Scholarships - News - 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock /news/tag/scholarships/ 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:04:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Increases Financial Support for Graduate Assistantships /news/2026/06/18/ua-little-rock-increases-financial-support-for-graduate-assistantships/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=94287 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is making its largest investment in graduate assistant stipends in more than a decade, increasing financial support for master’s and doctoral students beginning this fall. Beginning in ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Increases Financial Support for Graduate Assistantships

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is making its largest investment in graduate assistant stipends in more than a decade, increasing financial support for master’s and doctoral students beginning this fall.

Beginning in Fall 2026, the university will raise the minimum stipend for master’s-level graduate assistants from $8,000 to $10,000 for a nine-month appointment. Doctoral-level graduate assistants will see their minimum stipend increase from $13,000 to $15,000.

Graduate assistantships allow students to pursue advanced degrees while gaining hands-on experience in research, teaching, and university operations. In addition to a stipend, assistantships may include tuition benefits that help offset the cost of graduate school.

“I am sensitive to the financial pressures that our graduate students face and the impact that rising costs have had on them,” said Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School. “I am committed to continuing this discussion and progressing toward competitive GA stipends.”

The increase continues a trend of growing university investment in graduate student support. Five years ago, the minimum stipend for master’s-level graduate assistants was approximately $6,000. Two years ago, it was raised to $8,000. This fall’s increase to $10,000 marks the latest step in the university’s efforts to address rising costs for graduate students.

Graduate assistants serve in a variety of roles across campus. Some assist faculty with research projects, while others support classroom instruction, work in administrative offices, or contribute to projects related to their field of study.

Beyond financial assistance, assistantships provide students with practical experience that complements their academic work and helps prepare them for careers in higher education, industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and other professional fields.

The increased stipends also help 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock remain competitive in attracting and retaining talented graduate students.

Students interested in graduate assistantship opportunities can learn more through the Graduate School and individual academic programs. Assistantships are available in a variety of disciplines across the university.

For more information about graduate assistantships and graduate programs, visit .

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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 ... 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.聽

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 ... 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 School of Business Golf Tournament Raises More Than $88,000 for Student Support /news/2026/05/20/ua-little-rock-school-of-business-golf-tournament-raises-more-than-88000-for-student-support/ Wed, 20 May 2026 15:37:10 +0000 /news/?p=94196 The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business celebrated the success of its 15th annual golf tournament on May 18 at Pleasant Valley Country Club, raising more than $88,800 in gifts ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business Golf Tournament Raises More Than $88,000 for Student Support

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The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business celebrated the success of its 15th annual golf tournament on May 18 at Pleasant Valley Country Club, raising more than $88,800 in gifts and sponsorship support to benefit student success initiatives.

The double shotgun scramble featured 39 teams and brought together business leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and community supporters from across Central Arkansas for a day focused on investing in the next generation of business professionals.

During the morning wave, the First Flight championship team included Hayden Lassiter, Adam Burton, Tristan Talbert, and Woody Harrelson with a score of 55. William Pollock, Richard Blank, John Murphy, and Shea McCarty finished second in the First Flight with a score of 57.

In the morning wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Aaron Huntley, Cody Waits, Zach Brown, and Jeff Whitener earned first place with a score of 64, while Ken Estes, Bill Birch, Steve Hillis, and Richard Rogers placed second with a score of 65.

Special contest winners during the morning wave included John Moran for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Zach Brown for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Toppie Hogan for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

During the afternoon wave, Ben Bailey, Beau Glover, Ben Cox, and Zack Sokora captured first place in the First Flight with a score of 54. Trey Schaap, Jamie Cobb, Joe Kleine, and Carson Roberts followed closely in second place with a score of 55.

In the afternoon wave鈥檚 Second Flight, Blake Edwards, Adam Hope, John Edwards, and Chance Tharp claimed first place with a score of 63. Rodney Peel, Randy Southerland, Joe Buffington, and Courtney Little finished second with a score of 65.

Afternoon special contest winners included Trey Schaap for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 2, Ryan Crews for Closest to the Pin on Hole No. 13, and Austin Harmon for Longest Drive on Hole No. 18.

Proceeds from the tournament support a variety of student-centered initiatives within the School of Business, including emergency scholarships, participation in regional and national competitions, and the School鈥檚 Ambassador Program.

鈥淲e are grateful for the individuals and companies who sponsored the tournament or a team in support of our students in the School of Business,鈥 said Dr. Mark Funk, director of the School of Business at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud that the business community realizes and appreciates the importance of the work that takes place in our classrooms. Our students are their future employees and leaders, so we are thankful for this collaboration.鈥

The event provided valuable networking opportunities for students involved in the School of Business Ambassador Program. Throughout the tournament, students connected with business leaders from across the region, building relationships that can lead to internships, mentorships, and future career opportunities.

