Margaret Preston Dedman will be recognized as Distinguished Alumna of the Year, and Gina Pharis will receive the President鈥檚 Award for her longstanding contributions to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the community. The university will also recognize Greg Flesher, president of the George W. Donaghey Foundation, with the Honorary Alumnus Award, and Cortney Kennedy, chief legal counsel to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with the Young Alumni Award.

鈥淓ach of these honorees represents the best of what it means to be part of the Trojan community,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. 鈥淭heir dedication to service, leadership, and education reflects the core values of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and we鈥檙e proud to celebrate their achievements and continued impact in our state.鈥�

The Distinguished Alumna Award is the highest honor given to a graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Little Rock University, or Little Rock Junior College. It recognizes exceptional professional success and contributions to the community.

鈥淚 never expected anything like this,鈥� said Dedman. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been grateful for the education I received at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. It helped shape who I am. To be recognized in this way is truly an honor.鈥�

The President鈥檚 Award honors a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate who has achieved success in their career, given back to their community, and remained an engaged supporter of the university.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock gave me the chance to discover all that I was capable of,鈥� said Pharis. 鈥淭hat experience shaped my life, and it鈥檚 why I鈥檝e always felt a responsibility to stay connected and give back.鈥�

The Young Alumni Award recognizes a graduate who is excelling in their career and leadership roles while bringing honor and awareness to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock through their work and service.

鈥淓verything I鈥檝e been able to do started with my time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Kennedy. 鈥淚t opened doors for me, and it grounded me in service. I鈥檓 incredibly honored to be recognized by the university that gave me my start.鈥�

The Honorary Alumnus Award is presented to a non-alumnus who has made lasting contributions to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock through leadership, support, and advocacy.

鈥淲orking with the Donaghey Foundation has given me a front-row seat to the impact 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has on students and our community,鈥� Flesher said. 鈥淚 may not be a graduate, but I鈥檝e always believed in the mission of this university, and I鈥檓 honored to be part of its story.鈥�

The Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Clinton Presidential Center. For more information, contact Kristi Smith at klsmith4@ualr.edu or call 501-916-3194. 

More about the honorees: 

Margaret Preston Dedman
Margaret Preston Dedman earned both her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in journalism from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock before embarking on a successful career in broadcast journalism and public information. After starting at an ABC affiliate in Shreveport, she returned to Little Rock to join KARK Channel 4, where she quickly became a primetime anchor.聽

She later served in communications leadership roles with the Arkansas Department of Education, Arkla Gas, and CHI St. Vincent. Dedman is also active in community service and mentorship through her church and volunteer work with organizations including the Arkansas Homeless Coalition and the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Foundation Fund Board.

Gina Pharis
Gina Pharis earned her degree in radio, television, and film from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and went on to lead the Little Rock Marathon for over a decade, growing it into one of the city’s most successful and beloved events.聽

She has also served on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association Board of Directors, where she championed student scholarships and alumni engagement. The first in her family to earn a college degree, Pharis continues to advocate for educational access and opportunity.

Cortney Kennedy
Cortney Kennedy serves as Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. She previously worked as a criminal justice attorney in the Governor鈥檚 Office and as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Arkansas鈥檚 20th Judicial District.聽

Kennedy is a three-time graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Education in Secondary Education, and a Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law. She is also active in nonprofit leadership, youth mentorship, and law enforcement training.

Greg Flesher
Greg Flesher is president of the George W. Donaghey Foundation and a longtime partner at Frost PLLC. Under his leadership, the foundation has supported key 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock programs such as the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Trojan Way, and other initiatives that strengthen student success.聽

A dedicated civic leader, Flesher has served as president of Rotary Club 99, the Arkansas Repertory Theater, and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. 

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The event recognized Woody Harrelson, president of The Hatcher Agency, and Gus Leeper, senior vice president in Stephens Inc.鈥檚 Private Wealth Management division, for their achievements in business and their continued commitment to the university.

Harrelson, a 1996 graduate of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the school鈥檚 highest honor. The award recognizes a graduate who has made a significant impact in business or nonprofit work while giving back to the community and university. With more than three decades of experience in employee benefits strategy and carrier negotiations, Harrelson has built a career rooted in integrity and client service. He joined The Hatcher Agency in 1992 and has since held every major leadership role within the organization.

In his remarks, Harrelson encouraged students and young professionals to embrace accountability. 鈥淭he most important thing is to take responsibility for your actions,鈥� Harrelson said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e going to mess up and make mistakes. Own those mistakes and make them part of your past. You鈥檒l be better for it.鈥�

Leeper, a 2015 graduate who earned dual bachelor鈥檚 degrees in general management and international business, received the Dean鈥檚 Award for Excellence, which honors a recent graduate who has demonstrated strong leadership potential and community engagement. A former Trojan basketball player, Leeper began his career at Stephens Inc. through the firm鈥檚 Private Wealth Management analyst program. Today, he serves as senior vice president, helping clients define and achieve their financial goals while staying active in the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock community as part of the Lettermen鈥檚 Association.

Reflecting on his experience, Leeper credited 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for helping him build a foundation for success. 鈥淢y advice looking back is to be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock offers,鈥� Leeper said. 鈥淭his university does a great job of setting up students for success, and I am grateful.鈥�

Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business, commended both honorees for their lasting impact. 鈥淲oody Harrelson and Gus Leeper are shining examples of what it means to be a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Trojan,鈥� Funk said. 鈥淭heir professional accomplishments, commitment to service, and dedication to our university inspire our students and demonstrate the value of a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education.鈥�

The luncheon brought together alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners to celebrate excellence in business and support the School of Business鈥檚 mission of connecting the classroom to the community. Proceeds from the event benefit scholarships and programs that give students hands-on learning opportunities and real-world experiences, ensuring the next generation of business leaders is prepared to make an impact both on campus and across Arkansas.

