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

BBQ @ Bailey Canceled for Fall 2020; Trojan Food Pantry and Campus Garden to Benefit

John Hill — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 21:44:08 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will not hold its annual campus-wide picnic BBQ @ Bailey this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While students, employees, and alumni won’t celebrate this beloved tradition that kicks off the new semester together this year, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association has decided to celebrate by donating the money designated for the event to campus organizations that provide food to those in need. “BBQ at Bailey has become an awesome event that we look forward to each year! However, during this Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of our alumni, students, faculty, and staff is of the utmost importance,” said James Bobo, president of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board. “Therefore, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors decided that in lieu of our 2020 BBQ @ Bailey event, we will donate the dollars ordinarily spent on the event to the Trojan Food Pantry and the Campus Garden.” The picnic-style event is usually held at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus and is hosted by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. It’s a fun way for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community to enjoy some great barbecue, fun, and fellowship as well as an opportunity to join or renew their Alumni Association membership. “This would have been the 14th annual event, and we are disappointed that we are unable to provide an in-person way for our community to celebrate the beginning of another academic year,” said Kristi Smith, senior director of development and interim director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Trojan Food Pantry is open to all ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, faculty, and staff. A recent survey found that 50 percent of the university’s students and staff either know someone who is food insecure or suffer from food insecurity themselves. “The Trojan Food Pantry has made a great impact on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community,” said Corrigan Revels, assistant director for student leadership and development and coordinator of the Trojan Food Pantry. “This year, the pantry is more important than ever, and we are truly thankful to have the support of the Alumni Association. This support allows us to continue serving and supporting our Trojan family.”

Visitors harvest produce from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campus Garden. Photo by Ben Krain.

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campus Garden is a place for education, research, and outreach about food production, sustainability, economic botany, ecology, and more. Much of its food harvested from the Campus Garden is donated to the Trojan Food Pantry. “The Campus Garden has been a vital part of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and the surrounding community for many years,” said Dr. Stephen Grace, faculty advisor of the Campus Garden and associate professor of biology. “With the economic and social hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our mission to provide fresh local produce and educational opportunities for people wanting to grow their own food is more important than ever. This generous donation from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors will enable us to continue our efforts to build a vibrant, sustainable food system to serve the needs of our campus, city, and the people of central Arkansas.”

You can also be a part of this year’s celebration by donating to support the university’s students and employees who face food insecurity by visiting the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving website.

Business leaders join ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors

John Hill — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 20:54:23 +0000

The University of Arkansas Little Rock has announced new members and officers for the Alumni Board of Directors. New members include Eundra Boles, vice president of information technology services at Celerit Solutions Corporation; Ellen Brown, farmer engagement manager for Heifer USA; Victoria Brown, associate state director of AARP Arkansas; Loris Fullerton, travel agent with Westrock Travel and 2019 recipient of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Presidents Award; and Claudia Utley, communications director at Economics Arkansas. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors members who have taken on leadership roles include James Bobo, president; Jennifer Owens, scholarship committee chair, Stephanie Caruthers, Taste of Little Rock chair, and Gina Pharis, membership committee chair. All new board members are ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni who will serve a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2020. More information on the new board members: Eundra Boles is the vice president of information technology services of Celerit Solutions Corporation. He has over 25 years of expertise in keeping financial infrastructures current, safe, and secure. He leads a team of seasoned technicians, providing around-the-clock protection to keep your network safe from the new and sophisticated cyber-threats faced today, while looking to the future for the next surfacing risk. Boles graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems in 1996. He also completed his MBA at the American Intercontinental University in 2004. He enjoys sporting events, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Ellen Brown has worked for Heifer International for six years and currently serves as the farmer engagement manager for Heifer USA. In this role, she oversees Heifer International’s outreach to farmers in the United States. Brown graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and certification in nonprofit management in 2013. She also has a Master of Science in community and economic development from the University of Central Arkansas. Brown also serves on the City of Little Rock’s Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission. Victoria Brown, associate state director of AARP Arkansas, has worked successfully to improve communications and social media footprints among public sector and nonprofit organizations. Brown leads AARP Arkansas’ initiative to increase communications, heads up the organization’s website and social media, and works closely on AARP’s multicultural activities. She has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Philander Smith College and a Master of Public Administration degree from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2014. Loris Fullerton is the recipient of the 2019 Presidents Award. Over the past decade, Fullerton has helped raise more than $1 million for scholarships during her nine years chairing Jazz & Juleps, which benefited the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology. Fullerton graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 1974 with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology. She worked several years in the banking and investment industries before following her passion to be a travel agent. An endowed scholarship in her name has been awarded to a student studying audiology and speech pathology since 2014. Claudia Utley graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in English and began working as a fashion journalist in Los Angeles. Utley worked as a communications analyst for Alltel Corp. while earning an MBA at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2000. She also worked as a public information officer for the Department of Arkansas Heritage. In 2012, Utley joined Economics Arkansas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic, personal finance, and entrepreneurship literacy among Arkansas PreK-12 students. Initially responsible for grant writing, donor management, and fundraising activities, Utley was recently promoted to the newly created role of communications director. In the upper right photo, new members of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors include Eundra Boles, top left, Victoria Brown, top right, Loris Fullerton, bottom left, and Claudia Utley, bottom right. Ellen Brown is not pictured.