Saracen served as the presenting sponsor for the event.

Additional sponsors included:

  • Golf Ball Sponsor: Pettus Interiors
  • Golf Cart Sponsors: Priority1 and Good Day Farm
  • Contest Sponsors: Legacy Termite & Pest Control; Paul Rainwater/Rye 51; Ted Bailey, III Family; Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull Law Firm
  • Practice Area Sponsors: Arvest; Ifrah Financial; TMB Capital Partners
  • Bar Sponsor: Tito鈥檚
  • Hole and Team Sponsors: Segra, AEDI, MK Distributors, DDK Forestry, USAble Life
  • Beverage Cart Sponsors: Delta Solar, Apartment Hunters, First Horizon, Haybar Real Estate, Hosto Cardis Law

Additional support was provided through gifts in kind, including breakfast from Chick-fil-A on Markham and University; lunch from Taziki鈥檚/ JTJ Restaurants; and product donations from Pepsi, MK Distributors and Golden Eagle of Arkansas.

鈥淭his tournament is a wonderful example of our community investing directly in our students 鈥 not just through scholarships and program support, but through the relationships that lead to internships and careers,鈥 Dean Ginger Gummelt said. 鈥淲e are grateful to every sponsor who makes this possible.鈥

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business hosts the annual tournament as part of its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities that prepare students for success in the workforce while strengthening connections with the business community.

Learn more about the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Business.

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Bizzell Family Honors Generational Commitment to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with $25,000 Enduring Opportunity Scholarship /news/2025/12/16/bizzell-family-honors-generational-commitment-to-ua-little-rock-with-25000-enduring-opportunity-scholarship/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:40:51 +0000 /news/?p=93256 Dr. Jamie and J.R. Bizzell have established the Mary and Sean Glancy Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship with a $25,000 gift to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, paying tribute to a legacy of ... Bizzell Family Honors Generational Commitment to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with $25,000 Enduring Opportunity Scholarship

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Dr. Jamie and J.R. Bizzell have established the Mary and Sean Glancy Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship with a $25,000 gift to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, paying tribute to a legacy of service while helping future students overcome financial barriers to higher education.

The scholarship, created in honor of Mary and Sean Glancy, recognizes their decades of leadership and advocacy. Sean Glancy is a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus, and he and Mary have long supported the university through their time, charitable giving and commitment to student success. Inspired by that example, the Bizzells said they saw an opportunity to continue the legacy.

鈥淲e chose to support Enduring Opportunity because we believe deeply in the importance of affordability and access to higher education,鈥 the Bizzells said. 鈥淭his gift is also made in honor of Mary and Sean Glancy. Their longstanding commitment to the university and their shared goal of making students鈥 lives a little easier inspired us to join them in that mission.鈥

The newly endowed scholarship supports the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, which helps remove financial barriers and expand educational access for students.

鈥淥ur hope is that this gift, especially when paired with the strength of the broader program, will continue to grow and create more scholarship opportunities each year,鈥 they said. 鈥淲e want it to remove financial barriers, provide confidence and stability for students, and help the university attract and retain talented individuals who might not otherwise have the chance to pursue a degree.鈥

The gift also underscores 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 role in the local and statewide economy. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock serves a unique student population, many of whom live, work and raise families in central Arkansas.

鈥淗igher education is one of the most important drivers of economic mobility, workforce development and long-term community health,鈥 the Bizzells said. 鈥淏ecause most graduates stay in the region, the impact is immediate 鈥 producing skilled professionals who contribute to our workforce, our businesses and the overall vitality of Arkansas.鈥

The scholarship also represents a personal connection for the Bizzells, who said honoring family and carrying forward shared values was central to their decision to give.

鈥淥ur family plays a central role in this gift,鈥 they said. 鈥淗onoring Mary and Sean Glancy was important to us because of the example they鈥檝e set through decades of involvement and support for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Their commitment reflects the values we want to uphold and pass forward 鈥 service, generosity and investing in future generations. This gift is a way for our family to show appreciation for their leadership and to continue the work they鈥檝e championed for so long.鈥

As 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock continues working to keep college affordable for the next generation, the Bizzells said they hope their gift will encourage others to reflect on the university鈥檚 impact on lives and communities.

