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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Grad Honored as LULAC Student of the Year

John Hill — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:23:24 +0000

Christine Jones, a graduating student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has been honored as the LULAC Student of the Year. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 750 honored Jones with the award for the second year in a row during a Nov. 5 dinner celebrating the 17 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who received LULAC scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. “We have a really good group of students that are involved and really want to get things done,” said Jones, who serves as president of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s LULAC chapter. “We recently elected our new board that will begin next year. I’m just really excited for the future of the chapter. I felt honored that they think me worthy of being Student of the Year again.” Jones was also among a group of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who attended the LULAC National Convention this summer in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They were the first students from the university to attend the conference since 2016 and raised more than $11,000 for the trip, where they learned valuable skills in leadership, education, career preparation, and networking. Jones, who lives in Cabot, will graduate in December with a Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing degree and plans to work as a communications specialist. She said that living in a homeless shelter is what convinced her to go back to college to change her life for the better. “In November 2010, I moved into a homeless shelter with 4- and 6-year-old little boys,” Jones said. “I got myself out of the homeless shelter by March and literally climbed out of there. That was my moment of reckoning when I decided to come back to school. I realized I needed to make a change for myself and my boys.” Jones said she joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for the flexibility of classes and the focus on nontraditional students. “From the moment I arrived back on campus, I completely jumped into my studies, wholeheartedly,” Jones said. “I enjoyed every course I took and the more and more I excelled, I realized that the Professional and Technical Writing program was a perfect fit for my creativity, which is evident in my work and my 4.0 GPA. Also, I began to join different organizations on campus, wanting to become more involved. As an undergrad, here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I was a single mother with two young boys trying to balance that along with a full-time job and a full course load. Now that my children are much older and more independent, I have some extra time on my hands.” Throughout her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Jones filled leadership roles in the Graduate Student Association, Student Government Association, the Racial Barriers Committee, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, but she cites her time in LULAC as the most memorable.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students Christine Jones, left, Luis Velazquez, and Kassandra Torres attended the National LULAC convention in July.

“I wouldn’t trade the experience I’ve gained for anything in the world,” she said. “And I will always be grateful to LULAC and every single entity on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus who donated to the cause for helping four LULAC students to raise $12,000 to go to Puerto Rico for the LULAC National Convention, where I was able to accept, in person, the 2022 LULAC National Education Service Centers, Inc. Aspiring Scholar Award. I plan on taking on an advisory role through the parent organization, LULAC 750, after graduation.” In addition to her extracurricular activities, Jones gained valuable professional experience through graduate assistantships. She managed social media and planned engagement activities for Ottenheimer Library, then served as a communications assistant for the Dean’s office in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. She spent her final semester as a social media assistant with the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. As Jones reflects on her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she is thankful for the education, skills, and confidence she gained to be successful in her future endeavors. “This is the best decision I ever made,” she said. “I’ve been improving our lives in little tiny steps ever since I started college. When I started school, I thought I would try it out and see how it went. I never expected to excel the way I did. I put my mind to succeeding, and there is nothing I can’t achieve if I put my mind to it.”

