Five new endowments that will recognize outstanding seniors from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts were approved by the University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc., Board of Directors at its regular meeting on Dec. 9.
The endowments will provide an opportunity to recognize rising seniors and graduating students with a financial award. The awards will be announced each spring beginning in May 2021, said Dr. Sara Brown, director of institutional advancement and the ASMSA Foundation Fund.
The endowments include:
- Charlie Cole Chaffin Student Service Award Endowment Fund: The purpose of this gift shall be to provide an annual award to a senior who is recognized for service through their involvement as a leader in ASMSA’s community of learning as well as public service efforts through volunteerism opportunities and outreach that enhance the lives of the citizenry. The endowment was established by Kelly Baker-Hefley, Class of 2000. It is named in honor of Charlie Cole Chaffin, a retired chemistry instructor at ASMSA who also served as a former Arkansas state senator. Baker-Hefley chose to honor Chaffin for her dedication to education and her impact across our state.
- ASMSA Class of 2000 Student Leadership Impact Award Endowment Fund: The purpose of this gift shall be to provide an annual award to a senior who has demonstrated exemplary citizenship and leadership with a deep sense of public service and the potential to influence positive change. The endowment was established by Kelly Baker-Hefley.
- Computer Science Student Award Endowment Fund: The purpose of this gift shall be to provide an annual award to a senior who has demonstrated exceptional achievements within the computer sciences discipline both in and beyond the classroom. The endowment was established by Dr. Jesse Thomason, Class of 2009.
- ASMSA Student Support Award Endowment Fund: The purpose of this gift shall be to provide an annual award to a rising senior who has demonstrated a need for financial support to assist with college application fees, ACT or SAT test preparations, and/or testing fees. The endowment was established by Dr. Jesse Thomason.
- Alderdice Family Award for Excellence in the Arts: The purpose of this gift shall be to provide an annual award to a senior who has demonstrated significant talent, promise, commitment and leadership within visual or performing arts. The endowment was established by ASMSA Director Corey Alderdice and his wife, Stephanie.
“We are very grateful for our donors and their philanthropic work that benefit our students and programs,” Brown said. “Our goal through these endowments are to recognize the accomplishments of our students in every aspect of their education. We are creating endowed awards for each academic discipline, celebrating our student’s leadership and service learning, and ensuring our students have the resources necessary to further their education.”
“We are thrilled when our alumni give back because they understand firsthand the rigor of our programs and need of our students. They truly understand the importance of education and we are thankful for their partnership.”