The UALR Alumni Association raised $75,000 for student scholarships at its Taste of Little Rock event held March 14.

The gala honored Janet Jones for her contributions to the university and the community. Jones, who owns the residential real estate firm The Janet Jones Company, has been instrumental in helping promote the UALR Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences.

“It was just the most magical evening – the weather was just perfect and the food was incredible. Little Rock is lucky to have the best locally owned restaurants – its one of my favorite things about our city, ” Jones said. “Everyone seemed to have a great time supporting our fine local university at its Alumni Association project for scholarships.”

The annual “Taste of” series has raised more than $200,000 in the past decade. Each year, a different geographical area is featured. For 2013, the Alumni Association decided to feature the local flavor of Little Rock. The event included samples from the finest restaurants and dessert spots in the Little Rock area with wine provided by Glazer’s.

“The core mission of the Alumni Association is to support students through scholarships. Alumni Association members have been very generous in supporting efforts to grow our Forever Fund,” said Rebecca Ward, president of the UALR Alumni Association board of directors.