- University News Archive - UA ��Ƶlogo

- University News Archive - UA ��Ƶlogo /news-archive/tag/elaine-eubank/ UA ��Ƶlogo Thu, 24 May 2018 16:39:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Second ACCE cohort graduates from UA ��Ƶlogo /news-archive/2018/05/24/second-acce-cohort-graduates/ Thu, 24 May 2018 16:39:45 +0000 /news/?p=70663 ...]]> Kari Lott has a dream to one day save up enough money to open and run her own restaurant, a dream she is determined to make come true through her hard work and inspiring attitude. She is one of 12 students who celebrated their graduation from the ��Ƶlogo, Community, Career Development and Employment (ACCE) Program May 21 at the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo. The joint program between UA ��Ƶlogo and gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a college experience and prepare them for competitive employment. “When I first got into the ACCE program, I was a little scared not knowing if I could do the work,” said Lott, who now has a full-time job at the Movie Tavern and was selected to speak at the graduation ceremony. “The program was built to help us all. All of our teachers helped out a lot. I worked hard at my internships to do what I needed to learn on the job.” Given her desire to open a restaurant, it should come as no surprise that Lott’s favorite internship was building her culinary skills at Sodexo. “My favorite internship was Sodexo, because I got to work in the kitchen,” Lott said. “I got to chop. I got to prepare the food and make sure it got on the line. Boy, let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy. With the help and love of our teachers, family, and parents, I made it through it, and I am proud to say I really enjoyed it.” The program was established in 2017 with the knowledge that only 32 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed from 2010 to 2012, according to the Department of Labor. Studies show that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in post-secondary education have better jobs and receive higher earnings. “We are excited to continue our partnership with UA ��Ƶlogo to offer this important program and proud of our 2018 graduates,” said Easterseals Arkansas President and CEO Elaine Eubank. The 12 members of the second cohort of the ACCE program were surrounded by teary eyed family members, friends, teachers, mentors, and co-workers who loudly cheered as each member crossed the stage to receive a certificate for the post-secondary education program during a special ceremony in the Engineering and Information Technology Building auditorium. The graduates include Nicholas Austin of Alexander; Joshua Fletcher of North ��Ƶlogo; Davion Green, Breah Hampton, and Curtina Jackson, all of ��Ƶlogo; Kari Lott and Chasity Mathis, both of Sherwood; Ford McGahee, John Rockefeller, Juan Rodriquez Jr., and Aaron Sullivan, all of ��Ƶlogo; and Jonmichal Walker of North ��Ƶlogo. While addressing the graduates, UA ��Ƶlogo Chancellor Andrew Rogerson emphasized the importance of higher education, employment, and living independently for success. “No matter what the situation, higher education levels the playing field and must be available and accessible for all,” Rogerson said. “If so, it will change your life for the better. This is a proud moment Class of 2018. You have worked hard and have earned a certificate of completion, an important qualification that shows you have completed a specialized training program and pathway to your future employment.” Fletcher, a 2017 graduate of North ��Ƶlogo Premier High School, was recognized as the 2018 Associate of the Year for his exemplary work during his time in the ACCE program. He has interned with UA ��Ƶlogo Ground Services and The Showroom to build custom frames and will be joining the workforce working full-time with Dillard’s Fulfillment Center as well as intermediate work continuing at The Showroom. This year’s class has completed on-the-job training at various departments and organizations on and off campus, including Ottenheimer Library, Sodexo, Fitness Center, Grounds Services, Custodial Services, Athletic Department, Department of Nursing, Sequoyah National Research Center, Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education, UAMS/UA ��Ƶlogo Speech and Hearing Clinic, Information Technology Program, MidSOUTH, School of Social Work, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Children’s Learning Center, The Showroom, and Easterseals Developmental Preschool. ACCE students also enjoyed student activities by attending Trojan games, Homecoming activities, and being active participants in the college experience. The students increased UA ��Ƶlogo’s initiative to engage in more community outreach, enhance learning opportunities outside the classroom and diversity and as part of their outlined strategic plan. ACCE also has a collaborative partnership with the College of Education and Health Professionals, where ACCE class instruction is held, for students to volunteer within the ACCE classroom. Additionally, ACCE students lead discussions in classrooms to share their experiences in the secondary special education system. All of the graduates were awarded a free membership to the UA ��Ƶlogo Alumni Association and a gift bag. The program is continuing to grow as the third cohort of ��Ƶlogo, Community, Career Development and Employment Program participants will begin taking classes at UA ��Ƶlogo this fall with 16 students. The ceremony’s commencement speaker, Alan McClain, commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, thanked the graduates for being an inspiration to those around them and strong addition to Arkansas’s workforce. “In addition to my congratulations, my message to you is also to say thank you,” McClain said. “Thank you for inspiring us with your dedication and perseverance for coming out here everyday and completing the requirements for ACCE. Please know that your involvement with ACCE has made a huge impact on the world around you.” In the upper right photo, the 2018 graduates of the ACCE program include (L to R): Back row: John Steele, ACCE instructor, and graduates John Rockefeller and Breah Hampton. Middle row: Graduates Ford McGahee, Jonmichal Walker, Joshua Fletcher, Davion Green, Juan Rodriguez, and ACCE Instructor Leslie Harms. Front row: Kari Lott, Curtina Jackson, Chasity Mathis, Nicholas Austin, and Aaron Sullivan.]]