Scholarship Luncheon
School of Law celebrates benefactors and students at the annual scholarship luncheon each year.
Benefactors and friends from near and far reminisce about their time in college, how the School of Law allowed them to excel in their legal profession, and what motivates them to give today. They also interact with the students they support — listening to their achievements, personal stories and student journeys, which are significantly impacted by the scholarships.
Impact Of Scholarships
Kara Lambert to Sidney Davis Jr.
Sidney P. Davis Jr. Scholarship
“My time in law school thus far has surpassed any expectations I may have had beforehand. I have found a course of study that I am fully enthralled with and one that I am academically talented in – a promising future and career that I will wake up every day thankful to participate in. You support has made my law school experience that much better, and I am endlessly thankful!”
Antonio “Tony” Jones to Nadine Hardin-Miller
P.H. “Hugh” Hardin Scholarship
“I am not only grateful for this act of philanthropy, but also thankful to the legacy of the man the scholarship honors. I am especially grateful for our mutual ties to the Fort Smith community…and could only hope to have as much a storied legal career as his.”
Badria Mryyan to Sally DeVazier
James E. McDaniel Memorial Scholarship
In the fall of 2018, I entered law school hoping to eventually become an immigration attorney for those who cannot afford legal services. With the generous support from individuals like you and the friends and family of Mr. McDaniel, my goal has become more of a reality with each passing day… Last semester I worked in the law school’s immigration clinic where I helped asylum seekers and individuals fleeing domestic violence with petitions to stay in the country.”
Peyton Hildebrand to Tabi Lipscomb
Pearson Foundation
“Being a Pearson Fellow has motivated me to maintain my GPA and excel academically. I have remained at the top of the class and have been given amazing opportunities as a result of my academic achievements. The honor [of being a Pearson Fellow] has gifted me with the resources to focus on class and be involved in law school competitions because I haven’t had to work.”
Why Do I Give?
Sid Davis | Donor, Class of 1960
“I received a $500 scholarship when I was in my second year of law school. It made
a huge difference. I wanted to give other law students the same push I received.”
Dina Wood | Donor, Class of 1988
“An institution that invests in its students through scholarships is investing in
the future of the student, the institution, and the state. I am honored to do my part
by funding law student engagement in public service initiatives.”
Connie Lewis Lensing | Donor, Class of 1977
“I have had the most rewarding career possible. I owe all of it to my education at
the University of Arkansas law school. In order to pay it back, I want to be sure
that those who grew up in the Delta of Arkansas, as I did, have a chance to attend
this wonderful institution. It is my honor to be a part of giving scholarships to
University of Arkansas law school students.”
Cyndi Nance | Donor and Nathan G. Gordon Professor of Law and Dean Emerita
“The generous financial support I received though donors to the law school allowed
me to obtain my JD degree. My education has afforded me many opportunities for which
I am most grateful. Providing support for current students is my way of paying it
forward.”
John D. and Jayne Alford Endowed Scholarship for Tribal Citizens
Alumni John and Jayne Alford of Fort Smith created an endowed scholarship in the University
of Arkansas School of Law specifically for citizens of federally recognized tribes
indigenous to the United States. This endowed scholarship is available to students
who are currently enrolled in the law school and maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point
average. Students who apply for the scholarship will be required to write a three-
to five-page essay on the representation of tribal citizens in the legal community.
The Alfords are members of the Arkansas Alumni Association and are included in the Towers of Old Main, the University of Arkansas’ most prestigious giving society.
Boone, Johnson, Neely and Wilson Legal Opportunity Scholarship
This scholarship was created through the generosity of School of Law alumni Cornelius and Tea’ Boone, Greneda Johnson, Efrem Neely, and Angela Wilson. The group, all members of the University of Arkansas School of Law Class of 2007, created the scholarship to encourage and facilitate diverse students in choosing law as a profession.
Giving Matters
Learn more about how to support students through scholarships, visit our online giving page.