鈥淚nvesting in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock isn鈥檛 just supporting a university 鈥 it鈥檚 strengthening the workforce, the community and the future of Arkansas,鈥 they said. 鈥淲hen people see the direct and lasting impact their dollars can have on local students and families, we believe they鈥檒l understand what a meaningful and rewarding commitment this is.鈥

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, contact Stephanie Purifoy at 501-773-6955 or email spurifoy@ualr.edu.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Engineering Student Earns Second AISC Scholarship While Building Experience in the Field /news/2025/11/20/aisc-scholarship/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92380 Tyler Burns, a senior civil and construction engineering major at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, is making the most of his college experience, all while balancing leadership roles, research opportunities, and hands-on ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Engineering Student Earns Second AISC Scholarship While Building Experience in the Field

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Tyler Burns, a senior civil and construction engineering major at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, is making the most of his college experience, all while balancing leadership roles, research opportunities, and hands-on industry experience.

This fall, his hard work and dedication were recognized once again when he received a from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Education Foundation for the second year in a row.

A native of Van Buren, Arkansas, Burns is also pursuing a minor in mathematics and is a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. He plans to graduate in May 2026 and pursue a career in structural engineering after passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Structural exam.

鈥淚鈥檓 deeply honored to receive this scholarship for the second year in a row,鈥 Burns said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 encouraging to know that my hard work is being recognized, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my studies.鈥

The scholarship has allowed him to focus more on his coursework and campus involvement. At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Burns serves as an officer in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter, where he contributes to student professional development and networking opportunities.

Outside the classroom, Burns has gained valuable industry experience through internships and research. For the past three years, he has interned with W&W|AFCO Steel, performing weld inspections, calculating project estimates, and drafting structural designs. Last summer, he traveled to Ontario, Canada, to conduct research under Dr. Khashayar Ghandi at the University of Guelph in collaboration with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Canada, where he studied materials used in nuclear reactors.

Burns credits his success to consistency and the support of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 dedicated faculty members and his mentors at W&W|AFCO Steel.

鈥淪howing up every day and consistently putting forth the effort to succeed has been key,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t also helps having exceptional faculty at this university, such as Dr. Jessica Scott and Stuart Scheiderer, P.E., who have provided recommendation letters the past two application cycles. I would also like to extend a thank you to Rick Cooper, chairman and CEO, and Grady Harvell, president and COO, of W&W|AFCO Steel.鈥

The AISC Education Foundation awarded $235,000 in scholarships this year to 58 students nationwide. These awards support juniors, seniors, and graduate students studying civil engineering, architectural engineering, construction engineering, materials/metallurgical engineering, construction management, and architecture.

鈥淭hanks to the generosity of the industry and the AEC community, we were able to distribute roughly $35,000 more than last year, and we鈥檙e providing support for three more students,鈥 said Maria Mnookin, AISC director of foundation programs. 鈥淏ut these students are more than numbers, and the impact of our donors goes far beyond dollar signs. This generation will make a difference in the world, and it鈥檚 always an honor to help them get started.鈥

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumnus Joins Enduring Opportunity with $25,000 Scholarship Gift /news/2025/11/11/ua-little-rock-alumnus-joins-enduring-opportunity-with-25000-scholarship-gift/ Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=93004 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus Rodney M. Abston has committed a $25,000 gift to establish the聽Rodney M. Abston Family Enduring Opportunity Scholarship, becoming the latest donor to join the growing wave ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumnus Joins Enduring Opportunity with $25,000 Scholarship Gift

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus Rodney M. Abston has committed a $25,000 gift to establish the聽Rodney M. Abston Family Enduring Opportunity Scholarship, becoming the latest donor to join the growing wave of support for the university鈥檚 Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program.

His scholarship will support students who are balancing jobs, coursework, and financial challenges, and whose determination mirrors Abston鈥檚 own experience as a graduate student at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淭he Enduring Opportunity Program resonates with me because it directly helps students working hard to pursue their dreams,鈥 Abston said. 鈥淔or students juggling a job while attending classes and struggling to make ends meet, this scholarship is a difference maker鈥攁llowing them to focus on their studies, make the most of their college experience, and obtain their degree.鈥

Abston, who earned his MBA while working full-time and raising an infant son, recalls the financial pressures he faced and the support that helped him succeed.

鈥淎t the time, money was especially tight for our young family. I borrowed my tuition payment at the start of every semester and paid it down as I could,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 worked a full-time job, took a full load of night courses, and was committed to being a present father. My goal was to provide my children with every opportunity my parents had provided to my three brothers and me.鈥

The newly established scholarship also honors his family鈥檚 vital role in his academic journey.