> Taste of ��Ƶlogo to honor Alfred Williams and Elaine Eubank /news-archive/2017/10/12/taste-little-rock-2018/ Thu, 12 Oct 2017 16:02:10 +0000 /news/?p=68211 ...]]> The 15th annual Taste of ��Ƶlogo will honor Alfred Williams and Elaine Eubank for their lifetime of support to the University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo. Set for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 26, 2018, at the Jack Stephens Center on the UA ��Ƶlogo campus, Taste of ��Ƶlogo raises funds for the UA ��Ƶlogo Alumni Association Scholarship Fund while introducing guests to some of the best food in the city from the finest restaurants in ��Ƶlogo. “We are thrilled to honor Alfred and Elaine for their dedication, passion, and support of students at UA ��Ƶlogo,” said Andrea Angel, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “They have a legacy of giving within their family that has positively impacted hundreds of students at our university. The Alumni Association would not be as strong as it is today without the work of these two devoted alumni.” During their more than 30 years of marriage, the couple has made an incredible impact on the university through their generosity of their time, support, and financial gifts. “I’m most proud of growing scholarships and creating scholarships for students at UA ��Ƶlogo,” Williams said. “You can’t improve as a city without higher education.” Eubank graduated from UA ��Ƶlogo in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, and Williams in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. While Eubank serves as the president and chief executive officer of , a nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with disabilities, Williams serves as senior vice president and risk consultant for . Williams continues to follow in the footsteps of his father, Grainger Williams, who was devoted to supporting ��Ƶlogo Junior College, ��Ƶlogo University, and UA ��Ƶlogo. Williams, former chair of the UA ��Ƶlogo Alumni Board, was honored as the 2013 President’s Award honoree, while Eubank received the university’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award. As lifetime members of the UA ��Ƶlogo Alumni Association, Williams and Eubank understand that their contributions in support of higher education are for the greater good of the university and the community. They have recently named the university the beneficiary of their life insurance policy, making them members of the Heritage Society. Because Williams was taught that giving was the right thing to do, he endowed two scholarships, the E. Grainger and Francis Williams scholarship and the Elaine Eubank scholarship, as gifts to honor his parents and his wife. Following suit, Eubank surprised Williams by establishing an endowed scholarship in his name, the Alfred Williams scholarship. Williams’ sister, June, a former second-grade teacher, recently followed in her family’s footsteps to create a scholarship for future teachers. As the first person in her family to graduate from college, Eubank understands the importance of helping students earn a college degree. “Alfred had a traditional college experience, and I was more like one of the families that UA ��Ƶlogo works so hard to help,” Eubank said. “It was more of a stretch for my family to send me to college. I appreciate UA ��Ƶlogo’s efforts to make college more accessible for students who otherwise would not be able to attend.” Individual tickets are on sale for $75. Sponsorships are available by contacting Danielle Hendrix at 501-683-7502 or dnhendrix@ualr.edu. “I love Taste of ��Ƶlogo. It’s a great way to see a lot of people in a relaxed atmosphere,” Eubank said. “There’s no program. There are hundreds of people to talk to, and you can sample food from so many great restaurants in ��Ƶlogo.” To order tickets, contact the UA ��Ƶlogo Alumni office at 501-683-7208, email alumni@ualr.edu, or visit the Taste of ��Ƶlogo website.]]> UA ��Ƶlogo, Easterseals Arkansas celebrate first ACCE graduating class /news-archive/2017/08/01/ua-little-rock-easterseals-arkansas-celebrate-1st-acce-graduating-class-in-aug-7-ceremony/ Tue, 01 Aug 2017 14:38:03 +0000 /news/?p=67551 ...]]