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They will honor Woody Harrelson, president of The Hatcher Agency, and Gus Leeper, senior vice president in Stephens Inc.鈥檚 Private Wealth Management division, during the 2025 School of Business Distinguished Alumni Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Statehouse Convention Center.

The awards ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wally Allen Ballroom D. Honorees are being recognized for exceptional leadership, impact in their industries, and continued support of their alma mater.

Harrelson will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the School of Business鈥檚 highest honor, given to a graduate who has made a significant impact in business or a nonprofit organization and has served the Little Rock community and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

A 1996 graduate of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business, Harrelson has been with The Hatcher Agency since 1992, holding every major role within the organization. With more than 30 years of experience鈥攊ncluding 22 years managing his own book of business鈥攈e is known for his expertise in employee benefits strategy and carrier negotiations. His leadership is guided by the principle that 鈥渢he customer is always right.鈥� Harrelson and his wife, Tracy, are both 1996 alumni of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. He has also served 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as a member and former board chair of the Foundation Fund Board.

Leeper will receive the Dean鈥檚 Award for Excellence, which recognizes a graduate of the past 10 years who has shown strong promise as a leader in business or nonprofit work and is actively involved in serving Little Rock and the university. Leeper, a certified financial planner, is a financial consultant in the Stephens Inc. Private Wealth Management division, where he partners with senior advisor and Hot Springs Branch Manager Rick Blagg to help clients define and reach their financial goals.

Leeper began his career in the Stephens Inc. Private Wealth Management two-year analyst program in 2015. He earned two Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2015鈥攐ne in general management and one in international business鈥攚ith minors in finance and Spanish. A former student-athlete, Leeper played on the Trojan men鈥檚 basketball team from 2010 to 2015. He serves on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Lettermen鈥檚 Association and enjoys attending 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock sporting events.

Dr. Mark Funk, director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business, praised the honorees for their impact on business and community life.

鈥淲oody Harrelson and Gus Leeper are shining examples of what it means to be a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Trojan,鈥� Funk said. 鈥淭heir professional accomplishments, commitment to service, and dedication to our university inspire our students and demonstrate the value of a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education.鈥�

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ginger Daril at 501-916-6437 or vlkays@ualr.edu.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock honored Emily Wells, the top graduate of 2024, celebrated Arkansas artist Kevin Kresse as the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, as well as Libby Smith, the longtime award-winning travel editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with the Presidents Award.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock also celebrated the addition of two new awards to the program. Summer Khairi, assistant professor and program director at 糖心Vlog传媒MS, received the Young Alumna Award, while Jerry Damerow, co-chair of the Centennial Campaign, received the Honorary Alumnus Award, which recognizes a non-alumnus who has served, promoted, and developed 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in the tradition of an alum.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 alumni honorees are brilliant representatives of our brand,鈥� Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. 鈥淭hey excel in journalism, art, business, and science, and they continue to make a positive impact. In addition to their impressive achievements, each is known for their generosity and kindness. Summer, Libby, Kevin, and Jerry, thank you for the work you do in your communities and your dedication to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Emily, as our Whitbeck Scholar, you are a shining beacon of our future. Congratulations to our exceptional honorees.鈥�

Emily Wells

Emily Wells received the 2024 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award, recognizing her as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 top graduate of the year. She earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mass communication with a minor in theatre arts.

鈥淲ith her nearly perfect GPA and numerous awards, Emily Wells certainly has the credentials,鈥� said Dr. Simon Hawkins, director of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. 鈥淏ut what truly sets her apart is her ability to get things done鈥攚orking with others to accomplish great things. Watching her work was impressive. Her maturity and professionalism stand out at every stage. Emily is the full package. She does it all. She is deeply committed to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the entire community.鈥�

A member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Wells made her mark as an award-winning reporter and photographer for The Forum, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 student newspaper. She restarted the Trojan Film Club, served in student government, volunteered for numerous causes, and worked as an office assistant and camp counselor for the School of Literary and Performing Arts.

Since graduation, she has interned with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and is building a career in the film industry as an actress and production professional.

鈥淚 received support through 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock through generous scholarships, support from faculty and staff, and through an engaging campus community, despite a pandemic,鈥� Wells said. 鈥淏ecause of the Donaghey Scholars Program, I am debt-free and able to pursue my dreams without worrying about student loans. I will always be grateful for my time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and everything I learned there. No matter where I go, I will always be a Trojan at heart.鈥�

Kevin Kresse

Kevin Kresse, a 1984 graduate, is a nationally and internationally acclaimed sculptor and painter. He had never taken an art class before attending 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, but his talent led to recognition, including the Arkansas Governor鈥檚 Individual Artist of the Year Award in 2015 and acknowledgment by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2016. Over the past two decades, he has installed more than 20 public sculptures across Arkansas and beyond.

In 2022, Kresse was selected to sculpt a statue of Johnny Cash for the U.S. Capitol鈥檚 National Statuary Hall. He developed the concept and worked on the sculpture at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Windgate Center of Art + Design, where visitors could observe the creative process. The statue was installed in September 2024, making Kresse the first Arkansan to achieve this honor.

鈥淚 came to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as an energetic but confused seed of potential,鈥� Kresse said. 鈥淔ortunately, I found fertile soil with some kind attentive gardeners there who saw something, nurtured it, and believed in me to the point where I could believe in myself that I could do this.鈥�

When space constraints made sculpting the Johnny Cash statue difficult, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock once again provided support.

