The UALR Alumni Board of Directors recently held its final meeting of the academic year and used the occasion to honor outgoing members and celebrate the past year’s achievements.

In addition, private scholarships that recently reached full endowment were announced. Several family members connected with the newly endowed scholarships were in attendance in recognition of the accomplishment.

The following funds have all reached full endowment, according to UALR Associate Vice Chancellor Christian O’Neal: David and Donna Cone Endowed Scholarship and Program Fund, the Tom and Debbie Lynch Biology Scholarship, the Thomas E. Steves Sr. Memorial Alumni Endowment, The Dr. Charles and Betty K. Hathaway Summer STEM Scholarship, the C. Fred WIlliams Endowed Fund, and the Boaz Family Scholarship.

“We know what endowed scholarships mean to the university and to our students,” O’Neal said, adding that the UALR Alumni Association scholarship reserves are now budgeted through 2025.

O’Neal said over $125,000 was raised for the UALR Alumni Scholarship Fund following the annual Taste of Little Rock fundraiser on April 3 combined with the contributions of numerous new lifetime alumni members.

Scholarship Committee Chair Paul Nolte reported that nine Alumni Board members interviewed 19 students to determine this year’s winners of the Alumni Merit Scholarship and Alumni Student Book Award.

Several members of the new UALR Student Philanthropy Council attended the luncheon and also recognized for their efforts to raise $1,300 this semester.

The board also recognized outgoing members GG Millard, April Findlay, and Sean Glancy for their exceptional service, as well as the 2013-14 executive committee for their contributions. A special gift was also given to outgoing Board President Rebecca Ward.

The event was held at noon on March 16 in the Bailey and Friends Alumni Center.