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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host Rent-a-Puppy Nov. 17

John Hill — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:56:07 +0000

Update: Rent-A-Puppy’s location has changed to the lawn in front of the Donaghey Student Center. Calling all dog lovers! ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will once again host Rent-a-Puppy Nov. 17. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community will have the opportunity to play and socialize with rescue and shelter dogs of all ages from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Chi Omega Courtyard outside Ottenheimer Library. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Chi Omega Gamma Zeta chapter organizes the event, which raises funds for the chapter’s national philanthropy, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The national nonprofit organization grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Rent-A-Puppy offers dog rescue and shelter organizations in central Arkansas some public exposure and gives their adoptable dogs an opportunity to receive affection and, potentially, new homes. Attendees donate $5 per 10 minutes to pet and play with dogs. Toys will be provided, and the dogs will be on leashes.

Rent-A-Puppy Returns to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Sept. 30

John Hill — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:39:25 +0000

After taking a year off due to COVID-19, the popular Rent-A-Puppy event will return to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on Thursday, Sept. 30. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community will have the opportunity to play and socialize with rescue and shelter dogs of all ages from 3-8 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Chi Omega Courtyard outside Ottenheimer Library. Rent-A-Puppy offers dog rescue and shelter organizations in central Arkansas some public exposure and gives their adoptable dogs an opportunity to receive affection and, potentially, new homes. Attendees may rent a dog for 10 minutes for $5. Toys will be provided, and dogs will be on leashes. There will also be an area to take photos with the dogs. Donations will also be accepted for Southern Hearts Rescue. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Chi Omega Gamma Zeta chapter organizes the event, which raises funds for the Foundation. The national nonprofit organization grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses.�� For more information, contact Lexi Brooks at ajbrooks1@ualr.edu or 870-340-5584.

BBQ at Bailey highlights affection for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and alumni support

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:43:55 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock welcomed the fall semester with a BBQ picnic at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on Sept. 5. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Whole Hog Café with dessert from Community Bakery. “This is the 13th annual lunch at Bailey. We kick off each academic year this way,” said Kristi Smith, senior director of development and interim director of the Alumni Association. “It’s a perfect way to get students and faculty and campus staff all together to mingle. It’s also a way for alumni to reconnect to the university and maintain friendships.” Smith was appreciative of the many student volunteers who helped make the event a success. “The baseball teams set up tables and the swim and dance teams have also helped with logistics. The Greek organizations are here, too,” Smith said. James Bobo (‘05), Alumni Board of Directors president-elect and chair of the membership committee, echoed his appreciation for the role students play in contributing to an atmosphere of community camaraderie. “This is an awesome event. We’re excited to see so many students, friends, and staff!” Bobo said. Approximately 2,100 people participated in the popular two-hour BBQ.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees enjoy food from Whole Hog Cafe during BBQ at Bailey. Photo by Ben Krain.

“I think BBQ at Bailey is the semester kickoff event the campus community most looks forward to attending,” said Cassie Jo Gehring, accountant for the Office of Alumni and Development. “It is very well attended and brings employees, faculty, alumni, and students together. We especially have seen a lot of university employees participating, and many people have joined the Alumni Association.”�� In addition to helping make connections, the BBQ emphasized support for the Alumni Association, which annually provides approximately $145,250 in student scholarships. The Alumni Association gained 21 first-time members and 74 membership renewals during the BBQ, along with three lifetime memberships.�� Appreciation for the impact of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was a common thread in conversations at the BBQ. “My education in radio, TV, and film paved the way for me to go on to do some fun things in my life,” shared alumnus Daryl Stout (‘83). “For example, I am the volunteer examiner liaison for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock hand radio club, and I run the amateur radio test at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Benton. Part of my education included journalism classes, and that made me a good proofreader. Now that I’m retired, I proofread for print screening projects and am in charge of a newsletter publication. I often reflect on how my education from this school is still relevant to my daily activities today.” Greek organizations participated in the BBQ with booths to share information about each sorority and fraternity on campus. “BBQ at Bailey is an opportunity for us to meet a new set of freshman face-to-face,” said Catie Ross, a junior studying business and human resources management who serves as director of campus activities for Chi Omega. “Sometimes, it’s easier for people to learn about Greek life by meeting us personally and having an actual conversation. We want people to feel comfortable getting to know us, as well as the other Greek organizations. BBQ at Bailey is one of the best times to help freshmen become aware.” Appreciation for the uniqueness of Greek life at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was a common sentiment. Lucas Ray, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering, explained that he joined Delta Chi because of its emphasis on advancing justice, developing character, promoting friendship, and academic achievement.��

