/news-archive/tag/stephanie-caruthers/ 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:23:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /news-archive/2022/02/16/2022-taste-of-little-rock/ Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:23:05 +0000 /news/?p=81029 ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to Honor Alum Dr. Sara Tariq at 2022 Taste of Little Rock]]> Taste of Little Rock, will return March 29. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will honor alumna Dr. Sara Tariq, associate dean for student affairs in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (糖心Vlog传媒MS), as the 2022 Taste of Little Rock honoree. 鈥淚 am deeply honored to be a part of Taste of Little Rock,鈥� Tariq said. 鈥淎s a child of immigrant parents from India, I have a first-hand understanding of the economic and social challenges that some students face. Getting a scholarship to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock allowed me to focus solely on my studies. The faculty at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock provided me with the mentorship and knowledge to take the next steps in my career, which included getting admitted to medical school at 糖心Vlog传媒MS.鈥� The event is set for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, at the Jack Stephens Center. Taste of Little Rock raises funds to help students through the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund while introducing guests to some of the best food in the city from the finest restaurants in Little Rock. During the past 16 years, Taste of Little Rock has raised more than $682,000 for student scholarships. 鈥淲e are excited to honor Dr. Tariq for her passion to impact the lives of Arkansans through education,鈥� said Kristi Smith, senior director of development. 鈥淒uring her time as a student, she was enrolled in the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, which presented her with foundational tools of research and writing that she has used for the betterment of society. She is an outstanding example of the best and brightest from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock who have graduated and enjoyed success in their chosen fields. 鈥� Tariq, who is well-known among 糖心Vlog传媒MS medical students as a compassionate educator and mentor, is a nationally recognized leader in medical education and an exceptional physician who teaches by example. She is a 1993 graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock who holds聽 a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology. In 2018, Tariq was named Outstanding Alumni of the Year for the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. This year, Hendrix College will award her the Ethel K. Millar Award for Religion and Social Awareness. Tariq received her medical degree from 糖心Vlog传媒MS in 1998 and completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She joined the 糖心Vlog传媒MS faculty in 2002 after serving as chief resident at Brown University. She is a professor of internal medicine and serves as medical director of the Center for Clinical Skills Education. A firm believer in giving back to the community, Tariq鈥檚 philanthropic efforts in the Little Rock community are immense. She has served as president of the board of the Harmony Health Clinic, which serves the uninsured and underserved population in Pulaski County, for the past decade, and has co-chaired the annual Bollywood Nights gala for many years. 鈥淚 strongly believe in lifting others up so we can all be successful in this state,鈥� Tariq said. 鈥淒elivering primary care to the uninsured people of Little Rock at Harmony Clinic, promoting social justice by serving on the board of Just Communities of Arkansas, and serving on Mayor Frank Scott鈥檚 transition team have helped me continue to serve the people of this state, but also helped me grow as an individual. I want future 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates to have the same opportunities for growth and leadership as I have had. I am ecstatic to support 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students by raising money for scholarships.鈥� In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tariq started a community mask campaign with two 糖心Vlog传媒MS physicians to financially support women who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. The women are given sewing machines to help stitch face masks and donate masks to those in need. So far, the campaign has raised more than $16,000 and distributed more than 4,000 face masks. 鈥淲hen the pandemic hit, so many people felt helpless,鈥� Tariq said. 鈥淲hile small at first, now we are not only helping Muslims and immigrant communities, but we are also providing face masks to several faith communities, nursing homes, and churches whose congregations primarily consist of colored, marginalized, or low-income communities in central Arkansas.鈥� Stephanie Caruthers, a managing partner at Trio鈥檚 restaurant and co-chair of Taste of Little Rock, emphasized the importance of raising scholarship funds for college students. Loris Fullerton, a member of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors, is also serving as co-chair of Taste of Little Rock. 