More than 350 alumni and friends of Arkansas Tech University attended the 2018 ATU Scholarship Dinner at John E. Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Friday, April 13.
The fourth annual event raised funds for scholarships on the Russellville and Ozark campuses of Arkansas Tech, including funds to facilitate study abroad opportunities.
“Gratitude is the word that best describes this moment,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president. “I am thankful for every person in this room. Every individual here has made a commitment to support Arkansas Tech University students. Each of you has made a statement that you understand the importance of facilitating student success.”
Additional speakers included Emily Torrealba, a junior mechanical engineering major from Arlington, Texas; Luke Bradshaw, a 1998 graduate of Arkansas Tech and founder/chief executive officer for A.W. Bravis marketing agency; and Mike Hutchison, vice president for advancement at ATU.
The ATU Brass Quintet, featuring current students Dalton Snow (trumpet), David Hall (trumpet), Brian Wyatt (horn), Noah Ward (trombone) and Abby Few (tuba), performed as guests arrived to begin the evening. Students from the ATU hospitality administration program served appetizers during the reception.
Ryan Harmon, a 2017 honor graduate of Arkansas Tech, also provided musical entertainment. Popular local band Dry Town, which includes ATU alumni Stephen Pierce, Nicki Shaw and Adam Anderson, was scheduled to be the final performer of the evening, but the threat of severe weather in the Arkansas River Valley forced the event to end prematurely.
