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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock celebrates opening of new Starbucks

John Hill — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 19:14:46 +0000

The Oct. 5 opening of a new Starbucks on campus was met with great applause and joy as the students, staff, faculty, and community welcomed the new coffee shop in front of Cooper Fountain at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “As you can see, this is a beautiful setting, We are really thrilled to have Starbucks opening on this location on our campus,” Chancellor Christina Drale said. “Let me remind everybody that our theme for this year is ‘Trojans Together and United.’ I think this facility is a really good reflection of that. A lot of people came together to make this happen, and I think a lot of people will continue to come together and use this facility to meet one another, to maintain friendships, and to build great new things at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” Daniel Howley, general manager for Sodexo, thanked Starbucks and Sodexo managers who have been training the staff for the past few weeks. Starbucks held a soft opening the week of Sept. 28 to give the new staff one-on-one training with their new customers. “I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out for the brand new Starbucks that is opening up on campus,” Halle said. “I also want to thank ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for the great partnership that we have and that we will continue. I hope you enjoy the new Starbucks.” Chancellor Drale also thanked Sodexo and Starbucks for being great partners in this endeavor; David Millay, assistant vice chancellor of Facilities Management, and the Facilities Management team for their hard work, and Dean of Students Richard Harper for overseeing the project from the Student Affairs side, as well as several ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student groups for their efforts to bring Starbucks to campus. Just as a coffee shop is known as a staple of college life, Chancellor Drale also thanked someone who has come to be known as a staple and fixture on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus, , who has worked at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock since 2001. “Ms. Joyce kept our Starbucks concessions going in Ottenheimer Library, and I understand she is now going to be working for us in our new establishment,” Drale said. “If you haven’t met her, you will. She brings her own special brand of joy and good cheer to everyone she meets, and I think that is a fabulous representation of what ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is all about.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students attend the grand opening of the new Starbucks on Oct. 5. Photo by Ben Krain.

The new Starbucks is part of a series of renovations to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campus Dining completed by Sodexo. Construction on the new Starbucks began in May and was completed in September. Starbucks will be open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located in the Old Student Union A building behind Cooper Fountain. “Students, staff, and faculty have been enjoying the atmosphere and ambiance as well as Starbucks coffee and other products,” Harper said. “Once you walk into the building and see the view of Cooper Fountain, you can’t beat it. I think this will be a transformational space for gatherings and recruitment on campus.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and Sodexo will continue the celebration all week long with giveaways via . In the upper right photo, Chancellor Christina Drale participates in a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of a new Starbucks on campus. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to hold Oct. 5 grand opening for Starbucks

John Hill — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 21:52:46 +0000

A coffee shop is a staple of college life, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will hold a grand opening for the university’s new Starbucks at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5. The event can also be watched via Instagram Live @��Vlog��ýLRdining.�� Starbucks will be open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located in the Old Student Union A building behind Cooper Fountain. Starbucks held a soft opening the week of Sept. 28. “Students, staff, and faculty have been enjoying the atmosphere and ambiance as well as Starbucks coffee and other products,” said Dr. Richard Harper, dean of students. “Once you walk into the building and see the view of Cooper Fountain, you can’t beat it. I think this will be a transformational space for gatherings and recruitment on campus.”�� The new Starbucks is part of a series of renovations to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Campus Dining completed by Sodexo. Construction on the new Starbucks began in May and was completed in September.

Improvements coming to Donaghey Student Center in the fall

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 11:03:49 +0000

In response to student feedback, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is making many renovations at the Donaghey Student Center over the summer to transform the DSC into a more inviting space for students to meet, eat, play, and study.�� “We have listened to your ideas for improving the DSC, and I think you will be pleased with what you find this fall,” Chancellor Andrew Rogerson said. “We are currently in the process of creating more multipurpose areas, including gathering and gaming spaces. We’re also remodeling the entryway on the west side of the DSC and creating more student lounge space for your activities.” With the eStem High School students now dining on the second floor of Ross Hall beginning in the fall, students can take advantage of extra lounge and eating spaces throughout the DSC with many changes come to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Dining Services. Outside of the continuous dining area, a new lounging and dining space with open seating for more than 175 people will be available. This open seating area will be accessible to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors and does not require the purchase of a meal to gain entry. Some new seating options in the continuous dining and open seating area will contain plugins for students to charge their electronic devices. “The focus is on making it a student-friendly area. It’s a great space for popup dining and class projects. It will serve as an excellent spot for friends to gather for a meal, for students to meet to work on class projects, and for students and faculty members to come together,” said Doug Britt, general manager of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Dining. A bigger and better Meeting Room G will also open in the fall with more seating than before. The meeting room will be accessible through the cafeteria or an outside entrance for people coming from the south end of campus. Students can also look forward to a new Starbucks coming to campus next year. The restaurant will be located in the quad on the back side of the Old Student Union A building with a patio seating area facing Cooper Fountain and is scheduled to open on Jan. 20, 2020. On the east side of the DSC, upgrades will include the creation of multipurpose and recreational student-gathering spaces where students can watch television and movies, play e-games, and have fun with pool tables and foosball. The new gaming and lounge ��areas will be open several nights a week for the exclusive use of students and student organizations. “Students will be coming back to a Donaghey Student Center with a different, more inviting look,” said Dr. Mark Allen Poisel, vice chancellor for student affairs. “These improvements are about transforming the area into more student-accessible spaces that will give students more reasons to hang out in the student center.”

