Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Robin E. Bowen announced on Thursday, April 7, that alumni and friends of the institution have donated $42 million to the ATU Foundation during the silent phase of the first comprehensive campaign in ATU history.
The announcement was made during a reception at Tucker Coliseum that marked a transition into the public phase of the campaign, which is entitled “Together We Can.” Bowen announced the goal for the campaign is $55 million.
“Changing our region, our state, our nation and our world cannot wait,” said Bowen. “The time is now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today. I am very pleased to report to you that the alumni of Arkansas Tech University and others who recognize the importance of our mission have provided us with an incredible head start. We are Arkansas Tech University, and we will ensure that future generations enjoy the same high-quality, affordable education that has changed thousands of lives for the better.”
The Together We Can campaign for Arkansas Tech will support scholarships, student success programs, innovation initiatives and the construction of a new student union and recreation center.
“Never before in the 113-year history of Arkansas Tech have we had an opportunity like the one that lies before us now,” said Stephanie Duffield of Russellville, one of the co-chairs for the Together We Can campaign. “By taking advantage of this opportunity and reaching our campaign goal, we will position Arkansas Tech and its students for success today and for generations to follow. Each of you have an opportunity as well. By becoming part of this movement to empower, create, inspire and unify, you create a legacy of support for Arkansas Tech that will continue to benefit this university and its students long after our time on Earth is complete.”
Duffield is joined in the role of co-chair by her husband, Luke Duffield, as well as Jim Smith and Rebecca Hurst of Fayetteville.
“The magic of Arkansas Tech is that we’ve always been willing to change, but we’ve maintained those core elements that make us ATU,” said Smith. “Here, the faculty and staff know the students and are personally invested in their success. Arkansas Tech is large enough to provide the college experience, but small enough to remain a comfortable and accessible option for a wide variety of learners. And then there is that special ingredient: grit. The get-it-done attitude of Arkansas Tech and its people is the reason ATU graduates are sought after by business and industry recruiters across this state and this region.”
Laurie Bibler of Russellville, Cynthia and Charlie Blanchard of Russellville, Beth and Luke Bradshaw of Fayetteville, LaVel and Benny Harris of Russellville, Charlotte and Gerald Johnston of Springdale, Julie McNeill of Russellville, Bryce Mobley of Russellville, Harriet and Rick Thone of Russellville and Leigh and John Whiteside of Russellville are also members of the Together We Can campaign steering committee.
Individuals and entities wishing to support the Together We Can campaign may visit www.atualumni.com/together or call (479) 968-0400 for more information.
