Established 47 years ago by the Alumni Association, the award recognizes a senior man and woman who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, campus and community involvement and leadership. Students were required to be a member of the graduating class of 2012 (finishing degree requirements in August or December 2011 or May 2012.) The citation includes a personal memento, a $500 cash award, life membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association as well as permanent recognition on the student Honor Wall at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.

Williams is a chancellor’s scholar who received her degree in international business in economics with minors in Asian studies and political science. Grateful for her experience at the University of Arkansas, she is thankful for the opportunities she received inside and outside the classroom. While studying abroad in Taiwan, she was one of two freshmen among 30 upperclassmen studying Mandarin Chinese. She chose to study Mandarin because of the importance China has in global business.

Becoming a successful leader on campus, Williams served as chief of staff for the Associated Student Government and helped to develop the first advancement committee of ASG to receive corporate funding for Safe Ride. During her senior year, she served as student chair of the Distinguished Lectures Committee and helped to bring various speakers to the U of A, including Elie Wiesel, a holocaust survivor.

Harris, a University of Arkansas Alumni Endowed Scholar and Honors College Leadership Scholar, received his degree in biology with departmental honors. Crediting the U of A faculty for motivating him to achieve his academic goals, he went on to conduct research at the Arkansas Children’s Research Hospital.  While studying abroad in Sweden, he observed the Swedish commitment to research. During his honors undergraduate research project, he conducted enzyme linked immunosorbent assay immunology testing for antibodies.

His leadership skills have evolved from his time spent at the U of A and within the local community. He served on Student Alumni Board and was the New Greek Council President. During his time in the Greek system, he received the opportunity to help a food drive collect more than 20,000 items for Life Source International. He also organized the Hogs for Haiti relief effort, which raised more than $20,000 for Haitian earthquake victims.

“The University of Arkansas gave me a foundation as diverse as the field I am in now,” she said. Growing up in Little Rock, Brunson always wanted to be a Razorback. Liking the idea of going to the “top school in Arkansas,” she applied and received the Dr. J. Michael Stair Endowed Scholarship, becoming the first of her siblings to go to college.

Unlike many students who enter college and are undecided about their field of study, Brunson knew her calling was in social work. “My family, we were part of a church that had a daycare and many of the kids were in foster care and had been abused or neglected. I worked there during high school and wanted to know more about children and social welfare, which ultimately led me to want to become a therapist for children,” she said.

Focusing on her studies, she made time for student involvement by joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Black Students Association. However, getting involved in the student organization, S.W.A.G. (Social Work Action Group), led her to become more knowledgeable about the field of social work, as well as prepared for what is needed to become a successful social worker. As she neared the end of her four years at the University of Arkansas, she realized the importance and necessity of obtaining a master’s degree in the field.

Before graduating in 1999, she spoke with Dr. Joe Schriver, her social work professor. He knew Dr. Barbara White at the University of Texas at Austin and urged Brunson to apply for the program. “He literally made me apply and asked Dr. White about getting me a fellowship opportunity so that I could go to school there,” she said. Only taking one year to complete, she received her master’s degree from UT Austin in 2000.

Entering the professional world, her goal to work with children remained. She worked at a center for youth and families in Little Rock, helping to place therapists within the schools, which enabled her to work with children in the school system every day. As the years passed, her resume included working as the director of clinical services at Hull House, an independent clinical therapist and director of violence prevention coordination at Cook County Department of Public Health.

In the 13 years since she graduated from the University of Arkansas, her goals have slightly changed but her passion for serving and helping others remain. Today, Brunson works as the senior program officer for the Chicago Foundation for Women, which is an organization that helps to “raise money and support organizations that are dedicated to helping women and girls succeed in the Chicago area.”

Overseeing the grant making process, she looks to see that the organizations they are supporting have the ability to do the work. “We offer the money and the assurance that these organizations can do the work they set out to do,” she said. As a leader in the organization, her involvement in helping others succeed is just one of the rewards of her profession. “The idea that I am seen as a partner to these non-profit organizations is such a great reward,” she added.

