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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock grad looks forward to career in tech industry, starting orphanage

John Hill — Thu, 21 May 2020 13:26:27 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate is looking forward to a future in the tech industry, followed by fulfilling her lifelong goal of helping children.�� Mariam Bouzihay, of Jonesboro, has graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in information technology.�� In the fall, she will attend the New York University Tandon School of Engineering in the Management of Technology program to study user experience and interface design. The program is designed for college graduates and professionals who aim to make a difference in a world where economic and social advancement is increasingly dependent on integrating technology and business. Her lifelong goal, after establishing a career in the tech industry, is to open an orphanage. “My ultimate goal is to open an orphanage, but I want to have a career first,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and I feel if people had that one person who was there for them that they could achieve so much. A child needs a support system, so I want to be there for those children and help others.” Bouzihay’s decision to come to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was a family affair. Her older sister, Nora, attended ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as a Donaghey Scholar, so, naturally, Bouzihay was intrigued. She has been an active participant in the EAST Scholarship Program at Nettleton High School in Jonesboro and wanted to continue that at her university. After being accepted as an EAST Scholar, Bouzihay has been involved in a number of community service activities. “As an EAST Scholar, you teach yourself technology skills, and you put them to use to create a service project to help your community,” she said. “During my sophomore year, I worked with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International. We created an after-school EAST program at Wakefield Elementary, where the students created designs for their dream playground. During my junior and senior years, I helped plan events and get volunteers for the STEM Education Center, so I coordinated events like the robotics competitions, community engineering nights, and girls coding competition.”�� Throughout her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Bouzihay has had some amazing experiences that make her stand out. She was a fellow in the Career Connections Powered by Facebook program, served as a strategic communications intern for the Judge David L. Bazelon Center of Mental Health Law in Washington, D.C., as well as an events and donor relations intern at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. Last year, Bouzihay was one of 10 U.S. college students selected for the Joseph J. Malone Fellowship in Arab and Islamic Studies cultural immersion program in Qatar. Bouzihay traveled to Qatar to learn about the country’s culture, society, and economics, as well as government priorities, concerns, and needs as pertaining to Qatari-U.S. relations. “My favorite off-campus college experience was going to Qatar,” she said. “It was exciting to meet with different diplomats and consulates. We were guests of the government, and we learned about the culture and met other students and professors from the U.S. who shared the experience. We experienced things that most students will never get to see.” Her favorite on-campus experiences included being involved in activities that made a difference to the university and the community, like serving as president of the Model Arab League and the Student Alumni Board as well as serving as the chief of staff and public relations officer for the Student Government Association. “My best on-campus experience is creating connections with people and being able to give back to the university,” Bouzihay said. “I love ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I think it’s Arkansas’s best kept secret. We have so many amazing programs, and I’ve been glad to help grow and shine some light on these programs. Since my freshman year, I’ve wanted to make changes on this campus, and that has pushed me to succeed. SGA helped me gain connections on campus, like being on the reaccreditation steering committee, and learning how things work in higher education.”�� Bouzihay was thankful to a number of mentors who helped her succeed during her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “My biggest mentor is Rebecca Glazier, since I was in Model Arab League. She opened a lot of doors, and that is why I went to Qatar,” Bouzihay said. “Sandra Leitermann at the STEM Education Center has also been an inspiration to me. I really look up to her. I work very closely with Kristi Smith and Samantha Wiley in the Bailey Alumni Center in my job as a communications intern. They have given me great opportunities to grow and advice.” As someone who participated in the Upward Bound college preparation program, Bouzihay knows the importance of having a good mentor, which is why she decided to serve as a mentor to students in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy and the Student Affairs Success Initiatives. “I saw how important it was to have positive mentors and have someone to relate to you,” she said. “I always wanted to give back, especially since the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy and the Student Affairs Success Initiatives focused on minority students. Some people just need one person to listen and help them. Anyone can be a mentor, but it takes a lot to be a positive mentor. I’m a first-generation student, so I know what it’s like and how to help new students navigate the system.” While looking back at her college career at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Bouzihay is grateful for the journey that has left her with a lifetime of exciting memories. “It was a learning experience. It opened doors I didn’t think would be possible or even existed,” she said. “It showed me the importance of giving back to the university and, no matter what, to give it your all. Without ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I wouldn’t have had the experiences I’ve had or met the people I have. I thank ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for that. I’m excited to move on to new experiences and use what I’ve learned these past four years.”

��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 student visits Qatar on international fellowship

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 13:01:52 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock student will share her knowledge of the government and culture of the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar after being selected for a prestigious international fellowship that included a diplomatic visit to Qatar. Mariam Bouzihay, a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock junior psychology student from Jonesboro, was one of 10 U.S. college students selected for the Joseph J. Malone Fellowship in Arab and Islamic Studies cultural immersion program to Qatar, a peninsula nation with a population of 2.6 million that borders Saudi Arabia to the south and is surrounded by the Persian Gulf on all other sides. “The whole point of the program is to expose people to different countries,” Bouzihay said. “There are many stereotypes about the countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. Last spring, I got to represent Qatar in the Model Arab League, and then I got to experience Qatar in real life. It was an amazing experience.” Since 1984, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations has provided American professionals in academia, government, and business educational experiences in the Arab world through the fellowship, which places its participants into the dynamics of Arab-U.S. relations and provides first-hand exposure to the region’s cultural, economic, political, and social diversity pursuant to increased knowledge and understanding. After an orientation in Washington, D.C., Bouzihay traveled to Qatar from Nov. 16-23, 2018, with the other fellows and five professors to learn about the country’s culture, society, and economics, as well as government priorities, concerns, and needs as pertaining to Qatari-U.S. relations. Qatar is quite different than most people would expect, Bouzihay said. Its economy was largely based on the pearl industry. Now, Qatar is a high-income economy backed by the world’s third-largest natural gas and oil reserves and has the highest per-capita income in the world. The United Nations has classified Qatar as a county of high human development, and it is widely regarded as the most advanced Arab state for human development. Since 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have embargoed Qatar, breaking off economic and diplomatic ties. “It’s been interesting to see how Qatar has rose up after the blockade began,” Bouzihay said. “A lot of people expected Qatar to fall, but the country fought back and established ties with other countries, which caused Qatar to become very self-sufficient. They are even hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, and they will be the first Arab country to host the event. After it’s over, Qatar plans to donate its stadiums to other countries that don’t have stadiums.” During the trip, Bouzihay’s group met with officials from the U.S. Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of Counterterrorism, and the Ministry of Defense. The group also visited the Museum of the Islamic Art, Aljazeera, Qatar National Library, Al Udeid Base, Qatar Petroleum, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Supreme Committee. “As part of the one-year fellowship, I will implement a variety of programs, events, and outreach efforts in my home community,” Bouzihay said. “These programs aim to share my newfound knowledge of Qatar with the American public, multiplying the educational impact of the program. Many people are unaware of the true Middle Eastern and North Africa region, so it is important to spread my experience and the things I learned during that time.”

High school students to participate in Model Arab League

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 22:07:14 +0000

More than 170 Arkansas high school students will participate in an annual international leadership program that gives students a taste of life as an international diplomat.�� The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host the High School Model Arab League conference on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23. The Model Arab League is a student leadership development program created by the. It is a simulation of an international organization, the League of Arab States, which represents 22 countries. “The Middle East is an area of critical importance to international politics,” said Dr. Rebecca Glazier, director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Model Arab League and associate professor in the School of Public Affairs. “Many of the issues there — from religious extremism to water shortages to gender inequality — are issues that matter for the whole world. Thinking through potential solutions to these problems is a great way for students to get engaged and feel hopeful about the future of the Middle East and the world,” she said. During the two-day event, high school students from across the state will serve as delegates on committees. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Middle Eastern Studies Program donates the conference fees to help deserving high school students attend the conference. The conference will be run by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, who will chair committees, organize awards, and serve in key roles. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who are helping to organize the conference and their positions include Jonathan Nwosu, secretary general; Mariam Bouzihay, assistant secretary general; Rashad Roberts, Joint Defense Council; Nora Bouzihay, Council on Palestinian Affairs; Sarah Fulmer, Council on Political Affairs Ministers; Faith Thomas, Council on Arab Social Affairs Ministers; Julie O’Hara, Council of Arab Economic Affairs Ministers; and Leon Kockaya, Council of Arab Economic Affairs Ministers. Participating high schools include Bryant High School, Caddo Magnet High School, Conway High School, Fayetteville High School, Haas Hall Academy, Haas Hall Rogers, Jessieville High School, Little Rock Central High School, Pulaski Academy, and Texas High School. Mariam Bouzihay, a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock junior psychology student from Jonesboro, will speak at the conference’s opening session at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in the Engineering and Information Technology Building Auditorium. As the recipient of the Joseph J. Malone Fellowship in Arab and Islamic Studies, Bouzihay traveled to Qatar in November to learn about the country’s culture, society, and ��economics, as well as government priorities, concerns, and needs as pertaining to Qatari-U.S. relations. “As part of the one year fellowship, I will implement a variety of programs, events, and outreach efforts in my home community,” Bouzihay said. “These programs aim to share my newfound knowledge of Qatar with the American public, multiplying the educational impact of the program. Many people are unaware of the true Middle Eastern and North Africa region, so it is important to spread my experience and the things I learned during that time.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has hosted the Model Arab League since 2008. The event is sponsored by the, the League of Arab States Information Office, and the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. For more information, contact Dr. Rebecca Glazier, raglazier@ualr.edu, or visit the Model Arab League.

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock grad looks forward to career in tech industry, starting orphanage

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock student visits Qatar on international fellowship

High school students to participate in Model Arab League

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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock grad looks forward to career in tech industry, starting orphanage

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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock student visits Qatar on international fellowship