ARKANSAS
Fall 2021 For members of the Arkansas Alumni Association Inc. For members of the Arkansas Alumni Association Inc.
Fall 2021 Vol. 71, No. 1
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
2020-2021 Alumni Scholars By the Numbers
153 Alumni Scholars Graduated
More than
140
546 Awards made to students from
17 States And two foreign countries
148 Scholars
82 Scholars on Dean’s Lists
$1,174,625
U of A colleges
Awarded in Alumni Scholarships
How to get Involved Donate to alumni scholarships. Life members will have an opportunity to sign up to review the winter. Encourage students to apply for scholarships. Arkansas and Missouri residents can support alumni scholarships and show their support by having a Hog Tag license plate. Mentor through Razorlink, razorlink.arkansasalumni.org. visit www.arkansasalumni.org/scholarships or email alumnisp@uark.edu. 65 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
Photo by UREL
arkansas
FALL / Vol 71, No. 1
For members of the Arkansas Alumni Association Inc.
6
Leading Change The university continues its celebration of trailblazers with profiles of
George Howard, Alice Polson, Raul Alfredo Añaños, Mary Anne Davis and Wallace “Walli” Caradine.
Curvahedra 14 Courtyard
Always supporters of the arts on campus, David and Jane Gearhart helped make sure a fascinating spherical structure became a reality in the courtyard of Gearhart Hall.
24 Comic Revival
During the 1980s, Doug Teaster B.A.’81, J.D.’87 developed a comic strip that became syndicated to student newspapers across the country. He recently brought the gang back together in book form.
2 Campus View 4 Campus 38 Alumni 56 Yesteryear 58 Senior Walk 64 Last Look
On the cover: On the Cover: A 1950s photo depicts Vol Walker Hall, the first library building, when Campus Drive included a crosswalk sign.
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ARKANSAS Publisher Arkansas Alumni Association
Campus View
Executive Director Brandy Cox Jackson ✪ M.A.’07 Editor Charlie Alison ★ B.A.’82, M.A.’04 Photo submitted
Warren Coleman
ASG President, Truman Scholar
I vividly remember the moment I decided what I wanted to study at the U of A. I was at freshman orientation, and my paperwork showed a computer engineering major, but I had decided to pursue a less traditional path: industrial engineering and political science. My older brother, mother and grandfather were all industrial engineers (two of whom graduated from the U of A), and the degree seemed versatile and people-oriented. The political science degree was one that would inform my understanding of American politics and history. Ultimately, I wanted to explore the worlds of business, engineering and politics. My choice felt like a gamble, but I know now that I am one of the rare students who never changed degree paths. Whether or not I realized it at the time, I arrived at the university with a question: How can I contribute? I quickly threw myself at as many opportunities as possible with an open mind and open ears. The Associated Student Government’s leadership forum was an incredible opportunity to meaningfully connect with campus and led me to get involved with the Volunteer Action Center, Distinguished Lectures Committee, Student Alumni Board, Institute of Industrial Engineering and as a First-Year Engineering Peer Mentor. The relationships fostered through these opportunities with fellow students, faculty and staff undoubtedly shaped my college experience and future. During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years, I served with AmeriCorps VISTA in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Food Bank for the Heartland. The experience completely transformed my outlook on public service and how I can best serve my community in Arkansas. I returned home with a desire 2 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
to contribute to the fight against child hunger and food insecurity. With the help of mentors, publicly funded business development firms, and good fortune, I launched Simple + Sweet Creamery, a small-batch ice cream company that has donated over 12,500 meals through the NWA Food Bank with healthy prospects for the future. The Volunteer Action Center also changed my perspective of how to serve others. I had the opportunity to recover leftover food for local community centers, help establish new partnerships with the Razorback Food Recovery program, and analyze volunteer data in an effort to expand education on campus. This work led to my application for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, which I received in the spring of 2021. During the rise of the pandemic in 2020, I witnessed a time of turmoil and unrest among the student body, and decided to campaign for student body president alongside an incredible group of people. We succeeded thanks to a wonderful staff and the trust of students. We are focusing on expanding sexual assault resources, navigating the pandemic, reforming academic advising and increasing transparency of decisionmaking. This role has already taught me a great deal about myself and others, and I am excited to work toward a bright future alongside university leadership. I have always felt a strong connection to Arkansas. My roots in the Ozark Mountains trace back seven generations, and my belief in my family and journey drives my work each day. My experiences at this institution have only strengthened my dedication to this state, and I am joyful to have another year to engage with this community.
Associate Editor Catherine Baltz ✪+ B.S.’92, M.Ed.’07 Creative Director Eric Pipkin Photo Editor Russell Cothren ✪ Photographers Chieko Hara Whit Pruitt ★ B.A.’17 Writers & Contributors Amy Unruh DeLani Bartlette, B.A.’06 M.A.’08 Jane Blunschi, M.F.A.’16 Nick DeMoss B.A.’11 Robby Edwards Travis Hefley Jennifer Holland ★ M.E.D.’08 Shannon Magsam Amy Marcella Shell Matt McGowan Faith Mills John Post John F. Thomas MEMBERSHIP SYMBOLS ✩ Student Member; ★ Member; ★+ Member, A+; ✪ Life Member; ✪+ Life Member, A+ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor are accepted and encouraged. Send letters for publication to Arkansas Magazine, Office of University R elations, 200 Davis Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and may be edited for length. Typewritten letters are preferred. Anonymous letters will not be published. Submission does not guarantee publication. Arkansas, E xc l u s i ve l y fo r M e m b e r s of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc. (ISSN 1064-8100) (USPS 009-515) is published quarterly by the Arkansas Alumni Association, Inc. at 491 North Razorback Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Annual membership dues are now $55 per household and a portion is allocated for a subscription to Arkansas. Single copies are $6. Editing and production are provided through the UA Office of University Relations. Direct inquiries and information to P.O. Box 1070, Fayetteville, AR 72702-1070, phone (479) 575-2801, fax (479) 575-5177. Periodical postage paid at Fayetteville, AR, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to P.O. Box 1070, Fayetteville, AR 72702-1070. ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Mission Statement The Arkansas Alumni Association connects and serves the University of Arkansas Family. Vision Statement The Arkansas Alumni Association will be nationally recognized as a model alumni relations program. Value Statement The Arkansas Alumni Association values: • service • excellence • collaboration • relationships • diversity • learning • creativity Arkansas Fall-21-116 All photos by University Relations unless otherwise noted. Cover photo: Special Collections Please recycle this magazine or share it with a friend.
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Campus
Gold Rating
Conservation of Energy, Teaching of Resiliency In 2007, the U of A became one of the first 100 universities to sign the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. That declaration was reaffirmed and expanded in 2018 when the university signed the Second Nature Climate Commitment. Through the U of A Climate Action Plan, the campus has managed to reduce annual emissions of carbon by 21 percent during that period, while student enrollment nearly doubled.
Photo by Whit Pruitt
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Due to its continued effort to conserve energy, the U of A has received a STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. STARS — the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System — measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education, from incorporating lessons on resiliency into engineering, agricultural and architectural classwork to refitting current buildings to use less energy for cooling and heating. The STARS program uses public reporting to evaluate holistic collegiate sustainability practices, awarding
points when certain criteria are met. Its comprehensive framework awards points across five main categories: • Academics • Engagement • Operations • Planning and Administration • Innovation and Leadership “AASHE STARS Gold is a huge accomplishment for our campus,” said Eric Boles, director of the U of A Office for Sustainability. “This reflects a growing culture of environmentally and socially responsible faculty and staff across all campus units.” The U of A was first awarded STARS Gold in 2017 and has worked hard to keep the prestigious rating. Various actions such as being a certified Bee Campus USA and a Gold Bicycle Friendly University through the League of American Cyclists add up. Additionally, the campus established the U of A Resiliency Center and executed another round of Energy Savings Performance Contracts to reduce campus utility expenses by over $1.35 million per year. With more than 900 participants in 40 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. “STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said Meghan Fay Zahniser, executive director of AASHE. “The University of Arkansas has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Gold Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”
A Good Pedal
U of A Wins National Bike Month Challenge BY CHARLIE ALISON ✪+ B.A.’82, M.A.’04
During the fourth and final week of the May Bike Month challenge, the U of A community bounced back from lead-shattering rainstorms to clinch the national bike month challenge by riding more than 13,500 miles during the month-long event. “The fact that the U of A won this national event is evidence that the growth of the cycling culture is well underway here on campus, thanks in part to infrastructure investments throughout the region, and now is the time for us to double down on our efforts to accommodate U of A affiliates that use active transportation modes to get to campus. I’m guessing that of the 13,500 miles we biked, a significant portion was commuting miles — this makes me especially proud of the U of A community,” said Ammen Jordan, active transportation coordinator at the U of A. In keeping with changing transportation trends that are occurring across the nation, the U of A is accommodating alternative transportation options such as busses equipped with bike racks, e-scooters, as well as the primary active transportation modes: walking and riding a bicycle. Active transportation describes all human-powered forms of travel. Walking and riding a bike are among the most popular and can be combined with other modes, such as transit. Equitable and inclusive, by function, active transportation infrastructure improves the quality of life for U of A affiliates by: • Supporting increased physical activity, which improves overall health and well-being • Contributing to higher GPAs and workplace productivity • Fostering in-person interactions and relationship building • Being more cost effective than vehicle ownership An ongoing study by the U of A Office for Sustainability indicates that trends in transportation modes on the U of A campus for 2020 continued to transition towards alternative transportation. According to the survey, 49 percent of U of A affiliates use alternative transportation to get to and from campus. The university has helped fuel this trend by working
rofessor Jon Johnson and former Chancellor Dan Ferritor ride P bicycles across campus in June to celebrate the U of A win in a national bicycling challenge. Photo by Chieko Hara
with e-scooter and bike share companies to operate on campus and in the greater Fayetteville area. These shared mobility systems have seen great ridership, especially from students, and 73 percent of U of A affiliates support more shared mobility systems. Other catalysts include more housing near campus, new bicycle trails and more apartment shuttles. The continued increase of university affiliates choosing to bike or walk to campus is representative of national trends. As public agencies, local foundations, and private organizations like the U of A make investments in active transportation networks, two key realizations are shaping how these investments are made: first, if you build it, they will come, and second, the safer and more pleasant, the better. The benefits for the university include: •H ealthier, happier, and more productive student body and workforce •R educed work/study time lost to traffic congestion •R educed parking demand and associated costs • I mproved institutional brand FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 5
Feature
Leading Change at the U of A Historic Firsts, Trailblazers and Pioneers BY JOHN POST
One hundred and fifty years of trailblazers. 150 years of challenges. 150 years of dreams achieved. 150 years of progress. As the university celebrates its sesquicentennial, members of the campus also celebrate the many figures in our history who developed a sense of belonging within the university community and created a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus. During this historic year, each issue of the magazine will offer up several stories of these pivotal figures in our university’s history. They range from the son of former slaves to recent immigrants, from research scientists to teachers and scholars, from programs that help low-income youth with disabilities to those that celebrate the academic achievements of LGBTQ+ students. 6 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
“Through the Portraits of Progress, we wanted to tell the story of our university by featuring the people who made our university a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive place, while also being honest about the hardships they faced along the way,” said Yvette Murphy- Erby, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and co-chair of the sesquicentennial inclusion working group, which helped develop the stories. “We want our sesquicentennial celebrations to be as inclusive as possible, and will continue adding portraits throughout the year that represent the diversity of our campus population.” In addition to the portraits offered here each issue, more are being added to an online site each month at portraitsofprogress.uark.edu.
Arkansas Razorback
George Howard Jr. B.S.L.’54, L.L.B.’54
Serving the Legal System as Justice for State and Federal Court George Howard Jr., one of the Six Pioneers in the U of A School of Law, became a civil rights leader after graduation and the first African American justice to serve on the Supreme Court of Arkansas. Howard was born in 1924 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later recalled that the racism he experienced in the navy led to his choice of a career in law. After the war, Howard enrolled in Lincoln University in Missouri. However, when he learned that the U of A was accepting applications from Black students, he transferred to the U of A in 1950. He was the first Black person to reside in campus housing and became the first Black student to hold an elective office on campus when he successfully ran for president of Lloyd Hall. After earning law degrees, Howard returned to Pine Bluff and opened a private law practice, where he became a leader in the state’s civil rights movement. He litigated numerous suits aimed at ending discrimination and segregation in the school systems, theaters and other
public places, while also seeking to remedy the inequalities in the criminal justice system. Over the course of his life, Howard broke down racial barriers in the courts. In 1970, Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller appointed Howard to the Arkansas State Claims Commission, making him the first Black person to sit on that panel. Later, Gov. David Pryor asked him to fill an unexpired term on the Arkansas Supreme Court, earning him the distinction of being the first African American justice. Howard finished out the term and returned to private practice, only to be called on six months later by another Arkansas governor, Bill Clinton, who appointed Howard to the Arkansas Court of Appeals, another first. While Howard was serving on the Court of Appeals, President Jimmy Carter nominated him to fill a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, making him the first African American in Arkansas to serve as a federal judge. Howard was still working diligently when he died in 2007 at the age of 83.
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Feature
Courtesy of Rebecca Luebker
Alice Polson B.S. 1888
First Native American Graduate and Instructor In 1888, Flora Alice Polson, the great-granddaughter of Chief Major Ridge of the Cherokee Nation, became the first Native American to graduate from the university, then known as the Arkansas Industrial University. Her family was instrumental in founding education for women and girls in Fayetteville. Her grandmother Sarah Bird Northrup Ridge, along with Sophia Sawyer, known as “the mother of Fayetteville education,” established the Fayetteville Female Seminary in 1839. There, Alice’s mother and aunts were educated; later, Alice and her sister Mary attended school in Fayetteville, perhaps at the Preparatory Department of the Arkansas Industrial University, now known as the U of A. Polson was not the first Native American student to attend the U of A; in 1877, James J. Sevier, a member
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of Cherokee Nation from Webbers Falls, Indian Territory, attended the Preparatory Department. George Washington Tiger, a citizen of the Creek Nation, had also enrolled in the Preparatory Department. However, Polson was the first to graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, she was hired by the U of A as an English instructor during the 1888-89 school year. Later she moved to St. Louis to work as a stenographer. Although she was the first in her family and her nation to earn a degree from the U of A, she would not be the last. In fact, she was the first of four generations of her family alone who became Arkansas alumni, all of whom are also citizens of the Cherokee Nation.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Raul Alfredo Añaños
First Known Latino Student Pursued Pre-Med Studies The first Latino student so far known to have attended the university, Raul Alfredo Añaños, came to the university to follow a pre-medical curriculum in late 1922. He had initially studied at the University of Chicago, but found the city noisy and unfamiliar. “Chicago has its advantages for the businessman,” he said, “but the student does not find any, because of the daily amusements that are found there and to which a youth who is fortunate enough to do as he pleases, and who has a bank account, naturally gives a great deal of his time.” Not being such a youth, Añaños asked a member of the American Medical Association about universities with high reputations for pre-medical programs. In an almanac of universities, he came across a description of the University of Arkansas. “The almanac said the school was a good one, that the climate was good, that there were mountains, the expenses were low — and so I came,” he told Murray Sheehan, the university’s publicist. “I like this town.”
The mountains were not quite as rugged as the Andes surrounding his hometown of Ayacucho, Peru, but the rolling, hilly residential streets of Fayetteville reminded him of home. Añaños grew up on his family’s plantation outside of Ayacucho, and he attended secondary school at National College in Ayacucho before studying four years at the Seminary Diocesan College. He became infatuated with America and traveled to New York City aboard a ship, upon which all the strange languages were like a tower of Babel. After two weeks, Añaños took the train to Chicago, where he studied for three years and then came to Arkansas for a final year of study, after which he enrolled in the university’s School of Medicine at Little Rock, the present-day University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Añaños was inducted into medical fraternity, Chi Zeta Chi. Añaños had said he hoped to become a surgeon and return to Peru to help his community. If he did finish his medical degree, it wasn’t at Little Rock; Añaños left the next year for parts unknown.
