Arkansas Alumni Association News Highlights » Announcements

Jobs of the Month: University Seeks Applicants for Several Positions

2010-09-07T21:22:15Z

This month we feature a few opportunities for talented individuals with excellent verbal and highly-developed communication skills to come represent the University of Arkansas in a professional manner. Here is your chance to become a member of the University of Arkansas Faculty & Staff along with the opportunity to become a part of the Advancement Family (the Alumni Association is a part of that group). The University of Arkansas is currently seeking applicants for:

Assistant Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
The Assistant Director of Development’s primary responsibility is to secure private sector funding and to foster relationships for the University and coordinate corporate and foundation fundraising initiatives for David and Barbara Pryor Center for Oral and Visual History.

Director of Development for Bumpers College
The Director of Development’s primary responsibility is to secure private sector funding and to foster the development of individual, corporate, and foundation relationships for the college.

Assistant Director of Development – KUAF Public Radio
The assistant director will be responsible for leading KUAF in growing and engaging membership and in managing all areas of philanthropic fundraising.

If you like interacting with other alumni & friends and dream about working for the Flagship University of the state then these jobs are a perfect opportunity for you to follow your dreams. We look forward to you being a part of our Advancement Family.

Also don’t forget to check out the Arkansas Alumni Career Network to learn how the Arkansas Alumni Association can help you succeed in all your professional endeavors. Post your resume to Razorback CareerLink, expand your professional network with other alumni and friends.

RazorRock Finalizes Week of Events Leading to Rally, Night of Arkansas Music

2010-09-03T15:33:02Z

The following is a guest post by Gary Newton, Executive Vice President of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce. Gary is the co chair of RazorRock and the Chair of the RazorRock Rally event on Friday night.

RazorRock, which debuted in 2009 as a “Central Arkansas’ weeklong football rally,” will return in 2010 the week of September 6^th through the 11^th in advance of the Razorback Football Team’s first Little Rock game of the 2010 season.

And rather than just one week during football season, RazorRock is being repositioned to celebrate every time a University of Arkansas athletic team plays in Central Arkansas.

According to Greg Nabholz (Nabholz Properties), chairman of RazorRock, “Our intention is to enhance the Razorback fan experience for the residents of and visitors to Central Arkansas, with hopes of enticing our guests to spend another night or two in the region.”

RazorRock organizers are encouraging businesses, organizations and governmental entities to “Paint Central Arkansas Razorback Red” for the week. To that end, Metropolitan National Bank will change the lights on its tower from traditional blue to red and white for the week. The Big Dam Bridge will also be lit in Razorback colors.

In an effort to enhance visiting Razorback fans’ Central Arkansas experience, the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau and North Little Rock Visitors Bureau are offering special packages to guests through links at RazorRockRally.com.

To benefit the Arkansas Alumni Association – Capital Chapter, RazorRock Wristbands are being sold, granting wearers discounts to participating local merchants and restaurants.

RazorRock 2010 will feature 17 associated events, culminating in a pep rally in the Riverfest Amphitheatre, followed by a Night of Arkansas Music concert, presented by The Oxford American magazine.

The rally will feature the University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Christopher Knighten, as well as the Cheerleaders and Pom Squad, coordinated by Jean Nail. Tusk III, the latest live Razorback mascot, will make his Little Rock debut, courtesy of Keith and Julie Stokes.

In addition to traditional favorites, the band will debut its new arrangement of Ring of Fire, a signature song of Arkansas’ own Johnny Cash.

10 Horse Johnson, billed as the “Ozarks-born/LA-bred/Little Rock-based country comedy band,” will deliver the first live performance of their new single – Woo Pig Fever. The band’s 25-minute, all-original, all-Arkansas set will transition from pep rally to The Oxford American Presents A Night of Arkansas Music.

Scheduled to perform at the concert are The Salty Dogs, Jim Mize and True Soul Revue.

