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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty and Staff Share First-Generation College Success Experiences

John Hill — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:20:56 +0000

November is First-Generation College Student Celebration Month! ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is celebrating some of the university’s great faculty and staff who are also first-generation college graduates and finding out their secret to success after becoming the first person in their family to graduate college. Dr. Lakeisha Falls Dr. Lakeisha Falls, assistant professor of nursing at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, is a first-generation college student who was always determined to complete her goals of earning a college degree and becoming a professor. “My biggest obstacles were finances and mentorship,” Falls recalled. “My family didn’t have the money to send me to college. I had to learn a lot of things on my own or from others. I had friends that helped me with applying for financial aid and scholarships. I applied for scholarships when I met the qualifications and that helped me with securing funding for school.” Falls went on to earn an associate degree and bachelor’s degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in biology from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from ��Vlog��ýMS. “I always knew that I wanted to be a professor,” Falls said. “I remember taking a speech course in my first semester of college. One of my first speeches was about my long-term goal of becoming a professor. At the time, I thought it was going to be a biology professor, but life happened, and I fell in love with nursing. I love being an educator because it allows me to give back, and I love to see the growth in my students. Nothing is more meaningful than having students contact me to let me know how I made an impact.” Dr. John Hall Dr. John Hall, associate professor of finance who is starting his 26th year at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, first earned an associate degree in business at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, a junior college in his hometown of Tifton, Georgia. After transferring to Florida State University, Hall realized he didn’t fit in as well as some of the other college students. “I did not think about being a first-generation student at the time, as I did not know that was something to consider,” Hall said. “I did recognize that the world many other students around me, especially at FSU, understood and moved through was not one I knew anything about. The larger social world of a big university was completely foreign to me. The big campus traditions – sports, homecoming, and other things – were not things I had experienced attending growing up because those were not part of my parents’ lives. In the summer of my junior year, I met the department chair in finance and his mentorship was crucial to the rest of my college days and my future.” Hall went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance and a Master of Business Administration from Florida State University before earning a doctorate degree at Indiana University. He credits the mentorship of his undergraduate department chair for guiding him to a career in academia. “The fact that being a university professor can be a career choice was not on my radar at all until I benefited from incredible guidance from the FSU Finance department chair,” Hall said. “He saw something in how I looked at my courses and what I thought I wanted and aimed me to graduate school and away from all the banks and others hiring my fellow students. When I became clear about being able to do graduate school and be in the university world as a career, it seemed like a fulfillment of not just what I wanted to do, but who I wanted to be. My goal, beyond any research or recognition, is to use the intelligence, knowledge, and skills I have to make the world I live in better than it was.” Dr. Heidi Skurat Harris Dr. Heidi Skurat Harris, associate professor of rhetoric and writing and graduate coordinator, was a first-generation college graduate when she earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the College of the Ozarks. “In undergrad, I was lucky that one of the former English teachers at my high school had moved to the college level, and she took me under her wing from the beginning,” Harris said. “She was also a first-generation student, and she was able to help me navigate college. I was a residential student and really loved my college experience. I took advantage of every travel opportunity I could take and was able to do music performances throughout my time at College of the Ozarks.” She later went on to earn a master’s degree in writing from Missouri State University as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in English, both from Ball State University. “The option to be a college professor didn’t even exist in my world until I was a senior in college,” Harris said. “When Dr. Carman, my supervisor in the university writing center, told me I should be a college professor, I thought he was kidding. After 25 years, I still find it fascinating that anyone would ever let me teach. But I have taught at six different schools and in every modality. I have taught everyone from developmental to doctoral students. Had I not listened to Dr. Carman, who knows where I would be now.” Christian O’Neal Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement, became a first-generation college graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2001, when the former Student Government Association president earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. “As a first-generation college student, I know the life-changing impact of earning my ��Vlog��ý Little Rock degree,” O’Neal said. “After seeing how a college education impacted me, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to help others achieve the same.” O’Neal is leading the university’s recently publicly launched Centennial Campaign, which has a goal of raising $250 million by the university’s 100-year anniversary in 2027. The funds will be used for programs that will help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students succeed like scholarships, living and learning environment upgrades, and student success programs. “Watching students walk across the stage at graduation to earn their degree is incredibly fulfilling,” O’Neal said. “There is something special about knowing that our team may have played a small role in helping them achieve their goals.”