Members of Chi Omega join the BBQ at Bailey celebration Sept. 5. Photo by Ben Krain.

“I didn’t have to pretend to fit cookie-cutter expectations of being a certain type of person,” Ray said. “Our fraternity here encourages us to be the best versions of ourselves.” Libby Walsh, a junior studying nursing and member of Kappa Delta, explained that bigger schools feel much different from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because they have hundreds of members in a sorority chapter.�� “But here, we can really get to know each other. We’re here for the real friendships,” Walsh said. Kappa PSI president Kevin Davidson and Pike Kappa Alpha president Hunter Hobby emphasized the value of alumni relationships in their fraternities.�� “We’re visiting Mills High School next week to promote abstinence and safe sex practices,” said Davidson, a junior studying mechanical engineering. “One of our alumni fraternity brothers is principal there, which has helped us make good connections and gain access to serving at the school.”�� Representatives from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campus Garden Alliance were on-site selling local honey and encouraging participation in the campus garden located along Fair Park Boulevard. Also on-site at the BBQ were representatives from Save 10, a movement to empower women to save for retirement.�� “One of our 10-year goals is to empower people to save for housing and for a lifetime of financial security,” said Cathianne Watkins of Southern Bancorp Community Partners. “We encourage women to save 10 percent of their gross income for retirement. We encourage practicing the habit of not spending all of the money you earn.” In addition to saving for their own financial goals, people can support ��Vlog��ý Little Rock by becoming a member of the Alumni Association, contributing to annual campaigns, making a gift, or by including the university in estate planning. Donations are accepted through the Office of Alumni and Development. BBQ at Bailey was sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Office of Alumni and Development.

Rent-A-Puppy returns to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock April 9

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 16:51:57 +0000

An irresistible wave of puppy love will hit the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on Tuesday, April 9, as Rent-A-Puppy returns to campus for its annual fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Foundation.�� The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community will have the opportunity to play and socialize with rescue and shelter dogs of all ages from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 9 in the Chi Omega Courtyard outside Ottenheimer Library. Rent-A-Puppy offers dog rescue and shelter organizations in central Arkansas some public exposure and gives their adoptable dogs an opportunity to receive affection and, potentially, new homes. Attendees may rent a dog for 10 minutes for $5. Toys will be provided, and dogs will be on leashes. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Chi Omega Gamma Zeta chapter organizes the event, which raises funds for the Foundation, one of the focuses of the chapter’s philanthropy. The national nonprofit organization grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. For more information, contact Kate Richars at kcrichars@ualr.edu.

