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.

Heath Bowman, Assistant Director of the out-of-state territories, explains that the purpose behind the “Helpin’ Like a Hog” program is to “provide alumni with a way to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family through community service.” Recognizing that there are volunteers who wish to give back in more than just monetary ways, the program will help to show that volunteering one’s time and effort can be valuable.

As more and more alumni express an interest in getting involved, it is Bowman’s goal to inform chapters of the benefits of creating opportunities for community service through the “Helpin’ Like a Hog” program.   Although alumni chapters regularly host social functions and networking events throughout the year, Bowman sees community service as an attractive option for chapters looking to find new ways to engage alumni.

Mike Macechko, Executive Director of the Association, recognizes that young people are often “attuned to being involved in community service;” however, the Association hopes the program will attract and encourage alumni of all ages to get involved in community service. “Community service bonds people together for a common cause.  That sense of connection and community is a major goal of the Arkansas Alumni Association,” Bowman said.

With the most recent tornadoes and floods impacting communities in several states throughout the southern portion of the United States, the Association staff realized the necessity to have a program that could provide volunteer leaders with a way to “connect through service.” Plans have already been made to help those affected in Joplin and in the Denning and Etna areas. Additionally, Mike Macechko, Executive Director of the Association, expressed his belief that “in addition to words of concern and prayers, we believe we can help a chapter area by involving geographically close chapters who might want to help.”

Bowman believes that although it is in its beginning stages, the “Helpin’ Like a Hog” program “will be a great asset to chapters in organizing community response efforts in the future.”

Alan Mantooth, distinguished professor and 21^st Century chair in mixed-signal IC design and CAD electrical engineering in the College of Engineering, is the recipient for research. Mantooth is recognized internationally as one of the world’s leading engineers in the development of modeling and simulation software specifically for use in power electronics circuit design, and the first to develop many of the models and techniques in commercial use today. A holder of multiple patents, he has led the start-up of two companies – Lynguent Inc. and Arkansas Power Electronics International Inc. Together, these companies employ more than 35 engineers in Fayetteville in addition to engineers, sales and administrative staff in the United States, Korea and Japan.

He has spearheaded teams leading to the formation of three research centers, two of them sponsored by the National Science Foundation and private companies like Texas Instruments and Toyota Technology Research Center. He also helped establish the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmissions at the university in 2005 and serves as its director. In addition to earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from the University of Arkansas, Mantooth received a doctoral degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1990.

Marty Matlock, professor of biological and agricultural engineering in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences and in the College of Engineering, is the recipient for service. Matlock has dedicated the past 10 years to developing an internationally recognized program in ecological engineering at the University of Arkansas. In the past four years, he has worked with The Sustainability Consortium in the Sam M. Walton College of Business to develop a global platform for science-based, outcomes driven, transparent metrics for sustainable production across the food, beverage and agriculture supply chain. The consortium is now the leading academic research-based organization in supply chain sustainability metric development in the world.

He has been engaged in shaping the international discourse on sustainable agriculture during the past five years. Matlock has worked with the University of Arkansas Community Design Center for seven years to develop novel solutions to complex challenges in sustainable community design. As a member of the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Okla., he has been engaged in tribal management of natural resources for more than 10 years and now serves as chairman of the Cherokee Nation Environmental Protection Commission. Matlock has three academic degrees from Oklahoma State University – a bachelor’s in soil chemistry, a master’s in plant physiology and a doctoral degree in biosystems engineering.

Robert Stapp, associate professor of economics in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, is the recipient of the faculty award for teaching. During 2010, Stapp taught six distinct course preparations from sophomore to upper level classes, including honors courses.

“Anyone who’s had Dr. Stapp as a teacher will readily tell you of his genuine concern for students. Not only does he make time to listen to his students’ concerns and ideas, but he is always ready to guide with sage advice whenever needed,” former student Daniel Hazman wrote in his nomination letter.

Stapp also leads a group of students to Japan each summer for an intense study abroad programs, which includes visits with the chief executive officers of top Japanese firms and government officials, cultural events and home stays. Among his teaching awards, he has been named the Walton College of Business Outstanding Teacher of the Year four times, the 2010 Beta Gamma Sigma Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding Mentor 2010 and the 2010 Walton College of Business Team Service Award along with the Charles and Nadine Baum Teaching Award in 2004. He earned bachelor’s degrees in history and economics at Oklahoma City University and master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from Oklahoma State University.

John Pijanowski, associate professor of educational leadership in the College of Education and Health Professions, is the recipient of the university’s teaching honor, the Charles and Nadine Baum Faculty Teaching Award for 2010.

A doctoral student who wrote a letter in support of his nomination said Pijanowski didn’t reform technology for use in the classroom, he re-invented it. Many other students in their evaluations of his classes also praised the hybrid format that Pijanowski created with a wide variety of technology to allow for effective in-class and online work.

“John Pijanowski is extremely deserving of this award,” said Tom Smith, dean of the college. “His innovative teaching style serves his students, most of whom are working professionals, in a way they may not be able to find anywhere else, and he delivers quality instruction that will result in better schools in Arkansas and elsewhere.”

