Centennial Campaign - News - 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock /news/tag/centennial-campaign/ 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:54:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.1 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Invites Community to ‘Paint the Town Maroon’ /news/2026/08/26/ua-little-rock-invites-community-to-paint-the-town-maroon/ Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:54:13 +0000 /news/?p=94675 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is calling on businesses and organizations across the community to help Paint the Town Maroon and show their Trojan pride during a milestone year for the university. There is plenty to celebrate at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. With growing enrollment, a revitalized campus, successful Little Rock athletic teams, and ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Invites Community to ‘Paint the Town Maroon’

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is calling on businesses and organizations across the community to help Paint the Town Maroon and show their Trojan pride during a milestone year for the university.

There is plenty to celebrate at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. With growing enrollment, a revitalized campus, successful Little Rock athletic teams, and the university鈥檚 Centennial underway, Paint the Town Maroon invites the greater Little Rock community to be part of the momentum.

The new community spirit initiative encourages local businesses and organizations to display 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock banners at their locations, creating a visible show of support for the university and its students throughout the city.

Trojan alumnus and local business owner Bryan Hosto helped bring the idea to life, working with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to develop an effort that gives businesses a simple way to show their connection to the university. The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business Advisory Board and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association are partnering with the university to take this initiative into the community and encourage businesses throughout the area to participate.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock and the Little Rock community are deeply connected, and Paint the Town Maroon is a fun, visible way to celebrate that relationship,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淭here is tremendous momentum at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock right now, and we want our community to be part of it. Seeing maroon throughout the city sends a message to our students, alumni and friends that Little Rock is proud of its university.鈥�

Businesses can choose between two banner sizes to best fit their storefront, office or other location. There is no cost to participate. Members of the School of Business Advisory Board and Alumni Association will be reaching out to area businesses and distributing banners.

Businesses and organizations can also request a banner and pick it up at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center on campus. Participants are encouraged to prominently display their banners and help create a sea of maroon across Little Rock throughout the centennial year.

Paint the Town Maroon builds on 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 ongoing connections with the community it serves. Local businesses employ 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates, provide internships and career opportunities for students, partner with the university, and support Little Rock Athletics. The initiative offers another way for the community to demonstrate that relationship and celebrate a university and city whose futures are closely connected.

鈥淎s we celebrate 100 years of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, we鈥檙e also looking ahead to what comes next,鈥� O鈥橬eal said. 鈥淭his university and this city have a shared future, and Paint the Town Maroon is a simple way for all of us to celebrate that connection.鈥�

Businesses and organizations interested in participating can request a banner by emailing Angela Parker at amparker@ualr.edu.听

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Undergraduate Credit Hours Up 12% as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Prepares to Welcome the First Fall Class of its Second Century /news/2026/07/27/undergraduate-credit-hours-up-12-as-ua-little-rock-prepares-to-welcome-the-first-fall-class-of-its-second-century/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:23:34 +0000 /news/?p=94490 When students arrive on campus Aug. 24, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock expects to welcome a larger student body than it did last fall.  Preliminary enrollment figures show combined undergraduate and graduate headcount up 5% and nearly 300 students for fall 2026, with student semester credit hours up 11% compared with the same ... Undergraduate Credit Hours Up 12% as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Prepares to Welcome the First Fall Class of its Second Century

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When students arrive on campus Aug. 24, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock expects to welcome a larger student body than it did last fall. 

Preliminary enrollment figures show combined undergraduate and graduate headcount up 5% and nearly 300 students for fall 2026, with student semester credit hours up 11% compared with the same time last year. Undergraduate enrollment continues to lead that growth, with headcount up 7%, or more than 325 students, and undergraduate credit hours increasing 12%, as of July 27.

Growth is particularly strong among new students. First-time freshman enrollment is up 17%, and more than 60 students, while transfer student enrollment is up 29%, more than 100 students.

鈥淭hese preliminary results show that more students and families are recognizing both the quality and affordability of a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education,鈥� said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “That reflects years of work to strengthen the value we offer students through affordability, academic quality, hands-on learning, and the support they need to succeed. We look forward to welcoming the first fall class of our second century in just a few weeks.”

