For Nathan and Natalie Becknell of Fayetteville, togetherness takes on a whole new meaning. Since they met as engineering students at the University of Arkansas in 2002, the couple have started their careers, funded scholarships for current students, served in advisory roles and started a family … together. Natalie graduated from the College of Engineering in 2003, and Nathan followed in 2004. During their time as students, both were involved in Tau Beta Pi, the college’s honor society, and Chi Epsilon, the honor society specific to civil engineering. To this day, Nathan and Natalie come to campus as alumni to serve in advisory capacities to those following in their footsteps.
“We give reassurance,” said Nathan. “The students who are doing the best academically often doubt themselves the most. We give advice that will help them with current classes and projects and also prepare them for the real world.”
The Becknells also continue to support the college’s concrete canoe contest, the setting of their initial meeting during her junior and his sophomore year.
In addition to their time and guidance, the couple also contributes to scholarships in the college each year. In fact, this practice began the year Natalie finished her master’s degree in 2005. They have continued to give annually aside from one year during Nathan’s master’s program.
“As undergraduates, we both attended the University of Arkansas on full scholarships,” said Natalie, a distinguished young alumnus as recognized by the college, “and neither of us would have a degree today without that support. As alumni, we learned quickly that you don’t have to endow a scholarship to make a difference. We make it a priority each year to give back, and we do what we can.”
Nathan and Natalie are givers by nature, but they feel strongly that anyone can get involved, financially or through giving of their time — or both, as they choose to do.
“Alumni can pool money and make a difference that way,” said Natalie. “Sure, you may not be able to give as much on your own, but talk to a few friends and see if you can come together and make it happen. Or visit campus and talk to students. A few minutes of one-on-one advice can really impact a student’s life.”
“When I finish my master’s degree, we will have our names on Senior Walk a total of four times,” said Nathan. “That’s encouraging to other students, and it’s something we’re very proud of because the University of Arkansas has done a lot for us.”
Staying involved has also resulted in positive outcomes for the couple’s employer — yes, the same employer and even the same office — Garver Engineers. They recruit on campus and remain close with the students, so they know who the standouts are and they can help guide their career paths. This practice has resulted in some great hires for internships, which can lead to full-time jobs after graduation.
Outside of university life, the Becknells are involved in the First Christian Church of Fayetteville, and they volunteer with the Illinois River Watershed Project where they clean up streams and plant new trees to revitalize the area.
The self-proclaimed “outdoorsy” family spends time hiking and camping with their one-year-old daughter, Clara, the primary beneficiary of the Becknells’ time and generosity.