鈥淭he Alumni Association scholarships are an important part of our support and advocacy for the university and, as an Alumni Association Board member, I am able to experience first-hand the impact of Taste of Little Rock scholarships,鈥� Caruthers said. 鈥淚 have had the privilege of interviewing scholarship applicants, and that process has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my board service. I am so excited about what we have in store for Taste of Little Rock this year!鈥� Dozens of restaurants from across the capital city will serve a 鈥渢aste鈥� of one of their most popular, or new, offerings. From small bites, to drinks, to desserts 鈥� there will be a wide variety of delicious 鈥渢astes鈥� to enjoy! General admission tickets are $75. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumni who have graduated within the last five years can purchase tickets for just $35. Learn about sponsorship opportunities and purchase tickets to Taste of Little Rock at . For more information, contact Derrick Newby, associate director of membership and engagement at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, at dxnewby@ualr.edu or 501-916-3208.]]> /news-archive/2020/02/12/business-leaders-join-alumni-board/ Wed, 12 Feb 2020 20:54:23 +0000 /news/?p=76222 ... Business leaders join 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors]]> 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Presidents Award; and Claudia Utley, communications director at Economics Arkansas. 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a bachelor鈥檚 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鈥檚 outreach to farmers in the United States. Brown graduated from 糖心Vlog传媒 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鈥檚 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鈥� initiative to increase communications, heads up the organization鈥檚 website and social media, and works closely on AARP鈥檚 multicultural activities. She has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Philander Smith College and a Master of Public Administration degree from 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 1974 with bachelor鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 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.聽]]> /news-archive/2020/01/23/taste-of-little-rock-sara-tariq/ Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:02:50 +0000 /news/?p=76060 ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to honor alum Sara Tariq at Taste of Little Rock]]> 鈥淚 am deeply honored to be a part of Taste of Little Rock,鈥� Tariq said. 鈥淎s a child of immigrant parents from India, I have a first-hand understanding of the economic and social challenges that some students face. Getting a scholarship to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock allowed me to focus solely on my studies. The faculty at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock provided me with the mentorship and knowledge to take the next steps in my career, which included getting admitted to medical school at 糖心Vlog传媒MS.鈥� This year鈥檚 event is set for 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jack Stephens Center on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus. Taste of Little Rock raises funds for the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund while introducing guests to some of the best food in the city from the finest restaurants in Little Rock. In 2019, Taste of Little Rock raised more than $145,000 for student scholarships. 鈥淲e are excited to honor Dr. Tariq for her passion to impact the lives of Arkansans through education,鈥� said Kristi Smith, senior director of development. 鈥淪he chose to remain in Little Rock after receiving her medical degree to make a difference in the lives of those who impact patient lives. When she speaks of her work as a faculty member, her desire to provide first-class instruction to tomorrow鈥檚 doctors is evident.鈥� Tariq, who is well-known among 糖心Vlog传媒MS medical students as a compassionate educator and mentor, is a nationally recognized leader in medical education and an exceptional physician who teaches by example. She is a 1993 graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology. In 2018, Tariq was named Outstanding Alumni of the Year for the Donaghey Scholars Program. Tariq received her medical degree from 糖心Vlog传媒MS in 1998 and completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She joined the 糖心Vlog传媒MS faculty in 2002 after serving as chief resident at Brown University. She is a professor of internal medicine and serves as medical director of the Center for Clinical Skills Education. A firm believer in giving back to the community, Tariq鈥檚 philanthropic efforts in the Little Rock community are immense. She has served as president of the board of the Harmony Health Clinic, which serves the uninsured and underserved population in Pulaski County, for the past decade and has co-chaired the annual Bollywood Nights gala for the past eight years. 鈥淚 strongly believe in lifting others up so we can all be successful in this state,鈥� Tariq said. 鈥淒elivering primary care to the uninsured people of Little Rock at Harmony Clinic, promoting social justice by serving on the board of Just Communities of Arkansas, and serving on Mayor Frank Scott鈥檚 transition team have helped me continue to serve the people of this state, but also helped me grow as an individual. I want future 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates to have the same opportunities for growth and leadership as I have had. I am ecstatic to support 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students by raising money for scholarships.