The increase in student semester credit hours is another encouraging sign, Drale said, because it indicates students are enrolling in more coursework as they progress toward their degrees.

鈥淐redit-hour growth matters because it reflects students making meaningful progress toward completing their degrees,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淥ur responsibility now is to make sure every student who joins us this fall has the resources and support to thrive from their first day through graduation.”

Those students will arrive at a university entering its second century with momentum across academics, research, student success, and athletics. Students entering this fall will be the first fall class of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 second century, as the university began its yearlong Centennial celebration July 1, recognizing 100 years of expanding educational opportunity and serving Arkansas. This summer also marked the university’s move into the United Athletic Conference following the baseball program’s historic season and first appearance in an NCAA Super Regional.

The university continues to expand opportunities for students through nationally recognized artificial intelligence research, a growing cybersecurity initiative that provides hands-on learning while serving communities across Arkansas, and a new graduate certificate in health informatics launching this fall.

鈥淪tudents are looking for a university that delivers both opportunity and value,” said Dr. W. Cody Decker, vice chancellor for student affairs and chief data officer. “These preliminary numbers suggest more students are finding that at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. We still have several weeks before classes begin, and our team will continue working with prospective and admitted students as they complete the enrollment process.”

While undergraduate enrollment continues to grow, graduate enrollment remains an area of strategic focus.  Preliminary graduate headcount is down 5%, a decline of less than 40 students, while graduate student semester credit hours are down 2%. The decline is concentrated primarily among international students. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is responding by strengthening graduate recruitment, adding workforce-focused programs, and increasing financial support. Beginning this fall, minimum graduate assistant stipends will increase to $10,000 for master’s students and $15,000 for doctoral students 鈥� the university’s largest investment in graduate assistant stipends in more than a decade.

Students who are still considering 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock have time to join the fall 2026 class before classes begin Aug. 24. Eligible incoming freshmen may qualify for the Trojan Guarantee, which covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid is applied, or the university’s Half-Off Scholarship. More information about admissions, scholarships, and enrollment is available at ualr.edu/admissions or by calling 501-916-3127.

“Every fall brings a new class of students with their own goals, ambitions, and potential,” Decker said. “We’re excited to welcome them to campus and help them take advantage of everything 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has to offer. As we prepare to begin our second century, there’s tremendous energy around where this university is headed, and it鈥檚 an exciting time to be a Trojan.鈥� 

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Unveils Custom Street Signs for Centennial Celebration /news/2026/07/16/ua-little-rock-unveils-custom-street-signs-for-centennial-celebration/ Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:42:28 +0000 /news/?p=94424 As the University of Arkansas at Little Rock celebrates its 100th anniversary, newly dedicated custom street signs are leaving a lasting mark on campus while honoring the university鈥檚 century of history. Campus and community members gathered Thursday, July 16, at the southeast corner of 28th Street and Campus Drive for the dedication ceremony. The event ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Unveils Custom Street Signs for Centennial Celebration

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As the University of Arkansas at Little Rock celebrates its 100th anniversary, newly dedicated custom street signs are leaving a lasting mark on campus while honoring the university鈥檚 century of history.

Campus and community members gathered Thursday, July 16, at the southeast corner of 28th Street and Campus Drive for the dedication ceremony. The event included remarks from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale and Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., a graduate of the university, followed by the unveiling of the new signs. During the ceremony, Scott also presented a commemorative proclamation on behalf of the City of Little Rock recognizing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 centennial celebration. 

“One hundred years, a centennial, higher education, economic development, the fabric of a capital city: that is the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, (and) I’m a proud graduate of this university,” Scott said. “On behalf of the City of Little Rock, I share my appreciation for this university and its 100 years of steadfast service, 100 years of sacrifice, and 100 years of success.鈥�

The signs not only recognize聽 the university鈥檚 centennial but also its longstanding place in Arkansas and the city of Little Rock. While 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has occupied three locations throughout its history, it has called its current campus home for over 75 years, growing alongside the city it has served for a century.

You can’t go to any public square, any pulpit, any process of progress across this entire state and not meet a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate,” Scott said. “That鈥檚 the type of impact they have.”