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Feature
Razorback Yearbook
Mary Anne Davis
A Role Model to Hundreds of Women at U of A Mary Anne Davis became a role model to hundreds of women on the U of A campus during her 46 years as a teacher of English and mathematics, as the dean of women for more than a decade, and as an early suffragist in Arkansas. Davis was born Feb. 1, 1873, at North Middleton, Kentucky, and studied at New York University, the University of Chicago, and Hamilton College in Lexington, Kentucky, where she was valedictorian of her class, graduating with special honors in mathematics. At the age of 20, she she was elected the Arkansas delegate to the 1893 convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, hearing speeches in Washington, D.C., by Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucy Stone, among others. That same year, she was hired by the university as an instructor in the Preparatory Department, teaching students age 15-18. She served in that role for more than a decade before being promoted to the faculty of the English Department in 1915. In teaching poetry, she
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became a well-regarded poet in her own right. In 1897, Davis guided several students in the founding of the Delta Phi, the second sorority on campus. It affiliated with the national Zeta Tau Alpha sorority in 1903, becoming its fourth Zeta chapter in the country. Davis became dean of women in 1911. In that role, she became a favorite consort and mentor to the women of Carnall Hall, the only women’s residence hall on campus at the time. The residents held annual celebrations for “Miss Mary’s Birthday Party,” commemorating Davis’ 30th birthday, no matter her real age. She died of pneumonia on Dec. 26, 1939. “A vivid personality,” the Arkansas Alumnus wrote, “Miss Mary Anne’s memorable quality was her zest for life. This was reflected in her teaching of English. She inspired her students with a love for literature, particularly poetry.” Three years later, the second women’s residence hall opened at the northeast corner of Maple Street and Garland Avenue, and it was named Davis Hall in her memory.
Karen E. Seagrave
Wallace “Wali” Caradine B.Arch.’74, B.A.’74 From Doodling Came a Trailblazer in Architecture
Wali Caradine, who was born in 1947 in West Memphis, Arkansas, dreamed as a boy of becoming an architect. He was drawing and doodling from early on, and won an art contest in middle school. His seventh grade art teacher suggested a career in architecture - a profession he hadn’t known existed. His bicycle newspaper route – and a small stipend from his boss – helped fund his college education. In 1974, Caradine became the first African American to graduate from what is now the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. The fourth of seven children, and the eldest boy, he was the only one in his family to attend college. He received additional training after college at the Construction Management Institute in Dallas, and during his prolific career, he made contributions to both the design and construction industries. He began his career as a designer at Pat Kelley Magruder Architects in West Memphis before eventually founding Design and Construction Associates in 1978, which became one of the largest minority-owned contracting firms in Arkansas. In the mid-1990s, Caradine returned to his first love
of architecture and design, partnering with Ron Bene’ Woods to form Woods Caradine Architects. Working together more than a decade, their notable projects included two academic centers for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the Statehouse Convention Center Expansion in Little Rock, and serving as associate architects for the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock. Caradine also designed and built projects in the Pathfinder Complex in Jacksonville for Pathfinder Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides support services for people with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs, and he also served on its board of directors for several years. He left Woods Caradine Architects in 2007 to form Caradine & Company, where he practiced until his retirement in early 2017. Several mentors supported Caradine over the years, including John Williams, founder of the U of A’s architecture program. Caradine repaid that by mentoring many young professional architects and interior designers, and also helped found the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors in 1986.
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Campus
Jeffrey Murdock. Photo by Whit Pruitt
And the Grammy Goes to… Professor Jeffrey Murdock Named Grammy Music Educator of Year BY BOB WHITBY
It’s a bit of an unusual day in Jeffrey Murdock’s music education class. After waiting in the lobby of the Epley Band Hall on the University of Arkansas campus, masks on, for the room to be cleaned after the previous class, students file into the cavernous practice space and take their seats behind music stands with “UA BANDS” stenciled on them in capital letters. They’re here to learn how to teach music, not play it, so there are no instruments in their hands. Murdock, associate professor of music education at the U of A, is at the front of the room, sharply dressed in a brown tweed jacket, blue slacks, black bow tie, and 12 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
a red face mask to match his red vest. To his right is a CBS camera crew from Dallas recording the lecture. The students know half the reason the camera crew is there: Murdock is a nominee for the 2021 Grammy Music Educator award. The other half of the story is that he’s already won, but that news had yet to be announced this day. The lecture topic is “culturally responsive pedagogy in the chorale classroom,” the idea of meeting students where they are to better shape where they’re going. It’s a lived lesson for Murdock. He grew up in a rough part of Biloxi, Mississippi, where “It was not uncommon to see people
shot and killed in front of my house,” he told a CBS interviewer later that day. “I appreciate the village that was around me that helped me overcome those odds.” That is part of what led him to teaching – and his philosophy that in teaching, you meet students where they are, not where you wish they were. That is wisdom he imparts on his students – future music teachers. And it is part of the reason the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum selected Murdock as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Grammy Music Educator Award. CBS announced his Grammy win March 11. The award recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools. It includes a $10,000 honorarium and a matching grant to the university’s music program. Murdock is a 2016 Connor Endowed Faculty Fellow in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, where he is an associate professor of music education. In addition to teaching, he’s the associate director of choral activities and conducts the Inspirational Chorale and Razorback Chorus. He is a 2018 Golden Tusk Awardee, which recognizes faculty who go above and beyond for students, and a 2019 Faculty Member of the Year.
Pianist, Singer and Researcher He’s also an accomplished pianist and a smooth, soulful singer, as anyone who has seen the video of his performance of “This Christmas,” accompanied by students from The New School in Fayetteville, can attest. (The video also demonstrates his ability to rock a Christmas sweater.) Murdock’s musical talent has taken him around the world to study and perform, from Rome to Carnegie Hall. He’s conducted the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and the (Mississippi) Gulf Coast Symphony. He has also performed as a soloist with the Memphis Symphony, the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, and the Southern Mississippi Opera. As a researcher, he’s interested in issues of cultural hegemony, social justice, and culturally responsive pedagogy in music education. “Every student comes from a different social location,” he said. “Every student has a different set of ideals, circumstances, and experiences that have shaped them and made them who they are. It’s important for us to be able to find that space where the student resides and to bring them along to the place where we want them to be. Does that mean that we have to
indoctrinate them to something different? Absolutely not. But it does mean that we find the common denominator. And when you’ve connected with the student on that level, you can bring them to whatever height you wish.”
Early Academic Path That’s an academic reflection of his own life in which mentors put him on a path he hadn’t considered. He’d always been musical — he started playing the piano at age 5 thanks to a family friend who paid for lessons — but didn’t think of it as a career option early on. He wanted to be a meteorologist. That piano teacher, along with a middle school choir director, demonstrated that music was a viable path. He credits them still, by name. “Starting with my piano teacher, Bernard McDaniel, and my middle school choir director, Felicia Cooper, they were kind of the first people who showed me that music education can be done by black males and females, and so that was inspiring to me early on. I carry a piece of all my choir and band directors with me in everything I do.” As a high school teacher, Murdock joined the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, soaking up rich gospel traditions and an informal music education. “Leo Davis, the minister, taught me so much about musicianship and musicality. And though he was never a teacher, I think I learned so much about musical processes and taking what I had to the next level from him.” He continued his formal training, earning a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi, and his doctorate from the University of Memphis.
Influence Centered on the Classroom Murdock’s is a success story, but he doesn’t tell it that way. For him the story still centers on the classroom and the influence a teacher can have on a life’s trajectory. “I’ve oftentimes seen students come in who were struggling in other subjects, struggling in school, struggling in life, struggling in various areas, and they come into a music class, and music changes them,” he said. “I’ve had the pleasure of teaching many of those students who have come to me and said, ‘You know, I would have dropped out of school if it weren’t for music and music education.’” FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 13
Feature
Courtyard Curvahedra Dedication Ceremony BY KENDALL CURLEE
Next time you visit campus, check out the eyepopping campus landmark installed last summer. The Curvahedra, a spherical steel structure 12 feet in diameter, brings beauty and some exciting ideas in mathematics and sustainable construction to the quiet courtyard at Gearhart Hall. The new landmark was made possible by the generosity of G. David ✪+ J.D.’78, Ed.D. ‘89 and 14 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
Jane B. Gearhart ✪+ B.S.E.’74, who funded $50,000 to cover site preparation, fabrication, construction, installation and an honorarium for the principal designers. “Jane and I are delighted to support this initiative and to have followed it through its development. The sculpture is beautiful, but it also embodies sophisticated ideas about geometry and space,” David Gearhart said. “That seems like a good fit for Gearhart Hall.”
The sculpture was designed by British artist Edmund Harriss, alongside compatriot and collaborator Carl Smith, an associate professor of landscape architecture, and a group of honors students. Honors alumna and assistant professor of architecture Emily Baker solved the puzzle of constructing it. Harriss is a clinical assistant professor of mathematics in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and the sculpture is based on his Curvahedra puzzle system, a set of paper pieces that helps users understand how flat pieces can be made to curve into a ball — a bit of magic that can be explained by the Gauss-Bonnet theorem. “General relativity assumes that the three-dimensional space (or the four-dimensional spacetime) that we live in is itself curved,” Harriss said. “This huge idea fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe, yet we can start to appreciate it with a simple toy.”
biology, geology, architecture and landscape architecture used drawing, games, poetry and mathematics to understand the existing qualities of the courtyard and speculate on what it might become in the future. The honors students explored many options, with several working throughout the fall of 2018 to refine ideas. This process culminated in an exhibition and proposal for the courtyard Curvahedra to create a sense of place and to foster interaction. The interdisciplinary group relished the opportunity to make their mark on campus. “It’s kind of rare that I get to exercise the creative side of my brain in my coursework,” said Abby Rhodes, who completed a degree in geosciences last May.
Launched by an Honors College Seminar The idea for a Curvahedra writ large was sparked by an Honors College Signature Seminar in August 2018 titled Place in Mind, which Harriss taught with Smith. Charged with activating the dormant Gearhart courtyard space, honors students majoring in engineering, art,
pposite: This early paper maquette O shows the bracing system developed by architecture professor and alumna Emily Baker (B.Arch. ’04). Photo: Emily Baker.
op right: UA System President Don T Bobbitt with G. David and Jane B. Gearhart at the dedication of Gearhart Hall in 2015. Photo: Matt Reynolds.
ower right: The simple curves of the L new Curvahedra sculpture illustrate deep mathematical ideas. Rendering by Carl Smith..
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Feature
Honors Alumna Leads Construction Translating a palm-sized paper model into a 12-footdiameter steel sculpture is no small task. Enter assistant professor of architecture and Honors College Bodenhamer Fellowship alumna Emily Baker B.Arch.’04. She took her first welding class at Batesville High School and honed those skills on design-build projects at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. Following graduation, she practiced architecture, taught, and earned a master’s degree in architecture from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where she began exploring the digital side of steel fabrication using the school’s plasma cutter. Currently Baker leads the Fay Jones School’s digital steel lab. In the spring and summer of 2019, she worked to figure out how to morph a paper Curvahedra into a massive steel sculpture. Eventually she hit on an internal spine that provides the necessary bracing without compromising the piece’s visual impact. She then developed a jig, or clamping setup, that allows flat parts to
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be successively attached, or “zipped,” into curving steel forms. This jig method pairs with Harriss’ computational formulations to create a highly efficient and economical construction system that they call Zip Form. “This is pretty exciting to us — to create something this large in a curved shape, produced at reasonable cost, that’s a feat,” Baker said. “I love the elegance,” Harriss enthused. “The mathematical idea is so clearly translated into reality.” Their Zip Form system may have applications that reach far beyond our courtyard. The U of A’s Tech Ventures team has filed a provisional patent application on their behalf, and Baker and Harriss have met with researchers who are interested in using their method to shape concrete structures with less material. “As the primary structural material for nearly all of the global south, reducing concrete has huge implications for cost and material savings,” Baker said. “It’s super exciting to see this project result in both art and very practical environmental solutions at the same time!”
pposite: Edmund Harriss O visits with children from the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center in the Honors College study hall. Photo: Kendall Curlee.
bove: Emily Baker A double checks pieces of the sculpture, which was fabricated at Modus Studio, co-founded by alumni Chris Baribeau B.Arch. ’03, Josh Siebert B.Arch.’02 and Jason Wright B.Arch.’04. Photo: Whit Pruitt.
eft: Alex Cogbill B.F.A.’11 L welds part of the sculpture.
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Campus
Illustration submitted
Underground Railway
Story of Escaped Slave From Fayetteville Added to National Network BY ANDRA LIWAG
In April, Douglas Emhoff, second gentleman of the United States, and Deb Haaland, secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior, announced that the Nelson Hackett Project, a scholarly research and public history program of the U of A Humanities Center, would be added to the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. The National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program is a catalyst for innovation, partnerships and scholarship that connects and shares the diverse legacy of the Underground Railroad across boundaries and generations. It coordinates preservation and education efforts nationwide and integrates local historical places, museums, and interpretive programs associated with the Underground Railroad into a mosaic of community, regional, and national stories. The U of A’s Nelson Hackett Project joins nearly 700 other sites, programs, and facilities in the network that honor, preserve and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight. During the announcement, Haaland said, “Today’s announcement reminds us of the dark pages in our history books, but also highlights the incredible strength and resilience of Black communities.” Haaland added that our work as a nation is not done. “To do that, we must start by recognizing the history 18 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
that brought us here,” she said. The Nelson Hackett Project is a digital history program that explores the life and legacy of its namesake, freedom seeker Nelson Hackett. In 1841, Hackett escaped enslavement in the frontier town of Fayetteville and fled to Canada, where he thought his freedom was secure. Despite opposition, he was extradited from Canada, becoming the first and only freedom seeker that Canada returned to bondage in the United States. Abolitionists, outraged by this, successfully fought to change Canada’s extradition policies so that other freedom seekers would not meet the same fate. “Inclusion in the National Park Service Program literally puts Fayetteville on freedom’s map,” said Michael Pierce, director of the project and an associate professor of history. “It brings national attention not only to Hackett and the region, but also to the University of Arkansas and its efforts to promote broader understandings of the past.” Pierce spearheaded the research on Hackett and negotiation with the National Park Service. The Nelson Hackett Project emerged from the Arkansas Stories of Place and Belonging project, which was funded by a Chancellor’s Innovation Grant secured for the U of A Humanities Center by then-director and now Vice Provost for Faculty Development Kathryn Sloan. View the Nelson Hackett Project at bit.ly/ NelsonHacketProject.
And the Band Played On
Marching Band Archival Films Now Online BY J.R. HINKSON ✪ B.A.’02
The U of A recently launched its new Razorback Band Digital Archive, which is a collection of almost 500 video files consisting of more than 700 performances since 1963, catalogued in chronological order. Its archival footage is housed in the Special Collections Department of the University Libraries and made available to the public through the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History. The Razorback Band Digital Archive can now be viewed online and is the result of decades of service to the University Bands from three band alumni: Bill Woolly ✪ B.S.B.A.’68, M.Ed.’72, David Woolly ✪+ B.S.E.’72, M.Ed.’77, Ed.D.’80, and the late Don King B.S.E.E.’70. “When we started all this, it was because we didn’t want to go away,” David Woolly said. “The band was so important to us, and it made us what we were.” The Woolly brothers and King would dedicate their time and resources to capturing over five decades of performances of the Razorback Band at home football games, bowl games, and special events. Chris Knighten, director of bands, said that the newly launched Razorback Band Digital Archive tells the stories of thousands of students who are deeply connected across decades by one shared experience: the Razorback Band and its enduring legacy. “These students ignite university spirit, and they create, maintain, and honor university traditions all while experiencing the thrill of performing in service to the university, community, and the state of
Arkansas,” Knighten said. Woolly agreed, adding that, “To the best of anyone’s knowledge, there is no other resource like this anywhere in the country.” “To have more than 50 years of film and video of the Razorback Band is not only unique, but also a valuable tool for researchers and students alike,” Woolly said. “Alumni of the band as well as the general public will find it to be a fascinating view of the history and evolution of the Razorback Band.” Knighten said creating the archive has been a seven-year-long project. “We are especially thankful to university archivist Amy Allen and to our supportive colleagues at the Pryor Center, including Dr. William Schwab and Susan KendrickPerry,” he said. “Special thanks go out, too, to the more than 70 Razorback Band alumni who helped support the digitization of so much film and video.” Watch videos at bit.ly/ DigitalRazorbackBand
he 1915 U of A Cadet Band T poses on the front steps of Old Main. Razorback Yearbook
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Time Machine
Alumna Has Front-Row Seat for New Telescope’s Look Into the Far Reaches of Space BY KENDALL CURLEE
NASA will launch its new James Webb Space Telescope this fall, with Oct. 31 scheduled as the launch readiness date. The Halloween date seems strangely appropriate because, as Honors College alumna Amber Straughn B.S.’02 (physics, magna cum laude) said, “launch is always scary – you know, it’s a controlled explosion; you’re 20 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
putting your spacecraft on top of a bomb, essentially.” “But for us, the scariness doesn’t stop after we separate from the launch vehicle, because then we have weeks of these extreme deployments,” Straughn said, who serves as deputy project scientist for communications on the project.