鈥淭om Clifton and Michael Warrick told me, 鈥楾ake the sculpture studio as long as you need,鈥欌�� Kresse said. 鈥淚t was a game changer. It made all the difference in the success of that piece.鈥�

Libby Smith

Libby Smith, best known as the award-winning travel editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, served in that role for more than 22 years. Under her leadership, the newspaper鈥檚 travel section was recognized as the best in its circulation category by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2005.

鈥淟ibby and I served in the Alumni Association together,鈥� said Bob Denman, emeritus vice chancellor of university advancement. 鈥淚 remember Libby as a donor, a volunteer, a volunteer leader, and that鈥檚 pretty special. Her life was 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, this community, and that newspaper.鈥�

Smith earned a double major in history and art history at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, an education she credits with shaping her worldview. As president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors in 1999, she helped develop the concept for the Bailey Alumni Center and launched popular alumni travel programs.

鈥淚 am humbled to receive this award. I owe so much to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚t was because I was able to study what I loved at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock that I was able to enjoy the career I had. In the end, I was not too old to go back to college. I was never elected cheerleader at John H. Reagan Junior High or Palestine High School, but I look forward to many years of being a cheerleader for what is now 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.鈥�

Summer Khairi

Summer Khairi, a second-generation 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate, earned her MBA in 2018 while working full-time as a nuclear medicine technologist. She quickly transitioned to teaching, earning a promotion to assistant professor and clinical coordinator at 糖心Vlog传媒MS after just two years as an adjunct instructor.

鈥淚 believe the first step in making a difference is showing up,鈥� said Guy Choate, president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors. 鈥淓very time I show up for this university, Summer is there. She may be receiving the Young Alumni Award today, but she inspires even those of us who have aged out of such categories.鈥�

Khairi鈥檚 dedication to service extends beyond her career. She chairs the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board鈥檚 Scholarship Committee, which awards over $200,000 annually, and has been recognized as a 糖心Vlog传媒MS Phenomenal Woman and a Museum of Discovery SPARKS! Star. She is also an Arkansas Business 20 in Their Twenties honoree and a graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock.

鈥淚鈥檓 deeply grateful to receive the first annual Young Alumni Award. Being part of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board has been a rewarding experience,鈥� Khairi said. 鈥淚 love being involved in the community and seeing the younger generation grow and become active members of the Little Rock community. That鈥檚 what really drives me 鈥� helping others reach their potential just as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock helped me reach mine.鈥�

Gerald 鈥淛erry鈥� Damerow

Jerry Damerow, a retired managing partner at Ernst & Young, serves as co-chair of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Centennial Campaign, which aims to raise $250 million for scholarships, student support, campus improvements, and academic excellence.

鈥淛erry serves alongside Alfred Williams as the co-chair of the Centennial Campaign for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� Choate said. 鈥淥n any given day, you can find Jerry at an on-campus or off-campus event, at a campus sporting event, or any place he is able to advance the cause of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. To date, the Centennial Campaign has raised over $210 million toward its $250 million goal.鈥�

Damerow鈥檚 career included international consulting and leadership roles in mergers and acquisitions. He later served as associate director of 糖心Vlog传媒MS BioVentures and is currently CFO of InterveXion Therapeutics, LLC.

鈥淚 love 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and I can鈥檛 tell you how much this means to me,鈥� Damerow said. 鈥淏ut the person who should really be standing here is my wonderful wife, Sherri. She has given me self-confidence, support, and love for over 50 years. If we don鈥檛 build 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, who will?鈥�

Damerow and his wife have established the Jerry and Sherri Damerow Endowed Science Scholarship to support students in astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and earth science.

鈥淲hy would a guy who didn鈥檛 attend 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock care about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淏ecause Jerry has adopted this campus as his own. There is no one more deserving of this award.鈥�

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The weekend will feature Trojan basketball, alumni gatherings, and the chance to celebrate Trojan pride alongside friends and family.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 Homecoming is a testament to a welcome partnership between Little Rock Athletics and Student Affairs, whose leadership has helped us create a more robust slate of engagement opportunities,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for advancement. 鈥淚 know our alumni will be happy to see the Greek Reunion return for a second year after its tremendous success with over 400 alumni attendees last year. We鈥檙e also introducing new traditions that are sure to become fan favorites, including campus tours, tailgating, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Greek Show, and events hosted by the Bowen School of Law. There is something for everyone, and I look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come.鈥�

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Homecoming Weekend offers something for everyone, from reconnecting with old friends to cheering on the Trojans in an electric atmosphere. Whether you鈥檙e attending the tailgate, the basketball games, or seeing old friends, this weekend promises to be unforgettable.

鈥淗omecoming brings a unique energy to the Jack Stephens Center that our student-athletes and fans alike feed off of,鈥� said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Director of Athletics Frank M. Cuervo. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about more than just the game 鈥� it鈥檚 about coming together as a community to show our Trojan pride and support for these incredible student-athletes.鈥�

Here鈥檚 the current schedule of Homecoming Festivities:

Thursday, Feb. 20 – Distinguished Alumni Luncheon

Celebrate the achievements of outstanding 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumni at the Distinguished Alumni Luncheon. This special event honors graduates who have made significant contributions in their professions and communities, showcasing the impact of a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock education.

This year鈥檚 honorees include:

• Kevin Kresse, Distinguished Alumni Award
• Libby Smith, Presidents Award
• Summer Khairi, Young Alumni Award
• Jerry Damerow, Honorary Alumni Award

Event details:

• 11:30 a.m.
• Location: Clinton Presidential Center

Learn more about the honorees: /news/2025/01/13/distinguished-alumni-2025/

To inquire about tickets, please call the Alumni Office at 501-916-6438.