The idea for custom signage originated with dedicated 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus and Board of Visitors member Larry Golden, who envisioned using the university’s signature maroon color and Trojan head logo to create a more recognizable campus identity and to highlight 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s presence in the surrounding community.

鈥淪treet signs do more than direct traffic,鈥� Drale said. 鈥淭hey create a sense of place. They tell people they’ve arrived somewhere that matters. Beginning today, everyone who enters our campus will be welcomed by signs that proudly reflect this university.鈥�

The custom signs were made possible through a partnership with the City of Little Rock and the university’s facilities management team. In collaboration with the City of Little Rock and its Public Works Department, the university designed custom street signs and identified key campus intersections for the new signage.

The street sign dedication is one of several centennial initiatives recognizing the people, places, and partnerships that have shaped 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock over the past century while looking ahead to its next 100 years.

“These signs now become part of that story,” Drale said. “They will welcome prospective students on their first campus visit, families celebrating graduation, alumni returning home, and countless others who will discover all that happens here.”

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Community Support Builds for Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Campaign /news/2026/07/08/community-support-builds-for-shellam-flake-planetarium-seat-campaign/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=94385 Community support continues to grow for the return of the Shellam Flake Planetarium at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Since launching the planetarium seat sponsorship program this spring, alumni, friends, and community partners have sponsored 26 seats, generating $65,000 to provide long-term support for the planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements. “We’re encouraged by ... Community Support Builds for Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Campaign

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Community support continues to grow for the return of the Shellam Flake Planetarium at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Since launching the planetarium seat sponsorship program this spring, alumni, friends, and community partners have sponsored 26 seats, generating $65,000 to provide long-term support for the planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements.

“We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm we’ve seen so far,” said Lloyd Webre, director of development for the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “Every sponsorship represents someone who believes in creating opportunities for students and our community to experience science in a hands-on, inspiring way. We’re grateful to everyone who has stepped forward to ensure the Shellam Flake Planetarium is a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock staple for generations to come.”

Provost Ann Bain became the program’s first supporter, sponsoring two seats in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate curiosity and discovery than by supporting a space like the planetarium,” Bain said. “Knowing Sadie and Henry will have a connection to this experience, and that so many other children will be inspired here, makes this especially meaningful.”

Centennial Co-Chair Alfred Williams has been instrumental in securing many of the campaign’s seat sponsorships. Campaign cabinet members Mike Williams, James Bobo, RJ Martino, Courtney Little, and Thomas Dickinson have also demonstrated their support by purchasing seats.

Each $2,500 sponsorship includes a personalized nameplate displayed on a planetarium seat for five years. Sponsors may recognize an individual, family, organization, or honor the memory of a loved one. 

Proceeds from the program provide long-term support for the Shellam Flake Planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements, helping ensure it remains a premier destination for student learning and community engagement for years to come.

When open in the spring, the restored Shellam Flake Planetarium will serve as a multidisciplinary learning space welcoming K-12 students and community members for educational programming and public shows.

Seat sponsorships remain available. To learn more or sponsor a seat, visit ualr.edu/planetarium or contact Lloyd Webre at 501-951-1794.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to Celebrate 100 Years of Impact During Centennial Year /news/2026/07/01/ua-little-rock-to-celebrate-100-years-of-impact-during-centennial-year/ Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=94340 A century ago, the institution that would become the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, was just beginning its journey. Today, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock serves 8,000 students, offering programs ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. Through education, research, and public service, the university strengthens Arkansas and prepares graduates to lead in their communities and careers. ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to Celebrate 100 Years of Impact During Centennial Year

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A century ago, the institution that would become the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, was just beginning its journey. Today, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock serves 8,000 students, offering programs ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. Through education, research, and public service, the university strengthens Arkansas and prepares graduates to lead in their communities and careers.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will mark its Centennial with a yearlong celebration from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, honoring its past and present while looking ahead to its next century of impact.

“Reaching our Centennial is both a celebration and a moment of reflection,” Chancellor Christina Drale said. “The vision and determination of those who founded this institution created opportunities that have transformed lives for generations. As we honor the people, achievements, and milestones that shaped our first 100 years, we are also looking forward to a future filled with possibility for our students, our community, and our state.”