In an exquisite extraterrestrial ballet, the four-story-tall telescope will unfold, followed by a tennis-court-sized sunshield that will keep the spacecraft temperature below 50 degrees Kelvin (−369.7 degrees Fahrenheit), necessary for infrared observations of the distant universe. Then the gold-plated beryllium mirror, 21 feet in diameter and composed of 18 hexagonal segments, will deploy and begin to collect the light needed to capture images from distant space and time never glimpsed before. It will be about six months after launch before the first scientific images come back from the telescope, and Straughn cannot wait. Her research focuses on how stars and black holes form in distant galaxies and how those processes change over time. “We’ve never been able to see the first galaxies born after the Big Bang. … It’s sort of like we’re missing that first chapter in the story of the universe. We’re talking about looking back in time, over 13 and a half billion years into the past, to see those first galaxies.” The Webb telescope will also shed light on planets and moons in our solar system and exoplanets that orbit other stars. “So in that sense, Webb is definitely the next step in our search for habitable planets in the universe,” Straughn said. Straughn was raised on a watermelon farm in Bee Branch, Arkansas, and was first in her family to earn a college degree. She said the U of A provided her first opportunity to stretch intellectually and find likeminded people who are passionate about physics. She also experienced her “first brush with NASA” as an undergraduate –– she was part of a team that developed a reduced gravity flight experiment that resulted in a trip to Johnson Space Center. Now, 15 years into her career with NASA, she’s most excited about what she doesn’t know –– yet,” she said “As a scientist, I think the most exciting prospect for me is this idea, really this guarantee, that we’ll discover things about the universe that completely surprise us. We’ll find things that we had never dreamed of, and we’ll find answers to questions that we haven’t even thought to ask yet.”
pposite: NASA workers prepare the James Webb Telescope O for its launch. Top right: Amber Straughn. Center right: After being launched, the James Webb Space Telescope is expected to be used to take photos of distant bodies such as Pluto and its moon Charon or, lower right, quasars, which are accreting supermassive black holes. Photos courtesy of Amber Straughn and NASA
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2021 Udall Scholar
Alexis Barber Researches Conversion of Landfill Emissions to Energy
Alexis Barber Picture submitted
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Alexis Barber, a U of A honors junior from West Plains, Missouri, was named a Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Scholar for her commitment to environmental sustainability as well as demonstrated leadership connected to the environment on campus and in her communities. The Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Scholarship Foundation awards 55 meritbased scholarships of up to $7,000 and 55 honorable mentions to college sophomores and juniors. Students apply in the categories of environment or in Native American healthcare or tribal policy. Majoring in biological engineering with a sustainability minor, Barber has actively engaged in the Biological Engineering Student Club, the Volunteer Action Center and an ecological restoration project. Off-campus, she has interned with several engineering firms, including most recently as an environmental engineering intern at Perennial Energy in Pennsylvania. “I am extremely grateful and honored to be a part of the Udall Scholar Family,” Barber said. “It is a great privilege to represent the University of Arkansas, and I am looking forward to connecting with Udall Scholars from across the country to learn and share ideas.” Barber’s professional aspirations are
to build a career around utilizing the emissions from landfills in the United States as a means to make clean energy from the methane being released. Upon graduation, Barber plans on entering the renewable energy industry and hopes to start her own business designing methane-reducing technologies for landfills that are trying to reduce their emission rates. Barber said, “I want to start my own business to ensure the profits I generate can be used to fund environmental restoration efforts.” “Alexis is incredibly smart, getting things done because she is organized, proactive and engaged,” said Scott Osborn, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering and Barber’s mentor. “Throughout her future career, she will be a leader addressing problems with both the environment and environmental justice. Alexis’ potential is so great because she has the rare combination of intellect, work ethic, devotion to this cause, and a deep respect and empathy for her fellow humans as both individuals and communities.” This year’s class of Udall Scholars was selected from 416 candidates nominated by 187 colleges and universities. Thirtyseven scholars intend to pursue careers related to the environment; 18 Native American/Alaska Native scholars intend to pursue careers related to tribal public policy or Native health care. The annual Udall Scholar Orientation, held in August, allowed scholars to meet and connect with program alumni, learn more about the Udall legacy of public service, and interact with community leaders in environmental fields, Tribal health care and governance.
Ignite Your Why
Synetra Hughes ✪ B.S.B.A.’04, Ed.D.’12
Photo submitted
Synetra Hughes began her two-year term as the president of the Black Alumni Society on July 1. Hughes is the managing director of the Dr. Barbara A. Lofton Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Sam M. Walton College of Business. She is a Walton College alumna with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in information systems and transportation and logistics. Additionally, Hughes holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in human resource development, and a Doctor of Education in workforce development with a concentration in human resources and leadership development. Hughes, originally from West Memphis, is an avid volunteer in Northwest Arkansas serving on the Arkansas Soul board of directors and the Arts Live Theatre board. She is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Visionairi Enterprises and founder of the Air for Airiel Foundation. Hughes is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Phi Alpha Omega Chapter, through which she helped establish the NWA Tea Rose Foundation. The Black Alumni Society is committed to serving as a valuable resource and agent of accountability for the university’s unwavering mission to improve the recruitment and retention of Black students, faculty and staff. Each of us has unique gifts which, when taken collectively, can be used to create the change that we want to see at the University of Arkansas. Whether your passion is mentoring, recruiting, networking or something else, the Black Alumni Society has a place for you to serve. The membership elects board members to serve on the BAS Board of Directors at each reunion; however, any BAS member may serve on the standing committees of the Black Alumni Society. Now is the time to get engaged and Ignite Your Why!
Over the next two years, the society will provide a forum for information exchange and networking among black alumni, current students, faculty, staff, friends and parents of the U of A. The society’s focus areas for the 2021-2023 term will be: • Student success, retention and graduation. • Scholarships and philanthropic efforts. • Alumni engagement and outreach. The Black Alumni Society aims to amplify the collective voice of the Black alumni as they strengthen their membership and philanthropic efforts to increase the enrollment and graduation of the university’s Black students; advocate for equity for Black faculty and staff; and establish purposeful connections with other organizations aimed at uplifting the Black community at the U of A. Members who are interested in joining one or more of the following Black Alumni Society’s standing committees should contact basprez@uark.edu. 1. The Student Engagement Committee shall target quarterly professional development events, utilizing alumni where applicable. 2. The Alumni Engagement Committee’s goal is to target annual events (outside of the BAS reunion) focused on increasing society alumni engagement and participation. 3. The Fundraising Committee shall lead the board’s efforts to attain the funds, goods and services needed to carry out the mission of the society. 4. The Membership Committee shall conduct membership recruitment activities and membership retention activities as well as membership campaigns. 5. The Scholarship Committee’s primary goal is to assist with gaining additional scholarships, review and select recipients for the annual awards. 6. The Society Reunion Committee is responsible for the planning, promotion and execution of all reunion activities. 7. The Communications Committee works to maintain regular and timely communication with the membership through relevant channels including print, web, social media and emerging platforms.
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Images courtesy of Doug Teaster
Comic Revival
Alumnus Returns to Drawing Roots With New Strips of ‘Wimpel Hall’ BY SAMUEL PODOLSKY
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in The Arkansas Traveler and is republished here with the staff ’s approval. After a month stuck indoors because of the pandemic, a U of A alumnus began to draw a tattoo, hoping to stave off the boredom brought on by the pandemic. A father and avid karaoke singer, he planned to incorporate those passions into the design, including elements of a treble clef, several musical notes and the names of his children. Doug Teaster B.A.’81, J.D.’87, an operations manager for a local supply chain company, never finished the tattoo in April 2020. Instead, he turned his gaze back 24 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
ccasionally, one of Doug Teaster’s O cartoon strips would become a connected series, such as this four-strip panel in which the paranoid worries of one roommate shift to the other at the drop of a hat. Developing a series takes more thought because each strip needs to be able to stand alone, but they also have to lead readers to a next installment.
toward comics, creating 101 new strips of his former series that would ultimately end up being published as a part of a larger collection. As a second-year law student at the U of A, Teaster created the nationally syndicated college newspaper comic strip “Wimpel Hall” in 1985. “Wimpel Hall” lasted five years, well after he earned his Juris Doctor, until writer’s block and work demands pushed him to abandon the art form. When Teaster picked up his pen in an attempt to create a tattoo, he inadvertently reignited his passion for the retired four-panel comic, he said. “The act of drawing something on paper kinda led me to the idea of: ‘Hey, maybe I should try drawing comic strips,’” Teaster said. “Now that I’ve got some money in the bank and time on my hands, I think I can do this.”
Back in 1985, Teaster walked into the office of The Arkansas Traveler and dropped a manilla envelope packed with 26 original strips of “Wimpel Hall.” Each strip was inspired by Teaster’s undergraduate experiences, including the clashing cultures of northern and southern Arkansans living alongside Teaster in Pomfret and Yocum Hall. Most touched on racism, sexism and social egoism, which in turn led the college newspaper to reject 20 on the basis of being “too offensive,” Teaster said. Despite that early brush with censorship, Teaster said he never had the same problem again. “Wimpel Hall” soon began printing in all corners of U.S college newspapers before he halted production of the strip in 1990 to work a variety of jobs, from tanning salon owner to childcare worker alongside his then-wife, before eventually settling FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 25
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at Transplace, a supply chain company in Lowell. Teaster was eager to get back to work as he exited his 30-year hiatus. Teaster’s daughter-in-law, Lilyan Teaster, a junior English education major, knew of his artistry from brief conversations with her husband, Cole, she said. It was not until around May 2020 that she spoke with Teaster about his revived efforts with “Wimpel Hall.” “He said that he was staying up all till all hours of the night after he would get off of work because he was filled with so much inspiration, and that he had only intended on doing a few comics,” Lilyan said. “But then, the
inspiration just kept flowing and he just kept writing and writing.” Teaster eventually approached Lilyan to proofread a draft of his book that contained the 101 new “Wimpel Hall” strips. 2020 provided enough inspiration to create far more than the 20 to 25 strips he initially intended. “I just wanted my book to be funny, touching social issues, but not really dwelling on it,” Teaster said. Teaster’s comics still feature social issues, and the newest edition includes interracial couples and some existing
he characters in Wimpel Hall T included a variety of ethnicities and races because Doug Teaster wanted the cartoon strip to reflect his interest in the social issues on campus and in the greater world.
he majority of the cartoons T simply relate the all-too-frequent encounters that students endure while attending college. Student newspapers across the country subscribed to the Wimpel Hall cartoon strip for their campus newspapers.
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characters that were revealed to be gay. Micaela Serrano, a coworker of Teaster, said he sought her help in the creation of Mexican-American character Miguel Serrano, named in her honor. “I’ve told him a little about my upbringing, being a Mexican-American in the United States,” Serrano said. “According to Doug himself, he said that several things and several conversations that we’ve had have kind of changed his perception of what a first-generation Mexican-American kind of goes through.” Teaster said he is no longer worried about censorship
and self-published his collection of old and new strips, titled Wimpel Hall: Into the 21st Century Kicking and Screaming, in December 2020. For now, Teaster plans to stop the creation of “Wimpel Hall” a second time, but anticipates a possible return in the future, he said. “I think I’ll probably just spend some time taking it easy, and then maybe pick up the pen again, and see if I had that creative explosion I had this past year,” Teaster said. “And if I do, there may be another book in the future, but I’ll be years down the road.”
oug Teaster used the varying D archetypes of Arkansans as models for his characters, including the homespun Luther.
ome of the comic strips could S apply to anyone anywhere, well, at least if you play golf.
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Photo submitted
A Legacy of Hard Work Celebrated Doyle Williams ✪+
BY SANDRA BIRCHFIELD B.A.’88
The gathering was like a Who’s Who of Arkansas in 1998. Gov. Mike Huckabee L.L.D.’05 and Helen Walton L.L.D.’95 were there. So were the media, state and local government leaders, University of Arkansas administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, and the university’s trustees. College students were transported from campus to the downtown Hilton Hotel so they 28 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
could attend. As people milled about, most were not sure why the event was called. Doyle Z. Williams, the business college’s dean, and U of A Chancellor John White ✪+ B.S.I.E.’62 knew: the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation had pledged $50 million cash as a gift to the U of A College of Business Administration. Upon the announcement, the audience gasped.
The donation, which was announced Oct. 6, 1998, was the largest in the school’s history and the largest single cash donation ever given to a public American business school at the time. The news, so big, even made The New York Times. Williams had worked diligently with his associate and assistant deans, department chairs, and White to assess the college’s needs and goals. The amount of money needed to fulfill those dreams seemed almost unthinkable. “We made a long list of projects we wanted to undertake, things like scholarships, endowed chairs for faculty, establishing several research centers, curriculum development, and so on,” said Karen Pincus, an accounting professor who was on the planning team during Williams’ tenure. “Imagine our shock when the foundation said they would fund the entire list!” The college was given a new name: the Sam M. Walton College of Business. “This is noteworthy because Sam Walton was arguably the most successful entrepreneur in the history of the United States,” Matt Waller, the current dean of Walton College, said of Walmart’s founder. The announcement was only one of several accomplishments during Williams’ tenure as Walton dean from 1993 to 2005. The Walton College also received its first ranking as a Top 25 public business college by U.S. News and World Report, and Williams was behind the founding of the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. From there, his accomplishments continued, including founding the college’s Dean’s Executive Advisory Board, the annual Business Forecast Luncheon, and the college’s Alumni Awards. Under his leadership, Walton’s diversity office became not only the first at Walton, but at any Southeastern Conference business school. Williams helped drive the expansion of Walton College’s campus, which, early in his deanship, consisted of only the Business Building on McIlroy Avenue and grew to include the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development and Willard J. Walker Hall. Williams was recently named to the National Accounting Hall of Fame, which honors accountants who have made, or are making, significant contributions to the advancement of accounting. Since its inception in 1950, the America Accounting Association has inducted 106 members. When Williams arrived at the U of A, he already had a strong résumé as the founding dean of the School of Accounting at the University of Southern California. “He knew what it took for a business school to be nationally competitive,” White said. “I did not have to paint a picture for him because he had already visualized
what he wanted for the U of A business school.” After Williams arrived, he and then-Associate Dean Bill Curington invited students to monthly breakfasts to exchange information, ideas, and concerns. When students shared that they wanted smoke-free buildings on campus, Walton became one of the first to make that move, Pincus said. “Doyle was a great listener,” Waller said. “If you brought a problem or opportunity to him, he would ask lots of questions and then listen carefully to your answers and then ask follow-up questions. It would turn into an engaging and enjoyable conversation. On big decisions, he would get input from many different people, but finally he would make a decision, even if it was not popular.”
Rural Roots Hard work and obstacles were no stranger to Williams, whose middle name, Zane, came from Zane Grey, a best-selling Western novelist from the early 20th century. Williams grew up on a cotton and hay farm in the community of Ajax, Louisiana, about 60 miles southeast of Shreveport. Before he reached the age of 10, his family’s shotgun house burned down. They relocated to an abandoned sharecropper’s shack and cooked from donated pots and pans to help re-establish themselves. Not long afterward, a flood forced them out of their home and into a Red Cross tent camp. “In the summer, we moved back in,” Williams told the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal in 2002. “The government, to help with mosquito control, came by and sprayed all our houses with DDT.” And then Williams lost a younger brother, who fell into the fireplace and died in his mother’s arms en route to the nearest doctor. But survive, the family did. Williams’ father borrowed money to put toward 57 acres of timberland and paid it back in 10 years. They lived in another abandoned house while his father built them a new, permanent one – without plumbing, a telephone, or other creature comforts that were common in many households. But it was home. Williams spent much of his adolescence picking cotton on the family farm without the aid of any mechanical equipment. One year, the family, including his two brothers, sold pecans from their trees and earned enough money to buy a pickup truck. The family got by in the small community where Williams was one of seven students in his high school graduating class. His father was a high school graduate, FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 29
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while his mother dropped out in the 10th grade to help take care of her seven younger siblings. The couple wanted Williams to go to college. With $20 and their blessing, Williams was off to Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches. Though only 25 miles from Ajax, Williams lived on campus. “I thought I had died and gone to heaven,” Williams said in 2002. “I had never had a shower in my life. We had baths in washtubs. I had never had a bath in warm water. … I thought, ‘I’m not going to do anything to give this up.’” To pay for his education, Williams worked early morning hours at the campus dining hall and, during the summers, he worked long days under the blistering sun in the family’s hay fields, which served as an incentive to stay in school. Williams majored in science, but chemistry was a stumbling block. Through college advising and an opportunity to work in the accounting office of a farming supply distributor, Williams shifted his focus to accounting, earning his degree in only three years at the age of 20 to cut expenses. He worked for a New Orleans accounting firm for a year before realizing teaching was his calling. Williams was accepted to Louisiana State University, and he plowed his way through, earning a doctorate at the age of 25.
