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

- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock /news-archive/tag/mauri-douglass/ ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Fri, 12 Apr 2019 22:15:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Taste of Little Rock draws record crowd, raises $100,000 /news-archive/2019/04/12/taste-of-little-rock-2/ Fri, 12 Apr 2019 22:15:18 +0000 /news/?p=74039 ...]]> Taste of Little Rock set new records this year, with nearly 800 people attending and more than $100,000 raised for student scholarships. Visitors were treated to tamales from , perfectly plated beef medallions with mashed potato from Arthur’s, melt-in-your-mouth sweets from , frozen treats from and many other cuisines provided by this year’s 33 vendors. served a seafood pasta that won over the crowd and earned the restaurant the “Best of Taste” designation for the second year in a row. “This was by far the most highly attended Taste of Little Rock yet,” said Ryan Miller, director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association. “We are excited that this event continues to grow and have an impact on student scholarships.” The event raised just over $100,000 for student scholarships.

“This event wouldn’t happen without our volunteers,” Miller said. “Mauri Douglass has been the longtime chair of this event, and we wouldn’t be successful without her guidance. Stephanie Caruthers stepped in to serve as co-chair, and we look forward to her leadership in the coming year. Additionally, the Alumni Board and Taste of Little Rock committee put in countless hours securing sponsors and restaurants to make the event a success, and we had more than 75 student volunteers.” This year’s Taste of Little Rock paid tribute to Arkansas Heart Hospital CEO Bruce Murphy for his longtime support of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and his work to impact the health of Arkansans. Murphy, who graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science, has been a longtime supporter of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Last year, he gave $800,000 to the College of Education and Health Professions. That gift helps support the Student Success Initiatives Fund, which provides academic tutoring and mentoring to students as well as a full-time social worker to assist students. On April 3, the night before Taste of the Little Rock, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock hosted a small reception honoring Dr. Murphy. Sloan Davidson, director of the nursing department, told Dr. Murphy that her students have benefited tremendously from having access to a social worker. Nursing is ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s largest major, with more than 400 students enrolled in associate degree programs and another 400 in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. “Many students have life issues, and their financial need is tremendous,” she said. “A majority are first-generation, and oftentimes they work multiple jobs to get through school to better themselves and their families.” Davidson has had students who have dealt with the death of a spouse and a child. “Having resources to help them get through that and have access to mental health care makes all the difference,” she said. “This gift has been a godsend for our program and our students.” The Student Success Initiatives fund includes emergency funds that have been used to help students in desperate situations. “We’ve been able to help students renew their electricity and prevent them from being evicted. We’ve had homeless students we’ve been able to get housing for. It’s just been more than we could ever ask for, and we so appreciate it,” Davidson told Dr. Murphy. Those kinds of resources often mean the difference between students dropping out of school or finishing a degree that will help them get a job with which they can support themselves and their families. ‘“It’s also adding a nurse to our community, where we currently have a nursing shortage,” Davidson said. Murphy said he felt honored by his alma mater. “I believe that I have a debt to pay to for where I am,” he said. “My expectation when I began this was not that I’d be where I am today. I know it is because I was blessed by my Lord, blessed by the education I got, and I was very blessed by the people who helped me and became role models for me, who were the motivators and molders that gave me the opportunity to stay on the road and not the shoulder.” Top right photo: A Taste of Little Rock attendee samples edamame quinoa salad preapred by Arkansas Heart Hospital. Above left: ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student volunteers sample frozen treats from LePop, one of this year’s vendors at Taste of Little Rock. Photos by Benjamin Krain ]]> Nine new business leaders join ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board /news-archive/2019/02/21/alumni-board/ Thu, 21 Feb 2019 19:12:37 +0000 /news/?p=73497 ...]]> 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 ]]> Longtime ��Vlog��ý Little Rock volunteer to receive President’s Award /news-archive/2018/05/03/longtime-ua-little-rock-volunteer-receive-presidents-award/ Thu, 03 May 2018 17:25:44 +0000 /news/?p=70413 ...]]> 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 announces 2018 Distinguished Alumni, Presidents Award honorees /news-archive/2018/04/05/distinguished-alumni/ Thu, 05 Apr 2018 15:48:04 +0000 /news/?p=70049 ...]]> Troy Wells, who earned a master’s degree in health services administration in 1997 at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, joined Baptist Health in 2006, and became the CEO and president in 2014. Wells will be honored during the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Distinguished Alumni Awards Celebration on Friday, May 11, at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. Joining Wells is the 2018 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Presidents Award recipient, Mauri Douglass, a retired gifted and talented educator who serves on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association Board and has chaired Taste of Little Rock for four years. She also is the 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. “The contributions and dedication of Troy and Mauri bring credit to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and exemplify the heart of a Trojan,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “While their backgrounds vary, they are both united by outstanding accomplishments and service back to their alma mater.” The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor presented by the university while the Presidents Award is bestowed on individuals with career success and a profound dedication to the university.]]>