Q&A with

“Philanthropy is about more than having the means to give money; it is about being able to add to someone through your life experiences.” Wise words spoken by John Chamberlin, member of the EAST Board of Directors, retired software executive, and Arkansas Philanthropist of the Year. John received this award from the Arkansas Association of Fundraising Professionals after being nominated by the College for Social Sciences and Communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock).

Q&A with

CHAMBERLIN JOHN

When did philanthropy become a part of your life? Q

Q

How have your philanthropic efforts evolved from the first time you gave of your time, talent, and resources?

A: Philanthropy has always been present in various degrees in my life. I think my mother was head of every charity drive and effort in Johnson County. I grew up in an environment where giving was a regularly occurring thing.

In my early twenties right after graduate school, I did not have a job. I took the $800 in my savings account and decided to travel — you could live off of $5 a day back then. August through February, I visited multiple countries and experienced the kindness of people who gave me food and shelter. I stayed with an Iranian family for several weeks and I will never forget the words of the last conversation I had with the father of the family. I asked him how could I repay him and thank him for all that he had done for me. He answered, it is not about repaying me for anything I’ve done, but about doing it for the next person. From there, I looked for ways to pay it forward.

A: When our kids were young, we — my wife Shannon and I — volunteered and gave small donations when we could. Larger financial contributions began after I sold my company, Arkansas Systems, now known as Euronet Worldwide — a banking software for global financial technology— at the turn of the century. Shannon and I took part of that money and put it in an endowment at the Arkansas Community Foundation to fund grants and scholarships. We like the idea of helping those with ideas to make their ideas a reality.

In 2016, John and his wife Shannon established the Last Mile Scholarship Fund at UA Little Rock when they noticed the high number of students that drop out of college, some never to return, because of a small debt to the University they could not pay.

At a school like UA Little Rock, where most students work to put themselves through school, this small scholarship keeps them enrolled and helps them complete their goal of obtaining a degree.

How did you get connected with EAST and how long have you been connected with EAST? Q

A: Well, I’ve known of EAST since the early 2000s. I met Matt (Dozier) at the Arkansas Academy of Computing. As a member of the STEM Coalition, I watched EAST and all it accomplished for close to 18 years. I remember seeing the program expand when Governor Mike Beebe’s administration set aside funding to increase programs like EAST.

I became a member of the board of directors in 2018 when Prakash Jalihal, a colleague at Systematics, connected me.

What have you experienced, accomplished, or witnessed in your role with EAST? Q

Q

As a retired software executive and entrepreneur, what does life look like for you each day?

A: I’ve witnessed lots of growth and expansion from EAST. Now as a board member, I am known for asking the long term questions. Where will EAST be in 20 years? Do we focus on establishing EAST in every school in Arkansas? Once we’ve done that do we take over nationally? I like goal setting and being a part of establishing a larger vision for organizations. I believe there is a space for EAST to factor in support for start-ups created by EAST students and alumni. I recently met an 18-year-old restaurant manager who said they got the nerve to start their business after participating in EAST.

A: When I am not chauffeuring my 13-year-old grandson and learning about life from his perspective, I am coordinating Techtober and teaching courses for the I-Fund.

Techtober is a celebration of technology and entrepreneurship in Arkansas. We compile a calendar of events throughout the state for people to attend. Arkansas has a history of great developers and business owners. Techtober spotlights them, their accomplishments and those they inspire.

As an instructor for the I-Fund, I work with 10 startup companies each quarter in a 12-week program that allows us to mentor entrepreneurs, develop their ideas into more marketable products or services, and connect them with available funding sources. Both have an EAST-like structure; looking at problems and coming up with solutions using technology.

What’s next for you, your company, and your family now that you have received this award? Q

A: Keep going! Taking care of EAST as a board member and promoting education, entrepreneurship, and a healthy environment all while using technology through Techtober and the I-Fund.

Q

What advice would you give to members of the EAST network looking to become a philanthropist?

A: Look around you and notice when people show up at your door in need. When there is a need that engages you, work to solve it.

Above: Chamberlin and supporters including Governor Asa Hutchinson celebrate the establishing of Techtober. Left: Chamberlin and 2018 recipients of the Last Mile Scholar at the University of Arkansas Little Rock.