Thursday, Feb. 20 鈥� Greek Alumni Night

Wear your letters and join other Greek alumni to reconnect and cheer on the Trojans. We鈥檒l have refreshments and reserved seating to ensure you have plenty of opportunity to network with friends.

Game Details:

• Little Rock Trojans vs. Lindenwood
• 5 p.m. 鈥� Women鈥檚 Basketball
• 7 p.m. 鈥� Men鈥檚 Basketball
• Location: Jack Stephens Center

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association will cover the cost for Greek alumni and a guest to attend. Register to attend.

Thursday, Feb. 20 – Arnold Lecture: Reflections on 2024 Election Process and Litigation

Join us for the Arnold Lecture, where thought leaders from across the political spectrum will reflect on the 2024 election process and key legal challenges. This engaging discussion will foster an open dialogue on lessons learned from both sides of the aisle. This event is hosted in partnership with the Clinton School of Public Service.

Participants include:

• Dean Dan Tokaji, Fred W. & Vi Miller Dean and Professor of Law – University of Wisconsin Law School.
• Professor Derek Muller, Professor of Law, The Law School of University of Notre Dame.
• Professor Eugene Mazo, Associate Professor of Law & Associate Professor of Political Science
• Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Duquesne University.

Event details:

• 5 p.m.
• Location: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
• .

Friday, Feb. 21 – Reconnect with Campus 

Take a guided tour to see the exciting upgrades across campus and learn about the latest projects that enhance the student experience at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Two scheduled tours will depart from the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, which will also be open throughout the weekend for alumni groups to reserve for meetups and gatherings. It鈥檚 the perfect starting point to reconnect and explore campus improvements with fellow Trojans.

Event details:

• 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
• Location: Bailey Alumni & Friends Center

Reserve a spot on the tour. To inquire about reserving the Bailey Alumni & Friends Center, please call the Alumni Office at 501-916-6438.

Friday, Feb. 21鈥� National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC) Greek Show

Watch this high-energy competition that showcases the incredible talent and creativity of student step teams, fraternities, sororities, and local organizations. Tickets for this annual tradition are $12 and may be purchased at the door.

Event details:

• 5:30 p.m. – Doors open
• 7 p.m. – Step show begins
• Location: Donaghey Student Center, Fitness Center

Saturday, Feb. 22 鈥� All Alumni Tailgate 

Reconnect with fellow alumni for a new tradition of an all alumni tailgate. We鈥檒l have a barbeque meal, and representatives from each college will be on hand to share updates from the college.

Event details:

• 11:30 a.m.
• Location: Jack Stephens Center Parking Lot
• Register to attend the all-alumni tailgate.

Saturday, Feb. 22 鈥� Homecoming Basketball Games

Following the tailgate, head inside the arena for the Homecoming Basketball doubleheader as the Trojans take on Western Illinois. This will be a packed day with Senior Night, and the court being announced at halftime of the men鈥檚 game.

Game Details

• Little Rock Trojans vs. Western Illinois
• 1 p.m. 鈥� Women鈥檚 Basketball
• 3 p.m. 鈥� Men鈥檚 Basketball
• Location: Jack Stephens Center

The Alumni Association will cover the cost for alumni to attend this game. Register to attend now.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will honor legendary Arkansas artist Kevin Kresse as the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year as well as Libby Smith, the longtime award-winning travel editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with the Presidents Award.

“Each honoree embodies the spirit of excellence that defines 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. 鈥淭heir achievements inspire us, their contributions have enriched our communities, and their stories remind us of the limitless potential of education. On Feb. 20, we celebrate their remarkable journeys and the lasting impact they continue to make here in Little Rock and beyond.”

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association annually awards the Distinguished Alumnus Award to a Little Rock Junior College, Little Rock University, or 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus. The award is reserved for individuals who have achieved extraordinary distinction in their chosen field and made special contributions to the community.

“I always believed the greatest honor I would receive from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock was my signed diploma,鈥� Kresse said. 鈥淏eing recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award was a completely unexpected surprise, and I am deeply grateful for this incredible honor.”

The Presidents Award was established to recognize 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates who achieved success in their career, donated time and talents to their community, and remained in touch with their alma mater as a volunteer and resource person.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will also celebrate the addition of two new awards to the ceremony. Summer Khairi, assistant professor and program director at 糖心Vlog传媒MS, will receive the Young Alumna Award, which recognizes a graduate who is currently excelling in their career, public service, and/or volunteer activities that bring honor and awareness to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 am deeply honored to receive the Young Alumni Award,鈥� Khairi said. 鈥淢y time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock was transformative, providing me with the foundation to pursue my passions and make a difference. This recognition reflects the values instilled in me during my time here, and it inspires me to give back to the community that has given me so much.鈥�

Jerry Damerow, co-chair of the Centennial Campaign, will receive the Honorary Alumnus Award, which recognizes a non-alumni who has served, promoted, and developed 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in the tradition of an alum.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock is so very important to our community and our state so volunteering there is a great way for me to say thank you to Arkansas for warmly embracing my wife and me and welcoming us to this great state,鈥� Damerow said. 鈥淥ur state capital needs a prestigious research-based university and that is 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. I am so thrilled to receive the Honorary Alumni Award this year. I am committed to helping build Arkansas and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. If we don鈥檛 do the building, it won鈥檛 get done.鈥�

The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Clinton Presidential Center. For more information, contact Sarah Grace Hall at sghall@ualr.edu.

