- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Breaks Ground on Transformational Campus Improvement Projects

John Hill — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 14:49:04 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock broke ground on a series of campus improvement and renovation projects that will significantly transform the face of the university for years to come during a Dec. 2 groundbreaking ceremony outside Ottenheimer Library. The center points of the campus improvement projects include the construction of a new north to south promenade called Trojan Way and a new Library Plaza. A generous $5.5 million grant from the Donaghey Foundation will fund these projects. Trojan Way will run through campus from 28th Street to University Drive and will create enhanced walkways, seating areas, and gathering spaces. In addition, the space outside Ottenheimer Library will be reimagined as a new outdoor campus learning environment with expanded seating and places for groups to gather. It will include a seat wall, a stage to hold events, and beautiful canopy trees for shade. “The upcoming campus improvements will transform the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus for many years to come,” said Chancellor Christina Drale. “By providing shaded spaces, gathering areas, and additional seating, we are creating an atmosphere that will help foster connections and provide enhanced living-learning experiences for the campus community.” Those who participated in the groundbreaking included Chancellor Drale, Charles Nabholz, chairman emeritus of Nabholz, Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors; Shawn Luther, principal and landscape architect of DCI; Jerry Ganz, vice chancellor for finance and administration at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock; Leslie Hutchins, associate vice chancellor of facilities and management at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, David Sargent of WER Architects, and Thomas Forcum, president of the Student Government Association at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Construction began in October and will last from 12-18 months. The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees previously approved the Library Plaza and Trojan Way projects in May. “I’m very excited about the Library Plaza and Trojan Way project beginning soon,” Ganz said. “Thanks to the generous support of the Donaghey Foundation, we were able to plan a project that will significantly enhance the beauty of our campus. I think the entire campus community will be very pleased with the end result and, especially, some of the key design elements that we have built into the project.” has been selected as the project architect, while has been selected as the contractor. “The Trojan Way is a landmark investment that will improve the campus’ connectivity and accessibility for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and community members for generations to come,” Nabholz said. “Nabholz is proud of our long relationship with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, which dates back to construction projects our company built on campus over 50 years ago. As a former student myself who attended night classes on campus in 1967/68, I know how much students will enjoy the additional paths, landscaping, and lighting.”

Charles Nabholz, chairman emeritus of Nabholz, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Trojan Way project at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on Dec. 2. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock officials decided to complete additional planned improvement projects at the same time since all the projects are so interconnected to creating a learning-living community to enhance student success. The additional projects include a new West campus entrance that will connect directly to the Library Plaza, the demolition of the former education building, and an Alumni Patio that will connect with Trojan Way on the north side of campus. “I’m also looking forward to beginning work on the new entrance on the West side of campus along University Avenue, as well as, the Alumni Patio project, which is where we are moving the named bricks that are currently in the Library Plaza,” Ganz said. “The Alumni Patio project will connect three different patios with a winding brick walkway and will be a fantastic event space that will surely get lots of use by all kinds of groups around campus in the future.” The campus improvements will also include a new patio and outdoor area on the north side of the Fine Arts Building, which will complement the new disc golf course that has recently been built on the south side of the Fine Arts Building to provide more campus recreational opportunities. “We have a beautiful campus, and we have this unused space available,” said Provost Ann Bain. “This will be a real inviting space for our faculty, staff, and students to utilize. We want to bring a bit of vibrancy to this side of campus.”

Chancellor Christina Drale addresses the crowd during a Dec. 2 groundbreaking ceremony on how the Trojan Way projects will improve the living-learning environment on campus for generations to come. Photo by Ben Krain.

The total cost of the improvement projects is estimated at $9.7 million. The ��Vlog��ý System Board of Trustees approved these campus improvement projects during its September meeting. The remaining projects will be funded by a combination of university reserves and private funding. The additional campus improvement projects include:

Campus Grove – The university is upgrading the north side of the Fine Arts Building to install an outdoor area for students, faculty, and staff. This shaded area will have additional seating and offer students a place to enjoy campus with friends.
Alumni Patio Project -The university is installing a new gathering space outside of the Bailey Alumni & Friends Center featuring the bricks that are currently located outside of Ottenheimer Library. The gathering space will allow alumni and friends easy access to view their bricks and allow the university to utilize the space as another campus gathering location.
Demolition of Education Building – The university has demolished the existing education building that is located between Dickinson Hall and Ross Hall. This building has not been in use for some time and will allow for the creation of additional campus green spaces.
Campus West Entrance – With the removal of the old Earth Science Building earlier this year, the university is enhancing the West entrance to campus at the intersection of University Avenue and 32nd Street with better walkways and a green space for students and faculty to enjoy.