Hispanic Heritage Month Student Spotlight: Yvonne Rodriguez

John Hill — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 13:01:52 +0000

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is profiling students who receive a League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) scholarship. Meet Yvonne Rodriguez, a junior political science and sociology major and business management minor. Why have you decided to go into political science and sociology? I am interested in going into law, so these majors would greatly aid my endeavors in the future. I hope to become an immigration and family lawyer. I am also hoping to manage my own firm and other business ventures. What made you choose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I chose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because of the low cost of attendance and the close proximity to my family. Family is an important part of my life. What organizations and clubs are you involved in on campus? I am the outreach director for Young Democrats, senator at large for Student Government Association, and a mentor for the peer mentor program. I am also in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Art Club as well as LULAC. What do you hope to do after graduation? I plan to go to law school. I have not decided where yet, but I am thinking about UT-Austin School of Law. Why do you think it is important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? It is always important to celebrate one’s culture and be proud of where one comes from. With awareness comes tolerance and acceptance from people of different backgrounds and ethnicities. How did you first hear about LULAC, and which scholarship were you awarded? I heard of LULAC through a friend. I didn’t know ��Vlog��ý Little Rock had an organization specifically for Latino students. My initial impression was that it allowed Latino students to express themselves in light of specific issues the Latino community goes through. I was awarded $1,000 through the LULAC National Scholarship. I was probably selected because I am involved in the Latino community, from volunteering to translating at hospitals, supporting our street vendors, and volunteering at other organizations in Little Rock. My family is low-income too, so the financial need is there. How did your family react to the news that you were selected? They were beyond proud. I have received other scholarships, but the LULAC scholarship had a more significant impact because it uplifted our community. My mom says if one prospers, all of us prosper, and this scholarship represents unity in our community. I am incredibly grateful to LULAC for the scholarship. I will be putting it to good use.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Students Honor Dedicated Faculty Members

John Hill — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 13:55:56 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are honoring faculty members who make their hearts sing with appreciation for the positive difference they’ve made in their students’ lives. Each of the 2022 recipients of the Student Government (SGA) Association Faculty Appreciation Awards received a certificate and a one-of-a-kind, handmade glass heart created by Pine Bluff glass artist James Hayes in the colors of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. The glass hearts symbolize positive, influential support that makes a real difference in the lives of students. As students enter the university to pursue their education, faculty often play a nurturing role, guiding students through the learning process and working hard to foster an environment that best ensures success. The 2022 SGA Faculty Appreciation Award Winners include:

Dr. Rebecca Glazier, associate professor of political science, College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education
Dr. Stefanie Leacock, instructor of biology and coordinator of undergraduate studies, Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Elizabeth Small, primary instructor for the Real Estate program, College of Business, Health, and Human Services

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) awards the I HEART Graduate Faculty Awards to celebrate graduate faculty who have assisted and supported graduate students throughout their graduate program. The 2022 I HEART Graduate Faculty Award Winners include:

Dr. Jason Kushner, professor of counseling and graduate program coordinator, College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education
Dr. John Talburt, professor of information science and coordinator for the Information Quality Graduate Program, Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Dr. Laura Danforth, assistant professor of social work, College of Business, Health, and Human Services

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs to Perform at Carnegie Hall on June 26

John Hill — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 15:03:05 +0000

About 20 students in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs will make their debut performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Sunday, June 26. Dr. Lorissa Mason, director of choral activities, will conduct the performance of Francis Poulenc’s masterwork “Gloria” along with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, and accompanying choirs from Arkansas. Altogether, approximately 80 singers from Arkansas will be performing at Carnegie Hall during the afternoon concert that begins at 2 p.m. This will include 19 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and three alumni, 35 from Berryville High School, 20 from Robinson High School, and 10 from Una Voca from Wildwood Park for the Arts. “It’s really humbling because a lot of people can’t say I got the chance to sing at Carnegie Hall with a university choir,” said Brent Foster II, a junior music education major from Wrightsville. “I think it will be a really great experience to get to perform on such a caliber of stage where a lot of great musicians and composers have performed their works. You never know who is watching. While I’m performing at Carnegie Hall, someone may look up to me and say, ‘one day I am going to do that too.’” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who are attending the trip include Jessica Arellanes, LaVerne Bell, Hannah Blacklaw, Kyndal Collins, Sean Davis, Brent Foster II, Magali Gomez, Josh Gregory, Stacy Howard-Parchel, Reanna Jiles, Kaitlyn Kendrick, Laila Petties-Leon, Carmen Ramirez, Kenshayla Robinson, McKenzie Smith, Damion Snowden, Christian Waldron, Yvonne Melendez-Whalen, and Jonathan Wyatt. They will be joined by alumni Jillian Hall, Jade Keathley, and Gerald Mayo as well as Sharon Downs, Leann Jones, and Yvette Palmer. The students have been fundraising for more than a year to raise the money to go on this trip. Their efforts have included bake sales, a Halloween fall festival, vocal arts festival, concerts, a gala, auctions, and more. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to spread my music to different places as I continue to develop as a musician,” said Kyndal Collins, a junior vocal education major from Little Rock. “If it wasn’t for this trip, I’d probably be trying to find a way to go on my own. I’ve been given this opportunity to share my gift for music outside of Arkansas. I have such gratitude for the opportunity to do this. I wanted to thank the donors and my teachers for helping us to receive the opportunity to do this.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choir students rehearse for their June 26 performance at Carnegie Hall. Photo by Ben Krain.

