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

2019 Golf Shamble to honor Kim Backus

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:18:21 +0000

The fifth annual Little Rock Golf Shamble has been set for Monday, Aug. 26, at Pleasant Valley Country Club. This year’s event will honor Kim Backus, who has been a tremendous supporter of the Little Rock golf programs for a number of years.�� “Kim Backus is one of the most humble and selfless people I have ever met,” said Director of Golf Jake Harrington. “Everything he does is because he genuinely cares about those around him. For over 30 years, the men’s and women’s golf coaches at Little Rock have relied on one man to outfit their players with the best apparel possible, and that is Kim Backus.” “In addition, his passion for the game of golf, our student-athletes, and this community are second to none. He is one of the most respected people in the Little Rock golf community and has made an incredible impact on the lives of our current and former student athletes and coaches. I am excited to be able to honor him this August for all that he has done for Little Rock golf.” Backus has been an avid supporter of Little Rock men’s and women’s golf programs and he and his wife Priscilla have also been long time season ticket holders for basketball. “We’re very appreciative of Kim Backus and his decades-long support of our Trojan student-athletes,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque. “He has gone above and beyond to assist our golf program and it seems only fitting to honor him at this year’s Golf Shamble.” Backus will join Norwood, John Elliott, Dan Snider, and Bruce Munson as past honorees at the annual shamble. “Kim has done more for golf in Arkansas and for the Little Rock golf program than any person I know,” said former head coach and Trojan Hall of Famer Wyn Norwood. “He’s done it from a position not wanting or expecting any gratitude. He does it for his love of golf and for the community.” The Little Rock Golf Shamble has evolved into an incredibly successful event, raising funds to support both the Trojan men’s and women’s golf programs. The 2018 event raised nearly $56,000 for the teams, which goes directly to help the Little Rock golf student-athletes compete at the highest level. The entry fee for this year’s event is $1,600 per team as each foursome will compete with a “celebrity,” including former and current Trojan golf student-athletes. Team entries will be served on a first-come, first-served basis as spots fill up fast. For more information, please contact Tyson Baldwin, director of athletic advancement, at 501-350-4653 or twbaldwin@ualr.edu.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business Golf Tournament set for June 17

Janea Snyder — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 22:52:32 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s 8th annual College of Business Golf Tournament will take place Monday, June 17, at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock. The tournament, presented by Simmons Bank, will feature morning and afternoon flights, a silent auction, high-end participant gifts and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all players. Flight times will be 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business. Last year’s tournament grossed more than $105,000. Teams can register online. The registration deadline is June 1. Sponsorship information is available by contacting Sarah Miller at 501-569-3208 or smmiller2@ualr.edu.

College of Business Golf Tourney raises $105,000 for student signature experiences

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:12:04 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business raised more than $105,000 at its seventh annual golf tournament, presented by , held June 11 at .�� “This tournament is something we look forward to year after year,” said Dr. Jane Wayland, Stephen Harrow Smith Dean of Business. “Simmons Bank was the presenting sponsor for the first time, and we are very grateful to them and to each and every sponsor, player, donor, and volunteer who all make this event a success.” The funds raised from this year’s event will be used to create signature experiences for students in the College of Business. In 2017, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson announced the Signature Experience program to provide students with grants so they can participate in a one-semester signature experience, such as a research project, creative activity, or community service project, that will enrich their academic experience. Seventy-nine ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students were selected as the inaugural recipients of the Undergraduate Research Signature Experience Awards for the spring 2018 semester. “Our students have proven they can compete on the regional, national, and international stage,” Wayland said. “Over the past six years, our students have placed and won in competitions in promotion, sales, data analytics, finance, management, and information systems. Proceeds from the tournament will allow more students to participate in these signature experiences.” The eighth annual College of Business Golf Tournament has been set for June 17, 2019, also at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Forty-nine teams participated in the tournament that featured morning and afternoon flights, a silent auction, high-end participant gifts, and breakfast, lunch and dinner for all players. Nike pullovers, sponsored by , and Titleist ProV1 golf balls, sponsored by , were among the gifts given to each player at the tournament. Liquor and beer were provided by and . was the official water sponsor for the golfers while supplied Gatorade and soft drinks. Morning flight participants enjoyed breakfast. Lunch featured “Ben E. Keith secret recipe” barbecued chicken, which proved to be a crowd favorite again this year along with hamburgers, hot dogs, and bratwursts grilled by and . The dinner menu, sponsored by , included meatballs, barbecue sausage, cheese dip, fresh vegetables, and fruit trays. The Golf Committee, comprised of alumni and friends of the College of Business, sponsored a raffle for two Yeti coolers filled with craft beer donated by . For more information on the tournament or to support the College of Business, please contact Dean Wayland at 501-569-3356 or jpwayland@ualr.edu. In the upper right photo (L to R), Ellon Cockrill, Beth Mason, Sharon Vogelpohl, and Margaret Ellibee compete at the College of Business Golf Tournament. Photo by Nelson Chenault.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business Golf Tournament set for June 11