鈥淢y family served as a key driver when I enrolled in the MBA program, and they were instrumental in me finishing the program,鈥 Abston said. 鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly grateful to my parents and my wife, Tracy, for supporting my dreams. I鈥檓 also grateful to my Regions teammates for their support throughout my nearly 20-year career with the bank.鈥

Abston sees each scholarship as a way to support Arkansas and its workforce.

鈥淓ach scholarship is an investment in its recipient, and it鈥檚 also an investment in the lives that student will serve as a future teacher, nurse, civil engineer, or business leader in our community,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he lasting impact touches thousands of lives, including future 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students.鈥

The Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program began this spring with a transformational $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to create both an endowment and immediate-use funds that support access to affordable, high-quality education for Arkansas students forever.

Abston hopes his gift will inspire fellow alumni and community members to reflect on their own 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock experiences and consider giving back.

鈥淟ife changed dramatically for me following graduation,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 credit the outstanding academic programs, the connections I had with professors, and the lasting friendships I made while studying at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Helping shape it for our next generation of students is my why. I invite and encourage others to join me in doing the same by lending their support.鈥

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, please contact Stephanie Purifoy at 501-773-6955 or email spurifoy@ualr.edu.

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糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Receives $25,000 Gift from James and Carol Hendren to Support Enduring Opportunity Scholarship /news/2025/10/28/ua-little-rock-receives-25000-gift-from-james-and-carol-hendren-to-support-enduring-opportunity-scholarship/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92947 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received a generous $25,000 gift from James and Carol Hendren to support the university鈥檚 Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program. The new fund is ... 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Receives $25,000 Gift from James and Carol Hendren to Support Enduring Opportunity Scholarship

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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received a generous $25,000 gift from James and Carol Hendren to support the university鈥檚 Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program.

The new fund is named the Carol and James Hendren Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship. It supports 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Enduring Opportunity initiative, a major fundraising effort launched in spring 2025. The initiative began with a $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to create both an endowment and immediate-use funds that support access to affordable, high-quality education for Arkansas students forever.

James Hendren said he hopes this gift will help ease financial barriers for students pursuing a college education and help strengthen the state鈥檚 workforce.

鈥淚 strongly believe in the advancement of economic development in Arkansas and the growth of our city here in Little Rock,鈥 Hendren said. 鈥淲e need more college graduates to improve the ecosystem we live in. We know many people struggle with tuition, so we thought this was a great program to help expand access.鈥

The gift also helps propel the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Centennial Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university鈥檚 history, toward its goal. With this contribution, the university has raised more than $234 million 鈥 or nearly 94% of its $250 million goal 鈥 toward its 2027 centennial celebration.

鈥淲e need the university to do well to help grow and support the local economy,鈥 Hendren said. 鈥淭his centennial goal is key to improving the university, so it makes sense to support programs and scholarships that help it succeed.鈥

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, please contact Stephanie Purifoy at 501-773-6955 or email spurifoy@ualr.edu.

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Trojan Champions Expands Opportunities for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Students /news/2025/10/20/trojan-champions-2/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92541 When 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 esports team packs their bags for national competition this spring, they won鈥檛 just be bringing their controllers. Thanks to Trojan Champions, they鈥檒l also carry new jerseys, ... Trojan Champions Expands Opportunities for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Students

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When 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 esports team packs their bags for national competition this spring, they won鈥檛 just be bringing their controllers. Thanks to Trojan Champions, they鈥檒l also carry new jerseys, branded backpacks, and the confidence to represent their university on a national stage.

That confidence is at the heart of Trojan Champions, a giving initiative launched in 2023 that turns community support into unique opportunities for students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Donors pledge an annual gift to the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Annual Fund for three years or more, and because the funds are unrestricted, the university can quickly respond to student needs and provide high-impact experiences that otherwise might not be possible.

鈥淭rojan Champions is more than a giving program; it鈥檚 a movement that reflects the strength of our Trojan community,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “As an alumna, I know the value of the opportunities I had here, and it鈥檚 exciting to see how these gifts are opening even more doors for current and future students. Together, we鈥檙e building a culture of support that will carry 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock into its next century.鈥

There are now more than 170 Trojan Champions helping to make opportunities possible across campus. Over the past year and a half, their support has funded projects ranging from esports to business competitions.

This fall, esports competitors received equipment stipends, branded gear, and league fees to help them take on teams nationwide in Rocket League, Smash Bros., and Valorant. Another project outfitted a group of real estate students with custom business attire for the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation鈥檚 Annual Real Estate Challenge in Chicago, where they pitched a redevelopment plan for a 10-acre site in Bronzeville.