Open seating now available in Donaghey Student Center, more changes coming to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Dining

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 03 May 2019 21:15:32 +0000

Open seating is now available for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, faculty, and staff at the Trojan Café in the Donaghey Student Center.�� The seating area was closed off during the fall 2018 semester when ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Dining Services converted the Trojan Café to an all-you-can-eat dining area that required the purchase of a meal to gain entry. Now, a meal purchase will not be required to access the open seating area located to the right of the cashier. The area can seat approximately 170 people.�� Vlog��ý Little Rock will also begin renovations for a new Starbucks this summer, which will be located in the quad on the back side of the Old Student Union A building with a patio seating area facing Cooper Fountain. Starbucks is scheduled to open in January 2020. The Trojan Café will close on May 14 to undergo renovations for the summer. The dining facility will reopen in fall 2019 with a new look. Meanwhile, a chef will reimagine the menu with new food options. Current food stations will be revamped to include a Chef’s Table featuring international fares. Additionally, Conference Room G in the Donaghey Student Center will also be renovated over the summer and reopen for use in the fall. The Trojan Café will have new dining hours in the 2019-20 academic year, 7-10 a.m. for breakfast and 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch. Dining Services will also offer continuous dining from 2-5 p.m. for lunch and 5-7:30 p.m. for dinner. While Trojan Café is closed over the summer, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community can dine at the Trojan Bistro from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Tres Habaneros from 7-9 a.m. and 11 a.m-1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tres Habaneros will serve buffet foods, and students and employees can use their meal plans at this location. The Library Café in Ottenheimer Library also will be open from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Campus Night provides great perks for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 17:40:54 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate its employees with free tickets and concession dollars during Campus Night at the men’s basketball game Thursday, March 7.�� All ��Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty and staff members will receive two free tickets courtesy of the Little Rock Athletic Department to watch the Trojans battle the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at 6:30 p.m. March 7 in the Jack Stephens Center. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock offices and departments can request block tickets so groups can enjoy the game together. The first 500 faculty and staff members to arrive also will receive $6 in Chancellor Bucks, courtesy of Chancellor Andrew Rogerson, to be used for concession purchases. The Chancellor Bucks will be available at the chancellor’s table near the Jack Stephens Center entrance. All ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students can get into the game for free with their student ID and will receive a free hot dog or popcorn and drink. “Athletics is excited to partner with our campus community to present our first Campus Night in conjunction with our upcoming basketball game on March 7,” said Chasse Conque, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “This will be a special night where we celebrate our faculty, staff, and students that make our university special. We hope all Trojans will join us for a fun night as we salute our campus community and together cheer on Little Rock’s Team!” Tickets can be ordered individually, while offices and departments can request block tickets for groups, by calling the box office at 565-8257 or emailing lrtrojans-tickets@ualr.edu. Campus Night tickets must be picked up prior to game night. The ticket office at the Jack Stephens Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-4 p.m. Additionally, employees can pick up tickets in the Donaghey Student Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a table in front of the campus bookstore on Tuesday, March 5. To show their appreciation for faculty and staff, Sodexo will host a March Madness $6.50 employee lunch special at the Trojan Café from 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 5 with a valid ID. Members of the faculty and staff will be honored and participate in media time-out promotions during the game. Wear maroon and be sure to pack the Jack on March 7!��

Second ACCE cohort graduates from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 24 May 2018 16:39:45 +0000

