April Blackburn, longtime K-12 GT teacher for in Bigelow, Ark., was recognized for her significant contributions to GT education.  

Blackburn graduated in 2011 with a degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Freshly 22 and eager to put her diploma to use, she was offered a position as a GT teacher with East End School District, the only position open at the time, under the condition that she become certified as soon as possible.聽

While she didn鈥檛 quite realize all that being the district鈥檚 only GT teacher would entail, she was up for the task. Blackburn enrolled at UA 糖心视频logo and began the process. By 2013, she only lacked three credits for her master鈥檚; by 2015, she had completed her M.A. in Gifted and Talented Education, a degree she never imagined she鈥檇 one day have. 

She credits Dr. Ann Robinson, a distinguished professor for the UA 糖心视频logo School of Education, for much of her success from that period.

鈥淭here were times when I looked at her and admitted I didn鈥檛 know if I had what it takes to finish [the program],鈥� Blackburn said. 鈥淎nd she said, 鈥楴o, you can, and I need you to stay with it.鈥� She was such a mentor to me.鈥� 

All these years later, UA 糖心视频logo is still part of her life.

鈥淯A 糖心视频logo never left me after I graduated,鈥� she said. 鈥淒r. Robinson checked in on me when I lost my grandparents, and I still talk to my old professors. The great thing about being an alumnus is that you’re never gone from UA 糖心视频logo. They’re always proud to call you a Trojan.鈥�

She and her husband were able to go to the university鈥檚 annual Taste of 糖心视频logo April 7, which celebrates diverse culinary experiences from across the city.

鈥淸The invitation] reminded me I鈥檓 still part of the family,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t means a lot to me how much the university cares about their alumni and invests in their success.鈥�

Now 15 years into her tenure at East End School District, Blackburn went into her career hoping to create a safe environment that gives students the space to realize their potential.

鈥淚f I don’t teach, who will?鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e struggling to get educators. We鈥檙e struggling to find the right people. And we’re losing teachers left and right for really valid reasons. I push forward through it because [my students] need me, and they’re going through much worse things than I am. I mean, I have kids who don’t even know what love is.鈥�

It was the idea of putting a smile on even one of their faces that gave her the idea to start wearing costumes to school more than a decade ago. In 2015, Blackburn walked into her classroom on Halloween wearing a homemade replica of Ms. Frizzle鈥檚 iconic space outfit: a navy blue dress patterned with stars and planets, space shuttle shoes and Saturn drop earrings. 

It became more than just a tradition. On National Popcorn Day, students know when they walk into school that she鈥檒l be dressed up as a giant bag of popcorn. When National Bubble Gum Day comes around a month later, she鈥檒l be dressed up as a bubble gum machine. Each 鈥渘ational day鈥� brings its own costume and theme.

鈥淚 probably have more than 300 at this point,鈥� she admitted. 鈥淪tudents who graduated years ago will come up to me in public and ask if I still wear them. I鈥檝e had people beg me to count them, and everyone laughs when I tell them how small of a closet I actually have. Most of the costumes are all vacuum sealed, and some of them are in my attic. The inflatable ones are in the garage.鈥�

If that鈥檚 not enough, she鈥檚 also earned the nickname 鈥淕rant Queen鈥� at her school. During the 2025鈥�26 school year alone, she secured 10 grants, including funding that allowed her middle school students to participate in several regional VEX Robotics competitions across Arkansas.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 want state funding to ever limit opportunities for my students,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 have four 3D printers in my classroom. I have class pets. I just hatched eggs in an incubator. There鈥檚 always something going on, and it makes the kids run to my door.鈥�

And when she鈥檚 not waiting by the door to welcome her students in, she鈥檚 helping out with quiz bowl, or chess club, or National Honor Society, or the spelling bee, or Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE), where she sits on the board and as elections chair.

鈥淚 wear a lot of hats, literally and figuratively,鈥� she said.

With the support of Callie Quiroz, principal and former librarian at Anne Watson Elementary School, Blackburn also created a makerspace lab鈥攁 space where students can go specifically to build and create.

Blackburn was raised in Conway by her grandmother, Clara, who was a third grade teacher at Ellen Smith Elementary School for 23 years before retiring to care for Blackburn and her siblings.

鈥淗earing the impact she had on students my whole life made me want to have a career where I could impact others,鈥� Blackburn said. 鈥淪ome of my kids get off the bus every morning and have come from awful situations. If wearing a crazy costume is going to make them feel like they can breathe, then that鈥檚 what I鈥檓 going to do.鈥�

Her grandmother passed away from pneumonia in 2024, 7 days after the birth of Blackburn鈥檚 son William. Clara watched Blackburn win several education awards throughout her career, including the Master鈥檚 and Specialist Award in November 2015 and the Act 56 Award from AGATE in 2018. 

