Rush F. Harding III, a longtime businessman and philanthropist, and his wife Linda have presented UALR with a gift of $100,000 to support Trojan athletics.

Harding said his family wanted to honor UALR for its positive effect on central Arkansas. The Hardings’ son, Buddy, is a 2008 UALR graduate and started on the Trojan basketball team from 2005 to 2007 prior to suffering a career-ending injury.

“The impact UALR has had on my community and family is immense,” Harding said. “My wife, my family, and I look forward to supporting UALR in a much more meaningful way.”

The $100,000 gift is the latest contribution the Hardings have made to UALR athletics. It is an unrestricted gift for the support of UALR student-athletes.

“We are honored that Rush and Linda would make this contribution to UALR and the Department of Athletics,” said Chris Peterson, director of UALR Athletics. “This is another example of their generosity and compassion for higher education and student-athletes in central Arkansas.”