Pictured from left are: Judd Harbin, David G. Davies, Scott Flanigan, Peggy Deon Boyles, Mary Alice Serafini, Ashley Tull, Aisha S. Kenner, Marsha Norvell, and Daniel J. Pugh Sr.

Congratulations to the Student Affairs Core Group for going Whole Hog. The committee has 100 percent membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association. Your group, whether it’s your book club, business, department or tailgate group, just to name a few ideas, can do the same. Whole Hog groups receive a certificate along with having their photo published in Arkansas magazine and their group name and photo listed on the Alumni Association website.

Go Whole Hog Today!

The Arkansas Alumni Association has set three goals that every program or event sponsored by the Student Alumni Board must meet. These three goals are:

• To educate students about the Arkansas Alumni Association
• To connect students and alumni
• To preserve University of Arkansas traditions

To meet these goals, the structure of the Student Alumni Board for the 2010-11 academic year has changed. The size of the traditional SAB, typically from 40–50 students, has been decreased to a board of directors made up of seven students. This board will be responsible for producing quality programming for the campus as well as creating and implementing new ways to involve alumni. This SAB Board of Directors will be accountable for recruiting their own volunteers from the Student Alumni Association to serve as committee members.

In the Spring of 2010, Heath Bowman, Graduate Assistant and Student Programs Coordinator, and Laurel Draudt, Assistant Director, actively recruited students for the board of directors across several academic disciplines and student organizations which brought an increase of 300% in the number of applicants for the seven positions compared to the applications received for the Executive Board the previous year. A database of more than 130 students has already been created of SAA members who have shown interest since March in volunteering with the organization. This restructuring will allow the freshman class to get involved as soon as they step on campus, will place each volunteer in a role of specific interest to that individual, and will not limit the Alumni Association’s annual operational engagement to only 40-50 students.

Student membership in SAA will continue to offer discounts to local and online merchants including the 5% discount on textbooks to the University Bookstore and 10% discount on merchandise at the Razorback Shop.

We are moving into the next stage of student programs with excitement and energy and invite you to follow and to be a part of our journey. You can find more information about our changes at www.arkansasalumni.org/students and follow our progress through electronic communications (we’re on Facebook & Twitter) and ARKANSAS magazine as a member of the Association throughout the year.

Tell us “How have your Arkansas connections helped you succeed?” in your professional career by sharing their name and class or company along with a brief story of how this individual helped you.

The Arkansas Alumni Coffee Store offers fresh-roasted, gourmet-quality coffee delivered to your door on a schedule you control! The store carries a wide variety of gourmet coffees from the Callao Coffee Company as well as quality teas and specialty drinks from other fine makers.  They roast daily and ship within 24-36 hours so you receive your fresh-roasted coffee usually within five days!

The products are price competitively with retail, so this program simply allows you to re-direct your existing coffee purchases from the grocer to Arkansas Alumni while enjoying a fresh- roasted coffee experience each morning! The Association receives a royalty on every item purchased in the store. Now you can effortlessly support the Association simply by purchasing coffee or tea at our store, and wake up each morning with pride in Arkansas!

In addition to providing an exceptional product, Callao Coffee is committed to making a difference in the world and serving a compassionate corporate citizen.  Their stewardship focus has led them to partner with and support many organizations including Orphan Helpers, The Rainforest Alliance, the Northwest Shade Coffee Campaign, Bird Friendly, Farmer Friendly and Free Trade. Visit http://www.callaocoffee.com/pgPblcStwd.aspx to learn more about the stewardship practices of Callao Coffee.

The distribution of these 50,000 Hog Wild totes will allow University of Arkansas alumni and Razorback fans to show their team spirit while reducing their community’s carbon footprint on the environment.  Using these 50,000 totes just four times will replace 800,000 plastic shopping bags.  The production of these 50,000 habitotes® will also remove 250,000 plastic water bottles from the world’s waste stream.  In addition to these environmental benefits, all habitotes® products are durable and washable.  They last 100 times longer than plastic shopping bags and allow shoppers to hold up to four times as much.

