Representatives from University of Arkansas visit with students in Gabriella Hernandez’s second grade class at Schulze Elementary School in Irving, Texas, as part of the No Excuses University program.
One of the important trends we have seen recently during our annual scholarship review sessions is the heavy emphasis incoming students have placed on community service. As those classes have graduated, we have seen community service as an important volunteer opportunity for alumni. In the past month, we have seen two great examples of how that “Helpin’ Like a Hog” mentality is alive and well.
J.O. Schulze elementary school in Irving, Texas has a second grade class that has adopted the University of Arkansas and its Razorbacks in a (pardon the pun) whole hog way. Teacher Gabrielle Hernandez, originally from Bolivia, remembered that several relatives had attended the university. When the school became part of a larger program to encourage its students to think about college, she turned to Arkansas.
Our Dallas Chapter jumped at the opportunity to help these economically and socially disadvantaged students. On a regular basis, alumni volunteers from the chapter entered the classroom, read to students and, more importantly, told them about the advantages of going to college with special emphasis on their alma mater. Razorback memorabilia was introduced and the stampede began.
In May several university officials traveled to Irving to meet with the class. As we entered, we were met by 19 students dressed in red or white shirts. Images of Razorbacks were everywhere. Several students noticed that some of the university party wore Razorback ties and pins. Again, we had a reading session and then gave each student a certificate and Razorback lapel pin while naming them Honorary Razorbacks. The look on their faces was priceless. Finally, we were treated to an expected Hog Call and an unexpected rendition of the fight song that might put current students to shame.
Most of all, we believe alumni have made a big difference in these lives.
Secondly, the horrific spring weather that has resulted in devastating tornadoes in Joplin and Arkansas’ Franklin County has given the association another opportunity to be helpful. We are organizing the “Helpin’ Like a Hog” program which will include a call for volunteers to help in those damaged areas. The Franklin County effort in Denning and Etna will occur later this month and we are encouraging any alumni who want to help to join us.
We will work on a specific project as guided by the Tri-State Chapter (in Joplin) later when access is more open. We are relying on our NWA Chapter and newly formed chapters in Springfield and Kansas City to help us in this effort. Again, let us know if you want to volunteer.
Finally, if you are looking for that ideal tailgating area for next fall, the Association has a small number of parking/tailgate spaces available in the parking lot just south of the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. You can contact Phillip Gahagans at programs@arkansasalumni.org or 479-575-2801 for more details or to reserve a spot today.