Gu finds second home a world away

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 16:34:56 +0000

Junior Christina Gu may have grown up thousands of miles away, but Arkansas is as much a home to her today as her birthplace is. Gu has been a student at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock since August of 2016 and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is set to graduate in May of 2020. Originally from Jiaxing, China, a large city with a population of over 4 million, Gu enrolled in a foreign exchange program when she was in high school and soon left for the United States. The host family that chose her lived in Prattsville, a small town in Grant County with a population of about 300. They had a daughter the same age as Gu, and both girls attended high school in nearby Poyen. “My host family is my second family. My host sister is my sister,” said Gu. “I still go home to China for holidays, but while I’m here they are my home.” In her first year in Arkansas, Gu developed an interest in accounting from her host mom, a CPA, who introduced her both to what she does in her career as well as how taxes and other financial systems operate in the United States. At Poyen High School, Gu also was mentored by her guidance counselor, who happens to be the mother of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor’s Leadership Corps Program Coordinator Amber Wolf. Gu soon decided that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was where she wanted to go. “She told me about ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and CLC, and about what her daughter did. When I got here they made everything so easy. Amber, in particular, has made everything less stressful for me, and I’m really lucky to have her here,” said Gu. “I got in touch with International Student Services next. They’re really sweet and they know what they’re doing, and Miss Chloe is my fave!” At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Gu has found a place where she can develop academically, professionally, and personally. Aside from CLC, she also joined Chi Omega, which she describes as “the best sisterhood I could ask for.” She has served as president of the Chinese Student and Scholars Association and is currently working toward membership in Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor society. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock is a small campus, but everyone is very kind and welcoming,” Gu said. “I also enjoy the multiculturalism and how everyone here is from a different background. I think it’s great how not everyone here is a traditional student. I’ve gotten to meet so many kinds of people because of that.” Although her major is in accounting and finance, Gu says that her true passion lies in fashion, in which she hopes to build a career. “This may sound weird, but I just love fashion,” Gu said. “I love everything from streetwear to high-end things. I’m hoping that one day I can use my business background that I’m getting here to work in marketing or something similar in the fashion industry.” In her relatively short time here, Gu says that above all else the state of Arkansas continues to impress her, and she plans on staying as long as she can. “Growing up in a big, crowded city in China I had never seen nature like we have in Arkansas,” she said. “I’m still seeing things every day that really put things into perspective. Little Rock is such a great city, and I’m thankful that I get to study here. I plan on staying involved for as long as and in any way that I can.”

Alumni and Development Office welcomes new staffers

Janea Snyder — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:39:09 +0000

Three new people have joined the Office of Alumni and Development. Anneliese N. Armstrong has been hired as director of Alumni Membership and Programming for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association; Sarah Miller is the new director of development and external relations for the College of Business; and Ross Owyoung will be working as an event fundraiser. Armstrong, a Little Rock native, will work to engage alumni and friends of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and expand membership of the Alumni Association. Armstrong received two degrees from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock – a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication (2015) and Master of Arts in applied communication studies (2018). During her undergraduate time on campus, she was involved with Chi Omega Fraternity, Inc., serving as new member educator. ��Previously, she worked as the experiential education coordinator for the College of Pharmacy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Miller is also a two-time ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a master’s degree in professional and technical writing. She previously worked for the American Heart Association as the corporate market director for the Central Arkansas Go Red For Women movement and Festival of Wines. Owyoung will help plan and coordinate events like Taste of Little Rock. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service with a master’s degree in public service. During his time at the Clinton School, Owyoung completed an international public service project in Bocas del Toro, Panama, where he worked with Give and Surf, a non-profit that empowers indigenous communities through education and community development. He previously worked with Jericho Way Day Resource Center as a research consultant and with The Venture Center where he conducted an economic impact analysis of startup entrepreneurs and businesses. �� Anneliese Armstrong, Sarah Miller and Ross Owyoung are the newest members of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of Alumni and Development. Photos by Benjamin Krain

