For the past 20 years, the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering, a group of influential and high-achieving alumni of the University of Arkansas civil engineering department, has awarded scholarships to deserving civil engineering students. This year, the academy has awarded over $55,000 to 50 students, the highest amount so far.
Robert Elliot, former civil engineering department head and an academy member, explained that starting in their sophomore year, civil engineering students can apply for the scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of need and merit. “We simply ask the students to write us something telling us why they should get an academy scholarship,” he explained. He credits Charles Yates, former president of the academy, with encouraging the academy members to contribute and explained that former civil engineering professor Jack Buffington has been instrumental in identifying deserving students.
Cary Beth Lipscomb, a junior civil engineering student, has received a scholarship from the Academy for the past two years. She explained that the benefits she gets from this scholarship are more than just financial; the relationship she’s developed with Julian and Nana Stewart, the donors of her scholarship, has also helped her. Lipscomb and the other students who have received scholarships from the Stewart’s communicate regularly with the couple and have social events each semester.
“They’re so warm,” said Lipscomb of the Stewart’s. “They treat you like family. It keeps my motivation up, knowing that somebody is behind me and has faith in me.” Lipscomb also explained that, as a graduate of the same program she is in now, Julian Stewart can give her advice and help her succeed in her classes. “He’s been there, so he knows what we’re going through,” she said.
