Not only does the new site include bolder colors, new pictures, an easy-to-navigate menu and up-to-date news and events, but it provides a more user-friendly experience for visitors. By adding a drop down menu to each navigation tab, visitors can access particular pages faster and more effectively.

Visitors who are members of the Association may log-in and receive a personalized greeting, as well as a personalized tab that provides easy access to various areas of the website, based upon the interests of the member. Members also receive access to VIPerks promotional codes, as well as access to the online directory.  By logging in, members can update their public profile by uploading photos, adding friends and blogs, and creating groups.

Non-members of the Association who sign-in will also have a personalized greeting as well as access to many of the websites perks.  A personalized profile, easy event registration, news stories and photos are just a few of the new features that can be found in the online community.

For visitors who do not sign-in to the community, many of the site features will still be accessible; however, the personalization tab and access to your public profile and promotional codes will not become active until sign-in.

By providing visitors with an easier, more accessible way to communicate with fellow University of Arkansas alumni and friends, the Association encourages you to join the online community and start exploring all of its features targeted to improve your alumni experience.

The Alumni Association will be emailing login instructions to all Arkansas alumni and friends for the new online community on Wednesday, February 8.  The email will include detailed login instructions for the online community including a login ID and a link to the new website. If you do not receive the login instructions on February 8, please contact the Arkansas Alumni Association at help@arkansasalumni.org or 1.888.275.2586.

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.

When asked what advice he would give to students who are striving academically, he advises that one “find a regimen that works best for them and to stay focused and consistent.” During his years as an undergraduate student, Airic recalls going home directly after class and reading his class notes for an hour before work or relaxation; this was his regimen, his way of staying focused. Airic plans to further his education in the field of history and to fulfill his ultimate goal of becoming a history professor.

On behalf of BAS, congratulations Airic!

“I couldn’t be more appreciative of the five hundred dollar scholarship from the Independence County Chapter Arkansas Alumni Association.  This scholarship will help me with my education continuation; moreover, this scholarship will reduce my financial burden along the way,” he said.

Currently working for Great Plains Coca-Cola, as well as part-time at Wal-Mart, he understands the importance of balancing school and work. Looking to take 15 hours of course credit, he plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice with hopes of one day working with the state police.

“In closing, I would like to thank the Independence County Chapter Arkansas Alumni Association for the generous scholarship I was awarded with one last time.  Thanks again.”

“I cannot thank you enough for the generosity you have shown by giving me the Board of Directors Scholarship for $2,500 a year… By receiving this scholarship, this will help the financial burden my parents are so generously helping me with, and will help in my struggle of working all through college to help pay for tuition. Arkansas is the university my heart is set on, and I will do anything to better my education at this superb facility. This scholarship makes it easier to help me achieve my dreams,” she stated in her thank you letter.

As a freshman this fall, Ketcher looks to pursue a degree in nursing, saying, “I [will] strive to excel in my studies so that I will graduate as a pediatric registered nurse.” Not only does she view the University of Arkansas a place to further her education, but she hopes to experience new adventures and obtain lasting relationships.

“The attaining of this scholarship is an honor. Words cannot express the gratitude me and my family have. I hope in the future we may become close, and I may get to know the amazing group of people who have blessed me with this opportunity. I cannot wait to start the adventure ahead of me at the University of Arkansas, and with the help of you it’s possible to achieve my hearts dreams.”

Graduating with highest honors, she wanted to find a college that would allow her to take challenging courses while testing her knowledge and abilities. Once she toured the University of Arkansas and learned more about the Honors program, she knew it would be the place that would provide her with a quality education.

Being the first member of her family to attend college, Rogers appreciates the opportunity to attend the university, as well as receive this special award, saying, “This scholarship is an enormous gift because it is investing in my future by allowing me to further my education and pursue my dreams of becoming a doctor.  I promise to represent the Arkansas Alumni Association well by upholding my GPA and being a positive role model at the U of A.”

Opting to major in biochemistry, she plans to enroll in the Honors College and take part in an “intense” learning environment. Rogers also believes that by being in the Honors College and living in a dorm dedicated to Honors students, it will enable her to form lasting relationships.

Apart from her studies, as well as her desire to study abroad, she does plan to make time for on-campus activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Excited that the university has a HPER building, she looks forward to swimming laps and taking exercise classes to stay in shape.

“This scholarship means so much to me because it is giving me the potential to pursue my passion for gaining a high quality education at the University of Arkansas.  I appreciate all of your hard work and commitment to helping college students gain a better education.  I am very excited about attending the University of Arkansas this fall.  Thank you again for your support and generous gift.”

When deciding where she would attend college, it was an easy choice. As a life-long Razorback fan and admirer of the University of Arkansas, she knew the university would offer her the best educational opportunities.

“Thank you very much for your generous support in granting me this ‘Roads’ Scholarship of $2500 per year.  This will significantly lower the cost of my schooling and make it possible for me to take out a lower amount of loans,” she said.

Once she begins in the fall, she plans to major in marketing and minor in Spanish. Already setting future career goals, Lemieux hopes to either go onto law school or work within a corporation after obtaining her bachelor’s degree.

Planning to take full advantage of some of the programs offered, she says, “I also hope to participate in the Honors College and study abroad.  I believe studying abroad is the chance of a life time and it has always been a dream of mine.” While her priority will be academics, Lemieux has ideas to join a sorority, play intramural sports and participate in a campus ministry.

“Thank you once again for granting me this scholarship.  It will help me greatly in funding my education and making a future for myself.”

“I would like to sincerely thank the Arkansas Alumni Association for their generous support.  Of the 87 finalists, I have received the ‘Roads’ Scholarship of $2,500 per year that will enable me to attend the University of Arkansas,” she said.

While on campus, Hage plans to major in psychology and anthropology. Her interest to obtain as much as knowledge as she can on these topics has also fueled her hopes of participating in the honors program and in various research opportunities on campus.

“Once again, I’d like to thank the Alumni Association for the scholarship.  I thank you for giving me this chance to further my education.”