Her passion for helping others, especially students, can not only be seen through her work with the Chicago Foundation for Women, but through her work with the Chicago Arkansas Club. As a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Brunson was looking for a way to stay connected and up-to-date on campus news. Joining the Chicago Arkansas Club, she became the scholarship and recruitment chair. “We currently only fund one student, Collin Pitts. The scholarship pays for his tuition and the University waives his out-of-state tuition fee,” she said.

Since Pitts will be a senior this coming year, Brunson looks forward to what the future holds for the Chicago Arkansas Club, saying,” I want to see us raise more funds, but we need to work harder at engaging local alumni and promoting the U of A as a place where Chicago kids can go to school.” One other aspect that she hopes to see expand is the career network that is available to recent graduates. “This career program helps so many kids find jobs; however, I would like to see it expand to major cities.”

Witnessing the positive impact of professional and personal growth in herself, Brunson is proud of her alumna status at the University of Arkansas and hopes more students will see the University as a school that can stand up to the rest. With a 10-month-old daughter at home, she is raising her to be a future Razorback and looks forwarding to seeing her name etched on Senior Walk one day.

Named the recipient for service, Ritter is a professor of education and public policy and holder of the Endowed Chair in Education Policy in the department of education reform in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. He is also the director and founder of the Office for Education Policy at the university. The office serves as a resource that aids state legislators, school board members and other policymakers in thoughtful decision-making concerning K-12 education in the state of Arkansas. Ritter has been a faculty member at the U of A since 2000.

Venkatesh, a distinguished professor and the first holder of the George and Boyce Billingsley Chair in Information Systems in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, is receiving the award for research. Venkatesh, who completed his doctorate at the University of Minnesota in 1997, joined the University of Arkansas faculty in June 2004. He previously taught at the University of Maryland. In addition to presenting his work at universities across the world, he has held many visiting appointments at Australian National University, Helsinki School of Economics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Indian School of Business, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Hawaii. His research focuses on understanding the diffusion of technologies in organizations and society.

Rapert (B.S.B.A. 1985, M.B.A. 1987), associate professor in the department of marketing in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, is receiving the Charles and Nadine Baum Faculty Teaching Award. She is also the director of the Walton College of Business Center for Teaching Effectiveness. An annual member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Rapert is a two-time U of A graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration.

She returned to the University of Arkansas in 1991 after receiving her doctorate from the University of Memphis and teaches in the area of marketing management and global consumers. Passionate about teaching, she incorporates the unique approach of a readings-based, seminar-style undergraduate course that is designed in collaboration with her advisory board of 20 executives. In their evaluations and emails, her students often write that her classes are the best they have ever taken, often because of the energy and enthusiasm she brings to the classroom to make her class relevant to real-world experiences.

At 12 years old, Gamboa knew she wanted to join the military, saying, “I went to meet with a recruiter when I was 17. When I told my mom, she immediately said no. When I told my dad, he asked if I was sure it was something I wanted to do.” She joined during the time of Desert Storm and although she did not see combat, her time spent in the military has enabled her to find common ground with those who enter her office each day.

Working in higher education, she admits it wasn’t until she entered the program at the University of Arkansas that she realized her passion. While pursuing a master’s degree, she grew to admire three professors, Dr. Lyle Gohn, Dr. Michael Miller and Dr. Christopher Lucas, all of whom became her mentors. “They see the qualities you often don’t see in yourself,” she said. As a single mother, much of her time was dedicated to school work and taking care of her daughter; however, she did receive a graduate assistantship at University Housing.

Later, she became the academic coordinator of the Veterans Upward Bound program. According to the pamphlet, the program “is here to guide you through the challenges of entering and succeeding in college.” Gamboa praised the program for its ability to provide military personnel with the tools needed to prepare for college. Some of the services that the Veterans Upward Bound program provides are a two-hour consultation that will determine the student’s academic capabilities, books, supplies and a stipend for gas, all of which are free of charge.