More information about the honorees:

Kevin Kresse, a 1984 graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, is a nationally and internationally acclaimed sculptor and painter. Known for his compelling artistry, Kresse received the Arkansas Governor鈥檚 Individual Artist of the Year Award in 2015 and was recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2016. Over the past two decades, he has installed more than 20 public sculptures across Arkansas and as far away as Alaska.

In 2022, Kresse was chosen to sculpt a statue of fellow Arkansan Johnny Cash for the national Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. He developed the concept and worked on the sculpture at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Windgate Center of Art + Design, where visitors had the unique opportunity to watch the creative process. The completed statue was installed in Statuary Hall in September 2024, making Kresse the first Arkansan to achieve this honor.

Libby Smith is best known as the prize-winning travel editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, a role she held for more than 22 years. During her tenure, the newspaper鈥檚 Travel Section earned numerous accolades, including being named the best in its circulation category by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2005. Smith is believed to have been the longest-serving travel editor at any major U.S. newspaper when she departed.

A proud double major in history and art history at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Smith credits her professors with shaping her worldview. She became president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors in 1999, during which time the Bailey Alumni Center was a concept developed out of a desire for alumni to have a place to connect. Her love of travel launched popular alumni travel trips, including the annual Oaklawn excursions.

Smith is also deeply involved in her community, serving on the board of Mount Holly Cemetery and actively participating in the Gilbert Marshall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Through the DAR, she has focused on providing care and support to patients in central Arkansas鈥檚 veterans hospitals.

Summer Khairi is a second-generation 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate, following in the footsteps of her mother, aunt, and cousins. A Mount St. Mary Academy alumna, she earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nuclear medical imaging sciences from 糖心Vlog传媒MS and began her career as a certified nuclear medicine technologist at 糖心Vlog传媒MS, CHI St. Vincent, and CARTI. She quickly transitioned to teaching, earning a promotion to assistant professor and clinical coordinator at 糖心Vlog传媒MS after just two years as an adjunct鈥攁 milestone she considers her most significant career achievement.

While working full-time, Khairi earned an MBA from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2018. She is deeply committed to philanthropy, serving as vice chair of the 2019 World Cheese Dip Championship to benefit Harmony Health Clinic, and as a member of the 糖心Vlog传媒MS Academic Senate, as well as several committees working to improve the culture at 糖心Vlog传媒MS. She also serves as commissioner on the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. Recognized as a 糖心Vlog传媒MS Phenomenal Woman and a Museum of Discovery SPARKS! Star, she exemplifies leadership in science, technology, and service. Khairi is also an Arkansas Business 20 in Their Twenties honoree and a graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock’s Class XXXVI.

Khairi鈥檚 passion for serving others extends to her alma mater. As chair of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board鈥檚 Scholarship Committee, she has skillfully led efforts to interview and select scholarship recipients, earning praise for her ability to connect with students. Her wide social network and enthusiasm have made her a standout ambassador for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, promoting its mission and values within the community.

Gerald 鈥淛erry鈥� Damerow, a Kent State University accounting graduate and retired managing partner at Ernst & Young, serves as co-chair of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Centennial Campaign Cabinet. The campaign, publicly launched in 2022, aims to raise $250 million for scholarships, student support, campus improvements, and program excellence.

Damerow’s career with Ernst & Young included roles as a management consultant in Indonesia and oversight of mergers in New York, Little Rock, and Puerto Rico. Now based in Little Rock, he has served as associate director of 糖心Vlog传媒MS BioVentures and is currently CFO of InterveXion Therapeutics, LLC.

Damerow and his wife, Sherri, have committed an estate gift to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to support science majors through the Jerry and Sherri Damerow Endowed Science Scholarship, benefiting students in astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and earth science.

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The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given to an alumnus by the William H. Bowen School of Law. This recipient of this award has demonstrated a lifetime of commitment and advancement to Bowen’s core principles of access to justice, public service, and professionalism.

鈥淢y wife Rita and I are very honored to have received this award,鈥� Judge Wayne Gruber said. 鈥淲e both worked full time while attending 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock law school classes at night. It was very challenging! In return, we received a wonderful education, passed the Bar, and had very rewarding careers, first in law practice and then as elected judges.鈥�

The Bowen School of Law, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary, honored five Distinguished Alumni Award recipients at its Nov. 1 luncheon. The proceeds from the awards ceremony will support the Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Over three years, the clinic has directly responded to more than 600 veteran requests for assistance from across the state and represented clients in Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense proceedings.

鈥淭he Bowen Alumni Board honored five outstanding lawyers at our November 1 Distinguished Alumni lunch,鈥� Bowen Dean Colin Crawford said. 鈥淭he lead award went to two exceptional jurists who met at law school, married and practiced together for many years before becoming judges, namely Court of Appeals Judge Rita Gruber and her husband District Court Judge Wayne Gruber. They both delivered generous reflections of their time at Bowen and expressed their gratitude for Arkansas’s supportive legal community. We were also delighted to recognize the Hon. Colette Honorable for a long career in public service, and Cara Butler as the Emerging Leader. A new award for a non-graduate Friend of Bowen was given to attorney David Sudduth. It was a pleasure to be able to recognize five such talented people.”

Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Judge Rita Gruber has served on the Arkansas Court of Appeals since 2009 after completing 18 years as a circuit judge for the Sixth Judicial District. While serving on the trial bench, she helped establish a Volunteer Probation Officer program to work with first-time juvenile offenders. She also established a specialized teen parenting program, a truancy alternative school, and helped plan the CSTP juvenile boot camp at Camp Robinson. Before she was elected as a circuit judge, Gruber served as interim Pulaski County judge and had a 10-year law practice in North Little Rock.

