Bowen Law Celebrates Alumni Impact and Student Opportunity
LITTLE ROCK (Nov. 19, 2025) — The UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law brought together more than 300 alumni, students, and community members on Friday, Nov. 14, to honor four remarkable individuals whose careers reflect Bowen’s mission of public service, professionalism, and access to justice.
Held at the Little Rock Marriott, the annual Distinguished Alumni Luncheon raised critical funds for student scholarships and offered a moment to celebrate the lasting impact of Bowen’s legal education — in courtrooms, communities, and beyond.
Among this year’s honorees were Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge ’01, who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. She shared personal stories from her time at Bowen, tracing her path to becoming the first woman elected as both Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor in Arkansas. “The law is a powerful tool,” she said. “Use it wisely, boldly, and to lift others up. Lead with integrity and serve with tenacity.”
Brigadier General John Payne (Ret.) ’97, recipient of the Outstanding Public Service Award, spoke of his dual commitment to military service and civil litigation. He credited Bowen’s night program with making that balance possible. “Without a night program,” he said, “I most definitely wouldn’t be standing here today.”
Edith Chavez De Oseguera ’20, who accepted the Emerging Leader Award, delivered a moving speech about her journey as an immigrant, mother, and now advocate for underserved Arkansans. “No story, no matter where it begins, is ever too small to change the world,” she said.
Byron M. Eiseman, Jr., a longtime adjunct professor and mentor, was honored with the Friend of Bowen Award. He reflected on five decades of teaching and the legacy of Dean Bill Bowen. “When you think about teaching,” he said, “what you’re hoping is that those in your class will bear fruit in the long run.”
Dean Colin Crawford opened the program by acknowledging a year of change — and the strength of the Bowen community. “Bowen’s strength is built on the backs of all of you,” he told attendees. “Your continued involvement as mentors, advocates, and champions is absolutely central to us.”
The event also featured a heartfelt address from Aziza Taki, a first-year student and scholarship recipient. A first-generation student from small-town Arkansas, Taki shared how her experience at Bowen has already shaped her confidence and sense of purpose. She credited the community’s support for making that possible: “Your generosity doesn’t just open doors,” she said. “It builds bridges for people like me to cross into a future we once thought was out of reach.”
Proceeds from the luncheon support Bowen student scholarships — helping ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of someone building a career in law and public service.
About the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law
Located in Arkansas’s capital city, the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law provides nationally recognized, practice-ready legal education deeply connected to the state’s legal system. With a strong emphasis on access to justice, public service, and professionalism, Bowen prepares graduates to lead in courtrooms, boardrooms, and communities across Arkansas and beyond.