The experience she gained in the program led her to accept the position of Director of the Veterans Information and Resource Center (VRIC). As the point of contact for veterans and their dependents, Gamboa and her staff provide guidance and insight into finances, benefits, class schedules and the application process. “I create a checklist for each student. When we talk about benefits, when they served and for how long usually determines how much money they will receive. We also look at external benefits, including scholarships and personal needs such as daycare for their children,” she said.

Her dedication to helping veterans extends beyond office walls. Gamboa also co-teaches a course with Dr. Danette Heckathorn called “From Boots to Books: Healthy Transitions for Military Personnel.” According to the class description, “The curriculum integrates a network of campus resources, guest presentations, student research and writing, and discussion sessions.”

Helping student veterans become acclimated within the classroom is important; however, Gamboa works hard to make sure they are integrated and informed outside the classroom as well. In 2011, the VRIC coordinated the first Veteran’s Week Celebration, which included a veteran’s resource fair, guest speaker Gen. Wesley Clark and recognition of the Pat Tillman scholars. On Veteran’s Day, staff, ROTC members and students read the names of fallen soldiers who died during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Becoming emotional, Gamboa said, “I guess there was a campus tour going on and people just stopped. Suddenly I noticed this man stepped forward and he saluted…he was a Vietnam vet.” Another instance included a student walking by wearing a military jacket. “He asked if there was an open time slot. I told him there was but it was in two hours and he told me he would be back. When he came back, he was wearing his full uniform to read the names.”

While Gamboa enjoys the work she does with veterans on campus, as a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, she devotes much of her time to the Association’s Latino Alumni Society. “I was one of the first two Latinas in the higher education program here on campus,” she said. With very few Latino organizations on campus, Gamboa became involved with the Hispanic Heritage Month Planning Committee. Organizing a campus day, the group helped to bring area high school students to campus, with the intention of showing them a place that could be a part of their future.

Years later, after talking to various friends, an interest was shown in starting a Latino Society. “Angela Monts was our angel. She really helped us through this…the Association supported us and opened its doors without question. They showed us what we needed to do so we didn’t have barriers along the way.”

Since the formation of the Latino Alumni Society, the group consists of Bolivians, Colombians, Mexicans, Brazilians and other diverse backgrounds. “We want to be the communication between young Latino students, saying, ‘You’re welcome here.’ We want to keep the community connected and encourage Latino students who may not see the University of Arkansas as a possibility in their future,” she said.

On April 27, the Latino Alumni Society will host its second annual “La Pachanga.” This year’s event will be special because the Society will receive its official charter as well. In an effort to raise money for scholarships for future Latino students, Gamboa encourages all Association members to join and attend.

“Being a part of the Alumni Association has given me a sense of pride. They think about the students before they become alumni…by being a part of the Association and the Latino Alumni Society, this is my way of giving back.”

“My mother, my aunt and my grandmother all went to the University of Arkansas.  I guess I just wanted to follow in their footsteps.” Awarded a cross country and track scholarship, Towns planned to go to Texas A&M, his father’s alma mater.  One day, on a fishing trip, he remembers his dad saying, “You don’t want to go to Texas A&M, do you?” Remarking that he would rather spend his undergraduate years at the University of Arkansas, a few phone calls were made and Towns soon found himself enrolled as a student on “The Hill.”

His first semester on campus, Towns believed he was destined for a career in journalism. “I planned to be a world-famous sports writer,” he said. It wasn’t until he walked into the late Ralph Eubanks’ classroom that he discovered his passion for speech and communications. Thoroughly enjoying the course, he wanted to stay committed to the field and one day, teach at the university level, just like Eubanks.

Set on pursuing a major in speech, Towns soon added a minor in history to his curriculum, saying, “because of Walter Brown and James Hudson, I fell in love with history and the South.” The late Ann Vizzier, who taught renaissance and reformation history, also made an impact on Towns, proclaiming her to be “one of the best professors I had in school, as well as a great academic leader and role model.”

Taking the knowledge he gained at the university, he graduated in 1961 and went on to pursue a master’s degree in speech at the University of Florida. After receiving his master’s degree, Towns served in a U.S. Army Reserves Civil Affairs Unit helping to “rebuild schools, the economy” and other areas that were ravaged by war. He later retired as a colonel after 35 years of service. During that time, he also taught as an instructor in the speech and theater department at the University of Arkansas. Opting to further his education, Towns returned to the University of Florida where he received a doctoral degree in speech in 1972.