She is a member of the Pulaski County Bar Association, Arkansas Bar Association, and American Bar Association. She is very active in her community, serving on many boards and committees. Gruber works closely with the Bowen School of Law, developing mediation programming, particularly for juvenile cases. She鈥檚 also served several terms on the Bowen School of Law Dean鈥檚 Advisory Council.

Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

Judge Wayne Gruber has served Pulaski County as district judge since March 2001. Before his election, he worked in private practice as a partner in the Gruber Law Firm for 20 years. Gruber retired from the Arkansas National Guard 189th Airlift Wing, where he served as a judge advocate for 16 years and his last 10 years as a staff judge advocate. Before serving in the guard, he served four years on active duty at the Little Rock Air Force Base.

Gruber has previously served as president of the Pulaski County Bar Association, and the organization recognized him as District Judge of the Year in 2001, 2009, and 2014. In 2015, he served as president of the Arkansas District Judges鈥� Council and received the Pulaski County Bar Association鈥檚 Lawyer Citizen Award in 2018.

One of Gruber鈥檚 proudest accomplishments is the implementation of the Pulaski County District Court DWI/Sobriety Court Program, a national model sponsored by the National Highway Safety and Transportation Administration. One of only 12 statewide programs, it鈥檚 designed to reduce the number of DWI offenses by providing alternative sentencing including counseling and treatment.

Outstanding Alumna in Public Service Award

Colette Honorable, executive vice president of public policy and chief external affairs officer for Exelon Corporation, has received the Outstanding Alumna in Public Service Award, which is given to a Bowen graduate who has dedicated their personal and professional life to serving the people of the State of Arkansas, and has demonstrated a track record of servant leadership.

鈥淚 am humbled by the recognition of my alma mater,鈥� Honorable said. 鈥淭he education I received at Bowen prepared me not only for a career in public service, but also to compete on the world鈥檚 stage. I will always be grateful to have received my legal training from a place that taught me the vital importance of the law, but also the duty, power and honor of serving others.鈥�

In her role at Exelon Corporation, the nation鈥檚 largest utility, she is responsible for the company鈥檚 policy engagement with external stakeholders, overseeing federal and regulatory affairs, strategy, sustainability, customer engagement, and corporate giving. She also serves on Exelon鈥檚 executive committee and the Exelon Foundation Board.

Honorable was nominated by President Barack Obama and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as a commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Previously, she served on the Arkansas Public Service Commission, including as interim chairman and chairman. Prior to joining the Arkansas PSC, Honorable served as chief of staff to the Arkansas Attorney General and as a member of the governor鈥檚 cabinet as executive director of the Arkansas Workforce Investment Board. Her previous employment includes service as a legal services attorney, an assistant public defender, a consumer protection, and civil litigation attorney, and as a special prosecutor and senior assistant attorney general in Medicaid fraud before serving as an adjunct instructor at Bowen and Special Judge of the Pulaski County Circuit Court.

She is involved in several organizations, including The Economic Club, the Executive Leadership Council, the Energy Bar Association, the American Association of Blacks in Energy, the National Bar Association and the Women鈥檚 Council on Energy and the Environment. She serves on the William Jefferson Clinton School of Public Service Advisory Board, the National Academies of Sciences鈥� Board on Energy and Environmental Systems, and the global advisory board of Energy Futures Initiatives.

Emerging Leader Award

Cara Butler, an associate at Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, received the Emerging Leader Award. The award is given to a Bowen alum who is 35 years of age or younger, or has graduated Bowen less than 10 years prior, and has shown professional distinction early in their career, and an abiding commitment to the Bowen School of Law.

Butler graduated summa cum laude from Bowen in 2019 and earned the top score on the July 2019 Arkansas Bar Examination. She focuses her law practice on advising businesses and not-for-profits on employment and workplace issues. Butler is currently recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Employment Management Law, in Employment Litigation, and in Commercial Litigation.

Butler was awarded the Arkansas Bar Foundation鈥檚 writing award for Best in the general writing category in 2023. She is a graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXIX and serves on the Baptist Health Foundation Board of Trustees. She also has served as a mentor to Bowen students for several years and is currently teaching Lawyering Skills I as an adjunct professor.

Friend of Bowen Award

David Sudduth, chief public defender at the Sixth Judicial District Public Defender鈥檚 Office covering Pulaski and Perry Counties, received the Friend of Bowen Award. This award is given to an individual or an organization which has demonstrated support and commitment to the advancement of Bowen.

The Public Defender鈥檚 office and its staff of over 50 civil servants offer Sudduth many sources of pride. It鈥檚 their clerkship program he holds as the office鈥檚 crowning achievement. Since the beginning of Sudduth鈥檚 tenure just over one year ago, the Public Defender鈥檚 office has provided clerkships to more than 40 Bowen law students. In offering direct courtroom experience and instilling the principle that 鈥渓aw school never ends,鈥� Sudduth firmly believes the clerkship program benefits Bowen students and the entire legal community.

鈥淚鈥檝e practiced law for 25 years, and, though I did not attend Bowen, I cannot imagine my current practice without Bowen鈥檚 influence,鈥� Sudduth said. 鈥淏eginning with the Bar exam preparatory course taken at Bowen those many years ago to my work alongside distinguished Bowen alumni every day since, Bowen鈥檚 influence has shaped both myself and my practice. Without this influence, I believe many things accomplished during my practice would not have been possible. It brings me a great deal of joy and a sense of fulfillment to now receive the Friend of Bowen award.鈥�

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Coming in at No. 10, this story told the legacy and impact of Howard Williams, a former truck driver who headed the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board for decades. He鈥檚 known for his unwavering support for the education and advancement of young construction professionals in Arkansas, including helping to found the Construction Management program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

The heartwarming tale of Professor Julien Mirivel, an expert in the field of positive communication, becoming a U.S. citizen 29 years after he first arrived in the country as a high school exchange student is the ninth most popular story of the year.

