber industry by expanding Stevenson Tree Farms, which had been founded by his father in 1944. Stevenson also purchased and operated the KENA Radio Station from 1987 until 1999 upon its sale. In 1973, he began his 44-year involvement with The Union Bank of Mena when he was elected to the Board of Directors. He and a group of local businessman purchased the bank in 1988 in an effort to keep the bank locally owned. He was elected chairman of the board and remained chairman of the Union Bank and Union Bankshares until 2016 at which time he became senior chairman. Stevenson valued education and was known for his involvement with the U of A. An A+ Life Member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Stevenson also served as president of its Board of Directors from 1980-81. From 2007 to 2013, he was a member of the Library Leadership Council. He and his wife Dorothy established two endowed scholarships at the university, the Eugene E. and Nina Boyce Stevenson Endowed Scholarship and in the Sam M. Walton College of Business and the Floyd & Dorothy Shireman Spratlin Endowed Scholarship in the College of Education and Health Professions. Stevenson was advocate for his local community and had served in various capacities in both the state and local community, including serving on the Arkansas State Parks and Tourism Commission, Polk County Election Commission, the Mena Public School Board and the Mena Lions Club. He loved spending time with his family on Lake Ouachita. Survivors: wife, Dorothy Stevenson ✪+ BSE’61, two sons, a daughter, and nine grandchildren. n

Don R. Elliott Sr. MED’58, Rogers, Jan. 16. Elliot spent years in active U.S. Army service and in the Arkansas National Guard and retired as a colonel in 1985. He also spent many years in educational administration, including 22 years as superintendent of the Cabot School District and served as educational liaison for Gov. Bill Clinton. Also spent time as mayor of Cabot. Survivors: wife, Ella A., four sons, a sister, fourteen grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren. David E. Ratchford BSEE’58, Conway, Jan. 15. Survivors: a son, a daughter, a sister, three brothers, and three grandchildren. Charles Russell White BSBA’58, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Jan. 17. White was employed by General Adjustment Bureau, earning multiple service awards, and later established his own flooring business. Survivors: a daughter, a son and two sisters. Pearl H. Galloway MA’59, North Little Rock, Jan. 24. She retired as an assistant professor of communication at the University of Arkansas and was awarded emeritus status upon retirement. She was instrumental in creating the M. Blair Hart Scholarship Fund. Survivors: a sister and a brother. John P. Gillenwater BA’59, Hot Springs, Feb. 5. He retired after years of restaurant ownership of multiple restaurants, including the Paradise Café in The Heights neighborhood of Little Rock. Survivors: wife, Patricia Ann Gillenwater BSE’59, a daughter, a son and two grandchildren. Jerry R. Strickland BSCHE’59, Houston, Texas, Feb. 1. He was an accomplished business man and philanthropist including ventures Turnaround Properties, Turnaround Oil, Rothland Commercial Real Estate and the Linda and Jerry Strickland Family Foundation. Survivors: wife, Linda, three children, a step-son, a sister, 13 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. 1960s Maurice W. Hill BSBA’60, Springdale, Jan. 24. Hill was employed for 27 years in the Treasurer’s Office at the U of A and before retiring he owned the Handi Mart Convenience Stores in Springdale. Survivors: wife, Janet G., two sons, a brother, and four grandchildren.