Fulfilling the commitment he made to himself as a student in Eubanks’ class, Towns accepted a position at the University of West Florida and later became chairperson of the communication arts department. Not only were his days filled with teaching, but he devoted 15 years to coaching the men’s cross country team. Running track and cross country in high school and college, Towns competed in the 1964 Olympic Trials and became a member of the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Team. Deciding to take on the role of coach, he said, “I had been there and done that. I think the guys looked up to me more because I’d done it. I’d been through what they were currently going through.”

Living by the theory that goal setting is critical, but one must be committed in order for that goal to become a reality, Towns worked to instill that in his students, both in the classroom and on the track. “I wanted to challenge my students to look beyond themselves,” he said.

After leaving the University of West Florida in July 2000, he took a position at Appalachian State University as professor and department chairperson. He later left Appalachian State to teach at Southeast Missouri State University where he officially retired in June 2011.

It is no surprise that Towns now devotes himself to writing and researching. Fascinated by the Civil War and southern history, he has written and published four books between 1998 and 2012. According to his website, www.southernoratory.com; his latest book, Enduring Legacy: Rhetoric and Ritual of the Lost Cause, “explores the vital place of ceremonial oratory in the oral tradition in the South.”

After the publication of his Enduring Legacy, Towns wasted no time and began working on his fifth book, saying, “We are currently going through the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War. This book is about Jefferson Davis and his speeches.”  It is clear that Towns has no plans of slowing down any time soon.

Although his days of teaching and learning in a classroom are over, his passion for education is not. A devoted member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Towns feels that being a member is his way of being able to give back. “By being a member of the Association, I’ve been able to make a contribution in some way,” he said. “It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on what is going on at the university.”

Living in Forrest City, he is unable to take part in many chapter events, stating that Memphis is the closest city for alumni-oriented events. However, if a chapter were to form in the area, he and his wife, Helen, who he met during his undergraduate years at the university, would most certainly get involved.

“The University of Arkansas is an important place to my family and those four years were a meaningful time in my life.”

The 4-P initiative was created to help communicate to young alumni what the Alumni Association can provide assistance with as well as how membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association can benefit themselves as well as others.  The 4-P’s the board wants to convey are Pride, Perks, Professional Development and Paying it Forward. The logo will be the face of the 4-P initiative and should illustrate the 4-P’s.  The contest has begun and submissions are due to the Alumni Association by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20. It is open to any students or alumni. The grand prize will be a $250 Visa gift card, a spotlight on the Arkansas Alumni Association’s website and publications, and a gift pack from the Alumni Association.

Members of the Arkansas Alumni Association or members of the Razorback Foundation who did not purchase the travel package may purchase Hog Wild Party tickets. Non-Member guests must be accompanied by a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association or a member of the Razorback Foundation. A shuttle will run to and from the Omni and Anatole hotels, taking members who purchased tickets to Eddie Deen’s Ranch.

Registration for the event will be open until Dec. 29 and tickets for the event will be available for pick up at the Omni Hotel hospitality desk on Thursday, Jan. 5 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Tickets will also be available for pick up at Eddie Deen’s from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

To learn more about the event, or to reserve your tickets today, visit the Hog Wild Party page.

A 2008 graduate of the civil engineering department, White, a native of Russellville, understands the struggles that students face when contemplating degree programs, finances and homework. Through his understanding, he and two of his fellow classmates, Trenton Ellis and Meagan Berlau, decided to start a scholarship for civil engineering students. “I was a recipient of the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering scholarship. It allowed me to not worry about finances and instead, focus on the things I enjoy in school,” he said.

Looking to give other students that same opportunity, White and his two classmates consulted with faculty and staff members within the department, including Dr. Kevin Hall, departmental chair of civil engineering, who supported them on their endeavors. Deciding that each would contribute $500 to the scholarship, the Honorarium for Dedicated Leadership and Outstanding Character Scholarship was started. Set up for junior and senior civil engineering students, White added, “It is an annual $1,500 scholarship for those who demonstrate leadership skills in academic and extracurricular activities.”

