As the season of giving approaches, many people are inspired to extend their generosity beyond friends and family, reaching out to organizations that uplift our community. The Arkansas Alumni Association stands out as a meaningful choice, dedicated to enriching lives and supporting initiatives that foster connection and growth. Meet Lisy McKinnon, Director of Strategic Alumni Services at the Arkansas Alumni Association. A University of Arkansas graduate, McKinnon is passionate about encouraging other alumni to stay connected and engaged with the U of A whether at home or abroad.
What is the Arkansas Alumni Association?
The Arkansas Alumni Association presents U of A grads with opportunities to enrich their post graduate experience, connect with alumni in their area, and give back to their campus and community.
How does one become a member?
We are excited to introduce our new philanthropic membership model, which will include every new graduate. Beginning in July 2025, each new grad will not only have their name etched onto the Senior Sidewalk, they will become an official member of the Arkansas Alumni Association. The association recognizes there is a cost-benefit associated with going to college. Whether you are a newer grad paying off loans or seasoned alumni who graduated years ago, our aim is to be inclusive. Additionally, any graduate or friend can become an 1871 member by giving $50 to the university. We want to honor those who are supporting university initiatives as their gifts represent meaningful engagement with the U of A community.
With our new model, we will reduce the number of asks our alumni are receiving while keeping them in the loop of exciting new opportunities. Everything we do is in alignment with our core mission: to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family.
How do alumni benefit from their Association membership?
Life membership definitely has its benefits! We want people involved and aware of events in our community.
There are alumni chapters, alumni awards, scholarship programs, travel groups and more. Opportunities for leadership exist via local chapters or our national board of directors. We want alumni to stay connected, engaged, and a part of our community. Our goal is to foster alumni engagement at all levels.
Before each home game, all are welcome to our Hog Wild tailgates. These are hosted on the Hill at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House across from the football stadium.
We also host our annual Alumni Awards Celebration the Friday before Homecoming where we honor the best of what our alumni represent, those individuals who showcase the impact our graduates can have in the world. Past recipients have ranged from distinguished professors to business leaders and community volunteers. This year we recognized two Young Alumni: Nashville-based musician and songwriter Ben Rector and Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Arkansas Children's Dr. Ashlie Hilbun. Dr. Melissa Hawkins was awarded the Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service award for community service, and the Honorary Alumni award went to Razorback team physician Dr. Al Gordon.
And yes, Razorbacks are found abroad. The Alumni Association offers travel groups for its members and friends. From gameday Razorback road trips to magical Christmas markets in Quebec or Montreal, there’s a trip waiting for you.
What an amazing group. What about current and future students?
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Arkansas Alumni Association awards over 1 million dollars annually through a collection of scholarships.
- Most association-level scholarships are designated for incoming freshmen and are merit-based.
- Additional scholarships are also available through alumni chapters and societies such as Armed Forces, Black Alumni, Associated Student Government, Law etc.
- Each alumni scholarship has specific criteria based on donor wishes; including, but not limited to, academic achievement, service, leadership, first-generation college-going, specific major etc.
What’s one last message you would like to convey to the readership?
The Arkansas Alumni Association strives to strike a balance, so everyone feels part of this community, something bigger than themselves. Our graduates consistently feel an affinity for the University of Arkansas. They continue to offer support because this school means something to them. We believe there’s no better way to contribute to the future success of our students than by paying it forward
Our graduates consistently feel an affinity for the University of Arkansas. They continue to offer support because this school means something to them.
The Arkansas Alumni Association embodies the spirit of the holiday season by fostering connections among students and graduates. This holiday season, consider making a contribution that helps create a lasting impact, ensuring that the spirit of giving extends to future generations of students and alumni.