While a complete and regularly updated list of offerings is available at www.RazorRockRally.com, the following 17 events were scheduled as of press time:

Monday, 9.6.10 (Labor Day)

RazorRock Kick-off

RazorRock Relay

Presented by River Trails Bike Rentals

Contact David Fike (501.374.5505, info@rivertrailrentals.com)

10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Arkansas Travelers vs. Springfield Cardinals (Season Finale)

Dickey-Stephens Park

1:00 pm

RazorRock Foodie Festival

Presented by Argenta Downtown Council

Dickey-Stephens Park

Contact Drue Patton (501.517.3127, dpatton@argentadc.org)

4:00 – 7:30 pm

RazorRock Movie Night

Presented by Little Rock Film Festival

Screening War Eagle Arkansas

Dickey-Stephens Park

7:45 – 10:00 pm

Tuesday, 9.7.10

Little Rock Touchdown Club

Embassy Suites Little Rock

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Arkansas Alumni Association – Capital Chapter Reception

5:00 – 7:00 pm

RazorRock Ladies Night Out/Tailgate Shopping

Presented by Inviting Company/Revelry Jewels/Rubadubdub

Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack

7:00 – 10:00 pm

Contact Sarah Mitchell (479.466.3416, sarahmitchell@sbcglobal.net)

Wednesday, 9.8.10

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame

Brown Bag Lunch Featuring Former Razorbacks Kevin Scanlon, Anthony Lucas, Clint Stoerner

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Arkansas Arts Foundation’s RazorRock Spirits: A Night of Art and Soul

Featuring Rock Town Distillery, Diamond Bear Brewery, Lombardi Liquors, Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee, Wiederkehr Winery

Argenta Arts District

5:00 – 7:00 pm

University of Arkansas College of Engineering Alumni Reception with Dean Saxena

Courtyard by Marriott – Downtown Little Rock

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Thursday, 9.9.10

University of Arkansas Walton College of Business Lunch & Learn: Coaching Your Business Team to Their Full Potential

Presented by Walton College Executive Education

In Partnership with Walton College Alumni Society

Sturgis Hall, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service

11:45 am – 1:00 pm

Contact Rachel Burton (479.575.5425, rburton@walton.uark.edu)

RazorRock After Hours at The Little Rock Zoo

Presented by Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce

In Partnership with Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau
Featuring New Red River Hog Exhibit, Pigs from Around the World
Hosted by Little Rock Zoo
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Click to Save on Advance Tickets

University of Arkansas Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Alumni & Friends Reception

Embassy Suites Little Rock
6:00 – 8:00 pm

Click to Register

Friday, 9.10.10

Street Machine Nationals

Riverfront Park, Riverfest Amphitheater
All Day

Arkansas Alumni Association/Little Rock Razorback Club

Luncheon & Press Box Tour
War Memorial Stadium
11:00 – 1:00 pm

RazorRock Rally

Featuring University of Arkansas Marching Razorback Band, Cheerleaders, Pom Squad, Tusk III, 10 Horse Johnson
The Oxford American Presents
A Night of Arkansas Music
Featuring
The Salty Dogs
Jim Mize
True Soul Revue

Riverfest Amphitheater, River Market

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Saturday, 9.11.10 (Game Day)

Tailgate

War Memorial Park
7:00 am –

Street Machine Nationals

Riverfront Park, Riverfest Amphitheater
All Day

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Louisiana-Monroe

6:00 pm

War Memorial Stadium

RazorRock is presented by the Arkansas River Cities Sports Commission, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau and North Little Rock Visitors Bureau. Partner sponsors include Argenta Downtown Council, Arkansas Flag and Banner, Career Sports & Entertainment, and Downtown Little Rock Partnership.

In addition to the Arkansas River Cities Sports Commission, producing partners include Argenta Downtown Council, Arkansas Alumni Association (Capital Chapter), Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Arkansas Travelers, Downtown Little Rock Partnership, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Little Rock Film Festival, Little Rock Touchdown Club, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, North Little Rock Visitors Bureau, Oxford American, Razorback Foundation, Razorback Navy, University of Arkansas, and War Memorial Stadium.

For more information, visit www.RazorRockRally.com.