When asked why, at such a young age, they decided to take on such a venture, White stated, “We all had the financial capacity to start the scholarship. We didn’t want to wait.”

Apart from his contributions to helping students financially while in school, he stays actively involved in the Civil Engineering Alumni Society, serving as a board member. Joining two years ago, he is an advocate for the society’s purpose of “unifying alumni and providing them the opportunity to come back and connect,” as well as “giving back to students and scholarships.” Proud to be involved in an organization that allows alumni and students to build relationships, he urges students to make connections with professionals; something he understands through personal experience.

As a junior, White participated in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe competition. While building a steel bridge in Lawrence, KS, he met many people within the program, and through his connections, received an internship with Garver Engineers, LLC, his current employer.

“I work in the aviation department. We build airports in the area and help our clients achieve their vision,” he said. Adding that as a project engineer, his job allows him to help with funding, as well as oversee the projects, he claims that “getting to know the clients and seeing a project from its concept through the construction phase is what I like best about my job.”

Although his activities outside of work keep him busy, White can’t imagine it any other way. “The Arkansas Alumni Association is an avenue to connect and give back to the University of Arkansas,” he said. Through his involvement with the Association, he has met fellow professionals who he shares similar interests, such as former Civil Engineering Alumni Society president, Marcus Hopkins, and fellow civil engineer, Paul Selig.

The people he has met, the opportunities he has been given and the impact he and his fellow classmates continue to make on current students are just a few of the reasons why he believes it is worth getting involved.

“It is rewarding to give back to students. You get so much of it and it helps you grow as a professional just as much as they grow as students.”

The Arkansas Alumni Association proudly announces its 2011 award recipients, all of whom personify the University of Arkansas’ tradition of excellence through service and leadership. All 10 honorees were recognized during the 67^th annual Alumni Awards Celebration on Nov. 4 at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.

Two University of Arkansas graduates received the Citation of Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes exceptional professional and personal achievement and extraordinary distinction in a chosen field. The awardees included:

Kay Kelley Arnold BA’76, MA’77, vice president for public affairs, Entergy Services Inc., Little Rock. As vice president for public affairs at Entergy Services Inc., Arnold manages the Entergy Foundation and political action committees, as well as low-income, grassroots, giving and community programs. Encompassing corporate social responsibility, including corporate contribu­tions and employee volunteerism, she helps to lead special assignments, such as license renewal and climate change working groups.

Before joining Entergy, Arnold worked on local, state and national politi­cal campaigns before becoming a licensed attorney in 1981. Taking her knowledge in communications and law, she went to work from 1982-85 as the director of the Arkansas Nature Conservancy. During her time there, she was awarded the President’s Public Service Award. Staying in Little Rock, she worked from 1986-88 as director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage in Little Rock, a department that manages natural areas, such as arts, mu­seums, scenic rivers, endangered species and historic preservation. Because of her extensive and successful political and environmental work, she has won numerous awards and received honorable distinctions.

Although she spends most of her time working with the Entergy Foundation and helping to create and sustain prosperous communities, Arnold continues her communi­ty involvement outside of work. Currently, she is on the board of seven organizations, includ­ing the Winrock International Advisory Board, Inter-American Foundation, Conservation Fund, National Wildlife Foundation President’s Council, Lyon College Board of Trustees and the Public Affairs Council. She was recently re-appointed to the Little Rock National Airport Commission by Mayor Stodola for an additional five-year term.

Quinn Taylor BSHE’87, senior vice president, Movies, Miniseries & Acquisitions

ABC Entertainment Group, Burbank, CA. Unaware that a degree in fashion merchandising would lead him to become a television executive, Taylor credits his love of reading, which was strengthened at the University of Arkansas, for leading him into the world of television. Taylor oversees all made-for-TV movies, miniseries and acquisitions for the ABC Entertainment Group, a unit composed of the television network and its production studio. Working for the company since 1996, Taylor has served as executive director and vice president of Movies for Television and as senior vice president for Motion Pictures for Television & Miniseries.

