The new University of Arkansas at Little Rock Student Philanthropy Council, Trojans Supporting Trojans, has raised $2,000 this semester to help fund the Ryan Palludan Memorial Scholarship at UALR.
Palludan’s parents established the scholarship earlier in the semester in honor of their son, whose death at 18 is thought to have possibly been caused by an undiagnosed disorder called Marfan syndrome.
The new scholarship provides assistance to UALR students for the purchase of textbooks, with award preferences given to male students from Bryant who show financial need, declare a major in biology or nursing, and have demonstrated academic achievement.
The Student Philanthropy Council was established in an effort to create a culture and tradition of giving by students and for students at UALR.
Alumni Membership Coordinator Derek Boyce said students were provided piggy banks and were encouraged to let their “change make change” at the beginning of the fall 2013 semester.
The group met Tuesday, Nov. 26, to decide where to place the $2,000 they raised.
“I have a wonderful group of student council members, who have chosen such a worthy cause,” Boyce said. “Our mission and goals were definitely exceeded.”
The 2013 council members are Brett Boister; Brandon Burroughs; Davis Butterworth; Alysha Colvin; Shay Gane; Laza Razafimanjato; Zach Russenberger; Michael May; Lauren McNeaill; Kelsey Reed; Lukas Steed; and Kelsay Williams.
The need for philanthropy is greater than ever, according to Boyce. State appropriations to the university cover 38 percent of UALR’s budget, while tuition and fees covered 44 percent. The remaining 18 percent of the budget is dependant on private giving, he said.
