April 10 found me making the rounds on the Fayetteville downtown square for three concurrent events.
The Fayetteville Public Library welcomed legendary journalist Bob Woodward for a private reception with library supporters and friends before a public speech that evening as part of library's FPL Author Series.
At a Glance
An Evening with Bob Woodward
Who: Fayetteville Public Library
What: Library supporters and friends welcomed Woodward before his public speech at the library.
When: April 10
Where: Fayetteville Public Library
Next: Peter Coyote, Friday
Information: (479) 856-7000 or faylib.org
Towers of Old Main
Who: University of Arkansas
What: UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart presented Chancellor’s Medals to William T. Dillard II and Johnelle Hunt and inducted members into the Towers of Old Main.
When: April 10
Where: Fayetteville Town Center
Information: uark.edu
Kristen J. Madsen Wig Out to Defeat Ovarian Cancer
Who: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
What: The nonprofit organization was started by Jo Ann Johnson in memory of her daughter Kristen who died in 2009 at the age of 39 due to ovarian cancer.
When: April 10
Where: The Chancellor Hotel in Fayetteville
Information: uams.edu/wigs
Those welcoming Woodward included Billie Starr, Nancy and Jim Blair, Holly and David Johnson, Roy Reed, Sheri Rothwell and Woody Bassett, Susan and Larry Foley and Brenda Blagg.
Towers of Old Main at the Fayetteville Town Center took a theatrical turn with performances by UA theater students to honor university donors. Guests were treated to renditions of Broadway hits Tonight from West Side Story and A Chorus Line's One, with Don't Stop Achieving, adapted from Journey's Don't Stop Believing, as the finale.
The biennial black-tie dinner is held to induct members into the Towers of Old Main -- those who have reached significant milestones in their giving to the university.
UA Chancellor David Gearhart presented Chancellor's Medals to William T. Dillard II and Johnelle Hunt.
Dillard, chairman of the Dillard's Inc. board and chief executive officer, was presented the award in appreciation of "his notable business accomplishments and service to the University of Arkansas." A UA alumnus, Dillard has maintained ties to the university since graduation, helping support the Old Main renovation, the Razorback Foundation and the Basketball Performance Center to open this summer adjoining Bud Walton Arena. He served on the university's Campaign for the 21st Century steering committee and the Sam M. Walton College of Business Dean's Advisory Board and is now the co-chairman of the Campaign Arkansas steering committee.
Hunt, co-founder of J.B. Hunt Transport Services and chairwoman of Hunt Ventures, was recognized for her extraordinary achievements in the business world, her philanthropic leadership at UA and outstanding support of Northwest Arkansas and the state, Gearhart said.
Hunt has championed the university in her service as the Campaign for the 21st Century steering committee treasurer, a charter member of the UA Women's Giving Circle and as co-chairwoman of the Campaign Arkansas steering committee. A $5 million pledge in 2005 from Hunt and her late husband J.B. helped the university surpass its 21st Century Campaign goal of $900 million. Also, J.B. Hunt Transport Services made a $10 million gift that year for the construction of the J.B. Hunt Transport Services Center for Academic Excellence.
Those on hand for the university's toast to its Towers included Mandy and Bryan Hunt, Jama and Wallace Fowler, Carla Tyson, Ann Rosso, LeAnn and Bill Underwood, Beverly and Lee Bodenhamer, Linda and Bob McMath, Susan and UA System President Don Bobbitt, Janet and UA Trustee Ben Hyneman, Angela and UA Trustee Mark Waldrip, UA Trustee Reynie Rutledge, UA Vice Chancellor Chris Wyrick and Barbara and former Sen. David Pryor.
The Kristen J. Madsen Wig Out to Defeat Ovarian Cancer benefit at The Chancellor Hotel saw a crowd of nearly 200 guests who helped the group raise some $40,000. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute will receive all the proceeds, with 75 percent going toward research and 25 percent to the Kristen J. Madsen Wig Boutique. The boutique supplies wigs and hats for cancer patients who lose their hair during treatment.
The nonprofit organization was started by Jo Ann Johnson in memory of her daughter Kristen, who died in 2009 at the age of 39 due to ovarian cancer.
Those wigging out to defeat ovarian cancer included Billie Styles, Lynli Williams, Institute Director Dr. Peter Emanuel, Melanie and Dr. Thad Beck of Highlands Oncology Group, Linda and Bob Kelley, Kathy and George Rhoads, Tina and Shannon Gabbard and Martha and Mark Haguewood.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 04/26/2015