For five years, supporters of the UALR School of Social Work labored to realize the dream of a graduate-level endowed scholarship.

In 2008, the total for the endowment reached $100,000 – enough to permanently fund a scholarship for a student in the master of social work program. Most of the funds were raised through the annual Blue Jeans and Birkenstocks event, the brainchild of advisory board member Rebecca Ward and Howard Turney, director of the School of Social Work. The pair worked with UALR’s Executive Director of Development Bob Denman to create a fund that would continue in perpetuity.

“We certainly could not have done this without enormous support from generous donors,” Turney said. “We’ve had great corporate and merchant sponsorships for the event and silent auctions, and we’ve reached an important goal. However, we look forward to our continuing our efforts to support students in their academic endeavors.”

Beginning with the 2009 Blue Jeans and Birkenstocks event, organizers will raise funds for a new endowment. They want to establish a $75,000 fund for scholarships in the bachelor of social work program.

Now that the initial goal has been reached, supporters are eager to begin helping students on their journey toward being social workers. Each year, one recipient will be selected to receive the scholarship based on financial need and academic achievement. The first scholarship will be awarded for the Fall 2009 semester.