As a sponsor of the program, the Association will gain awareness through our logo presence on these fashionable symbols of Razorback and University of Arkansas pride. The Association is also committed to sustainability through its support of the University’s sustainability efforts, certification as GreeNWAy certified business by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, and its pending certification as a Green Nonprofit. Participating in this program is a visible sign of sustainability in action among the University of Arkansas family.

habitotes® is a Northwest Arkansas-based company which markets reusable totes made with material comprised of 80% recycled water bottles. Their mission is to help reduce our use of plastic bags – most of which are not recyclable – and create a solution for the huge number of grocery bags that already litter our environment.  The Hog Wild habitote® is modeled after a very successful program conducted last December in which 50,000 habitotes® were distributed with the support of the City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Public Schools , the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the Fayetteville Visitor’s Bureau.

Alumni and friends are invited to like habitotes® on Facebook and become a follower on Twitter to get the latest details on this program and to participate in giveaway promotions surrounding the distribution of the Hog Wild tote.

The Association invites alumni and Razorback fans to also join the Razorback habitotes® program. Please visit www.habitotes.com or contact Greg Sparrow at 479-236-2268 or sparrow@habitotes.com to learn how your organization can show its strong support of the environment and the Razorbacks.

Razorback CareerLink, a product of NACElink and Symplicity, is provided to UA students and alumni by the UA Career Development Center, the Walton College Career Development Center and the Arkansas Alumni Association. Considered the world’s largest network of college and university career centers, NACElink, the parent system of Razorback CareerLink, includes over five million employers.  The University of Arkansas is now providing students and alumni with cutting edge tools and resources to help them reach their career goals.

Razorback CareerLink is available now for current students and alumni to login at  http://careerlink.uark.edu.  Students will use their current U of A username and password to access the system, while Alumni Association members will use their current e-mail and a unique password.  Alumni will receive an e-mail from Razorback CareerLink with this information, but they are also encouraged to use the forgotten password tool to obtain their password.  Once logged in, users will verify their profile information and will need to upload their resume.

Employers also have a new dedicated site to utilize in posting job opportunities for current students and alumni.  If alumni have job opportunities to post, they will need to utilize this page in order to establish a company profile.

We are delighted to be able to offer this great new service to Alumni Association members. This new system is top of the line and will provide our most recent graduates to our most experienced alumni the career tools they need to be successful. This product launch represents the first of many exciting new services and programs that the Association will be adding through the next year as part of its Arkansas Alumni Career Network.

“The wonderful gift of $2,500 through the Roads Scholarship means a lot to me as I conclude my journey with the University. When I found out about receiving the award, my fiancé took me out to dinner.  While driving there, I pointed out every vehicle on the road and in the parking lot with a University of Arkansas license plate and said ‘There’s someone who helped fund my next year of school.  And there’s one.  And there’s another one.’  I threatened to start putting thank you notes on each of those cars I saw in the parking lot. My fiancé thought I was nuts. I was delighted. The alumni who give that extra bit of money each year with their car’s registration cannot understand how quickly their little gift adds up, or how much it can mean to a needy student like me.”

“It is difficult to express how thankful I am to be awarded the ‘Roads’ Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students. The $2,500 award will go a very long way to keeping me in class and on my way to graduation in the spring of 2010,” she stated in her thank you letter. “As a non-traditional student, the decision to become a full-time college student was difficult; the loss of a full-time income for 2 ½ years while I earn my degree seemed an insurmountable obstacle, but with your help through the ‘Roads’ Scholarship, I am approaching the crest of the hill with a second wind and a smile on my face.”