Janea Snyder — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 23:11:08 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s 7th annual College of Business Golf Tournament will take place Monday, June 11, at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock. The tournament, presented by Simmons Bank, will feature morning and afternoon flights, a silent auction, high-end participant gifts and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all players. Flight times will be 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Proceeds will fund Student Signature Experience scholarships, given to students who are actively engaged in creative work or research with faculty to connect and enrich their academic lives. Last year’s event grossed more than $115,000. Teams can register online. The registration deadline is June 1. Sponsorship information is available by contacting Sheena Elam at 501-569-3208 or smelam@ualr.edu.

2018 Little Rock Golf Shamble to honor Bruce Munson

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 14:34:16 +0000

The fourth annual Little Rock Golf Shamble has been set for Monday, August 27, at Pleasant Valley Country Club. This year’s event will honor Bruce Munson, who has been a tremendous supporter of the Little Rock golf programs for years.�� A well respected lawyer in central Arkansas, Munson and his wife, Peggy, have been active supporters of the Little Rock Athletic department, including serving as a member of the Little Rock Golf Shamble committee since its inception in 2015. A member of the Locker Club, Munson has served on the Trojan Advisory Council and is a fixture at Trojan athletic events throughout the year. “I was impressed into service by Trojan Golf Hall of Famer Wyn Norwood when he volunteered me to serve as the chairman for his tournaments in the mid-1990s,” Munson said. “That thrust me into a relationship with Trojan golf, which annually, is one of my greatest pleasures. “Every year I have the privilege of working with the golf coaches, tournament committee, and tremendous young men and women which make up our golf teams. I enjoy following their accomplishments as Trojan golfers, and though I hate to see them graduate, there is always another outstanding student taking their place. I would not trade the opportunity of playing in the tournament with one of our student-athletes for anything.” Munson began practicing law in 1978 and has accumulated numerous accolades throughout his career. He has been named to the Best Lawyers in America every year since 2003, being named the Lawyer of the Year in 2015. A member of the Mid-South Super Lawyers since 2007, he has been ranked among the Top 50 Arkansas Super Lawyers since 2015. Munson also spent five years as a pilot in the United States Air Force, earning the rank of captain. “Through the years, our student-athletes and coaches across all sports at Little Rock have benefitted from Peggy and Bruce Munson’s generosity,” said Director of Athletics Chasse Conque. “We are thrilled to honor Bruce later this summer for all he has done for our golf program dating back over 20 years.” “Bruce Munson has had a significant impact on our golf program over the past 20 years, with roles that vary from being part of the committee to hosting college teams when they come play in the Little Rock Invitational each October,” said Director of Golf . “Bruce is a tireless supporter of Little Rock golf and we look forward to honoring him for his many contributions in August at our annual fundraiser.” Munson will join Wyn Norwood, John Elliott, and Dan Snider as past honorees at the annual shamble. The Little Rock Golf Shamble has evolved into an incredibly successful event, raising funds to support both the Trojan men’s and women’s golf programs. The 2017 event raised nearly $72,000 for the teams, which goes directly to help the Little Rock golf student-athletes compete at the highest level. The entry fee is $1,600 per team as each foursome will compete with a “celebrity,” including former and current Trojan golf student-athletes. Team entries will be served on a first-come, first-served basis as spots fill up fast. For more information, please contact Trojan Director of Golf at 501-516-3531 (jxharrington@ualr.edu) or Head Women’s Golf Coach at 501-680-0825 (blnorwood@ualr.edu).

Fribourgh Award Reception raises $60,000 for STEM scholarships at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 14:18:23 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock raised $60,000 for undergraduate mathematics and science students during the eighth annual Fribourgh Award Reception held Sept. 28 at Pleasant Valley Country Club.�� The Fribourgh Award recognizes individuals who made considerable contributions to the state through the disciplines of mathematics and science. Jerry and Sherri Damerow, longtime supporters of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, were honored as this year’s recipients. The Damerows have been ardent supporters of the Fribourgh Award Reception since it began in 2010 to honor the late Dr. James H. Fribourgh, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock professor emeritus, who served the university for more than 45 years as chair of Life Sciences, interim chancellor, vice chancellor for academic affairs, and distinguished professor of biology. Jerry Damerow, who serves on the Science Dean’s Council at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, is retired Ernst and Young partner and currently chief financial officer at LLC, a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences BioVentures start-up company, while Sherri Damerow is an artist and retired kindergarten teacher. In 2009, the Damerows began funding an endowed scholarship for mathematics and statistics students that can be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board, and travel expenses. This year’s Fribourgh Award was created by Michael Warrick, professor of sculpture. Warrick designed a miniature version of his sculpture, �Ԩ�ǳܳٳ�,” which was recently delivered to officials in Hanam, South Korea, to honor the 25th anniversary of the Sister City partnership between Little Rock and Hanam that began in 1992. The 14-inch award is made of bronze, walnut, and gold leaf. Warrick designed the award using 3-D modeling software. The piece is made of bronze, walnut, and gold leaf.

