UA Little Rock Alumni Award $232K in Student Scholarships

Alumni at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock just proved that giving back creates unstoppable momentum. This year, they awarded $232,247 in scholarships to students who might otherwise struggle to afford their education.

The growth tells an incredible story. When the Alumni Board started their scholarship fund, it held less than $2,000. By 2009, they were awarding $9,000 annually. Today, that number has skyrocketed to more than $232,000.

The scholarships come from multiple sources that alumni have built over two decades. Taste of Little Rock, a signature fundraising event now in its 21st year, has alone raised over $1 million for student scholarships. Alumni also support students through the Alumni License Plate Program, endowed scholarship funds, and direct giving initiatives.

For senior Héctor Alejandro Balada Jaime, who received an Alumni Merit Scholarship, the impact is deeply personal. "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," he said.

Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development, sees these scholarships as more than financial aid. "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," she explained.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this story particularly powerful is how it multiplies hope across generations. Alumni who benefited from a UA Little Rock education are now ensuring the next generation gets the same chance. They've created more than a dozen named scholarship funds honoring mentors, family members, and the transformative power of education itself.

Guy Choate, president of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association, celebrates the variety of ways alumni contribute. Whether someone attends Taste of Little Rock, establishes an endowed scholarship, or simply purchases an Alumni License Plate, every action helps a student move closer to their dreams.

The scholarships represent one Trojan investing in another student's future, changing the trajectory of entire lives with each award.