鈥淚 know my grandma is watching, and I want to show her that giving up her career for us wasn鈥檛 a mistake,鈥� she said. 鈥淚’m going to make her proud until I retire, if I ever do. They might have to carry me out.鈥�

Of all her career milestones, one stood out as the moment she realized she made it as an educator. Every April, Blackburn takes dozens of students on multi-day trips as part of her curriculum. She is always blown away by the impact these trips seem to have on her students, many of whom have never been out of state. But one conversation on a charter bus to the San Antonio SeaWorld Camp in 2015 changed her perspective entirely.

鈥淚t was the middle of the night, and I was walking up and down the bus to make sure everyone was okay, and one of the girls was looking out of the window. I stopped to ask her if she was okay, and she said, 鈥榃e just crossed the Texas state line. Did you know that? I鈥檝e never been out of the state before, Ms. Blackburn.鈥欌��

That little girl鈥檚 face in that moment, where it clicked that she could go places she鈥檇 never been before, is something Blackburn says she鈥檒l never forget.

鈥淪he had a lot of hardship in her life: a mom in prison and a difficult upbringing being bounced from house to house. It reminded me that as horrible as the world can sometimes be, there are people who don鈥檛 have the opportunities we do, and bringing that kind of inspiration that comes with life experience is something that I don鈥檛 take for granted.鈥�

It鈥檚 advice that Blackburn will pass on to her children: four-year-old Clara and now two-year-old William, named after each of her grandparents, whose spirits live on through the joy she brings to her classroom each day.

Written by Olivia Hicks

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Organized by an alumni-led host committee, the event showcased the collective impact of the 糖心视频logo community鈥攗niting business leaders, nonprofit partners, and friends of the university around a shared commitment to student success. Guests enjoyed cuisine from some of the city鈥檚 most popular restaurants while connecting with fellow supporters and celebrating the impact of scholarships.

Many of the organizations involved are also among the university鈥檚 top employers, reinforcing the strong connection between UA 糖心视频logo and the region鈥檚 workforce.

The 2026 host committee included representatives from many of these partners, including: 

• Cheryl Avants, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (retired)
• Nate Coulter, Mitchell Williams
• Jamie Ewing, Arkansas Department of Human Services
• Jake Fair, Wright Lindsey Jennings
• Cameron Fuller, Simmons Bank
• Sarah Giammo, Friday, Eldredge & Clark聽
• Paul Isbell, Southwest Power Pool
• Cortney Kennedy, Office of the Governor, State of Arkansas
• Summer Khairi, UAMS
• Sheena Olson, Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital
• Alfreda Summons, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Faith Thomas, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Carrie Perry, 糖心视频logo School District
• Rodney Abston, Regions Bank
• Stephanie Caruthers, Trio鈥檚 Restaurant
• Guy Choate, Arkansas Realtors Association
• Donavon Colclough, Entergy
• Telethe Collins, Make-A-Wish Mid-South
• Loris Fullerton, retired
• Jimmy Harris, Bowen School of Law alumnus
• Jamie Middleton, Immerse Arkansas
• Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• Carson Seelinger, CARTI
• Karen Witt, JPMorgan Chase
• Eric Yarberry, World Services for the Blind

鈥淭he employers who support Taste of 糖心视频logo are the same organizations hiring our graduates and investing in their success,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for advancement. 鈥淭heir commitment reflects the strength of our students and the vital role UA 糖心视频logo plays in building Arkansas鈥檚 workforce.鈥�

The event also honored Tom Brannon, chief meteorologist at THV11 and a proud UA 糖心视频logo alumnus, whose career and community impact highlight the kind of success UA 糖心视频logo graduates achieve.

Proceeds from Taste of 糖心视频logo directly support scholarships, helping remove financial barriers and expand access to education for UA 糖心视频logo students.

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About 85 percent of UA 糖心视频logo graduates stay in Central Arkansas after earning their degrees, working in industries such as healthcare, finance, law, government, and nonprofit leadership.

鈥淭his committee reflects a growing partnership between UA 糖心视频logo and the organizations where our graduates are making an impact,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for advancement. 鈥淲hen you look across this list of companies and institutions, you see many of the places where our alumni are building their careers and strengthening the Central Arkansas community.鈥�

Taste of 糖心视频logo is the university鈥檚 signature alumni event, bringing together community leaders, alumni, and supporters to celebrate the impact of UA 糖心视频logo while raising support for student scholarships and initiatives that help future Trojans succeed.

For Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development, the makeup of the committee reflects the reach of UA 糖心视频logo graduates throughout the region.