Kari Lott has a dream to one day save up enough money to open and run her own restaurant, a dream she is determined to make come true through her hard work and inspiring attitude.�� She is one of 12 students who celebrated their graduation from the ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment (ACCE) Program May 21 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The joint program between ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a college experience and prepare them for competitive employment. “When I first got into the ACCE program, I was a little scared not knowing if I could do the work,” said Lott, who now has a full-time job at the Movie Tavern and was selected to speak at the graduation ceremony. “The program was built to help us all. All of our teachers helped out a lot. I worked hard at my internships to do what I needed to learn on the job.” Given her desire to open a restaurant, it should come as no surprise that Lott’s favorite internship was building her culinary skills at Sodexo. “My favorite internship was Sodexo, because I got to work in the kitchen,” Lott said. “I got to chop. I got to prepare the food and make sure it got on the line. Boy, let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy. With the help and love of our teachers, family, and parents, I made it through it, and I am proud to say I really enjoyed it.” The program was established in 2017 with the knowledge that only 32 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed from 2010 to 2012, according to the Department of Labor. Studies show that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in post-secondary education have better jobs and receive higher earnings. “We are excited to continue our partnership with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to offer this important program and proud of our 2018 graduates,” said Easterseals Arkansas President and CEO Elaine Eubank. The 12 members of the second cohort of the ACCE program were surrounded by teary eyed family members, friends, teachers, mentors, and co-workers who loudly cheered as each member crossed the stage to receive a certificate for the post-secondary education program during a special ceremony in the Engineering and Information Technology Building auditorium. The graduates include Nicholas Austin of Alexander; Joshua Fletcher of North Little Rock; Davion Green, Breah Hampton, and Curtina Jackson, all of Little Rock; Kari Lott and Chasity Mathis, both of Sherwood; Ford McGahee, John Rockefeller, Juan Rodriquez Jr., and Aaron Sullivan, all of Little Rock; and Jonmichal Walker of North Little Rock. While addressing the graduates, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson emphasized the importance of higher education, employment, and living independently for success. “No matter what the situation, higher education levels the playing field and must be available and accessible for all,” Rogerson said. “If so, it will change your life for the better. This is a proud moment Class of 2018. You have worked hard and have earned a certificate of completion, an important qualification that shows you have completed a specialized training program and pathway to your future employment.” Fletcher, a 2017 graduate of North Little Rock Premier High School, was recognized as the 2018 Associate of the Year for his exemplary work during his time in the ACCE program. He has interned with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Ground Services and The Showroom to build custom frames and will be joining the workforce working full-time with Dillard’s Fulfillment Center as well as intermediate work continuing at The Showroom. This year’s class has completed on-the-job training at various departments and��organizations on and off campus, including Ottenheimer Library, Sodexo, Fitness Center, Grounds Services, Custodial Services, Athletic Department, Department of Nursing, Sequoyah National Research Center, Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education, ��Vlog��ýMS/��Vlog��ý Little Rock Speech and Hearing Clinic, Information Technology Program, MidSOUTH, School of Social Work, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Children’s Learning Center, The Showroom, and Easterseals Developmental Preschool. ACCE students also enjoyed student activities by attending Trojan games, Homecoming activities, and being active participants in the college experience. The students increased ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s initiative to engage in more community outreach, enhance learning opportunities outside the classroom and diversity and as part of their outlined strategic plan. ACCE also has a collaborative partnership with the College of Education and Health Professionals, where ACCE class instruction is held, for students to volunteer within the ACCE classroom. Additionally, ACCE students lead discussions in classrooms to share their experiences in the secondary special education system. All of the graduates were awarded a free membership to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association and a gift bag. The program is continuing to grow as the third cohort of ��Vlog��ý, Community, Career Development and Employment Program participants will begin taking classes at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock this fall with 16 students. The ceremony’s commencement speaker, Alan McClain, commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, thanked the graduates for being an inspiration to those around them and strong addition to Arkansas’s workforce. “In addition to my congratulations, my message to you is also to say thank you,” McClain said. “Thank you for inspiring us with your dedication and perseverance for coming out here everyday and completing the requirements for ACCE. Please know that your involvement with ACCE has made a huge impact on the world around you.” In the upper right photo, the 2018 graduates of the ACCE program include (L to R): Back row: John Steele, ACCE instructor, and graduates John Rockefeller and Breah Hampton. Middle row: Graduates Ford McGahee, Jonmichal Walker, Joshua Fletcher, Davion Green, Juan Rodriguez, and ACCE Instructor Leslie Harms. Front row: Kari Lott, Curtina Jackson, Chasity Mathis, Nicholas Austin, and Aaron Sullivan.

