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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Centennial Campaign Start at BBQ @ Bailey

John Hill — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 22:03:36 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock community had many reasons to celebrate during the annual BBQ @ Bailey event on Oct. 14. The annual university picnic brought together employees, students, alumni, and community supporters to enjoy food, fun, and camaraderie.

Chancellor Christina Drale announced the start of the Centennial Campaign, a new capital campaign that celebrates the university’s 100-year anniversary in 2027. The campaign has a goal of raising $250 million by 2027, making the campaign the largest fundraising effort in university history.

“BBQ at Bailey is even more special this year,” Drale said. “Money raised in this campaign will benefit the campus community through student scholarships, program excellence, and the living and learning environments. The next five years will be busy and really exciting. Our hope is that you will contribute to the Centennial Campaign in your own way to make a difference for students who are here today and those who will be here in the future. Help us make the next 100 years as great as the first century at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.”

BBQ @ Bailey followed the Centennial Campaign Gala on Oct. 13. Centennial Campaign Co-chairs Alfred Williams and Jerry Damerow, who emceed the gala, were happy to spread support for the campaign to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock supporters at both events.

“This is just as important for the staff and faculty of this university to engage with the community as it is for the community to engage with the staff and faculty and students, and last night was the perfect example of everyone working together,” Williams said. “We got to follow up and keep going with this great event.”

“Last night was an opportunity for all of us to engage with donors and potential donors, and today is a good chance to engage with students,” Damerow added. “That’s what it’s all about – the students. Today is a special day and the frosting on the cake from a wonderful event last night.”

The start of the Centennial Campaign included a $6.75 million gift that benefits the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology in memory of the late Dr. Yupo Chan, who was the founding chair of the Department of Systems Engineering. The donors, Susan Chan and Alex Johnson, were honored during the gala event at the Fine Arts Building.

“I think the donors felt very honored and appreciated and are glad to be part of a new beginning for the engineering school,” said Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of STEM. “This is a great start to support students for the next 100 years of our university. The donors wanted to be a part of the beginning of many more gifts to the university.”

Paige Henry, a soccer player, was one of the dozens of student-athletes who volunteered their time to help set up and serve food during BBQ @ Bailey. Guests enjoyed lunch catered by Whole Hog Café, dessert from Community Bakery, and music by Klassik Entertainment.

“This is a wonderful event with great energy, good food, and a lot of fun,” Henry said. “I enjoy volunteering to help out the university community.”

Loris Fullerton, a 1974 graduate and Alumni Association Board member, recalled her fondness for attending BBQ @ Bailey and connecting with old friends.

“I think this is a very cool way to get the students and alumni involved,” she said. “I don’t know a school that works harder than ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. It’s like a great hometown family to me, and BBQ @ Bailey is the place to be seen.”

Dr. Amar Kanekar, professor and graduate program coordinator for the Health Education and Health Promotion program, enjoyed returning to the event after not attending for several years.

“I think this is a great tradition to get to meet other people and learn about what is happening on campus,” Kanekar said. “I couldn’t be here last year because of the pandemic, but I am glad to be back. It’s a great opportunity to be out in the sun, and the food is great.”

Staff Senate President Ross Bradley and Past President Rosalie Shahan were hosting one of several booths representing ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus organizations during the picnic.

“It’s great seeing students, faculty, staff, and members of the community at this annual event and to hear about the Centennial Campaign on campus,” Bradley said. “BBQ at Bailey is also a great way for campus organizations to promote their individual initiatives. We are here promoting the annual Staff Senate Helping Hands Food Drive, which helps provide food baskets to employees around the holidays in December.”

People can help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock by joining the Alumni Association, contributing to annual fundraisers, making a donation, or putting the university in their estate plans. More information on the Centennial Campaign is available at /centennial.

Dr. Danyell Crutchfield Cummings, president of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors, invited people to join the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, which annually offers around $100,000 in student scholarships, in addition to helping people create connections.