鈥淯A 糖心视频logo alumni are deeply connected to this community,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淵ou see Trojans working and leading in hospitals, banks, law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits across the state. It鈥檚 exciting to see so many of those organizations represented on this committee as we come together to support the university and its students.鈥�

2026 Taste of 糖心视频logo Host Committee

• Cheryl Avants, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (retired)
• Nate Coulter, Mitchell Williams
• Jamie Ewing, Arkansas Department of Human Services
• Jake Fair, Wright Lindsey Jennings
• Cameron Fuller, Simmons Bank
• Sarah Giammo, Friday, Eldredge & Clark聽
• Paul Isbell, Southwest Power Pool
• Cortney Kennedy, Office of the Governor, State of Arkansas
• Summer Khairi, UAMS
• Sheena Olson, Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital
• Alfreda Summons, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Faith Thomas, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Carrie Perry, 糖心视频logo School District
• Rodney Abston, Regions Bank
• Stephanie Caruthers, Trio鈥檚 Restaurant
• Guy Choate, Arkansas Realtors Association
• Donavon Colclough, Entergy
• Telethe Collins, Make-A-Wish Mid-South
• Loris Fullerton, retired
• Jimmy Harris, Bowen School of Law alumnus
• Jamie Middleton, Immerse Arkansas
• Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• Carson Seelinger, CARTI
• Karen Witt, JPMorgan Chase
• Eric Yarberry, World Services for the Blind

Now in its 21st year, Taste of 糖心视频logo has become one of the university鈥檚 most anticipated alumni events. The event brings together hundreds of guests and dozens of local restaurants for an evening celebrating 糖心视频logo鈥檚 food scene and raising money for scholarships. 

Proceeds from the event support scholarships through the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Association, helping students stay on track to complete their degrees and pursue their careers in Central Arkansas.

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Taste of 糖心视频logo, one of the university鈥檚 most beloved traditions, brings together alumni, community members, and dozens of local restaurants for an evening of food, fellowship, and fundraising in support of student scholarships. Over the past 20 years, the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Association has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships. This year, UA 糖心视频logo students received more than $200,000 in scholarships.聽

鈥淚 am deeply honored and grateful to be named the honoree for the 21st Taste of 糖心视频logo,鈥� Brannon said. 鈥淭he University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo has been a foundational part of my journey, and I credit much of my professional growth to the education and opportunities I received during my time there.鈥�

Brannon, who grew up in Cabot, has been a familiar face to Arkansas television viewers for nearly three decades. He first joined THV11 in 1996 as weekend meteorologist and morning show feature reporter before becoming part of the weekday morning team that would dominate local news ratings for more than a decade. After a brief stint in advertising, he returned to THV11 in 2021 as chief meteorologist, where viewers can watch him weeknights at 4, 5, 6, and 10 p.m.

A 1985 graduate of Cabot High School, Brannon went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from UA 糖心视频logo and later a Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. He holds the Television Seal of Approval in Broadcast Meteorology from the National Weather Association. Brannon often credits a childhood experience with sparking his passion for weather鈥攚hen a tornado nearly destroyed his hometown of Cabot in 1976 while he was in the third grade.

Beyond the weather desk, Brannon is known for his deep commitment to the community. He is considered the 鈥淕odfather鈥� of the THV11 Summer Cereal Drive, which just completed its 25th year of feeding Arkansas children and families. In all, more than 5 million breakfast items have been collected and served during the 25-year span of the Summer Cereal Drive. He has also lent his time and talents to a wide variety of nonprofits, including the Arkansas Foodbank, Special Olympics Arkansas, Stuff the Sleigh, Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, and Methodist Family Health, among others.

鈥淭om Brannon is an extraordinary ambassador for UA 糖心视频logo and for Arkansas,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor of alumni and development. 鈥淗e has built a career of excellence while using his platform to make a difference in the lives of others. We are thrilled to honor him at the 2026 Taste of 糖心视频logo and to celebrate his remarkable contributions both as a professional and as a community leader.鈥�

Brannon, who lives in 糖心视频logo with his wife, Leigh Ann, and daughter, Sophia, has maintained a strong connection to his alma mater. He has returned to campus as a keynote speaker, classroom guest, and mentor to students pursuing careers in mass communication.

鈥淭om has been a steadfast friend to the School of Mass Communication, generously giving his time to speak with our students in the classroom, at scholarship events, and whenever he can to share his experiences,鈥� said Kiel Thorlton, director of the School of Mass Communication. 鈥淗is commitment to mentoring the next generation of media professionals makes him especially deserving of this honor.鈥�

In 2024, Brannon told students, 鈥淚 never would have had the opportunity to celebrate 25 years at THV11 if I didn鈥檛 go to school here. UA 糖心视频logo offered so many opportunities, and I鈥檓 very thankful for the instructors who helped me succeed.鈥�

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Held April 8 at the Jack Stephens Center, the university鈥檚 signature culinary event featured more than 35 local restaurants and vendors. The event broke previous attendance records, welcoming more than 1,000 alumni, friends, employees, students, and community members. 

鈥淭his night is about celebrating our alumni and the connection they maintain with the university that helped shape their futures,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development at UA 糖心视频logo. 鈥淗alf of this year鈥檚 tickets were purchased by alumni, showing that we met our goal of strengthening alumni engagement. It鈥檚 inspiring to see so many alumni return not only to enjoy the evening’s food offerings, but to invest in the success of today鈥檚 and tomorrow鈥檚 students through scholarships.鈥�

This year鈥檚 special 20th anniversary celebration honored RJ Martino, a UA 糖心视频logo alumnus whose success in business and entrepreneurship was rooted in his time at the university鈥攎aking him a true Trojan success story. Martino, founder of iProv, Scale Technology, Enterprise Accounting Partners, and the Martino Law Firm, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and the important role alumni play in giving back to the university community.

