by Collin Brunner B.S.H.E.S. ’10, Annual Member
Rebecca Luebker
Rebecca Luebker is a two-time graduate of the University of Arkansas and a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association. She recently met with the association’s Assistant Director for Membership Experience Collin Brunner to discuss her U of A student experience and what association membership means to her. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation.
What was your favorite activity or event with the Arkansas Alumni Association?
I am really excited about the future of the Arkansas Alumni Association, in the Summer 2021 edition of the Arkansas Magazine there was a call for the creation of the Native American Alumni Society. I am excited to be a part of this new society and our ability to mentor and recruit outstanding Native students across Indian Country. The university has a long history of Native students, and I am looking forward to the opportunities of connecting across generations. In my family, we have the fifth-generation Cherokee Nation Razorback on campus, and it will be such an honor to welcome my niece one day into the alumni family.
What made you choose the University of Arkansas?
Mary and Barney Forbes at a U of A dance.
Tradition – My family’s educational history in Fayetteville predates the University of Arkansas. My 3x Great Grandmother Flora Chamberlain Ridge was educated at the Fayetteville Female Seminary (Founded in 1839), her daughter Alice Polson became the first Native graduate from the University of Arkansas in 1888, and ever since my family has been a part of the University of Arkansas. My grandparents met walking near Holcombe Hall and my parents met when Pomfret Hall was the newest residence hall on campus. Growing up, we spent a lot of time walking on campus connecting to the various parts of our family history. Whether it was the front of Old Main Lawn where my grandfather would drill for ROTC, the Engineering building where my dad would research, or the Biology department where my mom stole a pig to study for an exam. But every time we went on campus, we always went to the first name on the sidewalk, Alice Polson. I must admit when singing the Alma Mater and Mothers of Mother we sing unto you, I think of Alice and the tradition she started more than 130 years ago.
Did you have a mentor, class or activity that enhanced your campus experience?
I was fortunate to have had several mentors at the U of A, in my studies I had the honor of having three academic advisors that shaped my worldview in Dr. Tom Paradise, Dr. Najib Ghadbian, and Hoyt Purvis. All three were passionate educators in which I am fortunate to share their wisdom with my high school students. I was also involved with Panhellenic Council in my time at the University of Arkansas serving as President and Recruitment Chair, during that time Deb Euculano and Dr. Scott Walter were influential as we were beginning the early expansion time in the early 2000s.
What degree program did you complete, and what did your time at the University of Arkansas mean to you?
I have a B.A. in International Relations and Middle East Studies and an M.A. in Political Science; I really value the opportunities of studying the Middle East and Political Science. As a high school teacher, I can introduce my students to the world so that they can see the possibilities and not the limitations. My time at the University of Arkansas prepared me to engage my students in what it means to be a global citizen.
