Trojan Champions Expands Opportunities for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Students
When 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 esports team packs their bags for national competition this spring, they won鈥檛 just be bringing their controllers. Thanks to Trojan Champions, they鈥檒l also carry new jerseys, branded backpacks, and the confidence to represent their university on a national stage.
That confidence is at the heart of Trojan Champions, a giving initiative launched in 2023 that turns community support into unique opportunities for students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Donors pledge an annual gift to the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Annual Fund for three years or more, and because the funds are unrestricted, the university can quickly respond to student needs and provide high-impact experiences that otherwise might not be possible.
鈥淭rojan Champions is more than a giving program; it鈥檚 a movement that reflects the strength of our Trojan community,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “As an alumna, I know the value of the opportunities I had here, and it鈥檚 exciting to see how these gifts are opening even more doors for current and future students. Together, we鈥檙e building a culture of support that will carry 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock into its next century.鈥�
There are now more than 170 Trojan Champions helping to make opportunities possible across campus. Over the past year and a half, their support has funded projects ranging from esports to business competitions.
This fall, esports competitors received equipment stipends, branded gear, and league fees to help them take on teams nationwide in Rocket League, Smash Bros., and Valorant. Another project outfitted a group of real estate students with custom business attire for the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation鈥檚 Annual Real Estate Challenge in Chicago, where they pitched a redevelopment plan for a 10-acre site in Bronzeville.
鈥淭hese kinds of gifts are exactly what make Trojan Champions so impactful,鈥� said Thomas Wallace, coordinator of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Web Design and Development and Information Technology programs. 鈥淭hey give students the resources and confidence to compete at the highest level, whether in esports, business competitions, or other arenas. That kind of support makes a real difference.鈥�
For donors, becoming a Trojan Champion is rooted in both pride and purpose.
鈥淎fter a 41-year career at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, I recognize the ongoing need to support students striving to achieve their goals,鈥� said Janis Brooke, a former faculty member. 鈥淓very contribution is targeted for this purpose.鈥�
Brooke鈥檚 perspective is echoed by alumni who see Trojan Champions as a way to give back to the institution that shaped their own success.
鈥淎s a Trojan Champion, I take pride in knowing my support helps fuel the mission of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said alumnus Mario Wallace. 鈥淚t expands opportunities for students to grow academically, professionally, and personally, while strengthening the programs and people who make that growth possible.鈥�
For alumna Debra Baker, the motivation is personal.
鈥淢y mom always said, 鈥榶our education is the key to your success,鈥欌�� Baker said. 鈥淲ith her words, I have become a lifelong learner.鈥�
Shaun Addison echoed the transformative power of education as the reason he joined.
鈥淏y becoming a Trojan Champion, I feel privileged to support the university鈥檚 mission to empower its students and prepare them for success in an ever-changing world,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hrough my contributions, I can help ensure that future generations have access to the same opportunities and resources that have shaped the lives of so many before them. Together, we can inspire and equip students to achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.鈥�
As Trojan Champions continue to grow, so does its impact. From helping students present themselves professionally on national stages to creating new opportunities for competition and collaboration, the initiative shows what鈥檚 possible when a community invests in education.
The generous contributions from Trojan Champions is set to make a lasting impact by empowering students to build their dreams and construct a brighter future for themselves and their communities. This program is a part of the Centennial Campaign, which has a goal to raise $250 million in celebration of the university鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027.
鈥淭his is just the beginning,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭rojan Champions is helping us build a culture of opportunity. With continued support, we can take student success to the next level.鈥