Nominations sought for 2017 Staff Achievement awards, scholarships

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 21:17:12 +0000

Nominations are being accepted for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock 2017 Staff Achievement Awards, sponsored by Sodexo, until Monday, April 3. Staff members who have brought recognition to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in the categories of personal achievement, service to the university, and community service will be recognized at the awards ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 20, in the Engineering and Information Technology Building Auditorium. A $1,000 cash award is given to the top employee in each category. Eligible employees are full-time regular classified and non-faculty/non-classified employees holding no academic rank. To fill out a nomination form for the Staff Achievement Awards, visit the Staff Senate website. The Staff Senate also has two scholarships for employees who are furthering their education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The Staff Senate Scholarship is a $250 scholarship, and the Jerry Crittenden Employee Book Scholarship is a $75 book scholarship. Both scholarships may be awarded to as many as four individuals. Scholarship applications are also due April 3 and can be submitted to Jackie Hanner by email at jlhendricks1@ualr.edu or in person at Dickinson Hall Room 622. For more information, contact Staff Senate President Laura McClellan at lcmcclellan@ualr.edu.

‘Strength in numbers,’ Campus Campaign kicks off

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:41:58 +0000

Beginning Sept. 15, the ��Vlog��ýLR Steering Committee and ��Vlog��ýLR Ambassadors are hosting informational sessions about the 2014 ��Vlog��ýLR Campus Campaign, with treats – free donuts to all departments provided by Sodexo. When the Campus Campaign began in 2001, 6.5 percent of the campus participated; by 2013, participation rose to 50 percent of all benefits-eligible employees. For 2014, the goal is to reach a 53 percent employee participation rate, with a dollar goal of $300,000. Since participation is so important to having a successful campaign, this year’s theme is “Our strength is in our numbers!” “Employee participation in this year’s campaign is critical, and every gift matters,” said new Campus Campaign Steering Committee Chair Aresh Assadi. “Many areas rely on our gifts to maintain services and develop and grow programs that support our students, our research, and our faculty and staff development,” said Assadi. “Equally important is that our support demonstrates to alumni, friends, corporations, foundations and community partners that we believe in ��Vlog��ýLR and that it’s worthy of their support, too.” Assadi agreed to serve as chair because he strongly believes education is the key to changing lives. In fact, if it weren’t for education, he says his life would have turned out completely different. Having earned his undergraduate and master’s degree in counseling, Assadi is now working toward his doctorate and is putting his education to work as a counselor in the ��Vlog��ýLR Counseling Services Office. For more information about the campaign, contact Laura Wentz at 501.569.3249.

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New Dining Services Chef to Cut Calories, Not Taste

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:17:54 +0000

New executive chef Solon Pietila brings almost 10 years of culinary experience and the desire to increase fresh and local produce options to . Before coming to ��Vlog��ýLR, Pietila was executive chef at Texas A&M University – Commerce, just outside of Dallas. He was trained at Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Ore. Born and raised in the state of Washington, Pietila is not new to Sodexo, ��Vlog��ýLR’s dining provider, or to Arkansas. He has been with the company for almost nine years, and previously lived in Arkadelphia for two and a half years while working at Ouachita Baptist University. While there, he acquired a new-found appreciation for a local favorite. “My favorite dish to prepare for others is easily smoked St. Louis ribs and Southwest macaroni and cheese with homemade barbecue sauce. Barbecue was new to me when moving to Arkansas the first time and is an obsession for me these days,” he said. Pietila aims to provide a wider variety of healthy options for customers, including making some of the salad dressings from scratch. “My focus for adding health-conscious options to the Diamond Café will be to adjust our salad bar further towards fresh and local produce,” said Pietila. “We have already begun to process our own produce from whole form to give a fresher look and taste to the ingredients offered.” Pietila said he is looking forward to interacting with students and faculty and urges anyone who has special diet needs to contact him directly at Solon.Pietila@sodexo.com. Pictured: Executive Chef Solon Pietila Pictured: Seafood Cobb Salad prepared by Solon Pietila

Sodexo Offers Food for Food Oct. 1

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:40:07 +0000

Bring five non-perishable food items to the Donaghey Student Center’s Diamond Cafe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, and receive a free meal from Sodexo and benefit the Reach 13,000 food drive. The Reach 13,000 food drive is conducted by the ��Vlog��ýLR Staff Senate and the Student Government Association. For more information, contact Justin Roberson, marketing coordinator for at 501-682-6963.

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock celebrates opening of new Starbucks

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to hold Oct. 5 grand opening for Starbucks