During his time at ABC Inc., Taylor has overseen the creation of “The Path to 9/11,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “The Ten Com­mandments” and two miniseries from the master of horror, Stephen King, including “Stephen King’s Rose Red” and the dramatic series, “Stephen King’s Kingdom Hospital.” Other credits include “Meredith Willson’s The Music Man,” starring Matthew Broderick; “DreamKeeper,” the miniseries depicting Native American mythology; “Oprah Winfrey Presents: Amy and Isabelle,” and “Brian’s Song” in 2002.

In 2001, Taylor served as an executive on the miniseries “Anne Frank,” which won a Peabody Award and an Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries. He also served as the network exec­utive on the miniseries “Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows,” which won five Emmy Awards and was the highest rated miniseries of the 2000-01 season. Most recently, Taylor’s credits include “Combat Hospital,” “Rookie Blue” and the critically acclaimed movie “A Raisin in the Sun,” starring media mogul Sean Combs.

Other alumni who were honored during the awards celebration include:

Jacque Martini BS’78 MBA’09, owner, MSquared Wines, Calistoga, CA, Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award. Growing up in Arkansas, Martini set her sights on attending the University of Arkansas from a young age. Having parents who wished to raise her in the South, she attended school in Hot Springs before moving to Pine Bluff where she frequently visited Little Rock and the U of A for Razorback football games. Knowing she could receive a great education at the U of A, she didn’t apply anywhere else. Earning a degree in geology, she left the state she loved and spent two years working at Texaco as a geologist in New Orleans, three years with Cities Service in Denver and three years with Sohio Petroleum in San Francisco.

Unaware that her future profession would be vastly different from the realm of geology, Martini met her husband, Michael, while working at Napa Town Center in Napa Valley. A third-generation winemaker, Martini has helped her husband promote his family’s winery and wines, Louis M. Martini Winery, in and around the Napa Valley area.

Representatives of Martini wines and their own brand, MSquared Wines, she and her husband work to continue the winemaking legacy, all while sharing the passion with those in the area, including Arkansas alumni in the area. Each year, Martini and her husband host the Louis M. Martini Winery BBQ at Monte Rosso ranch in Sonoma Valley, an event that has occurred for the past 20 years. Aiming to help students attend the University of Arkansas, all of the event proceeds go to the Earnest J. Wong Scholarship Fund, which reached a total of $100,000 with this year’s event.

Norm DeBriyn, associate director of The Razorback Foundation Inc., Fayetteville, Honorary Alumni Award. Growing up in Ashland, Wis., DeBriyn has been a part of the University of Arkansas for more than 40 years. Serving as the Univer­sity of Arkansas’ head baseball coach for 33 years, he stays involved with the university by serving as associate director of the Razorback Foundation.

Having a passion for sports, DeBriyn came to Arkansas in the fall of 1969 where he took on the role of head baseball coach until 2002. During his time at the U of A, he received mul­tiple awards, including becoming a member of the University of Washington-Oshkosh Hall of Fame, the Razorback Hall of Honor and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, as well as Coach of the Year in the Southeastern Conference (1999), Southwest Conference (six times) and the NCAAA District IV (1979).

His tenure as head baseball coach saw four NCAA College World Series appearances, 15 NCAA post-season appearances, three conference championships, six freshman All-Americans, 19 All-American selections, 58 All-Conference selections and 48 All-Confer­ence Tournament selections. When calculat­ing the number of pupils who played under DeBriyn, 17 have played in the major leagues while many others went on to play in the minor leagues or to pursue a coaching career, including former Nebraska head coach and current Arkansas Razorback head coach Dave Van Horn.

Since retiring in 2002, DeBriyn has taken on the role of associate director of the Razorback Foundation. Transitioning from coach to fund­raiser, he continues to build relationships with coaches and those in the University of Arkan­sas community. Aiming to support University of Arkansas athletics through fundraising, his involvement has led to multiple expansions of Baum Stadium.