Earnest C. Huckelbury Jr. BSIM’60, Edmond, Oklahoma, Feb. 1. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964 and continued to serve his country for 38 years as a civilian on Tinker Air Force Base, leading the division that oversaw software for the Cruise missile program. Survivors: wife, Ellen, four children, and seven grandchildren. Ruth Ann Neal BSE’60, Quitman, Feb. 3. She taught elementary school for twenty years in St. Louis, Missouri; Cotton Plant; and Department of Defense Schools in Okinawa, Japan; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and Fairfax County, Virginia. Survivors: husband, Harold R., and a brother. David H. Ryles BSA’60, Ratcliff, Feb. 5. He was an entrepreneur and a court reporter. Survivors: three children, a sister, five grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. Justin L. Garrett BSE’61, Vinita, Oklahoma, Jan. 7. He was a retired logistics computer specialist who had worked for several branches of the U.S. government and for Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville. Survivors: wife, Jolene Garrett BSE’60, five children and 13 grandchildren. Charles M. Davis FS’61, Little Rock, Jan. 21. He held many academic appointments as a dermatologist over the years, including clinical professor of dermatology at UAMS. Survivors: wife, Betty Dickey ★, a daughter, two stepsons, two step-daughters, a brother, a half-sister, and grandchildren. Lonnie J. Parson BSCE’61, East End, Jan. 12. He was retired from the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department and served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded a Bronze Star. Survivors: wife, Judy, two stepsons and two grandchildren. Martha M. Trescott FS ’61, Urbana, Illinois, Nov. 15. She worked in the field of scientific research and was on the staff of several universities including MIT. Survivors: brother. Kenneth D. Ellis BSBA’62, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Feb. 6. He retired as a math teacher in the Hot Springs School District. He later obtained his teaching certification and taught math in the Hot Springs School District until he retired. Survivors: wife, Maelu, two sons, two daughters, two brothers, nine grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

Clara Dickson Jones ✪ BSE’62 MED’63, Fort Smith, Jan. 14. She taught literature and English at Roland High School, where she started the first art department. Survivors: a son and three grandchildren. Patsy Cole Clay BSHE’64 MED’79, Searcy, Dec. 26, 2016. Clay retired from the Lowery Eye Clinic in Searcy where she served as the office manager for 20 years. Survivors: husband, Kenneth, three sons, four daughters, one sister, three brothers, two step-sisters, twelve grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Robert F. Keathley BSA’64, Belleville, Jan. 29. He retired from teaching vocational agriculture at Danville High School and then raised cattle on his farm. Survivors: wife, Dorothy, four children, a brother, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John M. French BSBA’65, Denver, Colorado, Oct. 16, 2015. He was a marketing and business professional who had also served in the Medical Service at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital. Survivors: wife, Joan M., a daughter, a son, a brother, and one grandchild. Gary C. Rounsavall BA’65 MA’76, Little Rock, Jan. 22. Judy Crawford ✪ BSN’66, Hot Springs, Jan. 20. She worked for more 40 years in the Neonatal Unit and volunteered at the Free Health Clinic. Survivors: mother, a son, a brother and three grandchildren. James B. Smith BSIM’66, Van Buren, July 2. Retired salesman. Survivors: a brother. Mary Beth Todd BSHE’66, Huntsville, Jan. 15. Survivors: Four children and three grandchildren. Ronald Byron Hearn PHD’67, Columbus, Georgia, Jan. 20. He was a retired professor of English language and literature who taught for 40 years at various universities and was tenured by Columbus State and Auburn Universities. Survivors: a brother and a sister. John Arnold Ryles BSBA’67, Scott, Jan. 20. Was a partner in Whitwell & Ryles Real Estate Investments LLC and had served in the U.S. Army reserves for 22 years retiring as a major. Survivors: wife, Trudy, a son, a daughter, a brother and three grandchildren.

