UA Little Rock Launches 2024 Campus Campaign with New Chancellor Match Challenge

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock kicked off the 2024 Campus Campaign to encourage employee giving with a special addition, the Chancellor Match Challenge.

For the first time, donations from new donors will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25 by UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale, increasing the impact of contributions and further supporting campus initiatives and student success.

"This match will provide a powerful incentive for new donors to participate in the Campus Campaign, knowing that their contribution will have an even greater impact," said Laterika Tooks, director of annual giving. "We want to thank Dr. Drale for her continued support."

UA Little Rock has a goal of reaching 40 percent employee giving for 2024. As an added incentive, the Office of Alumni and Development will provide lunch in the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center to the first five departments and units who achieve 100 percent employee giving.

The Campus Campaign highlights the power of collective giving, with employees playing a key role in enhancing campus resources and opportunities for students.

"I support the Campus Campaign because of all of the students I meet who have different stories, different needs for our scholarships, and who are very appreciative of your support and the scholarships they receive," said Campus Campaign Chair Anthony Buttrum, scholarship coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. "What we do is about building relationships with one another, with our students, and with people in the community to help us with our goal of providing students with a great education. It is my hope that we will show our support for the university, and it will help bring in additional scholarship dollars and donors for our university."

The support of university employees also plays a significant role in showing UA Little Rock alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community partners that the university is worthy of their support.

"We are in the middle of the Centennial Campaign, and our goal is to raise $250 million by the university's 100-year anniversary in 2027," said Christian O'Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. "Your support is very important to the success of this campaign. When faculty and staff show their support for the university, it sends a powerful message to the community, alumni, and partners. It demonstrates our collective belief in the institution's mission and inspires others to invest in the future of UA Little Rock alongside us."

The university owes a special thanks to the dedicated employees who help lead the Campus Campaign effort across campus. Campus Campaign Steering Committee members include Dr. Aresh Assadi, Emily Bell, Dr. Sheila Brooks, Jessie Burchfield, Anthony Buttrum, Reed Claiborne, Dr. Shannon Collier-Tenison, Katrina Christopher, Alicia Dorn, Dr. Joe Felan, Dr. Anindya Ghosh, Brock Hime, Dr. Barbara L'Eplattenier, Dr. Carrie Phillips, and Judy Staley.

"I think it's important for us as employees and faculty members to show our enthusiasm and support for the university because we are setting an example for others to support the university," said Dr. Joe Felan, associate professor in the School of Business, who has been on the committee for four years.

Campus Campaign ambassadors include Salina Ables, Dr. Al Baker, Sydney Ambrus, Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, Alex Fountain, Mary French, Amanda Ginger, Dr. Mohammad Goodarzi, Dr. Katie Helms, Dawn Johnson, Sadie Lea, Monica Meadows, Rachel Mercado, Chloe Moses, Belinda Nix, Mercades Parker, Madison Schalk, Vanessa Whitman, and Grace Zafasi.

"I am so excited to be a Campus Campaign ambassador and represent the Office of Communications and Marketing," said Sydney Ambrus, social media coordinator and videographer. "It was important to me to be a part of the Campus Campaign to not only serve as a liaison between our office and Office of Alumni and Development, but to give back and invest in the community here at UA Little Rock. The Campus Campaign supports our students, faculty, and staff. Every dollar counts towards growing our programs, aiding in research, and faculty development."

Tooks also recognized Dr. Aresh Assadi, director of Counseling Services, for his many years of service as Campus Campaign chair by making a donation to Counseling Services in Assadi's honor.

"Dr. Assadi has served as Campus Campaign chair for six years, and we appreciate your tremendous support for the university," Tooks said. "We know suicide prevention is incredibly important to you, so we have made a contribution in your honor for suicide prevention efforts at the university."

There are many ways for UA Little Rock employees to get involved and show their support for a part of the university that has a special meaning to them. A donation to a scholarship, planned gift, Alumni Association membership, legacy brick, season tickets, becoming a Trojan Champion, and gifts to any area of campus counts as part of the Campus Campaign.

For more information about the Campus Campaign, contact Tooks at [email protected] or at 501-916-6439 visit http://ualr.edu/development/campus-campaign.

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