News of the Carnegie Hall performance has inspired much community support. The students have received a number of donations that include a $25,000 anonymous donation and a $3,000 donation from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Government Association. Altogether, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock choir students received nearly $40,000 in donations to support the trip. “I’ve learned that this trip has inspired the students and jump started the musical choir program,” Mason said. “It’s been rewarding to see student leaders emerge and to contribute in a way they haven’t before. They are eager to make their mark as artists. That is what this is all about. I think every musician should have an opportunity to travel and perform together. It builds bonds as they grow into their future careers. It also gives them world experience and a different viewpoint. There is more to music than what we can do here.” Jessica Arellanes, a senior music education major, said she is looking forward to telling stories about her accomplishments to her son. “I think being able to put on your resume that you performed at Carnegie Hall is a huge, huge thing for any musician,” she said. “I am a single mom of a four-year-old son, Oliver. I think it is cool for him to see me going to school and going to the concert. He gets to see mommy go do big things.” Besides singing at Carnegie Hall, Arellanes is looking forward to visiting the top of Rockefeller Center, where her parents got engaged, on her first trip to New York City. Students will also be seeing a Broadway show, visiting Times Square, and taking a cruise of New York Harbor. “The thing I am looking forward to the most is spending time with my friends and classmates,” said Carmen Ramirez, a May graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Now that I’ve graduated, it might be the last time I get to spend with them. Carnegie Hall is one of the biggest places to perform at in the world. I’m hoping it opens up doors for me to perform or conduct.” For future Carnegie Hall plans, Mason has already been invited to conduct a second performance at Carnegie Hall in 2024. This time she will lead a festival choir of talented youth singers from around the country.

Hudson Graduates from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Mon, 16 May 2022 13:02:47 +0000

Ever since he was a child, Turner Hudson, a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from Mayflower, Arkansas, has loved building things. He was often found playing with legos and creating small projects. When he grew up, he decided to turn that interest into a career. “When I started going through the process of deciding where I wanted to go to school and what I wanted to do, I liked the idea of mechanical engineering best because it’s like the ‘swiss army knife’ of engineering,” Hudson said. “You can do just about anything with it.” Hudson had the opportunity to intern with Cromwell Architects Engineers over the summer. Many of the men there had been working as engineers for more than 30 years, and they taught him “tricks of the trade” that have helped him in several of his classes. He also helped design the piping systems for the new University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences surgical annex building during his time there. “If you’re ever in the bathrooms on the third floor, just know that was me,” Hudson said. When asked about his plans after graduation in May, Hudson shared that he recently accepted a position with the Systems Group in their estimator department. He will be going to different job sites to figure out how much they’ll cost and how much labor they will involve. “There’s travel involved so I’ll get to go all around the country, which is really cool to me,” Hudson said. “I might be going to Colorado, Louisiana, and parts of Tennessee, and the Carolinas. The Systems Group works with plants in the Washington State area as well.” Hudson is very involved on campus as a peer mentor for the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps (CLC) and serves as chief of staff of the Student Government Association and secretary of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Delta Chi chapter. He also volunteers with the youth group at his church. Since joining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, he’s been in several different positions with Delta Chi, the most notable being named president junior year. According to Lucee Lugo, assistant director for Fraternity and Sorority Life, Hudson represents everything a student leader should be. “His presence and leadership within the Greek community has made a lasting impact,” Lugo said. “His attitude is flawless, and he has always shown up to everything that has been asked of him and more.” Hudson said that although Greek life isn’t for everyone, it has helped him in many ways. “I was one of three people from my high school who came to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, so I didn’t really know anyone at first,” he said. “Greek life automatically gave me a place to connect with people, and it was very beneficial in that fact alone. It’s good to at least go through the process and see if it’s a good fit for you.” Hudson also credits Cheyenne Philpot, his CLC peer mentor, in helping him break out of his shell freshman year. Philpot graduated in May 2021 with a degree in biology. “She introduced me to a lot of people around campus, which I really appreciated,” Hudson said. “She made me want to be a mentor, and now I try to be that person to my own mentees. I want to be there for them, whether that’s giving them advice on what classes to take or just helping them with homework.” “The thing I would say for anyone coming into ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is to find a place to get involved,” Hudson said. “It’s a great school if you find something to do, whether that’s Greek life, SGA, or another student organization, or even just a friend group. Find somewhere to be with people and participate on campus, because the experience you can have– looking back in your senior year– is crazy if you get out and do it.”

