The UALR Department of Athletics today unveiled plans for the first annual “SpectacUALR” event, which will take place Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Jack Stephens Center. The fundraising event will be hosted by the Trojan Athletic Foundation with the aim of raising awareness for UALR Athletics and support for Trojan student-athletes.

“We are excited about having our Trojan Athletic Foundation host SpectacUALR this October,” said UALR Director of Athletics Chris Peterson. “This is something we hope the Little Rock and UALR communities will embrace as we continue to raise private support for the department of athletics and our student-athletes.”

The evening will feature unique silent and live auction items with all proceeds directly impacting UALR’s current student-athletes. Scholarships will be awarded to deserving recipients in every sport, men’s and women’s, for the following academic year. This year’s recipients will be named “Annette Fisher Scholars” in honor of the 2009 “SpectacUALR” honoree, Annette Fisher, and will be introduced at the following year’s event.

Mrs. Fisher is a longtime avid supporter of UALR and its student-athletes. The mother of former UALR standout and current Los Angeles Laker Derek Fisher, Mrs. Fisher is active in both church and community, freely giving her time and support to a number of worthy causes.

“Annette Fisher is a wonderful lady and one of our most loyal and dedicated supporters. We could not be more appreciative of everything she has done for our university and Trojan Athletics,” said Peterson. “The world is a better place because of people like Annette Fisher, and we are thrilled to have her as this year’s SpectacUALR honoree.”

Spearheading efforts for the 2009 event is a nine person committee led by chairpersons Cortney Beebe, Bill Watt and Jane Yocum. Rounding out the event committee are Trojan supporters Richard Levi, Andrea Peel, Cristina Monterrey, Jill Bloom, Dennis Ferra and Kelly Harbert.

“I cannot thank Cortney, Bill and Jane enough for chairing this year’s event,” added Peterson. “The work of each of our committee members has been instrumental in getting this event off the ground.”

The 2009 “SpectacUALR” will take place Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served, and the attire will be business casual. Tickets for the event are $50 and can be purchased by calling 501.565.8257.

For more information on the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact Clint “Chasse” Conque by phone at 501.569.3382 or by email at csconque@ualr.edu. Fans can also visit the event’s homepage by going to www.ualrtrojans.com/SpectacUALR.