> The University of Arkansas at ��Ƶlogo and will commemorate the first graduating class of a post-secondary education program that allows students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a college experience and prepare for competitive employment. The first seven graduates of the ��Ƶlogo, Community, Career Development and Employment Program (ACCE) will be celebrated in a special ceremony at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, in Dickinson Hall Auditorium on the UA ��Ƶlogo campus. Important components of the two-semester program that began Jan. 30 include academics, social support, work exploration and job placement. Students learned independent living skills, while working at internships that provide on-the-job experience, career exploration and core employment skills. The program was established with the knowledge that only 32 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed from 2010 to 2012, . Studies show that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in post-secondary education have better jobs and receive higher earnings. “We are excited to partner with UA ��Ƶlogo to offer this important program,” said Easterseals Arkansas President and CEO Elaine Eubank. “ACCE opens doors to opportunity and helps graduates live more independently.” The positive impact of ACCE already can be seen. Student Charlee Brosh is the first student from the program to be offered a permanent job. Regarding her internship leading up to her job placement in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic, she said she learned that “work could be fun.” “I learned job duties can be big or small like shampooing a carpet,” Brosh said. “I learned to use Excel. I thought it was hard at first, but it is not. I had to run the office while staff were in meetings.” Of the UA ��Ƶlogo college experience, Charlee said she enjoyed meeting lots of people and seeing people she knows on campus. For more than 70 years, Easterseals Arkansas has been a resource for people with disabilities and their families. Its mission is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. In the upper right photo, Charlee Brosh, a student in the UA ��Ƶlogo/Easterseals Arkansas ��Ƶlogo, Community, Career Development, and Employment Program, signs an offer letter to work as a clinical technician in the UAMS Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/UA ��Ƶlogo Communications. ]]> UA ��Ƶlogo alumni keep giving back to the university /news-archive/2017/03/21/ua-little-rock-alumni-2017/ Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:00:42 +0000 /news/?p=66646 ...]]> During their more than 30 years of marriage, they’ve witnessed the impact they could have on the university through their gifts of time, support and financial gifts. “I’m a firm believer that the city grows or fails based on how we support higher education,” said Williams, former chair of the UA ��Ƶlogo Alumni Board and 2013 Presidents Award honoree. To further continue their support of higher education and the university, the couple has made UA ��Ƶlogo a beneficiary of their life insurance policy. As lifetime members of the UA ��Ƶlogo Alumni Association, the couple understands that no matter the amount they contribute, what they choose to give is for the greater good of the university and the community. Because Williams was taught that giving was the right thing to do, he endowed two scholarships, the E. Grainger and Francis Williams scholarship and the Elaine Eubank scholarship, as gifts to honor his parents and his wife. Following suit, Eubank surprised Williams by establishing an endowed scholarship in his name, the Alfred Williams scholarship. “It’s an easy step to make,” Williams said. “When I became more involved with the Alumni Association, I found that even when we gave scholarships, students couldn’t afford the schooling because of books. It just seemed to me like we were just missing out, that I ought to be able to help in a way that gave them something that I didn’t have to struggle for.” Williams and Eubank are content in their decision to name the university the beneficiary of their life insurance policy, which makes them members of the Heritage Society. “It’s nice to know that in some small way, we can help someone else,” said Eubank, who received the university’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award. “There are a lot of different ways to make a planned gift. It doesn’t have to be an astronomical amount. Even a small scholarship helps.” As the first person in her family to have the opportunity to attend college, Eubank knows firsthand the importance of financial support in higher education. “I’m the student that I have heard Chancellor Rogerson talk so much about,” Eubank said. “It was a financial stretch for my family to try to send someone to college. The fact that it was an urban university, and I could live with my family while I attended school made it doable. Also, jobs were more readily available in ��Ƶlogo than in smaller college towns and I could work full time and go to school full time.” Because she was always shuttling between work and school, Eubank never had time to be socially engaged with the university as an undergraduate student, as opposed to her husband, who was involved in just about everything on campus. “It means a lot to me to be involved with the university now, because I really wasn’t when I was a student here, and that makes the present relationship even more important,” Eubank said. Eubank graduated from UA ��Ƶlogo in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, and Williams in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. While Eubank serves as the president and chief executive officer of , a nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with disabilities, Williams serves as senior vice president and risk consultant for . He continues to follow in the footsteps of his father, Grainger Williams, who was devoted to supporting ��Ƶlogo Junior College, ��Ƶlogo University, and UA ��Ƶlogo. For more information on giving, contact Jan Davis, director of gift planning for the UA ��Ƶlogo Alumni Association, at 501.683.7208 or at jpdavis@ualr.edu. ]]>