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.

Sponsored by the Student Alumni Association, ring recipients and their guests enjoyed a reception before Airic Hughes, student programs coordinator, welcomed everyone on behalf of the Alumni Association. He reminded students that this celebration was “a memorable milestone on the way to graduation.”

Although a bittersweet event, Executive Director Mike Macechko, in his last ring ceremony, announced the names of more than 70 ring recipients, all of whom received their ring and a certificate. He provided students and their guests with the tradition of the ring and the ceremony. In the program, which was given to all attendees, Macechko informed students that “while your diploma and your name on Senior Walk proudly proclaim your achievement, your ring and its meaning are always with you….Your Official UA Ring’s symbolism emphasizes the common bond and shared experience of all University of Arkansas graduates, and also invokes each wearer to tell their own unique story.”

Providing students with the history of the ring, Macechko also reminded recipients how to properly wear the ring before graduation as students and after graduation as alumni.

The event concluded with student Sam Clark singing the University of Arkansas alma mater and a special toast by Macechko.

The application deadline is Wednesday, March 28.

Criterion for the citation includes:

• academic excellence
• demonstrated leadership
• significant extracurricular campus and/or community involvement.

To see application guidelines, visit the Arkansas Alumni Association’s Senior Honor Citation web page.

If you have any questions, contact Debbie Blume at dblume@uark.edu or 479-575-6476.

Spending three and half years working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she graduated in December 2011. Since then, she has experimented “artistically” in bookmaking, textiles and photography. Looking for an opportunity to showcase her talent, as well as her “creativity and love of design,” she entered the Young Alumni logo contest.

“The 4-Ps were described as the guiding principles behind the Young Alumni initiative, so the concept of the compass seemed a natural fit as a visual metaphor,” she said.

Learning that her design was chosen as the winning logo, she expressed her excitement, saying, “I was thrilled to learn that I had won the Young Alumni Board 4-P Logo contest. It’s an honor to give back to the university and have my design used to promote the [Arkansas] Alumni Association.” Having graduated in the fall, Allred is a complimentary member of the Association.

Endowed by Dr. Jeff Johnson, B.A.’70, and his wife, Marcia, the Johnson Fellows program was created for the specific purpose of bringing esteemed alumni back to the University of Arkansas campus to engage and inspire students. Ales, who resides in McLean, Va., will share his expertise while addressing students in business, political science and journalism classes. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter Young Alumni Committee will host a “Young Hog, Big Dreams” reception on Thursday evening at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. He will also interact with members of the Student Alumni Association, the Student Alumni Board and Associated Student Government. His visit will end with a reception at the Johnsons’ Fayetteville home.

Ales, who also received the Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Award in 2011, leads communication strategies for Hilton Hotels & Resorts and its portfolio of more than 540 hotels in 76 countries across six continents. Ales is responsible for managing the brand’s global reputation; executing media and community relations; supporting brand marketing objectives and creating resources for hotels to excel in local markets. His experience includes strengthening the reputations of the world’s largest retailer and a governor recovering from the greatest natural disaster in U.S. history. In 2010, Ales was named to PR Week’s “40 Under 40″ list, which recognizes top talent in the public relations industry.

His work for Walmart Stores Inc. included developing public relations strategies and managing community relations and brand reputation in Southern California — one of the most challenging U.S. markets for the company’s growth. Ales achieved favorable coverage, countered adversaries and gained supporters for Walmart to support the company’s real estate and public affairs priorities.

Ales shaped strategies for a range of top consumer brands including Taco Bell, Hilton, Epson, Activision and Chevron at Cohn & Wolfe in Los Angeles. While at the agency, he also managed multiple aspects of Hilton’s sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team, including a campaign recognized with a Bronze Adrian Award and projects with Michael Phelps and other athletes.

In 2005, Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco called Ales home to Louisiana in advance of the first anniversaries of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He focused on branding her legislative and public policy agendas and managing domestic and international media interest in the state’s recovery. Ales executed public relations strategies for the re-opening of the Louisiana Superdome, overseas economic missions, the state’s cultural economy and other areas. He developed Louisiana’s first web site streamlining emergency preparedness and recovery information, advanced the state’s historic use of text alerts for emergency communication and launched the first social media campaign of any U.S. governor.

Have you ever been a member of the U.S. military? If so, please identify yourself as a veteran on  your Alumni profile.  We have many current U of A students who are or have been service members and we want to make sure that all U of A alumni military veterans are accounted for. We want to keep you informed but we need to know who you are! There are many veteran-related services available on campus and many activities alumni military veterans can participant in. Count yourself in today!

From left to right: Megan Frohardt, August Kerwin, Parash Rajbhansi, David Kerwin, Debbie Blume, Bob Blume and Meredith Hawkins.