Tips for Using Razorback CareerLink

2010-08-26T13:44:05Z

Since its launch on August 2^nd, over 364 alumni members have logged in and checked out the new Razorback CareerLink. These members have been among the first to use the simple user interface to post resumes and begin searching for new career opportunities. For those members who have not yet logged in, here are some tips for accessing and using Razorback CareerLink.

Getting Registered

Access to Razorback CareerLink is a benefit of membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association. If you are not a current member, you are invited to join the Association today to get immediate access. You can join online or by calling the Association at 1-888-275-2586. When joining, please note that you would like immediate access to Razorback CareerLink.

If you are a current U of A student, you should use your current U of A username and password (the one you use for e-mail and computing access). For alumni members who are not currently enrolled in U of A classes, they access the system using their preferred e-mail and a unique password for the system. To get activated in the system and to receive a welcome message to help you get started, just fill out this online form or e-mail career@arkansasalumni.org with your name and e-mail address. A message from the system will be sent once you are activated.

Changing Password

If you are not a current student, your initial password in Razorback CareerLink will be a system generated password. To create a more memorable password, you will need to visit the Profile menu option at the top and choose the Password/Preferences tab.

Resumes

Users are encouraged to upload a resume to their profile. This will allow you to easily apply for positions through Razorback CareerLink and to also make your resume available for employers to review. You will have the opportunity to submit your resume to ‘resume books’ that companies and organizations can review to match alumni with opportunities for which they are recruiting. You can upload multiple resumes to use the one that is most appropriate as you apply for a position or submit for inclusion in a resume book.

Looking for Career Opportunities

To find new career opportunities, visit the Jobs/Internships menu option at the top. For jobs that are posted specifically for University of Arkansas students and/or alumni, you will choose the “Posted by My Career Center” option. Using the menu options, users can customize their search. Users can also set up a search agent and receive e-mail notifications when jobs meeting their specifications are posted to the system. If users would like to increase their opportunities, they can select the “Extended Online Job Search Resources” option from the Jobs/Internships menu. This will allow users to search for national listings by keyword or location from the NACELink Network. The NACELink Network is comprised of over 900 college campuses and allows national employers to post job opportunities at this level.

Apply for Positions

Once users locate a position in which they would like to apply, they should follow the on-screen instructions on each job posting. These application instructions are important as employers may be accepting resumes through the system or which for you to follow another application method (such as e-mailing your resume and cover letter or completing an application proceses with their national office.

Getting Help

Throughout Razorback CareerLink, there is help for most screens and it can be located with the question mark icon. Some screens even have video tutorials (look for the video “play” button) to help you understand the function of the system. If you are having technical difficulties using the system, please contact career@arkansasalumni.org and indicate the nature of your problem and a convenient phone number at which you can be reached.

Student Affairs Core Group Goes Whole Hog

2010-08-25T21:53:39Z

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!

Exciting Changes to the Student Alumni Association

2010-08-23T20:05:09Z

The Student Alumni Board (SAB) and Student Alumni Association (SAA), formerly REAL Razorbacks, are taking on a new look and structure beginning this school year. SAB has served as the primary outreach from the Association to the student body for over 12 years. R.E.A.L. Razorbacks, an open student membership program in the Association was adopted in 2003 and served to connect with students campus wide. After a review of each program’s purpose, intended programs and outcomes, changes were designed to help the Association meet its goals while remaining appealing to current students.

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.

Capital Chapter Gears Up for 2010 RazorRock Festivities

2010-08-24T22:00:02Z

The Capital Chapter of the Arkansas Alumni Association is excited to announce its participation in the second annual RazorRock, Central Arkansas’ week-long Razorback football rally to kick-off the 2010 season. Coach Petrino’s Hogs will play the first Little Rock game against Louisiana-Monroe on Sept. 11 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

This year the chapter wants you to help make the week’s events bigger and better than last year by becoming a volunteer. Have fun and help your alma mater make this the best year yet for RazorRock by assisting with events, promotion and logistics. If you are interested in helping make RazorRock 2010 better than last year just drop us an email at capitalchapter@razorbackroad.com with your name and phone number today.

Jay Chesshir BSBA’85, president and C.E.O. of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, will be the guest speaker during the chapter’s Career Networking Reception. Make plans to attend and learn how the chapter and the Alumni Association can help you find a shining professional future.

