Thanks to a record number of lifetime memberships, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alumni Association has increased its student scholarship endowment fund to more than $700,000. 

The influx of lifetime members in the 2016 fiscal year helped the Alumni Association provide five additional scholarships for deserving UALR students during the 2016-17 academic year.

During the 2015-16 academic year, the association gave nine scholarships, totaling $23,000, to UALR students. That number increased to 14 scholarships totaling $42,000 for the 2016-17 academic year.

In a typical year, 40 to 50 people become lifetime members of the UALR Alumni Association. During the 2016 fiscal year, 95 people signed on as  lifetime members.

“Becoming a lifetime member of the UALR Alumni Association is popular because of the philanthropic aspect,” said Derek Boyce, director of annual giving.

“One hundred percent of the membership cost goes into the student scholarship endowment. We don’t use those funds for pens or pencils, salaries or fundraisers, only scholarships to great UALR students who could use a little financial assistance to help finish their education,” he said.

A single lifetime membership to the UALR Alumni Association costs $500, while a joint membership is $800.

Lifetime members receive many benefits, including a 10 percent discount at the UALR Bookstore, a subscription to the Daily Record, invitations to special events, and discounts at dozens of local and national retailers and businesses.   

Visit the UALR Alumni Association website to view the names of the new lifetime members and to learn how to join the UALR Alumni Association.

In the upper right photo, the UALR Alumni Board of Directors, from left to right, include: Back Row: James Bobo, Pamela Lamb, Danielle Hendrix, Becky Blass, Herb Wright, Holly Rose, Graham Cobb, Helaine Williams, Doug Homeyer, and Kristi Smith. Front Row: Katrina Owoh, Stephanie Caruthers, Mauri Douglass, and Gina Pharis. Not all of the board members appear in this photo. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/UALR Communications.