“We at DCI are delighted to be a part of the design team for such a transformational project,” Luther said. “Just over a year ago, we were invited by WER Architects to join in an effort to take a look at a few small areas of campus. Little did we know that exercise would become a project which will literally shape the campus for decades. It is our hope that this project will help energize the campus and open the doors to the local community.” These projects are a part of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Centennial Campaign, the university’s largest fundraising effort in university history to raise $250 million ahead of its 100-year anniversary in 2027. Learn more about ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s efforts to provide great learning environments that encourage student success at the Centennial Campaign website.

Hollingsworth-Hug Scholarship Will Support Working Students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:46:03 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock is starting a new scholarship to help students working to support themselves through college, thanks to the generosity of a family that is committed to supporting education. Cyril Hollingsworth, a mediator, arbitrator, and trial lawyer with Wright, Lindsey & Jennings, has made a $50,000 donation to create the Hollingsworth-Hug Scholarship in memory of his mother, Beth Bevill Hollingsworth, and in honor of his wife, Betsy Hug Hollingsworth. “It is with deep love and appreciation for both my mom and Betsy that this scholarship is created,” Hollingsworth said. “Education was so important to both of them.” The scholarship will be provided to a part-time or full-time freshman, transfer, or continuing student at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The scholarship will be based on financial need, and preference will be given to students who are working while attending college. The scholarship will provide assistance for education-related expenses, including tuition, books, fees, and room and board. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s mission to provide an affordable and quality education for all our students is made possible through support from generous donors like Cyril Hollingsworth,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “His gift honors his family’s dedication to education and will help many hard-working students earn their college degree for years to come.” Beth Bevill Hollingsworth was born and raised in Beebe, Arkansas. She graduated from the School of Nursing at Arkansas Baptist Hospital. She supported her sons following her divorce by continuing to work as a registered nurse. In pursuit of her dream to obtain a degree in nursing, she attended Little Rock Junior College, the initial precursor to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, while working as a nurse. While she did not obtain a degree, those classes and days were special for her. She was honored to be awarded the bouquet of roses at the annual Donaghey Day luncheon as the student at Little Rock Junior College who best exemplified the traits of character of the late Mrs. George Donaghey, whose husband, Gov. Donaghey, named Little Rock Junior College as the only beneficiary of a trust in 1929 that provided much needed financial stability for the young college. “The day and recognition were so meaningful to my mom, and it was consistent with the life she lived, reaching out to help others,” Hollingsworth said. “She always said that education is the one thing no one can take away from you. She sacrificed greatly to help my brother and me go to Southwestern at Memphis, now Rhodes College.” Hollingsworth would go on to the small liberal arts college, and then with continuing support from his mother, to the University of Virginia School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. Involved in his home community in many ways, including serving a term as a member of the City of Little Rock Board of Directors, Hollingsworth was reminded of the importance of student scholarships while volunteering with Rotary Club 99. “When I was a member of Rotary Club 99, I served on the scholarship committee for several years, and we awarded scholarships for many ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students,” he said. “Those students, most of whom were working, had so much appreciation for those scholarships. I think endowing a scholarship is an opportunity to help other people in a significant way.” Betsy Hug Hollingsworth, a native of Fort Smith and a graduate of St. Anne’s Academy, worked half days, six days a week, while attending Westark Junior College, to pay for her college education, which she continued at Little Rock University, also a precursor to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, leading to her becoming a medical technologist at St. Vincent Infirmary. “Betsy is special beyond words to me, but she is special for others as well,” Hollingsworth said. “A true friend, always willing to help when asked, and the person with whom people, even strangers, instinctively share their thoughts, somehow knowing that she will be someone who really listens. I appreciate the opportunity to honor her and my mother and to support ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s continuing growth as a great metropolitan university.” The left hand photo shows Betsy Hug Hollingsworth working as a medical technologist at St. Vincent Infirmary, while the right hand photo shows Beth Bevill Hollingsworth in her yearbook photo from Little Rock Junior College.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Announces New Team Members for Alumni and Development