Smith Named Associate Vice Chancellor of Alumni and Development at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:46:15 +0000

Kristi Smith has been promoted to a key leadership role for alumni and development at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.�� “When I graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I accumulated no student debt, largely due to scholarships I received while I was student,” Smith said. “Ever since, I have wanted to give back to my alma mater. I am grateful to serve in such a rewarding role for the students of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” Smith has been named the associate vice chancellor of alumni and development at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Her new role includes management of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving. “Much of the success our team enjoys is because of Kristi Smith’s good work,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Kristi is a most respected colleague and has the proven ability to motivate others to do what they can to help our university be its best. I’m thrilled Kristi has agreed to this expanded role, and I know we can expect more growth in fundraising to come from her leadership.” A graduate of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a Master of Public Administration degree from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She previously worked at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as the assistant to the dean of the Graduate School from 1998 to 2002, where she oversaw the TEAMS (Teaching Enhancements Affecting Minority Students) program. Since rejoining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in the Office of Alumni and Development in 2016, Smith has taken the lead on several key philanthropic initiatives, including the Chancellor’s Circle and the Foundation Fund Board of Directors. She was promoted to senior director of alumni and development in 2019. In May, Smith graduated from the 36th Class of Leadership Greater Little Rock, where she was selected by her cohort to serve as the commencement speaker. She also served on the University of Arkansas System Task Force on Racial Equity.

Smith Selected for Leadership Greater Little Rock XXXVI

John Hill — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 13:23:48 +0000

Kristi Smith, senior director of alumni and development at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, has been selected for the 36th Class of Leadership Greater Little Rock. An initiative of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR) is a nine-month community leadership program committed to enhancing and connecting leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and government. This unique program has empowered participants with a comprehensive understanding of central Arkansas’s challenges and opportunities. A native of Marche, Arkansas, Smith said that it’s an incredible honor to join the Leadership Greater Little Rock program. “I have attended graduation programs in the past and always had ambitions to be selected over the years,” Smith said. “I’m thankful that I was chosen to be a part of Class XXXVI, and that they waited until we could meet in person to get the true Leadership experience. I think it will help me by understanding the needs of the city in order to incorporate how ��Vlog��ý Little Rock can meet that need.” After completing a two-day retreat in October, LGLR participants meet every month at a different central Arkansas location to explore topics through expert speakers, panelists, tours, and group presentations. LGLR is designed to develop effective leaders by enhancing their civic, social and professional awareness to positively impact our community. Smith graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a Master of Public Administration. Before joining the Office of Alumni and Development in 2016, Smith also worked at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as assistant to the dean of the Graduate School from 1998 to 2002. “Kristi will be an asset to the class as she has been at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “In her role as senior director of development and director of the Alumni Association, she has been a great leader and ambassador for the university. Her perspectives will enrich the class as much as she does ours.” In the community, Smith is a member of the Council for Support and Advancement of Education; Beta Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a social organization that does a variety of community service activities including the American Heart Association and Alzheimer’s Association; and a board member for the Little Rock Diamond Foundation, the charitable arm of the Little Rock Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio Receives Anonymous $1.5 Million Donation

John Hill — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 15:07:06 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Public Radio, home of K��Vlog��ýR FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical 90.5, is closing its annual fall fund drive off on a high note with an anonymous donation of $1.5 million, the largest cash gift in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio history. “This gift is a wonderful testament to the impact of public radio,” said Nathan Vandiver, general manager of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio. “The generosity of this anonymous gift is considerable. On behalf of the staff and listeners of KLRE and K��Vlog��ýR, I want to say a heartfelt thanks to the donor. The stations will use this gift to strengthen and expand their services as the region’s NPR news and information provider, classical music radio station, and as a local and regional news organization.” The anonymous gift comes on the final day of the drive and represents 10 times the drive’s fundraising goal of $150,000. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio also raised $100,000 by 8 a.m. Oct. 8, bringing the drive’s running fundraising total to $1.6 million. More than 80,000 people listen to K��Vlog��ýR and KLRE every week. Housed within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio is a public service unit of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. University students gain professional experience by working as interns and part-time staff members who take part in all aspects of KLRE and K��Vlog��ýR operations with a specific focus on news reporting and broadcast production. “We are elated at this news,” said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. “The staff of KLRE/K��Vlog��ýR work tirelessly to provide quality news, programs, and music to central Arkansas. This operational gift ensures the continuity of these efforts and underscores their essentiality.”