Shukla Named 2022 Whitbeck Memorial Award Winner at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Tue, 10 May 2022 13:34:31 +0000

Tripti Shukla, a double major from Little Rock, has been named the winner of the 2022 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Frank L. and Beverly Whitbeck established the award in memory of their son, Edward Lynn Whitbeck, who was a senior at Little Rock University, the predecessor of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, at the time of his death in 1965. Each scholar receives a personalized plaque and a monetary award.

“I was blindsided by the news at first,” Shukla said. “It’s such an immense distinction, and I didn’t think I was worthy of such a big honor. Winning the Whitbeck Award made me realize I am capable of achieving great things in life.”

Shukla earned the Whitbeck Award while double majoring in chemistry and biology at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. After graduation, she will take a gap year to get more experience in research and medicine. She plans to continue biochemistry research with Dr. Shanzhi Wang, associate professor of chemistry, and her volunteer work at Harmony Health Clinic.

Shukla plans to attend medical school in 2023. She is deciding between earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or MD-Ph.D., which is a combination of a Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy that trains students in clinically oriented research.

“I wanted to become a doctor because of my interest in science,” Shukla said. “I started liking chemistry when I took advanced placement chemistry from Dr. Beth Maris at Central High School. Growing up, math and science were my favorite topics, but chemistry combined both of my passions. I further grew my appreciation for chemistry during a chemical engineering camp and decided to major in chemistry. I grew my love for biology once I started working in a biochemistry lab. The assimilation of chemistry and biology provided me with the backbone required for medicine.”

A native of India, Shukla moved to the U.S. when her father was transferred to work in Arkansas when she was 11. In her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she has shown a great dedication to service.

She has served as treasurer and vice president of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock chapter of the American Chemical Society, a learning assistant with the Department of Chemistry, a senator for the Student Government Association, a member of Model Arab League, and a student representative for the Faculty Senate Student Research and Creative Works Committee.

“To make a change in the student body, I served as a senator for the Student Government Association,” Shukla said. “Not every student is privileged enough to afford the caps and gowns, but finance should not be the reason they are deprived of celebrating their graduation. One of the bills I co-sponsored was providing regalia packages to students with these financial restrictions hoping to provide everyone the equal opportunity to walk down the stage and get the degree they have so dedicatedly obtained.”

Dr. Wang, Shukla’s professor and research mentor, said that she helped many students in the Department of Chemistry through recruitment and tutoring. In her role as a learning assistant, Shukla led 12 students in a chemistry lesson every week for over four semesters.

The 2022 Whitbeck Award winner is Tripti Shukla who is graduating in May and majoring in biology and chemistry. Photos by Ben Krain.

“Tripti is not only a first-rate student but also an outstanding peer educator in her role as a learning assistant,” Wang said. “Over the course of my interactions with her, I noticed her innate ability to draw others and build a group that was successful in their class efforts. This natural leadership and developed communication skill is quite impressive, an accurate exemplification of an outstanding student.”

She has worked as a research assistant in Dr. Wang’s biochemistry lab for two years. Along with her research, she published an article, “Machine Learning Methods in Drug Delivery,” as the primary author in the journal, Molecules, in 2020. The article has already been viewed more than 15,000 times and cited 30 times.