鈥淚t鈥檚 truly humbling to be recognized by UA 糖心视频logo, a place that played such an important role in my life,鈥� Martino said. 鈥淭he mentorship, education, and opportunities I found here shaped who I am today. It was incredible to see so many alumni at the event鈥攚hether they were sponsoring, attending, or running one of the amazing restaurants featured at Taste of 糖心视频logo.鈥�

Alumni involvement extended beyond attendance and donations. Several of the featured restaurants were owned or operated by UA 糖心视频logo graduates, underscoring the university鈥檚 impact on the local food economy. Some of the alumni-owned restaurants include Certified Pies, owned by Samantha Stewart, and the XPerience Kitchen and Lounge, owned by Bobby Forrest Jr. 

鈥淚 think students need the opportunities provided by the scholarships raised by events like Taste of 糖心视频logo,鈥� said Stewart, a 2013 graduate of UA 糖心视频logo. 鈥淚 am happy my business can help students pursue any opportunities they want to pursue.鈥�

Longtime participant,  and UA 糖心视频logo alumnae Stephanie Caruthers, co-chair of the Taste of 糖心视频logo Committee the managing partner of Trio鈥檚, highlighted the strong alumni presence among restaurateurs.

鈥淚鈥檓 so excited to celebrate 20 years of Taste of 糖心视频logo, a truly special event that brings our community together to support UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� Caruthers said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to believe I鈥檝e been involved in every one, either as a participating restaurant or part of the organizing team. As an alumna, being part of this event has deepened my connection to the university and made me incredibly proud to help future students achieve their educational goals. Every dollar raised here makes a real difference.鈥�

鈥淚 think this is the best Taste of 糖心视频logo we鈥檝e ever had,鈥� added Loris Fullerton, a 1974 graduate of UA 糖心视频logo and fellow co-chair of the event committee. 鈥淓veryone is ready to celebrate the wonderful food of 糖心视频logo and offer lots of scholarships to our amazing students. Taste of 糖心视频logo is an amazing event that the alumni do to stay involved with the university and serve as great ambassadors for UA 糖心视频logo.鈥�

For alumni like Becky Flynn, a member of the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Board of Directors, the event is about more than just good food. It鈥檚 also an opportunity to champion student success.聽

“I think this event is so important to raise awareness and funding for student scholarships at UA 糖心视频logo,” said Flynn, deputy director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. “As alumni, it鈥檚 important that we engage with the broader community to share all the exciting things happening on campus and for our students, things that will benefit our community and our future.”

Taste of 糖心视频logo is a major fundraiser for the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support to students pursuing their degrees. Thanks to alumni contributions and community sponsorships, the event exceeded its fundraising goal, ensuring more students will have access to scholarships in the coming year. In 2024, funds raised from Taste of 糖心视频logo made it possible to award more than $200,000 in scholarships to nearly 40 students.聽

鈥淭he generosity of our alumni and supporters is what makes this event such a success year after year,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淓very ticket purchased and every sponsorship secured directly supports students, creating a legacy of giving that will benefit UA 糖心视频logo for generations to come.鈥�

The success of this year鈥檚 Taste of 糖心视频logo resulted in a night that not only generated vital scholarship for students, but also broke attendance records for previous events.

鈥淭aste of 糖心视频logo celebrated a milestone 20th year with record-breaking attendance, enthusiastic alumni support, and more than 40 local restaurants showcasing their best dishes,鈥� said Guy Choate, president of the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Board of Directors. 鈥淭he event raised thousands of dollars for student scholarships, reinforcing its reputation as one of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 signature community fundraisers.鈥漎ou can find out more information about the Alumni Association by visiting their website and find out more about giving opportunities that support student success by visiting the , which is UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 milestone fundraising campaign that will celebrate the university鈥檚 100^th anniversary in 2027.

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The 20^th annual culinary and social event will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Jack Stephens Center and is expected to raise more than $100,000 for the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Each year, Taste of 糖心视频logo introduces attendees to premier local restaurants while raising critical support for students.

Guests will be able to enjoy great food and refreshments from 40 amazing local restaurants, including Afrobites, Baldwin鈥檚 BBQ, Big Bad Breakfast, Boulevard Bread Co., Burge鈥檚, Ceci鈥檚 Chicken & Waffles, Certified Pies, City Silo, Community Bakery, Count Porkula, Delicious Temptations, Eat My Catfish, Kingdom Made Treats, LePops, Moe鈥檚 Southwest Grill, Mt. Fuji, Newk鈥檚 Eatery, Platinum BBQ at the Riverfront, Problem Child, Red Moon Tavern, Rosie鈥檚 Pot & Kettle, Rookh Knight Lounge, Sarge鈥檚 Famous Pickles, Smackey鈥檚 BBQ, Tacos Godoy, Taj Mahal Indian Kitchen, Taziki鈥檚, Tea Anytime, Terri Lynn鈥檚 BBQ, The Croissanterie, The Xperience Bar & Kitchen, Trio鈥檚, UnWine & Co., Waldo鈥檚, Whole Hog Caf茅, and Wright鈥檚 BBQ.