Hamilton C. Davis BA’68, Newville, Pennsylvania, Jan. 26, Practiced law at ZullingerDavis law firm. Survivors: two daughters, a brother and five grandchildren. James Edward Dockery MA’68, Little Rock, Jan. 17. Dockery opened Adecco Employment Services and served the community in job placements for more than 20 years. Survivors: wife, Lois, two daughters, a son, three sisters, and three grandchildren. James A. Jowers Jr. BSBA’68, Little Rock, Feb. 11. He was vice president of Commercial Lines with Rebsamen Insurance (Regions) for 37 years. Survivors: wife, Anna Jowers ★+ BSE’68, a son, one sister and a grandchild. Joe E. Yates BSE’68 MA’70, Fayetteville, February 3. Had wide and varied career in real estate, politics, government service and education during which joined the University of Arkansas as a director of development in the College of Agriculture where he worked closely with the development of the Center for Excellence in Poultry Science; he also served in the U.S. Air Force where he trained as a missile technician and served at US installations in England and Scotland. Survivors: wife, Judy, two sons, a daughter, three step-children, a sister and two grandchildren. 1970s Jane L. Pazderka Harris ✪ BA’70, Bloomingdale, Illinois, July 20, 2016. She was a licensed clinical social worker and worked as an academic and international student adviser at a local community college. Survivors: husband, Ralph E., and a sister. Bobbie Harper Hopkins ✪ MBA’70 PHD’75, Dardanelle, Feb. 12. Hopkins was a member of the American Society of Women CPA. Survivors: brother. Winnie Phayer Parsons ✪ BSHE’70, Holland, Aug. 3. She was retired as a licensed medical social worker for the John L. McClellan Memorial Veteran’s Hospital in Little Rock. Survivors: husband, Charlie E. Parsons ✪ BSA’71, two sons and sister. Joe C. Browning Jr. BARCH’71 BA’72, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jan. 11. He was an award-winning architect with Ellis/Browning Architects, a firm he

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

started with his wife in 1986. Survivors: wife, Lissette Ellis, a son and a sister. Diana Beth Cain BSE’72, Bigelow, Feb. 10. She was a fundraiser who loved working with databases for several nonprofit organizations. Survivors: husband, Thomas Darrell Cain ✪+ BA’71, as son, a daughter, two sisters, five grandchildren. Lloyd E. Haught BSE’72 MED’77 EDS’89, Witter, Jan. 25. He was a retired school teacher with more than 36 years of service in the Huntsville Public Schools. Survivors: wife, Sharon R., a son, a daughter, one brother and a grandchild. Samuel Stephen Duvall BSPA’73, Fayetteville, Feb. 10. He joined the Peace Corps and was drafted into the U.S. Army. As a conscientious objector, he served as a medical specialist at the Letterman Army Institute of Research in San Francisco, California, until December of 1974. He worked in the camera department of Byrd Pre-Press, in Springfield, Virginia, and managed that department for 15 years. Afterward he founded a desktop publishing firm, Trinity Rivers Publishing Inc. Survivors: a daughter, a son, two brothers and six grandchildren. Barbara Jeanne Braun Lawton MA’73, Pitman, New Jersey, Jan. 18. She was a faculty member of Gloucester County College for 15 years, teaching in the English Department. Survivors: two sons, a sister and three grandchildren. Vicky Sloan BSE’73 MED’79, Fayetteville, Dec. 27, 2016. She taught at Fayetteville High School for 28 years. Survivors: a son, a brother, and two grandchildren. Arthur Lee Kelly BARCH’74, Little Rock, Jan. 21. Kelly was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and worked for Cromwell Architectural Firm for more than 30 years. Survivors: a daughter, a son, a step-daughter, a step-son, a brother, and a grandchild. Truman Royce Parrish MED’74, Portland, Tennessee, Jan. 20. He taught in the Adventist school system for 49 years and ended his teaching career in the West Palm Beach public school system. Survivors: wife, Peggy, a son, a daughter, two step-sons, a step-daughter, and six grandchildren.

