Alumni-supported scholarships provide more than $232,000 for UA Little Rock students
Scholarships supported by generations of University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumni continue to open doors for today’s students.
This year, the UA Little Rock Alumni Association awarded $232,247 in scholarships through a combination of alumni-supported funds, including Taste of Little Rock, endowed scholarship funds, the Alumni License Plate Program, and other alumni giving initiatives.
In the early days of the Alumni Board, the scholarship fund held less than $2,000, but by 2009, the Alumni Association awarded $9,000 in scholarships. This year, that total reached more than $232,000.
“When our alumni give scholarships, they are doing more than helping a student pay for college, they are opening a door and giving that student the opportunity to pursue a dream,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “Our alumni know firsthand the difference a UA Little Rock education can make, and they are choosing to make that difference possible for someone else. That is the true power of alumni giving: one Trojan’s investment can change the trajectory of another student’s life.”
One of those students is senior Héctor Alejandro Balada Jaime, who received an Alumni Merit Scholarship.
“Without the charitable financial help of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association, I would not be in the position to finally achieve my dream of graduating from college this fall. I am thankful for all who have supported me throughout my journey,” he said.
Since its debut 21 years ago, Taste of Little Rock has raised more than $1 million for Alumni Association scholarships. In addition to Taste of Little Rock proceeds, and proceeds from the sale of alumni license plates, scholarship awards were made possible through a variety of alumni-supported funds including:
- Owen W. Parker, Sr. and Merrily Parker Endowed Scholarship
- Alumni Merit Scholarship
- Alumni Association Board of Directors Endowed Scholarship
- Alfred Williams Endowed Alumni Scholarship
- Bill and Juanita Ballard Endowed Student Scholarship
- Diana and Paul Nolte Endowed Scholarship
- Dr. Charles and Mable Donaldson Endowed Scholarship
- E. Grainger and Frances B. Williams Endowed Scholarship
- Elaine Eubank Endowed Scholarship
- Jennifer L. Boccarossa Endowed Scholarship
- John A. Larson Scholarship Fund
- June H. Williams Elementary Education Scholarship
- Lester E. Hosto Scholarship
“Scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways our alumni give back,” said Guy Choate, president of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association. “Whether someone supports Taste of Little Rock, establishes an endowed scholarship, or purchases an Alumni License Plate, every gift helps a student pursue a UA Little Rock education.”
To learn more about Alumni Association scholarships, Taste of Little Rock, and ways to support student success, visit the Alumni Association website (ualr.edu/alumni).