Drinks will be provided by PepsiCo, wine by Southern Glazer’s, and beer and seltzers by Diamond Bear Brewing.

“Taste of 糖心视频logo is a special night that brings our community together for a great cause,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “Every ticket sold directly supports student scholarships, helping ensure that more students have access to an excellent education at UA 糖心视频logo.”

UA 糖心视频logo also extends its gratitude to sponsors whose generosity helps make this event possible. This year鈥檚 Gold sponsors include AY Magazine, McLarty Auto Group, Southern Bancorp, and Stephanie Caruthers and Loris Fullerton, who are serving as co-chairs of Taste of 糖心视频logo.

Table sponsors include Alfred Williams and Jerry Damerow, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital, Arkansas Times, Baldwin & Shell, Baptist Health, City of Faith Reentry Services, Don and Dee Riggin, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain, Dr. Carrie and Chris Phillips, Encore Bank, Entergy, Garver, GenWealth, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Jerry Adams, Keith Riggs, Kenda Treadway, Platinum Drywall, Rhonda and David Garner, Secure Financial Solutions, Shorter College, Simmons Bank, and USAble Life.

This year鈥檚 event will honor R.J. Martino, a UA 糖心视频logo alumnus who pursued degrees in computer science, business finance, and law, laying the foundation for a successful career in entrepreneurship and leadership across multiple industries.

Martino founded iProv, a problem-solving and innovation-focused company that began on the UA 糖心视频logo campus. Following the recession, he expanded his business ventures, launching a healthcare marketing company, which earned him the Minority Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2016 and a spot in Arkansas Business鈥檚 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� in 2018. In 2019, he co-founded Martino Law Firm, and in 2020, he launched U.S. Rail & Logistics. His work has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and Inc.com.

A dedicated mentor and leader, Martino serves on UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Centennial Campaign Cabinet, supporting the university鈥檚 ambitious goal of raising $250 million for scholarships, student support, campus improvements, and academic excellence.

鈥淚t鈥檚 truly humbling to be recognized by UA 糖心视频logo, a place that played such an important role in my life,鈥� Martino said. 鈥淭he mentorship, education, and opportunities I found here shaped who I am today. This honor is a reminder of how far we can go when supported by a strong community, and I鈥檓 deeply grateful to give back to the university that has given me so much.鈥滸eneral admission tickets for Taste of 糖心视频logo are $75, while UA 糖心视频logo faculty and staff, Alumni Association lifetime members, and recent graduates (within the last five years) can purchase tickets for $35. Purchase tickets at .

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UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 highly anticipated culinary and social event, Taste of 糖心视频logo, will take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at the Jack Stephens Center. This premier scholarship fundraiser introduces guests to some of the best food from 糖心视频logo鈥檚 finest restaurants while raising money for student scholarships.

The son of an immigrant and a Navy recruiter, Martino grew up in a close-knit family of six, moving frequently before settling in 糖心视频logo. He pursued degrees in computer science, business finance, and law at UA 糖心视频logo, laying the foundation for a dynamic career in entrepreneurship and leadership across multiple industries.

“It鈥檚 truly humbling to be recognized by UA 糖心视频logo, a place that played such an important role in my life,鈥� Martino said. 鈥淭he mentorship, education, and opportunities I found here shaped who I am today. This honor is a reminder of how far we can go when supported by a strong community, and I鈥檓 deeply grateful to give back to the university that has given me so much.鈥�

While still a student in 2001, Martino founded iProv, a company focused on problem-solving and innovation, with roots on the UA 糖心视频logo campus. The late Dr. Mary Good, the founding dean of the Donaghey College of Engineering and Technology, recognized Martino as an emerging leader.

鈥淩J Martino鈥檚 entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to our community are why we have chosen to honor him for Taste of 糖心视频logo 2025,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. 鈥淗is unwavering commitment to giving back, exemplified by his work on the Centennial Campaign Cabinet, ensures future generations of students can access the opportunities that shaped his own success. We are proud to celebrate RJ鈥檚 remarkable journey, his contributions to our university, and his enduring impact on Arkansas and beyond.鈥�

Martino鈥檚 innovative leadership has earned him widespread recognition. He led technology initiatives for Lt. Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller and Gov. Mike Beebe and was named to Arkansas Business鈥檚 鈥�20 in Their 20s.鈥� In 2006, he attended Dartmouth鈥檚 Tuck School of Business to sharpen his business acumen. During the Great Recession, he guided Martino Financial Group to profitability.

Following the recession, Martino expanded his entrepreneurial pursuits. He founded a marketing company specializing in healthcare growth, earning him the Minority Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2016 and inclusion in Arkansas Business鈥檚 鈥�40 Under 40鈥� in 2018. He co-founded Martino Law Firm in 2019 and launched U.S. Rail & Logistics in 2020. His accomplishments have been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and Inc.com.