Alfred Williams (left) presents the Fribourgh Award to Jerry Damerow (right) during the Sept. 28 award reception at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Communications.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Science and Mathematics Leadership Endowed Scholarship Fund for undergraduate students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� Tom Clifton, dean of the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences, was proud of the fine example of student support demonstrated by the Damerows and the event’s supporters. Thanks to their generosity, Clifton was proud to announce that the 2017 Fribourgh Award Reception was the highest-grossing fundraiser to support the Science and Mathematics Leadership Endowed Scholarship Fund at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. So far, nine students have received scholarships from the fund. The most recent recipient, Lyle Arnette, has a 4.0 GPA and will graduate in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in physics and a minor in mathematics. Meanwhile, the 2016 scholarship recipient, John Siratt, received a grant from the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium and interned with the NASA Langley Research Center this summer. His research finds applications in autopilot and autonomous drone systems to help program computers to correctly navigate planes using spherical geometry. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson praised the event for putting the spotlight on supporting science and mathematics students through scholarships. “The biggest risk factor for students in higher education today is a shortage of money,” Rogerson said. “Often it’s not the lack of determination or intellectual ability that deters students from completing a degree—it’s financial constraints. So scholarship support is crucial to student success, and I thank each of you here tonight for your support and generosity.” There is a need for more students to major in STEM fields to fill gaps in the workforce and promote growth in the state and national economy, Rogerson said. The Center on Education and Workforce projects there will be a 19 percent increase in STEM careers by 2020. “Science is the engine of prosperity,” Rogerson said. “The United States has developed as a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers, and innovators. The number of jobs available in the United States is directly related to advances made in science and engineering.”

Golf Tournament raises $115k for student success initiatives in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 14:39:06 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business raised more than $115,000 for student success initiatives at its sixth annual golf tournament. “This tournament is something we look forward to year after year,” said Dr. Jane Wayland, Stephen Harrow Smith dean of Business. “Dillard’s has presented the tournament for four years now, and we are very grateful to them and to each and every sponsor, player, donor, and volunteer who all make this event a success.” This year’s tournament was held June 12 at Pleasant Valley Country Club and presented by Dillard’s. Next year’s tournament has been set for June 11 at the same location. Money raised from this year’s event will be added to the newly established Student Success Endowment fund, which was created fall 2016 with the help of a lead gift from U.S. Bank.

This endowment was established to provide for the ever-changing needs of students and can be used for scholarships, competitions, student enrichment, career placement, study abroad programs, and competitive support for gifted and talented students. “We are excited to announce a goal of $250,000 for the Student Success Endowment. This endowment will ensure that funds are available to assist students for years to come. Successful students mean success for Arkansas and the business community,” Wayland said. Fifty-two teams participated in the 2017 tournament that featured morning and afternoon flights, a silent auction, participant gifts and breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all players. Sponsors include Textbook Brokers, Pettus Office Supply, Ace Liquor, Diamond Bear Beer, Gateway Bank, Pepsi, Westrock Coffee, Ben E. Keith, Malvern National Bank, and Golden Corral. For more information, contact Sheena Howell, director of development and external relations for the College of Business, at 501.569.3208 or smhowell1@ualr.edu.

Volunteers help raise money for student success initiatives during the sixth annual University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business Golf Tournament June 12 at Pleasant Valley Country Club.

Jerry and Sherri Damerow to receive ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Fribourgh Award