As the school year approaches, Sharbaugh looks forward to joining the ranks of other student Razorbacks, and continuing her studies. She chose to major in English through the J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, while working toward a minor in marketing through the Sam M. Walton College of Business. While she pursues her degree, Sharbaugh continues to work part-time at the Admissions Office “helping prospective students learn about the University and getting them admitted to our school.”

Tell us “your predictions” in the comments below and vote up the ones that you like best. You can vote up a comment by clicking the “Like” link next to it.

The program’s purpose is to assist Chamber member organizations to implement best practices for green and sustainable business. This public recognition is a proud accomplishment for the Association’s staff, who are strongly committed to practicing sustainability. Recycling, water and energy conservation, carpooling, reducing copies and communicating with alumni through e-mail when possible are just a few ways the Association remains sustainable. Alumni and friends are encouraged to help the Association stay green by updating their profile and providing their e-mail address.

Other sustainability efforts the Alumni Association is working on include completing the final stages of the certification process for GreenNonprofits, a global movement focused on greening nonprofit workplaces.

The Arkansas Alumni Association challenges other University of Arkansas entities to go green!

This love and dedication for sports, which she strongly exemplified during her time at the university, has translated into her professional career as well. Obtaining her degree in broadcast journalism, Dyer chose to pursue other ventures, but insists that the invaluable lessons and skills she learned from professors Dale Carpenter, Larry Foley and Hoyt Purvis, have helped her in her current profession. She now works as director of the Fayetteville Convention and Visitors Bureau, helping to “promote Fayetteville as a tourist destination.” In the eight years she has spent working for the bureau, she has continued to work closely with the University of Arkansas and its athletic program.

“We work very closely with the athletic department on events and we work with various departments on trying to bring meetings and conferences to Fayetteville,” she said. The Bureau also works to plan events and festivals in the Fayetteville area, allowing people to become more knowledgeable about the area and its residents.

Apart from her position as director of the Visitors Bureau, Dyer serves on the board of directors of Pagnozzi Charities, an organization dedicated to paying for various sports-related programs and leagues, such as football, basketball, baseball and gymnastics, in the Northwest Arkansas area. “The charity makes it possible for kids in Northwest Arkansas to play sports,” she said.

As busy as Dyer may seem, she still finds the time to give back to the university. Her decision to join the Arkansas Alumni Association was never viewed as a “choice,” she claims. As a former student athlete, Dyer recognizes the opportunities that being a Lady Razorback brought her upon graduating in 1995. Her connection to the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Alumni Association and its athletic programs has continued to open doors for her through the years. Her involvement as an A+ Annual Member of the Arkansas Alumni Association led her to serve on the board of the Razorback ‘A’ Club, an organization for former student athletes, and as a member of the Razorback Foundation, working to promote university athletics and student scholarships. The importance in staying connected to the University of Arkansas makes her feel that by being a member, she is able to help other students, making it all “well worth it.”

A Magnolia native, Nipper graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1971 with an undergraduate degree in finance and banking and a master’s degree in business administration.  He is also a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking and the national Commercial Lending School.

Nipper’s professional and community service leadership roles have been exemplary. He has served in numerous leadership roles including service as president of the Little Rock Jaycees, a member of the Magnolia City Hospital Board of Commissioners, a member of the Magnolia Arts Council Board, president of the Magnolia United Way and president of the Magnolia/Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he has worked with Leadership Magnolia and served the Columbia County Community Foundation Board. He has been appointed twice by Arkansas governors in state leadership positions (Commission for Arkansas’s Future appointed by Gov. Bill Clinton and the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority appointed by Gov. Jim Guy Tucker. Nipper was recognized as Magnolia’s 2004 Citizen of the Year.

Having served on the Arkansas Alumni Association’s Board of Directors since July 2003, Nipper is looking forward to his new leadership role. “I am humbled and honored to be elected president of the Alumni Association,” he said. “I am certainly proud to be able to serve. It is gratifying to find a way to give back to my university, which has given me the foundation for my career.”