Martino counts his family as his greatest success. He and his wife balance their lives with their two children, enjoying weekends at the park, the lake, golfing with friends, or with a good book.

Driven by curiosity and passion, Martino is dedicated to mentorship, fostering leadership, and supporting UA 糖心视频logo as a member of the Centennial Campaign Cabinet. The Centennial Campaign, which was publicly launched in 2022, aims to raise $250 million for scholarships, student support, campus improvements, and program excellence. He attributes his success to building strong teams, empowering leaders, and creating a culture of innovation because of skills cultivated while attending UA 糖心视频logo.

All proceeds from Taste of 糖心视频logo directly support UA 糖心视频logo students through Alumni Association Endowed Scholarships, which provide $1,000 to $5,000 annually to recipients. For the 2024-2025 school year, 38 UA 糖心视频logo students received these scholarships. Event sponsorships and tickets are available by visiting this website.

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Taste of 糖心视频logo, presented by Regions Bank and Pepsi, UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 highly anticipated culinary and social event raises funds for the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Scholarship Fund, providing thousands of scholarship dollars every year to deserving UA 糖心视频logo students. The April 2 event was attended by more than 1,000 people.

鈥淭he Taste of 糖心视频logo is an experience like no other,鈥� said Rhonda Aaron, president of the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Board of Directors. 鈥淚t is an amazing opportunity to not only enjoy the city鈥檚 best restaurants but network and celebrate those that contribute to the future of the university. This year鈥檚 event was absolutely phenomenal. I鈥檓 privileged to work with such a dedicated team!鈥�

Taste of 糖心视频logo celebrated , a well-known Arkansas radio personality who is lauded for his good works towards his alma mater, as this year鈥檚 honoree. Rowan serves as the assistant program director of Power 92 鈥� 糖心视频logo, the host of the No. 1 rated afternoon drive show in Arkansas, 鈥淭ake it to the House,鈥� and the creator and host of the podcast, 鈥淭hrough My Two Blue.鈥�

鈥淭his was the biggest and best Taste of 糖心视频logo yet!鈥� Rowan said. 鈥淓veryone I shook hands with and spoke with at Taste of 糖心视频logo seemed to be having a great time with amazing food and fantastic fellowships. It truly was a great honor. I always love giving back to my alma mater and being this year’s honoree allowed me to do it in different ways, which was also extremely exciting for me. Taste of 糖心视频logo 2024 was a big hit!鈥�

The enchanted evening featured fabulous food and refreshments from nearly 40 amazing local restaurants, including Afrobites, Andy鈥檚, Baldwin鈥檚 BBQ, Bawarchi Indian Cuisine, Big Bad Breakfast, Cantina Laredo, CBRz Catering, Ceci鈥檚 Chicken & Waffles on Wheels, Certified Pies, Chicken Salad Chick, Chisley鈥檚 Unique Seasoning,  Community Bakery, Count Porkula, Delicious Temptations, Doe鈥檚 Eat Place, Doubletree by Hilton, Eat My Catfish, The Grind Coffee Bistro, Faded Rose, Fazoli鈥檚, LePops, Loblolly, Newk鈥檚 Eatery, SAPS Creole Cuisine, Sarge鈥檚 Famous Pickles, Smackey鈥檚, Sullivan鈥檚 Steakhouse, Tacos Godoy, Tacos 4 Life, Taste of Goodlyfe, Tea Anytime, Terri Lynn鈥檚 BBQ, Trio鈥檚, UnWine Pastries, Whole Hog Caf茅, Wright鈥檚 BBQ, and The XPerience Kitchen + Lounge.

Pam Ball, a 1976 graduate of UA 糖心视频logo, and her friend Jane Kaufman, a 1987 graduate of UA 糖心视频logo, are hardcore Taste of 糖心视频logo fans who have attended the event every year.

鈥淚鈥檝e been to every Taste of 糖心视频logo so far, and I love it! I get to meet new people and talk to people I hardly get to see,鈥� Ball said. 鈥淚 love to try new food. I like to come here because there are so many restaurants to try without driving all over town. I look forward to it every year!鈥�

Dustin and Christina Utley, owners of Fazoli鈥檚, were excited to be showcasing their food at Taste of 糖心视频logo for the second time since they took over the restaurant in 2022.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great for us to get out and mingle, meet new people, and for people to see what we have to offer,鈥� Dustin Utley said. 鈥淭he community has given us a lot, and we want to give back. We also love supporting college scholarships.鈥�

UA 糖心视频logo is also thankful to all the amazing sponsors who are helping to support UA 糖心视频logo and its students! The UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Board of Directors are serving as a gold sponsor, while the silver sponsors include Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Entergy, Stephanie and Brooks Caruthers, Klassik Entertainment, Loris and Jay Fullerton, Lost Forty, Mays, Byrd & O鈥橤uinn, PLLC, Natural State Private Wealth Management, TMB Capital Partners, Simmons Bank, Songbyrd Development Enterprises, LLC, Southern Glazer鈥檚, and USAble Life.