The university began in 1927 when Little Rock Junior College opened in what is now Little Rock Central High School. Founded to expand access to higher education in central Arkansas, the institution quickly grew beyond its original home and moved to its current campus in 1949, establishing a permanent foundation for future growth.

In 1957, Little Rock Junior College became Little Rock University, marking its transition from a two-year college to a four-year institution. The change expanded educational opportunities for students in central Arkansas and established the university as a destination for students seeking to earn bachelor’s degrees without leaving the region.

A new chapter began in 1969 when Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller signed legislation merging Little Rock University into the University of Arkansas System, creating the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. At the time, what was then known as 糖心Vlog传媒LR offered 28 undergraduate programs and enrolled approximately 3,500 students. Within a decade, the university had expanded to 73 degree programs, including 14 graduate programs. 

Today, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is known for expanding access to higher education, advancing research that addresses real-world challenges, developing Arkansas’s workforce, and building partnerships that strengthen communities across the state.

As the university prepares to enter its second century, the Centennial offers an opportunity to reflect on that remarkable journey and celebrate the people, achievements, and milestones that made it possible.

Throughout the Centennial year, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will share “100 Moments of Impact,” highlighting the people, achievements, innovations, and defining moments that shaped the university’s first century.

Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members can also take part in events, exhibits, and traditions that unite generations of Trojans and honor the university鈥檚 legacy.

“The Centennial is an opportunity to celebrate the people who built 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, the students and alumni who continue to shape its story, and the possibilities that lie ahead,” said Carrie Phillips, chair of the university’s Centennial Planning Committee. “We want this year to bring together generations of Trojans while showcasing the impact this university has had on our city, our state, and the lives of those we serve.”

The dedication of new 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock-branded street signs on July 16 will kick off the university’s Centennial celebration and welcome visitors to campus for years to come. When students return for the fall semester on August 24, they’ll celebrate the first day of classes with Centennial-themed cupcakes and the opportunity to sign a commemorative banner that will be preserved in the university’s centennial time capsule.

The Centennial celebration will also be woven into many of the university’s longstanding traditions. At BBQ at Bailey on October 7, alumni and friends will receive special centennial giveaways during the event. During Winter Fest, attendees will get a special preview of the newly renovated Shellam Flake Planetarium before it officially reopens this spring after nearly two decades.

The celebration will continue throughout the spring with the opening of a special history exhibit at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Downtown in February and a Centennial campus picnic celebrating every decade of Trojan history in March. The university will conclude its Centennial year with the burial of the Centennial time capsule, preserving memories and messages from the milestone celebration for future generations.

The Centennial arrives at a transformative moment for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. During its 100th year, the university will celebrate the successful completion of the Centennial Campaign, a historic effort expected to raise $250 million in support of scholarships, faculty, technology, and academic excellence. The campaign has already increased the university’s endowment by more than 200 percent, creating opportunities for future generations of students and strengthening the university’s long-term impact on Arkansas.

“The Centennial Campaign is a powerful reflection of what can happen when alumni, donors, and friends believe in the future of this university,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “As we celebrate 100 years of impact, we are also building a foundation for the next century. The generosity of our supporters is creating opportunities for students today and strengthening 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for generations to come.”

A century after opening its doors, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is celebrating not only how far it has come, but also where it is headed. With a growing endowment, a historic campaign nearing completion, and a continued commitment to student success, the university enters its second century positioned to make an even greater impact on Arkansas and beyond.

Follow the Centennial celebration, explore the “100 Moments of Impact” series, and view upcoming events and activities at ualr.edu/centennial.

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Gina and Brett Pharis Support Enduring Opportunity to Help Students Succeed /news/2026/06/17/gina-and-brett-pharis-support-enduring-opportunity-to-help-students-succeed/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=94279 For Gina and Brett Pharis, supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program is an investment in the students who will shape the future of Central Arkansas. “When I learned about Enduring Opportunity, I looked it up and realized it was right in line with my desire to support scholarships,鈥� Gina Pharis said.听 Longtime supporters ... Gina and Brett Pharis Support Enduring Opportunity to Help Students Succeed

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For Gina and Brett Pharis, supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program is an investment in the students who will shape the future of Central Arkansas.