鈥淭hese kinds of gifts are exactly what make Trojan Champions so impactful,鈥 said Thomas Wallace, coordinator of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Web Design and Development and Information Technology programs. 鈥淭hey give students the resources and confidence to compete at the highest level, whether in esports, business competitions, or other arenas. That kind of support makes a real difference.鈥

For donors, becoming a Trojan Champion is rooted in both pride and purpose.

鈥淎fter a 41-year career at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, I recognize the ongoing need to support students striving to achieve their goals,鈥 said Janis Brooke, a former faculty member. 鈥淓very contribution is targeted for this purpose.鈥

Brooke鈥檚 perspective is echoed by alumni who see Trojan Champions as a way to give back to the institution that shaped their own success.

鈥淎s a Trojan Champion, I take pride in knowing my support helps fuel the mission of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥 said alumnus Mario Wallace. 鈥淚t expands opportunities for students to grow academically, professionally, and personally, while strengthening the programs and people who make that growth possible.鈥

For alumna Debra Baker, the motivation is personal.

鈥淢y mom always said, 鈥榶our education is the key to your success,鈥欌 Baker said. 鈥淲ith her words, I have become a lifelong learner.鈥

Shaun Addison echoed the transformative power of education as the reason he joined.

鈥淏y becoming a Trojan Champion, I feel privileged to support the university鈥檚 mission to empower its students and prepare them for success in an ever-changing world,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hrough my contributions, I can help ensure that future generations have access to the same opportunities and resources that have shaped the lives of so many before them. Together, we can inspire and equip students to achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.鈥

As Trojan Champions continue to grow, so does its impact. From helping students present themselves professionally on national stages to creating new opportunities for competition and collaboration, the initiative shows what鈥檚 possible when a community invests in education.

The generous contributions from Trojan Champions is set to make a lasting impact by empowering students to build their dreams and construct a brighter future for themselves and their communities. This program is a part of the Centennial Campaign, which has a goal to raise $250 million in celebration of the university鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027.

鈥淭his is just the beginning,鈥 Smith said. 鈥淭rojan Champions is helping us build a culture of opportunity. With continued support, we can take student success to the next level.鈥

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Anonymous Donor Gifts Little Rock Public Radio with $400,000 /news/2025/10/16/anonymous-donation/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:30:00 +0000 /news/?p=92296 An anonymous donor has made a transformative $400,000 gift to Little Rock Public Radio, providing critical support for equipment upgrades and infrastructure improvements that will enhance the station’s ability to ... Anonymous Donor Gifts Little Rock Public Radio with $400,000

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An anonymous donor has made a transformative $400,000 gift to , providing critical support for equipment upgrades and infrastructure improvements that will enhance the station’s ability to serve its listeners across central Arkansas.

The donation will fund the purchase of a new transmitter for K糖心Vlog传媒R FM 89.1, as well as a backup transmitter to be housed at the studio. This backup will help minimize potential downtime during severe weather or other emergencies, ensuring that K糖心Vlog传媒R can continue to deliver timely news, music, and programming when listeners need it the most.

“This extraordinary gift is a testament to the power of public radio and the generosity of those who believe in its mission,鈥 said Jonathan Seaborn, general manager of Little Rock Public Radio. 鈥淩eplacing our aging transmitter and equipment ensures that we can continue delivering quality programming to our listeners for years to come. We are deeply grateful for this anonymous donor鈥檚 investment in the future of our station and the vital role it plays in our community.”

In addition to replacing the transmitter, the funds will be used to upgrade equipment in the station’s studio, particularly in the rack room, which serves as the operational hub of the facility. These upgrades are especially timely as Little Rock Public Radio prepares to move into a new studio space in Stabler Hall later this year.

鈥淢oving to a new location is the perfect opportunity to modernize our equipment and ensure that we鈥檙e set up for long-term success,鈥 Seaborn said. 鈥淲ith this generous support, we鈥檒l be able to provide our staff and interns with the tools they need to continue producing top-quality programming and reporting for our community.鈥

This gift marks the second major anonymous donation to Little Rock Public Radio in recent months. Earlier, another anonymous donor contributed $50,000 for essential repairs at KLRE鈥檚 transmitter site. That donation funded the replacement of a transmitter damaged by a 2023 lightning strike, as well as the purchase of a refurbished building to better protect KLRE鈥檚 equipment.

Housed within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, Little Rock Public Radio, home of K糖心Vlog传媒R FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical 90.5, is a public service unit of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. University students gain professional experience by working as interns and part-time staff members who take part in all aspects of KLRE and K糖心Vlog传媒R operations with a specific focus on news reporting and broadcast production.

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