John Hill — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:15:14 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has welcomed several new team members in key roles in the Office of Alumni and Development. The announcement includes four new team members and two promotions of veteran Alumni and Development staff. The new ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees are especially welcome with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock launching its Centennial Campaign, which commemorates the university’s upcoming 100-year anniversary of its founding in 2027. “I am excited to welcome our four new talented team members to Alumni and Development, as well as celebrate the promotion of my hard-working colleagues, Kristi Smith and Derek Boyce, who have served the university well for many years,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “We have many things to celebrate in the coming years, especially the kickoff of our Centennial Campaign that will help set the course for the university for the next 100 years.” Tommy Goucher has been named national director of development. He will be responsible for traveling to visit and build connections with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni who live outside of Arkansas. Goucher joins ��Vlog��ý Little Rock from Datamax Inc., where he has served as an account manager since 2017. A 2022 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Catie Ross will serve as the associate director for alumni membership and engagement. She is responsible for growing the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association membership and providing meaningful and engaging events for the alumni community. Stephanie Purifoy has joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as the new director of development and external relations in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE). She has previously worked in development roles for Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and Audubon Arkansas. Laterika Tooks has been named the director of annual giving at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She is tasked with increasing yearly giving among alumni and friends of the university. A 2017 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Tooks joined the university from the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, where she worked as the constituent events manager. In addition to the new team members, Derek Boyce, who previously served as the director of development and external relations for CHASSE, has been promoted to director of development for university initiatives/corporate and foundation relations. Boyce will seek and build relationships with entities that support various university programs. Kristi Smith, the former senior director of alumni and development, has been promoted to associate vice chancellor of alumni and development. Her new role includes leadership of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, and university initiatives.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Centennial Campaign Start at BBQ @ Bailey

John Hill — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 22:03:36 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock community had many reasons to celebrate during the annual BBQ @ Bailey event on Oct. 14. The annual university picnic brought together employees, students, alumni, and community supporters to enjoy food, fun, and camaraderie.

Chancellor Christina Drale announced the start of the Centennial Campaign, a new capital campaign that celebrates the university’s 100-year anniversary in 2027. The campaign has a goal of raising $250 million by 2027, making the campaign the largest fundraising effort in university history.

“BBQ at Bailey is even more special this year,” Drale said. “Money raised in this campaign will benefit the campus community through student scholarships, program excellence, and the living and learning environments. The next five years will be busy and really exciting. Our hope is that you will contribute to the Centennial Campaign in your own way to make a difference for students who are here today and those who will be here in the future. Help us make the next 100 years as great as the first century at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.”

BBQ @ Bailey followed the Centennial Campaign Gala on Oct. 13. Centennial Campaign Co-chairs Alfred Williams and Jerry Damerow, who emceed the gala, were happy to spread support for the campaign to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock supporters at both events.

“This is just as important for the staff and faculty of this university to engage with the community as it is for the community to engage with the staff and faculty and students, and last night was the perfect example of everyone working together,” Williams said. “We got to follow up and keep going with this great event.”

“Last night was an opportunity for all of us to engage with donors and potential donors, and today is a good chance to engage with students,” Damerow added. “That’s what it’s all about – the students. Today is a special day and the frosting on the cake from a wonderful event last night.”

The start of the Centennial Campaign included a $6.75 million gift that benefits the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology in memory of the late Dr. Yupo Chan, who was the founding chair of the Department of Systems Engineering. The donors, Susan Chan and Alex Johnson, were honored during the gala event at the Fine Arts Building.

“I think the donors felt very honored and appreciated and are glad to be part of a new beginning for the engineering school,” said Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of STEM. “This is a great start to support students for the next 100 years of our university. The donors wanted to be a part of the beginning of many more gifts to the university.”

Paige Henry, a soccer player, was one of the dozens of student-athletes who volunteered their time to help set up and serve food during BBQ @ Bailey. Guests enjoyed lunch catered by Whole Hog Café, dessert from Community Bakery, and music by Klassik Entertainment.

“This is a wonderful event with great energy, good food, and a lot of fun,” Henry said. “I enjoy volunteering to help out the university community.”

Loris Fullerton, a 1974 graduate and Alumni Association Board member, recalled her fondness for attending BBQ @ Bailey and connecting with old friends.