“This is one of my favorite events on the campus every year. It was the best opportunity to get together, eat, and enjoy some good weather,” she said. “We are alumni, current students, and supporters of our university and our students. Many of you may have benefitted from scholarships at this university. I know I did. Your membership dues will directly benefit general scholarships to help students graduate without debt.”

Smith Named Associate Vice Chancellor of Alumni and Development at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:46:15 +0000

Kristi Smith has been promoted to a key leadership role for alumni and development at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “When I graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I accumulated no student debt, largely due to scholarships I received while I was student,” Smith said. “Ever since, I have wanted to give back to my alma mater. I am grateful to serve in such a rewarding role for the students of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” Smith has been named the associate vice chancellor of alumni and development at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Her new role includes management of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving. “Much of the success our team enjoys is because of Kristi Smith’s good work,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Kristi is a most respected colleague and has the proven ability to motivate others to do what they can to help our university be its best. I’m thrilled Kristi has agreed to this expanded role, and I know we can expect more growth in fundraising to come from her leadership.” A graduate of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a Master of Public Administration degree from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She previously worked at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as the assistant to the dean of the Graduate School from 1998 to 2002, where she oversaw the TEAMS (Teaching Enhancements Affecting Minority Students) program. Since rejoining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in the Office of Alumni and Development in 2016, Smith has taken the lead on several key philanthropic initiatives, including the Chancellor’s Circle and the Foundation Fund Board of Directors. She was promoted to senior director of alumni and development in 2019. In May, Smith graduated from the 36th Class of Leadership Greater Little Rock, where she was selected by her cohort to serve as the commencement speaker. She also served on the University of Arkansas System Task Force on Racial Equity.

BBQ @ Bailey Celebration Will Include Launch of Centennial Campaign

John Hill — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:28:11 +0000

A special edition of BBQ @ Bailey is planned for Friday, Oct. 14. The annual tailgating-style event will include the formal campus announcement of the Centennial Campaign, a major fundraising effort that will impact the university for years to come.

“BBQ at Bailey has become a campus tradition,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “That makes it a perfect time to kick off our Centennial Campaign for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. This campaign will help us set the course for our university for the next 100 years. In addition to great barbeque, this year’s event offers the chance to be part of history.”

The university’s Centennial Campaign will focus on four key pillars, and the university will seek to raise funds over the next five years in support of student scholarships, student success initiatives, learning environment upgrades, and faculty excellence. Those wanting to learn more about the upcoming Centennial Campaign can visit ualr.edu/centennial.

BBQ @ Bailey will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. The Centennial Campaign announcement will begin at noon. Chancellor Christina S. Drale and Dr. Danyell Crutchfield Cummings, president of the Alumni Board of Directors, will also be on hand for this year’s event and will share more about the campaign.

Annually hosted by the , the picnic is a wonderful way for students, employees, alumni, and friends of the university to enjoy some great barbecue, fellowship, and fun.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and staff participate in the annual BBQ at Bailey’s back-to-school picnic. Photos by Ben Krain.

Whole Hog Cafe will cater the event, coupled with treats from Community Bakery. Students are encouraged to stop by, grab a free t-shirt, visit with student organizations, take a selfie with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock backdrop, play Baggo, and mingle with other students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Back by popular demand, Klassik Entertainment, the DJ that is sure to inspire dancing, will be on site to provide music and entertainment. Klassik Entertainment is owned by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board member Jonathan Nunn.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock supporters can sign up for the Alumni Association to support scholarships for deserving students. Faculty and staff can join for $30, and students can join for $10.

