The Garland County Chapter will host John Diamond, associate vice chancellor of university relations, and Clint Stoerner, former quarterback of the Arkansas Razorbacks, at its annual scholarship fundraiser on Saturday, September 24, 2011.
Held at the home of chapter members, Paul and Tracy Rice, guests will enjoy dinner and a silent auction, with all of the proceeds going to help the Garland County Scholarship Fund. Currently, there are 460 chapter members, consisting of both alumni and friends of the University of Arkansas. Dedicated to staying involved and promoting the mission of the Association, chapter members work to help fund scholarships for incoming and current students. Since 1994, the Chapter has raised over $85,000 and awarded 75 scholarships to students attending the University of Arkansas from Garland County.
During the event, guests will also be joined by Diamond, who is one of the scheduled guest speakers. Arriving at Arkansas from the University of Maine System one year ago, Diamond has an extensive background in politics, communication and higher education. Receiving a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in speech communications, both from the University of Maine, Diamond decided to pursue a doctorate in communication and public administration.
Beginning his career in politics, he served eight years with the Maine House of Representatives. In 1992, with knowledge of media relations, he left politics and served as director of public affairs, and as an assistant professor of journalism and mass communications at the University of Maine in Orono. Realizing that higher education was an appropriate environment to test his abilities, Diamond left after 10 years of service and accepted a position as executive director of external affairs at the University of Maine System. Working as the speech writer and spokesperson for the chancellor and board of trustees, Diamond demonstrated valuable skills in brand and website management, opinion research, advocacy, special events and marketing. Now, as associate vice chancellor of university relations at the University of Arkansas, he is the university’s chief communications officer and is responsible for increasing public understanding and support for the university.
Guests will also enjoy hearing from Stoerner, who is the second featured speaker of the evening. Growing up in Baytown, TX, Stoerner came to the University of Arkansas where he played quarterback for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1996–99.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for alumni members are $35 and $40 for non-members. Guests can send their payments to: Garland County Chapter of Arkansas Alumni Association, 100 Bluesage Ct., Hot Springs, AR 71901.
For more information, or to RSVP for the event, contact Libby Vines at Libby.Vines@bxs.com by September 16, 2011.