“When I learned about Enduring Opportunity, I looked it up and realized it was right in line with my desire to support scholarships,鈥� Gina Pharis said.听

Longtime supporters of both 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and Little Rock Public Radio, they have remained actively engaged with the university for years. Their latest gift of $25,000 to create the Gina and Brett Pharis Enduring Opportunity Scholarship expands that commitment while helping more students pursue a college degree.

“The university helped shape who I became,” Pharis said.

As a theatre student, she overcame her fear of speaking in front of an audience and discovered new opportunities through coursework in radio, television, and film.

“I learned about radio, television, and film and went on to work at my one and only radio job at KARN in 1985,” she said.

The lessons she learned extended beyond the classroom. The relationships she built with faculty and fellow students left a lasting impact. 

“I was even invited to one of my professor’s retirement parties,” Pharis said. “The connections I made through all those impactful college days bring me back to the school.”

Years later, serving on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board gave her a deeper understanding of the role philanthropy plays in supporting students and advancing the university’s mission.

“Honestly, serving on the Alumni Board enlightened me to give in a philanthropic way,” she said.

Through their support of Enduring Opportunity, Gina and Brett Pharis hope to help more students earn a degree while reducing the financial burdens that can stand in the way of graduation.

“The impact will be substantial,” Pharis said. “It will be measured in the number of graduates over the coming years and the success of each student receiving that diploma with little to zero tuition debt. The smile on students’ faces will be worth every penny.”

The couple also sees the scholarship as an investment in the future of Little Rock and Arkansas.

“This program is designed to help each student have less stress and recognize how 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is helping them succeed, creating loyalty,” Pharis said. “The business community is working closely with departments all over campus scouting local talent. We are keeping students in Central Arkansas. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is a gold mine for the businesses of Little Rock.”

As longtime supporters of the university, Gina and Brett hope others will find ways to stay connected and support future generations of students.

“I would ask every graduate to stay in touch,” Pharis said. “Join the Alumni Association, stay connected, and find ways to be involved. I would also encourage business owners who have a connection to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to get involved on a deeper level. Find their passion and support it.”

For Gina and Brett Pharis, supporting Enduring Opportunity is both a way to give back to a university that made a lasting impact on their lives and an investment in the students who will help shape Arkansas’s future.

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San Pedro Establishes Endowed Scholarship to Expand Opportunity for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Students /news/2026/06/09/san-pedro-establishes-endowed-scholarship-to-expand-opportunity-for-ua-little-rock-students/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=94251 When Mimi San Pedro arrived in Arkansas with her family in the 1970s, they were starting over. After settling in Little Rock, San Pedro graduated from Mount St. Mary’s Academy and enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with the help of scholarships, grants, and a part-time job. Now, decades later, she is ... San Pedro Establishes Endowed Scholarship to Expand Opportunity for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Students

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When Mimi San Pedro arrived in Arkansas with her family in the 1970s, they were starting over. After settling in Little Rock, San Pedro graduated from Mount St. Mary’s Academy and enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with the help of scholarships, grants, and a part-time job.

Now, decades later, she is paying that opportunity forward by establishing the Mimi San Pedro Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Through a $25,000 commitment, the scholarship will support the university’s Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program, helping students overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational goals.

“My family and I moved to the United States in the 1970s when the Philippines were under Martial Law,” San Pedro said. “We started over here in Little Rock, where we had family. I graduated from Mount St. Mary’s and was accepted to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, but I needed financial assistance. Through a combination of scholarships, grants, and working while in school, I was able to earn my degree, join a sorority, and graduate in four years.”

The experience opened doors that shaped her future. The education she received at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helped launch a career that would make her a well-known leader in Arkansas’ business and nonprofit communities. 

Over more than 30 years, San Pedro held leadership roles in marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, and economic development, including serving as chief strategy officer for The Venture Center and mentoring the next generation of Arkansas leaders.

“I have been successful in business and life since then, and I wanted to give back,” she said.

San Pedro hopes her gift will create opportunities for students whose circumstances may be similar to her own.