“I think this is a very cool way to get the students and alumni involved,” she said. “I don’t know a school that works harder than ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. It’s like a great hometown family to me, and BBQ @ Bailey is the place to be seen.”

Dr. Amar Kanekar, professor and graduate program coordinator for the Health Education and Health Promotion program, enjoyed returning to the event after not attending for several years.

“I think this is a great tradition to get to meet other people and learn about what is happening on campus,” Kanekar said. “I couldn’t be here last year because of the pandemic, but I am glad to be back. It’s a great opportunity to be out in the sun, and the food is great.”

Staff Senate President Ross Bradley and Past President Rosalie Shahan were hosting one of several booths representing ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus organizations during the picnic.

“It’s great seeing students, faculty, staff, and members of the community at this annual event and to hear about the Centennial Campaign on campus,” Bradley said. “BBQ at Bailey is also a great way for campus organizations to promote their individual initiatives. We are here promoting the annual Staff Senate Helping Hands Food Drive, which helps provide food baskets to employees around the holidays in December.”

People can help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock by joining the Alumni Association, contributing to annual fundraisers, making a donation, or putting the university in their estate plans. More information on the Centennial Campaign is available at /centennial.

Dr. Danyell Crutchfield Cummings, president of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors, invited people to join the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, which annually offers around $100,000 in student scholarships, in addition to helping people create connections.

“This is one of my favorite events on the campus every year. It was the best opportunity to get together, eat, and enjoy some good weather,” she said. “We are alumni, current students, and supporters of our university and our students. Many of you may have benefitted from scholarships at this university. I know I did. Your membership dues will directly benefit general scholarships to help students graduate without debt.”

Chan Family Marks Professor’s Legacy with $6.75 Million Gift to Benefit ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Engineering Programs

John Hill — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 15:39:29 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received a $6.75 million gift from the family of a beloved engineering professor who was responsible for establishing some of the university’s first engineering programs. The Yupo and Susan Chan Charitable Trust made the gift to fulfill the expressed vision of Dr. Yupo Chan, the founding chair of the Department of Systems Engineering, who passed away in 2020. The transformational gift will support ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s new School of Engineering and Engineering Technology and provide scholarships for engineering students for many years to come. This gift represents the fifth largest donation in the university’s history and kicks off an important moment as ��Vlog��ý Little Rock celebrates the public launch of its new capital campaign. The gift was announced Oct. 13 during the official launch celebration of the Centennial Campaign, which commemorates the university’s upcoming centennial anniversary in 2027. “Education was very important to Yupo,” his wife Susan Chan said. “Yupo’s vision boiled down to an interest in helping make ��Vlog��ý Little Rock an important center for engineering and operations research. The two things he most enjoyed about working at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock were mentoring individual students to make a difference in their lives and doing engineering research. He wanted to make a significant difference to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” The gift from the Yupo and Susan Chan Charitable Trust, for which Susan Chan and her niece Alexandra Johnson serve as trustees, includes:

$1.5 million to establish the Yupo Chan Director of the School of Engineering Endowment
$2 million to create the Chan Wui and Yunyin Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship
$3.25 million to create the Chan Wui and Yunyin Endowed Graduate Scholarship

“Dr. Chan was an extraordinary leader and mentor,” said Dr. Christina Drale, chancellor of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “His accomplishments at this university touched many lives and helped elevate our engineering school to national prominence. This gift will continue the transformational effect on students and programs that he was known for and to which he dedicated his career.”

Dr. Lawrence Whitman, right, dean of the Donaghey College of STEM at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, is moved as a portrait of the late professor Yupo Chan is unveiled by his niece Alex Johnson, and wife, Susan Chan, who were honored for their family’s $6.75 million gift to benefit the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

The Yupo Chan Director of the School of Engineering Endowment will provide funds to benefit the university’s School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, which launched July 1 in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). “Dr. Chan served as the initial chair of systems engineering and brought engineering to our campus,” said Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of STEM. “Dr. Chan’s legacy will continue to positively impact engineering at our university by strengthening the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We are grateful to the Chans for the transformational gift that will provide for the future of engineering on our campus.” The endowment will help attract and recruit highly qualified individuals to the position of the director of the School of Engineering, which will be named for Dr. Chan, and provide the director with the resources to further their contributions to teaching, research, and public service. The fund will also supplement university support for outstanding faculty in the school. The scholarships will provide assistance to full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students studying engineering and engineering technology at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for education related expenses, including tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on financial need and/or merit. The scholarships are named in memory of Dr. Chan’s parents to honor their commitment to education. During the Communist takeover of China, the country seized the family’s property, and the Chan family fled to the British colony of Hong Kong in the 1950s.