It鈥檚 hard to imagine earning the title of a Distinguished Alumni without being popular at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock! The story honoring the winners of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards 鈥� Oscar Horton, Bill Mathis, Jr., Stephanie Caruthers, and Nancy Secen 鈥� earned its spot in the Top 10 stories of 2023.

2023 has been an exciting year for Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. A story about her being named to Soiree Magazine鈥檚 2023 Class of Women to Watch proved to be the seventh most popular story of 2023.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Centennial Campaign Member James Bobo is a well-known personality around campus and Little Rock. The story of Bobo being selected as the 2023 Taste of Little Rock Honoree made the list as the sixth most popular story of the year.

Families are always looking for fun ways to spend the summer months, and a story on a free cybersecurity summer camp for junior high and high school students was very popular at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, coming in fifth on the list.

Student scholarships are always popular with college students and their families, which is why it was no surprise that the announcement of a new matching scholarship for 糖心Vlog传媒-Pulaski Tech students who transfer to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock came in as the fourth most popular story of 2023.

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock community was excited to welcome Colin Crawford as the new dean of the William H. Bowen School of Law in July, rounding out the top three stories of 2023.

The penultimate story of last year proved the continued popularity of student scholarship programs across Arkansas. The launch of Trojan Guarantee, a groundbreaking initiative designed to break down financial barriers and empower freshmen to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree with no tuition cost, came in as the second top story of the year.

Coming in as the top story of 2023 is the tale of doctoral student Ranjitha Hariharalakshmanan, who won a prestigious national graduate student award from the AVS for her materials science research into creating a more efficient method of water purification!

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The university recognized Oscar Horton and Bill Mathis, Jr. as the winners of the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award as well as Stephanie Caruthers and Nancy Secen as the winners of the Presidents Award. The ceremony also honored Ahad Nadeem, a spring graduate who was named the winner of the 2023 Edward L. Whitbeck Memorial Award, which honors the top graduating senior of the year.

“The achievements of Distinguished Alumnus and Presidents Award winners are a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering dedication that defines our outstanding alumni,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. 鈥淓ach of our amazing award winners has not only excelled in their respective fields but also epitomized the values and excellence that 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock stands for by serving as pillars in the community. They inspire us all to aim higher, give back, and continue the legacy of shaping a better world.”

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Association annually awards the Distinguished Alumnus Award to a Little Rock Junior College, Little Rock University, or 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus. The award is reserved for individuals who have achieved extraordinary distinction in their chosen field and made special contributions to the community.

The Presidents Award was established to recognize 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates who achieved success in their career, donated time and talents to their community, and remained in touch with their alma mater as a volunteer and resource person.

More information about the honorees:

Oscar Horton serves as chairman and CEO of Horton Holdings, LLC, which owns and manages the operations of its subsidiaries Sun State International, Sun State Real Estate, and the Horton family office. He is a member of the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame and was most recently named one of Tampa Bay鈥檚 Top 100 Most Powerful Business Leaders.

Horton credited 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with helping him build confidence, giving him a great education, and teaching him the business of perseverance.

鈥淚 learned the importance of looking someone in the eye when you talk to them, giving a firm handshake, and that charisma is probably the biggest thing you can have in the business world,鈥� Horton said. 鈥淭hey also taught me a good dose of common sense.鈥�

After graduating from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Horton began his career as a sales representative for the International Truck & Engine鈥檚 financial corporation. He served as vice president and general manager of the company鈥檚 Foundry Business, a multi-million-dollar business with approximately 1,500 employees.

After an illustrious 25-year career with International Truck & Engine Corporation, he left to become president and CEO of Sun State International. During his presidency, the company increased its revenue seven-fold and improved its profitability, employee morale, and customer satisfaction. This turn-around helped Sun State secure the 2020 Dealer of the Year Award from the American Truck Dealers.

Bill Mathis, Jr. graduated from Horace Mann High School and earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. One of his fondest memories was his psychology professor and mentor Dr. Louis Woods.

鈥淚 learned from Dr. Louis Woods, and he told me to seek excellence in everything that I do,鈥� Mathis said. 鈥淗e taught psychology with a statistical perspective that I have used throughout my career. Because of the education I received here, I was able to retire at the age of 60. My wife Lisa and I have established a scholarship fund here at 糖心Vlog传媒LR. My family and I seek excellence in everything we do, and we encourage everyone to do the same.鈥�

Mathis has more than 25 years of executive experience in business development and sales management in the financial services industry, with a demonstrated track record in building and leading high-performance teams. He retired in 2009 as executive vice president of MasterCard International, where he led a team of 150 employees responsible for delivering 60 percent of the organization鈥檚 U.S. region revenue. In 2005, Mathis was honored as MasterCard’s inaugural Coach of the Year, which signifies sales and team development leadership. Prior to joining MasterCard International, he served as senior vice president with the vendor financial services unit at GE Capital.

He has also been active in the community, serving on several boards. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Goldleaf Financial Solutions, Inc.; the Board of Directors for First Tee of Metropolitan New York; and the Junior Achievement International Board, where he sat on the Executive Committee and the Lead Brand Effectiveness Committee. Mathis previously served as co-chair of the MasterCard Diversity Committee, as well as the Political Action Committee and Pension Investment Committee.