“Ms. Shukla is a kind and amicable person who is always willing to help,” said Dr. Anindya Ghosh, chair of the Department of Chemistry. “She has portrayed great leadership by recruiting a number of students into our organizations. Additionally, she has been providing scientific demonstrations to different school students to entice them into STEM education for recruiting purposes. She has also offered free tutoring for multiple hours to our other students. She is an intelligent, creative, and hard-working person.”

In the community, Shukla has gained clinical experience by volunteering with the Kavanaugh COVID Clinic and Harmony Health Clinic. By indulging in service, she has allowed an enormous amount of personal growth and learned to be empathetic, and acquired valuable skills required to be a successful healthcare worker/provider.

“I helped distribute vaccines at the Kavanaugh COVID Clinic,” Shukla said. “It was a meaningful experience because it felt like I was working to save lives. Volunteering at Harmony Health Clinic has helped me put a perspective on what it will be like during the next 10 years as a medical doctor. It solidified my interest in medicine and helping others.”

For her academic and research contributions, Shukla has been awarded two Signature Experience Awards from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, the American Chemical Society Award in Inorganic Chemistry, the ACS Outstanding Graduating Senior Award, the Martha Couch Givens Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior in Biology, a 2021 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, second place in the physical science category at the 2021 Student Research and Creative Works Expo, and first place at the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence conference.

“I was invited to present my research at the 2022 Capitol Rotunda in Little Rock and had asked my state representatives to come to hear the research,” she said. “In the past few years, my accomplishments and achievements have helped me strive for excellence and firm my interest in science and even more in the research field.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alum Claire Herman Named Director of Acquisitions and Marketing at Converging Capital

John Hill — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 20:14:06 +0000

Claire Herman, a 2021 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, has just started an exciting new career opportunity as the director of acquisitions and marketing at Converging Capital in Little Rock. A native of Bigelow, Arkansas, Herman graduated in May with bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics. Prior to COVID, Herman had planned to travel to Thailand this year to teach English as a second language, but she said things have a way of working out. “It’s amazing to see that some things are just meant to be,” Herman said. “I am lucky that I started an amazing new job. Converging Capital has a great company culture. I am incredibly fortunate to work with Bryan Hosto, who is also an alumni of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Each role is critically important. When you give an idea, it’s heard and weighed on its merits and not on a person’s position. There are always opportunities to grow and succeed.” Converging Capital is an Arkansas company that works with banks, credit unions, finance companies, and other businesses to provide recovery solutions for their charged off and delinquent accounts. In her new role, Herman handles social media, the website, and marketing campaigns. On the acquisitions side, she conducts market research and assesses and evaluates new portfolios. “I love the ability to not be limited to just doing the same thing,” Herman said. “I can work in different capacities and pursue different opportunities. It keeps it exciting. It’s a fast-paced job.” At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Herman was a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Student Government Association, and was the co-chair for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk. “I truly believe that the faculty and administrators in the School of Business want to push you forward,” Herman said. “They push you to learn hard and soft technical skills. I was also a Donaghey Scholar, and that program enabled me to get a college education that I couldn’t receive without them. I was able to grow as a person, and that’s something I learned at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” She found success in a number of student business competitions, winning ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Sold in 60 Seconds competition, and was a finalist in the e-Fest Business Plan Competition and the Arkansas Governor’s Cup. Herman also credits the professional work experience she received while a student as contributing to her success in the workforce. She worked as a market research assistant at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, an intern at Arkansas District Export Council, and an accounting intern at DYNE Hospitality Group. “When I transitioned from a student to the workplace, I was ready to jump right in,” Herman said. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock made that transition a lot smoother, and I am so incredibly grateful for that. I had so many opportunities for internships.” Coming full circle, Herman plans to take a vacation to Thailand next year as well as start the part-time program at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. She also plans on continuing to tutor with AR Kids Read. “Something I learned at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock that is helpful is to give yourself grace,” Herman said. “College is one of the most pivotal times in your life. You are growing. It’s also one of the most challenging. It’s incredibly important to give yourself grace and to have a healthy outlet. I am grateful for Donaghey Scholars, School of Business, and Health Services. I am incredibly grateful for everyone who invested in me and believed in me, and I look forward to paying it forward in the future.”