A Career and a Wife His first professorship was at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. While living there, Williams attended a young professionals’ group at his church where he met his future wife, Maynette Derr, who would become a home economics professor at Texas Tech shortly thereafter. The couple married in August 1967 and are the parents of two children: a son, Zane, and a daughter, Elizabeth. Shortly after the couple wed, they moved to New York City so that Williams could work with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. They then moved again so that Williams could assume a visiting professorship at the University of Hawaii before returning to Texas Tech, where he became department chair. William Holder, dean of Leventhal School of Accounting at the University of Southern California, began his professorship at Texas Tech while Williams was there. “It didn’t take me long to figure out that he was the catalyst and glue that held everything together there,” Holder said. “He was the individual who attracted all of those people that then attracted me to join them.” 30 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
Holder said the few years he spent at Texas Tech were some of the most formative in his professional life, much of it due to Williams’ guidance and leadership. Administrators with the University of Southern California hired Williams in 1978 to help start its school of accounting. A year later, Holder joined the faculty as well. He said Williams had ways to get people to listen, understand and appreciate what needed to be accomplished. “He was very quiet and understated,” Holder said. “He was always calm and thoughtful.” Under Williams’ leadership, an accounting school was created and, to this day, the University of Southern California attributes that success to Williams. Business colleges across the nation were watching, but it was the U of A that made him an offer he couldn’t refuse: to become dean of its business college and build its program. Williams’ departure worried Holder, though he recognized Williams was following his dream. “I was very concerned about whether I could continue to succeed in the absence of his leadership,” Holder recalled. But through his sadness, he knew that the U of A was gaining a great leader. “You could see what was going to come to pass before it did, and you knew it was probably a matter of time before somebody had the good sense to recognize his genius and make him an offer that would pull him away from USC,” Holder said.
Business College Grows After Williams arrived at the U of A, he met with faculty and drove around the state to speak to employers and alumni as he gathered information on what people wanted to see from its business program. “I worked a lot of long hours, often six to seven days a week, during his early years at Walton — and that was okay — because I knew he was working as much and appreciated and respected what I brought to the table,” said Nancy Hart, director of constituent relations in Walton’s Office of External Relations. In June 1997, a month before White was appointed chancellor, Williams invited him, along with the university’s deans and vice chancellors, to a weekly Saturday morning meeting at Walmart’s home office in Bentonville. “This gave me an opportunity to meet many U of A administrators and Walmart executives and observe Doyle’s networking skills,” White said. When Williams approached White about his plan to
ask the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation for an endowment, White encouraged him to think beyond his initial goal. Williams did, and the goal was met. Hart and her team meticulously, and surreptitiously, planned for the announcement in a series of events: a press conference, reception, VIP luncheon, transportation, and even live music. Security detail was needed for Huckabee, university dignitaries, as well as Sam Walton’s widow, Helen Walton, and her son, Rob Walton, who was chairman of Walmart at the time. “Some were guessing that it would be a gift announcement, but no one anticipated the size of the gift,”Hart recalled. “It was a surprise to almost everyone present.” More than 20 years later, the gift is still felt today. “The $50 million endowment from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation was a stamp of approval that was noticed in business schools around the world,” Waller said. It raised the stature of the U of A. “The event with Mrs. Helen Walton, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Doyle, and myself continues to stand out in my mind as a milestone during my chancellorship,” White said. The Walton College quickly gained national recognition, and in 2006, U.S. News and World Report ranked it 24th in the nation among undergraduate public business schools. More recently, the college’s undergraduate supply chain program was ranked No. 1 in North America by the leading global research firm, Gartner. Williams also helped create the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. Each year, the Hall of Fame inducts four business leaders of integrity in Arkansas that culminates with a ceremony and celebration at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. “The Arkansas Business Hall of Fame was Doyle’s idea,” White said. “It proved to be a winner for the college, the university, and the state.” The annual Business Forecast Luncheon, which attracts more than 1,000 attendees annually, was also Williams’ idea, Waller said. Held by the university’s Center for Business and Economic Research, the event attracts world-renowned economists and business leaders, who share their insights from a global, national, and local perspective. “If you ever come to an event, you can feel the energy in the meeting,” Waller said. Williams also helped establish the Walton College’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “We were one of the first few colleges of business in the United States to have such an office,” Waller said. “Doyle
was clearly very forward thinking.” Through the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, the university established the Doyle Z. and Maynette Derr Williams Chair in Professional Accounting in 2005. Pincus became the first chair holder. “People loved and respected him – both professionally and personally,” Hart said. “He was successful because he truly had a ‘servant’ attitude. He was willing to serve whenever or wherever. It didn’t matter whether it was a prominent position or not.” Williams retired from the U of A with emeritus status in 2006, a year after leaving his post as dean. He and Maynette now live in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Leader in Accounting In addition to his stints at Arkansas, Texas Tech and the University of Southern California, Williams’ accomplishments are plentiful and include serving as president of the American Accounting Association from 1984-1985 and chair of the Board of Directors of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an international accrediting body for business schools, from 2004-2005. He also served as executive director of the Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program, administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, from 2008-2012. He was twice awarded the Federation of Schools of Accountancy (FSA)/Joseph A. Silvoso Faculty Merit Award for distinguished contributions to the federation, to the profession of accounting, and to accounting education. He received the American Accounting Association’s Outstanding Accounting Educator Award in 1996 and was the fifth educator to receive the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Gold Medal for Distinguished Service in 2002. “His philosophy was: ‘The keys to success are simple – have sound moral values, seek to make a difference, seek to work harder than anyone else in the organization, value the advice of others, and bury your ego,’” Pincus said. “He lived that philosophy.” But his accomplishments could not have been fulfilled without the teamwork afforded both the Walton College and university, his wife said. And one other person. “Doyle was most fortunate to have Maynette by his side,” White said. “She invested herself in the college and university. They were an awesome team.”
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Exterior of the Collaborative.
Entire State to Benefit from Collaborative Creation The Collaborative in Bentonville extends the U of A’s outreach into Northwest Arkansas through workforce training, commercialization studios and instruction, diversity training and meeting spaces. It was made possible by a portion of a $194.7 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to support research, commercialization and economic development through the establishment of the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research. The creation of the Collaborative will further propel the university as an economic engine and will ensure that it drives economic development across the entire state. One of the three initial objectives of the Collaborative is to facilitate and encourage industry-academic engagement and co-created innovation with an emphasis on technology, the digital economy, and data science and analytics. Another function is to serve the post-baccalaureate education needs of individuals and organizations throughout Northwest Arkansas, and the third is to connect integrative research efforts to enterprises throughout the region to increase the commercialization of research and technology. Located in the Greenway Office Park adjacent to the Razorback Greenway, the Momentary contemporary art 32 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
space, and the 8th Street Market, the Collaborative will also be home to the U of A Global Campus operations in Bentonville. In July, Toby Teeter was named the inaugural director of the Collaborative, joining the U of A after serving as president and CEO of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce since 2018. Teeter said, “I look forward to connecting Bentonville business leaders and economic development stakeholders with the university to establish strategic partnerships and champion innovation culture. The Collaborative will be a catalyst for Bentonville innovations, bringing together special people in a special place to solve 21st century challenges.” The grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation will also provide support for the construction of an approximately 100,000-square-foot research facility on the Fayetteville campus to grow integrated research capability, expand the scope of discoveries made by U of A researchers, and increase the velocity in which discoveries are transferred to the marketplace where they can improve lives.
Donors, Volunteers Make Civil Engineering Dream a Reality The Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research and Education Center, or CEREC, officially opened in July, fulfilling a need and interest more than two decades in the making. The 37,400-square-foot facility in the Arkansas Research and Technology Park is named for Harvell ★ B.S.C.E.’72, who made an estate gift commitment and helped the project reach its final fundraising goal. In addition to Harvell, several other donors and volunteers also played a tremendous role in the completion of the facility, including Jim McClelland ✪+ B.S.C.E.’67, Bert Parker ✪ B.S.C.E.’77, M.S.C.E.’78, Gus Vratsinas ✪ B.S.C.E.’67, M.S.C.E.’68, John Burkhalter ✪ B.S.C.E.’80, Scott Bennett B.S.C.E.’89, M.S.C.E.’94, Dan Flowers ★ B.S.C.E.’69 and Andy Davis ✪ B.S.C.E.’99, M.S.C.E.’01. The Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research and Education Center includes a high-bay structural testing facility with a four-foot thick “strong floor” capable of testing large-scale structural systems and components.
It also houses a 25-ton rail crane to move heavy materials and will allow students and faculty members alike to conduct research – an impressive upgrade compared to the work that previously had to be done outside with a bulldozer. Harvell said the space will improve faculty research capabilities and will prove attractive for future students and faculty as well as industries and organizations supporting research projects. He also credited his own success to the education he received and said he made the gift to support the future generations of engineers. “I’ve had a successful career because of my engineering degree,” he said. “I got my degree through the efforts of people who were engineers decades before me. I had a scholarship from a gentleman in the College of Engineering Hall of Fame who graduated in 1910 – the Sam and Mary Blair Scholarship. I’m trying to give back to the organization that helped me realize the success I’ve had.”
Above left: From left, Gus Vratsinas, Scott Bennett, Dan Flowers, Grady Harvell, Jim McClelland, John Burkhalter, Bert Parker, Dan Williams, and Andy Davis at the grand opening. Top right: Phase one of the new facility includes a structural high-bay with strong floor, among other features. Bottom Right: Bert and Robin Parker.
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Campus
A Golden Time
Arkansas Alumna, Student, Track Assistant Win Olympic Medals in Tokyo BY CHARLIE ALISON ✪+ B.A.’82, M.A.’04
Former Razorback Anna Hopkin M.S.’20, anchored the British 4x100 mixed medley swim relay to a gold medal and a world record time during the Tokyo Olympics. Graduate student Kelsey Plum rained baskets down on the competition during the women’s 3x3 basketball competition to win gold as well in a completely new event for the Olympics. And Ryan Crouser, a volunteer assistant for the U of A track and field program, set a new Olympic record with his gold-medal shotput throw.
Hopkin and British Relay Team Set World Record As anchor of the British 4x100 mixed medley swim relay team, Hopkin helped set a new world record in the Tokyo Olympics. Winning the final in a time of 3 34 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
minutes, 37.58 seconds, Great Britain beat by more than 40 seconds the previous world record of 3:38.41 set by China in 2020. Each team in the mixed medley could choose where to place their men and women. Hopkin ended up competing against American Caeleb Dressel, who won five gold medals at Tokyo but couldn’t catch Hopkin in the relay. “I knew he was coming at me,” Hopkin said after the race, “but there’s just so much going on there’s no point looking at anyone else, I just knew I was not going to lose that lead. It’s pretty cool to say I beat Caeleb Dressel.” Hopkin also swam as part of the women’s 4x100-meter freestyle relay team, which finished fifth, and individually she also finished seventh in the 100-meter freestyle finals.
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Campus
Plum Garners First U of A Gold Kelsey Plum, a U of A graduate student in the College of Education and Health Professions, picked up the university’s first medal of the Tokyo Olympiad as part of the U.S. women’s gold medal 3x3 basketball team. This was the first time that 3x3 basketball was contested as an Olympic sport. The U.S. team lost only once during its nine games, defeating the Russian Olympic Committee in the final by a score of 18-15. Plum scored five points during the team’s gold medal game and 55 points over the course of all games. Plum competed in women’s basketball as an undergraduate for the University of Washington while Mike Neighbors was head coach there. During her senior year, Plum scored 1,109 points, an NCAA women’s basketball single season record. After graduation in 2017, she was the first pick of the WNBA draft, going to the San Antonio Stars, which became the Las Vegas Aces the next year. While attending the U of A, she is a graduate assistant for the women’s Razorback basketball team. The Olympic 3x3 team also included Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray and Jackie Young, all of whom also play in the WNBA.
Crouser Sets Olympic Record in Shotput
Lopez, Fassi Finish in Top 40 for Women’s Golf Former Razorbacks Gaby López B.A.’16 and Maria Fassi B.S.’19, competed for Mexico in women’s golf, but both finished out of medal contention. Fassi finished 23rd overall with 5 under par during the four-round play at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama, Japan. She struggled in the first round but improved with each new round. Fassi won the 2019 NCAA Individual Championship as a senior at Arkansas. Lopez finished in 38th place with one under par. She was the runner-up for the 2015 NCAA Women’s Golf Championship.
Šutej Ties for Fifth in Pole Vault; Morris Injured, Withdraws Alumna Tina Šutej B.S.’13, competing for Slovenia, made it through the qualifying rounds of the women’s pole vault with a vault of 4.55 meters and finished tied for fifth in the finals with clearance of 4.5 meters. In the preliminaries, alumna Sandi Morris m B.A.’15, the silver medal winner in 2016, cleared the 4.4-meter height, but in her first vault at the 4.55-meter mark, her pole snapped, dropping her half on the pad and half in the box. She suffered an injury in the landing and withdrew from competition after a second attempt.
Scott-Efurd Runs Top 20 in 10,000-Meter Race
Courtesy of Getty Images Sport
Arkansas volunteer assistant coach Ryan Crouser successfully defended his Olympic gold medal with a stellar performance that was capped with an Olympic record throw of 76 feet, 5½ inches (23.30 meters), just two and three-quarters of an inch shy of the world record that he previously set in the U.S. Olympic trials in June. Crouser also holds the world record for indoor
shotput, set last spring at the U of A Randal Tyson Indoor Track Facility.
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Dominique Scott-Efurd B.S.B.A.’15, competing for South Africa, finished 20th in the 10,000-meter race on the last day of the Olympic competition. A veteran of the Rio Olympics in 2016, she had also competed in the 5,000-meter race a week earlier but failed to make the finals, finishing 13th in a crowded heat.
Hari and Fellow Danes Make Semifinals in 4x100 Relay
Maloney Knocked Out of 800 in Prelims
Senior Kristoffer Hari ran for Denmark as part of the men’s 4×100 relay. The team finished eight-hundredths of a second behind the United States during the first heat of the semifinals and didn’t advance to the finals. Hari holds the Danish national record in the 60-meter dash and placed second in the 100-meter race at the Danish Championships in June to qualify.
Alumna Shafiqua Maloney B.A.’21, competed in the 800-meter run for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She finished seventh in her preliminary and was unable to advance to the semifinal round. During her senior season, Maloney won the 800-meter final at the Arkansas Invitational in Fayetteville last January.
Mowatt Eliminated in 400-Meter Hurdles Semifinals Alumnus Kemar Mowatt B.S.’18, running for Jamaica, successfully made it through the preliminaries of the men’s 400-meter hurdles but was eliminated from competition during the semifinals on Sunday. Teammate Phillip Lemonious, a sophomore at the U of A who is also a hurdler, traveled with the Jamaican delegation as part of the team’s reserve athletes.
Coronavirus Prevents McKnight From Competing Alumna Sparkle McKnight B.A.’18, who was expected to compete in the women’s 400-meter hurdles for Trinidad and Tobago, had to withdraw from the race after she tested positive for COVID-19.
Woodhall Wins Bronze Hunter Woodhall, a student and former runner for the U of A track team, won bronze in the 400-meter dash of the Tokyo Paralympic Games. He also finished eighth in the 200-meter dash.
2021 Hog Wild Tailgates We hope to see you at our Hog Wild Tailgates during the 2021 Football Season.* We will be posting updates on www.arkansasalumni.org/hogwildtailgates as details become available. * Hog Wild Tailgate capacity, logistics, and protocols will be determined based on the guidelines set forth by the University of Arkansas and the State of Arkansas. The health and safety of our alumni and friends will be a top priority.
www.arkansasalumni.org/hogwildtailgates • 1-888-ARK-ALUM orFALL 479-575-2801 2021 / ARKANSAS /
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Alumni
University Impacts
University Relations
President’s Letter
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As I enter the second year of my term, I want to express how humbled I am to serve such a fantastic organization highlighting opportunities to connect with our beloved university. For many of us, The Hill holds a special place in our hearts and minds, so I want to highlight my vision to leverage our connections with the U of A to serve our state. Throughout the pandemic, I have been amazed at the commitment and support of the association and its staff. I also applaud and recognize the commitment of our national board and chapter/society leaders, as you continue to serve even during these trying times. Lastly, I thank all of the dedicated alumni who continue to support events and contribute financially to university endeavors. My vision for the Alumni Association is to engage intentionally and strategically at new levels to grow the university’s impacts. We focus on highlighting what our beloved university does not just for the state of Arkansas, but also the innovations and discoveries that touch the globe both directly and indirectly. Just as important is to promote the opportunities that the U of A offers for future generations. As a lifelong resident of Arkansas, it has been my experience that most Arkansans love the Razorbacks. But
when you are an alum — when you have attended and/or graduated from the U of A — that love extends beyond the successes on the fields and courts… it extends to our accomplishments in our colleges and departments. For example, the pride extends beyond a top 10 ranking in softball, baseball or basketball to a top ranking for our Sam M. Walton College of Business; our Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences; and/or an engineering department. We celebrate those rankings with just as much pride! It is with that sense of a willingness to “share the U of A” and our pride — for the U of A, our experiences, our departments, our favorite sports team — that I hope to engage in some specific areas to grow our collective university impacts. As we continue our sesquicentennial celebration, I hope that you will continue to be a part of the university’s fantastic local and global impacts.