Also stick around for the RazorRock Ladies Night Out/Tailgate Shopping extravaganza featuring Razorback clothing and accessories presented by Inviting Co. and Revelry Jewels on Tuesday, Sept. 7^th.

Join us as we take a tour of War Memorial Stadium’s renovated press box on Friday, at the RazorRock Luncheon, with Chuck Barrett, host of “The Bobby Petrino Show” and “Razorback Classics” television shows. He will tell us about the old press box and the upcoming football season.

Most of all, be sure to purchase a commemorative RazorRock wristband with proceeds going toward helping Central Arkansas students attend the University of Arkansas through the Capital Chapter Scholarship fund. In addition to supporting future students and showing your Razorback pride, the wristbands can be worn to receive discounts at participating businesses, including Lindsey’s Hospitality House throughout RazorRock week.

Walton College Executive Committee Goes Whole Hog

2010-08-23T17:49:58Z

Pictured from left are: Javier Reyes, Tom Jensen, Pu Liu, Gary Ferrier, Don Bland, Moez Limayem, Alan Ellstrand (seated), Dan Worrell, Jamie Loftin, David Douglas and Vern Richardson.

Congratulations to the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business Executive Committee 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!

Who Helped You Succeed?

2010-08-16T20:06:45Z

Behind every successful person is someone else. Alumnus, alumna, student, teacher or friend, no matter what the title everyone has been helped somehow in their professional careers by someone else. We’d like to know “How have your Arkansas connections helped you succeed?” Here is your chance to share with us and them how important they were in your success.

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.

New Alumni Product: Private Label Gourmet Coffee

2010-08-16T16:09:44Z

The Arkansas Alumni Association is pleased to announce the launch of a new private label gourmet coffee program with Beanbank Coffee Co. The new store site, http://arkansasalumni.callaocoffee.com/, launched August 16, 2010.

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.

Arkansas Alumni Joins Razorback Habitotes Program

2010-08-12T20:40:53Z

The Arkansas Alumni Association is pleased to announce an exciting effort to allow Razorback fans to show their team spirit while practicing sustainability. The Hog Wild habitote® will debut at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium where 50,000 totes will be handed out free to Hog fans prior to the Arkansas vs. Ole Miss game on Saturday, October 23, 2010.

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.

University of Arkansas Biological and Agricultural Engineering Goes Whole Hog

2010-08-09T20:14:19Z

Pictured from left to right are Jeffie Thomas, Linda Pate and Amy Walker.

Congratulations to the staff in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Arkansas for going Whole Hog. The staff 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!

Razorback CareerLink Provides Alumni with Access to Career Tools

2010-08-26T13:45:12Z

The Arkansas Alumni Association in collaboration with the UA Career Development Center and the Walton College Career Development Center has unveiled a new career resource for alumni. Razorback CareerLink, an online job posting and on-campus recruiting system, is a new online resource for locating employment and for professional networking. Access to Razorback CareerLink is available to all current students and is a benefit of membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association for alumni.

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.

University of Arkansas Records Group Goes Whole Hog

2010-07-29T21:28:07Z

Pictured from left to right are Robin Adams, Blake Rickman and Jeanie Fox.

The Records & Data Services staff in the Office of University Development has officially gone Whole Hog. The staff 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!

Jessica Sharbaugh Receives 2010 “Roads” Scholarship

2010-07-28T16:28:41Z

The Arkansas Alumni Association has chosen to award Jessica Sharbaugh with a $2,500 “Roads” Scholarship for Non-Traditional students. A resident of Fayetteville, Sharbaugh began working full-time at the University of Arkansas in the fall of 2005. Through her daily interactions among students, staff and faculty, she began to see the opportunities that the university presented. Although the decision to enroll was a difficult one, Sharbaugh felt it was necessary to achieve the degree she has wanted for so long.

“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.”

Tom January Floors Inc. Goes Whole Hog

2010-07-27T19:48:42Z

Pictured from left to right are Teresa Crawley, Kritha Whitson, Chris January, Wade January, Tom January and Cathy January. Not pictured is Robin January.