Rosemary Ashley Chamberlain will serve as the 2021-2022 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Government Association President

John Hill — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 16:20:53 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s newly elected Student Government Association (SGA) president, Rosemary Ashley Chamberlain, is excited to lead the student body. What is your major and classification? I am a senior at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock majoring in BS Biology with a minor in psychology. I am in the process of applying to the ��Vlog��ýMS College of Medicine for the 2022 cycle. What is your purpose or role as the president of SGA? I prepare and submit to the Senate an annual strategic plan for my term, appoint student members of University Committees and SGA Administration, sign into legislation or veto legislation passed by the Senate. I am responsible for the administration of SGA programs and for the operation of the SGA office. I will complete at least 18 service hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and serve on university committees of which the president is a member. I am the liaison between SGA and the alumni, faculty, administration, and committees of the university. It’s also my job to maintain relations with the Arkansas Association of Students and the American Student Government Association. When did you become interested in SGA? In the fall of 2019, I struggled finding non-traditional support as a student. I felt completely out of touch with the university and felt that I needed to advocate for the other half of our student population. In 2019, over 50% of our students were considered non-traditional students. I attended a meeting to share my concerns and ask for guidance. Not only did SGA listen, but they also opened a senator position in hopes that I would continue advocating for the student body. What about SGA do you enjoy the most? I love that we all share the same goal—Making ��Vlog��ý Little Rock the best we can for our students. The impact of Covid has caused stress, withdrawal, and loss of connection, and we aim to promote our students’ successes. I am extremely passionate about advocating for those who need aspiration, and there isn’t a better place to achieve that goal than with SGA! What are you looking forward to as SGA president? Being appointed the highest position of the Student Government Association has ample opportunities to represent the student body. Like I said before, I take pride in serving our community and students here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. My new position allows me a “seat at the table” within administrative committees, and I will use those experiences to not only learn to become a better leader but enhance the voice our student body desires. How does SGA help students in general, and how do you plan to help students? We aim to establish a student government that will effectively represent its constituents in the decision-making process of the University, provide needed services to the students, and further the interest of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and its students. To these ends we, the students of this University, do hereby establish this Constitution of the Student Government Association of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. – preamble of Student Government Association at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Constitution. We also:

Normalize student burnout and continue to provide resources and support.
Enforce the importance of campus security and safety measures.
It’s important for SGA to advocate and encourage students to prepare for their next steps upon graduation. Over the years, we have noticed that students have no idea what to do with their degrees once they have worked so hard to achieve them. This year, we plan to set up additional job fairs and mock interviews for students.
We plan to work with Admissions, student organization leadership and development, Greek Life, and the Student Experience Center to aid events that will engage students, improve campus experiences, and promote the continued growth of students.

Do you have any advice for students this year? The greatest advice I can give students is to know you’re not alone. The concerns and struggles you are experiencing, others have/are too. It’s so easy to let the fear of the unknown prevent you from achieving your goals. Believe me, I know. But if it were easy… everyone would do it! You have already made the decision of not being easy just by being here. I’d like to think we chose our own hard. Pushing through your doubts is HARD. Bettering yourself is HARD. Taking courses that challenge you is HARD. Trying to balance work, school, family, and still having a social life is HARD. But together we are #TrojanStrong. Find connections early and continue to step out of your comfort zone. It’s the only way you will grow; and always, always remember the impact of change is the hardest part.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs to Perform at Carnegie Hall in June 2022

