The following is courtesy of guest contributor, Eileen Turan, Donaghey Scholars program administrator.

Two UALR student organizations, the Donaghey Scholars Student Committee and the Art Student Association, partnered to present the 2nd annual smART: Artists and Scholars for a Cause fundraiser. As the staff advisor to the Donaghey Scholars Student Committee, I applaud the dozens of students who committed themselves to the event. The two student organizations presented Our House, a shelter for the working homeless, with a $2,120 check, more than doubling last year’s proceeds.

The students chose Our House as the recipient because they wanted to invest in a local organization where their efforts would not only make a significant difference, but would also help them gain recognition within the community. They also expressed admiration for the mission of the shelter, and for the leadership of UALR and Donaghey Scholar alumna Georgia Mjartan who serves as Executive Director of Our House.

The three day art show and sale featured the artwork of talented UALR students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Artwork sold for $20 or less to benefit the fundraiser. Artists also sold work for their own benefit. This year, a special door prize was donated by UALR applied design professor, Mia Hall. While the sale goal was to raise $2,000 for a local non-profit organization, the show also highlighted the exceptional talents of UALR artists.

I do not think it is unusual to find students raising money for their student organizations with events like bake sales and art sales. It is also not unusual for students to organize volunteer efforts for non-profits. What is unique about an event like smART is the dedication required by so many people. More than 25 artists, dozens of Donaghey Scholars, and several faculty, staff, and alumni came together, dedicating hours of preparation and planning to make this event a success. smART brought the community to UALR, united UALR departments and student organizations, and demonstrated that students can make a positive impact on their community and university.

To learn more about the Donaghey Scholars Program, visit ualr.edu/donagheyscholars. To learn more about the Art Department and Art Student Association, visit ualr.edu/art.