BBQ at Bailey is sponsored by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of the Chancellor and the Office of Alumni and Development.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Will Celebrate BBQ @ Bailey Oct. 14

John Hill — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 14:36:46 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate the return of the campus community for the new school year with the popular BBQ @ Bailey event Friday, Oct. 14. The tailgating-style event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. Members of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community can also look forward to a special announcement about the university with Chancellor Christina Drale and Dr. Danyell Crutchfield Cummings, president of the Alumni Board of Directors, on hand to help celebrate. “We have lots to celebrate in October, and we hope that there will be even more students on campus to join in the fun,” said Kristi Smith, senior director of alumni and development. “This is often the highlight of the fall semester, and this one will be the best one yet. I hope to see many alumni and friends at this wonderful event.” Hosted by the , the picnic is a wonderful way for students, employees, alumni, and friends of the university to enjoy some great barbecue, fellowship, and fun. Whole Hog Cafe will cater the event with treats from Community Bakery. Students are encouraged to stop by, grab a free t-shirt, visit with student organizations, take a selfie with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock backdrop, play Baggo, and mingle with other students, alumni, faculty, and staff. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock supporters can sign up for the Alumni Association to support scholarships for deserving students. Faculty and staff can join for $30, and students can join for $10. BBQ at Bailey is sponsored by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of the Chancellor and the Office of Alumni and Development.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration on June 20

John Hill — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:04:36 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community will come together on Monday, June 20, to mark the university’s first celebration of Juneteenth. The celebration will provide ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, employees, alumni, and friends with the opportunity to celebrate African American history and culture. The day will feature a Juneteenth historical reenactment and a Black-owned food truck festival as well as the release of a cookbook. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock is proud to hold our first annual celebration of Juneteenth,” Chancellor Christina Drale said. “With our diverse campus community, the celebration of this important holiday highlights our commitment to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging while remembering this important moment in our nation’s history.” June 19 is annually celebrated as Juneteenth, the oldest national commemoration of the ending of slavery in the country. The holiday originates from June 19, 1865, the day the last slaves in the country were freed in Galveston, Texas, at the end of the Civil War. “I am so happy we are celebrating Juneteenth,” said Dr. Melvin Beavers, Chancellor’s DEI Fellow and director of first-year writing. “It gives us the opportunity to educate and reflect on the nation’s history. Additionally, it gives all a chance to come together to discuss our shared goals for racial justice at our institution and within our communities.” The celebration begins with a “Taste of Juneteenth,” a Black-owned food truck festival from noon-2 p.m. The food truck festival will include Goldfingers Woodfired Pizza, Spud Love, Jefferson Mobile Grilling, and Cheesecake On Point. Food trucks will be located on Campus Drive. Faculty, staff, and students may pick up tickets for an entree and a dessert at a table next to the Campus Bookstore in the Donaghey Student Center starting at 11:30 a.m. As part of its inaugural Juneteenth celebration, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will host a reenactment of historic Juneteenth events at 1 p.m. June 20 in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall. S. Juain Young & Artists United is a multi-faceted, multi-talented, diverse performing arts group who has inspired and educated audiences across the state and country. They will perform a 20-minute Juneteenth reenactment in which enslaved Africans learn of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. Following the reenactment, the audience will gather into small groups for discussion and reflection. An education table will be available outside Ledbetter Hall with fliers containing fascinating facts and reading recommendations. The Office of the Chancellor and the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association are sponsoring the event. Speakers will include Chancellor Drale with opening remarks, Dr. Danyell Crutchfield Cummings, president of the Alumni Association, will introduce the reenactment, and Dr. Beaver with closing remarks. The celebration will also include the launch of a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Juneteenth Celebration Cookbook that contains family recipes from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, employees, and alumni. The cookbook will be available for download on ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s diversity, equity, and inclusion website at a later date.

Smith Serves as Commencement Speaker for Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVI

John Hill — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 14:48:35 +0000

Kristi Smith, senior director of alumni and development at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, served as the commencement speaker for the 36th Class of . Established in 1985 by the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Greater Little Rock seeks to develop community leaders by training and informing participants on a wide array of local public policy issues and concerns. In-depth training sessions focus on these issues, exploring their background, origin, and present-day status. The program covers a full slate of topics, including government, the area’s economy, education, social service, and much more. “It’s a wonderfully immersive program that presented us with challenges, successes, threats, and opportunities for growth,” Smith said. “As a lifelong Arkansas resident, going to school at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and living and working here ever since, it’s fair to say that I have spent the majority of my life here and thought that I knew all there was to know. Thanks to Leadership Greater Little Rock, I now know so much more about Little Rock and about myself.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock would also like to congratulate our alumni who also graduated from Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVI. They include Sean Bass, Alecia Castleberry, Meagan Davis (Bowen), Adam Effrein, David Jung (Bowen), Summer Khairi, Maradyth McKenzie, Jennifer Ruhlman, and Matthew Runge (Bowen). The 34 members of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVI celebrated their graduation during a May 6 ceremony at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. As the class speaker, Smith spoke about all the things she learned from participating in the program and received a standing ovation for her efforts. “I now know that we’re better for going into and learning about different neighborhoods,” Smith said. “Giving back to those with the biggest need is the biggest reward. Unassuming areas like the river port and airport offices are major players along with the Chamber of Commerce for bringing in big business. Hard decisions are made every day to keep this city safe.” After completing a two-day retreat in October, LGLR participants met every month at a different central Arkansas location to explore topics through expert speakers, panelists, tours, and group presentations. LGLR is designed to develop effective leaders by enhancing their civic, social, and professional awareness to positively impact our community. This included trips to the Little Rock Port Authority, Our House, the Pulaski County Jail, and more. Smith recalls her favorite meeting as the military session in which participants got to ride in a Blackhawk C130 from Little Rock Air Force Base to Camp Robinson and listen to members of the military talk about their missions in life. “That was a pretty exciting day,” Smith said. “Riding from one base to another aboard a C130 was icing on the cake. I don’t think I stopped grinning the entire time I was in the air. Listening to soldiers refer to what they do as ‘missions,’ I wondered how different our city would be if we took the care that they seem to have in every aspect of their work. I like to think that what I do at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in terms of fundraising and reaching alumni is very much true to the mission of the university.” Smith also thanked Chancellor Christina Drale and Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement, for supporting her nomination and participation in Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVI. “I should say I’m thankful to the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock administration for selecting me to participate and to understand the importance of having someone from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock participate,” she said. “We are a vital part of the city, and it’s important for us to be a part of the conversation.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Launches Program to Help New Art Graduates Jump Start Their Careers

John Hill — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:30:33 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has launched a first-of-its-kind program at the university to help new alumni artists boost their careers. The goal of the newly established artLAUNCH program is to provide early career alumni artists with funding, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to accelerate their artistic pursuits. The program is funded by a $216,000 grant by the Windgate Foundation. “The early years after graduation are a critical time in an artist’s life,” said Peter Scheidt, assistant professor of furniture and woodworking and artLAUNCH coordinator. “New alumni are looking for a way to focus on their art while balancing the loss of support that comes from faculty and peers. This award will help new graduates spend more time focusing on creating art and preparing for their careers.” The pilot program will provide graduates of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Art and Design with a $10,000 incubator award to help jump start their careers. The artLAUNCH award will be granted to five alumni each in 2022, 2023, and 2024. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Department of Art and Design Bachelor of Art and Bachelor of Fine Art studio art alumni from within a five-year window are eligible for consideration. The award may be used for anything allowing the recipients to concentrate on creating studio work: equipment, materials, travel, artist residency or workshop fees, shipping, and more. Faculty members and professional artists will also serve as mentors for the artLAUNCH recipients. They will serve as a resource for professional advice, networking, technical questions, and more. Mentors will be proactive and act as a hands-on engaged partner with their mentees. Recipients will also be granted access to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock art facilities and equipment during their award year. “This innovative pilot program is a great opportunity for our graduating students and alumni to make a smooth transition from art school to the professional art world,” said Thomas Clifton, chair of the Department of Art and Design. “The Windgate Foundation has been a tremendous partner in providing support for our programs and students, and we’re looking forward to seeing the results of these exceptional efforts.” Applications for the artLAUNCH program are due March 31, and the 2022 program recipients will be announced in May. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will hold an exhibit during the spring 2023 semester to showcase the work of the 2022 artLAUNCH recipients. “This program will directly benefit recent art and design alumni at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Scheidt said. “We hope this will be a career-changing endeavor at a critical time in these artists’ lives.” For more information, contact artLAUNCH Coordinator Peter Scheidt at pnscheidt@ualr.edu or 501-916-5112.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Honor Alum Dr. Sara Tariq at 2022 Taste of Little Rock