Connie McGaughey Stuart ✪ BSMT’74, Jonesboro, Feb. 1. Stuart retired from St. Bernard’s Medical Center as a registered medical technologist after 29 years. Survivors: mother, a son, and a brother. Randy L. Weddington Jr. BA’75, Eureka Springs, Feb. 5. Weddington was a film critic and a journalist for many years. Survivors: wife, Jackie L., a halfbrother, three half-sisters. Pamela Martin BA’77, Springfield, Illinois, Jan. 12. She retired from teaching after more than 30 years at various schools ending with Williamsville High School; she also worked at Lincoln Land Community College as an adjunct faculty member for 10 years. Survivors: husband, Warren, mother, a son, two daughters, three siblings and nine grandchildren. Susan Rollins Tennant BSE’77, Raleigh, North Carolina, Jan. 22. Tennant had a varied career have been a teacher, a member of the publishing industry, as a church youth director and an office manager. Survivors: husband, Jeffrey Evan Tennant ✪ BSA’79, a daughter, and a brother. 1980s Kitty A. Corwin BSBA’82, Fayetteville, Dec. 31, 2016. Survivors: two sons, one daughter, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Bill R. Perceful, J.D. ✪ JD’82, Poteau, Jan. 17. He was licensed to practice Law in all Oklahoma state courts and administrative agencies, Oklahoma Federal Court, Arkansas Federal Court and the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Survivors: daughter, two brothers and a grandchild. Lisa A. Crossland BSBA’83, Little Rock, Jan. 18. Survivors: mother, father and three siblings. Melanie R. Carlson BA’84, Little Rock, Jan. 30. She was a law clerk at the Arkansas Supreme Court. Survivors: mother, father, a sister and two brothers. Robert Valliant Herring MS’85, Huntley, Illinois, Feb. 10. Survivors: wife, Patricia, two daughters, a brother and eight grandchildren.

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

1990s Page Mann MS’90, Camden, Jan. 16. Mann worked as a chemist for International Paper Company and taught math at Southern Arkansas University Tech. Survivors: husband, Tom, two sons, two daughters, two brothers and seven grandchildren. Elizabeth Ann Doss BSE’91, West Fork, Jan. 7. She was a teacher. Survivors: husband, Mervil, daughter, three sons, a brother, 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

profession. Survivors: husband, Andrew, father, mother, grandparents and a brother. 2010s Bennjamin Tull Banks MBA’10, Rogers, Jan. 23. Banks had worked at Constellation Brands. Survivors: wife, Kristianne, mother, father, two sons, three brothers and a sister. Charles K. Rine MSOM’13, Bentonville, Jan. 2. Survivors: Parents and one brother.

Daron Scott Redman FS ’93, San Antonio, Texas, Dec. 30, 2016. Survivors: wife, Rosemary, father, two sons, and brother.

Don L. Russell BSBA’13, Springdale, Jan. 25. He was an accountant. Survivors: two children and five grandchildren.

Precious Penny FS ’97, Fayetteville, Dec. 24, 2016. Penny worked as an accountant and a teacher. Survivors: father, mother and brother.

Hollie Marie Lawless MED’15, Springdale, Feb. 9. She was a teacher and worked extensively with children with autism. Survivors: husband, Brady, mother, two daughters and a sister.

Maurice Lee Colpitts FS ’99, Springdale, Arkansas, June 13, 2014. He was self-employed as an engineering consultant. Thomas E. Leonard FS’99, Rogers, Jan. 15. Survivors: mother and a brother. 2000s Stephen W. Tucker FS ’01, Little Rock, Jan. 9. He was a gifted guitarist, songwriter, IT programmer and software developer. Survivors: father, mother and a sister. Roger Gordon Mhoon II BA’02, Fayetteville, Jan. 26. Mhoon was an insurance agent with Farmers Insurance. Survivors: wife, Amanda Belle Mhoon BA’00, mother, father, a son and a sister. Thomas Michael Fleri BS’09, Fort Smith, Jan. 18. He worked as a mechanical engineer at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. Survivors: mother, maternal grandmother, paternal grandfather and a sister. Shaun Hinze FS’06, Fayetteville, Feb. 9. Hinze was employed in sales. Survivors: father, mother, a grandmother, a sister, and a step-sister. April L. Hillis Miles FS’07, Sherwood, Feb. 7. She opened her own business, Sculpted Tans, and became known statewide for her excellence in her

Breck Joseph Wilson BA’15, Fayetteville, Feb. 9. He was a model and actor and had launched his own production company. Survivors: father, mother, two sons and three sisters. Friends

Edwin B. Smith, Rogers, Jan. 28. Retired from the U of A as a professor after 32 years of service and was awarded emeritus status upon his retirement. Survivors: two sons, a daughter, two brothers, a sister, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

*A. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months. *B. Number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date.

