The University of Arkansas’ Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation received a $1 million gift from an alumnus.
Ken Shollmier, a 1963 graduate, and his wife, Linda Sue, made the donation as part of the university’s $1.45 billion Campaign Arkansas project. A space in the center will be named after the Shollmiers.
The center is currently in the design phase and will house the timber and wood design programs of the university’s Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. Timber magnate John Ed Anthony and his wife, Isabel, jump-started the center with a $7.5 million gift.
“Ken and Linda Sue Shollmier have been steadfast, generous friends to the Fay Jones School community and the university for many years, and I have come to appreciate the constancy of their goodwill and counsel,” said Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School.
“As the school began its initiatives in advancing the economic and environmental aspects of design innovation in timber and wood for the state, Ken provided particular encouragement and advice; he has understood the value of these efforts on multiple levels. The Shollmiers’ contribution to the Anthony Timberlands Center’s design and construction adds immense substance and momentum to the project, and will make visible their commitment to the school, the university and the further advancement of the state of Arkansas.”
This is the second $1 million gift the school has received for the center. The other gift, announced last month, came from former Deltic Timber Corp. CEO Ray Dillon and his wife, Deborah.