John Hill — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:23:05 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s highly anticipated culinary and social event, Taste of Little Rock, will return March 29. ��Vlog��ý 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 (��Vlog��ýMS), as the 2022 Taste of Little Rock honoree. “I am deeply honored to be a part of Taste of Little Rock,” Tariq said. “As 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 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock allowed me to focus solely on my studies. The faculty at ��Vlog��ý 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 ��Vlog��ýMS.” 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 ��Vlog��ý 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. “We are excited to honor Dr. Tariq for her passion to impact the lives of Arkansans through education,” said Kristi Smith, senior director of development. “During 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 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock who have graduated and enjoyed success in their chosen fields. ” Tariq, who is well-known among ��Vlog��ýMS 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 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock who holds a bachelor’s degree in biology. In 2018, Tariq was named Outstanding Alumni of the Year for the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program at ��Vlog��ý 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 ��Vlog��ýMS in 1998 and completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She joined the ��Vlog��ýMS 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’s 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. “I strongly believe in lifting others up so we can all be successful in this state,” Tariq said. “Delivering 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’s transition team have helped me continue to serve the people of this state, but also helped me grow as an individual. I want future ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduates to have the same opportunities for growth and leadership as I have had. I am ecstatic to support ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students by raising money for scholarships.” In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tariq started a community mask campaign with two ��Vlog��ýMS 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. “When the pandemic hit, so many people felt helpless,” Tariq said. “While 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.” Stephanie Caruthers, a managing partner at Trio’s 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 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors, is also serving as co-chair of Taste of Little Rock. “The 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,” Caruthers said. “I 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!” Dozens of restaurants from across the capital city will serve a “taste” of one of their most popular, or new, offerings. From small bites, to drinks, to desserts – there will be a wide variety of delicious “tastes” to enjoy! General admission tickets are $75. ��Vlog��ý 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 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, at dxnewby@ualr.edu or 501-916-3208.

BBQ at Bailey Returns to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Oct. 12

John Hill — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:42:48 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate the start of the fall semester and welcome the return of students and employees to campus with BBQ at Bailey Tuesday, Oct. 12. The tailgating-style event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. Hosted by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alumni Association, the picnic is a wonderful way for students, employees, alumni, and friends of the university to enjoy some great barbecue, fellowship, and fun. will cater the event. Students are encouraged to stop by, visit with student organizations, take a selfie with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock backdrop, play Baggo, and mingle with other students, alumni, faculty, and staff. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock supporters can sign up for the Alumni Association to support scholarships for deserving students. Faculty and staff can join for $30, and students can join for $10. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Trojan Food Pantry will be accepting donations of canned food items. BBQ at Bailey is sponsored by Whole Hog Cafe, , , the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of the Chancellor, and the Office of Alumni and Development.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alum Cassandra Booker Overcomes Incredible Odds That Lead to a Family Legacy of College Graduates