President Don Eldred ✪+’81, Houston President-Elect Teena Gunter ✪ ’92, ’97, Oklahoma City, OK Treasurer Kenneth Biesterveld ✪ ’05, ’10, Bentonville Secretary Debbie Blume ✪+ BSBA’08, Fayetteville BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Faculty and Staff

1. Publication title: Arkansas 2. Publication number: 0095-15 3. Filing date: 10/4/2017 4. Issue Frequency: Quarterly 5. Issues published annually: 4 6. Annual subscription price: $24.00 7. Office of publication: P. O. Box 1070, Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas, 72702-1070 8. General business office: Same as 7. 9. Publisher: Brandy Cox, P. O. Box 1070 Fayetteville, Washington County, AR 72702 Editor: Charlie Alison, 106 Davis Hall, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701 Managing editor: Charlie Alison, 106 Davis Hall, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701 10. Owner Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc. P. O. Box 1070, Fayetteville, AR 72702 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, or other security holders holding one per cent or more of total amounts of bonds, mortgages, or other securitites: none. 12. Tax Status: Has not changed during the preceding 12 months. 14. Issue date for circulation data: September (Fall) 2017 15. Extent and nature of circulation A* B* a. Total number of copies (net press run) 28,139 14,433 b. Paid Circulation (1) Mailed outside county 26,311 13,194 (2) Mailed in-county 0 0 (3) Paid distribution outside mail 0 0 (4) Other paid distribution 93 64 c. Total paid distribution 26,403 13,258 d. Free or nominal distribution (1) Outside county 0 0 (2) In-county 0 0 (3) Other classes 15 20 (4) Outside mail 492 495 e. Total free or nominal rate distribution 506 515 f. Total distribution 26,910 13,733 g. Copies not distributed 1,230 660 h. Total 28,139 14,433 i. Percent paid 97% 96%

ALUMNI OFFICERS

Charles Cosby ★, Springdale, Feb. 1. Cosby retired as president and chief executive officer of Ozarks Electric Cooperative Corporation after 38 years with the company. Survivors: wife, Beverly Cosby ✪ BSE’78, a son and two grandchildren.

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

ARKANSAS

Class of 2018 Kristen Allbritton ★ ’04, Frisco, TX Ashley Harris ✪ ’95, Fayetteville Sharon Hunt ★ ’73, ’75, Fayetteville Kristin Kaufman ✪ ’83, Dallas Bill Kerr ✪ ’88, Tampa, FL Dustin McDaniel ★ ’94, Little Rock Drake McGruder ✪ ’06, ’12, Fort Smith Charles Redfield ✪ ’89 Bentonville Class of 2019 John Forrest Ales ✪ ’02, Bentonville Linda Bedford-Jackson ★ ’80, Austin, TX Susan Kemp ✪ ’73, ’75, Mountain View Robert Kolf ✪+ ’78, Wildwood, MO Greg Lee ✪+ ’70, Fayetteville Paul Parette ✪+ ’89, Dallas Ron Rainey ✪ ’91, ’93, Little Rock Lott Rolfe IV ★ ’94, Maumelle Roger Sublett ✪ ’64, ’65, Mason, OH Amy Tu ★ ’96, Seattle Brian Wolff ✪ ’89, Washington D.C. Class of 2020 John Berrey ✪ ’91, Tulsa, OK Tori Bogner ★ ’13, ’16, Fayetteville, AR LaTonya Foster ★ ’96, Springdale, AR Cecilia Grossberger-Medina ★ ’08, Fayetteville, AR Steven Hinds ✪ ’89, ’92, Fayetteville, AR Regina Hopper ★ ’81, ’85, Alexandria, VA Jordan Patterson Johnson ✪ ’00, Little Rock, AR Don Walker ✪ ’74, Fayetteville, AR Victor Wilson ✪ ’85, Arlington, TX STAFF Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Executive Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association Brandy Cox ✪ MA’07 Director of Membership and Marketing Terri Dover ✪+ Director of Constituent Engagement Angela Mosley Monts ✪, BA’80 Director of Outreach and Programs Thomas Ellis ★ BA’96, MBA’98 Director of Finance Hal Prescott ✪ Lisa Ault ★ BSBA’94, Accounting Specialist; Catherine Baltz ✪+ BS’92, MED’07, Manager of Affinity Programs & Analysis; Tim Barker ★, Fiscal Support Analyst; Debbie Blume ✪+ BSBA’08, Board and Campaign Coordinator; Deb Euculano ✪, Senior Associate Director of Alumni Special Events; Mercedes Gazaway ★, Assistant Director of Student Programs; Lisy McKinnon ★ BA’97, Associate Director of Chapter Programs; Colton Miller, Marketing Assistant; Emily Piper ★, Administrative Specialist; Alyssa Pruitt ★ BSBA’13, MED’15, Assistant Director of Membership & Marketing; Patti Sanders ✪+ Associate Director of Alumni Scholarships; Julie Simpson ★, Associate Director of Facilities and Special Events; Lauren Tyson ★, Special Projects Coordinator

