University of Arkansas Fayetteville - Razorback Yearbook (Fayetteville, AR)

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As hundreds of alumni, faculty and students gathered be¬ tween Mullins Library and the Arkansas Union on the morn¬ ing of Friday, Oct. 28, the sun brightly glistened onto the red, yellow and orange leaves delicately hanging from the sur¬ rounding trees. The cool, crisp autumn breeze blew through the rows of chairs, rustling the leaves that already had fallen to the ground. Signs of the changing season were more than unavoidable - they were subtly symbolic of the changes tak¬ ing place at the University of Arkansas. Set before a picturesque stage that in¬ cluded the UA Symphony Orchestra and Inspirational Singers, and brightly col¬ ored banners, members of the UA com¬ munity joined together to celebrate one of the most impor¬ tant events in the history of the institution - the Campaign for the 21 st Century. The convocation marked the end of a seven-year effort to raise Si billion in private donations, highlighting the campaigns achievements and impact on the university. As donors and faculty members adorned in scholarly re¬ galia marched in the opening processional, audience mem¬ bers applauded and offered a standing ovation. “It is a bold and exciting day in the state of Arkansas when we can celebrate $1 billion to the present and the future.” Chancellor John White said. “The University of Arkansas will be counted among the top universities in the nation.” The campaign began July 1, 1998 for the purpose of increasing the UA endowment for scholarships, faculty sup¬ port, technology, research centers and academic programs, according to the campaign’s final report. And the campaign did just that. Spanning over 2,557 days and raising a total of $1,046 billion in private donations, including a $300 million gift from the Walton family - the largest contribution ever made to a public institution in the United States, the campaign exceeded the expectations of committee members and the entire university community. “This is one of the most important events in the univer¬ sity’s rich history,” Provost Bob Smith said. Dispersed among five areas of growth, the campaign im¬ pacted each and every facet of the university, increasing the institution’s recognition as a highly competitive university on the national front. Student scholarships and fellowships received $310 mil¬ lion, the largest percentage of the $1,046 billion. This allot¬ ment paved the way for a nearly 350 percent jump in schol¬ arship and fellowship funds, increasing the total number of available scholarships and fellowships to 2,587. But students were not the only ones who would reap the Distribution of $1,046 billion raised by the Campaign for the 21st Century □ Students $310 million ■ faculty S221.7 million □ Academic Programs S152.4 million ® Capital Gifts-in- Kind S297.4 million • libraries S39.1 million Timeline of Major Events during the Campaign July 1, 1998 October 6. 1998 December 3. 1999 November 3. 2000 Quietly, the Campaign for the 21 st Century gets under way. 40 The Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation dohates $50 million to Walton College - the largest single gift ever given to an American business school. The Donald W Reynolds Foun¬ dation donates $20 million to aid in the renovations of what is named Donald W Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The steering committee increaS ' es the campaign goal to $500 million - the largest goal set by any organization in the state of Arkansas. yVvy C

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Taking a break between afternoon classes, students beat me cola with friends and coffee at RZ’s dpnng the winter months. Embracing the warmth of the spring sun, they took advantage of Old Main Lawn for bicycling and Frisbee. Celebrating a weeks end, students headed down the Hill for a night out on Dickson. The rites of passage associated with the college experience meant partaking in opportunities outside of the classroom. | These opportunities provided students the chance to connect with others and with their newfound home in Fayetteville. stuc e 2t c aho sion

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nors J lege Charles Scharlan speaks in front of alumni, faculty and students at the convocation of the Campaign lor the 21st Cen¬ tury. I he convocation marked the end of a seven-year effort to raise si billion. Photo by Iristan I vans January 14. 2003 ™ e ar d and Pat Walker I ar ta ble Foundation donates pillion to construct a new u eia t health center. The Campaign for the 21 st Cen¬ tury publicly kicks off and an¬ nounces the $500 million goal. Walton Family Charitable Sup¬ port Foundation donates $300 million - the largest gift ever made to a public institution in the United States. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. donates $5 million, which at the time was the company’s largest s ingle gift to a college or university. (As 27 -H