John Hill — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:38:04 +0000

Cassandra Booker, a 2008 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, overcame incredible odds to graduate with the bachelor’s degree that she is so thankful for. Yet, her college journey is far from over. Booker first attended ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 1978 when she was 27, but she soon left college to support her family. “My journey by far is not like most. I found myself pregnant with my second child and responsible not only for them, but three siblings,” she said. “I wasn’t able to figure all this out as a single mom. I decided to put school on the back burner and work two jobs to care for the children. It was crazy but there were no other options for me. My sisters had to be safe. When you are dealing with addiction and mental illness with your family members, it is even harder.” Booker said that setting a good example for her family and showing them the value of hard work and education has always been her motivation to succeed. “I worked two jobs for years to provide because I did not want to depend on the state or compromise my integrity to keep a roof over our heads,” she said. “As long as I can remember, I have lived in a survival mold. Not because I wanted to, because I didn’t want the other option. It has always been me and God, and I had my siblings watching.” In 2000, Booker’s life took an unexpected turn when she was laid off from her job. She decided to go after the degree she left behind more than two decades earlier. “When it came to going back to school in 2000, the only other option was to be laid off and do nothing,” Booker said. “To me, that was not an option so I chose to go back to school. I was afraid, embarrassed, unprepared, and uneducated for college life.” TRiO Student Support Services turned out to be Booker’s key to prepare for the long-awaited return to college. She took classes on college preparation and met with academic advisors, mentors, and career counselors to help with her college education. “Ms. Valerie Brown (former director of TRiO) was there to help connect me with mentors and tutors,” she said. “Ms. Brown followed me and ensured that I had guidance counselors, academic advisors, and that they did their jobs. Her and Gus Swain (a counselor) were advocates for the advancement of higher education. They pushed us to do our best and worked with us if necessary to get the resources we needed.” Several caring professors also served as mentors for Booker and helped her through some difficult times in her life. “They did not just care about our education,” Booker said. “They cared about our families. We talked about my health and all. I had 27 hospital stays while at ��Vlog��ýLR, but my professors ensured that I got my assignments and turned them in. Even in the hospital in the rain, they came through. I really appreciate professors like Dr. Briscoe and Dr. Krain, who was also my academic advisor and stood up for me regarding an internship. I love them both.”

Photo of Cassandra Booker by Ben Krain.

Going to college turned into a family affair as Booker’s younger sisters also earned degrees at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “My sister worked at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock the first time I got on the Dean’s List,” Booker said. “They were so proud of me to know that I made the Dean’s List. It’s crazy how I look back at how we started, how God blessed us all, and how my siblings and I ended up where we are today. There was a time I didn’t think it was even possible that we would all graduate from college.” In 2008, Booker’s long fought journey to complete her college education came to fruition with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in psychology. It was even a suggestion by an inspirational professor that sent her on her current career journey to help children and Alzheimer’s patients. “Dr. Carolyn Turturro (former gerontology program coordinator) told me that I had a spirit that would work well with geriatrics before I even knew what that was,” Booker said. “I went on to work and care for Alzheimer’s patients for 15 years. Go figure. I loved it.” While she currently works as an administrator with DCFS, Booker has also worked as a case manager, paraprofessional, sponsor in recovery, and an investigator with DCFS. “I have been with the state a total of 18 years, and it has been a ride,” Booker said. “Professors like David Briscoe and Mark Krain showed me what a good social worker looks like. Without the tools that were given to me and the support that was shown to me from the faithful few, I would not be where I am.” As she looks back on her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Booker is grateful not only for her degree, but also that her sisters were able to earn their college degrees as well. “I tell people I earned this degree for sure,” Booker said. “We came from small beginnings, but God had me and two of my siblings all on that campus at the same time and we all have graduated with degrees.” Booker and her family aren’t finished with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock yet. She and her granddaughter, Airianna McDaniel, are both planning to go to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2022 to pursue graduate degrees together. McDaniel, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work from Philander Smith University this December, and her grandmother are both applying for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Master of Social Work Program. For Booker, it will be the third time she’s attended ��Vlog��ý Little Rock throughout her 45-year history with the university. “Airianna is my oldest grandchild out of 14,” Booker said. “I’ve worked really hard to maintain my health because I want us to do this together. That’s our plan. Whatever we do, we are going to enter the master’s program together, me and my oldest grandchild. We’ve excited to do this together.”

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Centennial Campaign Start at BBQ @ Bailey

Smith Named Associate Vice Chancellor of Alumni and Development at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

BBQ @ Bailey Celebration Will Include Launch of Centennial Campaign

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Will Celebrate BBQ @ Bailey Oct. 14

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration on June 20