“My family and I believe education is the key to a successful and fruitful life, so I chose to support 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because it supported me,” she said. “My hope is that this gift will help someone like me get the education they need to be successful.”

The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship program helps students cover educational expenses, including tuition, books, fees, and room and board. The endowed scholarship will provide ongoing support for students with financial need and/or academic merit.

Beyond helping individual students, San Pedro sees the scholarship as an investment in Arkansas’ future workforce.

“Our state needs more educated individuals to help fill the skilled worker shortage,” she said. “The increasing number of technology companies and the anticipated impact of the lithium industry mean there will be even greater demand for educated and skilled professionals. Hopefully, those graduates will come from our universities and remain here in Arkansas.”

She encourages others who care about the future of Arkansas to consider supporting students through the university.

“If education is important to you and you recognize that Arkansas must compete for talent in the future and keep our talent here, then you have to invest in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students,” San Pedro said.

For San Pedro, supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is both a thank you for the opportunities she received and an investment in the students who will help shape Arkansas’ future.

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, please contact the Office of Alumni & Development at 501-916-3194 or email development@ualr.edu

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Receives Gift to Support Long-Term Success of Planetarium /news/2026/04/27/ua-little-rock-receives-gift-to-support-long-term-success-of-planetarium/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=93993 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock continues to build support for the future of its Shellam Flake Planetarium, with a new $50,000 gift focused on sustaining the facility for years to come. The gift from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus and retired attorney James Bruce McMath and his wife, Becky, contributes to the Shellam Flake ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Receives Gift to Support Long-Term Success of Planetarium

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock continues to build support for the future of its Shellam Flake Planetarium, with a new $50,000 gift focused on sustaining the facility for years to come.

The gift from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus and retired attorney James Bruce McMath and his wife, Becky, contributes to the Shellam Flake Planetarium Endowment Fund.

As 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock prepares to reopen the planetarium this fall, the endowment ensures the facility has the long-term support needed for operations, programming, and staffing, positioning it as a lasting destination for students and the community.

For McMath, the investment is deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong fascination with the night sky.

鈥淚 am a space race baby,鈥� McMath said. 鈥淚 was eight when Sputnik launched, and I followed it with the same enthusiasm as some people follow a sports team.鈥�

That early curiosity grew into a serious pursuit. What began as a telescope for his son turned into a lifelong passion, including building telescope mirrors and conducting amateur research. Today, McMath operates a robotic telescope and has contributed more than 130,000 observations of variable stars to an international database.

He sees the planetarium as a way to share that sense of discovery with others, especially at a time when fewer people have experienced the night sky in its full form.

鈥淭he reality is, without question, the greatest natural spectacle is the Milky Way stretching across the night sky,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut these days, few people have ever truly seen it.鈥�

A planetarium, he said, can help bridge that gap by giving people a broader understanding of the universe and their place within it.

鈥淎 planetarium can open people鈥檚 eyes and minds to the reality of our situation here on our little planet,鈥� McMath said.

Supporting the endowment is also a way for McMath to give back to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock was an important element in my personal development, and I have not done much to pay it back,鈥� he said.

He also sees the planetarium as a key connection point between the university and the city.

鈥淭he planetarium will be an ambassadorial and educational tool for the university,鈥� McMath said. 鈥淚t is an investment in the community that will build pride in the university among city residents and help people better understand our place in the universe.鈥�

Their support helps position the planetarium as a long-term asset for both the university and Central Arkansas.

Learn more about the Shellam Flake Planetarium at ualr.edu/planetarium

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Receives Gift to Strengthen Long-Term Support for Planetarium /news/2026/04/08/ua-little-rock-receives-gift-to-strengthen-long-term-support-for-planetarium/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=93884 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock continues to build momentum behind the future of its Shellam Flake Planetarium, with a new $50,000 gift supporting long-term sustainability efforts for the facility. The gift from Centennial Campaign co-chair Jerry Damerow and his wife, Sherri, supports the Shellam Flake Planetarium Endowment Fund in the Donaghey College of ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Receives Gift to Strengthen Long-Term Support for Planetarium

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock continues to build momentum behind the future of its Shellam Flake Planetarium, with a new $50,000 gift supporting long-term sustainability efforts for the facility.