John Forrest Ales BA’02, director of Global Brand Public Relations Hilton Hotels and Resorts, McLean, VA, Young Alumni Award. Completing his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2002 from the University of Ar­kansas, Ales pursued his passion of politics, public relations and journalism. He went to work for various political campaigns before joining a consumer public relations agency while pursuing a master’s degree in strategic public relations from the University of Southern California.

In 2005, Ales went to work for Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, brand­ing her policies and managing media interest in the state’s post-Hurricane Katrina recovery. Continuing to work in the public relations realm, Ales worked in consumer public rela­tions with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where he developed public relations strategies and managed community relations and brand reputation in Southern California. Achieving praise for his work with the governor and Wal-Mart, Ales, at 29 years old, accepted the position of director of Global Brand Public Relations for Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

As the world’s most recognizable hotel brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest spa providers in the world. With the re­sponsibility of managing the Hilton Worldwide brand and its reputation, Ales leads communi­cation strategies for the company and its more than 540 hotels in 78 countries across six con­tinents. He is responsible for executing media and community relations, leading the brand’s social media conversation, supporting brand marketing objectives and creating resources for hotels to excel in local markets. He has also helped launch eforea, which is the brand’s first global spa concept; Hilton Huanying, a tailored program for Chinese travelers; reposition Hilton Resorts; and create the Hilton Global Media Center, which is the travel industry’s most comprehensive media resource.

John Pijanowski, associate professor and coordinator of the Educational Leadership Program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education and Health Professions, Fayetteville, Charles and Nadine Baum Faculty Teaching Award. An associate professor and coordinator of Educational Leadership at the University of Arkansas, Pijanowski teaches students about ethical decision making theory. During his time at the U of A, he has redesigned both the master’s and doctoral programs, transi­tioned the Educational Leadership doctorate program online, guided the program through NCATE and ELCC accreditation review and helped create new admissions and advising standards and guidelines. Spending 20 years as an educator and administrator, he is estab­lished in the realm of research, publishing 13 articles in peer-reviewed journals, co-author­ing two books and currently has seven articles in the review or publishing stage.

Pijanowski’s teaching, research and service are significant to the mission of the College of Education and Health Professions, which is “to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Arkansas, the nation and the world through the development of scholar-practitioners in education, health and human services.” Teach­ing a variety of courses, including leadership, ethics and policy, he also works to get his students involved in implementing education policy, teaching, and designing and evaluat­ing programs in regards to the needs of the school district.

The reputation he has among his students is one of great respect and gratitude. His dedication to the profession and his students can be heard through the voices of his pupils. “I have never had a teacher as effective as Dr. Pijanowski…I feel that he is the most inspi­rational and motivational teacher I have ever had the opportunity to learn from…I hope the university is aware of how valuable Dr. Pijanowski is to the students he teaches and the faculty he teaches with.”

Tommy L. Love, Jr. BA’70, physician with the Central Medical Group, Little Rock, Community Service Award. After receiving a model of a human body from his father while in junior high school, Love began showing an interest in medicine. Not only in school, but in his career, he has learned the value and importance of helping those who need assistance, as well as providing a personable interaction with patients. Love specializes in internal medicine with the Central Medical Group in Little Rock and has 37 years of medical experience. As an internal medicine physician, he focuses on the treatment of those who may exhibit multiple illnesses at one time; treating not only the illness and/or disease, but also the well-being of the patient.

Eighteen years ago, Love noticed an in­crease in the popularity of health fairs. Taking advice from his church’s minister, he decided to start his own free health fair through his church. Stationed in Little Rock, the goal of the annual health fair is to provide free access to health related services for those in the public who express medical need. Those who attend the health fair are able to receive free screen­ings for various illnesses and diseases, such as glaucoma, cholesterol, HIV and prostate cancer. The health fair also offers attendees the chance to bring their medicine bottles and receive free prescription and non-prescription medicines.

As coordinator for the past 18 years, Love’s passion and appreciation for helping others continues. His dedication to the health fair has not only helped people receive appropri­ate medical assistance, but it has enabled University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences pharmacy and nursing students to participate and obtain hands-on experience.