Former Association president, Gerald Jordan, a University of Arkansas journalism professor, will remain on the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors for a one-year term as past president.

Team members presented their plan to bring higher efficiency, lower cost solar power to the world through Silicon Solar Solutions LLC. They are working on commercializing a patented materials process for creating large grain polysilicon, which would help manufacturers increase solar panel efficiency and reduce costs.

“Thank you for your generosity in presenting me the ‘Roads’ Scholarship,” Wilson wrote in his scholarship thank you letter. “I gratefully accept your offer that will help me fulfill my education at the University of Arkansas.”

Wilson, a graduate of the Osceola Communications, Arts and Business School, plans to study architecture at the University of Arkansas. Because architecture is a five-year program, he knows he will have to make his dollars stretch and says the “Roads” Scholarship will help him tremendously.

“I plan to focus on my studies also and ensure that I keep this scholarship with my successful grades. I have been a lifelong Razorback and I am anxious to get on campus. Go Hogs!”

Tell us “who inspired you” while you were in college by sharing their name and class or department along with a brief story of how this individual inspired you.

“This additional $2,500 will definitely come in handy in meeting the costs of tuition, room and board, and other school-required funds.  Although the scholarship standards include maintaining a 3.00 GPA to renew, I will certainly be striving to uphold a 4.00 grade point,” he wrote in his scholarship thank you letter.

Knowing that he has always wanted to attend the University of Arkansas, his dream is finally coming true. While attending the University of Arkansas, he plans to pursue a degree in pre-medicine before continuing into a career of optometry. “I know Arkansas will provide me with a top-of-the-line education to fulfill my goals,” he said. While working toward his degree, he plans to participate in the Razorback fishing team.

“When money was a deciding factor, I had doubts about which college was ‘right’ for me; the U of A was slowly drifting away.  But after receiving the rewarding email from the Arkansas Alumni Association, all doubts were gone and I KNEW my destiny was to be an Arkansas Razorback!”

“This scholarship will remove an enormous financial burden from me and my family. It will not only allow me to pursue my dream of a college education, but it will allow me to do it more effectively.  This scholarship will reduce the stress of paying for school, and make it easier for me to focus on learning,” he said.

Because of his love of helping others and studying science, McCarver has chosen to pursue a degree in biology and medicine. “Knowing what I want to study combined with my interest in the University of Arkansas makes it easy to decide how I will spend my next four years,” he said. After obtaining his degree, he plans to continue his education by attending medical or veterinary school. Along with his academic interests, he hopes to get involved in intramural sports, but believes that classes and academics must come first.

“I want to formally thank you for your outstanding generosity and investment in my future.  I know in these tough economic times how much trust must be required to provide financial assistance in the way you have done for me.  I want to assure you that I will use it effectively and in such a way that will maximize my experience and my impact on the world.”

“I am delighted to receive and accept the ‘Roads’  License Plate Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 given by the University of Arkansas Alumni Association,” she stated in her thank you letter. “Your generous support of scholarships, such as this opens up opportunities for students such as me, and I am extremely grateful. This scholarship means very much to me, and will be a tremendous aid to my college education at the U of A.”

While attending the University of Arkansas, she plans to pursue a degree in law. She hopes to become immersed in the campus and community life, while working hard in her academic studies. “The U of A has a renowned reputation for excellence, and I intend to become the kind of student and graduate that will honor your scholarship award to me,” she wrote.

As she recognizes the importance of the award she has been given, she extends her deepest thanks to the Association. “I will always remember how this scholarship helped launch my education. And as I become active in a sorority and other campus activities, I will never forget my responsibility to represent myself well as an Arkansas Alumni Scholarship recipient.”

“Thank you dearly for granting me the ‘Roads’ Scholarship. The $2,500 that I will be accepting will go towards tuition and supplies for my freshman year.” He went on to say, “I am honored to receive such an award, and will be forever grateful to the Alumni Association for helping me achieve my collegiate goals.”