Mary Waldo, a former K��Vlog��ýR staff member, right, reacts in joy with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio General Manager Nathan Vandiver, left, after learning of a $1.5 million dollar gift to the station. Photo by Ben Krain.

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio Operating Endowment will provide an ongoing stream of operating funds to support the public radio stations for generations to come. The endowment is expected to provide around $60,000 per year to support the reporting, music, and cultural programming on central Arkansas’s two public radio stations. “This generous endowment provides both stability and a steady revenue source that allows us to plan for the future of K��Vlog��ýR and KLRE,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “This anonymous donation will leave a lasting impact on public radio in our community for years to come.” K��Vlog��ýR 89.1 is a National Public Radio affiliate and has been here to report on the COVID-19 pandemic, the rollout of vaccines, the huge economic challenges, the contentious election process, the great disruptions to education, the renewed focus on justice and equity, and much more. KLRE Classical 90.5 is Arkansas’s only classical FM radio station and continues to offer listeners a reliable, welcoming oasis of inspiration, peace, and joy.

Trojan Community Raises Nearly $168k during ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day 2021

John Hill — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 18:48:29 +0000

Friends and supporters of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock came together for the university’s that raised almost $168,000 for scholarships, student-athletes, diversity and inclusion initiatives, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio, emergency support for students affected by COVID-19, and more.�� The March 18 event represents the university’s most successful Giving Day to date. The first Giving Day in 2018 had 131 donors, while more than 330 people donated to this year’s event. The 2021 total also represents an increase of nearly $138,000 over last year’s event, which raised approximately $30,000. �� “I am blown away by the generosity of our donors on Giving Day,” said Samantha Wiley, director of annual giving. “It was exciting to see all of the engagement from more than 300 alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students as they made contributions to enhance the student experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.”�� The 2021 Giving Day campaign pillars focused on scholarship and student support, program excellence, and learning environment. Donors shared personalized messages about what ��Vlog��ý Little Rock means to them and why giving is important. “As lifetime members of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, we were very happy to contribute to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day by donating to the Alumni Board Endowed Scholarship,” said Jeremy and Katrina Owoh, who are lifetime members of the Alumni Association. “We know that education is the one thing that can never be taken away from a person, and it is also one of the most precious gifts a person can give to someone. Just as we were fortunate to obtain a quality education from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, we wanted to make sure that others had the same opportunity as they pursue their goals and dreams.” Giving Day was also made successful through a variety of generous dollar-to-dollar matches as well as the addition of alumni, board members, faculty, staff, and students who served as social media ambassadors to increase engagement on different social networks. Julie Brown, a 1998 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, made a match of up to $15,000, while the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Foundation Fund Board provided a match of up to $16,000. An anonymous donor matched up to $1,000 for the Allan Ward Scholarship, which benefits students majoring in speech communication.�� The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock funds that received the most donations include:�� Vlog��ý Little Rock Foundation Fund Board Endowed Scholarship – $29,550 Greg and Marilyn Brown Academic Success Center for Athletics – $18,825 Annual Fund for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock which supports the area of greatest need – $14,010 Alumni Association Board of Directors Endowed Scholarship – $6,065 “Giving Day would not have been successful without the support from members of our Alumni Board of Directors and Foundation Fund Board,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Not only did they serve as social ambassadors, but they also contributed themselves financially. Under the leadership of Cheryl Shuffield, chair of the Foundation Fund Board and member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campaign Cabinet, the Foundation Fund Board Endowed Scholarship was the top fund of the day. The generous matching gift from Julie Brown generated much excitement leading up to the day.” Jessie Burchfield, associate dean for the information and technology services and director of the Law Library at William H. Bowen School of Law, also provided a $1,000 match for any donation on Giving Day. As a graduate of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and a first-generation college student, Burchfield knows how important scholarships can be for students to succeed. She was empowered to get her law degree through Bowen’s part-time program and is now an associate professor of law as well. “I deeply believe in the mission of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and the Bowen School of Law,” Burchfield said. “As a scholarship recipient, I’ve benefited greatly from the generosity of donors, and I know personally the transformative power of higher education.” Whitney Burgess, the 2020 recipient of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Business Dean’s Award of Excellence and vice president of marketing and strategy at MHP/Team SI, said she gives back to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because she believes in the success of graduates from the School of Business.�� “I participated in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day because supporting the university is important in fostering a thriving economy in Little Rock,” Burgess said. “When I was a student, I gained the confidence to develop my skills in marketing and the tools to succeed in the workplace. I have always appreciated that the faculty had real-life experience with big marketing and advertising campaigns and corporations because they were able to translate methodology into execution, bringing the material to life. As an alumnus, I’m very proud of having graduated from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Business and want to continue to do my part to ensure future scholars have the opportunity to learn, grow, and be confident leaders in Central Arkansas.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock celebrates giving season with launch of Holiday Wish Campaign