Ron Rainey ✪ B.S.A.’91, M.S.’93, Ph.D.’01 President, Arkansas Alumni Association Connect and Serve the U of A Family
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Alumni NEW MEMBERS
CHANGE IN OFFICERS
Photos submitted
Hopper
Khan
Looney
Sims
Stover
Williams
Walker
Wright
National Alumni Board Class of 2024
BY MARY KATE HARRISON ★ B.A.’15, M.A.’17
The Arkansas Alumni Association is pleased to announce the newest members of the National Alumni Board of Directors Class of 2024. Each of these new board members began serving a three-year term on July 1.
New Board Members Amy May Hopper ✪ B.S.A.’15 graduated with a degree in agricultural business. After graduation, Hopper moved to Kansas City to work for The Andersons, starting as a commodity merchandiser in training. Still with The Andersons, Hopper is now a profit center manager for a trade desk that focuses on trading cottonseed. Hopper and her husband live in Belton, Missouri, but find themselves visiting Arkansas frequently where they both have family. In their free time, they enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, hunting, biking and running. Hopper also enjoys training for and participating in competitive field trials and obedience events with their family’s bird dog. Hopper is a former Arkansas Alumni Association Razorback Classic and is a life member of the association. Faheem Khan ✪ B.S.B.A.’91 of Lewisville, Texas, is currently an executive director at JPMorgan Chase, leading their lodging and hospitality vertical within merchant services. Khan is a proven leader with 29 years of recognized success in sales, business development and leadership. He currently serves on the board of directors 40 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
for AAHOA, the largest hotel owners association in the world. An avid traveler both in the U.S. and internationally, Khan and his wife Cissy ✪ M.B.A.’91 have been married for more than 28 years and have two children, Noah and Nadia. Nadia, a second-generation Razorback, is a junior at the U of A majoring in marketing. Khan is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association. Nathan Looney ✪ B.A.’09 graduated summa cum laude from the U of A. Looney also earned his M.P.S. and J.D. from the Clinton School of Public Service and the U of A at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, respectively. After graduation, Looney joined the U of A team as a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Political Science. Looney returned to his hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 2013 and practiced law at Waddell, Cole & Jones PLLC. In 2018, Looney joined the Arkansas Children’s Foundation where he now assists supporters advance the mission of the health system by leveraging tax and gift planning strategies. Looney was a 2020 recipient of the Arkansas Bar Association’s Presidential Award of Excellence. As a student, he was an Arkansas Alumni Association endowed scholar, a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association’s Student Alumni Board, and Associated Student Government student body president. He is a life member of the Alumni Association. Oliver Sims ✪ B.S.B.A.’85 of Carrollton, Texas, is
the Americas leader of Global Technical Sales for CA Technologies, a division of Broadcom. He is co-founder of Henry Health, a company focused on improving access delivery and consumption of culturally competent mental health services and self-care support for Black men and their families. Sims is also managing partner for Oliver Sims Business Advisors, a business advisory and investment firm that focuses on assisting and investing in technology startups. Sims serves on a number of boards, nonprofit and for-profit. In addition, Sims is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is an active member of St. John’s Baptist Church where he is a leader in the Men’s Ministry and a founder of an investment ministry The Storehouse Ministry. In 2018, Sims was awarded the Arkansas Alumni Association Morris Fair Heart Award for exemplifying volunteer spirit, enthusiasm, and commitment to alumni group involvement. He is an active member and current board member of the Black Alumni Society and is a life member of the Association. Kristine Stover ✪+ B.S.B.A.’81 of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is president of Stover Company. She earned her management degree from the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Stover currently serves on the U of A Dean’s Advisory Council for libraries and was recently a member of the Capital Campaign Committee for the new Delta Gamma house on the U of A campus. Stover is passionate about helping her community and is a board member for Metro Tulsa YMCA, Tulsa Town Hall, and is active in Leadership Oklahoma. Stover enjoys serving on the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters Oklahoma and becoming a big sister in the program herself. In 2018, Stover was awarded the Matt Burtelow Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma for the incredible impact she has made on both adults and children in the Tulsa area. Her sons, Logan B.A.’13, B.S.’15 and Kohl B.S.’15, followed in their mother’s footsteps and attended the U of A. Stover is a life member, A+ of the Arkansas Alumni Association. Cedric Williams ✪ B.S.B.A.’93 of Forrest City is originally from a small town in south Arkansas called Stephens. Williams is a State Farm Agent with over 26 years of experience with State Farm in central Arkansas. He is also the mayor of Forrest City in the third year of his first term. Williams takes community involvement to heart as he serves on various boards including the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, ARISA Health and East Arkansas Planning District. In his spare time, he enjoys spending
quality time with his wife, Brandye ✪, and two daughters, Tyra and Sydni Williams. He is an active member and former board member of the Black Alumni Society. Williams is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association.
Returning Board Members Four board members were selected to serve a second three-year term as part of the Class of 2024. They are Chris Johnson ✪ B.S.B.A.’93 of Little Rock; Bobby Jones ✪+ B.S.’84 of Savannah, Georgia; Connie Lewis Lensing ✪ B.A.’74, J.D. ’77 of Memphis, Tennessee; and Courtney Norton ✪ B.A.’07 of Fayetteville. A change in officers for the 501(c)(3) corporation also took effect July 1. Don Walker ✪+ B.S.A.’74 of Fayetteville will transition from treasurer to president-elect. He will serve as president-elect for one year. Walker recently retired from Arvest Bank after a 42-year career as EVP, regional executive. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences in 1974. Walker was hired by Sam Walton in 1978 and served as president of three of Arvest’s markets — Siloam Springs, Bentonville and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Walker focused on economic development and support of many nonprofits in these markets as well as growth of the bank’s market share. Walker served as the federal government relations representative for Arvest and continues in that role in retirement. He has served on the National Alumni Board of Directors since July of 2017. Kristen Collier Wright ✪ B.A. ’98, J.D.’01 of Forrest City will assume the position of treasurer. Wright is senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary for AutoZone in Memphis, Tennessee. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences with a minor in communication and followed by a Juris Doctor from the U of A School of Law. As a U of A student, Wright was a Fulbright Scholar and staff editor for the Arkansas Law Review. A successful attorney, she broke the glass ceiling in a very traditional automotive aftermarket industry and assumed the top legal role at AutoZone in 2014. Active in her community, Wright is a former chair of the Board of the Memphis in May International Festival, which expands cultural education programming to Shelby County schools. She has served on the National Alumni Board of Directors since July of 2019. FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 41
Alumni
University relations
Volunteer Spotlight
Cecilia Grossberger-Medina ★ M.A.’08 Cecilia Grossberger-Medina of Cochabamba, Bolivia, is the assistant director of marketing and communications for New Student & Family Programs at the U of A. Born in Sucre, Bolivia, the eldest of four children, and a first-generation college graduate, Grossberger-Medina is thrilled to work for the U of A. In 1999, she moved to Fayetteville, with her husband, Amilcar Medina, who came to further his education and earn a Master of Laws degree. Grossberger-Medina earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising from the Central University in Cochabamba, Bolivia. In 2008 she graduated from the U of A with a master’s degree in intercultural
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communications. She has worked in higher education for the past 17 years. Grossberger-Medina is one of the founding members and current president of the Latino Alumni Society. She is also the founding staff adviser of the Latino Alumni Student Association (LASA). Moreover, GrossbergerMedina serves on the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors, Staff Senate, and the Chancellor’s Commission on Women. As a diversity leader, Grossberger-Medina is a vital resource for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Utilizing her expertise, she supports and
contributes to the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for faculty, staff and students. Grossberger-Medina mentors numerous students from different cultural backgrounds and has been recognized by several organizations that praise her commitment to the advancement of students and her volunteerism. Her dedication has earned her recognitions such as the Arkansas Alumni Association Morris Fair Heart Award, the Graduate School and International Education Hoyt Purvis Award for Service and International Education (2019) and the Chancellor’s Commission on Women’s Extraordinary UA Woman (2020). In recent years, she has focused her career on the higher education field, specifically in the areas of equality and leadership. She is a passionate advocate for international students and is deeply committed to preparing them for a rapidly changing world.
She holds positions in numerous professional organizations, including: • President and founding member, Latino Alumni Society • Chair Elect, Internal Relations, Board of Directors, Arkansas Alumni • Member, Staff Senate at the U of A • Member, the Chancellor’s Commission on Women. Grossberger-Medina has been married to Amilcar Medina LL.M.’00 for almost 31 years. Together, they have three children: Rodrigo, Brenda and Camila Alejandra Medina-Grossberger. One of their daughters has followed her parents’ footsteps, graduating from the U of A. Brenda Medina-Dinnerman earned a B.S.H.E.S. in 2016 and an M.A. in 2019. The family has two dogs and four granddogs. Grossberger-Medina loves cooking, salsa dancing and volunteering.
Q&A with Grossberger-Medina Why did you choose the University of Arkansas? Faith brought me and my family to the U of A. We moved from Bolivia to Fayetteville in 1999. My husband Amilcar Medina was accepted at the Law School, graduating from the LL.M. program a year after. In 2007, I graduated with an M.A. in communication; shortly after I started working for the New Student & Family Programs.
How did you become involved with LAS? Establishing meaningful connections and giving back to the community was my main reason to join the Latino Alumni Society. The support I received during my time on campus was invaluable;
after graduating I feel compelled to give back to the university that gave me tons of opportunities. Being involved with LAS and the Arkansas Alumni Association for the past 10 years has provided me with opportunities to serve my community, from supporting the Latino Alumni scholarship fund to raising awareness of the Latino community.
What does membership in the association mean to you? The U of A has given me so much that I wanted to give back to the U of A, particularly to the Latino community. I want to help build connections between current students and alumni, whether through mentoring or networking.
After graduation, I wanted to keep myself and my family connected to the U of A, that’s why I became a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association. My involvement with the Alumni Association gave me the opportunity to help start the Latino Alumni Society. As a founding member, I was able to establish a scholarship program that benefits the Latinx community. Currently, I’m a member of the Arkansas Board of Directors. Joining the Alumni Association paid off in many ways. For instance, my membership gives me access to more than 1,000 discounts nationwide. Not to mention that a percentage of my membership goes towards needbased scholarships.
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Alumni
olly Rapert and Manny M Mejia together at University Commencement in 2021. Photo submitted.
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Mentorship Connections Intentional Relationship Building
BY LISY MCKINNON ✪ B.A.’97
What does it mean to be part of the U of A family? The Arkansas Alumni Association has been running this informal, one-question survey for the past several years and the answers are as unique as the individuals responding to the question. For some, it means calling the Hogs in Razorback Stadium on a crisp fall Saturday or an annual pilgrimage to campus to find family members’ names engraved on Senior Walk. For others, it means finding a study group that will burn the midnight oil in Mullins Library during finals every semester or a regular legion of volunteers who work the Full Circle Food Pantry with you once a week. These are completely legitimate and authentic experiences of U of A alumni through the generations. For some in our community, however, being part of this family came through the intentional relationship building that only mentorship can provide. Manny Mejia B.S.B.A.’19, M.B.A.’21, has answered this question both as a high school senior applying for an alumni scholarship, and then again as a graduating senior at the U of A applying for the association’s Senior Awards program. Mejia, a graduate of Springdale High School, was awarded an Alumni Endowed Scholarship and arrived on the U of A campus in the fall of 2015 to begin his freshman year. A first-generation Razorback who was not encouraged to attend college by his family of origin, Mejia is the perfect example of how strong mentoring relationships with teachers and alumni can change the course of a person’s life and create an extended sense of
family that is indivisible from one’s college experience. “Most of the time, students like me have gone about applying for college, scholarships, financial aid, and starting the whole process to transition into a university alone. Maybe not ‘emotionally alone’ (some students have advocates, friends, parents who support them), but more so ‘intellectually alone’ meaning that they are unaware of others similar to them who are experiencing the same journey as they are,” Mejia said. Many also don’t know that there are faculty and alumni who delight in any opportunity to connect with students and are available to serve as mentors to them. Fortunately, Mejia learned early about the benefits of a mentor in your corner. Having had a powerful teacher-advocate on his team during high school, he was primed for the extended “board of directors” that would join this team during his college career at the U of A. In the spring of 2015, Heather Nelson, ✪+, B.S.B.A.’94, M.B.A.’05, and Molly Rapert, B.S.B.A.’85, M.B.A.’87, Ph.D.’91, were doing what they always do in the spring — reading applications for the Alumni Scholarship program. The two met during Rapert’s third year of teaching when Nelson took her class as a senior marketing and management student. Rapert, who credits her success in part to the strong mentoring relationships in her past, knew that she wanted to pay this gift forward. Nelson was ready to receive this gift and saw Rapert’s value as a mentor. The conclusion of that 16-week class marked the beginning FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 45
Alumni
olly Rapert, Manny Mejia and Heather Nelson pose for selfies M on campus (top) at a scholarship review at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House (bottom). Photos submitted.
of a mentoring relationship that has blossomed into a decades-long friendship. Sitting with their usual group of reviewers in a circle of comfortable chairs at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House, Nelson read Mejia’s application and had a physical emotional reaction to his story. “He articulated his story 46 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
so well and it really resonated with me,” Nelson said. Once finished, she handed it to Rapert, a professor in the Sam M. Walton College of Business and former member of the association’s National Board of Directors, and said, “You have to read this one next.” Both found Mejia’s story of perseverance compelling and were thrilled when they later learned he had been selected as one of two endowed scholars for the upcoming freshman class. In May, Nelson made the trip from Little Rock to Springdale to present Mejia’s scholarship at his high school award ceremony and remembers it as “one of the best days of her life.” The following afternoon, Rapert introduced him at the annual luncheon honoring all graduating alumni scholars with Arkansas Alumni Association staff and the National Board of Directors. “He gave me a hug,” remembers Rapert who, from experience, has been conditioned to expect differences between a student’s presentation on paper and in person. “With Manny, that wasn’t the case,” Rapert recalls. He delivered. But that by no means translated to a smooth transition into college life. Students who enter college with a baseline knowledge of “how college works” already possess some intuition about how to find their place. Most people who value their college experience will, in both indirect and overt ways, emphasize their experience to their children and grandchildren. The culture of college life, a subtle understanding, is imprinted for legacy college students whether or not they attend the same institutions as their forbearers. According to Rapert, this is rarely the case for first-generation college students. From her observations, first-generation students often struggle to find a sense of place, attachment and/or belonging. In the beginning, it can feel like you’re “on the outside looking in.” Nelson echoed Mejia’s sentiment – one that resonated with her – that first-generation college students often feel like they are on their own. Having a mentor means not having to figure it all out alone. Mejia already knew this intellectually thanks to his high school mentor, but still, the development of this mentoring triad was gradual and organic. Nelson would check in with him via e-mail and text. Rapert would ask for his resume from time to time and help him find internships related to his degree program. Over time, through phone calls and visits about everything from which classes to take to navigating the challenging obstacles that face college students, this trio persisted and forged Mejia’s sense of belonging…of what it means to be part of the U of A family. “Molly and Heather definitely serve on my personal Board of Directors. They might not know it, but they
are co-presidents. There have been times where I felt powerless or where I just had no idea what decision I should make about something or if I was thinking things through. Over time, instead of feeling like I had to fend for myself, I have become comfortable asking them for their advice or asking them for guidance. Even if they are also unsure of what I should do, having them to talk things through has been a blessing.” In May of 2019, Nelson, Rapert, and Mejia returned to the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House as Mejia was recognized twice – once as a graduating Alumni Endowed Scholar and again as a 2019 Razorback Classic through the association’s Senior Awards program. He is firmly entrenched in the U of A family and has wasted no time sharing the blessings of mentorship with others. During the first year of his M.B.A. program in the fall of 2019, Mejia and 13 students in his cohort started a mentorship program at his alma mater, Springdale High School, offering students there the chance to build relationships like the ones that have supported him in his professional development. To alumni who are interested in mentorship, Mejia has this to say, “Everyone does have something to offer, but it does need to be a good fit. Identify early on what you can and cannot offer so that expectations are clear.” Mentors don’t need to be all things to their protégé. Some may be highly skilled at offering professional advice related to hard skills, while others may offer more in the way of emotional intelligence and softskill development. Some can do both. Mentorship is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. One common thread that seems to run through discussions about mentoring is that mentors get as much or more out of the compact as their protégés do. When it works, it truly is an investment that yields dividends far beyond any initial cost of time, comfort, or certainty of outcome. Rapert agrees. Whatever she is perceived to have given to Nelson and Mejia through the years, “I get gifts back from Manny and Heather ten-fold.” That’s an investment worth making for your U of A family. If you are interested in serving as a mentor to U of A students, RazorLink is one way for you to get involved. This online mentoring platform can serve as a vehicle to “flash mentor” students one time or as a launching pad for more in-depth mentoring relationships, if that is what you desire. Sign up at razorlink. arkansasalumni.org. If mentorship played a role in your understanding of what it means to be part of the U of A family, we’d love to hear about it. Send your story to news@ arkansasalumni.org.