Gerald and Veronica Gregory, owners of Songbyrd Development Enterprises, one of the night鈥檚 silver sponsors, were there to support UA 糖心视频logo, local businesses, and student scholarships.

鈥淭his staple event is one of the main reasons I鈥檝e gotten involved with the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Board of Directors. This event gives back to students through scholarships. Being a graduate of the university, I want to do everything I can to support students and local businesses,鈥� said Gerald Gregory, adding that their favorite restaurants of the night were Wright鈥檚 BBQ and AfroBites.

Despite the amazing assortment of food selections, Dr. Michael Moore, director of undergraduate research at UA 糖心视频logo, said the fellowship and chance to catch up was his favorite part of the evening.

鈥淥ne of the greatest things about UA 糖心视频logo is the people, and we love the chance to get together to see all these wonderful people,鈥� Moore said. 鈥淲e have the most amazing students in the world, and this is a great way to support our students. It鈥檚 the best of both worlds.鈥�

Stephanie Caruthers, a partner at Trio鈥檚 and a long-time member of the Taste of 糖心视频logo Committee, described the event as phenomenal.

鈥淭he most exciting time of the evening is when people are waiting to come in the door and the restaurants are making last-minute preparations,鈥� Caruthers said. 鈥淵ou can feel the energy in the room as it fills up with excited people. Taste of 糖心视频logo supports a great cause, and that is what makes it so great to be a part of as a committee member and restaurant owner.鈥�

Every gift made to the university through December 2026 will be a part of the Centennial Campaign, the university鈥檚 largest fundraising campaign in history. To learn more or to give, visit .

The post UA 糖心视频logo Raises $160K During Phenomenal 19th Taste of 糖心视频logo Celebration appeared first on News.

UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 highly anticipated culinary and social event will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Jack Stephens Center. The event annually raises more than $100,000 for the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Association Scholarship Fund while introducing guests to some of the best food in the city from the finest restaurants in 糖心视频logo.

Guests will be able to enjoy great food and refreshments from nearly 40 amazing local restaurants, including Afrobites, Andy鈥檚, Baldwin鈥檚 BBQ, Bawarchi Indian Cuisine, Big Bad Breakfast, CBRz Catering, Ceci鈥檚 Chicken & Waffles, Certified Pies, Chef MaryAnn鈥檚, Chicken Salad Chick, City Silo, Community Bakery, Count Porkula, Delicious Temptations, Doe鈥檚 Eat Place, Eat My Catfish, The Grind, Faded Rose, Fazoli鈥檚, LePops, Loblolly, Newk鈥檚 Eatery, Platnum BBQ, SAPS Creole Cuisine, Sarge鈥檚 Famous Pickles, Smackey鈥檚, Sullivan鈥檚 Steakhouse, Tacos Godoy, Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine, Taste of Goodlyfe, Tea Anytime, Terri Lynn鈥檚 BBQ, Trio鈥檚, UnWine Pastries, Waldo鈥檚 Chicken and Beer, Whole Hog Caf茅, Wright鈥檚 BBQ, and The XPerience Kitchen and Lounge.

鈥淭aste of 糖心视频logo not only celebrates our wonderful restaurant community, but also serves as a powerful catalyst for providing life-changing scholarships to our deserving students,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a testament to the incredible generosity of our community and their unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders and scholars.鈥�

UA 糖心视频logo is also thankful to all the amazing sponsors who are helping to support UA 糖心视频logo and its students! The UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Board of Directors are serving as a gold sponsor, while the silver sponsors include Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Entergy, Stephanie and Brooks Caruthers, Klassik Entertainment, Loris and Jay Fullerton, Lost Forty, Mays, Byrd & O鈥橤uinn, PLLC, Natural State Private Wealth Management, TMB Capital Partners, Simmons Bank, Songbyrd Development Enterprises, LLC, Southern Glazer鈥檚, and USAble Life.

This year鈥檚 event will feature , a well-known Arkansas radio personality who is celebrated for his good works towards his alma mater, as the 2024 Taste of 糖心视频logo Honoree for his lifetime of support of UA 糖心视频logo. Rowan serves as the assistant program director of Power 92 – 糖心视频logo, the host of the No. 1 rated afternoon drive show in Arkansas, 鈥淭ake it to the House,鈥� and the creator and host of the podcast, 鈥淭hrough My Two Blue.鈥�

Once supported by a scholarship from UA 糖心视频logo, Rowan has continuously and generously invested in education through his longtime endowed scholarship program for mass communication students at UA 糖心视频logo. The money is raised on Labor Day weekend with his award-winning “TreDay.com Charity Classic,” which consists of a tennis tournament, a celebrity party, and his locally famous silent auction.