鈥� Stephanie Caruthers, a managing partner at Trio鈥檚 restaurant and chair of Taste of Little Rock, emphasized the importance of raising scholarship funds for college students. 鈥淭he Alumni Association scholarships are an important part of our support and advocacy for the university, and as an Alumni Association Board member, I am able to experience first-hand the impact of Taste of Little Rock scholarships,鈥� Caruthers said. 鈥淚 have had the privilege of interviewing scholarship applicants, and that process has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my board service. I am so excited about what we have in store for Taste of Little Rock this year!鈥� Individual tickets are on sale for $75. Sponsorships are available by contacting Kristi Smith at 501.569.8739 or klsmith4@ualr.edu. To order tickets, contact the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni office at 501-683-7208, email alumni@ualr.edu, or visit the Taste of Little Rock website.]]> /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 draws record crowd, raises $100,000]]> 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鈥檚, melt-in-your-mouth sweets from , frozen treats from and many other cuisines provided by this year鈥檚 33 vendors. served a seafood pasta that won over the crowd and earned the restaurant the 鈥淏est of Taste鈥� designation for the second year in a row. 鈥淭his was by far the most highly attended Taste of Little Rock yet,鈥� said Ryan Miller, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. 鈥淲e are excited that this event continues to grow and have an impact on student scholarships.鈥� The event raised just over $100,000 for student scholarships. 鈥淭his event wouldn’t happen without our volunteers,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淢auri 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.鈥� This year鈥檚 Taste of Little Rock paid tribute to Arkansas Heart Hospital CEO Bruce Murphy for his longtime support of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and his work to impact the health of Arkansans. Murphy, who graduated from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science, has been a longtime supporter of 糖心Vlog传媒 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, 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 largest major, with more than 400 students enrolled in associate degree programs and another 400 in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. 鈥淢any students have life issues, and their financial need is tremendous,鈥� she said. 鈥淎 majority are first-generation, and oftentimes they work multiple jobs to get through school to better themselves and their families.鈥� Davidson has had students who have dealt with the death of a spouse and a child. 鈥淗aving resources to help them get through that and have access to mental health care makes all the difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his gift has been a godsend for our program and our students.鈥� The Student Success Initiatives fund includes emergency funds that have been used to help students in desperate situations. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been able to help students renew their electricity and prevent them from being evicted. We鈥檝e had homeless students we鈥檝e been able to get housing for. It鈥檚 just been more than we could ever ask for, and we so appreciate it,鈥� 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. 鈥樷�淚t鈥檚 also adding a nurse to our community, where we currently have a nursing shortage,鈥� Davidson said. Murphy said he felt honored by his alma mater. 鈥淚 believe that I have a debt to pay to for where I am,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y expectation when I began this was not that I鈥檇 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.鈥� Top right photo:聽 A Taste of Little Rock attendee samples edamame quinoa salad preapred by Arkansas Heart Hospital. Above left: 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock student volunteers sample frozen treats from LePop, one of this year’s vendors at Taste of Little Rock. Photos by Benjamin Krain  ]]> /news-archive/2019/02/21/alumni-board/ Thu, 21 Feb 2019 19:12:37 +0000 /news/?p=73497 ... Nine new business leaders join 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni 聽Board]]> 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumni and include the following: Reteisha Byrd (鈥�14, 鈥�16), research manager with Boyette Strategic Advisors聽 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. Josh Davenport (鈥�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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. Tonya Franzetti (鈥�99), executive oncology sales consultant, Lilly Franzetti earned a biology degree from 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 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鈥檚, and Our House. She is an annual member of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. Heide Harrell (鈥�10), director of marketing and business development, Rose Law Firm聽聽 Harrell has a master鈥檚 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. Madison Hedrick (鈥�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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. Patricia (Patsy) Kane (鈥�01, 鈥�12, 鈥�17), Owner, PK Designs After earning a degree from Auburn University, Kane jump-started her career when she finished her second bachelor鈥檚 degree from 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. Richard (Gus) Leeper (鈥�15), Hot Springs branch of the Private Client Group at Stephens Inc. Leeper graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 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鈥檚 Association Board and is a lifetime member of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. Miguel Lopez (鈥�15, 鈥�17), Hispanic resource officer, First Community Bank A native of Sherwood, Lopez received his bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science, a master鈥檚 degree in public administration, and a certification in nonprofit management. During his time at 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. Nancy Rousseau (鈥�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鈥檚 degree in educational administration from 糖心Vlog传媒 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鈥檚 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association. Officers of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors for 2019 include聽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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association serve as leaders for the university’s alumni family. They work to energize and engage 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumni and friends through membership,聽 events, and opportunities to give back to support students and scholarships. Pictured are above are new member of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni 聽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  ]]> /news-archive/2019/01/22/taste-of-little-rock/ Tue, 22 Jan 2019 22:17:46 +0000 /news/?p=73185 ... Taste of Little Rock to honor Dr. Bruce Murphy]]> The 16th annual Taste of Little Rock will introduce guests to some of the best food from the finest restaurants in central Arkansas while honoring Arkansas Heart Hospital CEO Bruce Murphy for his longtime support of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and his work to impact the health of Arkansans. The event will be on Thursday, April 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jack Stephens Center at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Proceeds benefit the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Mauri Douglas (Class of 鈥�74 and 鈥�86) is co-chairing the event for the fifth year along with Stephanie Caruthers, a managing partner at Trios restaurant. 鈥淚 have helped interview students who have applied for scholarships,鈥� Douglas said. 鈥� I鈥檝e heard their stories. I know what these scholarships mean to our students.鈥� The event honors Dr. Murphy, a longtime Little Rock cardiologist, who graduated in 1975 summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In 2011, he became the CEO of Arkansas Heart Hospital. 鈥淲e are excited to honor Dr. Murphy for his passion to impact the lives of Arkansans through聽education and creating a healthy lifestyle,鈥� said Ryan Miller, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock聽Alumni Association. 鈥淗e is passionate about moving the city of Little Rock forward in聽collaboration with the university. When I first met him, he said he wanted to make Little Rock聽more of a college town 鈥� and I believe this effort will have a lasting impact on our聽肠辞尘尘耻苍颈迟测.鈥� A longtime supporter of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Murphy gave $800,000 last year to the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock College of Education and Health Professions. His 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. Murphy said he hopes the gift will help equip students with the resources they need to overcome obstacles that might prevent them聽from getting a college education. 鈥淒r. Murphy understands the role 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock plays in this city and is willing to support聽programs that promote student success while helping the economy of the region,鈥� 糖心Vlog传媒聽Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson said. Murphy has also been instrumental in creating new and innovative ways to impact the health聽of Arkansans. His vision of exercise and food as medicine can be seen in a variety of聽initiatives. The is the largest intensive cardiac rehabilitation facility in the state and the only unit in central Arkansas. There, patients are treated through diet, exercise, and lifestyle education to help them live their best lives. His work is also reflected in the mission of the Arkansas Heart Hospital Foundation, now known as Champions for Health, which focuses on helping Arkansas youth learn how to plan for health. According to Murphy, 鈥淭o be a transformative organization, you have to be disruptive.鈥� This year鈥檚 Taste of Little Rock will feature more than 40 restaurants. Several restaurants from years past will be participating along with some new eateries. 鈥淚鈥檝e had many attendees tell me that Taste of Little Rock is their favorite event,鈥� Douglas said. 鈥淥nce people come, they want to come back again and again.鈥� Tickets are $75 each, or $35 for lifetime alumni members, and can be  ]]>