The gift from Centennial Campaign co-chair Jerry Damerow and his wife, Sherri, supports the Shellam Flake Planetarium Endowment Fund in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM), adding to ongoing investments in the planetarium鈥檚 future.

As 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock prepares to reopen the planetarium this fall, the endowment ensures the facility has the long-term support needed for operations, programming, and staffing, positioning it as a lasting destination for students and the community.

鈥淚 believe the planetarium and the Science Triangle project will help interest young people in science and attract them to the beautifully updated 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus,鈥� Damerow said. 鈥淪TEM education is extremely important in our rapidly changing economy, and we will need more scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to power our Central Arkansas economy.鈥�

For Damerow, the planetarium is also about creating experiences that draw people to campus and spark interest in science.

鈥淚 think the planetarium will be a magnet, attracting not only young people but also adults to campus. Getting people on campus is an important way of showcasing what the university has to offer and why it is so important to our community.鈥�

Their support adds to early efforts to ensure the planetarium鈥檚 long-term success. Although not alumni, the Damerows said supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is an investment in the community they call home.

鈥淭his is the community that I love and that has warmly welcomed us,鈥� he said. 鈥淎 strong university here will help attract the talent needed to build our future economy. Our state capital needs a great research university, and that is 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. If those of us who love Arkansas do not participate in building this great state, it will not happen.鈥�

Learn more about the Shellam Flake Planetarium at ualr.edu/planetarium.

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Provost Leads Effort in Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Sponsorship Program /news/2026/03/24/provost-leads-effort-in-shellam-flake-planetarium-seat-sponsorship-program/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=93805 Before phase two construction begins, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Provost Ann Bain has already picked out her seats, becoming the first to invest in the Shellam Flake Planetarium鈥檚 new seats. She鈥檚 sponsoring two in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry, making the project personal long before the doors open. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of a better ... Provost Leads Effort in Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Sponsorship Program

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Before phase two construction begins, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Provost Ann Bain has already picked out her seats, becoming the first to invest in the Shellam Flake Planetarium鈥檚 new seats.

She鈥檚 sponsoring two in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry, making the project personal long before the doors open.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of a better way to celebrate curiosity and discovery than by supporting a space like the planetarium,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淜nowing Sadie and Henry will have a connection to this experience, and that so many other children will be inspired here, makes this especially meaningful.鈥�

That same opportunity is now available to others.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is inviting alumni, friends, and community partners to support the return of the planetarium through a new seat sponsorship program.

Following a $1.2 million gift to restore and modernize the Shellam Flake Planetarium, the university is offering a limited opportunity for supporters to sponsor seats inside the facility. Each sponsored seat will include a personalized nameplate displayed for five years.

鈥淭he return of the planetarium to our campus is a transformative moment for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and our seat sponsorship program offers our community a unique opportunity to be a part of that legacy,鈥� said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 鈥淲e invite alumni, friends, and partners to lend their support and help inspire the next generation of scientists, educators, and explorers right here in central Arkansas.鈥�

Seat sponsorships are available for $2,500 for a five-year term, with the option to make a one-time gift or a five-year pledge of $500 per year. Sponsors will receive a personalized nameplate on a planetarium seat for the duration of the sponsorship, with the opportunity to renew at the end of the five-year period.

Sponsors may choose to recognize an individual, family, organization, or honor the memory of a loved one. Seat selections will be available on a first-come, first-served basis once commitments are confirmed.

Funds raised through the program will support the planetarium鈥檚 educational mission, including:

  • STEM education programs
  • K鈥�12 school field trips
  • Public planetarium shows
  • Equipment maintenance and upgrades
  • Student learning experiences

The restored Shellam Flake Planetarium will serve as a multidisciplinary learning space, creating hands-on opportunities for students across campus. The space will feature student artwork in adjacent outdoor areas, involve students in developing the planetarium鈥檚 visual identity, and provide business students opportunities to create and implement marketing plans.

The planetarium is scheduled to open in Fall 2026. To learn more about the planetarium or to purchase a seat, visit ualr.edu/planetarium or call Lloyd Webre at 501-951-1794.

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