After it became the most successful FundRazor campaign in University of Arkansas history last year and reached endowment, the Maxine Miller Legacy Fund in the Gender Studies Program continues to raise funds to support student research, conference travel, and scholarships — all while honoring its trailblazing local business legend and namesake.
The fund was established in memory of Maxine Miller, long recognized as a groundbreaking business leader and pillar in both the Fayetteville and university communities.
The fund first formed in late 2022, then in the spring of 2023, the fund hosted its first dedicated month-long campaign, raising nearly $35,000 that May. From there, its success continued to grow, soon reaching the crucial $50,000 mark which meant it could become endowed. This ensures the fund can grow in perpetuity, providing lasting support for generations of U of A gender studies students to come.
“Maxine would be ecstatic over this fund reaching endowment so quickly. Throughout her life, she had loyal ties to the university, its students and the community. This fund is her everlasting way of giving back. I am honored and so thankful for Lisa and Hannah working so hard to help make this happen, and am excited for it to grow as we continue to fundraise,” said Maxine’s great-niece, Andrea Foren B.S.B.A.’04.
*This post is condensed from a longer article by Lisa Corrigan and Andra Liwag published in the fall 2024 issue of Arkansas Magazine. Corrigan is a professor of communication in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Gender Studies Program. Liwag is a development writer for Fulbright College.