John Hill — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:44:07 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is celebrating Giving Tuesday and the holiday season with the launch of the , a first of its kind fundraising campaign where donors become more intimately involved with the university by meeting the specific needs of academic departments. “For the first time this year, you are going to see a campaign that allows academic departments to identify specific items for donor support,” Chancellor Christina Drale said. “This will bring in a lot of new donors and help departments connect with them in a more intimate way.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock department chairs have identified their department’s most urgent needs and have completed lists of items that will strengthen their academic programs. Donors will be able to choose from any of the projects, and alumni will receive wish lists from their departments through email and social media posts. “This holiday campaign will help educate our alumni and supporters on how they can best help meet the needs of our students,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “We hope this will be the start of an annual tradition in which our alumni and donors bring some holiday cheer to campus as they help us meet our campus community’s needs during the holiday season.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock donors will have the power to connect with the university and its students in an innovative way by selecting a specific cause that is close to their heart. Donors will have the choice to support academic needs like in the School of Nursing, for the School of Mass Communication, and lab equipment for biology and chemistry students. “I hope you can find it in your heart to give to a department in need of equipment to better the education of students,” said Samantha Wiley, director of annual giving. “The Holiday Wish List is the perfect outlet for departments to ask for gifts to develop a more strategic education for students. These gifts can be anything from technology items, subscriptions, or materials to secure a safe environment during COVID-19 for students to continue to learn hands-on.” Donors can also support projects that give students professional experience for their future careers, including stipends for at the William H. Bowen School of law, , and for education students. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Holiday Wish Campaign will take place from Dec. 1-31. Those who would like to donate can visit the for more information on how they can support ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students this holiday season. “Thank you in advance to the donors who will help to support our academic units through a Wish List gift,” said Dr. Ann Bain, executive vice chancellor and provost. “Your generosity will make a positive difference.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock gives donors more choices through Holiday Wish Campaign

John Hill — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 16:01:24 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is launching a first of its kind fundraising campaign that will help donors become more intimately involved at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock by meeting the specific needs of academic departments. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Holiday Wish Campaign will take place as part of the university’s end-of-the-year fundraising campaign from Dec. 1-31. “For the first time this year, you are going to see a Holiday Wish List campaign that allows academic departments to identify specific items for donor support,” Chancellor Christina Drale said. “This will bring in a lot of new donors and help departments connect with them in a more intimate way.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock department chairs have identified their department’s most urgent needs and have completed lists of items that will strengthen their academic programs. Donors will be able to choose from any of the projects they would like to help with. Alumni will receive wish lists from their departments through email and social media posts. “This holiday campaign will help educate our alumni and supporters on how they can best help meet the needs of our students,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “We hope this will be the start of an annual tradition in which our alumni and donors bring some holiday cheer to campus as they help us meet our campus community’s needs during the holiday season.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock donors will have the power to connect with the university and its students in a new, more intimate way by being heavily involved in choosing which great cause to support at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Donors will have the choice to support academic needs like providing beds for the simulation lab in the School of Nursing, wireless microphone kits for the School of Mass Communication, and stereo microscopes for biology and genetic labs on campus. “Thank you in advance to the donors who will help to support our academic units through a Wish List gift,” said Dr. Ann Bain, executive vice chancellor and provost. “Your generosity will make a positive difference.”