Longtime ��Vlog��ý Little Rock volunteer to receive President’s Award

Janea Snyder — Thu, 03 May 2018 17:25:44 +0000

For Mauri Douglass, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock holds a special place. It’s where she laid the foundation for a 30-year career in gifted education. It’s where she met her husband, where many of her lifelong friendships first took root, and where her own children would later attend. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is also where Douglass has remained engaged in community service and why she has been chosen to receive this year’s Presidents Award, which honors alumni who have achieved career success, donated time and talents to their community, and remained in touch with their alma mater as a volunteer and resource. The award will be presented at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Distinguished Alumni Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 11, in the Great Hall of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center. Douglass has volunteered hundreds of hours serving on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association Board. For the past four years, she has chaired Taste of Little Rock, a signature fundraiser for the university. This year’s event raised more than $138,000 for scholarships. Choosing ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was an easy decision for Douglass (Class of ’74 and ’86). Both of her parents attended the former Little Rock Junior College, and three of her four siblings also attended. When her older sister, Vicki Draper, attended, the university was called Little Rock University. Two of Douglass and her husband Lee’s three children have chosen ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for their education. Middle child Jay Douglass has a computer science degree. Daughter Keri Douglass Walker earned an undergraduate degree from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and completed a master’s degree in business information systems at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in December. The couple’s youngest child, Sam, is a junior at ��Vlog��ý Fayetteville. Douglass completed two degrees of her own during her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock – an undergraduate degree in elementary education in 1974 and a master’s degree in education in 1986 – as well as a certification in gifted education. “Arkansas was on the forefront of gifted education,” Douglass said. “People were coming from around the country to see what we were doing. It was the place for gifted education, and I was fortunate I was educated here.” Douglass taught for 33 years, including 25 years in gifted and talented education. All but two years of her career were spent in the North Little Rock School District, including Rose City, Boone Park, Amboy, and Crestwood elementary schools. She credits her long, successful teaching career to the education she received at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and to the connections she made. Douglass retired from teaching in 2010, and husband Lee retired in December 2017 as chief legal officer at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield. The couple may not have met had it not been for Greek life at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Mauri was a Chi Omega, and Lee was a member of Kappa Sigma. When members are initiated, they receive a chapter pin number based on the order of initiation into the chapter. The couple have the same pin number – 141 – ��in their respective Greek organizations. “We were meant to be together,” she said matter-of-factly. “We started dating my sophomore year, and we will be married 45 years in June.” Greek life has remained a part of Douglass’ life long after college. After graduation, she served as a Chi Omega chapter advisor for 12 years the first time around. Then, in 2011, she returned for a second round as recruitment advisor and community service advisor. She retired from those positions in 2016 and is now alumnae liaison for the Chi Omega chapter at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, her Gamma Zeta chapter sisters, and the Little Rock Chi Omega Alumnae Club. “I know people across all 54 years of Chi Omega’s presence at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” she said. “I can go into any age group and feel like I’m one of them.” When the Chi Omega chapter began planning for its 50th anniversary in 2014, Douglass was asked to chair the event. “The tradition for the 50-year celebration is a gift to the university. That’s how I got really involved at ��Vlog��ýLR,” Douglass recalled. “During that time, I got to know people in the Alumni Association. They helped us find missing sisters and helped us plan our courtyard.” To raise money, the sorority sold bricks to help build and maintain Chi Omega Courtyard Plaza near Ottenheimer Library. ��Another fundraising campaign raised money for the Gamma Zeta Scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship awarded each spring to a member of the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Chi Omega. Douglass doesn’t foresee her family’s involvement ending any time soon. “This is where we made so many friendships and connections that have been so helpful, both personally and professionally,” she said. “We love ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and all that it has done for us.” Mauri Douglass is the recipient of the 2018 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Presidents Award. Photo by Sara Reeves.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni endow new golf scholarship

Janea Snyder — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 18:40:56 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni Richard and Sharon Baugh are impacting students through an endowed scholarship created in memory of their son, Rick Baugh. The scholarship will assist student-athletes on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Men’s and Women’s Golf teams. Both Richard and Sharon have strong ties to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Sharon is a graduate of the College of Arts, Letters and Sciences, and she taught biology at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock from 1996 to 2002. Richard earned his MBA from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business in 1980. Sharon was very active on campus in the sorority and remained connected with the chapter upon graduation. They both credit the institution with providing them a quality education and believe ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was instrumental in their ability to find excellent employment after receiving their degrees. The Baughs understand the importance of financial assistance while earning a degree. Sharon received a scholarship through the March of Dimes organization during her undergraduate studies. Richard’s MBA was funded by a previous employer. When asked why they chose to support the golf program, the Baughs stated that golf was their son Rick’s favorite pastime. Cheering on Trojan athletic teams is a part of life for the Baugh family.��Richard, Sharon, and their son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Andrea Peel, attend many Trojan basketball games and golf tournaments. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is grateful to the Baughs and their commitment to students. In the photo above right are��Richard and��Sharon Baugh with their daughter-in-law and son, Andrea and Rodney Peel, and granddaughter Braxton.