Ask a Joplin tornado victim if one day really does make a difference and they will most definitely answer ‘yes.’  On Saturday, Oct. 22, 51 “Helpin’ Like a Hog” volunteers consisting of staff from the Arkansas Alumni Association and the Division of Advancement, Association scholarship recipients, and alumni, family and friends, traveled to Joplin in an effort to help those affected by the EF5 tornado that touched down in May 2011. “The main reason I chose to participate in ‘Helpin’ Like a Hog’ was a desire to help others…a desire to show what a positive contribution our University can make in the Joplin community,” said Richard Hebar, an ’82 alumnus.

Once arriving on site, the volunteers separated into three groups. Aiming to help the people of Joplin, the Association reached out to alumni in the area who needed assistance. Five volunteers visited the property of David Kerwin, a ’91 alumnus whose home was destroyed as a result of the tornado. Meredith Hawkins, communications specialist for the Association, spoke with Kerwin about his experience. “Upon surveying the sky, he rushed into his home thinking, ‘get in the bathtub with a blanket over my head,’” she said. However, circumstances led him to run towards his shed and take shelter under his work bench. Waking up the next morning, he was found by two high school students who rushed him to a nearby hospital where he learned he had suffered six cracked ribs and a collapsed lung.

Still recovering mentally, physically and emotionally from his injuries, he bought a home in Carthage, MO, which was the site where volunteers helped to sort, organize and unpack his belongings. Upon learning of the Association’s willingness to help, Hawkins recalled Kerwin growing emotional, saying, “Our presence there gave him a big boost and helped him get his energy up to tackle what, at first, seemed insurmountable.”

In Joplin, 14 “Helpin’ Like a Hog” volunteers assisted at the Joplin Family Worship Center; a distribution center for men, women and children’s clothing, and household items, including blankets, sheets, dishes and paper items. According to Heath Bowman, assistant director of the out-of-state territories, “everything in the distribution center is provided free of charge to families who were impacted by the storms.” The Association’s volunteers worked to “sort and fold clothes, sheets and blankets so that the shelves could be re-stocked for families needing assistance,” Bowman said. Seven thousand volunteers have donated their time to helping and distributing donated goods valued at $5 million since May 2011.

Raising the spirits of many of the families in the area, especially the children, 32 volunteers arrived at Landreth Park to work carnival stations at the “Trunk or Treat” event. Sponsored by Friends Helping Friends and Schrieber Foods, children arrived dressed in Halloween costumes and collected candy and prizes at the various carnival games. In an effort to provide families with basic necessities, “Home Kits” filled with paper goods and food was provided, as well as stuffed animals for the children.

University students and Association scholarship recipients, Megan Frohardt and Megan Handley, shared their reasons for volunteering, as well as the impact of helping in Joplin. “The most satisfying part of the ‘Helpin’ Like a Hog’ experience was personally experiencing the effect we had in helping out,” Frohardt said. Handley stated that she had not had the opportunity to help in the relief effort, but “The Arkansas Alumni Association gave me that opportunity, and I thank them for that.”

Other volunteers expressed their feelings in being involved with “Helpin’ Like a Hog.” Joplin resident, Heather Arnold stated, “Being able to see the difference that is being made in Joplin, while also meeting fellow alumni from across the region, was the best part of my ‘Helpin’ Like a Hog’ experience.” Carl Fallen, a ’63 alumnus, told Bowman he chose to volunteer “out of loyalty to the University of Arkansas. I like helping people who benefit from worthy civic projects.”

ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will devote its 200th episode to “Seven Homes in Seven Days,” which will feature the Extreme cast and crew in Joplin, building seven new homes for families who were affected by the tornado. To find out more about the events of that day, watch the online slideshow and view uploaded photos provided by Association staff.

It has been almost five months since the storm and residents continue to clean up what the storm left behind. In need of volunteers, the people of Joplin require help in rebuilding homes, schools and businesses. In an effort to help our neighbors to the north, three University of Arkansas groups are traveling to Joplin on Oct. 22 to aid in the relief effort – the Arkansas Alumni Association, Associated Student Government and the Division of Advancement.

This will be the second “Helpin’ Like a Hog” event for the Association. “We sent out a survey about a month ago and received feedback from our alumni, saying that they could use our help,” said Heath Bowman, assistant director of the out-of-state territories. Not only will the Association help the city’s residents, but the “Helpin’ Like a Hog” program will aid university alumni who live in Joplin.

Volunteers consisting of alumni, friends and family are encouraged to take part in “Helpin’ Like a Hog.” Those who are 18 years of age or older will help assist with debris removal while volunteers under the age of 13, or who are not capable of removing debris, will help sort and organize materials at disaster relief warehouses.

In coordination with AmeriCorps Disaster Relief, members of ASG are sponsoring a Joplin Relief Volunteer Trip. Viewing this as an opportunity for students to give back and help those in need, ASG is inviting interested students who would like to participate to volunteer in helping the people of Joplin rebuild their community.