TANGIBLE RESULTS Long-term personal and professional relationships born of mentoring don’t often bear immediate fruits. For Manny Mejia, this was not the case. When the U of A pivoted to remote teaching at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 12, 2020), Rapert began gathering data on the impact to students. This year, she turned to MBA candidate Mejia to help her with this project, and together with two other former doctoral students, they submitted a research manuscript to the Marketing Education Review. “It’s such a delight for me to think about the fact that I first met Manny on paper and, ultimately, we wrote a peer-reviewed academic paper together!” Rapert said. “It is very rare for an MBA student to co-author a published paper, and it speaks to Manny’s professionalism and maturity.” Sarah C. Grace, J. Manuel Mejia, Molly Inhofe Rapert & Anastasia Thyroff (2021) emotional awareness in time of disruption: the impact of tolerance for ambiguity, worry, perceived stress, helpful communication, and past experience on student satisfaction, Marketing Education Review, DOI: 10.1080/10528008.2021.1944812 has been accepted for publication and is available at the following link: https://www.tandfonline.com.
FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 47
Alumni
Razorback Generations The Next Generation is Now
BY CATHERINE BALTZ ✪+ B.S.’92, M.ED.’07
the same family. In this issue, we are exploring three of these families with names on Senior Walk and the next generation on campus attending classes this fall.
The winding paths of Senior Walk represent the unique stories and accomplishments of graduates from all generations of the U of A. Some of these individual stories intertwine with those of multiple generations of
Photos submitted
Ramirez Whether they are Calling the Hogs in their home state of Texas, during an internship in the Dominican Republic, or atop Tusk’s trailer as it travels up Dickson Street during the Homecoming Parade, the Ramirez family is filled with the Razorback spirit. • Mario Ramirez ✪+ B.S.B.A.’89 and Laura Dockery Ramirez ✪+ B.A.’90 met while they were attending the U of A and have been married for 30 years. Mario majored in finance management and is the founder and CEO of the MRamirez Group LLC. Laura received her bachelor’s degree in communications and is the middle school dean of student services at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. Mario and Laura shared their love of the U of A and the Razorbacks with their three Texas-born children, who are some of our newest members of the U of A family. • Madison N. Hopkins B.S.N.’19 is a recent graduate and establishing a career in nursing. “Since graduating, I’ve been fortunate enough to become 48 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
one of the first Latina women in Arkansas to establish myself as Registered Nurse Injector,” Madison said. “I work in the Medical Aesthetics industry, and I get to help women feel their best every day!” Her husband, Nick Hopkins B.S.N.’14, is an alumnus and an advanced practice nurse specializing in psychiatric care and mental health. Madison, who was in the Razorback Pom Squad for two years, said, “the school spirit at the U of A, and in all of Fayetteville for that matter, is unmatched. I knew I wanted to dance on a collegiate level, and the idea of cheering on the Hogs along with thousands of loyal Razorback fans was too exciting to pass up.” Matthew Ramirez is a first-year student in the School of Law, having earned a degree in international business from Harding University. “Arkansas was always an obvious choice for me, as I grew up a diehard Razorback fan,” Matthew said. “As my time at Harding was coming to an end, and I was looking for a law school to attend, the University of Arkansas was the only place I truly wanted to be.” Matthew envisions working with international companies in the future. • Gabriel Ramirez is a sophomore in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. He has always been intrigued by business. “As I grew older, I was able to have firsthand experience with my dad of what the business world is really like, and it excited me even more,” Gabriel said. “This, along with the great degree my dad got from the Walton College, motivated me to pursue a major in Business Finance.” When asked why he decided to attend the university, Gabriel explained, “I grew up loving the Razorbacks because my mom, dad, and many other family members went
Photos submitted
to school there, so it was all I ever knew. I could have never imagined myself at any other university, and I truly feel at home going to school at the University of Arkansas.” Mario and Laura have several other Razorbacks in their extended families. Mario’s brother, Florentino “Tino” Ramirez ✪+ B.A.’90, is an alumnus and former Dallas Chapter president. Laura’s mother, Patricia Y. Cochran B.S.E.’83; sister, Charlotte Yates B.A.’93, brother, Thomas Dockery M.B.A.’86, uncle, George Dockery B.S.C.E.’67 and aunt, Lynda Dockery B.S.E.’73, M.Ed.’87 are all alumni. Laura’s stepfather, Allan Cochran, is an emeritus professor who taught in the Mathematical Sciences for over 50 years, served as the chair of the department, and was the recipient of the association’s 1996 Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching. Mario and Laura both developed friendships while they were at the university that continue today. Mario
Sims Oliver L. Sims III ✪ B.S.B.A.’85 grew up in Pine Bluff with a mother who emphasized education. Oliver knew that he wanted to go to college, and he chose the U of A “because it was the best in our state.” While pursuing his information systems degree, Oliver learned many skills that have influenced his life and career. “I learned to work on teams, work on projects, collaborate with others, negotiate, network, barter and how to make it through,” he said. “All of these skills are important to a balanced life,” Oliver continued. “I use them frequently professionally and personally. I always heard that you grow up in college. And yes, you do. But your skills grow as do your abilities to leverage them.” He is a technical sales leader (America) for Broadcom Inc and co-founder, along with Kevin
shared that his Sigma Nu brother Kenny Gibbs ✪+ B.S.B.A.’85 and also Charlie Whiteside ✪+ B.S.B.A.’63 played big roles in helping him start his career. “When I thanked Kenny, he said don’t thank me, just help someone else when it’s your turn and pass it forward,” Mario said. Mario and Laura have served as co-chairs of the Chancellor Society. Mario has served on the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board, the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and the Dallas Chapter Board. He was a founding member of the Walton College Alumni Society and is currently serving on the Walton College Deans Executive Advisory Board. “One of the biggest honors I’ve had,” Mario said, “was being asked to be the commencement speaker for the Sam M. Walton College of Business.” “The university gave me a lot,” Mario said. “My family began here, my friendships began here, my career began here….I can never say thank you enough.”
Dedner B.A.’00, of Hurdle.co. Oliver says that Hurdle, which focuses on underserved communities where mental healthcare is often of greater need, is one of his biggest accomplishments since graduating. “The positive ripple effects will impact our world forever,” he said. “One life, one family, one community, one state, one country, our world. Hurdle will be an important page in the story of my life. It already is.” He is proud of his alma mater and known for his deep love of the university and the Razorbacks. “The University of Arkansas and our Razorbacks are a component of my personal brand,” Oliver said. “Anyone who knows me beyond superficially knows that I am a Razorback. I fly that flag proudly and as often as possible. I pride myself in being an ambassador for the University of Arkansas and relish opportunities to help prospective students, current students and alumni. My love for the U of A is not more evident than in the fact that I sent my one and only there a few years back. #Legacy.” This love for and dedication to his alma mater inspired his son, Oliver L. Sims IV (Big O), to attend the university. “My father graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1985 and has been a proud alumnus ever since,” Big O said. “And the Razorbacks have been a big piece of my life since I was born.” Big O fondly reminisces about traveling to Fayetteville to attend Razorback football, basketball and baseball games. He is a junior accounting major in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Both father and son encourage others to get involved and make connections while in school and beyond. FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 49
Alumni
alumni association is. Nothing is sweeter than seeing Razorbacks everywhere I go.” Oliver has Called the Hogs in Prague and Havana, Cuba. A life member of the association, Oliver is a member of the newest class of the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors and a past board member of the Black Alumni Society. He is the association’s 2018 recipient of the Morris Fair Heart Award for his volunteer efforts with the society. “Membership gives me the opportunity to stay abreast and informed on key things,” Oliver said. “More importantly, it gives me the avenue to contribute. The University of Arkansas is a cornerstone that I have constructed my life upon. It catapulted me to a life that I am proud of to date.”
“Enjoy every single moment of freshman year and try to spend the least amount of time in your dorm to be involved around campus,” is Big O’s advice to future students. “Try to remember that everyone is in the exact same boat as you when trying to make friends. Also, studying should always come first.” His father’s advice to students is, “Be an engaged student. Turn on your curiosity and plug in. College is the greatest avenue of 360-degree learning that you will have.” He also encourages alumni to stay engaged. “When you graduate don’t separate,” Oliver said. “Get with the local alumni chapter or the society that fits your interest. The fun of supporting our Hogs continues and giving back to the university is an honor we all should pursue. Alumni should definitely leverage the powerful network that the
Photos submitted
Streett Stephanie Streett ✪ B.A.’91 is from a long line of U of A graduates, including her parents, grandparents, and many other relatives. She chose to attend the university because she “wanted to continue that legacy, receive a strong educational foundation, and be exposed to new ideas, opportunities and interesting individuals from all walks of life.” Stephanie’s campus life at the university was filled with numerous opportunities to get involved. She served on the Associated Student Government and was a member of Young Democrats, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Zeta Tau Alpha National Fraternity (ZTA), just to name a few. Stephanie served as president of the ZTA Epsilon chapter in 1987-88. “As president, I had the opportunity to hone many important skills such as preparing for and presiding over chapter meetings, creating and managing budgets, decision-making and prioritizing, public speaking, resolving disputes, mentoring, and most importantly, learning how to be a good listener,” she 50 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
explained. “As I reflect on my time on campus, I know the hands-on experiences I had through this leadership opportunity at the U of A armed me with confidence and practical tools that gave me a strong foundation to pursue my career goals. And in my current role as Executive Director of the Clinton Foundation, I continue to build upon those impactful lessons from that formative period.” With further reflection of her time at the university, Stephanie shared her personal experience with mentorship. “Professor Diane Blair was absolutely the most influential figure during my time at the U of A,” Stephanie said. “She was an incredible mentor who instilled in me the confidence, drive and discipline to design a meaningful career path at the intersection of politics, policy and public service. Professor Blair inspired me and countless others with her powerful example, her intellect and activism, her wicked sense of humor, and her passion for helping students succeed and thrive.” Stephanie also offered two pieces of advice to future alumni/students. “First, I would encourage future alumni/ students to immerse yourself on campus and explore the many diverse organizations and opportunities for engagement with new people and causes you care about. You will find your tribe and have rich experiences that will shape your life and career forever. Second, get to know the world-class faculty and staff who will be part of your educational journey. Don’t be shy about forging these impactful relationships. Finding a mentor can literally change the trajectory of your life and career in a very powerful way. Diane Blair did that for me as a student many years ago, and I know there are hundreds of ‘Dianes’ on campus today eager to help you discover your special gifts.” “I love that our Streett family history has so many
powerful connections to the University of Arkansas,” Stephanie said. The following is an account of some of those names from Senior Walk as well as their relationship to Stephanie. • J. Bruce Streett, grandfather, attended law school at the U of A after returning from World War I. He was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 1921 and enjoyed a successful legal career as a third generation Arkansas lawyer in Camden, including his service as a Circuit Judge. • Gertrude Sanderson Streett, grandmother, attended the university to study teaching and was a member of Chi Omega. Following a successful teaching career, she retired to focus on raising their six children. • Alex G. Streett ✪ L.L.B.’65, father, had a distinguished legal career in Arkansas spanning 54 years. In addition to a successful private practice in Russellville, he served as prosecuting attorney from 1971-1982 for the 5th judicial district and remained active in Arkansas politics and service to his community until his death in April 2019. • Sue Heidgen Streett ✪ B.S.H.E.’62, mother, pursued her undergraduate studies at the U of A, becoming a registered dietician. After graduating from the U of A, she completed an internship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and began her career as a registered, licensed dietician at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and then at UAMS in Little Rock. After her marriage to Alex in 1965, they moved to Russellville, where she continued her dietetic career at St. Mary’s Hospital. • Graham Streett B.A.’94, J.D.’97, brother, is a fifth generation lawyer. He was a member of Sigma Nu while a student at the university. Stephanie is pleased to report that their family tradition continues with two of her daughters, Olivia and Katherine Erbach, currently enrolled at the U of A. Olivia is a sophomore and is studying political science with the goal of working in Washington, D.C., and possibly attending law school. While last year was quite an anomaly due to the pandemic, Olivia enjoyed participating in the ASG Freshman Leadership Forum, becoming a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and attending several Razorback football games. Katherine begins her studies this fall majoring in biology/pre-med. She is looking forward to the many opportunities to get involved on campus, including going through the Panhellenic recruitment process, meeting her professors, engaging with other premed students in the Honors College, and Calling the Hogs in Razorback Stadium. Stephanie is the executive director of the Bill, Hillary &
CALL FOR
NOMINATIONS Do you know outstanding alumni who deserve special recognition for their distinguished achievements or community service?
Nominate them by November 15, 2021 to be considered for recognition at the fall 2022 Alumni Awards Celebration. To review criteria and secure a nomination form, visit www.arkansasalumni.org/awards. Arkansas Alumni Association For more information contact Deb Euculano at deuculan@uark.edu.
Chelsea Clinton Foundation and has served as co-chair of City Year Little Rock and on the board of International Women’s Forum Arkansas. In 2019, she received the association’s Community Service Award. Prior to working with the Clinton Foundation, Stephanie spent eight years in the Clinton White House. During this time, she joined in an exciting Hog Call in the White House Rose Garden during a celebration of the Razorback’s 1994 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. “I’ll never forget the enormous sense of Razorback pride I felt that day Calling the Hogs with other Arkansas alumni, friends and family in such hallowed place,” she said. Stephanie has continued to be engaged with the university since graduation. She is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association and former president of the association’s National Board of Directors, as well as serving on other university committees. “Being a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association has allowed me to stay connected and have meaningful opportunities to give back to a place that has given so much to me and countless members of my family,” Stephanie explained. “There are many exciting things taking place on our flagship campus throughout the year, and being an AAA member has not only kept me up to speed, but presented opportunities to participate in fabulous events, engage with other alumni, phenomenal students and faculty, while supporting our beloved institution through volunteerism and stewardship.” FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 51
Events
Growing Up Grovey Premiere On Saturday, July 10, the Black Alumni Society and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion along with the U of A, Razorback Foundation, family and friends gathered at The Apollo on Emma in Springdale for the premier of Growing Up Grovey. This is the first documentary by QG4 Productions. Stacy and Quinn Grovey ★ B.S.B.A.’90 were thrilled to share the documentary with friends and family. Growing Up Grovey details Quinn Grovey’s football career and the impact his parents had on him. It also chronicles his role as caregiver to his mother as she battled Alzheimer’s disease. Grovey was the second Black quarterback for the U of A. He is the only Arkansas quarterback to lead the Razorbacks to back-to-back conference titles, winning the SWC championship in 1988 and 1989. Grovey is the 2021 recipient of Black Alumni Society’s Dr. Lonnie R. Williams Lifetime Achievement Award. Photos submitted
52 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
Virtual Student Send-offs In July, several Arkansas Alumni Association chapters, partnering with the university’s Office of Admissions, hosted eight virtual student send-offs featuring special guests from New Student and Family Programs and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The chapters welcomed Quincy Spencer, director of New Student and Family Programs; Erin Jones, assistant director of New Students and Family Programs; and Angela Mosley-Monts, associate vice chancellor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Volunteers took advantage of technology and worked with chapters in their areas to collaborate and welcome more students. These events welcomed incoming students, current students and parents from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Tennessee; Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia. FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 53
Events
Community Vegetable Gardens
Photo submitted
In May, the Charleston Chapter held a community service workday for the Green Heart Project. This nonprofit builds and maintains small community vegetable gardens near the public elementary school to encourage kids to grow sustainable healthy food.
Pride Parade
The PRIDE Alumni Society along with U of A faculty, staff and students, celebrated PRIDE Month during June 2021. The society; the student organization, PRIDE: People Respecting Individual Differences and Equality; and U of A units participated in the PRIDE Parade held in Fayetteville.
Photos submitted
54 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS HOMECOMING
Celebrating 150 Years on The Hill Homecoming Online Auction Oct. 8-22 bit.ly/alumniauction21
Parade Patio Party Friday, Oct. 15 5:30 p.m. Walton Arts Center
Night Hogs Concert with DJ Derrick and DJ Raquel Wednesday, Oct. 13 8 p.m. George’s Majestic Lounge
Homecoming Parade Friday, Oct. 15 6 p.m. Dickson Street
Alumni Awards Celebration Thursday, Oct. 14 6 p.m. Fayetteville Town Center
Homecoming Pep Rally Friday, Oct. 15 7 p.m. Chi Omega Greek Theatre
Senior Walk Dedication Friday, Oct. 15 10 a.m. Inn at Carnall Hall
Hog Wild Tailgate Saturday, Oct. 16 TBA Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House
Homecoming Shirt T-shirts and sweatshirts available in sizes S - 4X
Homecoming Coloring Contest Age Groups: 3-5, 6-8 and 9-11 Deadline: October 11
October 10-16, 2021 | homecoming.uark.edu
FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 55
Yesteryear
Yesteryear
tudents come and go S through the southeast entrance to campus at the corner of Arkansas Avenue and Dickson Street. The class of 1922 improved the entrance by replacing the pipe fencing at the top of either side with courses of stonework arcing higher and curving to pillars on both sides Razorback Yeaarbook
1871
• Noah Putman Gates is named the first president of the university.