Peach Layne donates nearly 4,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 21:30:15 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock received a helping hand from in the form of a large donation of hand sanitizer that will help keep the faculty, staff, and students healthy when they return to campus this fall.�� “We are so thankful that we are able to give back to our local community,” said Rachael Oberste, founder and CEO of Peach Layne. “These times are so difficult and challenging to navigate. COVID-19 cases for the state of Arkansas are very densely populated in central Arkansas. We see the need to help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because the university touches a lot of lives. We are happy and grateful that we were in a position to help.”�� Oberste and Sarah Massimo co-founded Peach Layne, a wholesaler and manufacturer of retail products, five months ago in Little Rock. Oberste and her sister Becca Bailey, who serves as Peach Layne’s director of logistics and operations, wanted to help the university after talking with Bailey’s wife, Maggie Strange, associate athletic director and senior woman administrator for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Athletics. Oberste and Bailey are granddaughters of Dr. Howard Ashley Ted Bailey Jr., a longtime supporter of higher education and a pioneering physician.

Michael Seamon, assistant director of operations in facilities management, unloads a donation of hand sanitizer from Peach Layne.

“This thoughtful donation of hand sanitizer will contribute to the health and safety of our campus community,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “We are so thankful to Peach Layne for being a good corporate community partner who is looking out for our ��Vlog��ý Little Rock family. We are delighted that third-generation members of the Bailey family are continuing their family’s support of higher education in Arkansas.” The donation contains 3,780 4-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer with a retail value of approximately $18,880. The hand sanitizer will be distributed to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and employees to help keep them safe during the 2020-21 school year. “Hand sanitizer in any size or quantity is a much sought after commodity today,” said David Millay, associate vice chancellor of facilities management. “This wonderful donation of nearly 4,000 personal sized bottles will go a long way towards keeping our campus community safe!” In the upper right photo, sisters Becca Bailey and Rachael Oberste of Peach Layne donated nearly 4,000 spray bottles of hand sanitizer to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock community comes together to support students during COVID-19 pandemic

John Hill — Mon, 04 May 2020 13:30:54 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock community has come together to help students facing critical financial needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.�� “In times like these, we witness the true heart of the American spirit,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “The COVID-19 pandemic gives us all a sense of togetherness and reminds us that while we continue to practice social distancing, we are not alone.” The newly established COVID-19 Student Support Fund will support students facing immediate needs, including reduced job hours and income, food and housing insecurity, technology needs, access to healthcare, and other unforeseen expenses. In honor of #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5, a national day of global action for giving and unity in response to COVID-19, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is celebrating the contributions of donors with special content on and .�� “We are using this day as an opportunity to thank all the generous donors who have gone above and beyond to help our students by supporting the COVID-19 Student Support Fund,” said Samantha Wiley, assistant director of development. “Meeting the needs of our ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students would not be possible without the help of the Trojan community and companies like Seal Solar whose donations have made such an impact during this time.” Around 60 donors have raised nearly $27,000 to help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students in need. “The fund started off with an anonymous donor who wanted to help students and pledged to match $5,000 in donations,” Wiley said. “It’s amazing how many people want to help our students right now. It touches our alumni community in particular. They want to give students the same opportunity they had to complete their college education.” One of the fund’s donors, Julie Brown, a 1993 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate from De Queen, Arkansas, said she was moved to give $13,000 after realizing what a difference it can make for the students. “Ever since I graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I’ve wanted to help other students succeed,” Brown said. “I know how important a college education can be to a person’s future, and my heart breaks for all the students who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. I know a lot of students have suddenly lost their jobs and are facing basic need insecurities, such as the ability to purchase groceries or rent. When I saw ��Vlog��ý Little Rock had started a fund for these students, I wanted to help right away to ensure they get the support they need.”�� One student who can benefit from the fund is Mariam Bouzihay, a senior psychology major who is graduating this semester. Shortly after moving home to Jonesboro, Bouzihay’s family home was damaged in the tornado that struck the town on March 28.