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.

Nine new business leaders join ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board

Janea Snyder — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 19:12:37 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alumni Association has announced officers and new members on its Board of Directors for 2019. New members are all ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni and include the following: Reteisha Byrd (’14, ’16), research manager with Boyette Strategic Advisors Byrd earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and a Master of Public Administration. While completing her coursework, Byrd worked as a graduate assistant for the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County and interned at Little Rock Port Authority. She is an annual member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. Josh Davenport (’09), co-founder of Seal Energy Solutions Davenport received a Bachelor of Science in construction management and a Master of Business Administration. He serves the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce as vice chairman of the board of directors, volunteers as secretary of the Argenta Downtown Council, and is president of the Arkansas Association of Energy Engineers. Davenport is a three-year member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. Tonya Franzetti (’99), executive oncology sales consultant, Lilly Franzetti earned a biology degree from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and has had a 20-year career in healthcare. She served as an advisor for the Gamma Zeta chapter of Chi Omega at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and was instrumental in the planning and fundraising during their 50th anniversary celebration. She volunteered with the Junior League of Little Rock for eight years and chaired the Holiday House event in 2010. She has been active with Christ the King schools, the alumnae board at Mount St. Mary’s, and Our House. She is an annual member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. Heide Harrell (’10), director of marketing and business development, Rose Law Firm Harrell has a master’s degree in applied communication studies. She has the designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and is a past president of the Arkansas Chapter of PRSA. Harrell is the immediate past chair of the Southwest District of PRSA and served on the 2018 PRSA National Board of Directors Nominating Committee. Previously, she spent eight years at Stone Ward and Mangan Holcomb Partners after five years at the former Delta Trust & Bank. She is a graduate of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Greater Little Rock program and is an annual member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. Madison Hedrick (’09), senior medical writer, Wilson Carroll Research Services, LLC Hedrick earned a Bachelor of Arts in professional and technical writing and a Master of Arts. While she was a student, she served as president of the University Program Council and Alpha Epsilon Delta honor society, was elected president pro-temp of the Student Government Association and membership chair for Delta Delta Delta; and represented the graduate students on the Faculty Diversity Committee. She is a lifetime member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. Patricia (Patsy) Kane (’01, ’12, ’17), Owner, PK Designs After earning a degree from Auburn University, Kane jump-started her career when she finished her second bachelor’s degree from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in political science. She made the transition to Verizon after working in a variety of roles at Alltel, while completing a graduate certificate and Master of Science in information quality. Kane is an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority at both the national and local levels and is a previous district president. She currently works at First Orion. Kane is a lifetime member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. Richard (Gus) Leeper (‘15), Hot Springs branch of the Private Client Group at Stephens Inc. Leeper graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management and international business. As a student, Leeper was a star basketball athlete, earning five varsity letters. He served as the team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was named to the Sun Belt Conference Commissioners list. Leeper serves on the Lettermen’s Association Board and is a lifetime member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. Miguel Lopez (’15, ’17), Hispanic resource officer, First Community Bank A native of Sherwood, Lopez received his bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in public administration, and a certification in nonprofit management. During his time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, he was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. After graduating, he became the first director of entrepreneurship and small business programming for the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, where he was instrumental in connecting the Mexican Consulate with the chamber to develop programs aimed at equipping Hispanic entrepreneurs. Lopez serves on the boards of Just Communities of Arkansas, Harmony Health Clinic, Goodwill of Arkansas Education Initiatives, and Museum of Discovery. He is a three-year member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. Nancy Rousseau (‘90), principal, Little Rock Central High School After teaching English at Pulaski Academy for a decade and another five years at Pulaski Heights Junior High School, Rousseau completed a master’s degree in educational administration from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She was then hired as assistant principal of Central High School. In 1998, she became principal of Pulaski Heights Junior High School where she led the school’s transition from a junior high to a middle school. She returned to Central High in 2002 as principal and has been a champion of the school and its students, faculty, and alumni, helping to create a Central High Alumni Association as well as a Tiger Foundation to support the school. Rousseau has served on the boards of The Arkansas Association of Secondary School Principals, Central Arkansas Library and the Stephens Education Trust. Rousseau is a lifetime member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. Officers of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors for 2019 include Becky Blass, president; James Bobo, president elect and membership committee chair; Gina Pharis, membership committee co-chair; Nancy Secen, scholarship committee chair; Jennifer Owens, scholarship committee co-chair; Mauri Douglass, Taste of Little Rock chair; and Stephanie Caruthers, Taste of Little Rock co-chair. Members are eligible to serve up to two three-year terms, and officers serve one-year terms. The Board of Directors of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association serve as leaders for the university’s alumni family. They work to energize and engage ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumni and friends through membership, events, and opportunities to give back to support students and scholarships. Pictured are above are new member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors. (Top Row) Heide Harrell, Gus Leeper, and Tonya Franzetti; (Middle Row) Reteisha Byrd, Patsy Kane, and Nancy Rousseau; (Bottom Row) Josh Davenport, Madison Hedrick, and Miguel Lopez

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

BBQ @ Bailey Canceled for Fall 2020; Trojan Food Pantry and Campus Garden to Benefit

Business leaders join ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors

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

Nine new business leaders join ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board

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

Business leaders join ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors

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

Nine new business leaders join ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board