Each year the Alumni Association also presents three Distinguished Faculty Achievement Awards for outstanding success. The 2011 recipients are:

Marty Matlock, professor and area director for the Center for Agricultural and Rural Sustainability Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences and College of Engineering, Service Award. Professor of ecological engineering in the biological and agricultural engineering department, Matlock has been named as the recipient for Service. In 10 years at the University of Arkansas, he has worked to develop an internationally recognized program in ecological engineering. Through this program, Matlock has created a foundation for the undergraduate degree. Working with The Sustainability Consortium in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, he helped achieve success for the U of A in framing and communi­cating strategies for sustainable supply chains, which led TSC to become the leading academic research-based organization in supply chain sustainability metric development in the world.

Matlock serves on the Science Advisory Committee for MARS Corporation and is a sustainability advisor to Kellogg, Kashi, Monsanto, Bayer Crop Sciences, Levi Strauss, World Wildlife Foundation, World Resources Institute and others. Taking on a unique perspec­tive of the agricultural supply chains, he brings that perspective to his research and teaching.

His expertise in the field has led him to work with organizations including the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service as a technical delegate in the Mid-East Peace Process and the Cherokee Nation, which through his work has created national recognition of the U of A as an institution dedicated to serving under­represented minorities in science, technology, engineering and math.

His service to the profession stands out. He was senior author for the Academy of Environ­mental Engineers’ Body of Knowledge Report in 2008, served as president of the American Ecological Engineering Society in 2007-08, and designed and helped implement an ecological design certification program through the American Ecological Engineering Society in 2010.

H. Alan Mantooth BSEE’85, MSEE’86, distinguished professor and 21^st Century Chair in Mixed-Signal IC Design and CAD Department of Electrical Engineering College of Engineering, Research Award. Mantooth, distinguished professor of electrical engineering in the College of Engineering, has been named for the Research Award. His ability to bridge the academic and business/industrial communities through entrepreneurial activities, his international research leadership, and his research pro­ductivity and mentorship of students has led him to be recognized by internationally known researchers who praise his work and developments. Mantooth is also the executive director of the NSF Center for Grid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems and NSF Vertically-Integrated Center for Transformative Energy Research.

Through his extensive research in electron­ics, he has authored more than 150 refereed articles on circuit design and CAD, authored the first book on modeling with analog hardware description languages and he holds three patents on software design. He has received under $38 million in external funding from various public and private sources and his colleagues refer to him as one of the most prolific researchers at the U of A.

Mantooth’s dedication to students is shown through the recognition he has received from colleagues and students. His involvement includes chief advisor of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society; chief advisor of Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering society and co-advisor to the Solar Splash team. Facilitating a partnership between the City of Fayetteville and the U of A, he and stu­dents from the College of Engineering helped to install a solar electric energy system at the Fayetteville Public Library which will provide 15 percent of the energy needs of the library.

Robert Stapp, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Economics in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, Teaching Award. Clinical associate professor of economics, Stapp has been named the recipient for teaching. Although ranking high among his colleagues in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, Stapp’s students tend to rank him as one of the best professors they have had while at the University of Arkansas. His ability to teach what some believe to be difficult subject material is viewed as extraordinary because of his in-depth knowledge of various techni­cal skills, including math, finance, accounting, psychology, sociology and politics.

Each summer, Stapp takes a group of students to Japan for a study abroad program. During their time overseas, students visit with the government officials and CEOs of various Japanese firms, as well as attend cultural events and home stays. Considering this to be a valuable experience, one of Stapp’s students recalls how the trip influenced and shaped who they are today, saying, “The incredible ex­perience of the Japan Study Abroad program that Dr. Stapp has been perfecting for many years plays a huge part in who I’ve become today. I still tell people what a wonderful expe­rience it was for me.”

During Stapp’s time at the University of Arkansas, he has mentored a number of students who have gone on to pursue gradu­ate degrees at MIT, Oxford, Harvard, George­town, Chicago and Stanford. Considering his students to be as knowledgeable and capable as students from other universities, 19 of his pupils competed with other universities in the Nation Model United Nations – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference and won top awards, while many have gone to work for notable corporations in not only America but the world.