Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Continue Legacy of Support with $25,000 Donation for Trojan Way Campus Garden
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has deepened its longstanding commitment to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a generous $25,000 gift to support the creation of a campus garden at the Fine Arts Building as part of the Trojan Way Project.
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s donation builds on the company’s rich history of investing in the university’s growth and community engagement initiatives. In recognition of the gift, UA Little Rock will name the campus garden the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Garden.
“Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is proud to sponsor organizations that strive to improve the health and lives of Arkansans,” said Rebecca Pittillo, president of the Blue & You Foundation. “Community plays a crucial role in shaping our health by providing a sense of belonging. We want to encourage pursuing higher education in our state by supporting UA Little Rock’s living and learning environment. Investing in our universities is investing in our state.”
The Trojan Way Project includes a series of campus improvement and renovation projects, funded by a grant from the Donaghey Foundation, that have significantly transformed the face of the university. Trojan Way features a new north-south promenade, complete with improved walkways, seating areas, and vibrant meeting spaces.
“Our hope is that the Trojan Way Garden will be a place where students can come together to study, eat, enjoy nature, and talk to one another,” Pittillo said. “These walkways, seating areas, and gathering spaces provide an opportunity for an inclusive and supportive community at UA Little Rock.”
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has a longstanding tradition of supporting UA Little Rock, with the company set to fund technology upgrades in a computer science classroom later this year. The partnership between the two institutions is deeply rooted, as over 350 UA Little Rock alumni are employed at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and more than 1,150 of its employees have attended classes at the university.
Several Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield executives continue to strengthen this relationship by serving on UA Little Rock boards. Grady McCorkle, director of strategic workforce planning and people analytics, and Alfreda Summons, data analyst lead, serve on the UA Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors. Alicia Berkemeyer, executive vice president and chief health management officer, has previously served on the School of Business Advisory Board, while George Burks, vice president of group markets, has served on the UA Little Rock Foundation Fund Board.
“We are incredibly grateful to Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for their generous support in helping bring the campus garden on Trojan Way to life,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development at UA Little Rock. “This donation not only enhances the beauty of our campus but also provides a unique space that will benefit our students and the entire community for years to come. Their continued commitment to our university is truly inspiring.”
This gift is a part of the Centennial Campaign, UA Little Rock’s capital campaign to raise $250,000 million in time for the university’s 100-year anniversary in 2027. The campaign pillars include scholarships, student support, program excellence, and the living and learning environment. Find out more about the Centennial Campaign by visiting ualr.edu/centennial.