In continuing with his passion for English and reading, Conley plans to pursue a degree in creative writing, which he hopes will one day lead him to become an author “of my own series.” His favorite novels include “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Gulliver’s Travels,” both which inspired him to pursue his interest in creative writing.

Conley chose the University of Arkansas as his academic institution of choice because of its “amazing English program” and “the attractive atmosphere.” While in attendance, he plans to get involved in not only academics, but in the various student activities on campus as well.

In Hall’s thank you letter, she stated her appreciation towards the Arkansas Alumni Association, for this award. “I cannot begin to thank the Arkansas Alumni Association enough for their generosity in awarding me the “Roads” Scholarship of $2,500 per year. I am so grateful for this scholarship because I will now be able to receive my undergraduate degrees free of debt,” she said.

Her reasons for choosing the University of Arkansas are simple. “I decided to attend the University of Arkansas because I love Fayetteville and being near my family. This city has so much to offer its residents whether through the amazing Fayetteville Public Library, Walton Arts Center, or the Farmer’s Market. By attending the University of Arkansas, I will be near my family so that I can spend weekends and holidays with them.” She then goes on to say that she is excited about attending the university and getting involved in the various organizations and service clubs that the school has to offer.

Hall plans to pursue her degree in Flute Music Performance and Criminal Justice/Pre law. She also intends to join the Razorback Marching Band and its concert bands, as well as joining religious organizations on campus.

“As a nonworking student and being from an average income family, receiving a scholarship of this magnitude will be essential in pursuing my academic goals. I am so thankful for your generosity,” he wrote in his thank you letter to the Association. “Receiving this award will be a key part in obtaining my future plans.”

In high school, his immediate goals were to pursue a career in the medical field; however, after speaking with his engineering teacher, Bud McMillon, he learned that chemical engineering “was a recommended degree for graduates pursuing medical school,” he said. After searching various colleges and finding information on their engineering programs, there was no doubt that the University of Arkansas was the right choice.

“Graduating with a degree in chemical engineering is a challenge I’m looking forward to facing.  I’m preparing to face this challenge with full commitment and not let any obstacle stand in my way,” he said. Although his studies will require much of his time, his passion for sports has led him to want to participate in intramural sports once he has “become comfortable in my new surroundings,” he said. He also plans to make time to attend the many Razorback sporting events that are offered to students.

“I wholeheartedly appreciate being given the ‘Roads’ Scholarship worth $2,500 per year for my education at the U of A,” he wrote in his thank you letter. “It will allow me to focus more upon my education and less upon working in order to pay for the costs of attending college.”

During his four years at the University of Arkansas, Campbell plans to pursue a major in economics while receiving a minor in Spanish. His long-term plans are to attend law school. He expresses his excitement to attend the University of Arkansas and becoming involved in its campus activities. “I have always thought the U of A would be a great place to get my college education. It is truly a blessing to have such a strong college in the town where I grew up. I can only hope my future children will be as lucky as I have been,” he said. Because of his involvement in student leadership in high school, Campbell hopes to continue by getting involved in student government on campus.

In obtaining this scholarship, he writes of how grateful he is to be receiving such a high award. “I cannot thank you enough for the scholarship…Undoubtedly, this will help me be more prepared for a successful life after college.”

“Attending the University of Arkansas is more than an honor. I now look forward to the heritage both on campus and through student activity for a suitable “Razorback” development,” she said. “Driving down Razorback Road, passing the Razorback license plates, I will forever be reminded of the impact the alumni ‘Roads’ Scholarship contribution of $2,500 per year to my college education. Know that your investment in my education stands more so as an inspiration to challenge any academic accomplishments to a new level for contribution to the University of Arkansas.”

