Two words describe the emotions of the 11 outstanding people honored during the 65th annual Alumni Awards Celebration – humble and grateful. The Association’s largest awards dinner was filled with laughter and tears of joy as each accepted his or her award on Oct. 30 at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.
During their remarks, alumni were quick to credit their faculty and classes at the University of Arkansas, for their accomplishments. Perhaps Larry Bittle BSBA’71, president of the Larry Bittle Insurance Agency who received the Community Service Award, said it best. “There’s no doubt that because of the education I received here, doors were opened and opportunities presented.”
Lewis Epley BSPA’61 LLB’61, a retired attorney, banker and businessman who received the Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award, reminded the audience to “connect the dots” and remember who helped get you where you are.
Brandon and Elizabeth Barnes Keener, both BA’97, an actor and casting director, said they are always proud to tell people in Hollywood about their Arkansas roots. They added that the University’s drama department helped them prepare and train to work with actors and others in the entertainment industry from top universities around the country.
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Don Pederson has the dedication to the University of an alumnus and now he officially is as he received the Honorary Alumni Award. “It is a privilege to serve the University and be part of its history,” said the 37-year University employee.
For Faculty Achievement Award recipients Laurent Bellaiche, a physics professor, and Dub Ashton, associate professor of marketing and logistics, the University of Arkansas has become home. Both told the story of moving their families to Arkansas for a short time that has turned into a decade for Bellaiche and 29 years for Ashton.
Economics professor Amy Farmer, who oversees the interdepartmental Belize Project, said she is “very fortunate to be at the University of Arkansas, where a program like this is possible. It’s the commitment to students that led faculty to try something different.”
The final presentations of the evening were three Citation of Distinguished Alumni awards, given to alumni who represent the University’s tradition of excellence.
Cordia Harrington BSHE’76, president and CEO of the Tennessee Bun Company, said the University of Arkansas gave her “roots and wings” to become a successful entrepreneur, who learned faith and persistence.
Art Meripol BA’77, senior travel photographer for Southern Living magazine, admitted that even though he is a Texas native, he always tells people he’s from Arkansas. “I love this university, and I love this state.”
Gov. Mike Beebe JD’72 concluded his remarks by saying education is the key to Arkansas moving forward and everyone contributes in their own way. Without the law degree he obtained at the University, he said he wouldn’t be able to contribute as a senator, attorney general and now governor.