Family owned and operated, Tom January Floors Inc. in Fayetteville has officially gone Whole Hog. The staff 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!

Share Your Razorback Predictions

2010-07-16T17:27:33Z

Pre-season polls and predictions abound for the upcoming Razorback Football Season. Share your thoughts with us. What will be the Razorback’s record at the end of the season?

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.

Arkansas Alumni Association Joins GreeNWAy Initiative

2010-07-14T19:55:08Z

The Arkansas Alumni Association proudly became certified as a member of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce’s GreeNWAy Initiative during a ribbon cutting at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House on July 13, 2010. The Alumni Association is the first University of Arkansas-affiliated organization to complete the certification process.

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!

Former Basketball Player Learned Invaluable Lessons and Skills From Her Professors

2010-07-08T21:56:32Z

Growing up, Allyson Twiggs Dyer dreamed of becoming a Lady Razorback basketball player. That dream came true when the University of Arkansas offered her a basketball scholarship in 1990. Once she received the opportunity to attend the University of Arkansas, “there was no doubt” that’s where she belonged. Dyer had always loved the traditions of the university and its Razorbacks, so to be able to play in both Barnhill and Bud Walton arenas, she felt “honored to wear the red and white uniform.”

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.”

Nipper Named President of Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors

2010-07-01T14:39:38Z

Steve Nipper, community bank president of BancorpSouth in Magnolia, will take the helm of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors on July 1, 2010, for a two-year term.

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.

For Whom the Bell Tolls, University of Arkansas Graduate Students

2010-06-23T14:46:16Z

The Toller Celebration Bell at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House will ring at noon Thursday, June 24 to honor a team of University of Arkansas graduate students who placed first in the 2010 Licensing Executives Society Foundation’s International Graduate Student Business Plan Competition. The team includes Stephen Ritterbush, Seth Shumate, Douglas Hutchings and Brent Bertelsen.

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.

Lance Wilson Receives 2010 “Roads” Scholarship

2010-06-21T21:03:36Z

Lance Wilson, of Osceola, has been awarded and recognized as a recipient of a $2,500 “Roads” Scholarship from the Arkansas Alumni Association.

“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!”

Who Inspired You?

2010-06-17T13:04:59Z

Professor, teacher, mentor or counselor, no matter what the title, many of us were influenced, challenged and inspired by someone during our college career. Perhaps you were inspired to study abroad, pursue graduate school, excel professionally, get involved on campus or simply to earn a degree throughout difficult times but no matter what you will always grateful for their help.

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.

Daniel Spears Receives 2010 “Roads” Scholarship

2010-06-07T17:30:52Z

Daniel Spears has been selected as one of the recipients to be awarded the “Roads” Scholarship by the Arkansas Alumni Association. Residing in Texarkana, Spears attended Texarkana Arkansas Senior High. During his time there, he played football, baseball and basketball, while serving as a member of FCA, FBLA, Art Club, FFA and the Spanish Club. Spears also received a place on the academic honor roll, as well as graduating with honors and being a part of the National Honors Society.

“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!”

Ryan McCarver Receives 2010 “Roads” Scholarship

2010-06-07T16:39:03Z

Ryan McCarver has been awarded and recognized as a recipient of a $2,500 “Roads” Scholarship from the Arkansas Alumni Association. Growing up in Siloam Springs, McCarver always knew he enjoyed helping people and learning about science and medicine. During high school, he worked as a lifeguard at the local Family Aquatic Center and enjoyed helping his father, a veterinarian, work on various farm animals and pets.

“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.”

Margaret Kelley Receives 2010 “Roads” Scholarship

2010-08-27T16:09:24Z

The Arkansas Alumni Association has chosen Margaret Kelley as a recipient of the “Roads” Scholarship, beginning in the fall of 2010. Hailing from Jonesboro, Kelley graduated magna cum laude from Jonesboro High School. During her time in high school, she won two JHS Dance Team 6A state championships and ran cross-country for the school. She is equally proud of her title as Miss Hurricane, which she obtained during her senior year of high school.

“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.”