Williams has big plans when she steps onto the University of Arkansas campus this fall. Aside from her academic focus, she hopes to eventually work within the political science department and “remain politically active within the region while attending school.” She has set a goal for herself, to become a student ambassador during her time at the university. “Adapting to new environments and welcoming strangers to my experiences has become day to day life being a preacher’s daughter… I feel that as a student ambassador I will have the opportunity to do this often, and thoroughly enjoy my position,” she said. Williams also has plans to get involved within the Greek system on campus, with hopes of becoming a Chi Omega and working with the Make a Wish Foundation.

“The University of Arkansas is going to give me much more than a degree or a foot in the door to my legal career. I believe it will found a tolerance and instill a gratitude for the people I meet, and how our lives incorporate pasts of all kinds to step forward down a successful path representing the Arkansas Alumni,” she wrote. Acknowledging the opportunities that will be presented to her, Williams assures that this scholarship will be used and received in the highest regard. “Know that it is not an honor taken lightly, and I will challenge myself to exceed expectations as both an honor student and a ‘Roads’ scholar on campus. I pray you all are in good health, and have a blessed summer for I look forward to hopefully meeting you on campus next fall.”

“I received the ‘Roads’ Scholarship which is worth $2,500 per year for the next four years of my college experience. This scholarship will be a huge benefit to my parents and me, and it will be an enormous help in paying for tuition and all the other fees and expenses that come with college,” he wrote in his scholarship thank you letter.

Morehart’s decision to attend the University of Arkansas occurred after he took a campus tour and learned of its engineering program. “After having a great campus tour and learning that the U of A had an awesome engineering program, I decided that Arkansas was the place for me,” he said. Morehart always enjoyed learning how things were put together, so naturally, a branch of engineering has become his intended major. “The U of A also has a great Honors program and I plan to be a part of that and take advantage of all the great things that it has to offer.” He then goes on to say that, “studying abroad is something that I have also been interested in doing and by receiving this scholarship and being a part of the Honors College at the U of A, that dream will likely be one of mine that will come true.”

He plans to involve himself in intramural sports and other various groups during his time at the university. However, he realizes that all of this will be made possible because of the scholarship he has been awarded. When thinking of this coming fall, he expressed his excitement of the idea of being on campus by saying, “I can’t wait to step onto the U of A campus and become a Razorback!”

“I am sincerely grateful for the money you have donated to me in order to help me pursue a higher education.  There’s nothing more important in my life right now than to go to college and become the person I want to be and have a fulfilling and rewarding career,” she stated in her thank you letter. “Receiving the ‘Roads’ Scholarship of $2,500 each year will help me tremendously when it comes to the financial aspect of attending a university.”

While in attendance, James plans to major in communications with hopes that one day she will work for a local or national broadcasting company. As well as her studies, she plans to become active on campus, through various student organizations and Greek affiliations.

“I want to get the most out of my college experience and be very active and involved on campus,” she wrote. She also plans to join the Student Alumni Association and “help give back to the alumni who have already given me so much. I don’t believe I can thank you all enough for this generous gift you have given me.  If it weren’t for this scholarship I may not be attending my school of choice this fall and I thank you for helping me to pursue my dreams of becoming a Razorback.”

“Thank you for supporting my collegiate desires with the ‘Roads’ Scholarship. Twenty-five hundred dollars a year will be very beneficial in helping fund my college years,” he wrote in his thank you letter. “With the awarding of this scholarship, it made the responsibility of paying off any future debt lighter. I will be able to go through college without feeling the pressure to work because of your awarding me the ‘Roads’ Scholarship, and for that I am overly thankful.”

Planning to major in mechanical engineering and minor in business management, Gilstrap hopes to walk on with the University of Arkansas golf team. “College golf is very exciting for me. I want to be active with my peers in many activities while also acquiring a top notch education for my future,” he said.

Extending his gratitude once more, Gilstrap looks forward to the experiences that he will obtain while at the University of Arkansas. “I thank you again for awarding me the ‘Roads’ Scholarship. It will truly make my college experience better and for that I am very thankful.”