Nancy Secen earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated with honors from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Executive MBA program in 2001. She had a successful career of more than three decades working for Kimberly-Clark Corp. with positions in Conway, Maumelle, and Wisconsin.

A lifetime member of the Alumni Association, she joined the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors in 2005, jumping at the opportunity to give back to the university that gave her such a positive educational experience.

鈥淥ne of the best parts of being a board member was talking to the students who were interviewed as part of the scholarship selection process,鈥� Secen said. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock has many deserving students who need financial support to complete their studies. It was inspiring to meet and speak with the talented and impressive students who were working toward degrees they planned to use to improve their lives and the lives of others.鈥�

She has served on the Scholarship Committee for 15 years, serving four terms as committee chair, and has helped to strengthen and streamline the scholarship interview process. Her work on the Scholarship Committee sounded the alarm for the need for more scholarships. Her diligence laid the foundation for Taste of Little Rock, the university’s largest scholarship fundraiser now in its 18th year.

鈥淪he led the scholarship program better than anyone could have imagined,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淣ancy鈥檚 work on the scholarship committee is the absolute embodiment of what the Presidents Award recognizes. She set the course for the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Scholarship program for the past 20 years.鈥�

Stephanie Caruthers is a partner in Trio鈥檚, one of Central Arkansas鈥檚 most notable, award-winning restaurants. She joined 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 1985 and graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in international studies and a minor in French. She was a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, and a highlight of her college career was a 1987 summer abroad language and culture study in Strasbourg, France.

鈥淲hat an honor it is to receive this award,鈥� Caruthers said. 鈥淎s I reflect on this award, I wonder what brought me to this moment. One pivotal person that brought me here is the tenacity of Dr. Earl Ramsey (the first director of the Donaghey Scholars Honors  Program). He saw in me what I didn鈥檛 see in myself. Thank you for believing in me.鈥�

Caruthers began her career at Trio鈥檚 in 1987. She was part of a founding group of chefs and restaurateurs that spearheaded a Share Our Strength鈥檚 Taste of the Nation effort in Little Rock in the mid-1990s. The nationwide event began in the 1980s to mobilize restaurants and chefs to organize tasting events to raise awareness and funds for hunger-fighting nonprofit organizations. Share our Strength continues to fight childhood hunger with their No Kid Hungry campaign, and Trio鈥檚 continues to support their efforts through its involvement with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.

鈥淪he is so giving, so compassionate, and she鈥檚 been such a joy to work here,鈥� said Capi Peck, executive chef and owner of Trio鈥檚. 鈥淚 cannot imagine doing any of the work we do without her. I consider her not just a partner, but a friend. She loves Little Rock, and she loves the community. I hope that other 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock people follow her lead and continue to give back in the way that Stephanie has for the past 36 or so years.鈥�

This year, Caruthers began her third term on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Directors. President Heide Harrell dubbed Caruthers as the 鈥淨ueen of the Taste of Little Rock,鈥� 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 highly anticipated annual culinary and social event. Trio鈥檚 is one of the Taste of Little Rock鈥檚 original participating restaurants, and Caruthers has been involved in every event since, serving as chair/co-chair of two previous Taste of Little Rock events.

Ahad Nadeem is a May 2023 graduate of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology and plans to become a doctor. He has demonstrated outstanding citizenship through research and activities aimed at bettering the lives of others, including working to combat child hunger and educating people about opioids.

At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, he served as president of the Campus Garden Alliance and vice president of the Student Government Association. He worked with the SGA on campus safety and other initiatives. Passionate about science education, he served as a genetics learning assistant in the classroom. He also presented research on food insecurity and on the genetic programming of fat tissue.

The aspiring physician was also a health and wellness writer for the university鈥檚 student newspaper, The Forum, and his community service work includes volunteering at the 糖心Vlog传媒MS Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institutes, in 糖心Vlog传媒MS鈥檚 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and a center that supports grieving children.

鈥淚 would not have been somebody worthy of winning this award without the support and the resources that were offered to me at this university,鈥� Nadeem said. 鈥淚 found that 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is a very student-driven university, and I received so many opportunities to get involved. In my eyes, I just did very small things, and a lot of those small things added up to make changes. I think that when a lot of students do a lot of small things, it can really change the world.鈥�

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鈥淚n my first year as dean, it is an honor to be able to greet the Bowen community at the most important alumni event of the fall semester and to be able to celebrate our three remarkable honorees,鈥� Dean Colin Crawford said.

Kevin A. Crass will receive the Distinguished Alumnus award, the highest honor awarded to an alumnus of the Bowen School of Law. Crass is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group with Arkansas鈥檚 largest law firm, Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP. He focuses his practice on significant, complex business litigation in federal and state courts, and he has also served as personal counsel to several of the state鈥檚 constitutional officers. Crass currently serves on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Board of Trustees, among several other important community involvements.

Judge Amy Dunn Johnson (鈥�02) will receive the Outstanding Alumna in Public Service Award. Johnson presides as a family judge for the 6th Judicial Circuit Court. Prior to her election in 2020, Judge Johnson was the executive director of the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission, which exists to provide equal access to justice in civil cases for all Arkansans. She also served as the CEO of the Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation and the Arkansas Interest on Lawyers鈥� Trust Accounts program.

Cody McKinney (鈥�21) will receive the Emerging Young Alumni Award. McKinney is a lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard serving as a staff attorney with the Coast Guard Office of the Judge Advocate General. During his time at Bowen, McKinney served in the mediation clinic and as an editor at both of the school鈥檚 law journals, among other activities.

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