Trojan Champions Expands Opportunities for UA Little Rock Students
When UA Little Rock’s esports team packs their bags for national competition this spring, they won’t just be bringing their controllers. Thanks to Trojan Champions, they’ll also carry new jerseys, branded backpacks, and the confidence to represent their university on a national stage.
That confidence is at the heart of Trojan Champions, a giving initiative launched in 2023 that turns community support into unique opportunities for students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Donors pledge an annual gift to the UA Little Rock Annual Fund for three years or more, and because the funds are unrestricted, the university can quickly respond to student needs and provide high-impact experiences that otherwise might not be possible.
“Trojan Champions is more than a giving program; it’s a movement that reflects the strength of our Trojan community,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “As an alumna, I know the value of the opportunities I had here, and it’s exciting to see how these gifts are opening even more doors for current and future students. Together, we’re building a culture of support that will carry UA Little Rock into its next century.”
There are now more than 170 Trojan Champions helping to make opportunities possible across campus. Over the past year and a half, their support has funded projects ranging from esports to business competitions.
This fall, esports competitors received equipment stipends, branded gear, and league fees to help them take on teams nationwide in Rocket League, Smash Bros., and Valorant. Another project outfitted a group of real estate students with custom business attire for the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation’s Annual Real Estate Challenge in Chicago, where they pitched a redevelopment plan for a 10-acre site in Bronzeville.
“These kinds of gifts are exactly what make Trojan Champions so impactful,” said Thomas Wallace, coordinator of UA Little Rock’s Web Design and Development and Information Technology programs. “They give students the resources and confidence to compete at the highest level, whether in esports, business competitions, or other arenas. That kind of support makes a real difference.”
For donors, becoming a Trojan Champion is rooted in both pride and purpose.
“After a 41-year career at UA Little Rock, I recognize the ongoing need to support students striving to achieve their goals,” said Janis Brooke, a former faculty member. “Every contribution is targeted for this purpose.”
Brooke’s perspective is echoed by alumni who see Trojan Champions as a way to give back to the institution that shaped their own success.
“As a Trojan Champion, I take pride in knowing my support helps fuel the mission of UA Little Rock,” said alumnus Mario Wallace. “It expands opportunities for students to grow academically, professionally, and personally, while strengthening the programs and people who make that growth possible.”
For alumna Debra Baker, the motivation is personal.
“My mom always said, ‘your education is the key to your success,’” Baker said. “With her words, I have become a lifelong learner.”
Shaun Addison echoed the transformative power of education as the reason he joined.
“By becoming a Trojan Champion, I feel privileged to support the university’s mission to empower its students and prepare them for success in an ever-changing world,” he said. “Through my contributions, I can help ensure that future generations have access to the same opportunities and resources that have shaped the lives of so many before them. Together, we can inspire and equip students to achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.”
As Trojan Champions continue to grow, so does its impact. From helping students present themselves professionally on national stages to creating new opportunities for competition and collaboration, the initiative shows what’s possible when a community invests in education.
The generous contributions from Trojan Champions is set to make a lasting impact by empowering students to build their dreams and construct a brighter future for themselves and their communities. This program is a part of the Centennial Campaign, which has a goal to raise $250 million in celebration of the university’s 100-year anniversary in 2027.
“This is just the beginning,” Smith said. “Trojan Champions is helping us build a culture of opportunity. With continued support, we can take student success to the next level.”