Rent-A-Puppy returns to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Oct. 13

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 17:25:51 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock community will have the opportunity to play and socialize with rescue and shelter dogs of all ages from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, next to Ottenheimer Library.�� The fourth annual Rent-A-Puppy event offers dog rescue and shelter organizations in central Arkansas some public exposure and gives their adoptable dogs an opportunity to receive affection and, potentially, new homes. Attendees may rent a dog for 10 minutes for $5. Toys will be provided, and dogs will be on leashes for people to handle. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s chapter organizes the event, which raises funds for local animal shelters and , one of the focuses of the chapter’s philanthropy. The national nonprofit organization grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. For more information, contact Isabella Castro at ilcastro@ualr.edu.

May grad Neden Yacine sets sights on med school

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 15:53:36 +0000

Neden Yacine is a Science Scholar who graduated May 2017 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a minor in biology. After taking a gap year, she plans to attend medical school. Tell us a little about yourself I’m from Fort Smith, Arkansas, and took college classes while I was still in high school. That’s why I was able to graduate in three years. I love to travel and have been to countries such as Canada, Belize, Morocco, Algeria, and Italy. I lived on campus the first year, but now I live off campus because I have a Havanese (Bichon breed type) dog. Why did you choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? Well, I was pretty set on going to (University of Arkansas Fort Smith) because it’s my hometown. I applied for several scholarships and got into the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps (CLC) at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. It’s a great program, and I got a full ride with no college debt. What surprised you about our campus? The dorms are the best. You get your own bedroom and share a full bathroom with a couple of other people. I wish there were more things to do at the student center (i.e. Xboxes, game rooms) so people would want to stick around campus. How do you like living in Little Rock? It’s great to be in a metropolitan environment. The sunsets here are amazing. Emerald Park, Pinnacle Mountain, and the Big Dam Bridge have beautiful views. I’d go to one of these places after a stressful test. And it’s exciting to drive by the Capitol at night. Plus, I’ve made some amazing friends here. Why did you major in chemistry? I originally majored in biology, but to me it just required a lot of memorization. I switched to chemistry because it came naturally to me. If you understand the concepts, you can apply them to solve problems. How would professors describe you? Talkative and motivated. I’m not afraid to speak up in class, and like to be silly to break the stress. I’m the class clown. Did you have any mentors? Dr. Wei Zhao (Department of Chemistry) asked me to work on a research grant from the . I got to spend five days in Cleveland, see Oberlin College, and get paid for it. (I even brought my longboard with me.) This is where I became interested in analytical-based research. What were your favorite subjects? Besides chemistry, I took an elective called Psychosexual Behavior, which explored different sexual disorders. For instance, I learned that I-40 is a major human trafficking route. That really stuck with me and sparked my interest in shelters. Are you going to graduate school? I plan on going to medical school, but during college I became interested in lab work and would like to explore research jobs that involve analytical chemistry. The doctors I shadowed encouraged me to slow down and take a gap year prior to going to school. They said I have plenty of time. What are you going to specialize in? Either family practice or geriatrics. I’ve volunteered at hospices and retirement homes and would love to volunteer at the Veteran’s Administration in North Little Rock. You can see the whole city from their view. What were some of your extracurricular activities? As a member of the (Little Rock’s organization dedicated to promoting school pride), I got to help plan homecoming festivities such as the golf cart parade. I’m the recruitment chair for sorority. Sororities typically get a bad rap, but Greek life is different here. It was great to make new friends with the same interests – we all love to eat! Promoting Greek life is a great recruiting tool for the school. Plus, it provides networking opportunities after graduation. For instance, you can send your resume to all Chi Omegas to find out about employment opportunities. How has college contributed to your career goals? I had to learn how to juggle my social life, be active in organizations, and get good grades. That’s hard. After college, I’ll be able to focus on one thing. How bad can that be? Any advice for new college students? Get your homework done so you can go out with your friends. Don’t procrastinate. Explore your options, and follow your own path. And do some volunteer work. I volunteered at the animal shelter, and being around puppies and kittens was a great way to reduce stress.

— Compiled by Toni Boyer Stewart, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Communications

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host Rent-a-Puppy Nov. 17

Rent-A-Puppy Returns to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Sept. 30

BBQ at Bailey highlights affection for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and alumni support

Rent-A-Puppy returns to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock April 9