Mariam Bouzihay

“Some people in the neighborhood lost their houses completely, so we were lucky,” Bouzihay said. “Huge parts of our roof were blown away. The carport is gone. We have a food truck in the back of our yard that just landed there, and we don’t know who it belongs to. The response from first responders and all the people who came from out of town to help the people of Jonesboro was really nice to see.” Fortunately, Bouzihay and her family were uninjured, but she now faces an unexpected financial difficulty, but is grateful for the support from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “It’s a very confusing time,” Bouzihay said. “So many people have lost their jobs, and we have all transitioned to classes online. A lot of students need support. I want our students to know that there are people here to help them. During this time, it’s about being there for people. We are a Trojan family, and look what our family, friends, and supporters have accomplished. When you have people who support and care for each other, it’s amazing what can be achieved.” Students who would like to apply for a micro-grant may fill out a, and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees may refer a student. Students will be contacted by a member of the CARE Team, who will provide them with a short application. A committee will review each submission and make an award recommendation to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. If you would like to help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students by making a donation, please visit the website or text ��Vlog��ýLR to 41444.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day 2020 Brings Community Together

John Hill — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:07:17 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock community came together to show their love of the university and raised more than $18,000 during ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s second annual Giving Day on March 19. During the 24-hour fundraising event, more than 140 individuals from 11 states showed their support for a variety of initiatives to raise a total of $18,497. ”��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s mission to provide a quality, affordable education to our students is made possible by the generous support received from our donors,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Thank you for making Giving Day 2020 a success!” Donors took to social media to share personalized messages about what ��Vlog��ý Little Rock means to them and why giving is important. “I realize the value that my ��Vlog��ý Little Rock education has had on my career and life and wanted to support students in their pursuit of a quality ��Vlog��ý Little Rock education,” said Charles O. Steward, the 1987 recipient of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Presidents Award. All funds raised will support many areas at the university and have a huge impact on the students and the community. “Giving Day is an important avenue to make sure that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is able to continue providing meaningful, innovative education and opportunities to our students,” said Dr. Angela Hunter, interim associate vice chancellor and associate professor in the Department of English. “That’s why I chose to give to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Annual Fund to help implement micro-grants for students, the Trojan Food Pantry, and the Mobile Summer Institute on Scientific Teaching, a great program that helps faculty increase student success through techniques like active learning.” University members offered their support to a wide variety of causes. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Bands, which includes the Trojan Pep Band and Department of Music ensembles, received the highest amount of donations during Giving Day with $3,336 raised from 28 donors. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock family also took it upon themselves to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous donor pledged to match $5,000 to support the greatest needs of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students through micro-grants to help students dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 26 donors took up the call and donated $1,865, the second highest amount raised for the day. “I am truly in awe at the level of support received from alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and students on Giving Day,” said Samantha Wiley, assistant director of development. “In the midst of a pandemic, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock family has seized the opportunity to show their support for students and their continued success.”

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty and Staff Share First-Generation College Success Experiences

Smith Named Associate Vice Chancellor of Alumni and Development at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

Smith Selected for Leadership Greater Little Rock XXXVI

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Public Radio Receives Anonymous $1.5 Million Donation

Trojan Community Raises Nearly $168k during ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day 2021

����Vlog��ý Little Rock celebrates giving season with launch of Holiday Wish Campaign

����Vlog��ý Little Rock gives donors more choices through Holiday Wish Campaign

Peach Layne donates nearly 4,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock community comes together to support students during COVID-19 pandemic

������Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day 2020 Brings Community Together