Susan Chan and Alex Johnson, wife and niece of the late Professor Yupo Chan, are honored at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Centennial Campaign Gala for their family’s $6.75 million gift to benefit the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Photos by Ben Krain

“Yupo’s parents believed strongly in the value of education, that education was the path toward success in life,” Susan Chan said. “They sent Yupo to a very good Hong Kong Catholic High School that prepared him to be admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.” Dr. Chan received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a master’s degree in transportation systems, and a Ph.D. in operations research, all from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His academic career included positions at the State University of New York at Stoney Brook, Penn State, the University of Washington, and the Air Force Institute of Technology. He joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2000, where he spent two decades as a leading engineering educator and researcher. Dr. Chan founded the Chan Wui and Yunyin Rising Star Workshop to consider the analytical relationship between mobility and communication and established a chapter of Tau Beta Pi, an honor society for engineering students, at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. In later years at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, he worked with a team of scientists to develop a small, cost-effective way to observe atmospheric levels of greenhouse gasses using CubeSats.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches Centennial Campaign to Raise $250 Million to Commemorate 100-Year Legacy of Excellence in Education

John Hill — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 17:20:02 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced the largest fundraising effort in university history ahead of its 100-year anniversary in 2027. The Centennial Campaign aims to raise $250 million throughout the campaign.

“This campaign comes at a special moment in the history of this university,” Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. “The last 100 years have been an inspired journey to excellence. By raising these funds, we are ensuring that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will continue on that journey and continue to provide educational opportunities for generations of students to come.”

The university announced the public phase of its campaign at two events. On Thursday evening, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock hosted a kickoff event with key stakeholders. Then on Friday, the university formally announced the campaign to the university community at BBQ at Bailey.

In announcing the public phase of the campaign, the university announced it has already raised nearly $163 million toward its goal. Additionally, the total included a special gift announcement of a $6.75 million gift from the Yupo and Susan Chan Charitable Trust honoring Dr. Yupo Chan, the founding chair of the Department of Systems Engineering, who passed away in 2020. The gift is the fifth largest in university history, and it is the second largest endowed gift in university history. It provides $1.5 million to establish the Yupo Chan Director of the School of Engineering Endowment, $2 million for undergraduate student scholarships, and $3.25 million for graduate student scholarships.

“Dr. Chan served as the initial chair of systems engineering and brought engineering to our campus,” said Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of STEM. “Dr. Chan’s legacy will continue to positively impact engineering at our university by strengthening the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We are grateful to the Chans for the transformational gift that will provide for the future of engineering on our campus.”

To date, more than 20,100 donors have supported the Centennial Campaign.

“This campaign celebrates our first 100 years and ensures a robust beginning to our second 100 years by reducing student debt, securing the best in instruction, and providing a great living-learning environment for the campus community,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “The boldest fundraising campaign in the university’s history will empower students, enhance our academic programs, and transform our community and Arkansas for the better.”

The Centennial Campaign is centered around four key emphasis areas, all designed to support the university’s mission of improving students’ lives and enhancing communities. The four emphasis areas are student scholarships, student success initiatives, living & learning environment upgrades, and program excellence. Scholarships help ensure students have access to the high quality education ��Vlog��ý Little Rock provides. Since 2018, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has reduced its net price by more than 22% helping to ensure college is affordable. This campaign initiative will continue that effort.

Student success emphasizes the services ��Vlog��ý Little Rock provides to support the whole student, ensuring success in and out of the classroom through services such as tutoring, career coaching, and emergency support. It is many of these efforts that have helped ��Vlog��ý Little Rock increase its returning student retention rate by 10% since last fall, and expanding these offerings will help ensure more students have the tools they need to succeed.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock choral students sing to guests of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Centennial Campaign kickoff gala Oct. 13 in the Fine Arts Building. Photo by Ben Krain.