1901
work that accompanies the construction of Peabody Hall, the first building on campus funded in part by a charitable foundation.
• A tradition known as Pennant Day is started in which the junior and senior classes create a pennant for their own class and try to hoist it to the highest point while also trying to steal each other’s pennant.
1921
1911
• Delta Phi, a fraternity for male pre-med students, is founded on campus.
• Dean James R. Jewell leads an upsurge in education 56 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
• Students vote to create an Associated Student Government. Coleman Warren, the president sworn in during the 2021 spring semester, is the 100th ASG president.
1931
• Alumni Chet Lauck and Norris Goff begin broadcasting the Lum and Abner radio show on the NBC Radio Network. • Phi Epsilon, a Jewish fraternity, expands to 15 members during its first year on campus.
1941
• Alumnus Arthur M. Harding becomes the first native Arkansan to serve as president of the university. • A new column in The
Arkansas Traveler, called “Fads and Fashions,” tells what “milady” is wearing, or not wearing. • A “Keep Off the Grass” campaign is initiated to assist in beautifying the campus.
1951
• Listed on the contractor’s punchlist as light fixtures, eight sculptural mobiles created by Alexander Calder are hung in the concert hall of the Fine Arts Center. Their price is $1,500. By
1971, one disappears, but an appraisal of the seven remaining Calder mobiles in 2000 estimates their worth at $1.75 million. • Charlie Rich, later a Grammy-winning musician, pledges the Kappa Sigma fraternity on campus. • Construction on an addition to Memorial Hall begins on its east side.
1961
• English actor Basil Rathbone, well known for his movie portrayals of Sherlock Holmes, lectures on campus about acting and theatre. • Engineering students win the annual tug of war contest against a team of agriculture students, who usually win.
1971
• Gene McKissic becomes the first Black student to
be elected president of the Associated Student Government. • The Black Americans for Democracy student group organizes the first Miss Black Collegiate Arkansas show on campus.
1981
• The U of A Press publishes its first book, The Governors of Arkansas. • Gov. Bill Clinton addresses commencement as 237 students receive degrees during the arts and sciences ceremony. • G. Gordon Liddy, a central figure in the Watergate scandal that brought down Pres Richard Nixon, speaks on campus.
1991
• As more “non-traditional” students pursue degrees, the percentage of students who are older than 21 rises
to 43.5 percent. • The university switches from the Southwest Conference to the Southeastern Conference.
2001
• Amy Yoder, a member of the women’s cross country and track and field teams, finishes her collegiate running career as a 15-time All-American with two individual national championships. • The university begins the public phase of the Campaign for the TwentyFirst Century, which eventually raises $1.046 billion by 2005. • The university’s Printing Services department adds a digital printing system that can print and bind a book on demand. • Dr. M. Jocelyn Elders, a former U.S. surgeon general and Arkansas native, speaks
on campus as part of the Hartman Hotz Lecture Series.
2011
• The Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people, speaks to several thousand at Bud Walton Arena. • Members of the Pi Beta Phi sorority break ground on the Pi Beta Phi Centennial Gate to be built at the northern end of the old Campus Drive. • The collection of former U.S. Rep. John Paul Hammerschmidt is opened for research by the Special Collections department of the University Libraries. The collection contains 1,221 linear feet of documents, correspondence, video tapes and ephemera.
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FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 57
Special Collections
Senior Walk
From Senior Walk Let us know about your milestones and anything else you would like to share with your classmates — births, marriages, new jobs, retirements, moves and more. Please include your degree, class year, and when applicable, your maiden name. To provide the most thorough coverage of alumni news, we publish notes about members and non-members of the
Class Notes 1980s Dyke Morris Arboneaux BA’84, Chicago, Illinois, is a partner in Harrison & Held Law Firm. Steven R. Hinds ✪+ BSPA’89 MED’92, Fayetteville, is senior director of corporate giving for Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA. 58 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
Arkansas Alumni Association and will indicate membership status for reference. You may send us news or simply update your information. Since the next issues of Arkansas are already in production, it may be a few issues before your item appears. Submit your news online at www. arkansasalumni.org/classnotes; by mail: From Senior Walk, Arkansas Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1070,
1990s Charles L. Burt ✪ BSE’91, Fayetteville, recently ended a 30+ year career in public education. After teaching in Mississippi and Arkansas for a number of years, serving as a secondary school educator for Prince George’s County, Maryland, Public Schools, where he worked primarily with special education students. Additionally, he volunteered
Fayetteville AR 72702; or by email: records@arkansasalumni.org. These symbols indicate Alumni Association membership: ✩ Student Member ★ Member ★+ Member, A+ ✪ Life Member ✪+ Life Member, A+
as a national trainer with the National Education Association for more than a decade providing bullying prevention/intervention strategies to colleagues throughout the country. He is returning to his hometown of Fayetteville to enjoy retirement and Call Those Hogs!
2000s Elizabeth Saxman Underwood ✪ MED’05
PHD’12, Swannananoa, North Carolina, is executive director & president for the New River Conservancy. Nichole M. Manning ★ JD’07, McKinney, Texas, is executive director customer & employee success at Wallabing Inc. Colby Tyler Post BSME’09, Lowell, is regional account manager of HP Engineering Inc. – Northwest Arkansas office.
James V. Shuls PHD’13, is dean for the College of Education at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.
Mary B. Henderson ★ BSE’51, North Little Rock, August 28, 2013. Charles E. Scharlau III ✪+ LLB’51, Fayetteville, June 18.
Brice Smith BM’14, Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been selected for the Cleveland Institute of Music’s inaugural Future of Music Faculty Fellowship.
Jim Shaver ✪+ LLB’51, Wynne, May 27.
In Memoriam
John G. Pratt Jr. MA’52, Little Rock, May 13.
1940s Amos P. Jarman FS’42, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. June 19. Mary Warnock Harsh ✪ BA’43, Magnolia, May 13, Dorothy D. Stuck ✪+ BA’43, Little Rock, July 1. Henry D. Powell ✪ BSBA’44, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, May 8. Kitty Karns Bonds ★ BA’47, Little Rock, May 7. Jim Q. Neal ★ BSCE’47, Salem, Oregon, August 2, 2020. Robert W. Ragsdale FS’48, El Dorado, May 21. Lee Casey Thompson ✪+ BS’48 MED’70, Little Rock, October 30, 2020. George Denley Fischer BSE’49 MED’56, Houston, Texas, January 14, 2014.
1950s Dorothy Jackson Fincher BA’50, Magnolia, June 15. Ed C. Kinsey BSE’50, Fayetteville, June 14. Flave W. Peters ★ BSBA’50, Little Rock, June 24.
Jack M. Sloan BSA’51, Powhatan, June 18. Shirley Gene Harvey BSPH’52, Carrollton, Texas, May 12.
Betty Ray Rushing BA’52, Little Rock, May 29. Laura Faust Deitz BA’53, West Helena, April 17. Curtis R. Hagler ★ BSBA’53, Wynne, May 12. Bill E. Lassiter ★ BSA’53, Searcy, April 26. Gay Garrigan Moore ★ BSE’53, Conway, June 19. Catherine McCartney Sandahl BA’53, Fort Smith, April 26. Nell Tuck BA’53, Fayetteville, May 18. Edward G. Barry Jr. BSEE’54 MS’71, Little Rock, April 24. Carol Hamilton BA’55, Springdale, May 28. Mary Lookingbill Humphries BSHE’55, Tyler, Texas, June 18. Carroll Dean Scroggin BSBA’55, Jonesboro, June 8. Barbara Brown Stinnett BA’55, Siloam Springs, April 22. Ollie Newton Bell BARCH’56, Texarkana, Texas, June 4.
Bob Bailey ✪+ BSBA’51, Little Rock, June 16.
George A. Carruth BSA’56 MS’57, Anniston, Alabama, October 10, 2020.
M. Virginia Carney BSBA’51, Little Rock, June 28.
James R. Green BARCH’56, Brentwood, Missouri, May 31.
Howard C. Forrest BSA’51, McGehee, July 9.
Melba Heasley BA’56, Tampa, Florida, April 20.
In Memoriam
Charles Scharlau ✪+ L.L.B.’51 Charles Scharlau, a beloved alumnus and friend of the U of A, passed away on June 18, 2021, at the age of 94. He was proceeded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Clydene, who passed away in 2012. U of A System President Donald R. Bobbitt, who holds the Charles E. Scharlau Presidential Leadership Chair, said, “My wife, Susan, and I were saddened to learn about the passing of the late Charles E. Scharlau. He and his late wife, Clydene, were generous benefactors and dedicated countless hours of volunteer service to many causes at institutions and organizations across the UA System. Charles was an outstanding and thoughtful chair and member of the Board of Trustees, and the UA System will continue to benefit from his legacy of service. We will truly miss his presence in our lives and the genuine kindness that he always displayed.” Scharlau grew up in Mountain Home and joined the Marines when he was 17. He was a World War II veteran and utilized the G.I. Bill to earn a law degree from the School of Law at the U of A in 1951. Scharlau became the first lawyer employed at Arkansas Western Gas Company and eventually served as vice president, president and chief executive officer before retiring in 1998. His involvement on and off campus was unmatched. He served as a member of the U of A Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2007 and was the board chair for the 20052006 academic year. He also served two terms as president of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and three terms as chair of the board of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. At the U of A’s Fayetteville campus, Scharlau served on the Board of Advisors, the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee, the UA Foundation Board, Razorback Foundation Board, the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and the Campaign Arkansas Committee for the Honors College. He was a past president of the Arkansas Alumni Association In 1989, he was named the volunteer of the year, and in 1990, he received the Citation of Distinguished Alumni. In 2012, he received the Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award and was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2020, he was named the honorary degree recipient for Spring Commencement. He is survived by five children and seven grandchildren.
University Relations
2010s
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Campus
In Memoriam
Photo courtsy Pryor Center
Dorothy Davis Stuck ✪+ B.A.’43 Dorothy Davis Stuck of Little Rock died on July 1 at the age of 100. Stuck was a longtime newspaper editor, publisher, and civil rights advocate. She was born to Floyd and Mimi Davis on February 5, 1921, in Gravette. She grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma, she attended the U of A. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and later edited sorority’s national magazine, The Arrow. After graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science in 1943, Stuck taught high school history in Marked Tree for three years. She married Howard Stuck in 1946. She then began her path as a newspaper editor, co-owner and publisher beginning with her and her husband’s purchase of three newspapers, the Marked Tree Tribune, the Lepanto News-Record and the Truman Democrat. During her time as editor, the Marked Tree Tribune won 75 state and national awards from 19501970. Stuck was a charter member of Arkansas Press Women and served a term as its president in 1953. She was twice named Arkansas Newspaperwoman of the Year, in 1964 and 1969. In 1967 she was appointed to the Arkansas Constitutional Revision Study Commission by Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller, and in 1968 she was elected to the Arkansas Constitutional Convention. In 1970, Stuck was named the regional director of the U. S. Office for Civil Rights, Department of Health, Education and Welfare for the five-state region of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, serving until 1979. She received DHEW’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Service Award. Stuck returned to Arkansas in 1979 as vice president of Briggs Associates, publishers of magazines Aquaculture and American Preservation. In 1981, she co-founded Stuck & Snow Resultants, a management consulting firm in Little Rock, with Nan Snow. Upon their retirement, they co-authored an award-winning biography, Roberta: A Most Remarkable Fulbright. Stuck was inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2017 and was honored by the National Federation of Press Women in 2021. Stuck served on the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors from 1967-1970. In 2008, Stuck was awarded the Citation of Distinguished Alumni. 60 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
Maurice I. Hendrix BS’56, Malvern, June 19. John M. Minor BSBA’56, Newport. July 5. Jerry P. Hendricks FS’57, Fort Smith, June 30. Nancy B. Howe ✪+ BA’57, Dallas, Texas, May 8. Barbara Cotton Stephens BSHE’57, Rogers, February 1, 2015. Schales L. Atkinson ✪ BS’58, Elmore City, Oklahoma, May 4. Jerry Burns ✪+ BA’58, Hot Springs, June 1. Ruel J. Neeley ✪ BSBA’58, Glen Carbon, Illinois, July 4. Richard T. Neikirk BS’58, Little Rock, May 22. Joyce Williams BSHE’58, Fort Wayne, Indiana, May 22. Wray H. Jones ★ BSCHE’59 MSCHE’61, Batesville, May. Paula Mixon Kelly BA’59, Little Rock, June 22. John Howard Morris ✪+ BA’59 MA’69, Sugar Land, Texas, May 5. Jim K. Wimberly ★ BSBA’59, Bullard, Texas, April 25.
1960 Janet Jerome Wixson FS’60, Chattanooga, Tennessee, April 28. Earl R. Fulmer MED’60 EDD’63, Arkadelphia, June 16.
Ruel Norwood Rothwell BSPH’61, Springfield, Missouri, May 1. Joseph T. Wilson BS’61, Jonesboro, April 23. Richard B. Baltz PHD’62, East St. Louis, Illinois, May 9. Wayne Dumas MED’62 EDD’65, Columbia, Missouri, May 26. Paul W. Gordon Sr. ★ FS’62, Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 3. David L. Hedges MA’62, Eufaula, Oklahoma, April 27. William Mitchell Voss MBA’62, Dallas, Texas, May 20. James W Young BSPH’62, Little Rock, June 24. Bill G. Holder ★ BSBA’63, Bryant, June 19. Michael Kelly ✪ MD’63, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, May 28. Andre Jensen ✪ BSEE’64, Morris Plains, New Jersey, March 26, 2020. Lillian Marshall McConnell ✪ BM’64, Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 31. Bob Norwood ★ BSME’64, Lago Vista, Texas, June 30. Allen P. Roberts JD’64, Camden, January 15. Warren G. Rubel PHD’64, Valparaiso, Indiana, June 3. Irene Young MED’64, Little Rock, June 19. James D. Burton BSAGE’65, Little Rock, May 9.
Charlie W. Carter MS’61, Eastpointe, Missouri, September 1, 2019.
Dale Cosgrove BSBA’65 MBA’69, Bellingham, Washington, June 13.
Marlin J. Epp BSBA’61, Tyler, Texas, December 19, 2020.
Joe Guenter ✪ MS’65, Monticello, May 24..
Jana Kelley BSHE’61, San Diego, California, May 24.
D. Patrick Herndon ✪ BSIE’65, Bella Vista, June 4.
Ronald R. Knox BSCE’61, Springfield, Illinois, June 21.
Frederick C. Lickteig FS’65, Annapolis, Maryland, June 21.
Guy Maris III BSBA’61, Little Rock, May 27.
Bob McKinney BSEE’65, Little Rock, June 28.
Susan Deanne Shumate ADN’73, Springdale, May 4.
McKee P. Cox BA’66 MED’78, Fort Smith, March 12.
Kacey DeNoi ✪ BA’74 JD’77, Albuquerque, New Mexico, May 3.
Elsie Palsa Raborn BSBA’66, Hot Springs, May 20.
Steven J. Lilly ★ BA’74 MED’80, Lonoke, May 6.
Don R. Brady BSCE’67, Hot Springs, June 16.
Stephen H. Cerniglia BA’75, Eureka Springs, June 28.
Frank L. Emert Jr. ✪ BA’67, Vincennes, Indiana, May 22.
Donald H. Henry BSBA’67 JD’75, Maumelle, July 5.
Thomas P. Tyler Sr. MBA’67 PHD’80, Russellville, June 25.
Jerry Wright Johnson PHD’75, Waco, Texas, May 4.
Michael R. Archer ✪ BSBA’69, DeQueen, June 5. Sharon Roberts Berry BSE’69, Hoover, Alabama, June 1. Sherry Baker Miller BSE’69, Hot Springs, May 9. James B. Remmel BSME’69, Fayetteville, June 25.
1970s Clyde Junior Barrett EDD’70, Peru, Nebraska, March 29. Phil Collins MED’70, Clarksville, June 22. Richard Holt Holyfield BSE’70, Rogers, June 15. Jimmy D. Sanders ★ BSE’70, Flippin, December 1, 2020. Edwin J. Alford JD’72, Bowie County, Texas, December 28, 2019. Carter Berry ✪ BSME’72, Columbus, Georgia, May 7. William Wesley Hylton III JD’72, Little Rock, June 21. Hartzell Jones ★ MED’72 EDS’87, Springdale, July 8. Larry R. Trussell PHD’72, Bella Vista, May 7. Rogers Cockrill JD’73, Little Rock, July 2. Danny L. DeHart BSME’73, Mansfield, June 25. Karl Vincent Kieslich MS’73, Sumter, South Carolina, May 3.