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 17:12:03 +0000

Jerry and Sherri Damerow, longtime supporters of STEM education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will be honored during the eighth annual Fribourgh Award Reception.�� The Fribourgh Award recognizes individuals who made considerable contributions to the state through the disciplines of mathematics and science. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Pleasant Valley Country Club. Proceeds benefit the Science and Mathematics Leadership Endowed Scholarship Fund for undergraduate students. Jerry Damerow, a retired Ernst & Young partner, is on the board of Southern Bancorp and is chief financial officer of InterveXion Therapeutics LLC. He and his wife, Sherri, a retired kindergarten teacher, said the award presents a great opportunity to highlight the importance of STEM education. “Math, chemistry, physics, biology, and many more classes are the core STEM education classes we are supporting,” he said. “If students have a weak foundation in these core classes, it prevents us from preparing students for the jobs of the future.” The Damerows believe helping students earn a college degree in a STEM area represents a “commitment to lifelong learning,” a goal the couple has supported for many years. In 2009, the Damerows began funding an endowed scholarship for mathematics and statistics students that can be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board, and travel expenses. Jerry Damerow recently was named chair of the newly created Science Dean’s Council at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Council members advocate on behalf of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences and garner community support for science programs, including faculty and undergraduate research funding, the Fribourgh Award receptions, and the Science Olympiad. Jerry Damerow works at LLC, a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences BioVentures start-up company that has a drug candidate for the treatment of methamphetamine in clinical trials. His previous experience includes serving as associate director of ��Vlog��ýMS BioVentures; as a managing partner for Ernst & Young operations in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Southeast Asia; and as a management consultant for early stage businesses. His civic and professional involvement includes serving as a member and past director of the Rotary Club of Little Rock, as past board chair of the EAST Initiative, as chair of board of directors, as ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Business Advisory Council member, and as a former chair of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s College of Science and Mathematics Advisory Council. Sherri Damerow is a retired kindergarten teacher and artist. She has been involved in numerous charitable causes, including teaching computer skills to seniors at the ��Vlog��ýMS and volunteering with and the Humane Society of Pulaski County. The Damerows have been ardent supporters of the Fribourgh Award Reception since it began in 2010 to honor the late Dr. James H. Fribourgh, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock professor emeritus, who served the university for more than 45 years as chair of Life Sciences, interim chancellor, vice chancellor for academic affairs, and distinguished professor of biology. Jerry Damerow, who knew Dr. Fribourgh through their mutual membership in the Rotary Club of Little Rock, said he and his wife were honored to receive the award named after someone who made so many contributions to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Dr. Fribourgh was a great guy,” he said. “To receive an award with his name on it is extra special.” Past recipients of the award include Jerry B. Adams, president and CEO of Arkansas Research Alliance; H. Watt Gregory III, partner at Kutak Rock LLP; Dr. Charles E. Hathaway, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock chancellor emeritus and Donaghey distinguished professor; Peter Banko, president and CEO of St. Vincent Health System; Dr. James Hendren, former CEO and chairman of Arkansas Systems Inc., and Dr. Mary Good, founding dean of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Engineering and Information Technology. Tickets are on sale for $75 per person ($50 is tax deductible). Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $10,000. Tickets and sponsorships are available online or by contacting Derek Boyce at dcboyce@ualr.edu or 501.416.0611.

��Vlog��ýLR art professor designs new Fribourgh Award

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 15:59:32 +0000

When Dr. Mary Good receives the seventh annual Fribourgh Award on Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Pleasant Valley Country Club, she will also become the first recipient of a unique work of art designed by a local Little Rock artist and art professor.�� Michael Warrick, a University of Arkansas at Little Rock professor, created the new Fribourgh Award, given to individuals who have made considerable contributions to the state through the disciplines of mathematics and science.

In the past, the Fribourgh Award committee utilized a commercial company to provide the award. This year, the committee searched for a local artist to reimagine the award. Warrick designed six versions of the award that he presented to the committee. The choices were narrowed down to one from which a wooden model was created. In the end, Warrick utilized a basic and modern design with some interesting elements, including hammered surface texture and a gold leaf.

��Vlog��ýLR Art Professor Michael Warrick created a new Fribourgh Award.

While the project took about six months, which is longer than he originally planned, Warrick is excited about how the award turned out. “Whatever I can do to make a project the best possible project, I do. I think of the time spent as an investment,” he said. “There is an old Chinese proverb that inspires me. The sting of doing something badly lasts much longer than the pleasure of doing it right.” Created in 2010, the Fribourgh Award honors the late Dr. James H. Fribourgh, ��Vlog��ýLR professor emeritus, who served the university for more than 45 years in various roles, including chair of life sciences, interim chancellor, vice chancellor for academic affairs, and distinguished professor of biology. Good’s public service record is extensive having served in various federal, state, and local positions such as undersecretary for technology for the Technology Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce, member of U.S. President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and chair of the Little Rock Technology Park Authority Board.

Mary Good

At ��Vlog��ýLR, Good served as a special adviser for economic development to former Chancellor Joel Anderson, chair of ��Vlog��ýLR’s George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center Management Board, and founding dean of the ��Vlog��ýLR College of Engineering and Information Technology. “I have admired her approach to developing the Engineering and Information Technology program,” Warrick said. “She has done a wonderful thing for the state and the university.”

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

2019 Golf Shamble to honor Kim Backus

����Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business Golf Tournament set for June 17

College of Business Golf Tourney raises $105,000 for student signature experiences

����Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business Golf Tournament set for June 11

2018 Little Rock Golf Shamble to honor Bruce Munson

Fribourgh Award Reception raises $60,000 for STEM scholarships at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

Golf Tournament raises $115k for student success initiatives in ����Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Business

Jerry and Sherri Damerow to receive ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Fribourgh Award