A University of Arkansas alumnus and his wife have donated $100,000 to the College of Engineering’s Dean’s Advisory Council.
The university announced the sizable donation, meant for flexibility to use funds for areas of greatest need within the college, from W.T. “Tom” Stephens and his wife, Alice, of Greenwood Village, Colo., on Tuesday.
John English, dean of the college, applauded the Stephens for “understanding the importance of this designation and trusting us to invest wisely in the areas that propel our college forward and help us meet our goals.”
“Tom has been involved on the Dean’s Advisory Council for over a decade, so he sees first-hand how unrestricted funds can benefit the College of Engineering,” English said in the university release.
Stephens, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the college, said English himself, in addition to encouragement from his wife, was a key factor in deciding to make the donation.
“I had the opportunity to hear Dan English speak,” Stephens said of his visit during the last advisory council meeting in the release. “I am impressed with his leadership and the excitement he is bringing to the college.”
Stephens is a retired chairman and CEO of Boise Cascade Holdings LLC, and also served as chairman and CEO of Johns Manville, CEO of McMillian Bloedel and CEO of Riverwood. In 1994, Stephens was named an Arkansas Alumni Associaiton distinguished alumnus, and was inducted into the College of Engineering Hall of Fame in 2007.
Alice Stephens is involved in nonprofit work in the Denver area and serves on the BabiesNow! Foundation Board. Alice is also an emeritus board member for Girls Inc. of Metro Denver.
Both Tom and Alice are recognized in the University of Arkansas Towers of Old Main, a society that honors the university’s most generous benefactors.
