Pictured left to right: Ethan Bonar, Kris Macechko, Mike Macechko

February is one of those months that exemplifies the broad nature of activity that is part of the Arkansas Alumni Association. Our staff has been working and traveling to spread the message of the University of Arkansas and alumni association.

This is Pride of Arkansas Tour month. Teams of alumni staff members have been on the road bringing an update of the university to alumni and friends at 47 venues. Averaging two events each day, we are meeting alumni in big cities and small towns. At every stop, we have been encouraged by the loyalty of alumni who take great pride in their degree and their alma mater.

I personally have been to Rogers, Dallas, Forrest City and Springfield with Fort Smith and Fayetteville events still scheduled. Each stop brought new insight. In Rogers, alumni proved that even in the back yard of the university, there is a desire to stay connected beyond newspaper and television reporting. Local alumni can volunteer for a variety of alumni activities on campus.

In Dallas, younger graduates can use an alumni network to become connected with other Arkansans on both a social and career basis. I met other “mature” alumni who had been meaning to get involved who finally took that step — and enjoyed it.  Everyone was excited to hear of the opportunities available for potential students to attend the university.

Forrest City confirmed a theory that the University of Arkansas has a major presence in every town in the state. Some of the city’s most prominent citizens were in attendance – and they were all University of Arkansas alumni! A circuit judge, the newspaper publisher, attorneys, architects and business people were among the alumni who were eager to learn about the quality of the university, its students and faculty.

Springfield presented an opportunity to again emphasize that out-of-state students can receive a top education at an attractive price value. Young alumni mingled with a former association president and longtime chapter leaders and volunteered to become active in the reorganization of a chapter.  Everyone noted that the Missouri Hog license plate was earning scholarship dollars for Missouri students to attend the university.

Back home this weekend, the staff will join about 30 volunteers who will review nearly 400 applications for next year’s Alumni Association Scholarships. Many of those in attendance are veteran reviewers, but a significant number of new volunteers will be here including former recipients of the scholarships.

At the same time, one of our most prominent alumni, Ricardo Martinelli, president of the Republic of Panama, will be visiting campus. This return, his first since receiving the Citation of Distinguished Alumni during 2002 Homecoming, will afford him an opportunity to meet with Arkansas businessmen, congressional representatives and educators as he strengthens the long-established link between the university and Panamanian alumni. The result will be the establishment of our first international alumni organization.

Next week, the alumni board of directors will conduct its winter meeting during which discussions about our website, membership efforts, possible alumni award recipients and how to tackle a budget crunch will be on the agenda. Again, these 33 volunteers offer their valuable time to provide direction for the association.

What is sometimes lost as we meet these challenges, is the efficient, energetic effort provided by the alumni staff. These 23 people, all members of the alumni association, are passionate about their work, this university and the cause of the association. I salute them and consider them to be the best alumni staff in the nation.

I can’t wait till next month!