As an associate professor and program coordinator of educational leadership at the University of Arkansas, Pijanowski works with master’s and doctoral students preparing to serve as researchers and educational leaders. He teaches graduate courses in ethics, leadership and law and has designed several new courses recently including “The Moral Mind in Action,” “Moral Courage,” “Teaching Character” and “Leadership Ethics.” Pijanowski has more than 30 publications and 25 presentations in the fields of leadership and ethics. In 2010, he was honored with the college’s top faculty award for outstanding service, teaching, advising and research. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brown University and a master’s and doctoral degree from Cornell University in educational leadership.

The three Arkansas Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award recipients learned they were receiving the awards through surprise visits to their departmental meetings or while teaching a class. They will officially be honored, along with the Baum Teaching Award recipient, during the Alumni Awards Celebration in the fall.

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See more surprise photos of this years recipients on Flickr.

Stop by the original Block Street store in Fayetteville, AR and save! They will be open 9-9, all regular Houndstooth merchandise will be 50% off Dead Day only, and they will have tons of sample custom t-shirts for $7 & $10 from The Houndstooth Press!

Can’t make it on Dead Day? No problem! Members can save 25% EVERY DAY at the Block Street shop on select merchandise!

Learn more about our membership perk!

Razorback Summer Camps Schedule

Updated June 7, 2011

Baseball
June 21-23 – Session 1 of Junior Razorback All Skills Camp (Ages 6-12)
June 28-30 – Session 2 of Junior Razorback All Skills Camp (Ages 6-12)
July 6 – Pitching Camp (Ages 10 and up)
July 7 – Hitting/Position Camp (Ages 10 and up)
August 12, 13 or 14 - Razorback Select Showcase (High School Players Only)
Coach Dave Van Horn, former and current players, and the staff at Baum Stadium will be on hand to provide instruction at various camps.
Learn more

Men’s Basketball
June 10-12 – Team Camp (Grades 8-12)
June 12-15 – Overnight Camp (Grades 5-12)
June 27-30 – Skills Camp (Grades 1-4)
August 6 – Position Camp (Grades 8-12)
Boys will have the opportunity to receive individual instruction from Coach Mike Anderson and his staff.
Learn more

Women’s Basketball
June 6-8 – Lil’Backs Camp (Grades K-4 from 4:30-7:00 p.m.)
June 15-17 – Team Camp I
June 17-18 – Basketball Boot Camp (Grades 8-12)
July 8-9 – Team Camp II
July 12-14 – Fundamental Camp (Grades 5-8)
July 15-16 – Position Camp (Grades 4-8)
July 16 – Parent/Child Camp (Grades 3-8)
Girls will receive one-on-one and team instruction from Coach  Tom Collen and his staff to elevate their basketball skills.
Learn more

Football
June 12-14 – Senior High Camp (Grades 9-12)
June 15 – Youth Camp (Grades 1-4)
June 16-18 – Jr. High Camp (Grades 5-8)
July 16 – Junior/Senior Prospect Camp
Campers will learn the importance of attitude, discipline, pride and hard work at Coach Bobby Petrino’s camp along with enhancing their playing skills.
Learn more

Men’s Golf
June 12-15 – (Ages 10-18)
Campers will have the ability to learn at various skill levels, basic and advanced techniques, while enjoying the game of golf at the Razorback Training Facility.
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Women’s Golf
June 12-15 – (Ages 10-19) senior graduates may attend
Girls of all skill levels will learn basic and advanced techniques of golf at a collegiate level and in a fun environment.
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Gymnastics
June 25-29 – (Ages 7 and up)
During the week campers will be instructed on all four events as well as dance, strength, trampoline and flexibility. Co-Head Coaches Mark and Rene Cook, and other staff members will be on hand to provide instruction.
Learn more

Soccer
June 13-17 – Youth Co-Ed Camp (Grades K-8)
June 28-July 1 – Girls Residential Camp (Grades 8-12)
All skill levels are invited to learn about the fundamentals of soccer from Razorback coaches and current and former Razorback players.
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Softball
August 27 – (Grades 8-12)
Campers will learn catching skills, infield and outfield play, baserunning, and hitting at Bogle Park.
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Tennis Co-Ed Camp
June 13-16 – Session I (Ages 7-18)
June 20-23 – Session II (Ages 7-18)
Both camps are from 9:30-4 p.m. and campers will receive quality instruction from Camp Director Eduardo Rincon and staff. Campers will learn technique, competitive drills, games, conditioning, and match play.
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Volleyball
July 5-7 – Lil’Back Camp (Grades 4-7)
July 8-10 – All Skills Camp (Grades 8-12)
July 11-13 – Team Camp I (JV and Varsity)
July 14 – Position Camp
July 15-17 – Team Camp II (Varsity only)
July 19 – Team Camp (Junior High only)
Campers of all skill levels will have the opportunity to learn valuable techniques from the Razorback coaching staff and other college and club coaches.
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Learn More & Enter Today!