John Hill — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:31:43 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Choirs will make their debut performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 25, 2022, with Dr. Lorissa Mason, director of choral activities, conducting the performance. “This is the first time a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock choral group has ever performed at Carnegie Hall,” said Dr. Lorissa Mason, director of choral activities. “Carnegie Hall is the preeminent concert hall in the United States and one of the top five concert halls in the world. It’s a trip to New York City where the students get to experience the life of a musical artist and the culture of the city. For a number of our students, it will be the first time they’ve traveled outside of Arkansas.” The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs are leading a year-long fundraising campaign to raise the estimated $75,000 to pay for approximately 30 students who will be traveling to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall. The choral ensembles have received a $3,000 donation from the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Government Association. Donations in support of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock choral ensembles may be made via . “Performing in a place like Carnegie Hall is one of the highest honors I feel you can have as a singer,” said McKenzie Smith, a junior music education major from Benton. “Thank you doesn’t even begin to cover it for all those who have and will donate to help us achieve this once in a lifetime goal.” In addition to several rehearsals and the performance at Carnegie Hall, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock musicians will also see a Broadway show and go on a dinner cruise tour of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs is home to three vibrant ensembles and a recently premiered small ensemble. They include the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Concert Choir, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Women’s Choir, the Chamber Singers, and Night Shift. “I have recently started my singing journey, and it has been an exciting and rewarding experience,” said Max Reyes, a junior music performance major from Sherwood. “Singing in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock choir has helped me become a better performer and musician. To be able to have the opportunity to sing in a historic and monumental locale would be an honor to the choir’s achievements thus far. I would be proud to represent my school and peers and showcase what we have accomplished during troubling times.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs will be performing Francis Poulenc’s “Gloria” at Carnegie Hall. This is one of Poulenc’s most famous works consisting of six movements. They will also sing a home performance of the Carnegie Hall concert April 23, 2022, hosted by Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock choirs will be joined by the choirs of Robinson High School and Berryville High School and Una Voca from Wildwood Park for the Arts. Members of the public and the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community have plenty of chances to support the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock choral ensembles as they prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. “To say that singing in New York has been a lifelong dream of mine is a complete understatement,” said Kaitlyn Kendrick, a sophomore music performance major from Maumelle. “Ever since I was a little girl, I imagined myself performing all over New York and to be able to experience such a high honor like singing in Carnegie Hall is more than I could have imagined I would be doing so early in my career. Music has always been my passion and this is one of the greatest things that could happen for a young singer. We appreciate any and all support to come to help us grant so many student’s wishes to come true!” The next event in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs Carnegie Hall Fundraising Campaign is a rummage sale on Sept. 18. Upcoming fundraising events include: Oct. 30 – October-fest and We Sing! 5K Race Nov. 20 – Live auction, silent auction, and pie auction Dec. 4 – Vocal Arts Festival Dec. 7-21 – Christmas Caroling for Hire Jan. 18-28, 2022 – Carnegie Hall Donor/Sponsor Drive Feb. 11-14, 2022 – Singing Valentines March 17, 2022 – ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Giving Day April 2, 2022 – Spring Vocal Arts Festival April 23, 2022 – Concert at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church April 30, 2022 – Music Gala For more information on these events, contact Dr. Mason at ldmason@ualr.edu or visit this website.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host University Assembly Sept. 10

John Hill — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 13:26:06 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will hold its fall University Assembly meeting virtually at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10. The assembly will include reports from Faculty Senate President Amanda Nolen, Chancellor Christina Drale, Provost Ann Bain, Staff Senate President Rosalie Shahan, Student Government Association President Ashley Chamberlain, and Dr. Cody Decker, vice chancellor of student affairs and chair of the COVID Emergency Response Team (CERT). The Open Forum portion of the meeting is dedicated to a COVID-related question-and-answer format with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Covid Emergency Response Team (CERT). Questions may be submitted to President Nolen at alnolen@ualr.edu by Sept. 8 or during the open forum session. CERT is a 14-member committee that has representation from Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Public Safety, Counseling Services, Health Services, Communications, Facilities Management, eLearning, and Environmental Health and Safety. In previous business, the University Assembly will vote on an amendment to change the student representation on the Traffic Committee, Committee on Committees, and the Policy Advisory Councils. A link to the virtual meeting, the agenda for University Assembly, and the minutes from the April 2, 2021, meeting can be found on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Senate website. The link to join the meeting will go live around 12:40 p.m.

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����Vlog��ý Little Rock Choirs to Perform at Carnegie Hall in June 2022

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host University Assembly Sept. 10