Along with the Arkansas Alumni Association and ASG, the Division of Advancement and the United Way are asking the question, “What better purpose could you serve?” Asking people to commit one day to this project, the staff in the Division of Advancement is looking to help Joplin residents rebuild their homes, stock food banks, organize warehouses and aid in cleaning up public spaces.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring necessary tools and are asked to drive to and from Joplin in personal vehicles. Based on skill sets and project needs, work teams will receive direction from the United Way’s project managers before going to the work sites.

The University of Arkansas understands the needs of those not only in the Northwest Arkansas community, but in other communities as well. This is an opportunity for students, staff, friends and family to come together and make a difference in the lives of others.

Those who are interested in volunteering with the Arkansas Alumni Association must register online by midnight on Sunday, Oct. 16.

Students who would like to participate in the Joplin Relief Volunteer Trip with Associated Student Government should complete an ASG application and Joplin volunteer waiver and return it to the Office of Student Activities by noon on Friday, Oct. 14. Students may also contact ASG director of service outreach, Laura Weiderhaft via e-mail at lweiderh@uark.edu for more information.

Staff members who wish to volunteer with the Division of Advancement may contact Ashlie Hilbun via e-mail at ahilbun@uark.edu or by phone at 479-301-4346 for more information.

“This year’s theme shows new and old traditions to connect students and alumni through various activities and community service,” said Alexa Albrecht, the Student Alumni Board homecoming chairman.

Activities leading up to the Nov. 5 homecoming game against the South Carolina Gamecocks  include a variety of events such as Make a Difference Day, in which the Student Alumni Association encourages students and alumni to participate in community service projects all over the Northwest Arkansas area.

Another new event for this year’s homecoming includes the Campus Beautification Project with the Associated Student Government and Facilities Management. Faculty, staff, students and alumni can take pride in the campus and participate in this project.

Always a success, the Homecoming Blood Drive, hosted with the American Red Cross and University Recreation, is set for Nov. 2 and 3. The goal is to collect 1,800 units of blood, Albrecht said.

Other events throughout the week of Oct. 31-Nov. 5 include: Hot Dogs with Head Hogs; Tusk Tuesday chili cook-off; a 3-3 flag football game; a Thursday night concert, in partnership with the Associated Student Government, featuring student bands; a pep rally; the lawn competition; a Halloween event in partnership with University Programs; Hogs Through the Decades; and the traditional parade.

“We really want to emphasize volunteering and community service,” Albrecht said. “Our main focus is to implement healthy competition, increase student diversity, increase unity and increase alumni involvement.”

A new addition to homecoming includes distributing special red and white “Journey Through the Decades” wristbands to blood drive volunteers and donors. The wristbands can be used to receive special discounts at Dickson Street businesses.

For more details about homecoming and a schedule of events, visit homecoming.uark.edu or call the Arkansas Alumni Association at 888-275-2586.

Established 46 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 2011 (finishing degree requirements in August or December 2010 or May 2011.) 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.

Kristin Watson is a Sturgis Fellow and Goldwater Scholar who majored in both chemistry and physics. These fields have provided myriad opportunities for studying different specialties such as biophysics, astronomy and condensed matter science. She especially enjoys being a role model who recruits future scientists and encourages students to explore the world of research.

Studying abroad in Scotland, Watson discovered the world of nuclear science but upon returning to Arkansas, she found a lack of nuclear courses available. With determination, she lobbied for and received a subatomic physics course.

Watson joined Kappa Delta sorority at the University of Arkansas. There, she enjoyed the opportunities to make a difference for women through the Stand Up! Stand Out! program, which is designed to provide a forum for women to discuss different types of negative peer pressure. Additionally, Watson was instrumental in creating programs within Kappa Delta to improve academic standards.

She believes that “now is the most exhilarating time to become involved with nuclear research because it has the potential to change the face of energy around the globe.”

Billy Fleming started his college education as a cadet at West Point but returned to Arkansas and enrolled in the five-year professional program in landscape architecture. While completing two distinct undergraduate theses at the same time he was engaged in humanitarian work in Arkansas and abroad. Fleming was also named to the Fay Jones School of Architecture dean’s list seven consecutive semesters.

Fleming’s work on his first thesis took him to Jerusalem. While conducting research there, circumstances took him to a Palestinian refugee camp where one planned night evolved into 10 days of altruistic efforts. This experience led Fleming to become more involved locally on a variety of issues, including becoming the first student from the Jones School of Architecture to serve as president of the Associated Student Government.

Fleming was a non-traditional student whose energy and enthusiasm guided university students during the past school year. As president of the Associated Student Government, Fleming supported the formulation and implementation of the new sustainability minor, which will be offered for the first time in the fall. Additionally, he developed and installed a pilot program for classrooms to reduce paper waste.

“I know that whatever I am able to give back to the Razorback family will never equal what has been given to me,” Fleming said.