A great learning environment offers students the ability to learn in updated, state-of-the-art classrooms and labs. By having access to the latest technology, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is providing a game-changing atmosphere for students to learn. This emphasis area also centers on creating more campus environments for students to connect with peers and forge long-term relationships. Over the last year, the university has updated the Learning Commons gathering space in the Ottenheimer Library to allow for enhanced engagement with other students, and more campus gathering spaces are planned as part of this campaign.

Program excellence distinguishes ��Vlog��ý Little Rock by helping the university recruit and retain talented faculty and researchers. By investing in our academic programs, we are able to ensure students continue to receive a high quality education. Offering internships, connections with industry, and opportunities to conduct research helps students succeed, graduate and then positively impact our communities.

Jerry Damerow and Alfred Williams are leading the Centennial Campaign Committee as co-chairs. The campaign committee also includes Chancellor Christina S. Drale, Provost Ann Bain, Ben Bailey, James Bobo, Bob Denman, Thomas Dickinson, Courtney Little, R.J. Martino, Don Riggin, Cheryl Shuffield, Bill Sowell and Michael Williams Sr.

Members of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Centennial Campaign Committee, university leaders, and key stakeholders host the Centennial Campaign Kickoff Gala at the Fine Arts Building. Photo by Ben Krain.

“If we don’t build Arkansas, who will? We could give our support anywhere, but we’ve found the best students are right here at home,” said philanthropists Sherri and Jerry Damerow, who have made a planned gift of $1 million to support scholarships for science majors at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

The campaign began its silent phase in 2017 and will conclude in 2027. Some of the donations have included a $25 million gift from an anonymous donor for scholarships and student success programs, a $5.5 million gift from the Donaghey Foundation to construct a new north to south promenade called Trojan Way and a new Library Plaza, and a $2.25 million gift from the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust to preserve and educate the public about the history of Arkansas and the contributions of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller.

For more information about the Centennial Campaign, visit ualr.edu/centennial or call 501-916-3208.

BBQ @ Bailey Celebration Will Include Launch of Centennial Campaign

John Hill — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:28:11 +0000

A special edition of BBQ @ Bailey is planned for Friday, Oct. 14. The annual tailgating-style event will include the formal campus announcement of the Centennial Campaign, a major fundraising effort that will impact the university for years to come.

“BBQ at Bailey has become a campus tradition,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “That makes it a perfect time to kick off our Centennial Campaign for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. This campaign will help us set the course for our university for the next 100 years. In addition to great barbeque, this year’s event offers the chance to be part of history.”

The university’s Centennial Campaign will focus on four key pillars, and the university will seek to raise funds over the next five years in support of student scholarships, student success initiatives, learning environment upgrades, and faculty excellence. Those wanting to learn more about the upcoming Centennial Campaign can visit ualr.edu/centennial.

BBQ @ Bailey will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. The Centennial Campaign announcement will begin at noon. Chancellor Christina S. Drale and Dr. Danyell Crutchfield Cummings, president of the Alumni Board of Directors, will also be on hand for this year’s event and will share more about the campaign.

Annually hosted by the , the picnic is a wonderful way for students, employees, alumni, and friends of the university to enjoy some great barbecue, fellowship, and fun.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and staff participate in the annual BBQ at Bailey’s back-to-school picnic. Photos by Ben Krain.

Whole Hog Cafe will cater the event, coupled with treats from Community Bakery. Students are encouraged to stop by, grab a free t-shirt, visit with student organizations, take a selfie with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock backdrop, play Baggo, and mingle with other students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Back by popular demand, Klassik Entertainment, the DJ that is sure to inspire dancing, will be on site to provide music and entertainment. Klassik Entertainment is owned by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board member Jonathan Nunn.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock supporters can sign up for the Alumni Association to support scholarships for deserving students. Faculty and staff can join for $30, and students can join for $10.

BBQ at Bailey is sponsored by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of the Chancellor and the Office of Alumni and Development.

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Breaks Ground on Transformational Campus Improvement Projects

Hollingsworth-Hug Scholarship Will Support Working Students at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Announces New Team Members for Alumni and Development

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Centennial Campaign Start at BBQ @ Bailey

Chan Family Marks Professor’s Legacy with $6.75 Million Gift to Benefit ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Engineering Programs

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches Centennial Campaign to Raise $250 Million to Commemorate 100-Year Legacy of Excellence in Education