Office of
Development
Donor Spotlight
The Jesse Taylor, Jr. Endowed Scholarship in History
established by Jesse Taylor, Jr.
“I had the good fortune of attending graduate school in history in the mid 60's - a time that saw a very distinguished, dedicated and approachable group of professors.
"I am particularly indebted to Dr. J. J. Hudson, a WW II fighter pilot, who nurtured my love of history, particularly military history, and fondly recall his classes and mentoring.”
Jesse Taylor, Jr.
December 14, 1942 – July 24, 2007
The Donald R. and Susan M. Bobbitt Award in Chemistry and Drama
"We felt very strongly about being part of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. To direct our philanthropy to areas where we work is especially rewarding.
"Most of all, Susan and I take great personal pride in helping students develop their talents and set personal goals by providing educational experiences that they might not otherwise enjoy."
~ Donald R. Bobbitt (BA 1980)
Dean, Fulbright College 2002-2008
The A. Wallace Cordes Chemistry Fellowships and The Doris and Wally Cordes Chemistry Hospitality Fund
Established by Wally and Doris Cordes in 1985 and 1997
While teaching at the university, Wally Cordes said that "Each semester I try several new ideas in order to show my students the excitement, the beauty, and the logic of chemistry."
Now University Professor Emeritus, Cordes and his wife Doris devoted more than 42 years of service to the students of the University of Arkansas. Widely respected as a stimulating, innovative teacher, Dr.Cordes also conducted a successful research program in inorganic chemistry and crystallography.
The David R. and Marsha L. Crittenden Endowed Scholarship
Endowed in 2002 by Marsha and David Crittenden
The Crittendens have established a scholarship benefiting a promising student majoring in the arts or sciences.
“Marsha and I have a deep interest in assisting promising young Arkansans who need a helping hand during such a pivotal time in their lives.”
~ Dr. David Crittenden
MD 1971
The Fulbright College Immunology Research Fund
Established May 12, 2007
Albert Durdik of Chicago, Illinois, and his daughter Dr. Jeannine Durdik have created a fund to advance the study of vaccinations.
The Durdik family leads by example. Jeannine is an Associate Dean for Research and a professor of biological sciences in Fulbright College. She earned her Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University. In addition to the master teacher and outstanding mentor awards she has won from Fulbright College, Dr. Durdik is the recipient of postdoctoral fellowships from the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Research Institute.
The Arthur Fry Chemistry Lectureship
Established in 1997 by Arthur Fry
From distinguished alumni Ves and Holly Childs:
"I remember Art’s lectures on Lewis acids and bases. I used those powerful ideas throughout my career. I truly value the chemistry I learned and the help I got from Art. He was a great teacher."
~ Ves Childs
"I was given the first Kekule award (sponsored by Arthur and Lois Fry). I met Ves during my junior year. We have different stories about how we met, but we did meet, got married, and have three children and five grandchildren. I wound up with an undergraduate degree in chemistry."
~ Holly Childs
The George A. Gearhart Scholarship in Journalism
George A. Gearhart was a native Arkansan, born in Fort Smith in 1926. He completed high school in Fayetteville and attended the University of Arkansas.
His father, Sam E. Gearhart, helped start the Fort Smith paper, The Southwest Times Record, in the early part of the 20th century, then moved to Fayetteville to manage The Northwest Arkansas Times. George became general manager of the Times when his father died in 1959 and later served as publisher until his death in 1976.
He and his wife, Joan, had four sons, all with degrees from the UA.
The McIlroy Family Visiting Professorship in Performing and Visual Arts
Established in 2006 by The McIlroy Family
"The arts have always been important to us as a family. Mary Joe has been especially active over the years in helping to establish and maintain cultural projects, so the McIlroy Professorship was a perfect endowment for us to consider.
"Hopefully, it will strengthen the bond between the city and university by providing a benefit to students and citizens alike."
Hayden McIlroy, Jr.
BSBA 1962
January 3, 2006
Carolyn Walton Endowments in Creative Writing
“Attending the University of Arkansas as a non-traditional student majoring in English literature was one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life.
"While taking classes from Bill Harrison, Skip Hays, and Jim Whitehead, all instructors in the Creative Writing Program, I learned that it was an excellent program in need of additional funding. I am very pleased to support this fine program at the University that has meant so much to me.”
~ Carolyn F. Walton
BA 1993, MA 1998
The Lee Williams Fellowship in Public Service
Endowed by Lee Williams and friends in 2006
"To receive an award bearing the name of Lee Williams is an incredible honor and a truly humbling experience.
"From your extraordinary contributions to the careers of both Senator J. William Fulbright and President Clinton … Mr. Williams, you are one of the most dedicated public servants to ever serve our nation."
~Mollie Merry (BA 2006)
December 13, 2006