Lynn D. Lehle BA’75, Round Rock, Texas, July 4. Gary D. Bell BA’76, DeQueen, May 16. William R. Parks MBA’76, Fayetteville, July 2. Frederick W. Sexton BSEE’76 MSEE’79, Albuquerque, New Mexico, May 7. David E. Whitt BS’76, Fort Smith, May 14. Richard Gillham BSA’77, Huntsville, June 16. Daniel J. Runde JD’77, Columbia, Tennessee, May 30. William C. Matthews Sr. BSBA’78, Arkadelphia, June 27. Billy P. Scherer ★ BSCE’78 MSCE’81 PHD’82, Denver, Colorado, May 1. Richard A. Wilkerson MED’78, Little Rock, May 21. Robert A. Bowie BSBA’79, Little Rock, May 15. John Martin James BSCE’79 MSCE’87, Flippin, March 31. Eugene Stuckey MED’79, Little Rock, July 3.
1980s Toney R. McMurray BSBA’80, Alma, March 11. Scott G. Kern MS’81, Shalimar, Florida, June 17. Laura E. Moore ★ BA’81, Blytheville, May 27.
In Memoriam
Coach John McDonnell ✪ Legendary U of A men’s track and field coach John McDonnell passed away on June 7 in Fayetteville, at the age of 82. In his 36-year hall of fame coaching career at the U of A, McDonnell established a legacy of success unrivaled in the history of NCAA athletics, producing 40 NCAA championships, including six national triple crowns and 12 consecutive NCAA Indoor titles from 1984-95. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a true Razorback legend and quite simply the greatest collegiate coach in the history of intercollegiate athletics,” said Hunter Yurachek, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “John McDonnell was the personification of success on and off the track, winning 40 NCAA Championships and 83 conference titles, while even more importantly, making an indelible impact on the hundreds of young men who had the privilege to compete for him.” There are few coaches in the history of sports who come close to what McDonnell achieved at the University of Arkansas. From 1984 to 2000, a span of 17 years, at least one of his three teams brought home a national championship. In total, there were 40 NCAA Championships for the Razorbacks under McDonnell, with 19 won during the indoor season, 11 in cross country and 10 during the outdoor season. McDonnell received National Coach of the Year honors 30 times in his career as well as 49 conference coaching honors. From County Mayo, Ireland, McDonnell became a sixtime All-American in cross country, and track and field at Southwestern Louisiana. In 1972, McDonnell became head cross country coach at the U of A, and then head track and field coach in 1977-78. His list of honors includes membership in the halls of fame for National Track and Field, U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, USA Track and Field, Arkansas Sports and University of Arkansas Hall of Honor. Arkansas’ 7,000-seat outdoor facility, John McDonnell Field, is also named in his honor. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Ellen (Elias) McDonnell ✪, one son, Sean McDonnell B.S.M.E.’06, one daughter, Heather Hastings M.Ed.’07, three sisters, one brother, and two grandchildren.
Images courtesy Razorback Athletics
Gerry Lee Soltz BSBA’65, Conway, June 15.
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Senior Walk
In Memoriam
Dr. Wilbur M. Giles B.A.’62
Photo submitted
Wilbur Mack Giles, 81, of Fayetteville, died on March 22. Dr. Giles was born on Feb. 24, 1940, in Texarkana, Arkansas. He graduated from Arkansas High School in 1958 and was an Eagle Scout and Chief of the Order of the Arrow. He graduated from the U of A in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in zoology. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in 1966. After completing his internship and general residency at UAMS, he served as a captain in the United States Air Force. He later returned to Little Rock and, after completing his neurosurgery residency, began his private practice as a partner in Neurosurgical Surgery Associates in 1974. Dr.
Phillip W. Crego JD’82, Jonesboro, May 4. Shannon Hamilton EDS’82, North Little Rock, May 28. Harvey L. Gordon MED’83, Starkville, Mississippi, May 27. Victoria D. Welytok BSCHE’83, Benton, June 12.
1990s Kenneth E. Clow MBA’90 PHD’92, Downsville, Louisiana, Nov.22, 2018. Scott Matthew Cusack BSBA’90, Rogers, May 4. Denise K. Kidd BSBA’91, Springdale, January 24.
Randall E. Berkland MS’84, Mount Holly, North Carolina, May 3.
Lori Ann Pizur BSE’92, Union Grove, Wisconsin, June 7.
Lynn Billings FS’85, Denver, Colorado, May 3.
Terry Lynn Andrews AS’93, Fayetteville, July 5.
Linda Kindy MED’85, Little Rock, May 27.
Dawn L. Mathis BSE’94, Valley Springs, May 7.
Ginger Jones Zurliene BSBA’85, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, March 31.
Elizabeth Jane Miller FS’95, Bentonville, April 17.
Jim Lenderman BSBA’86, Lowell, May 16. Clark E. Ray BSE’86, Washington, D.C., June 5.
Vicki Louise Nighswonger BSE’95, Springdale, May 23. Jill Scobey Hartsfield BA’97, Little Rock, July 7.
Bucky W. Morse ★ MED’88, Farmington, April 22.
Shari Lynn Showalter FS’97, Houston, Texas, March 26.
Donna Rains AS’89, Warren, April 16.
Kim Maginn FS’98, Little Rock, July 6.
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Giles also served as vice chief of surgery from 1989-1990 and then chief of surgery from 1990-1991 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He retired from medical practice in 2002. He was a member of the American Medical Association, Arkansas Medical Society, Pulaski County Medical Society, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Joint Section of Spinal Disorders of American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and Arkansas Neurological Surgeons Society. Dr. Giles was a lifelong Razorback fan. He was an avid golfer and loved horse racing at Oaklawn Park. He owned many racehorses over the years, including E.J. Harley, a four-time stakes champion that won the Hot Springs Stakes three years in a row. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Flora Giles; a son, Greg Giles ★+ B.S.B.A.’85; his daughter, Karen Hughes B.A.’86; three stepchildren; two brothers including Jack Giles ✪+ B.S.M.E.’65; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
Bobby Andrew Davis FS’90, Rogers, July 3.
2000s Matthew D. Clark BSA’00, Fayetteville, June 26. Heather Ray Drew BSBA’01, Little Rock, June 24. Carmen Bullard Stewart FS’01, Little Rock, June 11. Charles L. Kittrell IV BSBA’02, Chandler, Arizona, February 4, 2020. Ana Maria Cuellar BSBA’03, Fayetteville, March 20, 2003. Zachary Edward Thicksten FS’04, Little Rock, June 18. Bethany L. Waldo BA’05, Denver, Colorado, April 20. Sarah E. Price BSBA’07, Fayetteville, May 4. Carlos Showers FS’07, Fayetteville, May 1. Alex Burris BSBA’08 MBA’13, Fayetteville, March 31.
2010s David Matthew Park BSBA’16, Hot Springs, May 27.
2020s Noah David Woodhall PSTH’21, Maumelle, September 16, 2020.
Former Faculty Charles Tompkins, Fayetteville, April 8.
Friends
Rex M. Easter ★, Royal, June 24. Danny Gibson ★, Walnut Ridge, June 3. David Hart ★, Rogers, April 17. Bonnie Wimberly ★, Bullard, Texas, April 25.
UPGRADE to LIFE and Never Pay Dues Again! www.ArkansasAlumni.org/join OFFICERS
THANK YOU New Life Members ✪
President Ron Rainey ✪ ’91, ’93, ’01, Little Rock, AR President-Elect Don Walker ✪+ B.S.A.’74, Fayetteville, AR Treasurer Kristen Collier Wright ✪ B.A. ’98, J.D.’01, Forrest City, AR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Class of 2022 Linda Bedford-Jackson ✪ ’80, Austin, TX Ashleigh Buckley ★ ’07, ’10, Fort Smith, AR Sarah K. Hudson ★ ’07, ’10, Washington, DC Paul Parette ✪+ ’89, Dallas, TX Bill Stovall ✪+ ’72, Charleston, SC Richard Welcher ★ ’99, ’04, Fayetteville, AR Brian Wolff ✪ ’89, Washington, DC Kristen Collier Wright ✪ ’98, ’01, Forrest City, AR Class of 2023 Tori Bogner ✪ ’13, ’16, Fayetteville, AR Kathleen Gonzalez ★ ’11, Rogers, AR Cecilia Grossberger-Medina ★ ’08, Fayetteville, AR Regina Hopper ✪ ’81, ’85, Alexandria, VA Robert Koenig ✪ ’90, Leawood, KS Wes Shirley ★ ’99, ’02, Fayetteville, AR Cameron Sutherland ★+ ’11, ’14, Fayetteville, AR Shambrekia Wise ★ ’08, Dallas, TX Class of 2024 Amy May Hopper ✪ ’15, Belton, MO Chris Johnson ✪ ’93, Little Rock, AR Bobby Jones ✪+ ’84, Savannah, GA Faheem Khan ✪ ’91, Lewisville, TX Connie Lewis Lensing ✪ ’74, ’77, Memphis, TN Nathan Looney ✪ ’09, Little Rock, AR Courtney Norton ✪ ’07, Fayetteville, AR Oliver Sims ✪ ’85, Carrollton, TX Kristine Stover ✪+ ’81, Tulsa, OK Cedric Williams ✪ ’93, Forrest City, AR STAFF Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Executive Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association Brandy Cox Jackson ✪ MA’07 Director of Alumni Programs and Special Events Deb Euculano ✪ Director of Finance Hal Prescott ✪ Lisa Ault ★ BSBA’94, Associate Director of Business Operations; Catherine Baltz ✪+ BS’92, MED’07, Assistant Director of Communications; Tim Barker ★, Fiscal Support Analyst; Shanedra Barnes ✪, Assistant Director of Revenue Management; Jen Boyer ★ BSBA’19, Special Events Coordinator; Collin Brunner ★ B.S.H.E.S.’10, Assistant Director of Membership Experience; Florence Galbraith ★, Fiscal Support Analyst; Mercedes Gazaway ★, Assistant Director of Internal Relations; Brock Haegele ★ BA’17, Assistant Director of External Relations; Mary Kate Harrison ★ BA’15, MA’17, Special Projects Coordinator; Evan Hinchliffe ★, Alumni Scholarship Assistant; Lisy McKinnon ✪ BA’97, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications; Elaine Olson ★; Administrative SpecialistAlumni Programs and Special Events; Emily Piper ★, Administrative Specialist; Patti Sanders ✪+ BSA’08, Associate Director of Alumni Scholarships; Julie Simpson ★, Associate Director of Facilities and Special Events
By becoming Life Members, the University’s friends and alumni help form a strong foundation on which to build the future of the Arkansas Alumni Association. We welcome the newest Life Members, listed in order of membership number:
9988 9989 9990 9991 9992 9993 9994 9995 9996 9997 9998 9999 10000 10001 10002 10003 10004 10005 10006 10007 10008 10009 10010 10011 10012 10013 10014 10015 10016 10017 10018 10019 10020 10021 10022 10023 10024
Strohmann Breeding ’21 Carol Cannedy Dalby ’86 John Dalby Jeffie L. Thomas ’03, ’04 Nicole Roe ’07, ’10 Timothy R. Williams ’14 Shirley M. Williams ’73 Trent Peetoom ’92 Erin M. Peetoom ’93 James Dowell ’91 Denise L. Dowell Dr. Patrick Michael Gallagher ’99, ’04, ’15 Tim Pyeatt ’97 Jack Tlapek ’18 Ashlee Nicole Johnson ’07 Jim Alguire ’86 Bill Hart ’94 Hope Campbell ’96 Christopher S. Campbell ’97 Kori Gordon Robert W. Phillips ’90, ’98 Angela Marie Mitchell ’96 Ashley Paige Mattingly ’06 Eleanor W. Morse ’06 Phillip S. Gahagans ’08 Rachael E. Gahagans Rhett Anthony Barrett ’03, ’05 Heather L. Edge ’15 Brad E. Edge Mark Andrew Maulding ’02 Betsy Maulding ’08 Andrew Joseph Wise ’08 John O. Russo ’04 Brooks Freeman Brown ’91 Jacky Littlefield Pam Littlefield Scott L. Atkinson ’82
10025 10026 10027 10028 10029 10030 10031 10032 10033 10034 10035 10036 10037 10038 10039 10040 10041 10042 10043 10044 10045 10046 10047 10048 10049 10050 10051 10052 10053 10054 10055 10056 10057 10058 10059 10060 10061
Dr. James T. Crider Joshua P. Real ’10 Dr. Kelly Westeen ’20 Sarah M. Zink ’98 Jenaleigh N. Lathrop ’09 Brittany B. Dunaway Jesse Thomas Deere ’11 Keith M. Britton ’97, ’99 Marty J. Trammel Heather M. Salisbury ’93 Ryan Wilson Reeves ’99 Matt R. Perkins ’08 Meredith B. Perkins ’09 Joy Robertson Fountain ’86 Penny Michaelis Storms ’75 Kevin S. Braughton ’91 Melanie Nichols Braughton ’91 Melissa Hummel ’19 Thomas Radford Morris Jr. ’80, ’81 Kevin N. Curtis ’85 Jean M. Curtis ’84 Dr. Jerry G. Hoenshel ’69 Donna H. Hoenshel Delos McCauley Jr. ’62 Hazel Holzhauer McCauley ’60 Dr. David E. R. Blanton ’62 Elsa Blanton John W. Steele ’61 B. J. Phillips ’02 Wendy Kay Phillips Dr. Kristoffer J. Bylow ’06 Cynthia L. Bylow ’06 Leah Glover Hales ’94 Martha Pickett ’75 Larry Pickett ’74, ’75 Derrick D. Chandler Jack David Plating ’76
10062 Cynthia Johnson Plating ’74 10063 Neal Sullins ’69 10064 Nan Sullins 10065 Charles W. Sedgass ’77 10066 Linda Sedgass 10067 Kendal A. Heavner ’20, ’21 10068 Alec T. Martin ’21 10069 Daisy A. Tatum ’69 10070 Mark D. Weaver ’82 10071 Dr. Susan L. Moon 10072 Sheryl L. Brown ’79 10073 Michele Rene Williams ’85 10074 Kristen M. Bextermueller ’05 10075 Ben DeClerk 10076 Scott P. Rivers ’95, ’97 10077 Theresa A. Rivers 10078 Dr. Mike Kidd ’90, ’91 10079 Jerrel Morris Fielder ’88 10080 Carol Beebe Hodges ’64 10081 Carolyn Jo Lee ’74, ’80 10082 Fred Marshall ’65 10083 Vana K. Smith ’88 10084 Kevin R. Smith ’82, ’84 10085 Linda Fell Swain ’82 10086 Barry Swain 10087 Patrick J. Rhode ’91 10088 Leslie C. Rhode 10089 Stephanie M. Morris ’00 10090 Paul D. Morris ’97, ’01 10091 Nicole Slamons Stringer ’95 10092 Renee Williams ’83 10093 Lynn Williams ’80, ’83 10094 Matthew J. Pulley ’03, ’06 10095 Mandy Freeman 10096 David L. Van Bebber ’78, ’81 10097 Sue Van Bebber 10098 Benjamin Adrian Yeldell ’18 10099 Justin N. Bobbitt ’06, ’14 10100 Randi Bobbitt
FALL 2021 / ARKANSAS / 63
Last Look
Photo by Russell Cothren
Mullins Library
Readers to Your Mark The third and fourth floors of Mullins Library received their first update since the library opened in the 1960s. The tight, claustrophobic study carrels have been replaced by a modern open plan that opens up well-lit collaborative spaces, group study rooms, spaces for instruction and movie screenings, dedicated lounges for graduate students and faculty. The new look reopened to the public just as the fall semester began, and staff of the University Libraries are planning for Phase II of the renovations, which will include redesign of the lower first floor and main second floor.
64 / ARKANSAS / FALL 2021
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To apply for a credit card, please visit bofa.com/arkansasalumni This offer is unique to this solicitation. Our credit card offers may vary and this offer may not be available elsewhere. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now. For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this card or to apply, please visit bofa.com/arkansasalumni Residents of the US and its territories only. See full disclosure for details.
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GET YOUR LICENSE TO EDUCATE Show your support of alumni scholarships by displaying your Razorback pride. Official state license plates in Arkansas and Missouri abundantly support undergraduate scholarships for students attending the University of Arkansas. Tennessee Hogs can contribute to their state’s arts programs with their state’s official University of Arkansas license plate. Visit HogTags.org to learn about purchasing a Hog Tag in your area.
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