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

Greek Life Giving, continued from page 45

outfit of choice and interview, as they vie for the Miracle Man crown. In the spring, Phi Mu holds their Jail n’ Bail event, where presidents from campus organizations are taken to a highly visible jail “cell” and kept there until their organization “bails” them out. In addition, a spring dance marathon known as Hogs for Hope raises additional charity funds. Pi Beta Phi Pi Beta Phi supports their Read>Lead>Achieve campaign of reading initiatives. The Arkansas Alpha chapter raises funds by hosting a fall Pi Phi 5K Run and Pizookies with Pi Phi, pizza-sized cookies sold from the sorority house. Members also participate in Champions are Readers, an enrichment program for local elementary students. Pi Phi also participates in Miracle League, a program in which members spend a Saturday morning playing baseball with children who have mental and/or physical disabilities. Pi Kappa Alpha Pi Kappa Alpha teams up with FarmHouse to host an annual fish fry to benefit Will’s Work and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Will’s Work is part of the William Christian Doerhoff Memorial Foundation. Doerhoff was a Pi Kappa Alpha member who died in 2016. The foundation works to raise awareness about the danger of illicit prescription drug use and illegal substance abuse. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Nationally, Sigma Alpha Epsilon supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, of which the Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a member. For

a Halloween fundraiser, the fraternity hosts a haunted house. Proceeds go to Northwest Arkansas’ new children’s hospital currently under construction. SAE also sponsors a toy drive, Santa Alpha Elfsilon, which provides gifts to children who spend Christmas in the hospital. Additionally, the fraternity hosts a dodge ball tournament and basketball tournament, Back Lot Invitational, to raise additional funds. Sigma Chi Sigma Chi supports Boys and Girls Clubs as their national philanthropy. Locally, the fraternity serves as basketball coaches for the Boys and Girls Club. Sigma Chi Derby Days, where sororities compete in a variety of field events, is the fraternity’s main philanthropic fundraiser. Wings and Kings, another popular event, has Sigma Chi members are auctioned off for dates to the highest bidder. Sigma Chi also participates in Night to Shine, sponsored by former National Football League star Tim Tebow, which gives youth with special needs a traditional school prom experience. Sigma Iota Alpha Latina-based sorority Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc., supports Children International, a humanitarian organization which helps to fight poverty through child sponsorship; One Heartland, a organization which enhances the lives of children infected with HIV/AIDS; and Sisters In Action, which provides opportunities for service based on the needs the local chapter’s community. Locally, the sorority supports March of Dimes, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Special Olympics, AIDSWalk and more. “We want to be the voice for those who are not heard,”