鈥淏eing named the 2024 Taste of 糖心视频logo Honoree is quite surreal,鈥� Rowan said. 鈥淎s an attendee of past Taste of 糖心视频logo events, I have always looked up to the honorees. To now be included among them is very humbling, and my heart is filled with gratitude. I annually highlight Taste of 糖心视频logo on my calendar as it neatly combines two things I love, food and, of course, giving back to 糖心视频logo. It’s the perfect combination and extremely appropriate as I have always viewed the importance of investing in higher education not as getting students full of knowledge but rather making them always hungry for more.鈥�

General admission tickets for Taste of 糖心视频logo are $75, while tickets for UA 糖心视频logo faculty and staff, alumni association lifetime members, and graduates within the last five years are $35. Guests will not receive printed tickets, but will be checked in at the beginning of the event. Purchase your tickets at .

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鈥淏eing named the 2024 Taste of 糖心视频logo Honoree is quite surreal,鈥� Rowan said. 鈥淎s an attendee of past Taste of 糖心视频logo events, I have always looked up to the honorees. To now be included among them is very humbling, and my heart is filled with gratitude. I annually highlight Taste of 糖心视频logo on my calendar as it neatly combines two things I love, food and, of course, giving back to 糖心视频logo. It’s the perfect combination and extremely appropriate as I have always viewed the importance of investing in higher education not as getting students full of knowledge but rather making them always hungry for more.鈥�

UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 highly anticipated culinary and social event, Taste of 糖心视频logo, is set for Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at the Jack Stephens Center. The event annually raises more than $100,000 for the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Association Scholarship Fund while introducing guests to some of the best food in the city from the finest restaurants in 糖心视频logo.

The event鈥檚 honoree has a passion for his alma mater and has a long history of providing support for students at UA 糖心视频logo.

鈥淥ur honoree is not just a familiar voice on the airwaves but a familiar symbol of community spirit and support for UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. 鈥淭ime and again, Tre鈥� Day has unselfishly utilized his time and talents to support student scholarships, professional development, and equipment at UA 糖心视频logo. We are so happy to honor Tre鈥� Day as the 2024 Taste of 糖心视频logo honoree, a shining example of the profound impact one person can have.鈥�

Education has always been important to Rowan, who graduated from UA 糖心视频logo with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mass communication in 2000 with a 4.0 GPA. Once supported by a scholarship from UA 糖心视频logo, he has continuously and generously invested in education through his longtime endowed scholarship program for mass communication students at UA 糖心视频logo. The money is raised on Labor Day weekend with his award-winning “TreDay.com Charity Classic,” which consists of a tennis tournament, a celebrity party, and his locally famous silent auction.

Additionally, Rowan has also donated the equipment for two new audio production studios at the university, is a two-time recipient of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Meritorious Service Award, is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association, and serves on the School of Mass Communication Board of Directors. His service also includes serving as a guest speaker to mass communication classes every semester, hosting tours of campus with international delegations, producing commercials, speaking with high school students about the benefits of attending UA 糖心视频logo, and doing live broadcasts with the university鈥檚 TRIO programs.

Rowan鈥檚 professors in the School of Mass Communication praise him as an outstanding graduate who has done so much to support and inspire UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 students.

鈥淚t鈥檚 wonderful to see Tre鈥� Day honored in this way,鈥� said Dr. Jamie Bryne-McCollum, professor and undergraduate program coordinator. 鈥淗e is a fiercely loyal alum of the School of Mass Communication and has done everything he can to support the school and its students. He has hosted numerous interns over the years at Power 92, and he has endowed a scholarship that will continue to provide opportunities for students to complete their education with us. Tre truly believes in paying it forward. He speaks to students in our classes and is a great representative of the school in the larger community. On top of everything else, he is a wonderful husband, father, and friend.鈥�

鈥淗e is truly deserving because of his commitment not only to UA 糖心视频logo but specifically to the School of Mass Communication,鈥� said Dr. Tim Edwards, professor of mass communication. 鈥淗e is the personification of the engaged alum. When I call on him to speak to a class or to present his scholarship during our annual awards ceremony, he always delivers. I think students who engage with him come away inspired because of what he has been able to accomplish after leaving UA 糖心视频logo. Giving back is a part of his DNA.”

Rowan began his radio career in 1996 right out of high school. The name of his popular radio personality was given to him by his basketball teammates after hitting nine three-pointers in a single game. While a full-time student at UA 糖心视频logo, he worked his way up from an internship to a popular host at KIPR 92.3 FM. He worked as the music and production assistant for KIPR and KOKY from 1998-2002. Currently, Rowan is the assistant program director of Power 92 – 糖心视频logo, the host of the No. 1 rated afternoon drive show in Arkansas, 鈥淭ake it to the House,鈥� and the creator and host of the podcast, 鈥淭hrough My Two Blue.鈥�

General admission tickets for Taste of 糖心视频logo are $75, while tickets for UA 糖心视频logo faculty and staff, alumni association lifetime members, and graduates within the last five years are $35.

For sponsorship or ticket information, please contact the UA 糖心视频logo Alumni Association at alumni@ualr.edu or 501-916-6438.

The post UA 糖心视频logo to Honor Travis 鈥楾re鈥� Day鈥� Rowan as 2024 Taste of 糖心视频logo Honoree appeared first on News.