Winter 2017 • A R K A N S A S

said chapter president Yvonne Dominguez. “To us, when we are giving back, it’s because we want to make a difference.” Sigma Iota Alpha hosts a tamale sale and a Churros and Chocolate sale. Sigma Nu The Helping Hand Initiative is the official philanthropic and service effort of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. The initiative consists of two primary components: the Founders’ Month-of-Service in April and the Helping Hand Partners. The month, honoring the founder Greenfield Quarles, has been established as a time for all Sigma Nu members to get involved either in their local communities or the global community at-large. Sigma Phi Epsilon Sigma Phi Epsilon supports Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) Balance Disorder Foundation and autism awareness. The fraternity supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas financially with events like percentage nights at restaurants and car washes. The fraternity also volunteers at Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest fundraising event – the Big Event – helping set up the gala, parking cars and event cleanup. SigEp also sponsors an annual kickball tournament with proceeds going to Autism Speaks or A-Camp 4 Kids. Sigma Pi The fraternity hosts an international service program – the Altruistic Campus Experience (ACE) Project – specifically designed to give back to host institutions. ACE endeavors to strengthen the bonds of collegiate Sigma Pis with those of the academic arena, where they are being trained to become professionals. Each

project, tailored to fit the needs of the chapter, gives back to their college through volunteer labor for various projects that enhance the collegiate experience. Additionally, Sigma Pi fraternity supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Zeta Phi Beta Zeta Phi Beta supports the March of Dimes and the sorority’s National Education Foundation. Locally, Zeta Phi Beta chapters support the Stork’s Nest program, which promotes prenatal care participation and encourages healthy behavior during pregnancy through incentives and education. The sorority’s National Education Foundation promotes community service and education through programs and scholarship grants to students for higher education. The Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-Hope) program empowers participants to develop healthy lifestyles through mind, body and spirit. Zeta’s also support Adopta-School, elder care and other community organizations. Zeta Tau Alpha Throughout the first week of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ZTA hosts Think Pink Week. The week features a Pink Pancake dinner, Pink Bowling tournament, Think Pink Crown Classic Gold Tournament. On Valentine’s Day, Zetas host a Kiss Away Cancer event on campus, where students can either choose a kiss from a Zeta or a Hershey’s kiss in exchange for their donation. “Last spring, the ladies of ZTA started a new event called Call for a Cure, where the ZTA house becomes a call hub,” said chapter president Ellie Parker. “We reached out to family and friends asking for donations and raised more than $13,000 in just 24 hours!” n

L A S T LO O K

photo by Russell Cothren

A New Very Old Book The Special Collections of University Libraries has acquired a “new” book, the Ferial Psalter, which was handwritten in the 15th century, but survives as both a work of art and a new teaching tool for university classes. Although new to the campus, it is believed to be the oldest complete book existing in Arkansas today. Dean Carolyn Allen of the Libraries and professors Joshua Smith, Mary Beth Long and Lora Walsh of the English Department unveiled the book during a public ceremony at Carnall Hall and talked about the book with audience members, who then got to thumb through some of the pages and even sniff its ancient mustiness. Psalters contain the Psalms, which first appeared in the Ketuvim of the Hebrew Bible and later as a book of the Christian Old Testament. Although it presents some opportunity for research, its primary use at the university will be as a teaching aid for students in classes learning about books. n

A R K A N S A S • Winter 2017

Travel the World in 2018 ••••••••••

with Razorbacks on Tour

••••••••••

Members, alumni, friends and family – anyone can travel with R azorbacks on Tour.

SCOTLAND ~ STIRLING August 20-28, 2018 The history and beauty of Scotland are immortalized in poetry and legend. Settle in historic Stirling, gateway to the Highlands. Walk in the footsteps of Scottish royalty at Stirling Castle. Admire the beauty of Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine in the Trossachs. In St Andrews, visit the castle and cathedral and see the famed Old Course. See the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on the way to Edinburgh, where you’ll attend a stirring performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This concert by military bands from around the world takes place on the

grounds of Edinburgh Castle. In Perth, visit Scone Palace, site of Scottish coronations. Tour the Glenturret distillery in Crieff for a “wee dram” of Scotch whisky. Local guides and speakers provide fascinating insight during included excursions and lectures. This program includes first-class accommodations and an extensive meal plan, including wine with dinner. From $2,895 per person, double occupancy. Airfare available at an additional cost.

For details on all the 2018 Razorbacks on Tour trips visit www.arkansasalumni.org/tours or contact Catherine Baltz at travel@arkansasalumni.org, 800-775-3465 or 479-575-3151.